# Stepping motors do not lock for tool changes

**URL:** <https://community.inventables.com/t/stepping-motors-do-not-lock-for-tool-changes/71191>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [April 1, 2019, 5:17pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/stepping-motors-do-not-lock-for-tool-changes/71191 "2019-04-01T17:17:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![TimKippSr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@TimKippSr](https://community.inventables.com/u/TimKippSr)\
**Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 5:17pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/stepping-motors-do-not-lock-for-tool-changes/71191/1 "2019-04-01T17:17:57Z")

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Is it something I have wrong?  
I feel like i can easily move the router when changing tools or add dust shoe.

I have had a few instances where the head moves when not expecting it thus throwing of XY Zero.

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**Author:** ![KennethConnell1](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/kennethconnell1/32/66880_2.png) [@KennethConnell1](https://community.inventables.com/u/KennethConnell1)\
**Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 6:21pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/stepping-motors-do-not-lock-for-tool-changes/71191/2 "2019-04-01T18:21:08Z")

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check out this thread

> [@Lock motors not working?](https://community.inventables.com/t/lock-motors-not-working/45732):
>
> So I was having a go at a 2-stage carve in Easel with a 1/8 straight bit, the finishing with a 60 degree v-bit. At the time to change bit, I hit carve for the finishing pass, and then hit Lock Motors before I started changing the bit. As I was undoing the collet, the spindle moved a little on both x and y. I thought the Lock Motors button was supposed to hold things steady while I changed the bit? I recovered it enough for this carve, but have I misunderstood what that is for? Also, there w…

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**Author:** ![BrianSaban](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/briansaban/32/84709_2.png) [@BrianSaban](https://community.inventables.com/u/BrianSaban)\
**Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 6:21pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/stepping-motors-do-not-lock-for-tool-changes/71191/3 "2019-04-01T18:21:34Z")

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Change GRBL setting $1 to 255 so $1=255 and it will keep your steppers locked

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**Author:** ![JerryBurns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8c91f0/32.png) [@JerryBurns](https://community.inventables.com/u/JerryBurns)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2021, 5:28pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/stepping-motors-do-not-lock-for-tool-changes/71191/4 "2021-07-27T17:28:21Z")

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I am using Easel with X-Controller. Is that something I can do to lock the steppers?

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**Author:** ![MartinW.Mcclary](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/martinw.mcclary/32/63385_2.png) [@MartinW.Mcclary](https://community.inventables.com/u/MartinW.Mcclary)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2021, 9:29pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/stepping-motors-do-not-lock-for-tool-changes/71191/5 "2021-07-27T21:29:51Z")

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You can turn off the dip switches to make the motors hold at their highest rate.

[Gantry moves when barely touched - Inventables Community Forum](https://community.inventables.com/t/gantry-moves-when-barely-touched/90403)

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**Author:** ![HaldorLonningdal](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/haldorlonningdal/32/72377_2.png) [@HaldorLonningdal](https://community.inventables.com/u/HaldorLonningdal)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2021, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/stepping-motors-do-not-lock-for-tool-changes/71191/6 "2021-07-27T22:45:30Z")

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…and edit GRBL parameter $1=255 👍  
(Value = milliseconds, 255= always ON)