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About:
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I received an email about a mechanical issue with a Thumper Massager.
A gentleman asked me if I could tell him where he could get a Thumper unit that was not working back in working order.
At that moment in time, I did not have any answers for this individual (as far as a local repairman) but, while researching these percussion massagers, I did come across many reviews that mentioned receiving assistance from customer service over the phone (with a real person) and being talked through some common but simple repairs on their Thumper massage units.
I am not sure if these repairs are as simple for every massager model but the most common repair for the Thumper I own (MP2) seems to be with the switch and it appears to be a fairly easy fix.
Here are the steps to fix a switch that is not working.
Fixing the switch on the Thumper Mini Pro:
Both of these situations occur when the internal connections of the switch or the switch housing are faulty or broken. I have the same model Thumper, the MP2, and experienced the same problem.
Correcting The Problem:
First you want to check and see if the switch moves freely.
If the switch is jammed (not clicking), you will need clean the switch connections as well as the switch housing (the plastic part that the switch slides into) before reinstalling the switch.
Don't let the word "refit" scare you (it's just a cool word for 'put back together'), this is an easy to do job and you won't need any special tools, just a tiny flat head screwdriver and maybe a Phillips head screwdriver should do the trick; oh yeah, and a little steel wool.
What to do first:
The unit must be opened, and the panel behind it cleaned. If the connections are broken, they should be rewired.
Before unscrewing anything try this first
*Pry the switch off (it's actually a cover), and you'll see the actual switch beneath.
After you have accessed the switch, use a cotton swab soaked in 91% rubbing ethanol to clean the contacts. (Remember that there are multiple sets of contacts which control the speed).
If the simple swab with alcohol doesn't do the trick, roll up some steel wool (a small piece rolled nice and tight) and stick it into the switch openings that are clear on top of the switch (when you have the switch open in front of you, this will make more sense).
Take a small flat-head screwdriver, and move the steel wool along the switch.
Make sure to move the switch up to clean the bottom contacts and down to get access to the top ones.
Let's See If It Works:
This is kind of important:
You want to be sure and blow any excess wool particles out of the switch before reassembling and testing the switch.
When you plug in your Thumper Mini Pro again, it should work like new at all three speeds.
Enjoy!
If you have any problems or it still isn't working, please contact Thumper Inc. at 1-800-848-6737.
How to reply to the email I received
Mr. C was not able to fix his unit because the switch wasn't the problem. His problem sounded more internal than a dirty contact, but the parts were available. He wasn't too interested in fixing them himself, and he didn't want to send them away for repair due to the exorbitant costs of shipping.
He told me they had two Mini Pros that need service and as you can imagine, shipping them to Canada and back is expensive.
He wanted to find out if anyone in the U.S. worked on them.
He received a few circuit boards and miscellaneous parts from the merchant he went through but he didn't want to get into fixing them himself (if he could avoid it).
I told him I had not experienced any major mechanical problems with the thumpers I own. I only had a minor problem with the switch. However, I did mention on my website a review in which a man received a lot of help over the phone.
I can understand that you may not want to maintain the unit, but it's nice to know, if so inclined, that these machines can be repaired (as opposed being disposable) by the owner with the right guidance.
I was aware that this was not much help but I did wish him the best of luck.
My Personal Experience
I'm sorry I couldn't help Mr. C, but I can empathize because I own two Thumpers and have never had any major problems (I am knocking on the wood as I type).
I don't want to spend money on something that I don't need to. A shipping cost to Canada and back is not cheap for a machine that weighs 7 pounds. I am happy that Thumper will provide me with replacement parts and instructions so that I can get my machine working again. I would miss my Thumper for three weeks if it were gone.
It sounds like Mr. C might too. Why else would he own one of each, if they did not do what they said and do it well?
If you have squeaking or rattling kitchen appliance you know how annoying this can be. It is time to replace the older, cheaper appliances with newer ones. However, some appliances are still in good condition and were quite expensive. There is a simple fix for many devices. This is to lubricate certain parts that have become worn out and are therefore making more noise.
After a few years, juicers, food processors and bread makers all make loud squeaks. The manufacturer usually lubricates gears, pulleys, axles and bushes with either silicone or teflon based materials. They last a very long time and are worth using again if you can locate them. You can buy them at electrical repair shops, or hobby shops. The thing about these lubes is that they are very clean and don't leave ugly stains, thats why hobby makers like to use them. To lubricate the noisy parts you will have to open the appliance case. Look for the screws holding the top, bottom, or side plate down. There should be 4-6. Most electrical appliances use phillips head screws, although some use security screws you will need special bits for. Once inside and when you an see the motor, pulleys, and gears, just give the machine a turn by hand. You should hear the familiar squeak, and see where it comes from. All you need to do is apply a few drops of the lubricant between the contact points (eg where an axle runs through a bush or bearing) and run a thin bead around gear wheels. The only place NOT to put any is on a pulley that has a belt running over it, as bread makers often do. It is important that there is some friction so the belt doesn't slip. If this does occur you need to clean the lube back off using a cloth and denatured alcohol.
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