I need help reversing my power drill’s rotation. I have installed a 6 pin switch which reverses the brush leaves for forward and reverse respectively. The problem is reverse is considerably slower in RPMs than forward and the upper of the two brushes is throwing green Sparks. I have checked to make sure the lead is not rubbing on anything. Can anyone help what have I done wrong?

 

Two possibilities, the first being that something is accidentally tied to the frame , causing a short circuit. The other possible cause is that the brushes are not positioned for optimum running in both directions. And there is a third possible cause, a wiring error excluding one of the field coils.

 

Power drills come in two varieties, PM field for portable devices, and wound field for AC series Universal (mains) type motors, what do you have?
It is odd that it does not have reverse built in? All the drills of the above types I own are reversible?

 

Okay is this a mains drill , are the brushes angled for the correct rotation?

 

If the TS has access to an ohm meter that has a low resistance scale then I suggest measuring the resistance between the mains plug pins with the trigger pulled to the on position. The resistance should be the same with the direction switch in either position. And check the resistance from either pin to the third pin, the ground pin. It should indicate an open circuit in all cases.

One more guess is that the brushes and commutator are quite worn, and have problems running in the opposite direction.

 

We don't know the motor technology at this point, other than it has brushes, i.e. cordless/battery operated/mains etc?
A make/model would also be handy.

 

We don't know the motor technology at this point, other than it has brushes, i.e. cordless/battery operated/mains etc?
A make/model would also be handy.

Worn brushes and commutator can cause a lot of sparking.

 

Worn brushes and commutator can cause a lot of sparking.

Unless used in a Industrial arena, the typical home use drill never ever gets to that point as a rule.
Not in my many decades of owning them anyway.

 

Power drills come in two varieties, PM field for portable devices, and wound field for AC series Universal (mains) type motors, what do you have?
It is odd that it does not have reverse built in? All the drills of the above types I own are reversible?

I got this drill from my grandfather back in the '80s he was a machinist.

 

Oh, one of the first of its kind, I can see why no reverse!
There could be some issue with the GB not able to rotate as easily as in FWD?

 

Oh, one of the first of its kind, I can see why no reverse!

It is strange that there is no reverse I never asked my grandfather why. But it does make it difficult because I assemble and disassemble many projects here at my shop. Thanks for your input

 

With due respect, treat yourself to a new drill.
Cable looks kaput.
Good luck.........

 

View attachment 288834I got this drill from my grandfather back in the '80s he was a machinist.

That's pretty cool. I have a similar vintage Milwaukee "Hole Shooter" drill that my uncle left behind. They're not meant to run in reverse. I use mine strictly for drilling. It's also single speed. When I got it, the cord was in pretty crappy shape and had only hot and neutral but no ground. I replaced it with a bright orange cord and grounded the case.

 

I got this drill from my grandfather back in the '80s he was a machinist.

I am guessing that model dates alot earlier than the '80's!
I had a B&D drill in the UK in the 80's and it looked a lot more modern than that one, also had reverse.
Looks more like the early 60's.

 

Looks more like the early 60's.

Brings back memories of my father's 1/4" B&D drill during the early to mid 60s. Yes, I put it 60s.

Ron

 

Unless used in a Industrial arena, the typical home use drill never ever gets to that point as a rule.
Not in my many decades of owning them anyway.

I have worn out two of them, Max. One was used when I got it, though. I have worn out three electric (mains powered) mowers. But I have never cut a mower cord.

 

Two possibilities, the first being that something is accidentally tied to the frame , causing a short circuit. The other possible cause is that the brushes are not positioned for optimum running in both directions. And there is a third possible cause, a wiring error excluding one of the field coils.

Can you tell me more about your second possibility? (angle of brushes)
I was unaware the angle would be different for forward and reverse operation.

 

Unless used in a Industrial arena, the typical home use drill never ever gets to that point as a rule.
Not in my many decades of owning them anyway.

I have been using the drill without incident. I inspected the brushes and commutator as per your advice. Both are in good shape. I have since replaced the cord which was not as bad as it appeared
The RPM issue has since become less apparent, but the difference in spark color on upper and lower brush still has me puzzled.

 

I have worn out two of them, Max. One was used when I got it, though. I have worn out three electric (mains powered) mowers. But I have never cut a mower cord.

I dug this drill out of the bottom of my tool box out of necessity! My cordless drill bit the dust.

 

That's pretty cool. I have a similar vintage Milwaukee "Hole Shooter" drill that my uncle left behind. They're not meant to run in reverse. I use mine strictly for drilling. It's also single speed. When I got it, the cord was in pretty crappy shape and had only hot and neutral but no ground. I replaced it with a bright orange cord and grounded the case.

Thank you for your kind words. I have since replaced the cord.
I agree that this drill was never ment to run in reverse. I only put it into operation out of necessity! My cordless DeWalt bit the dust.