Replies

1. 
   mike_guertin | Sep 19, 2003 04:03am | #1

   Take it apart yourself and have a look inside.  I've been repairing my pneumatics for 20 years - not that I'm cheap but the local tool companies take up to 2 months they are so busy.

   Some companies have "rebuild kits" but most don't anymore.  The tool shop should be able to cross reference rings to standard sizes from their shop books OR they will have OEM parts. 

   Just lay out a sheet of cardboard to work on and keep the parts in order as you remove them.  Basically there's the body of the tool that has a cap on top.  Remove the cap and you'll see an inserted sleve that has a piston inside.  Use a piece of stiff wire to push the driver from the nose to push the piston out.  Look the main ring over, look over seals and other O rings.  Don't bother pulling the cylinder out of the body - no moving parts there.

   Look for scratches or flat spots on O rings.  Replace if necessary and oil before reassembling.

   If you have trigger trouble and have another Bostitch tool - try swapping triggers and see if it works with another trigger.  Maybe the trigger is bad.  Once you push the trigger pin out you can pop the pin that retains the trigger valve assembly.  The whole unit comes out in one piece and replace with a new one if your's is bad.  I've got some 15 year old Bostitch tools that are heavily used and never had a trigger valve go - but who knows.

   I wrote an article for  FHB on how to do just these operations.  Hopefully they will print it sometime.  I've been waiting 2 years now so I stopped holding my breath.

   MG

1. 
   cityhix | Sep 19, 2003 05:25am | #2

   I kind of figured that would be my approach (sounds like that would be the approach of the repair place as well).  I have partially dissmantled, cleaned and reassembled the pesky gun to no avail.  Hopefully I'll find something the second time around.  Will be in to pick up the gun tomorrow.  They charge $8.00 to do estimates (goes toward price of repair) and if I am asked to pay I guess I am entitled to their detailed diagnosis.  Now what do I do with a Super sawzall needing $85 worth of repairs to motor?  Three tools this week in need of repair.  Would like to see your article published.  I always find your contributions very informative.  My question is: how do you find the time?

1. 
   mike_guertin | Sep 20, 2003 03:30am | #6

   I don't always have the time to write.  I have 3 articles overdue right now.  I should actually be writing one on Top Down Roofing for JLC or a couple of tool reviews for FHB on a new specialty Bostitch nailer and other cool stuff.  But here I am playing on Breaktime.  I could spend all day here reading, writing and asking questions.

   Back to work.

   MG

2. 
   Jeff | Sep 19, 2003 02:38pm | #3

   Wait till the Bostitch rep is at your local yard for a tool day.

   They will usually fix the unit free.

   If you ask nice, the'll also give you a free gasket set to have for the next time.

   I had my old brad nailer fixed that way.

   Jeff

1. 
   mike_guertin | Sep 20, 2003 03:26am | #5

   Good point.  The 'Bostitch Tool Day' they have at my local shop features free tool repairs on the spot.  Bostitch has several guys doing the work.

3. 
   briankeith | Sep 19, 2003 07:39pm | #4

   I'm pretty sure that kits are available.

   I buy them all the time for my Bostitch tools. That's one of the best things about Bostitch.

   If you will tell me the model number, I'll see if I can get you a kit.

   No trouble at all. And it might just be the trigger. That's an easy fix.

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