Challenge reciprocating saw repair

[whatknot]

I have a cheap Challenge Xtreme PSR500 reciprocating saw

I don't use it very often but it comes in handy now and then, I used it yesterday to chop some small branches and after a while the blade shot across the floor, on inspection found the cause was the blade locating pin had come out

I suspect I am wasting my time but am loath to chuck a working tool for the sake of a pin, does anyone know if that pin or the part it fits in can be replaced? (I doubt the part would be available, I think the saw is out of production)

 

[okeydokey]

If you have the pin would araldite fix it
Or would you be able to screw in a small bolt, forcing and making a thread as you go?

 

[TheUnicorn]

respectfully, it is a cheap, old saw and as such you are unlikely to find the parts, so any repair would likely be a bit of a bodge. You would be better off buying a replacement than trying to fix it, especially considering you've got a moving blade in a mobile tool, very close to your fingers

 

[whatknot]

If you have the pin would araldite fix it
Or would you be able to screw in a small bolt, forcing and making a thread as you go?

No idea where the pin disapeared to, I am assuming its a hardened pin, I thought of araldite, just wondered if the pin might be available, I surely cant be the first to lose it

Other than the pin the saw works as intended

 

[whatknot]

respectfully, it is a cheap, old saw and as such you are unlikely to find the parts, so any repair would likely be a bit of a bodge. You would be better off buying a replacement than trying to fix it, especially considering you've got a moving blade in a mobile tool, very close to your fingers

Yes I did say I was probably wasting my time, but throwing away an otherwise working tool seems more of a waste, so may try a bodge first , the blades not really that close to fingers or any other part of the body, I tend to use it one handed anyway

So much gets chucked away these days it goes against the grain for want of a pin

 

[Amplidyne]

Drill shank the right size, and cut it off on the grinder. Probably made in China, so it'll be metric. They're available in 0.1 increments commonly.

Sorry, reading properly I take it its a threaded pin? Allen bolt of the correct size, and Loctite?

 

[ChaiLatte]

...I am assuming its a hardened pin...

It would only be hardened to give it a reasonable length of life (i.e. 30 seconds after the guarantee expires) before wearing out.

In the first instance I would fix it with whatever is to hand (a nail, sanded down to the correct diameter. Peen over the end once through the hole) and then suck it and see. As you say you do not use the tool much, it might have a long life. If it does wear prematurely, you will know to use a more robust replacement the second time.

If the diameter is correct a Chicago screw (also called a bookbinding screw or sex bolt https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_bolt) with loctite might work. The interscrews used for joining cabinets are the same thing but too long.

 

[Dabop]

I agree with Amplidyne- just use a drill bit of the correct diameter to make a new pin- why chuck out a perfectly good machine over something as easily fixed as a missing pin???

 

[whatknot]

Drill shank the right size, and cut it off on the grinder. Probably made in China, so it'll be metric. They're available in 0.1 increments commonly.

Sorry, reading properly I take it its a threaded pin? Allen bolt of the correct size, and Loctite?

Now that is a very good suggestion, why didn't I think if that, I have a plentiful supply of drill bits, so thats next on the cards, thanks for the suggestion

 

[whatknot]

It would only be hardened to give it a reasonable length of life (i.e. 30 seconds after the guarantee expires) before wearing out.

In the first instance I would fix it with whatever is to hand (a nail, sanded down to the correct diameter. Peen over the end once through the hole) and then suck it and see. As you say you do not use the tool much, it might have a long life. If it does wear prematurely, you will know to use a more robust replacement the second time.

If the diameter is correct a Chicago screw (also called a bookbinding screw or sex bolt https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_bolt) with loctite might work. The interscrews used for joining cabinets are the same thing but too long.

Well I have never heard them called that, they have always been barrel nuts to me, but have never seen one this small, without going to measure it, probably 2mm or thereabouts

 

[whatknot]

I agree with Amplidyne- just use a drill bit of the correct diameter to make a new pin- why chuck out a perfectly good machine over something as easily fixed as a missing pin???

I agree, so much these days is thrown out when a little mackling will get it working again, I like the idea of a drill bit which I will try tomorrow

 

[XTiffy]

I would search around with a magnet for the original pin! I have two of those tool hanging strip magnets screwed to the side of a broom head, works a treat for dropped washers etc.

 

[whatknot]

I would search around with a magnet for the original pin! I have two of those tool hanging strip magnets screwed to the side of a broom head, works a treat for dropped washers etc.

Its a thought but don't think its an option, first I am unsure if the pin is intact, but also I swept up afterwards so finding a tiny pin is unlikely, I will try an old drill bit later

 

[evildrome]

I have a cheap Challenge Xtreme PSR500 reciprocating saw

I don't use it very often but it comes in handy now and then, I used it yesterday to chop some small branches and after a while the blade shot across the floor, on inspection found the cause was the blade locating pin had come out

I suspect I am wasting my time but am loath to chuck a working tool for the sake of a pin, does anyone know if that pin or the part it fits in can be replaced? (I doubt the part would be available, I think the saw is out of production)

If I want a hard pin I rob one from the box of buggered roller bearings.

You can actually buy loose pins.

e.g.

simplybearings.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?products_id=100171

You just need to know the diameter of the pin and the length.

Don't worry if you can't get one at the exact length, just get a longer one and cut it down with an angle grinder.

These pins are ideal for your application as they are very hard and I imagine the pin in a reciprocating saw takes a bit of a beating.

 

[whatknot]

If I want a hard pin I rob one from the box of buggered roller bearings.

You can actually buy loose pins.

e.g.

simplybearings.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?products_id=100171

You just need to know the diameter of the pin and the length.

Don't worry if you can't get one at the exact length, just get a longer one and cut it down with an angle grinder.

These pins are ideal for your application as they are very hard and I imagine the pin in a reciprocating saw takes a bit of a beating.

Thanks for the suggestion I hadn't thought of bearing rollers, but don't have any bearings of the right size, I found an ideal sized drill bit but then couldn't find my araldite, so will pick some up tomorrow, I have either used it up and not replenished it or put it in a safe place ;-)

 

[Amplidyne]

Thanks for the suggestion I hadn't thought of bearing rollers, but don't have any bearings of the right size, I found an ideal sized drill bit but then couldn't find my araldite, so will pick some up tomorrow, I have either used it up and not replenished it or put it in a safe place ;-)

I must find this safe place where I put stuff one day. There must be all sorts of good stuff in there!

 

[whatknot]

I must find this safe place where I put stuff one day. There must be all sorts of good stuff in there!

It must be a fair old size, given the number of things I have placed there ;-)