Tools for maintenance or repair of Festool products

[alienfap]

Hi every one.  Hi Shane.  This is my first post on FOG.

Down to business:  I have found it necessary to do minor repairs on my Kapex.  It's so minor that I would almost call it maintenance.  Over time, the turntable on the Kapex becomes difficult to rotate.  I had to disassemble the table, clean the internal parts, smooth out the thrust washer with a fine abrasive, and put a little grease on the snagging parts.  First, is this a common complaint regarding the Kapex?  I assume it is but I would like to know for sure.  Second, is there a tool set of limited size that you have available for this and other repair and maintenance tasks.  I used the multipurpose tool that Festool produces, but what I really need are separate tools where each tool is dedicated to an individual task. 

I think that some problems are addressable by the Festool owners.  And User serviceability is an important issue because where the owner does not have a backup tool he must get the offending tool up and running as soon as possible.

Thank you.

 

[ajones]

hi I do not own the kapex but I think the issue you have has been discussed quite a few times, use the search facility to bring up theads on this subject

[welcome]to the fog

 

[peter halle]

First,  let me be the second to  [welcome] you to the FOG.  I am not aware of a set of tools available specifically for the maintenance of a tool, whether it be the Kapex or any other. There was the Toolie, but that is no longer available and I believe you already have one.  There have been issues with some Kapex saws getting hard to turn or grinding.  There is a replacement part that takes less than 5 minutes to install that cures that situation. 

Unfortunately with today being a holiday you won't be able to reach them, but I would advise that tomorrow you call Festool USA's service number ( 800 554-8741) and talk to them about your Kapex situation.  You might also ask about special tools or recommended tools for future routine maintenance of your Festools.

Peter

 

[Brice Burrell]

Hi alienfap, welcome to the FOG. This has been discussed many times before here. First there was a problem with scrapping/grinding of the turntable some of the early Kapex saws. This issue has been resolved with the replacement part (spring plate) Peter mentioned. However, the turntable on the Kapex is stiffer than other saws, this is by design. Dan Clark made a great video discussing this issue (posted below). In his video Dan refers to this a "sticktion". So check out the video and decide if you are experiencing a problem with scrapping/grinding or if you have the normal sticktion.

Festool Kapex Turntable Sticktion

 

[AlexThePalex]

I used the multipurpose tool that Festool produces, but what I really need are separate tools where each tool is dedicated to an individual task. 

I don't think that's so hard to imagine. Just look at the specific nut/bolt/ screw you need to release and get the appropriate screwdriver or wrench for it. Only thing you have to keep in mind is that everything is in metric.

I do all my own maintenance on my tools and the tools most frequently used on my Festools are a Torx 15 bit or driver, Inbus/Allen wrench 4 to 8, Pozidrive screwdrivers 1 & 2 and a couple of good pliers with a long nose.

 

[Dan Clark]

Alienfap,

Welcome to FOG.  Alex, Peter and Brice pretty much covered it the sticktion and tools issue.  I hope you find my video useful.  (Brice, thanks for posting it.)  The only points I can add are that a decent of metric allen wrenches and sockets will be useful.  Also, I find T-handle Torx drivers are better for reaching into small spaces.  Wera and Wiha make some very nice sets. 

One thought about sticktion...  If you're experiencing sticktion and have found a way of reducing this, please post a detailed description of your process (with pics).  I believe all of use would benefit from this, including yours truly. 

Regards,

Dan.

 

[alienfap]

I used the multipurpose tool that Festool produces, but what I really need are separate tools where each tool is dedicated to an individual task. 

I don't think that's so hard to imagine. Just look at the specific nut/bolt/ screw you need to release and get the appropriate screwdriver or wrench for it. Only thing you have to keep in mind is that everything is in metric.

I do all my own maintenance on my tools and the tools most frequently used on my Festools are a Torx 15 bit or driver, Inbus/Allen wrench 4 to 8, Pozidrive screwdrivers 1 & 2 and a couple of good pliers with a long nose.

I concur with what you are saying.  And the selection of tools that you suggest is a good start.  However, it would be an awfully good thing if Festool would offer a set of tools for the maintenance and repair of Festool products. 

