Since Loger just mentioned hedge trimmer repair, I need advice on diagnosing/repairing an old vintage Black & Decker 1820 electric trimmer. It appears to be a rugged serious tool probably made in the 60's before B&D started making all crap tools. I had picked it up at an auction or garage sale 10-15 years ago and only used it briefly a couple times. I used it the other day for ~10 minutes when it suddenly stopped, fortunately after 90% + of shrub was done.

The trimmer has a universal motor. All wiring seems secure. The power switch provides steady continuity when on. Brushes seem reasonably long and spring pressure seems strong, but I'm no expert. They must be original as the backs are molded with little protrusions that allow the springs to slip around them and gently hold on to them or release them as well. I couldn't tell if the curve of the brushes matched the armature. The armature seems smooth. I used regular sand paper to clean it up a little.

But it still wouldn't start. I have a couple modern cheap harbor freight tools that will only start if the motor is in certain positions so I tried moving the motor around a bunch without success. I opened it up again and think I did a better reassembly, initially without improvement. However, after a couple more motor movements, I got it to run for a minute until I shut it off. BUT it wouldn't restart again.

Does all this info. give you all any ideas how I could check this out further? Seems like a nice tool to just trash.