Festool TS55 broken? easy fix

My Festool TS55 decided to stop after 17 years of loyal service. I reached out to you all and many suggested I simply changed the brushes...
So with your suggestions I ordered my new Festool brushes and set about getting them changed over
I am so pleased I did as my 17 year old Festool is now back to full working order!!
Like the Video? Maybe buy me a coffee!!
click the link here
www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinCle...
For my 76mm and 102mm hinge jigs click here
www.robc.co.uk
My Amazon store for all kinds of goodies
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/robincl...
Music by www.bensound.com

[@wildtwindad]

Almost all of my original tools were second hand. Could not afford new tools as an apprentice. So I learned to tear down and repair every tool I owned, till they paid for their replacements. I turned a $200 makita track saw into 4 tracksaws within 2 years. The power of the ability to repair things is fulfilling and a money maker.

[@ilfordjedi]

Know what you mean when you say losing an old friend. When my dad passed away in the mid 90’s amongst his tools was a black Black & Decker 7.2 volt keyed chuck cordless drill. When it finally gave up the ghost years later I actually buried it the back garden. Still have his yellow 240v Rockwell which is still going strong.

[@davidquirk8097]

Another good tip when refitting plastic covers is to turn the screws backwards until you feel them jump slightly. That tells you that the screw is at the start of the original thread so you're not cutting a new thread and weakening the plastic further.

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

pro tip right there! this works with all screws and bolts and nuts etc

[@45H4W]

Nothing beats that feeling when a really good and faithful tool comes back to life for such a little outlay.

[@TheSparkysdog]

The look on your face when the saw started, priceless 👌 There's something satisfying about being able to repair a tool that you've had for many years. Great video, thanks 👍👍

[@marquisbois990]

I drive a 44yr old Land Rover (which the kids at my kids school inform me is “seriously cool”), use a 15yr old Apple Mac, live in a 200yr old house, have a Sony flat screen TV that was made in 2005 and the last power tools i bought are my TS55 and Domino 500 way back in 2008. And they are like Robins, full time work tools. Point is that if you buy right in the first place and look after your things, they can last a lifetime. Oh, and not having to replace things means I’m much more environmentally friendly than even the most virtuous Tesla driver.

[@utensil999]

The power of the community here. A great tool saved from the dustbin. So good to see in this throw away society. Kudos to festool for supplying parts for so long. I'm sure some manufacturers would deliberately stop making parts to encourage a new sale.

[@dougsaunders8109]

I was the first ‘people’ to say change brushes therefore I am taking full credit for the fix. However I watch Peter Millard change some brushes so technically it could be his credit 😂 Edit: The other thing I should say, as a DIYer I have learnt loads from your videos so returning something back 👍🏻

[@bridgeworld1]

Yeah but Robin isn't as smug as Peter 😆

[@hairywol]

I've watched you make the most amazing things, but I've never seen you look as satisfied and accomplished as when the saw worked.

[@APSuk2]

Here is another tip when tightening self tapping fasteners which are used heavily in power tools but are used everywhere, always turn the fastener counter clockwise until you feel fastener drop into the original thread and then proceed to tighten the fastener normally. This stops you from cutting another thread on top of the original thread which will eventually result in the fastener failing to hold as the threads will strip out.

[@paulfinnonjoinery]

i always do this when stripping tools apart. nobody ever taught me to do it i just picked it up myself.

[@Dazza19746]

I thought that was the tip robin was going to say! A neighbour showed me that about 30 yrs ago, I always do it👍🏻

[@T.E.P.]

Crushing it on content and beautiful builds and educational concepts …. You and the team are doing a stellar job …. Always excited to see what’s next

[@chrisgardner2597]

Always love hearing about the older guys and stories.

[@sedulousdabbler5468]

A lovely story about your Dad, a man after my own heart.

[@kiwigrunt330]

I had an Elu MH25 plunge saw with a 100mm blade. Beautiful little saw. Had it 35 years. Died last year because I neglected it somewhat. I noticed it slowing down a bit but 'had to' finish the job. Turned out the brushes were still fine but had clogged up with dust. I cried a little bit. I just got my hands on a descent second hand TS55. It had better outperform my old Elu or I'll cry a little bit more...

