Mitre Mite VN4 toggle switch not working

[Jefjon]

I have a Mitre Mite VN4 and the toggle switch that engages the piston that pushes the v nails toward the block has stopped working. Sometimes it would take two or three back and forth motions with the toggle switch to engage the piston but as of yesterday it doesn't engage the piston at all.

 

[neilframer]

I have a Mitre Mite VN4 and the toggle switch that engages the piston that pushes the v nails toward the block has stopped working. Sometimes it would take two or three back and forth motions with the toggle switch to engage the piston but as of yesterday it doesn't engage the piston at all.

Welcome to the Grumble!
Have you been putting a few drops of pneumatic tool oil into the air inlet regularly?
I am more familiar with the VN 2+1 but I think the toggle switch and piston are pretty much the same.
I have replaced a leaking piston assembly but never had a problem with the toggle switch.
The problem might be with the toggle switch or the piston might be sticking due to lack of lubrication.
You might contact Fletcher for tech support.

Is this the switch?
the piston..

 

[Jefjon]

That's it

 

[Jefjon]

That's it

 

[neilframer]

That's it

The manual is available if you don't have it.
2 different models..

https://www.fletcher-terry.com/application/files/2616/3129/2166/VN4MP_Manual_-_U500.pdf

https://aimequipmentcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/MitreMiteVN4LversionD.pdf

 

[Jim Miller]

I have a Mitre Mite VN4 and the toggle switch that engages the piston that pushes the v nails toward the block has stopped working. Sometimes it would take two or three back and forth motions with the toggle switch to engage the piston but as of yesterday it doesn't engage the piston at all.

As Neilframer suggested, your problem is probably a lack of lubrication. In pneumatic tools, that happens through the compressed air. Run a Grumble search for "air filter/lubricator".

Squirt a dozen drops of pneumatic tool oil (not compressor oil) into the air input port, reconnect the air line, actuate the machine 50 times, and call me in the morning.

 

[Jim Miller]

Or, if that doesn't work, replace the cylinder with pusher attached; maybe about $125 with UPS delivery. It's a quick fix, if necessary. If your machine is a VN4L, Google "Fletcher/AMP underpinner parts" for this...

You might need this, too:


Lots of other parts are also available, in case you want to refurbish it completely.

 

[Jefjon]

As Neilframer suggested, your problem is probably a lack of lubrication. In pneumatic tools, that happens through the compressed air. Run a Grumble search for "air filter/lubricator".

Squirt a dozen drops of pneumatic tool oil (not compressor oil) into the air input port, reconnect the air line, actuate the machine 50 times, and call me in the morning.

Thanks, will do

 

[Jefjon]

Thanks, will do

 

[Mike Labbe]

Welcome to the G!

 

[Jefjon]

As Neilframer suggested, your problem is probably a lack of lubrication. In pneumatic tools, that happens through the compressed air. Run a Grumble search for "air filter/lubricator".

Squirt a dozen drops of pneumatic tool oil (not compressor oil) into the air input port, reconnect the air line, actuate the machine 50 times, and call me in the morning.

Lubrication did the trick. Thanks

 

[neilframer]

Lubrication did the trick. Thanks

Good deal!
A lot cheaper (and easier) than replacing the parts.

 

[alacrity8]

The PLV Valve (this part) on our VN4 didn't work when I first started using it 15 years ago.
It was always in the on position.
I'd use an awl to pull the piston down, and replace the v-nails, or I could do it when there was no pressure on the machine.
I replaced the Valve, and found that it was tubed (wired for tubes?) in reverse.
It worked for about a month, and then stopped in the on position.
I replaced it again, and it still didn't work.
Gave up, and went back to SNAFU.

 

[Jefjon]

Just when I thought my problem was fixed with the lubrication of the air intake; the foot pedal now won't set the pins. Instead of the two step process of half way down clamps the frame and all the way down sets the pin; the pedal just clamps without pinning.

 

[alacrity8]

Are you draining the air compressor regularly?
Do you have an air filter/lubricator on this tool?
Both are good practices to keep problems to a minimum.

I'm not sure if popping the hoses off the foot pedal, and adding some lubricant into the pedal, and then reassembling would work.

My current VN4 is more temperamental in the winter. The room it is in is unheated.
It is even more temperamental now that it is hissing non stop.
I have to find the time to do a complete overhaul.
Fortunately I purchased this V-Nailer (mostly as a test/joke):

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It works way better than expected.

 

[Jim Miller]

Just when I thought my problem was fixed with the lubrication of the air intake; the foot pedal now won't set the pins.

When you press the foot pedal, does the driving pin's cylinder make any noise, or is it just dead? Any hissing or other evidence that air pressure is going to that part of the machine?

Since you have already established that lack of lubrication is an issue in this machine, maybe if you squirt some tool oil directly into the air lines from that air cylinder, you could restore its operation. Or, if that cylinder is simply not functioning, you can probably replace it. This might be the part that has failed:

 

[Jefjon]

When I called Vince Herrera at Fletcher and told him of the problem he suggested that the problem might be a valve and advised the part pictured on the right.. However I don't see how it can be fitted in the machine to replace the existing setup pictured. View attachment 44728

 

[Underpinner Spares]

Be careful if you choose to fit the Pneumax grey version as that valve is made from plastic and is of appalling quality, either purchase a like for like replacement or a valve seal kit or get the gold version of the valve recommended by Fletcher.

Regards, Mark

 

[Rick Granick]

Years ago I replaced the o-rings in a couple of control valves, but eventually they stopped selling those in favor of selling complete replacement valve blocks.
Rick

Pro tip: old control valves make nice "high tech paperweights".

 

[Underpinner Spares]

The seal kits are still manufactured and available to purchase: Pneumax valve seal kit

Mark

 

[snafu]

When I called Vince Herrera at Fletcher and told him of the problem he suggested that the problem might be a valve and advised the part pictured on the right.. However I don't see how it can be fitted in the machine to replace the existing setup pictured. View attachment 44728

Vince sent me this. But I'm still getting a constant air leak in port 5

From old valve to new valve is same port connection except for connection port 14 connects to new valve on port “P”
So it should be;
Old to New
1 to 1 (red supply line)
2 to 2 (blue tubing)
3 to 3 (blue plastic muffler)
4 to 4 (blue tubing)
5 to 5 (blue plastic muffler)
14 to P (depending on which valve its either red, white or blue)