How to fix the Dremel lock button

Dremel is a brand of power tools that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One common problem with these tools is the lock button. The lock button is used to keep the tool from turning on accidentally, but it can be difficult to operate, especially with gloves on. In this article, we will explain how to fix the Dremel lock button.

• Remove the collet and collet nut.
• Install new lock pin and retainer.
• Reinstall the housing.
• Reinstall the housing and secure it with screws.
• Reinstall the front cover, collet, and collet nut.

How to fix the Dremel lock button

• Start by tapping the bit and collet against a hard surface a few times. Loosen the bit, and tapping will break the bit free and loosen it enough to be removed.
• When done removing the collet, heat the collet with a lighter for about 10 seconds in the area where the bit is stuck. The heat allows the collet to expand and may unstick the bit. If the bit is still stuck, wait for it to cool before continuing.
• Spray penetrating oil into the collet to lubricate the contact between the collet and the bit. That takes time, so leave it for several minutes for the penetrating oil to loosen the bit.
• Loosen a pair of vice grips, place them around the end of the bit and tighten them until clamped tightly on the bit. Wiggle and pull the bit until it comes free.

Dremel lock button slipping

When the Dremel lock button is slipping, it means the nub on the shaft lock assembly has worn down. Replace the lock button assembly, which is internal. If you feel that you can open your Dremel yourself or it is not on warranty, you can order the shaft lock assembly from Dremel. 

After opening the tool, there is a metal ring and a small piece that holds in place around the shaft, and that is where the lock button is. The small piece is the lock. Remove the old pieces and replace them with new ones.

Dremel lock pin replacement

• Start by removing the housing cap by unscrewing it.
• Unscrew the exposed collet nut while holding down the shaft lock button. To remove the collet nut, you might consider using the small open-end wrench that comes with the Dremel. Use your hands, to remove the hanger from the casing.
• Remove the brush caps using a flathead screwdriver bit. There is one on each side you should remove. The brush caps are spring-loaded.
• Use the Torx 15 screwdriver tip to remove the five screws that hold the casing together. A plastic opening tool to wedge apart the hard plastic threads. The Dremel tool has to be gentle.
• Use your hands to remove the back casing so that none of the components fall out. If the shaft lock pin is not engaging the rotary gear, or if the spring is missing or damaged, replace it.
• Remove the damaged shaft lock pin and spring by hand.
• Place a new shaft lock pin so that the spring functions and the lock engage the rotary gear.

Dremel 3000 lock pin replacement

• Remove the collet and collet nut. Plugin the Dremel tool, depress the shaft-lock button and unscrew the collet nut and the collet.
• Remove the front collar by unscrewing it from the front of the rotary tool.
• Open the main housing.
• Remove the four screws. Use a utility knife to remove the labels on the sides of the tool, cutting along the line where the two halves of the housing meet.
• Set apart the two halves of the housing.
• Remove the shaft lock assembly.
• Lift the motor and switch assembly out of the housing.
• Remove the retainer from the front of the housing and the shaft lock pin from the housing.
• Install the new shaft lock assembly, the new lock pin into the slot in the front of the housing, and the new retainer onto the new lock pin.
• Reassemble the unit by reinstalling the motor and switch.
• Align the switch lever with the slot on the motor housing, install the motor, and switch assembly into the housing.
• Align the internal components with the mounting tabs in the housing. These include the armature, shaft, motor, switch, bearing. 
• Install the side covers.
• Slide the side covers over the brush caps.
• Align the grooves on the side covers with the tabs that run along with the housing.
• Reinstall the top half of the housing.
• Install the top half of the housing onto the unit.
• Secure the two halves of the housing with the four screws.
• Reinstall the front collar, collet, and collet nut.
• Using your hand, thread the collar onto the housing.
• Insert the collet into the spindle shaft.
• Secure the collet by fastening the collet nut onto the spindle shaft.

Dremel shaft lock assembly

The shaft lock assembly allows you to lock your rotary tool’s shaft so you can change the bit. The lock button assembly comes with the lock pin and the retainer. After some time, the pin starts wearing down, causing it to slip. That makes it difficult to change bits. At times, the retainer can break, and the assembly needs replacement.

What is the shaft lock button on a Dremel?

The shaft lock button is an authentic Dremel replacement part made with rotary tools. The shaft lock button is used to actuate the shaft lock assembly and comes as an individual replacement part.

How do you change a Dremel shaft lock?

• Make sure the Dremel tool is not plugged in.
• Remove the Dremel shaft lock assembly. The lock pin and the retainer at the front of the housing should be removed.
• Install the new one. The new lock pin has to be installed in the front of the housing.
• Re-assemble the unit.

Dremel 3000 lock slipping.

Use two pliers to grip both the tool and the locknut. It happens when you have a Dremel tool stuck in the black bit and hard to loosen when overtightened. That is why the lock button is slipping. 

The assembly has the lock pin and the retainer. The Dremel pin can wear down, causing it to slip. The lock button assembly needs replacement, and when you are not sure of the process, consult your manufacturer or refer to the manual. If your warranty is still valid, that might be the right time to use it.