an armature for an electric motor comprises a winding having connector portions and a plurality of combined commutator segments and terminals . the terminals each have at least one slot which straddles and grips a respective connector portion to electrically connect the connector portion to a commutator segment . a base supports the commutator segments and a separate terminal support has a plurality of housings locating the terminals . by making the base separate to the terminal support , the armature may be wound with only the terminal support in position , the base being added afterwards , thus giving more room during winding . in a preferred embodiment , the support is formed of thermoplastics material , e . g . thermosoftening nylon , so that it is able to flex during insertion of the terminals and the base is of a material which will withstand higher temperatures , e . g . thermosetting plastics material or anodized aluminium .