Power Tools: Maintenance Tips

Where would we be without power tools? They make getting the job done so much quicker and easier, but only if they’re working properly. With 30 years in the property maintenance business, we know how important good tool care is if you want your power tools to stay fully functional and avoid costly repairs or replacements. After all, you’ve probably paid a few quid for the ones you’ve got, so it makes financial sense to look after them well. Here are a few things that will help prolong the life of your power tools.

Use your power tools properly

We know it sounds pretty obvious but we’ve probably all seen people give it a go. ‘Improvising’ with a different tool because you don’t have exactly the right one to hand can lead to tool damage. Simple stuff like using the right drill bits and on the appropriate surfaces, or banging a nail in with something that clearly wasn’t designed to be used as a hammer will help avoid breakages.

Store tools safely

When you want to get home after a long day, it’s tempting to chuck everything in the back of the van with the intention of sorting it all out later (but never get actually round to it). Not storing your tools properly in your van, lockup or on site in between jobs can shorten their lifespan. Not only do things get bashed about a bit if they’re not secured and protected properly they can also degrade if kept conditions that are too damp, cold, hot, etc. So, put them back in their boxes, wherever possible, and make sure the environmental conditions are suitable.

Look after your batteries

If they’re spares or you’ve taken them out of the tool, the above storage tips still apply. When it comes to charging tool batteries, it’s generally a good idea to top them up when they dip to around 70%. Charge them to capacity when you do top them up and make sure that they’re used and charged regularly – an underused battery won’t last long.

Keep your tools clean

Boring but necessary. A quick wipe over after every use to get rid of dust, grime and anything else that you don’t want to get into the works is always a good idea. It also gives you a chance to give them a regular check over to see if there are any potential repairs or replacements looming. Combined with a deep clean every once in a while, it’s often enough to stop dirt working its way into places where it can cause problems. Obviously, some tools will need a bit more TLC than others depending on how complex or exposed each power tool’s mechanism is, but a little bit of regular care goes a long way.

Lubricate regularly

When moving parts dry up, you’re in trouble. Obviously, different tools will need different lubricants at varying intervals, so you’ll need to check what’s appropriate. That regular drop of oil or smear of grease might not seem like much, but it could seriously extend the life of your power tools, saving you money in the long run.

While your power tools’ life span depends to a certain extent on what make they are and how much they’ll be used, good maintenance will really help keep them in top condition so you can get on with the job.