I keep various sizes of copper pipe for that purpose. Plastic tube will work too. On occasion I've used thin wall sockets to do it on various starters including automotive ones. It saves a LOT of headaches let me tell you!
I use the cooper pipe, plastic tube, or even paper tube to get the brushes ON it before I slide them onto the commutator. That way I don't have to put each individual one on by itself with a screwdriver and possibly chip the brushes. Any ring slightly BIGGER than the COMMUTATOR will work to hold them in place till you can slide the copper tube up against the commutator and slide them on. I've used this method on automobiles, last one on a Mercury Marquis V8. I'd have to look at the starter. This method may not work on all starters.
#7
pugaltitude
Depending on brush style i bend 2 pieces of wire into a "u" shape.
Push the brushes back in retainer opposite each other and use the wire to stop brushes coming out.
Repeat for other 2 brushes.
Then fit the armature to the brushes and push the 2 pieces of wire out.
Fit the magnet housing and drive.
