Blowing a Fuse
When I recently went to charge the battery for my 16.8V Craftsman Drill, the indicator lights on the charger didn't go on. I assumed it was something wrong with the charger, but wasn't certain - one battery had been giving me trouble for some time. I left the battery in, hoping it was charging even though the lights lights weren't working, but it wasn't.
I then had to decide whether it was worth finding/buying replacement parts or to just buy a new drill. I found chargers and batteries on ebay, but contemplating opening the charger to see if I could fix whatever might be wrong inside of it.
When I opened it, I found a fuse, which was good, because if it was blown, I could probably replace it easily. When I checked it, it had indeed blown. The only markings on it were "bel 125V" and "5TT4A 125V" (plus various certifications). After doing some research online, I discovered that it was made by Bel Fuse Inc., was a 5x20 mm Glass Tube Slow Blow Fuse, 4 amps. However, Bel doesn't sell direct, and the I wasn't looking forward to buying a huge quantity (Digi-Key sells them, but has a minimum order of 1000 @ $0.1925 = $192.50, a lot more than a new drill), or pay crazy shipping costs. I checked RadioShack.com, but they didn't have this particular fuse.
Imagine my excitement when I found that OptiFuse, another manufacturer, has a cross reference table on their site. I found that two other companies, Bussman and Littlefuse, make equivalent fuses, and offer free samples. The free sample business is designed to get you interested in products that you'll then buy lots of. I signed up for free samples from both. But worried that they wouldn't send them to me, so I continued to seek other options.
While running an errand, I happened to notice a Radio Shack B&M nearby, and figured it was worth a run in. Maybe they carried more variety in-store than online. As I marched in toward the components section (conveniently all radio shacks seem to be laid out in the same manner), one of the useless Radio Shack employees asked if he could help me. "Sure," I said, "I'm looking for a 5x20 mm, 4 amp, slow blow fuse." By this time, I had reached my designation, and as I was opening the fuse drawer, the guy said, "Yeah, we should have those in that drawer." Thanks for the help!
And indeed they had them, and for <$3, I was on my way. I put in the new fuse, but the charger back together, and it worked!
Today I got a call from one of the free sample companies, seeking more information about what I was using fuses for. Not in the mood to lie, nor with any need since I had bought the fuses already, I answered entirely truthfully, curious to see if they'd send them anyways. The CSR, upon hearing my intentions, referred me to an online distributor. Thanks, but no thanks.
Comments
Cool story. Mistake with "happy" in 3rd paragraph. But very funny. I would have never taken apart the battery... thats way too dangerous in my mind. Remember when I shocked myself taking apart my camera? Long story short, my scredriver slipped and hit a charged Cap...
Oops :)
Posted by: Spendy McSpensalot | July 16, 2004 8:40 AM
I fixed the "happy" mistake. Batteries happen to be a lot safer to deal with than charged capacitors - or devices that contain them. (However, they can also be a lot of fun - think spot-welding pennies.)
It's funny that you mention opening the battery. There's another problem with one of my two batteries (which I didn't mention in my original post) - it lights up the "soft start/bad battery" light on the charger when I put it in. I contacted my super guru friend to see if he had any ideas as to why, or what could be done about it. He gave me a long explanation as to what may be wrong, and how to fix it. I'll post about it later.
Posted by: David | July 16, 2004 9:44 AM
Thank you so much for your post. I was online looking for belfuse 5TT4A/125V fuse for my 16.8 Craftsman drill. Our stories ran so parallel. After hours of frustrating searches, up came your story and I am forever in your debt.
Rudi
ps. Who cares how you originally spelled happy in the thirda paragraph? That doesn't even compare to the invaluable info you provided.
Posted by: Rudi | September 25, 2004 2:02 PM
I'm sure glad I found this post. Last weekend I purchased a Craftsman cordless drill, two batteries, and a charger, that "didn't work". As you have probably already guessed, the blown fuse was all that was wrong with it. Im on my way to Radio Shack for a replacement.
Posted by: Greg | March 28, 2005 2:34 PM
Thanks for the golden info. I always take things apart before replacing them. I was able to fix a portable tv this way once before, (blown fuse,) and for the person worried about taking the battery apart, no one did that. It was the battery charger that was disassembled. I wasn't about to go buy a new one without checking first. Anyway, I checked my local hardware store and they didn't carry the 4 amp 125v fuse, either, so I did an internet search and found your webpage. I'm heading to Radio Shack for a new fuse. Thanks a bunch!
Posted by: Becky | August 22, 2005 1:53 PM
To find a fuse try your local tv repair shop they will probally have it. tried an internet search for this one then called local shop they had a bunch of them in stock
Posted by: Joe | April 5, 2007 12:58 PM
My Craftsman 14.4 charger stopped working. I opened it up and found a bad solder connection (shorted out). So now I need a new fuse. This article has helped me IMMENSELY! THANK YOU!
Posted by: Ford F150 | June 12, 2007 9:06 PM
Thanks for your post time ,I have same problem,would like to hear about the soft start ,as I do not have my instructions. Thanks Again!
Posted by: John | January 24, 2008 2:13 AM