My machine is noisy only at low speed. What should I check?

Low-speed noise generally points at the back gear engagement. Inspect the back gear and main gear teeth for chipping and check that the engagement mechanism is holding fully.

How often should the return spring be replaced?

There is no fixed interval. Replace it when the handle stops returning fully on its own, or when tension can no longer be set at the spring housing.

Is it worth repairing an older drill machine?

Usually yes. The main castings on these machines outlast the wearing parts, so replacing gears, spindles and brackets often restores a machine to good working condition.

Maintenance

Common Pillar Drill Machine Problems and Replacement Parts

Published 2 July 2026 · Vishwakarma Engineering Works

Pillar drill machine in a workshop used for drilling and tapping operations

Most drill machine faults repeat themselves across workshops. Recognising the pattern saves a great deal of dismantling.

Below are the complaints we hear most often, what usually causes them, and the parts normally involved in the repair.

The machine loses speed under load

This is almost always the belt drive rather than the motor. Check belt tension first, then inspect the grooves of the motor pulley and main pulley for polishing or widening. A belt sitting low in a worn groove cannot grip.

Parts usually involved: motor pulley, main pulley with gear, motor plate and motor plate studs where tension adjustment no longer holds.

The drill wobbles or holes come out oversized

Rule out a bent drill bit and a worn chuck before going further. If the wobble persists with a known-good drill, look at spindle runout and end play.

Parts usually involved: main spindle, spindle nut, bearing housing and top bearing bracket.

The table slips down while drilling

A table that settles under cutting load is a clamping failure. Over-tightening the lock is a temporary fix that accelerates wear on the column.

Parts usually involved: rack lock ring, rack lock with handle, pillar bracket and table bracket.

The feed handle does not return

The return spring has either lost tension or broken. Adjustment at the spring housing sometimes recovers it; if not, the spring is due for replacement.

Parts usually involved: coil spring and spring housing, plus a bakelite knob if the grip is also damaged.

Feed movement feels rough or notchy

Clean and lubricate the sliding surfaces first — dry swarf in the ram bore mimics wear. If roughness remains after cleaning, the sliding fit or the feed mechanism itself has worn.

Parts usually involved: ram, ram nut, slotted sleeve and the feed eccentric.

Simple maintenance that prevents most of this

A short routine goes a long way on a drill machine.

Clear swarf from the table and column at the end of each shift
Keep the column and ram lightly oiled
Check belt tension periodically instead of waiting for slip
Listen for new noises in the head and investigate early

Frequently asked questions

My machine is noisy only at low speed. What should I check?: Low-speed noise generally points at the back gear engagement. Inspect the back gear and main gear teeth for chipping and check that the engagement mechanism is holding fully.
How often should the return spring be replaced?: There is no fixed interval. Replace it when the handle stops returning fully on its own, or when tension can no longer be set at the spring housing.
Is it worth repairing an older drill machine?: Usually yes. The main castings on these machines outlast the wearing parts, so replacing gears, spindles and brackets often restores a machine to good working condition.