Where I live the Festool dealer cannot do ANY repairs on Festool products.  That means if I have a tool go down I must ship the tool to the nearest service center and wait for them to do the repair and ship the tool back.  First off, where is the nearest service center?  I hope the answer to that is not Germany.  Let us assume that the nearest service center is closer than that.  If so, then I might get the tool back in 2 or 3 days at the VERY soonest.  (Overnight shipping both ways, repair urgently expedited)  Even 2 or 3 days is too long.  If I have no redundancy in the shop then work stops at the point where the particular tool is needed.  One answer is to have backups in place for all Festool products.  Where I do not have backups I need to be able to expedite a repair myself. 

Summing up:  I would like a set of tools, manufactured and sold by Festool, made for the repair and maintenance of Festool products.  I would like the set to be substantially more comprehensive than the selection that you suggest.  Festool can put them in one of the systainers and charge a lot for them.  That's fine.  I am sure that many Festool owners are anything but dumb; they can figure out how to repair at least the simple problems.  Would Festool consider marketing such a set of tools?

 

[Brice Burrell]

First off, where is the nearest service center?  I hope the answer to that is not Germany.  Let us assume that the nearest service center is closer than that.  If so, then I might get the tool back in 2 or 3 days at the VERY soonest.  (Overnight shipping both ways, repair urgently expedited)  Even 2 or 3 days is too long.  If I have no redundancy in the shop then work stops at the point where the particular tool is needed.  One answer is to have backups in place for all Festool products.  Where I do not have backups I need to be able to expedite a repair myself. 

There's one service center in the US, just outside of Indianapolis, Indiana. Festool generally gets tools repaired really fast. Backup tools are a matter of good practice for professional use. Your backups don't have to be Festool tools to get the job done, but you already know that.

 

Summing up:  I would like a set of tools, manufactured and sold by Festool, made for the repair and maintenance of Festool products.  I would like the set to be substantially more comprehensive than the selection that you suggest.  Festool can put them in one of the systainers and charge a lot for them.  That's fine.  I am sure that many Festool owners are anything but dumb; they can figure out how to repair at least the simple problems.  Would Festool consider marketing such a set of tools?

Frankly, I don't see this happening. For one, I imagine most professionals already have the tools needed and hobbyist generally don't need to make field repairs. Second, I don't think Festool really wants users making repairs to the tools as a general practice. I'm guessing they'd prefer the tools be sent in for proper repair work. Besides, you can void your warranty by working on your tools yourself.

Well, that's my 2 cents.

 

[ajones]

Frankly, I don't see this happening. For one, I imagine most professionals already have the tools needed and hobbyist generally don't need to make field repairs. Second, I don't think Festool really wants users making repairs to the tools as a general practice. I'm guessing they'd prefer the tools be sent in for proper repair work. Besides, you can void your warranty by working on your tools yourself.

Well, that's my 2 cents.

You can see the headlines man wins huge payout when he was electrocuted opening up his kapex with tools supplied by festool [doh]

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I am so glad it is one day shipping from my house to Festool USA.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Summing up:  I would like a set of tools, manufactured and sold by Festool, made for the repair and maintenance of Festool products.  I would like the set to be substantially more comprehensive than the selection that you suggest.  Festool can put them in one of the systainers and charge a lot for them.  That's fine.  I am sure that many Festool owners are anything but dumb; they can figure out how to repair at least the simple problems.  Would Festool consider marketing such a set of tools?

I have to echo what Brice said. I don't see this happening either. Festool certainly doesn't want customers to do their own repairs and would most certainly not encourage you by bringing out a set of tools. Frankly, I don't know of any manufacturer who would like that. First there's the safety concern because for every competent mechanic there are 10 incompetent ones who would either damage the tool themselves or get themselves electrocuted in the process. And second there's the extra revenue that charging for repairs brings with it.

And I also don't understand why you'd especially want them to be of the Festool brand. They are just common tools, nothing special here. I already had the tools required many years before I bought my first Festool. As most professionals or handy hobbyists would. You can buy them anywhere, from crap Chinese quality for a dollar a piece to top notch brands like Wiha, Wera, Gedore, Snap-On, PB Swiss, etc. Choices galore. Because Festool uses the same nuts, screws, bolts and washers as any other manufacturer in the field from washing machines to excavators.

 

 

[alienfap]

There's one service center in the US, just outside of Indianapolis, Indiana. Festool generally gets tools repaired really fast. Backup tools are a matter of good practice for professional use. Your backups don't have to be Festool tools to get the job done, but you already know that.
   

