Introduction
Are you experiencing issues with your Dewalt 20V MAX Li tools? Maybe the light won’t turn on consistently, and the tool doesn’t seem to function properly. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this experience. Many Dewalt users have encountered similar problems with their 20V tools. In this article, we will discuss a simple fix for these intermittent issues.
Understanding the Problem
Before we dive into the solution, it’s important to understand the root cause of the issue. The problem primarily occurs in tools that experience a lot of impact and vibration, such as impacts and rotary hammers. These tools have four terminals, with the larger two serving as the positive and negative connections from the battery. The smaller two terminals, which we will focus on, likely have a function related to measuring battery temperature or cell voltage.
Disassembling the Tool
To locate the trouble spot and resolve the issue, we will need to open up the tool. Most Dewalt tools are held together with Torx T10 style screws. Using a regular screwdriver, remove the screws and carefully open the tool.
Identifying the Problem Area
Once the tool is opened, we need to identify the small wires connected to the terminals. These wires play a significant role in the intermittent issues. Upon closer inspection, you may notice that the wire attached to these terminals has a unique characteristic. During the manufacturing process, the wire is wrapped around the terminal post, fluxed, and soldered. However, the solder tends to suck up the wire right where the flux is applied. This results in an abnormally flexible wire that becomes rock hard at a certain point. Due to the tool’s constant vibration and impact, these wires can break at the hardened point. Although the wire may work temporarily when the broken ends touch, it eventually stops working as the wire separates completely.
Fixing the Issue
Now that we have identified the problem, let’s move on to the solution. To fix the issue, you will need to cut off the wire, strip it back a little, and resolder it onto the terminal. By doing so, you are essentially recreating the factory connection but without the flaw that causes the wire to break.
Test and Reassemble
Once you have completed the repair, it’s time to test the tool. Power it on and check if the light turns on consistently. If everything works as expected, you can then reassemble the tool using the screws you previously removed.
Conclusion
Dealing with intermittent issues in your Dewalt 20V MAX Li tools can be frustrating. However, by following these steps, you can resolve the problem and have your tools functioning optimally once again. Remember, this particular issue primarily affects tools with significant impact and vibration. If you encounter similar problems in your Dewalt 12V tools, it may be due to a different cause. It’s always best to consult an expert or contact Dewalt’s customer support for further assistance.
