RYOBI P230 variable speed does not work. full speed works ok

SOURCE: Variable speed doesn't work on Milwaukee Magnum hammer drill

how new is the tool. Give me the serial number and I will come up with a solution, also what is the switch number you bought. Let me know.

SOURCE: Ryobi 18v variable speed impact driver. I need to

Just keep it on high, vari-speed on an impact driver is not very useful unless working with delicate materials.

SOURCE: My Milwaukee 18v cordless drill/hammer drill is

Very common fault in power tools. You will have to see if the manufacturer can supply a new switch /speed control assembly.

SOURCE: gr450 grinder variable speed has

i woulkd take switch off and rewire it. It is not a very difficult thing to do. As you take it apart just pay atention to where the speed control wires are running from and go from there. If it still dosent work than the switch is burnt out

Scott Cates

• 10 Answers
• Posted on Nov 19, 2011

SOURCE: my vitamixer's variable speed switch is stuck on

This problem sounds like failure of the Variable Speed Potentiometer component. Here is the most helpful Fixya article so far: http://www.fixya.com/support/t6032529-need_replace_speed_control
I have the same problem right now and don't want to pay ridiculously high prices for a small electronic component.
So far, this is as far as I've gotten in researching replacement parts:Vitamix Part #015955
Partstown sells #15955 for $23.39 on their website but I found out they charge $15 for shipping -- for a one-ounce piece of electronics. I won't pay to be ripped off on shipping so I won't buy one from Partstown until I've exhausted less-expensive suppliers. Here is the product at Partstown: http://www.partstown.com/vita_mix/vm15955

Another Fixya contributor, Robert Sadler, said he was going to try a generic potentiometer from Mouser.com. His descriptions are kind of vague for me. I'm not an electronics expert so I'm not very confident I can interperet his description:

"If you are comfortable with soldering, you can get a replacement part at Mouser.com. The pot is a 5k "slimline" made by Bourns, however looking inside the cover it looks like most pots would fit. I ordered one for a bit over $5 and will update when I get it with how it worked. You would just have to solder the existing wires to it." -Robert Sadler

I have no problem soldering the existing wires onto a new component but I don't really know what would be an appropriate potentiometer to buy as a replacement from an electronics supplier. In addition, Mouser's website seems to sell potentiometers only in bulk quantities of 5, 6, 12, or 45 items at a time. I just want one.

If anyone knows how to interpret Robert Sadler's comments, or has actually done this repair, please post below. I'm sure quite a few people would benefit from a high-quality repair at a low component cost.