Summing up:  I would like a set of tools, manufactured and sold by Festool, made for the repair and maintenance of Festool products.  I would like the set to be substantially more comprehensive than the selection that you suggest.  Festool can put them in one of the systainers and charge a lot for them.  That's fine.  I am sure that many Festool owners are anything but dumb; they can figure out how to repair at least the simple problems.  Would Festool consider marketing such a set of tools?

Frankly, I don't see this happening. For one, I imagine most professionals already have the tools needed and hobbyist generally don't need to make field repairs. Second, I don't think Festool really wants users making repairs to the tools as a general practice. I'm guessing they'd prefer the tools be sent in for proper repair work. Besides, you can void your warranty by working on your tools yourself.

Service center is in Indiana.  I am in California.  How soon can I expect to get a tool back?  And how am I going to backup a Domino joiner?  The only way would be to own a second one.  I think it is unreasonable to own two Domino joiners.

I don't see this happening either; that's why I am asking them to do it.  I don't think professionals already have the tools needed, not by a long shot, not for what I have in mind.  I agree that Festool would rather you did NOT repair their products. 

Voiding the warranty:  I have talked to Festool techs and engineers who have helped me make repairs.  Maybe I voided the warranty, but it was worth it.

 

[alienfap]

I have to echo what Brice said. I don't see this happening either. Festool certainly doesn't want customers to do their own repairs and would most certainly not encourage you by bringing out a set of tools. Frankly, I don't know of any manufacturer who would like that. First there's the safety concern because for every competent mechanic there are 10 incompetent ones who would either damage the tool themselves or get themselves electrocuted in the process. And second there's the extra revenue that charging for repairs brings with it.

And I also don't understand why you'd especially want them to be of the Festool brand. They are just common tools, nothing special here. I already had the tools required many years before I bought my first Festool. As most professionals or handy hobbyists would. You can buy them anywhere, from crap Chinese quality for a dollar a piece to top notch brands like Wiha, Wera, Gedore, Snap-On, PB Swiss, etc. Choices galore. Because Festool uses the same nuts, screws, bolts and washers as any other manufacturer in the field from washing machines to excavators.

Campagnolo does it.  They figure their users are not idiots.  And this electrocuted bit!  Man that's a stretch.  How in the heck could you electrocute yourself working on these tools?  You would have to be a complete moron!  If I was talking about 3-phase 450v then ok, that's dangerous.  But a Kapex or a Domino... no.  The reason I am looking for Festool tools, well, there are two reasons:  One, I would not have to go to the trouble of finding all the relevant tools.  Two,  maybe there are some specialized tools in the mix, for example for working with spanner heads.

I agree that Festool won't accede to my wishes.  I get that.  But it would be nice if they would at least respond to my request.  How about it Festool representatives?  You answer my question.  This is the "Ask Festool" forum.  Is it not?  I really wish somebody from Festool would comment on this.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I agree that Festool won't accede to my wishes.  I get that.  But it would be nice if they would at least respond to my request.  How about it Festool representatives?  You answer my question.  This is the "Ask Festool" forum.  Is it not?  I really wish somebody from Festool would comment on this.

It definitely is a poor show that after 4 days of your first post you haven't received an answer from a Festool employee yet. That's what this section of the forum was supposed to be for and I remember that some Festool employee said, when this section was created, that people would receive an answer to their questions.

Campagnolo does it.  They figure their users are not idiots. 

Campagnolo makes bicycle parts. I myself wouldn't compare that level of technology with the level of sophistication needed to create power tools or electrical appliances just to get a point across.

And this electrocuted bit!  Man that's a stretch.  How in the heck could you electrocute yourself working on these tools?  You would have to be a complete moron!  If I was talking about 3-phase 450v then ok, that's dangerous.  But a Kapex or a Domino... no. 

It is not a stretch by far. In fact, over the years, there have been numerous documented cases of people electrocuting themselves either while working on these tools (forgot to unplug it) or after a faulty repair when they started to work with the tool again. And electrocution is only the far end of the spectre. There have been a lot more accidents of a mechanical nature where for instance faulty fastened parts would catapult away after a repaired machine was operated again. And do not forget we're not only talking about America with a 110v system but also about other countries where the 220v system sure is a lot deadlier. This also counts for a Kapex and Domino on 220v.

The reason I am looking for Festool tools, well, there are two reasons:  One, I would not have to go to the trouble of finding all the relevant tools. 

I really don't understand why you make it look like it is as difficult as the quest for the holy grail. If I go to my local tool store I walk out with all necessary tools. Well, I don't live in America of course, but you'd think these would also be available in America. After all, you're not living in the dark ages anymore, right?

