Your tools are your most important asset. They make doing your job possible. To extend the life of your power tools, you should implement sound maintenance procedures. Most tool care routines are relatively basic and easy habits you may practice regularly.
1. Cool Down Your Heated Tools
Overworking a tool puts a lot of strain on the motor and can lead to overheating. This mostly occurs when cutting through tough materials like drilling into concrete or sawing very hard wood. If you run a tool for too long without stopping, it may also overheat.
2. Regularly Clean
Clean power equipment before putting it away for the night and after each shift. This will ensure their best possible performance. Use a good cleaning cloth to remove dirt and other particles from the outer casing.
3. Lubricate
Lubrication is required to keep all of your power tools’ moving parts operational. Check your owner’s handbook for the tool maintenance section and the manufacturer’s instructions on lubricating your instrument and which to use. Maintaining proper lubrication levels prevents friction, heating, and corrosion.
4. Keep Your Bits and Blades Sharp
Using old and dull drill bits or saw blades takes extra effort to complete the task. This puts additional strain on the motor, possibly damaging components or causing the tool to overheat as a result of stress. It’s also critical that you use the correct bit for the material you’re working with.
5. Calibrate
Power tools are precise instruments that require a lot of moving parts to remain in alignment. The tool calibration procedure outlined in your user’s manual will most likely recommend recalibration after a specific amount of usage hours. Most tool manufacturers provide calibration services for their devices.
6. Tool Storage
Power equipment, like corded tools, should be kept in a dry and clean location. Maintaining power tools in an unclean environment might cause electrical components to malfunction and corrode. This may result in safety concerns or the tool’s complete failure.
7. Replacement Parts
Some components of your tool will wear out after time, necessitating their replacement. The tool’s carbon brushes are one of the most frequent replacements, as they conduct electricity through the motor. If your power equipment has a drive belt, such as a belt sander or a power saw, check it for wear and replace worn drive belts before they break.
8. Battery Care
Power tools are now almost exclusively run on lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have specific suggested processes to care for them. These include:
- Ensuring the battery is charged or discharged to approximately 50% capacity before storage.
- The battery is charged to approximately 50% capacity at least once every six months.
- Store the battery separately from the intended product.
- Battery storage temperatures should be between 5 °C and 20 °C (41 °F and 68 °F).
9. Check Electrical Cords
Regularly inspect the power cords on your corded power tools for any damage. If you see any damaged insulation or exposed wires, replace the cord immediately and do not attempt to fix it yourself.
10. Check Safety Features
Most power tools have some type of safety feature like guards or switches. These features are there to protect you and should be checked regularly to make sure they are working properly. Replacing a damaged or missing safety feature is usually a simple process and well worth the effort to maintain your safety while using power tools.
Following these tips for proper power tool maintenance will help extend the life of your tools and prevent costly repairs down the road.