[@attlee1945]

Brilliant- as you say a real sense of achievement when you repair rather than replace.

[@stakkerhmnd]

But the brushes were replaced and not repaired! Gotcha Mr Steve Terrey!

[@attlee1945]

@@stakkerhmnd ok - long week ! I’m off 4 a beer

[@chrisskinner4434]

It's the best feeling that sense of achievement bringing back to life something you thought was done. Brilliant Robin

[@alanmooney]

Well done Robin , your smile at the end when the saw fired up - Classic - you are yesterday a big kid really!!!!!

[@sawdustwoodchips]

I totally agree - there is something so satisfying about fixing something for almost zero cost!

[@joelspears9581]

Mine just bogged down and smelled like the motor was burning yesterday. I've only had it for 3 years and used it on about 3 dozen jobs. I wish it would have lasted half the time yours did before repair. I'm guessing it's not the brushes, but I will give it a try. Thanks for the video

[@JoesGuitar]

Nice one Robin! Your Dad sure would have been proud! I love to do stuff like this… it’s rarely as difficult as we imagine it to be and it’s way more satisfying! Good job as always! 😊

[@daveknibbs4046]

Brilliant you fixed ‘old reliable’ Really satisfying repairing something you use daily. Great channel Robin 👍

[@styleden22]

My ts55 just stopped working today. It was running with surges and not fully spinning up. Cord is good so I'll order a pair of brushes. Thanks 👍

[@martynoxley3745]

Satisfaction written all over your face! Happy days.

[@jeffbradley8783]

Well done Rob, thanks for sharing. I understand the struggle with tool attachment. Cheers

[@manfredbobski8114]

Great video! Nothing beats fixing a tool that goes down. The price of replacement parts compared to a new tool makes it even sweeter

[@bigg1779]

Fixed many of my older tools this way, it is a good feeling when a trusty old friend fires back to life and is also why I actually prefer brushed over brushless👍

[@supermooncampers4966]

Thank you so much for this video! Parts ordered and tool fixed within 24 hours!

[@PG-ji6vq]

Top job, just to make the job a bit nicer, I’d have taken some fine emery paper and cleaned up the commutator then blown out with an airline. It will ensure the new brushes have full contact whilst they’re bedding in.

[@brianlochrie3958]

Well done Robin. My dad was very much like yours.. fix it don't throw it away. I refurbished a 30 ish year old bosch jigsaw I was given. It works better than the modern ones. Was so pleased with it. Keep the vids coming. 🍻

[@jasonhopley4204]

Felt the love when you press the switch and the motor fires up such a high

[@andrewhamilton-gill]

I felt the same joy when I repaired my first Makita 18v combi drill, it had given faultless service for years and then struggled and conked out, it was like losing a trusted friend, went on for years after a quick repair. Mind you had others, but a man can’t have too many tools…

[@stakkerhmnd]

I feel great joy about your joy from repairing your trusty Makita 18v. I will let Mr Makita know as I went to school with him.

[@jeffyoung321]

I think that's one of your best videos Robin. Great to see you saving a tool.

[@keithwebb658]

Nice video virtually in real time always a pleasure to watch maybe a few more close ups of the housing .

[@ukconstruction]

Wow, thanks!

[@darrenkirkland8587]

That’s for your dad ,he’d be looking down and giving you a pat on your back .❤

[@stufq]

Wish we all can be so mindful of our tools and at least try to fix them instead going get a new one . Love the content 👍

[@KRAMPUS1933]

You just cant beat the old stuff. I had a Dewalt 1/2 router for literally 10 years before it started sparking, so I bought its modern equivalent which literally s*at itself in three weeks...

[@kiteless1]

Glad you got it sorted!

[@eduardvaniersel7535]

The pin that broke through on the old brushes is probably a safety to stop the saw and prevent damage to the commutator from the brushes being worn down to far.

