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Router jammed in base

1351 Views 12 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  DesertRatTom
Hi Gang,
I have a Stanley Mod 80258 router in a 82902 base, cir. 1970's. It dropped down when I lowered to bit and it jammed in the base. I've tried genteelly tapping it in the correct direction, and twisting it -- too no avail. Any suggestions how to mobilize it? Thanks. Walt
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Hey, Walt; welcome! *Shock* that puppy is coming up on 50 yrs. old. Older'n some of the members!
It still runs well? (Better than a lot of the members...)
Perhaps you could post some pics of it, from your own hard drive?)
Hi Walt and welcome. I agree with Dan. That router is old enough that most of either haven't seen it at all or won't remember seeing one. But we might have some ideas if we can see it. You can post pictures by using the Go Advanced reply option. If you need help with that just ask and one of us will lead you through the steps.
I was a kid when that came out of the factory. I'd look carefully at the router and base. The base will probably be a little bit higher on one side. I'd use a blunt metal object on the high side and lightly tap the (can't recall the name of the tool, but it's like a punch, but with a flat tip) tool repeatedly to see if it will work loose. Gently is the key to me. A tiny bit of lubricant might help, but be very sparing and when it comes apart, clean off all surfaces carefully with a blade cleaner. You may have 50 years of pitch on it. If you tap it too hard, it will just jam on the other side. If you get it loose, clean the hell out of the exterior of the motor and the inside of the base. Take the opportunity to check brushes.

Picture would really help. Many modern router bases have some sort of tightening mechanism that squeezes the base tight around the motor. If your router has that, loosen it as far as possible and gently spread the opening very slightly to see if it will loosen up.

If it's working, cleaning it up may give you another few years of use.
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Welcome to the forum Walt.
Do you have the manual?
Hey, Walt; welcome! *Shock* that puppy is coming up on 50 yrs. old. Older'n some of the members!
It still runs well? (Better than a lot of the members...)
Perhaps you could post some pics of it, from your own hard drive?)
Hey Dan I represent that.....I mean 50+ isn't that old. Funny thought yesterday while waiting to see my 3rd doctor of the week, I came into this world with 1 doctor and now have a team of what, 7. I don't get sick anymore, never really did, but I'm collecting a ton of titanium..... Mys son should be able to make a nice set of golf clubs one day. You go router......
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And I was a teenager....but a picture would help. I honestly don't remember Stanley routers. I have to wonder if a bit of Liquid Wrench might soak and help loosen the shaft? I had to do that the other day with an old Stanley 61 plane where the mouth adjustment was seized. About 10-15 minutes and a slight tap it all came loose. I'm guessing seeing how these use to belong to my deceased father-in-law who passed away in 2001 just shy of 100, the planes hadn't seen much use in many years. If that worked for me maybe it will loosen the two parts in the router but I'd use very light taps on the bit if possible.
OK I'm finally coffee awake. Welcome to the family Walt.
Welcome Walt,

If all else fails two things come to mind, vice grips or a hammer ! Just kidding ! Maybe spray a little dry lube and try again. Good luck.

Dan
Hi Gang,
I have a Stanley Mod 80258 router in a 82902 base, cir. 1970's. It dropped down when I lowered to bit and it jammed in the base. I've tried genteelly tapping it in the correct direction, and twisting it -- too no avail. Any suggestions how to mobilize it? Thanks. Walt
Welcome to the forum Walt maybe a little spray lube and taping with a soft mallet like a dead blow hammer should brake it loose. It is probably cocked in the base a little. Here is an image I found on ebay with maybe the same model for others that may have a suggestion https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vtg-STANLEY...e-Manuals-MORE-/323735069092?oid=223377542733
I was a kid when that came out of the factory. I'd look carefully at the router and base. The base will probably be a little bit higher on one side. I'd use a blunt metal object on the high side and lightly tap the (can't recall the name of the tool, but it's like a punch, but with a flat tip) tool repeatedly to see if it will work loose. Gently is the key to me. A tiny bit of lubricant might help, but be very sparing and when it comes apart, clean off all surfaces carefully with a blade cleaner. You may have 50 years of pitch on it. If you tap it too hard, it will just jam on the other side. If you get it loose, clean the hell out of the exterior of the motor and the inside of the base. Take the opportunity to check brushes.

Picture would really help. Many modern router bases have some sort of tightening mechanism that squeezes the base tight around the motor. If your router has that, loosen it as far as possible and gently spread the opening very slightly to see if it will loosen up.

If it's working, cleaning it up may give you another few years of use.
The tool is called a drift. Looks like a large centre punch but completely flat on the bottom.
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Drift. Thanks Tom.
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