Many professionals and DIYers trust Chicago Electric for their power tools since they are reliable and affordable. Furthermore, you can use these tools for everything from building decks to repairing furniture. However, like all tools, even the best can develop some problems at some point or another. 

Imagine yourself in the middle of some work, and your tool wouldn't turn on, overheat, or stop working as it should. Frustrating, right? Fortunately, most of these problems can quickly be resolved with some quick troubleshooting. Thus, there’s no need to rush out and replace them. 

Below are step-to-step troubleshooting tips on most problems concerning Chicago Electric power tools. 

1. Power Tool Won’t Turn On  

It’s frustrating when your power tool won’t start. However, there’s no need to worry; simply begin by checking the basics. For instance, if it's a corded tool, make sure it's plugged into a live outlet, and if it's cordless, ensure the battery is fully charged.  

After that, check for the power cord if it still does not turn on.  This is because visible cuts, fraying, or other visible damage to a damaged cord will not only prevent the tool from functioning but can also be dangerous.  

Therefore, have it replaced without delay if there's an issue. If this is a cordless tool, inspect the contacts in the battery. Sometimes, blockages caused by dirt or corrosion may block contact. Thus, cleaning with a soft cloth will often solve this problem.  

For those specifically using Chicago Electric Power Tools, it's essential to follow these troubleshooting steps to ensure your tools are safe and functioning correctly. 

2. Overheating During Use   

Overheating is a common problem that can shorten your tool's lifespan. Luckily, you can prevent this issue by following a few simple steps.   

• Avoid Overloading the Tool - Every tool has a limit. Using it for too heavy tasks like drilling through thick concrete with a light-duty drill can strain the motor. Therefore, always use your tool within its capacity.   

• Ensure Proper Ventilation - Power tools need good airflow to stay calm, as dust and debris can clog air vents, making the tool overheat. Thus, regularly check and clean the vents to keep them clear.   

• Use the Tool the Right Way- Long, continuous use can make the tool heat up quickly. Hence, give it short breaks during tough jobs to cool down. Additionally, the motor might need a closer inspection or repair if it still overheats.   

3. Reduced Power or Speed   

When your tool loses power or becomes slow, it might disturb your work. This is generally caused by worn parts or problems with the power supply. 

For corded tools, the problem may be variable voltage coming from the outlet. Therefore, try to eliminate this suspicion by testing the outlet with another device. For cordless, a drop in power is more common when it reaches an older age or has a low charge. If the battery is newer but underperforms, ensure it's fully charged. 

Moreover, worn brushes or damaged armatures can result in power loss inside the tool. Replacement typically remedies this by restoring the performance of such tools. Similarly, clean moving parts like gears regularly as dust blocks movement, thereby slowing the tool down.   

4. Unusual Noises or Vibrations    

When working with power tools, never ignore strange sounds or vibrations from your power tool, as they usually indicate that something is loose, damaged, or out of place. 

However, if this happens to you, begin by focusing on the exterior of the tool, as loose screws, worn bearings, and poorly secured attachments such as blades or bits will cause vibration and noise. Check all screws to ensure they are tightened.  

If it still doesn't work, the problem may be internal. The most common culprits are misaligned parts, bent shafts, or damaged gears. If you feel comfortable doing so, open the tool and look for any apparent problems.  

5. Sparks from the Motors   

It is expected to see tiny sparks in your tool's motor, but too much sparking can mean a problem. Usually, the problem comes from either the carbon brushes or the commutator. These brushes help carry the electricity to the motor. Over time, they wear out and can, as a result, cause more sparks. 

Besides, replacing the brushes is relatively easy and can often solve the problem. Similarly, the commutator can also become dirty or even damaged and will cause excessive sparking. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth or light abrasive material.  

6. Cutting or Drilling Inaccuracy   

A small mistake while cutting or drilling can ruin your entire project. The most common causes are a dull blade, parts out of alignment, or an unstable hold. 

Therefore, first, check the blade or the drill bit; a worn-out or damaged edge cannot be cut neatly. Try sharpening or replacing it for accuracy at once. Always use good-quality, appropriate tools for whatever material is in hand for a job. Next, check the alignment; a blade or bit that is out of alignment will cause unevenness. Check your tool's settings and ensure your material is firmly secured to a stable surface. 

Wrapping Up 

Your Chicago Electric power tool doesn't have to be that hard to fix. If you know how to find the causes, the most common problems of loss, overheating, and inaccuracy can be quickly resolved. It simply calls for proper maintenance, such as frequent cleaning, verification of power, and replacement of worn-out parts when necessary. The next time your tool acts up, don't sweat a thing. Most of the problems are usually fixed by mere steps. Apply the tips below to diagnose confidently and get back to work promptly.