How to fix Ryobi rotary hammer drill not hammering?

[natashahastings]

Hi. I'm in the process of removing floor tiles in our newly purchased house. I have the Ryobi rotary hammer drill. I have been using the chisel bit that came with the drill to get the tiles up but decided to buy a wider chisel bit. I got the Kango 75mm x 170mm SDS Plus Angled Tiling Chisel a couple of days ago. It worked for the first few tiles and then it stopped hammering completely. I put the other chisel bit back in to see if the issue was with the drill but that one worked fine. I'm not sure what's happening? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @natashahastings,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Can you advise which specific model of Ryobi rotary hammer drill you have? There should be a sticker or plate somewhere that will indicate the model number of your drill.

A common issue that sounds like it could be the cause is incorrect bit seating. If dust, debris, or damage is present on the SDS grooves of the chisel, it may not lock in properly. This prevents the hammer piston from striking as intended. 

You'll want to start by cleaning the chuck. First, remove the battery or unplug the tool. You should then spray some WD40 in and around the chuck, then wipe away dust and debris with a dry cloth. Use a small brush, like a toothbrush or pipe cleaner to clear inside the chuck. 

Once clean, insert the chisel bit and test. You need to ensure the chisel clicks firmly into place when inserted. Start by pulling back the chuck sleeve on the drill, which opens the locking mechanism inside. While holding the sleeve back, slide the chisel shank into the chuck. You should feel the bit move smoothly along the grooves as it goes in. Once the shank is fully inserted, release the chuck sleeve so it snaps back into place. At this point, pull lightly on the chisel to confirm it cannot slide back out. You should also feel or hear a distinct click as the locking balls inside the chuck engage with the SDS slots on the chisel.

If you struggle to get the chuck to lock the bit in place, try cleaning the shank on your chisel bit thoroughly and applying a thin layer of Kango 50g SDS Masonry Grease.  The main benefit is that it helps the bit slide smoothly into the chuck, ensuring it seats properly and locks in place with less effort. This reduces the chance of the bit sticking or failing to engage the hammer mechanism.

Give this a try and let me know how you go. I will happily assist further if required.

Jacob

[natashahastings]

Thank you, I will give this a try. I believe it's the Ryobi 1500W SDS+ Rotary Hammer Drill.

[JacobZ]

Hi @natashahastings,

Let me know how you go.

I'm more than happy to assist further if required.

Jacob

[natashahastings]

So this just happened.. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @natashahastings,

My apologies, I think that's a pretty good indication that there was an issue with the chisel bit itself. 

Considering the chisel bit was faulty, you would absolutely be entitled to a replacement or refund. If you head back in store with your receipt, they will swap it over or refund your purchase.

If you no longer have your receipt, then a manager will be able to reprint your receipt with a few details, such as the date and rough time of purchase and the last 4 digits on the card that was used.

If you have any issues, please let me know so I can assist.

Jacob

[Noyade]

"Kango 75mm x 170mm SDS Plus Angled Tiling Chisel"

But the chisel that's snapped in your photo isn't the Kango - right?

It certainly doesn't look to be a 75mm chisel end.

It looks likes the original Ryobi chisel?

Fascinating - I never thought they could snap like that.

I have no idea why your Kango chisel will not work with the Ryobi. My only thought is it's slightly shorter than normal? 

I know kits with the chuck have a shorter length so that the rotary 'hammer' piston does not engage it, but the Kango shouldn't be this short.

Can you show us a photo of the Kango end alongside the remaining Ryobi end?

Cheers.

[natashahastings]

Yes that's correct! I couldn't get the Kango it actually fit correctly. It wouldn't lock in, making me think it was too short as that was the only difference between that and the Ryobi one. I just stared at the broken bit in shock as I didn't think they could break either. It's solid metal and I was only using it to lift a tile, not like I was drilling straight in to concrete or anything. I've taken the Kango back and bought the craft right set of three and they're working just fine. 

[natashahastings]

Thanks Jacob. I couldn't get the Kango bit to work so returned it. The bit that broke was the original bit that came with the Ryobi set. I don't think I would be able to get a refund for that as I'm borrowing the set from my dad and he wouldn't have the original receipt. 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @natashahastings,

As Jacob mentioned, we could certainly assist with trying to locate the receipt with some details. However, bits are not typically covered by warranty as the machine is, though it would certainly be worth talking with the team at your local store to see whether they could replace the Ryobi bit for you.
 

Mitchell