DIY Blender Repair For Under $5

I love my KitchenAid blender; it has never let me down even now that we use it just about every morning to make bulletproof coffee*.  But back in February I noticed that the coupler/clutch was getting really chewed up. In fact, two of the "nubs" had worn completely off.  We were both hoping that it could be repaired, but I didn't even know if there was such a thing as small appliance repair shops any more.  When I went online to search, I found that it was a really easy DIY repair after watching a Youtube video.

Next I searched for the part and found several sources with prices as low as about $5.  I ended up buying a set of 2 couplers and a gasket for the jar/collar assembly for $12, with free shipping. WOO! They arrived a few days later and even came with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.

First, use a large flat-head screwdriver to gently pry off the old coupler.  You do it a little at a time, spinning the coupler about a quarter turn each time.  It took me longer than it took the guy in the video and as described in the instructions and the old coupler came apart while I was doing it, but it was still quick and easy. I spent more time cleaning and blowing lint off of the blender base for the photos than I did replacing the coupler. Not that you can tell, because... lint's a jerk.

Then you remove any metal shaving from the area, paying special attention to the threads on the blender motor shaft.

I can only assume that the material that the threads on the coupler are made of is much softer than the material the motor shaft is made from which is why it is safe to pry it off rather than try to unscrew it - righty loose-y in this case.

Then you thread your new coupler on to the motor shaft counter-clockwise, hand tighten only. The action of the blender keeps the coupler tightened.

POW! We're back in the blending business!

You may wonder why this photo is taken outside and the others taken inside on the dining room table. That is because the rest of the blender was taken apart and in the dishwasher waiting for me to run it. It was not done until it was too dark to take the photo inside.

* Apparently there is some controversy over bulletproof coffee (also called butter coffee). I am not advocating for or against it; it's none of my business how or if you drink coffee. This post is about fixing your own blender like a boss.