How to maintain your power tools for a long life

Power tools are the ultimate enablers for DIY enthusiasts, unlocking endless possibilities for any creative or repair project. In order to maximise their performance and longevity, proper maintenance is essential. Taking care of your tools not only ensures they remain reliable over time but also saves you from paying to replace them prematurely. Additionally, well-maintained tools are less likely to end up in landfills, making maintenance a win for both your wallet and the environment - it just makes sense.

A big part of looking after your tools is just building good habits around using them. This article contains a few tips that will keep your tools in tip top shape. If you do find yourself with an underperforming power tool, your newly purchased tools will have a warranty, so have a quick read of the terms and what’s covered before you attempt to investigate yourself. It goes without saying, but before you use any new powertool, make sure you read the manual and follow the guidelines to use it safely.

1. Keep your power tools clean

Keeping your tools free of oil, grease, dust, dirt and grime is one of the most important ways to keep them running properly. It’s just about impossible to use any power tool without it getting a bit dirty. The best thing you can do is give them a good clean after each use. This means wiping down any oil or grease on them and cleaning off dust with a damp cloth. Check any air vents on your tool for blockages, and clear them with a cotton bud or a spray of compressed air. The longer the grime stays on your tool, the harder it will be to clean it off.

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How to maintain your power tool batteries

2. Store your power tools right

We’ve already covered cleaning, and it’s always best to put your tools away clean. Whether you’ve got heavy duty tool storage or just a spot in the shed, it’s best to keep them somewhere dry with a relatively stable temperature. It’s a great idea to keep some kind of moisture control solution in with your tools to suck up any moisture and keep it from damaging any of your equipment. It’s always good to hold on to user manuals so why not keep these in your tool storage area too, so they’re on hand if you ever need them.

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3. Stop using them if they get hot

While power tool technology is fairly efficient these days, there are still moving parts inside that deliver that powerful performance. If you feel your tool getting hot during a job, the best thing to do is stop and let it cool down. Overworking these moving parts can reduce efficiency and cause breakages. While this is far more likely to happen with older tools, it’s a good rule of thumb to follow no matter the age of the tool.

4. Look after your power tool batteries

For cordless power tools, getting the most out of each battery is just as important as the tools themselves. Your batteries will give the best performance from a full charge, and it’s best to keep using them until they go flat rather than charging from halfway. Once they’re charged, pull them off the charger. The batteries used in power tools work best if they get used regularly, so if you’ve got a bunch, make sure you use them on a rotation so each one gets used. It’s best to store them somewhere cool and dry, and if you need to clean the contacts, use a cotton bud and some isopropyl alcohol.

While lithium power tool batteries are built tough, don’t forget that they hold a charge and can be dangerous if mishandled. Make sure you read through the messages on the packaging and on the manual so you’ll know what to do if they’re dropped or compromised in some way. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

5. Keep an eye on your tools’ power cords

For tools that run off your mains, the power cord is often the first thing to get damaged. Before you use your tools, check the cords are in good working order with no cracks or splits. If you see damage, it may be best to avoid using it until you’ve had it checked by a technician*. Keep your cords coiled when the tools aren’t being used, and avoid storing heavy tools on top of them if possible. If you’re moving around while using a corded tool, make sure the cord has space to move where it won’t get snagged or caught on anything. It probably goes without saying, but don’t pull your tool by its cord.

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6. Tighten any loose screws you see in the tool’s casing

Sometimes with heavy use and intense vibration, a tool can shake loose the screws that hold its casing together. If this happens to you, tighten them up. Checking them regularly is a good practice to get into, just to avoid having a job interrupted or losing a screw you didn’t know was loose.

7. Avoid using dull or blunt blades and bits

The more you use your drill bits, blades and other attachments, the more they will naturally dull and blunt. Pushing on with dull bits and blades will make your drill or saw work a lot harder to get the same result. Using these for a long period of time puts more strain on the tool and may cause parts to wear out faster than expected. If you can sharpen your bits and blades, you should do-so regularly, otherwise replacing those worn parts will be best for the longevity of your tool.

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With the right care, you can get years and years of top performance out of your tools. It doesn’t require a lot of extra work to take care of them, and the benefits far outweigh the time it takes to care for them. Save yourself the cost of replacing them, keep them out of our landfills, and get any DIY job you dream up done right.

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