The Makita jigsaw is a handy tool known for cutting things precisely. But sometimes, it acts up and doesn’t work as expected, causing frustration. If your jigsaw is giving you trouble – maybe the trigger isn’t doing its job or the blade seems off – don’t worry.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common problems that can make your Makita jigsaw not working. Let’s get started on getting your Makita jigsaw back in action!

Claim warranty before its too late

If you are not professional and hesitated to dismantle your jigsaw. Dont do it, they are costly and you might damage other parts. First check you warranty documents if warranty is available no brainer! than go ahead and claim it.

Makita offers a 3-year warranty on its power tools, including jigsaws. Check your warranty card to see what they cover. To be eligible for warranty coverage, you must register your Makita tool within 30 days of buying it. If your jigsaw is more than 4-5 year old consider changing it and buy new one here.

If you are low on your money, and you know your jigsaw and confident that you can dismantle it. Here are some of detailed reasons and solutions.

Makita jigsaw not working (know why)

Armature Inspection

If the inside parts of the jigsaw, called armature coils, get old or have problems like short circuits, the jigsaw can lose power or stop working completely.

The armature is like the engine of your jigsaw, and it’s inside the motor part. To check it, take the jigsaw apart by unscrewing the base and case. Carefully extract the carbon brushes, release any clamps, and gently lift the motor assembly to slide the armature out of the field.

Use electrical contact cleaner for a thorough cleaning. the armature for any burn marks or signs of damage.

Apply three critical tests

  • Continuity test.
  • Bar-to-bar test
  • 180-degree test

Should the armature fail any of these tests, it is strongly recommended to opt for a replacement. To reassemble, affix the armature to the front gear assembly and carefully slide it back into the field, securing it within the case.

Carbon Brush Examination

If the brushes in your jigsaw are not good anymore, they can’t connect well with the machine, making it not work right.

Carbon brushes play a pivotal role in facilitating the transmission of electricity to the armature through the commutator. To accurately assess their condition, embark on the jigsaw disassembly journey and meticulously inspect the brushes.

If wear has reduced them to less than 1/8 inch, the prudent course of action is replacement. Take out the old brushes in gentle way put in new ones. Put the jigsaw back together carefully to make sure the power goes through smoothly.

Field Coil Testing

A damaged field coil disrupts the generation of the magnetic field, crucial for the jigsaw’s operation, leading to a failure to turn on. The field coil is responsible for producing the necessary magnetic field. It works as an electromagnet.

If your jigsaw exhibits reluctance to power on, focus your attention on scrutinizing the field for continuity. Conduct a simple ohmmeter test; if the result is infinite value, it indicates a faulty field that has to be replaced right away.

The next stages are to carefully reassemble the jigsaw for maximum operational efficiency, reconnect wires, and reinstall the armature assembly into the field.

Power Cord Examination

A broken power cable with exposed wires or cracks might stop the electricity making the jigsaw unusable. Check the power cable for any breaks, cuts, or burn marks because it’s crucial for your jigsaw to work properly.

If problems continue, start the disassembly procedure and check the connection of the cord at the switch closely. Need to to replace the cord if it turns out to be the problem. Decide if you want to add a safety cover to the cord for extra safety. Also, make sure the new part fits right.

Switch Evaluation

A faulty switch may prevent the proper flow of electricity to the motor, causing the jigsaw to not activate or function in proper way.

Malfunctioning switch has the potential to disrupt the seamless flow of electricity. The initial steps involve removing the base and opening the case to gain access to the switch. Apply a multimeter for test to check that switch is working.

If there’s a problem, it’s best to replace the switch right away.When installing a new switch, the wires must be carefully connected to the correct terminals. Jigsaw must be carefully reassembled to restore its functionality.

Caps and Brush Holders

If the caps or holders for the brushes are loose or broken, the jigsaw might not work right, causing problems with how it gets power. Some jigsaws have caps to reach the brushes easily. Make sure these caps are on tight because if they’re loose or broken, it can mess up how the jigsaw works.

Damaged caps can be quickly replaced by carefully removing them with a flat-blade screwdriver and then reinstalling them.

Addressing Broken Brush Holders

Brush holders play a crucial role in maintaining the position of carbon brushes on the commutator. If a brush holder is broken, it disrupts the connection, leading to operational inefficiencies. The comprehensive inspection involves removing the base and case to expose the brush holders, which are then meticulously examined for any signs of breakage.

The replacement process entails removing the brush from the holder, detaching the holder from the case (procedure may vary by model), installing the new brush holder, and meticulously reinstalling the brush and holder within the case. The final steps involve reassembly, ensuring the jigsaw is restored to its optimal operational state

Conclusion

By following this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, you can effectively diagnose and address common issues that may be affecting your Makita jigsaw’s performance. Regular maintenance and timely attention to these problems will keep your tool operating smoothly, ensuring optimal performance for all your cutting endeavors.

Rhodes
Meet Rhodes, the visionary behind Toolslad.com, boasting 25+ years of experience in the construction machinery industry. With a career spanning two decades, William has made significant contributions to this sector, having worked with top companies like Dewalt, Volvo, and Caterpillar (CAT). Their expertise has been instrumental in shaping the industry and driving innovation. Toolslad.com is their platform for sharing insights and resources with professionals, enthusiasts, and newcomers in the construction machinery field, fostering a new era of excellence. Join us on this journey led by an unmatched expert in the industry.