A dynamoelectric machine (1), having brushes which contact an armature contact surface such as commutator (6) or slip rings, is provided with a plurality of independent, individually removable brush holders (10, 100). Each brush holder is provided with either a removable pin (102) to allow brushes to contact the armature contact surface after the brush holder (10, 100) has been installed, or with a clamping bolt (40), retaining brushes (8) in a predetermined position for insertion of the brush holder, and removal of the brush holder, the brush holder being tilted or cocked to avoid contact between it and the armature contact surface. Bolting the brush holder (10, 100) into place makes electrical contact between the dynamoelectric machine and the brush holder by means of an insulated, conductive threaded aperture (34) on the exterior service of the machine, a mounting bolt (24) inserted into this aperture (34) urging a conductive portion (20) of the brush holder into electrical contact. The brush holder (10, 100) may be further provided with a rotatable spring support (212) for varying the pressure exerted on the brushes, and a measuring scale (216) for correlating the length of partially worn brush with an angular position of the spring support, to facilitate adjustment of brush pressure as brushes wear. Angular adjustment of the position of the spring support may also serve to lift certain types of brushes into a retracted position. The disclosed brush pressure adjustment structure is also usable with non-removable brush holders.