DeWalt is an American tools manufacturing company known worldwide. It is known for its amazing and vast range of tools that can be used for manufacturing, construction, and simple or hard DIY projects that may require tough tools.
DeWalt oscillating tools are some of the best tools available in the market. However, many people have complained regarding the oscillating tools offered by DeWalt. Each one of these problems requires troubleshooting.
If you are also having such problems, then our article will provide you with some troubleshooting methods and techniques that will help you solve these problems easily.
DeWalt Oscillating Tool Troubleshooting
- Cord Not Plugged In
If your oscillating tool needs to be plugged in while it is in the working position, but the unit is not plugged in properly, then your unit will not start.
Therefore, make sure that the oscillating tool is plugged in properly. Also, check the power supply of the power outlet. If the outlet is damaged, then use another outlet that provides your unit with enough power to get the job done.
- The Oscillating Tool Not Turning On
If your DeWalt oscillating tool is not turning on, then look for the wear and tear of the parts such as the circuit board, switch, carbon brush, cord, field, and armature.
Make sure that they are working properly. If they are damaged, then you need to either replace them or repair them, depending on how much damage has been done.
You can simply repair the parts as well. To do so, reference your DeWalt oscillating tool manual for detailed instructions on how to fix the damage.
If the oscillating tool works on the battery, then the most possible reason for the tool not turning on is that your battery is damaged.
Check your tool’s battery with the help of a multimeter. If it is damaged, then it means that it needs to be replaced, and changing a battery is a piece of cake.
- Head Not Oscillating
If the problem is related to the head of the oscillating tool, such as the unit’s head not oscillating properly, then check the head portion of the oscillating tool. Unscrew the tool and check the clamping lever, bearing, coupler, and housing.
Mostly the problem is related to bearing. If the bearing is seized, it will not allow the head to oscillate, as it will strain the motor.
To inspect the bearing, open the housing, remove the brush caps and the brushes, remove the armature and inspect the bearing. If the bearing is seized, replace it with a new one that is compatible with your oscillating tool.
- Bad Vibration
If the oscillating tool has bad vibrations, then check the fans, bearing, and driveshaft. The bearing can be replaced easily by following the instructions given above.
However, make sure that the fan has no build-up debris. Otherwise, it will cause bad vibrations.
In case the fan has a heavy build-up of debris, clean the fan by using a damp cloth or a towel. It is also possible that the fan has been broken due to some reason or the fan is missing blades.
To inspect the fan, remove the brushes cap and the brushes, and inspect the fan for cracks, missing blades, or any other damage. If the fan is damaged, replace the fan with a new one, as replacement is the only long-term solution to your problem.
To examine the shaft, check if the shaft bends or wraps. If it does, then it will be caused by a bad vibration. This means that it needs to be fixed. The main function of the drive shaft is to transmit power from the motor to the cutting blade.
To fix the shaft blade, remove the cutting blade from the oscillating tool. Open the housing of the unit and remove the shaft from the housing.
Fix the shaft by removing the old parts of the unit and transferring the parts into the new shaft. Reinstall the bearings with the help of the socket to avoid any damage. Lastly, reassemble the parts.
- Circuit Damage
Circuit damage is not that rare when you’re dealing with this tool. While DeWalt advertised this unit as one of the most durable options on the market, it can’t keep up with constant exposure to rough conditions.
So, keep that in mind if you can’t get any performance from this machine.
The only fix for circuit damage is to get this unit examined by an expert. You can’t fix this device yourself and will need help from a certified professional.
So, instead of wasting time with the multi-oscillating tool, refer to a local expert. He will point you in the right direction.
Usually, it won’t cost you more than a few bucks to get the unit fixed. However, if you’re unlucky and the device is in serious condition, the only solution will be to get the circuit board replaced.
Now that can be a bit expensive, and it would be better if you could claim the warranty.
Depending on how long ago you bought this unit, it shouldn’t be too hard to get a replacement. Some tools from DeWalt maintain a warranty of up to five years.
So, forward a claim and show proof of payment to get a replacement. From there, it is not that hard to isolate and fix minor complications.
- Button Issues
These issues might not sound that serious, but you won’t be able to cycle through any modes when the button is damaged.
However, the issue with the button can mostly be linked to debris lodged behind the trigger. You can isolate this error by servicing the machine and using an air blower on the unit.
However, if the button is damaged and you suspect wiring issues to be at play here, then you need to get the button replaced. Similarly, make sure to fix the wiring connections and remove all frayed and corroded wires from the unit.
It should be much easier to isolate and fix the issue once all the corroded wires have been replaced. So, keep that in mind and adjust the positioning of the wires accordingly to avoid further errors.
- Battery Issues
The battery issues with this system can’t be understated. If you’re not keeping track of the battery storage and the health is poor, then your best bet is to get a new one. You can’t expect any performance from the device when using a poor battery.
So, if you find any indication that the battery is poor, make sure to get a replacement. You won’t be able to secure any response from a defective unit.
Instead of wasting your time trying to work with a drained pack, spend a few bucks to get a new one. This will improve the performance of the DeWalt tool.
Wrapping Up
To conclude, if the DeWalt oscillating tool is underperforming and causing problems for you, then feel free to read our article for guidelines.
If the troubleshooting methods provided do not work for you, then contact the customer support of the company. The experts will guide you further and help you get rid of the problem.
Usually, you won’t have to worry about any of these issues if you keep track of the unit maintenance. However, if you’ve yet to manage the item and the condition is a bit poor, going with the fixes mentioned here should be enough.
The majority of errors with the DeWalt multitool are easy to fix. However, if you drew the short straw and the unit is defective, then you can’t fix it yourself. You will need support from an expert or the dealer.
Depending upon the warranty status, we would always recommend that you claim the warranty first.
However, if you’re not sitting on a valid warranty, any DeWalt certified repair center will do the job free. So, there is no point in wasting more of your time trying to fix the issue yourself.
Hopefully, you won’t have to worry about any more issues with the DeWalt multitool once the experts at the repair center are done troubleshooting the machine.
My Dewalt XR oscillator button was working intermittently. I followed your advice, disassembled and blew air all through out. Like new. Many thanks.