What tools are needed to repair a washing machine?

An experienced technician who has been repairing washing machines for a long time has a certain set of tools. Basically, in the arsenal of professionals there are standard devices, but in addition to them, there will definitely be a couple of homemade, exclusive “devices” that significantly facilitate working with washing machines. Let’s figure out what kind of tool a “newbie” should get for repairing washing machines in order to easily disassemble the unit, fix the malfunction and put the equipment back together.

Required set

First, let's talk about a set of tools for a home handyman who is not going to make serious money from repairs, but only wants to fix breakdowns of the washing machine installed at home. In this case, you will need the following kit:

• a pair of screwdrivers (phillips and flat);
• pliers;
• set of wrenches;
• pliers;
• tweezers;
• pliers for clamps;
• small hammer;
• metal service hook.

You should not specifically purchase expensive ready-made kits, which are more suitable for repairing a car than a washing machine. Assemble your own from individual elements, it’s more efficient and cheaper.

With this set of tools, it is possible to disassemble the washing machine yourself and get to the failed part. However, if it is necessary to replace, for example, bearings, then the list will be expanded with specific devices: a drill, a hacksaw for metal (in the case of a non-separable SMA tank) and a drift.

Tips for beginners

If, having assessed the breakdown that occurred with the automatic machine and your own strength, you decided not to take the equipment to a workshop, but to carry out the repairs yourself, study the basic recommendations for beginners. Practical advice will help you avoid wasting your free time and avoiding offensive mistakes.

1. Take your time, think about all upcoming actions. If you see a certain error code on the display, you should not immediately start disassembling the unit. Evaluate the appearance of the washing machine, check its main functions: how the machine draws and drains water and spins clothes. Spin the drum by hand and listen to the noise made by the equipment.
2. Disconnect the equipment before work. Safety must come first. Be sure to unplug the power cord from the outlet! Also, handle the already disassembled device carefully - after removing the walls of the case, sharp corners may be exposed, which are very easy to cut yourself on.
3. Before moving the washer, make sure that the drain and inlet hoses do not break. The length of the tubes used to connect the machine to the water supply and sewerage must be sufficient for movement. If you need to tilt the unit, do it as carefully as possible to avoid the washer suddenly falling on its side.

If after diagnostic measures you have identified the cause of the machine malfunction, proceed to repair. It is necessary to repair only the part that has failed. All other elements that are functioning at full capacity should not be disassembled and disconnected, otherwise you can harm the “home assistant” even more. Upon completion of the repair, check the reliability of the connection of the hoses to the house communications, plug the machine into the network and make sure that the washing machine is working.

Tools and accessories for professionals

“Experienced” craftsmen who have long been involved in “reanimating” equipment are not limited to a minimum set of tools for repairing washing machines. The scope of work can be completely different: from a banal replacement of a sealing collar to troubleshooting problems in the main control module. That is why professionals need devices that can cope with any, even the most specific task. In the specialist’s bag, along with the already mentioned list, there may be:

• soldering iron;
• powerful flashlight or portable lamp;
• small gas burner;
• a long rod with a mirror at the end (allows you to inspect hard-to-reach areas of the machine);
• pliers used for pressing contacts into connectors;
• long metal ruler;
• multimeter for measuring the resistance of the main elements of the system;
• magnet;
• screwdriver with indicator;
• puller for SMA bearings;
• wooden or rubber mallet;
• screwdriver;
• drill.

Having collected the maximum set of tools, you can cope with almost any breakdown in the system. The repairman can eliminate some defects directly at the customer’s home, taking with him a complete “suitcase”; for certain types of work, it is necessary to transport the equipment to a workshop, where the equipment can be checked with special instruments.

Repair materials

In addition to a set of tools, when repairing a washing machine you need consumables, as well as spare parts for the equipment. In certain cases, it will be enough to remove the faulty part and put a new one in its place, but sometimes it is impossible to do without repairing the original element.Depending on the scope of work, the following materials may be needed:

• super-fixing adhesive;
• waterproof silicone sealant;
• thermoactive polymer resin (compound);
• special lubricant for processing the oil seal and SMA bearings;
• rosin (if soldering is required);
• heat shrink tubes of the required size;
• clamps;
• insulating tape;
• set of contact tips;
• wires;
• rubber gaskets of various diameters;
• fuse, etc.

It doesn’t hurt to have WD40 aerosol lubricant in your arsenal, which will help remove “stuck” or partially destroyed parts of the washing machine.

A true professional will not allow himself to come to a call without proper equipment. A complete set of tools and consumables allows the master to save his time and the customer’s time. It is also recommended for a beginner in this business to first assess the scope of work and purchase the necessary tools in advance, so that later they are not constantly distracted by searching for tools for repairs.

Reader comments

• Share your opinion - leave a comment