Commutator Changing of 7 inch Angle Grinder

An angle grinder is a powerful tool that is commonly used in the construction industry for grinding, cutting, and polishing materials such as metal, concrete, and stone. It is a versatile tool that is essential for any construction site or workshop. However, like any other power tool, it can experience wear and tear over time, which can result in reduced performance or even total failure. One of the most critical components of an angle grinder is the commutator. In this article, we will discuss the commutator changing process of a 7-inch angle grinder in detail.

What is a Commutator?

Before we dive into the commutator changing process of an angle grinder, let us first understand what a commutator is and how it works. A commutator is a cylindrical component that is located at the end of the motor's armature. It is responsible for transferring electrical power from the motor to the grinding wheel. The commutator consists of several segments that are separated by insulation material. When the motor rotates, the brushes, which are small pieces of carbon, ride against the commutator, transferring electrical power to the armature. The armature then turns the grinding wheel, which performs the grinding, cutting, or polishing function.

Why Do You Need to Change the Commutator?

Over time, the commutator can become worn or damaged due to heat, friction, or debris buildup. A worn or damaged commutator can cause the angle grinder to malfunction, reducing its performance or even rendering it unusable. Some common signs of a worn or damaged commutator include:

• Reduced power output
• Unusual noises from the motor
• Increased heat generation
• Sparking from the brushes

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to change the commutator.

Tools Required for Commutator Changing

Before we get started with the commutator changing process, we need to gather the necessary tools. Here is a list of tools required for commutator changing:

• Replacement commutator
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Emery paper

Steps for Commutator Changing

Now that we have gathered the necessary tools let us dive into the commutator changing process. Here are the steps involved in changing the commutator of a 7-inch angle grinder:

Step 1: Disconnect the Angle Grinder

The first step in changing the commutator of an angle grinder is to disconnect it from the power source. This is to prevent any accidental starts while working on the angle grinder.

Step 2: Remove the Grinding Wheel

Next, we need to remove the grinding wheel from the angle grinder. This can be done by using a wrench to loosen the nut that holds the wheel in place.

Step 3: Remove the Side Cover

Once the grinding wheel is removed, we need to remove the angle grinder's side cover. This can be done by using a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cover in place.

Step 4: Locate the Commutator

With the side cover removed, we can now locate the commutator. The commutator is a cylindrical component located at the end of the motor's armature. It should be visible once the side cover is removed.

Step 5: Remove the Brushes

To remove the commutator, we need to first remove the brushes from the angle grinder's motor. The brushes are small pieces of carbon that ride against the commutator, transferring electrical power to the armature. Remove the brushes by gently pulling them out of their holders using pliers.

Step 6: Remove the Commutator

With the brushes removed, we can now remove the commutator. Use a wrench to remove the nut that holds the commute