Two,  maybe there are some specialized tools in the mix, for example for working with spanner heads.

Alright, I think I get it. You don't simply want to repair your own tools, seems more to me like you want to open up your own factory. Sure, factories often have special tools that are especially designed for them. But those tools are not meant for the occasional repair of the machine of a single owner. They are meant to assemble or repair a large batch of machines at production speed. That is quite something different. Such a tool might be more efficient if you need to pop in 40 spanner heads per hour but that doesn't mean a normal set of pliers doesn't suffice in the once in a life time field repair you have to do yourself.

Anyway, good luck with your quest.
 

 

[peter halle]

Just for the record, the original post was on May 31 - a national holiday.  The suggestion was made, because the poster was experiencing an issue with a tool, that he call the service number the next day.  It was suggested that at that time he could ask about what tools would be necessary to perform maintenance on his tools.  The poster has posted that he has in the past spoken with Festool technicians and engineers to make repairs.

Perhaps the person from Festool who would normally offer assistance on the forum was traveling or away from the internet?  Meanwhile the person who could offer assistance in the matters posted  was sitting by the phone just waiting for the call.

Again, for the convenience of all, the number to call for service in the North America is 1 800 554-8741.  

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I agree that Festool won't accede to my wishes.  I get that.  But it would be nice if they would at least respond to my request.  How about it Festool representatives?  You answer my question.  This is the "Ask Festool" forum.  Is it not?  I really wish somebody from Festool would comment on this.

I responded to you via PM (private message) on 5/31 at 9:56am, only a short while after you posted.  You should receive a notification on the forum when you log in and have new, unread private messages.  I think forum members know that I make every reasonable effort to assist customers as quickly and efficiently as possible here on the forum.  You should receive a copy of private messages at your personal email address unless you have turned that feature off in your personal settings on the forum.  My apologies if you did not receive my message but I was under the impression that you had.  I was traveling on personal vacation over the holiday weekend through Tuesday and was very busy at the office today.  Only now did I see your follow-up comments.

I would recommend that customers always use our toll free number as a primary means of contacting us for customer service or tech support issues or, as an alternative, our website contact form.  I do not work in the service department or have expertise on servicing the tools, so I will have to defer to our service department for assistance.

If it's more convenient, please feel free to contact me directly via private message or email at sho@festoolusa.com and include your contact information.  I will have someone get in touch with you.

Again, my apologies if you felt that you were being ignored.

Private message from 5/31 @ 9:56a

Hi, I wanted to address your question about maintenance of the Kapex.  As others have already recommended, I would direct you to contact our service department.  They are extremely helpful and can help diagnose any problem that you may be experiencing and give advice on routine maintenance of the tools.  They are open tomorrow between 8a and 5p EST.  The phone number is in my signature below and also on the sticker on the side of your tools.

Shane

 

[EcoFurniture]

Name me any other powertool manufacturer with a better customer service/ public forum/repair center/trained sales reps/superb performing powertools...

Back up tools:
You are talking about the turn around time festool needs to get the tool back to you. You mentioned that you would need back up tools for that case. Even though you make a valid point here, I honestly have to ask you if you have "back up tools" for any of your existings tools already? How long would it take to get them back from repair? How much would it cost and how long are they covered by warranty.

 

[ajones]

Name me any other powertool manufacturer with a better customer service/ public forum/repair center/trained sales reps/superb performing powertools...

Back up tools:
You are talking about the turn around time festool needs to get the tool back to you. You mentioned that you would need back up tools for that case. Even though you make a valid point here, I honestly have to ask you if you have "back up tools" for any of your existings tools already? How long would it take to get them back from repair? How much would it cost and how long are they covered by warranty.

Can I add a little to that statement....

Name any other power tool manufacturer with a better customer/public/repair center/trained sales/superrb performining power tools in the USA

 

[alienfap]

I agree that Festool won't accede to my wishes.  I get that.  But it would be nice if they would at least respond to my request.  How about it Festool representatives?  You answer my question.  This is the "Ask Festool" forum.  Is it not?  I really wish somebody from Festool would comment on this.

It definitely is a poor show that after 4 days of your first post you haven't received an answer from a Festool employee yet. That's what this section of the forum was supposed to be for and I remember that some Festool employee said, when this section was created, that people would receive an answer to their questions.

Campagnolo does it.  They figure their users are not idiots. 