[@vman2kay]

Good to see you got it fixed Robin. No need to be electrics shy for a simple job like that! You're right if you look after the tools physically all that needs replacing is those brushes and it'll run again. I did that for a 20y old Dyson vacuum and it's just amazing to see things like that keep going. Unfortunately getting access to the brushes was a little harder than your Festool 😁

[@johnmorrissey1675]

Good video Robin nice to hear about your dad 🖐️☘️🇮🇪👍

[@lesfreeman186]

Iv got slot of morden updates. But for me it's my elu ps 174 chopsaw . Years of use .but look after it . Regularly do a set up on it . Get good depth of cut and compact when stored . It's the one peice of gear I'm attached to . And find hard to update . Runs smooths also replaced brushes and bearings . Great job . The festool lives and breathes again . Great peice of kit

[@therealdojj]

Glad you got it fixed, I must be like a member of the family 😁

[@antonoat]

What appeared to be an expensive saw 17 yrs ago has actually given quite remarkable service considering your tools see a lot of action, great job Robin. My Festool track saw is one of my favourite tools ever 👏👍😀

[@ukconstruction]

Mine too!!

[@davidquirk8097]

Decent original brushes with the brush lifter doing its job to lift the brush clear of the comutator to prevent arcing once the brush has reached its wear limit. I wonder if the Amazon replacement ones have the same feature?

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video Robin !! you did you're dad proud !! Well done

[@ukconstruction]

Thank you!

[@gdfggggg]

Robin is a chippy that is at the top of his game. Seems like a good geezer too.

[@SteifWood]

A technical master ....

[@andystephenson7102]

Hi Robin! Nice to meet you and Ed yesterday. So after our chat I'm pleased to see you posted this one! Isn't there a little bit more to this story though 😉🤣

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Andy, great to met you too!! mums the word!!

[@grahamallen1970]

11m44s.....satisfaction personified! Tip when taking cover off anything take a photo so if you can't remember how cables routed etc....! You have a record!

[@ukconstruction]

Great tip Graham!

[@grahamallen1970]

@@ukconstruction as a 'DIYer' love your vids...but I know my limitations

[@fardastevie2827]

dont you just like when a simple fix saves you bags of money ........buying decent tools always works better in the long run ..well done robin lol

[@0000kris0000]

That really is a testament to festool quality, although the armature on my ks120 burnt out in 3.5 years 😂

[@gordonmonteith8486]

I normally take a photo or two before disconnecting wires etc to ensure you can put it back in the correct configuration.

[@iggifer]

I do this too, but you can’t really go wrong with the TS55, the brushes are either side and once you go to put it back together, the cables just reform to how they’ve been set for however many years and there’s really only one way for them to go

[@paulfinnonjoinery]

ive got a dewalt drill that i use all the time. its now on its third set of brushes. relatively simple to change them over its just a bit of a faff getting the thing apart. larger tools like circular saws or routers or track saws it is even easier to atleast check the brushes over and replace as necessary

[@lioneldickerson1550]

Good for another 17 years!

[@harveysmith100]

A very useful video Robin. As a rough old trowel who doesn't use his TS55 that much, my one should need new brushes when I about 97. The only thing will be, I won't remember how to find this video again! I saw a TS55 110v, let go on site a few years back after 21 years of hard service. His boss actually treated him to a new one which was very nice of him. The old one probable just needed new brushes.

[@ukconstruction]

Blimey Harvey 21 years!!!! Oh and I bet you are far from rough!!!!!

[@harveysmith100]

@@ukconstruction I am the NESCOT lad, but just a few couple of years before you. I haven't commented for a while due to working too hard! I liked the story of your dad. He is right about setting screws and bolts in like that. I fix everything I can, more from being tight than talented. I only learned about the brushes being the first thing to fail on the TS55 after I left that site otherwise I would have fixed it for him. It was like he had lost an old faithful Labrador rather than a power tool.

[@blotontheland]

Robin great vid, the smile says it all but was the it the fix it or the wallet staying closed the best part! only kidding great vid.

[@8bitsim]

Great job on fixing the saw but I would suggest a different approach. I also had that same saw, I think I bought it around the same time. When the newer version came out there was a good offer and I got the complete kit, rail and systainer about 5 years ago and sold my old one one ebay and was out of pocket for £160. But I had a new guide rail which gripped better and didn't have the chunk taken out of it that annoyed me every time I looked at it, I had a brand new blade and didn't have to worry about changing the brushes or bearings for a long time and on top of all that it was tax deductible. In reality it really hadn't cost me anything so while I think it's great that you got your saw working again I would suggest that this is a better way to do things if you are in the trade.

