Milbro cable replacement

[sparkles]

Hi

Does anyone know how to replace a cable on a Milbro pendant drill with a fixed handpiece? I can't seem to disconnect the cable at the handpiece end.

Thanks

[Aurarius]

Hi

Does anyone know how to replace a cable on a Milbro pendant drill with a fixed handpiece? I can't seem to disconnect the cable at the handpiece end.

Thanks
Could you show us a photo of the handpiece end of your new inner cable? Is it threaded, or does it just have flats on it? If the latter, it will be a push fit, I imagine. Either way, a photo would help.

[sparkles]

Thanks Aurarius.

I haven't actually bought the new one yet as I want to get the old one off first if possible.

Looking at Cookson's photo it is not that clear but it looks as though one end is threaded and one isn't. So I guess the threaded end is the motor connection and as you say the other end is push fit. I have tried pulling it but with no luck, is there a knack to this or should I just pull harder?

[Aurarius]

Thanks Aurarius.

I haven't actually bought the new one yet as I want to get the old one off first if possible.

Looking at Cookson's photo it is not that clear but it looks as though one end is threaded and one isn't. So I guess the threaded end is the motor connection and as you say the other end is push fit. I have tried pulling it but with no luck, is there a knack to this or should I just pull harder?
I'd want to get a close view of the anatomy of the whole cable really (i.e. both ends of a new one) before deciding how to extract it. A firmer tug might be worth a try in the meantime and should do no harm as long as you're using just your hands, not pliers et al. It does look as if it may be just a push fit but you never know. You could ease the extraction process by squirting some GT85 (or similar releasing fluid) down into the handpiece first.

Just out of interest, what performance problems were you experiencing that told you you need to replace the inner cable? I take it the existing one has been regularly lubricated?

[sparkles]

That's the problem, I hadn't lubricated it properly and it's rusting. I have had this motor for around 25 years but never really been sure how or where to lubricate it. The instructions that came with it didn't cover this and the cable seemed difficult to access. So I have to own up to not caring for it but am surprised I got away with it for so long. Some time ago I ordered a cable from Cooksons hoping it would come with some instructions but it didn't so I returned it. At the time Cooksons said they would try to find out for me but didn't come back.

I have had another go at pulling it out but it doesn't seem to move.

I also have a Foredom which is no problem and there is no shortage of information out there to help. There seems to be nothing on the Milbro.

[Dennis]

There are various videos and sites worth a look here: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=How+to+lubriate+a+Milbro+flexshaft&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=iiwyV6eKDMvS8Aej26mIBw

Dennis.

[sparkles]

Thanks Dennis.

The problem I have is that I need to remove the cable from the handpiece and although I know how to do this with a Foredom I can't work out how to do this with a Milbro. I have spent hours online searching without any success. I can't even find contact details for Milbro. I can't believe I'm the only person who has had this problem unless I'm missing something.

[Dennis]

OK, well Sutton tools stock Milbro motors and spares. They are always very helpful if you phone: try them on 0121 236 7139. Dennis.

[Aurarius]

I can't even find contact details for Milbro.

A little bird tells me your pendant motor was made by these people: http://www.milnesbros.com/

[sparkles]

Thanks I'll try these and maybe Walsh's as well.

[Kochanski]

At the motor end of the cable, it screws in SO First unscrew the small grub screws and remove the flexible connector, Next unscrew the four screws on the casing. As seen in the attached photo, this reveals the connection. There is a hole in the shaft to insert a thin rod so you can unscrew the cable. Unscrew the cable and replace it. do not over-tighten the casing as it can crack. 10381

[Aurarius]

That's useful information to have. Thanks.
How do you find it working with the Milbro, and is yours the 12000rpm version or the 18000?
Welcome to the forum, by the way!

[Kochanski]

Thanks. I have further bad news however. It is not possible to fit this cable yourself. I phoned Milnes Bros in Croydon who make the motor asking their advice. They told me that the end fitting needs to be unsoldered, threaded through and resoldered preferably by them. It is a repair so I have sent the cable and fixed sleeve to Milnes. The Milbro 1200rpm is very good, though I will be a bit more careful with the cable in future. I think I had it in a fixed position to fit a polishing mop and accidentally stood on the foot pedal. That weakened the cable and it snapped. Milnes told me that you should not take off the nose cone as it has to be perfectly aligned before the cable unit is fitted to it and grub screws tightened.