Braun 2050 jug blender / Proprietary TORX bit??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: 13hm13
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2021, 06:53:20 pm
content: I have a Braun PowerBlend blender MX2050 (purch'd 2006, but with very low use-minutes). It seems that its motor may have burned out .... happened all-of-a-sudden .... smelled something burning and motor speed slowed WAY down. Still spins but slowly.Any guesses to what may have happened are invited!!Stopped using immediately to prevent "further damage"On that note .... you know what they say of the EEVBlog forum ..."Don't turn it on ... take it apart!!!!!!!!!!!"Easier said than doneI may be able to repair the BraunifI can get inside the damn thing!!!Braun REALLY does not want anyone to open this device!!! The access holes (wells) -- with bolts -- are about 5-inches deep (!!!) and there are three of them holding the blender together -- see photos. But worst of all, Braunseemsto use some sort ofproprietaryTORX bit. I have sizable (but by no means complete) set of TORX bits including security bits (they have hole in the bit for the pin in the bolt).None in my toolkit fitAnyone have experience with Braun small appliances? Will I have to drill it out the bolts?Photos below...Refs:(I have USA 120 vac model)https://www.braunhousehold.com/nordic/all-products/food-preparation/blenders/powerblend-blender-mx2050-0x81260804https://www.220-electronics.com/braun-powermax-mx2050-blender.htmlManual:https://www.manualslib.com/manual/538033/Braun-Powerblend-Mx-2050.html

author: oPossum
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2021, 07:07:24 pm
content: Looks like a security hex (Allen) key.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives#Security_hex

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2021, 07:39:44 pm
content: They're most likely to be tamper proof Torx.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx#Variants

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2021, 07:41:08 pm
content: Yes, security hex.It can easily be driven with a suitable flat-bladed screwdriver, placed thus:

author: 13hm13
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2021, 08:31:56 pm
content: It's definitely something proprietary as I've just had access to a very complete Wiha security TORX set and NONE fit.And NO ... there is not clearance for a flatblade!! Don't let my photos fool you .... it is a very small head ... maybe 3-4 mm total for that TORX hole and much of it occupied by that FAT non-std center pin.Weird "strategy" for Braun. Is this some sort of anti-reverse engineering method ... planned obsolesce ... etc.?

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2021, 12:31:22 am
content: There are tiny flatblade screwdrivers too...My guess is more towards anti-repair/planned obolescence than anti-RE - if you're trying to take the product apart to analyse and clone it, a few odd screws are not going to stop you.

author: highpower
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2021, 02:35:00 am
content: Quote from: oPossum on July 11, 2021, 07:07:24 pmLooks like it to me as well.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2021, 07:48:21 am
content: yep torx security screws But never heard of custom made one's for a company ?? but it could be possible to dether people ... and planned obsolescence indeed.I have 3 inch long Dewalt torx sets, haven't found one resisting them ??

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2021, 07:54:38 am
content: Quote from: highpower on July 12, 2021, 02:35:00 amMore likely Torx. Hex has straight edges, whilst they appear to be slightly curved, according to the photograph.

author: highpower
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2021, 05:41:47 am
content: Quote from: Zero999 on July 12, 2021, 07:54:38 amRight.Slightlycurved - not a definite radiused star pattern. I imagine if I hammered a torx driver into a hex socket screw it would look somewhat like that photo as well. A clear photo of anunmolestedscrew head would prove much more useful to all of us I'm sure.

author: perieanuo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2021, 03:12:17 pm
content: hi,when i was less richi used flat screwdrivers, the plastic 'washer' won't oppose muchif hurry, that plastic is not rocket-shell, it can be destroyed with care. recycle those screws it's futile anyway

author: Alti
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2021, 04:29:29 pm
content: I think you need a dedicated tool.Take a steel paperclip with diameter that tightly fits in the cavity of the head and then solder six of them on a rod. If you have similar torx bolt then you could use this as an alignment.At least next time wheny you buy an appliance, you won't forget checking screw heads.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2021, 06:05:54 pm
content: Sets of screwdriver bits with both security Hex and security Torx bits (together with all of the other 'normal' security types) are cheaply available on both ebay and (dare I say it?) Amazon. Make sure you look for sets with long enough shanks to reach down to the bottom of deep holes in plastic mouldings. It's far easier to have a range of sizes to hand rather than trying to measure and obtain single bits.These types of bits tend to be inherently fairly strong, even if not of the highest quality, and not really an issue with screws into plastic anyway.If you accidentally bend the centre pin of the screw head by flat blade or other methods, you either have to try to bend it back or snap it off before you can use any kind of bit on it. It wastes more time and causes frustration than it's worth. Just use it as an excuse to get a bit set for future avoidance of hassle.EDIT: Sorry I've just seen your reply #4. If it's not security Torx or security Hex (you presumably tried both) then I've no idea what it could be.

author: 13hm13
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2021, 02:48:51 am
content: Hey folks ... TS here ... found a VERY similar (but cheaper) Oster (brand) blender in the dump. It works fine and it has chassis very similar to the Braun, but uses Phillips screws.came apart very easily.Weird DC motor inside.Still planning on NON-DESTRUCTIVELY tearing the Braun apart.Currently using a Kitchen-Aid (high end) blender for smoothies, etc. It's quite abit pricier than the Braun but that Braun had a nicer overall design (style and ergonomics) .... and especially when it comes to clean-up and ease of use. Braun is bit like Apple Computer Co. in that regard.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2021, 03:03:18 am
content: Quote from: 13hm13 on July 11, 2021, 06:53:20 pmI would not have given it a second thought

author: istovit
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2021, 05:45:19 pm
content: those mini screwdriver sets that are ribbed metal work fine. fine one that locks in place andturn it with pliers,then throw it (the screw) away.