[@alansteele3757]

You’ll need to keep a spare set of brushes now Robin for the future, I’m assuming festool are standard components. This way you’ll have very little down time in the future. Keep up the excellent work 👍👏🏻

[@ukconstruction]

Great point!

[@TheDoosh79]

17 years of use with a pro chippy is some going on the original brushes! You can't argue with that reliability or value for money.

[@alexanderellison7054]

It’s nice to hear about your did! Would be nice if you did a video of family history / you growing up as a young fella and of course some old photos 😂 trip down memory lane 😅

[@ukconstruction]

Blimey a horror movie right there!!

[@alexanderellison7054]

@@ukconstruction it has to be done! We seen so much of you on site, feels like we know you on a personal level…. Was nice video you did a while back of an old builder/ joiner you worked for with the old skill saw. Nice to see you talk to/ about him with so much respect! We all have that one man that had a big influence in shaping us to the men we are today!

[@michaelblackmore883]

Hi Robin, I am surprised you managed this without a Festool torx screwdriver! I thought they were the only ones that fitted. Mike

[@stakkerhmnd]

First comment from The Stakker Humanoid Top tip when replacing brushes, always fit twice, measure once.

[@joeb1642]

You know things are well made when the first thing that fails are the carbon brushes. Shows how much use it has had. I once had a washing machine that made it to brush replacement, dont think the new ones do anymore.

[@karlkjj]

Bought my track saw, jigsaw and planer in 2004 … still have them all and all still work perfectly… but I’m on my third set of brushes ….. Festool are cheap tools … just a long term investment 😊

[@wilkinsoncarpentry6278]

Brilliant mate, I have a double makita battery charger, something was loose in side I could here a rattle, I pulled it apart and the silicon come of the part , I put it back where it goes and it now works, I feel like an absolute genius hahahahha, now that costs nothing to fix where as the new charger costs $300

[@ukconstruction]

Thats a great feeling!!

[@Richard_OKeeffe]

It's worth check the brushes every few years, if it's a heavily used power tool change the brushes at say 10 years or sooner if they look like they have excessive wear

[@eugeneeugene8252]

That saw is a warrior,I would give it a honoured retirement and get a new brushless one 36v with a new thin blade - a cracker

[@frankmatibs8076]

I love festool but I'm not sure they are lasting as long as they did I recently sent In a 4 year old working jigsaw for a service And they sent it back not working and told me I needed a new one. The tools are good but customer service is not as good I will follow your lead Robin and fix them my self

[@frankmatibs8076]

I still wouldn't use any thing else though !!

[@fragglepoop7185]

Lot to be said for brushed motors . I had a brushless saw melt on me .. not much you can do to fix them once they let the smoke out … I mean it was only 10 days old so I got a new one from Makita .. but still , not exactly inspiring confidence I’ll have it for 17 years 🙈🙈🙈😬⚡️💥💨

[@paultaylor6053]

I have a thirty year old Happy Henry vacuum cleaner which has served me chippying all these years and he still has a smile on his face . , it has vacuumed everything , and is still as strong ? 99 pounds .

[@ukconstruction]

Blimey Paul that has cost you £3 a year, amazing!!!! but its all about looking after something as well!!

[@paultaylor6053]

@@ukconstruction Very true ,and not just equipment , I suspect Happy Henry is the best thing to come out of Yeovil since Bruttens beer

[@gordonclark7632]

17 years on a set of brushes with the use it would have had over those years is a testament to the quality of the Festool. Too bad that they are so expensive.

[@billferrol4202]

Glad you made this video but I’m sad you fixed it so easily. I say that because I think you said in a recent chippie chat it was broken and you were going to give it away to a viewer - I could have done with a festool saw for under£20!!! You need to rename your page Robin Clever.

[@paulthompson5416]

Now Mr Clevett 🧐 Would this now be a good time to send the old girl for a service?? 15yrs 😂 think she’s overdue a little tuneup 👌🏼

[@davetaylor4741]

Typical Festool. You have to pull the end of the saw off and muck around with fiddly screws. In the days of brushed tools changing them or at least cleaning them was a regular occurrence. The Hitachi and Makita stuff I was running had the brush screw ports on the side. For my big saws and routers that are brushes I even used to carry spares. Two minute job and off you go again. Not sad they are gone but now when the tool stops you just throw it away. Repair is often as dear as a new one. Is that progress.

