When to Replace Carbon Brushes

Understanding the right time to replace your carbon brushes is essential to keeping your motors, and your company, running efficiently. Replace too soon, and you waste time and money. Wait too long, and you risk putting your operations at a standstill with poorly performing, or worse, damaged equipment. Keep your eyes open for these signs when evaluating your carbon brushes.

Poor Performance

If your power tool, appliance, razor, or other machine is starting to behave a little under the weather, an ailing carbon brush could be at the root of the problem. Your tool may need a little jolt now and then to get going, or perhaps its RPMs have started to slow down. If your motor is really hurting, the machine may stall out completely. Any of these symptoms may point to a worn carbon brush. 

Sparking

As a carbon brush wears down, its tendency to spark will increase. If you observe these little fireworks through your tool’s cooling vent, it may be time to replace the carbon brush. 

Visible Damage

It may be obvious that a visibly damaged carbon brush is a bad sign, but when work gets busy, it can be hard to remember to take a look. Signs of breakage, crumbling, or a discolored spring mean it’s time to act now.

Have a Maintenance Plan

If you pay attention to the signs, you’ll catch most worn carbon brushes in time. Taking a proactive approach to maintenance, however, will help ensure that you don’t waste time trying to use impaired equipment. A worn brush can result in a damaged or destroyed armature as well, which will cost you significantly more than a new carbon brush. By instituting some quick, regular check-ups, you can replace brushes before they cause problems.

Need new carbon brushes? Contact Ohio Carbon as your trusted resource for high-performing, reliable, and affordable carbon brushes.