how to maintain your power tools

How to Maintain Your Power Tools

I’ve learned that hard way that improper maintenance can cause mechanical failure which, in turn, can lead to loss of control. Not only that, it’s darn possible that the tool can become unusable–or I could even get hurt.

There are some truly serious risks to the user, such as the risk of electrocution when it comes to poorly maintained power tools. There is also the risk of these tools emitting unnecessary smoke or toxic fumes.

Some people complain that they have mistakenly bought something that they thought was worth their money, that the thing didn’t last as expected, or that it was not as durable as it claims to be.

But sometimes, the very same people don’t know that their equipment or power tool didn’t last because they didn’t take some simple steps to maintain and take care of it.

Other than product defects and improper use, neglect is the leading cause of tools not being able to last as they should.

Power tools can be quite an investment, and if you want to get you your money’s worth and eventually have these tools pay for themselves, you have to make sure that they last as long as you need them to.

Maintaining you power tools is a relatively small task; it’s not necessarily technical, but it does require some common sense.

Maintain you power tools by following these helpful pieces of advice:

1. Use properly

Proper maintenance doesn’t just mean cleaning and applying oil, it also means proper use. Know your power tools, their limits, and their specifications.

2. Always follow the manual

Avoid using tools for heavy duty work if they’re not made for it; not only will this accelerate wear and tear on the power tool, it will also result in poor workmanship.

3. Look out for damage

Replace worn out drill bits and blades, as otherwise they can cause you power tool to work harder than it needs to.

Visually inspect your power tools for any cracks or damage. If these are discovered during work, stop immediately.

4. Don’t overcharge batteries

When it comes to the batteries of you portable power tools, make sure that they are not left in the charger for too long. It is also important to keep them dry. In case they overheat during use, stop work immediately.

5. Replace worn-out brushes

Power tools like drills and impact wrenches have motors, and some of them have brushes to deliver the electricity to those motors. You have to replace these brushes as they wear out. Worn out brushes can cause a decline in performance.

It is best to buy the brushes from the same manufacturer of your power tool to ensure that they will be compatible. Also, make sure to replace not just one brush; they come in pairs, so replace them both at the same time to ensure proper contact and delivery of electricity.

6. Store in dry places

Power tools are made of metal; make sure to store them in dry, not damp, places. Rust can be removed, but if left unchecked, it can accumulate and eventually destroy your power tools.

If there is rust in the inside or in the moving parts of your power tool, its best to remove them first before starting to use these tools once more.

If you have their original cases, its best to store the tools there, and then put the case in a place where it can’t be reached by water.

7. Don’t let dirt accumulate

Clean or dust your power tools after every use. Don’t let dirt accumulate – especially in the inside. Use a small vacuum, a toothbrush, or an air compressor, but first, make sure that the power tool is unplugged before you start cleaning.

Also make sure that you know how to put the power tool back together. Otherwise, it’s better to let somebody else do it. It useless to clean your power tools just to store them in dusty places.

Apply a small amount of oil to the gears and moving parts of you power tools. Apply a small drop before use; don’t apply too much, as oil can retain and eventually accumulate dust and dirt, resulting into grimy and sludgy equipment that works less efficiently.

8. Check cords for damage

Check if electrical cords and cables are still intact and free of cuts and damage. Make sure to replace worn out parts with similar parts; avoid unnecessary modifications.

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