Antique electric tools often had cloth-covered cords, like this iron.
Antique electric tools can be quite collectible but may be in varying states of functionality. Due to age, the wires, windings, switches and motors may need maintenance or replacement before the tool can be safely used again. Basic electrical repair principles can be applied to antique electric tool work. Use care when handling or testing antique electric tools.
Instructions
1. Shine your work light onto the tool and examine closely. Are all parts present? If not, you will need to find a replacements -- either a modern version, a replacement from another nonworking antique, or a new old stock item from a company that sells parts.
2. Examine the tool's electrical cord. If the cord is in bad shape and wire is exposed, replace. If not properly connected inside the tool, re-solder it into place (if it was soldered on) or wind it around the cord connection post and tighten the post or screw. Carefully inspect the plug as well. Make sure the bare wire ends are screwed into place, if it is the screw-style plug end. Be sure bare wires are not touching any metal areas other than the post they connect to. Unscrew the posts and reattach the wires if necessary.
3. Clean off any dust or grime using the small brush and a rag. Open the tool if it is screwed together. Remove the screws with the flathead screwdriver, using care not to jar loose any inner workings. Blow any dirt off of the parts, and use the brush if necessary. Reconnect any loose electrical wires on the switch or elsewhere. Reassemble the tool when everything looks as though it should function properly. Turn moving parts to ensure they move properly.
4. Plug the tool in. Engage the switch, if any, and test it out. If still not working, troubleshoot again as above. Replace the cord with a new one (even if temporarily) to see if that solves the problem. If not, it may be the switch or the motor. Inspect the power switch to be sure it is clean inside and that all wires are properly connected. Clean it with the brush and rag if necessary, and reconnect any loose wires. Plug the tool in again.
Tips Warnings
Old motors and windings within can go bad. If the tool still doesn't work when it seems it should, it may have a bad motor that needs replacing. Old motors may be hard to find, unless you have another similar antique tool that you can use for parts.
Switches can also be problematic, so you may need to swap out the switch to troubleshoot whether the original is working.
Old electrical cords can be problematic. If you don't mind mixing new looks with antique tools, it would be safer to replace the old cord with a new plastic-coated one. If you want to stick with the old look, cloth-style cords can still be found from specialty shops (see the Fan Collector resource).
Use extreme caution when plugging in antique electric tools. If in doubt about one of the tools or about your electric repairs, it's safest not to plug the antique in.
Tags: repair, antique, electric, tools, electric tools, Antique electric, Antique electric tools, brush necessary, cord with, into place