Campagnolo makes bicycle parts. I myself wouldn't compare that level of technology with the level of sophistication needed to create power tools or electrical appliances just to get a point across.

And this electrocuted bit!  Man that's a stretch.  How in the heck could you electrocute yourself working on these tools?  You would have to be a complete moron!  If I was talking about 3-phase 450v then ok, that's dangerous.  But a Kapex or a Domino... no. 

It is not a stretch by far. In fact, over the years, there have been numerous documented cases of people electrocuting themselves either while working on these tools (forgot to unplug it) or after a faulty repair when they started to work with the tool again. And electrocution is only the far end of the spectre. There have been a lot more accidents of a mechanical nature where for instance faulty fastened parts would catapult away after a repaired machine was operated again. And do not forget we're not only talking about America with a 110v system but also about other countries where the 220v system sure is a lot deadlier. This also counts for a Kapex and Domino on 220v.

The reason I am looking for Festool tools, well, there are two reasons:  One, I would not have to go to the trouble of finding all the relevant tools. 

I really don't understand why you make it look like it is as difficult as the quest for the holy grail. If I go to my local tool store I walk out with all necessary tools. Well, I don't live in America of course, but you'd think these would also be available in America. After all, you're not living in the dark ages anymore, right?

Two,  maybe there are some specialized tools in the mix, for example for working with spanner heads.

Alright, I think I get it. You don't simply want to repair your own tools, seems more to me like you want to open up your own factory. Sure, factories often have special tools that are especially designed for them. But those tools are not meant for the occasional repair of the machine of a single owner. They are meant to assemble or repair a large batch of machines at production speed. That is quite something different. Such a tool might be more efficient if you need to pop in 40 spanner heads per hour but that doesn't mean a normal set of pliers doesn't suffice in the once in a life time field repair you have to do yourself.

Anyway, good luck with your quest.
 

Now I really have to respond to all this stuff.  Please take this as explanatory, NOT argumentative.  Look closely... you will see that I am not arguing.

This post that I am responding to now has 5 quotes with 5 comments.  I will respond to each one, numbered 1 through 5.

1.  Poor show by Festool?  Not really.  Shane did email me immediately.  I received that email.  I have talked to customer service by phone numerous times.  Festool customer service is ALWAYS excellent.  (More on that later.)  It was a holiday.  You get the drift. 

2.  Campagnolo is just one example that came to mind.  I think others may occur to me.  I think Campagnolo's products are quite sophisticated.  And there are safety considerations in bicycle repairs.  No electricity issues, I'll grant you that.

3.  Possibility of electrocution.  For sure safer in the U.S. than 220v.  I have done work on high voltage systems (a bit) and I have worked as an electronics technician (a bit more).  Also worked in the engineering design and documentation of electro-mechanical systems.  Those systems are quite similar to power tools.  I should have stated that up front.  Mea culpa.  As far as the danger of mechanical failure... that to me is far more likely than an electrical catastrophe.  An owner/user could get dinged pretty good.

4.  I use those tools now.  That's how I am currently addressing this problem.  Therefore you are right.

5.  Spanner heads aren't that big of a deal.  I can find those online.  I don't run a factory.  I would rather use a spanner tool on a spanner head than try to use pliers of any kind.  I would rather not mangle the hardware.  You know?

My quest is DOA.  I know.  I get it.

 

[alienfap]

Just for the record, the original post was on May 31 - a national holiday.  The suggestion was made, because the poster was experiencing an issue with a tool, that he call the service number the next day.  It was suggested that at that time he could ask about what tools would be necessary to perform maintenance on his tools.  The poster has posted that he has in the past spoken with Festool technicians and engineers to make repairs.

Perhaps the person from Festool who would normally offer assistance on the forum was traveling or away from the internet?  Meanwhile the person who could offer assistance in the matters posted  was sitting by the phone just waiting for the call.

Again, for the convenience of all, the number to call for service in the North America is 1 800 554-8741.  

I want to make sure and hammer home the following thoughts:

Festool makes the best power tools in the world.  They are simply great.  I love the results.  I love the way Festool products feel.  When I first started using Festools I was simply amazed.  My first purchase was the TS 75.  I ripped a 2" thick piece of hardwood.  I could not believe how clean and smooth the cut was.  And effortless!

Festool customer service is second to none.  When I call them they are quick to get to the phone, very nice, always polite.  They are always helpful.  They are INTELLIGENT.  Festool customer service is as good as Festool products, and that is saying a lot.