Greasing an SDS drill/possible fault

[ProjectBobcat]

Hi all,

I have a Makita SDS drill and lately the hammer function has stopped working when the drill is cold, after a couple of minutes it seems to 'warm up' and operates as normal.

The drill has a grease port on the top which feeds the slide mechanism? Would you agree with me that potentially the grease inside has hardened ahead of the hammer and is preventing smooth operation until it warms and softens the grease?

If not can you suggest what might be wrong? I've got some fresh grease on order.

 

[ProjectBobcat]

anyone?

 

[rlitman]

I'd agree that it's possible.
I know that my Bosch SDS+ drills hit much harder after a warmup. But fresh grease is the worst with these. With a new, or freshly greased gearbox, they take some break-in time before they work well.

 

[ProjectBobcat]

I think i'll have to strip it down and have a look, thanks for responding rlitman. I didnt realise new grease might take some breaking in.

 

[Advan]

It helps to grease the shank of the bit sometimes as well....

 

[ProjectBobcat]

Thanks Advan, I'll give that a try as well.

 

[KnurledNut]

Which model?
The XRH01 has to warmup when cold. Im sure others too. HILTI jackhammers require this too.

Here is from the Makita manual for the above:

"7. In cold weather or when the tool has not been used for a long time, let the tool warm up for a while by operating it under no load. This will loosen up the lubrication. Without proper warm-up, hammering operation is difficult."

 

[rlitman]

Exactly. The ones with an oil filled gearbox are better in the cold.

Yes, SDS shanks should be greased. It is very important to keep that grease clean.