[@karlhiggins1]

Robin your Dad is looking down smiling

[@ukconstruction]

That would be nice Karl!!

[@Asgardsteve1]

Mines stopped plunging must say the Festool service has been a nightmare trying to get them to fix it

[@paultaylor6053]

technological advances in our industry is so expensive here in France ,it even costs too much to look !, I like your real world introducing of machinery and technique , here we are sort of stuck in a time warp ,mark you there is not the diversity of work as there are in other countries like dear old England ,here the opportunities are very limited unlike the all inclusive mentality of the English ,a Frenchman can go to England and live the life of the free ,here an Englishman must scratch around and know he is not "welcome" ,it is a sad fact but a fact never the less ,what exists in terms of "work" usually comes only from our own folk and even then the competition can turn very dirty indeed ,I know people from our industry ,architects ,building technologists who cannot even begin to get a start ,and so it is not unusual to find these types sweeping the streets and watery flowers for the local municipal , I worked in Germany a few times and those fellas are much more open to le etranger , ,there is of course the usual problem of what is called "working on the black" here in ,that is working for cash in hand, I regret this decision to remain in France but ,a lesson to any who might think its a good idea to live in France , if you are retired fine,but if you are a hungry artisan ,forget it ,the competition of your own kind and the reluctance usually refusal of the French people and the "protectionist" state will leave you for some I know destitute for others morally broken and then of course theres the "underhanded element "who will succeed at what ever cost . there Robin another subject for aspiring carpenters to consider , whilst a few make it the majority flee after a few years of financial struggle and rejection. please balance the books and send those French people home : ha ha ha ! don't be fooled what the French artisans say to our lot about leaving France would make Lenin blush . sorry Robin I seem to have gone off track , its an effect of being away from home for too many years . do remove this comment if it is not in keeping with the narrative. thanks again.

[@standardlamp]

Do you think you might of voided your warranty 😂

[@dougsaunders8109]

Lol 😂

[@yansthierry8690]

Sometimes you need to remove the Bearings it’s a bit trickier 😊

[@iainprendergast8311]

Lovely stuff…I ordered and followed your vid. Easy stuff when you know how. I took a deep breath and pulled the trigger and shouted Yessssssss!!

[@ukconstruction]

Nice one Iain!!

[@edwoodcarpentry]

I’m just glad I didn’t break it! 😂

[@xne1592]

Sounds like your next adventure should be replacing the bearings....

[@MrBillUp]

Boom! Boom!

[@jimosullivan1389]

You should have taken time to "deglaze" the commutator. One of your mates who is a sparks would have advised. Very important !

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Jim!! that sounds technical!! what does it mean??

[@gregorymacneil2836]

Your car alternator is the same...mostly it is the $5 brushes that fail.

[@michalmruk8912]

It's exactly what I trying to pass to my son. My dad did exactly the same way, why you buy something new if is a chance to fix it 🤔

[@ukconstruction]

And one day.... he will remember and thank you for the same

[@cskeise]

💙👊😎

[@gdfggggg]

Brushless motors are so much better.

[@Pistol_Knight]

A tool repair shop would have charged about £80 to do that!!

[@stakkerhmnd]

I charge £120, plus parts, plus VAT Or I can do a cash job.

[@simonkeyse8185]

It does beg the question about spending the money on brushless gear....£15 in seventeen years....but of course there will be a time when you won't be able to buy new brushes...

[@user-ci7mt3hm3h]

brovo mat

[@loafersheffield]

I've just watched a video of a Canadian, High School wood shop teacher, demonstrating how to use a sliding mitre saw. "She" had a couple of "good points". I've successfully resurrected numerous power tools. Trans teacher with giant fake breasts defended by school board. Try not to laugh. 🤭

[@gdfggggg]

I’d suck’m 😂

[@Stevesbe]

I have the first version ATF 55E I bought it well used 10 years ago and have used it quite a bit . The brushes look fine but my pivot pin/ bushing has worn. The plastic bevel parts broke and have been replaced. The saw still cuts great. Now i have a makita xsh08 that fits on the rail that i use much more . The 7.25 blades are much cheaper then the 160mm for the festool