Old Blender, New Tricks
Old food blenders
Blenders can last for a long time. If you notice that your blender’s performance is diminishing, however, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you already have to throw it out. There are ways to fix a blender and get it back to working like it did before. Still, if this can’t be done, there are a myriad of other ways that the blender can be utilized.
The first thing to check is if the blender has parts which require replacing. The blender has a lot of components. Some of these last longer than the others. A blender usually comes with a manual that contains instructions on its proper maintenance. This also contains the information on which parts should be changed and the procedures for doing so. You may discover that your old blender is working like new again after you change its blades or some other important part.
A common problem with blenders, especially those that function at multiple speeds, is the switch. This is because this part is situated in a place where it is vulnerable to contact with liquids, food particles, and the like. When this becomes a problem, the switch should be cleaned. You can use a contact cleaner designed for electronics or compressed air to do the job. When you have done this and the switch is still not working properly, you will have to remove it to check for other problems. There are instances wherein the terminal connecting the switch to the motor becomes loose. In this case, you will have to reconnect it. On the other hand, if you see a wire or a terminal that has become black, it means that a problem or malfunction has occurred there. You will have to check using a multitester or a continuity tester if the switch can still function. If it can no longer do so, you will have to replace the entire switch.
When the blades of the blender do not turn like they should, this is usually a sign that the drive stud is loose. The drive stud is the part of the blender that is attached to the top of the motor. The drive stud’s shaft can be seen protruding from the motor’s bottom side. You just have to attach pliers or a wrench to the drive shaft to keep it in place, and then use another pair of pliers to twist the drive stud in a clockwise direction. Doing so will tighten the drive stud. If the drive stud is worn, however, or its corners have become rounded from too much use, you will have to replace it with a new one.
If you see that liquid is leaking from the bottom of the blender jar, you just have to tighten the base.
If you have done all these and your blender still does not meet your kitchen standards, you can use your blender to mix other things in. One good example is paint. You do not need as much power to mix a batch of paint as you would in making a fruit smoothie. Though you can no longer use your blender for its original intended purpose, you may find that it serves this alternative function quite well.
