Fein MM500 plug it conversion

[Alex]

I find putting tools into their box way more frustrating than it needs to be because the cord gets in the way all the time and the lid wont close.
So, I've started adding plug-it connectors to all tools which might be connected to a dust extractor.

My father once mentioned that he would also like a plug it on his MM500.
So I converted it - and I will give it to him as a Christmas present. Also included is a plug-it cord, the original wire and a pristine enclosure which I bought from Fein's EKAT in case he doesn't like it.
I would have loved to also get the Fein Systainer and inlay, but couldn't find a shop which has it in stock.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Nice!

Did you take any shots of the internals and/or end by any chance?

I have no interest in doing this mod to my Fein, but I'm fascinated by it.

 

[onocoffee]

So I converted it -

How about a tutorial? With pictures, please.

 

[Alex]

Nice!

Did you take any shots of the internals and/or end by any chance?

I have no interest in doing this mod to my Fein, but I'm fascinated by it.

I did not take any.
But I still have the tool and could take some.

I should have been more patient amd done it on a drill press or mill.
I usually use one of those stepped drill bits to enlarge the hole, while roughly keeping the center. However, the way the insides were laid out made that impossible.
Thought I coud just use a router bit and an xacto-knive instead..

I'll also need to replace the plug itself at some point because the leads are too long, it was just the only plug I hand on hand.

How about a tutorial? With pictures, please.

There's honestly not much to it, make hole larger, remove stuff from the inside until the plug fits (alternatively, remove stuff from the plug)

 

[Alex]

I've taken some pictures next to the pristine housing. Maybe it'll help someone else.
Like I said. Not pretty.

Tool required:
21mm drill
6(?)mm router bit.

The hole needs to be enlarged, the space behind it as well, the screw posts needs to be shortened, a channel needs to be routed between the screw posts.

Of note are only two things:
1. I kept thinking I needed to remove more material because there were, what felt like, large seam-lines on the bottom and top. But it turned out that this is as it should be.
2. In contrast to all other tools I've disassembled, in the fine you'd connect the wires via a push button type clamp instead of a screw terminal.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Nicely done! Thanks for the pics, I was curious how tight a fit it would have been.

 

[anthonymall]

I find putting tools into their box way more frustrating than it needs to be because the cord gets in the way all the time and the lid wont close.
So, I've started adding plug-it connectors to all tools which might be connected to a dust extractor.

My father once mentioned that he would also like a plug it on his MM500.
So I converted it - and I will give it to him as a Christmas present. Also included is a plug-it cord, the original wire and a pristine enclosure which I bought from Fein's EKAT in case he doesn't like it.
I would have loved to also get the Fein Systainer and inlay, but couldn't find a shop which has it in stock.


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I have a few tools that I’ve done this with but I’ve only ever used the connector/socket 491725. I see that you used the lower amp one which is way more affordable compared to the one I use ($30). I’d rather use the lighter one like you. I end up spending probably $45-50 total for materials and the socket makes up most of it. How do you decide which one to use? I have a bunch of the smaller amp ones just sitting in a box.

 

[Alex]

Nicely done! Thanks for the pics, I was curious how tight a fit it would have been

I did have to remove more of the original housing (and of the socket) than usual. But I feel like there's still enough room left.

I have a few tools that I’ve done this with but I’ve only ever used the connector/socket 491725. I see that you used the lower amp one which is way more affordable compared to the one I use ($30). I’d rather use the lighter one like you. I end up spending probably $45-50 total for materials and the socket makes up most of it. How do you decide which one to use? I have a bunch of the smaller amp ones just sitting in a box.

Excelent question!
It's a 489925, initially bought because it had the longest leads.
I was not able to see any differences between a 491751 (out of an OF1400) and this one. So now I'm matching them based on the length and termination of the wires. All sockets I use have the same wire diameter

The 491751 is also "only" ~9€ if memory serves.

For this mod I also have 10009811 (Vecturo) on order, because I don't like how the power switch rubs on the wires.

 

[anthonymall]

I did have to remove more of the original housing (and of the socket) than usual. But I feel like there's still enough room left.



Excelent question!
It's a 489925, initially bought because it had the longest leads.
I was not able to see any differences between a 491751 (out of an OF1400) and this one. So now I'm matching them based on the length and termination of the wires. All sockets I use have the same wire diameter

The 491751 is also "only" ~9€ if memory serves.

For this mod I also have 10009811 (Vecturo) on order, because I don't like how the power switch rubs on the wires.

Gotcha, you’re basing on length of the leads. I want to use only the high draw ones. Ie the ones that can accept the 16awg plug-it. I have some with the actual festool conversion. Part # 491144, and 491145 are the numbers for the actual plugit conversions from the UK. Since they’re 230v it doesn’t really matter to them. On those, the actual ferrules in the plug it are larger than the standard. So when you plug it into a 18g plug it, it’s super tight. If you look at the plug it, they’re different I’m sure you know. The lower draw has the extra tabs so it doesn’t fit into the high draw tools.