Your Ultimate Guide to Power Tool Maintenance

Written by: Franklyn Liriano

September 13, 2019

Power tools are extremely useful for a lot of activities. But just like everything else, power tools undergo wear and tear. It then becomes our responsibility to take care of them and restore them to excellent working condition.

The most important step in keeping your power tools in top working condition is to ensure that they are stored and maintained in the right way. Unfortunately, a lot of tool users are unaware of power tool best practices. This leads to them making avoidable mistakes, and could have saved them from discarding a perfectly good power tool.

So, to help you, we’ve made a list of the top 20 questions that every power tool user will have and wants to know the answer to. Take a look:

1. 1. When should I replace my power tools?

      While there is no specific rule about when you should sell your old tools and buy new ones, most veterans in the industry follow either the 30% or 50% rule. If your power tool repairs cost more than 30% or more than 50% of a new power tool, then you should replace it.

   2. When buying a power tool, should I buy a used one or a new one?

      A used power tool that is in great shape which comes at a budget-friendly price and is sold by a certified seller is always a winner. However, you should do your research to find out why the tool is so inexpensive, who the seller is, and how he/she was using the power tool. This will help you decide whether the used tool has a long life or not, and if it’s worth the investment.

   3. How do I discover the age of the used power tool I’m about to buy?

The model number of a tool determines the tool’s age. Usually, power tools have their model numbers printed on them in tiny print somewhere on the body. You just need to look for the model number to know the tool’s age.

1. Where can I find the model number of a power tool, if it isn’t on the tool?

   If the model number isn’t on the tool itself, you should head online. Power tool companies always list their tools’ model numbers on their website. You can visit their website and look for the tool in their product listing. Or, you can contact customer support and ask them for information.

   You can even ask the seller when they bought the tool or ask them for the bill if they have it.

2. What factors cause a power tool to deteriorate in condition?

   There are three factors which ruin the condition of your power tools:

   • Extreme weather conditions
   • Rough usage
   • Poor care, transport, and storage

3. Is there a way I can increase the longevity of my power tools?

   Yes, you can do the following:

   • Follow the care instructions recommended by the tool manufacturer.
   • Don’t leave your tool exposed to heat, cold, or water.
   • Never allow others to use your tool unless you trust them to take care of it.
   • Don’t clean all tools the same way; follow the specific cleaning techniques.
   • Buy only premium-quality cleaning products.

4. How do power tools break or split open?

   Your power tools could break apart if you:

   • Manhandle them
   • Use them roughly
   • Drop them
   • Don’t care for them in the correct manner.

5. How can I minimize the wear & tear that my power tools experience?

   Regularly wiping, cleaning, and lubricating your power tools can keep your tools strong and in good working condition for a lot longer. When this happens, wear & tear automatically reduces.

6. Where should I store my power tools after use, and how?

   The best place to store your power tools is somewhere dry and warm. Always clean them nicely and then store them in a bag or case.

7. What are the important care instructions that I need to follow for my power tools?

   Every power tool manufacturing company provides a list of directions that you need to follow to care for your tool. It’s best if you follow these to the tee. Be sure to learn how to care for the tool’s accessories and parts as well, as this increases the longevity of your tool.

8. Is there any special process that I need to follow when cleaning my power tools?

   Depending on what type of power tool it is, you’ll need to either wipe it clean with a dry rag or use a small paintbrush to clear away the dust. For some tools, you need to use water or another recommended liquid to clean them. If there are any nuts, bolts, and screws, you should regularly oil them and tighten them if they’re loose.

9. Can I oil my power tools, and how often?

   Yes, you can oil power tools, and you should. Most tools need to be oiled only once every few weeks. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to know if you should oil them more frequently or not.

   But there are some tools like Makita cordless impact wrench, which don’t require any oiling at all. So, read the tool’s manual before you do anything.

10. What is the lifespan of a brush motor, and how often should I replace it?

    Contrary to popular belief, brush motor tools have a long lifespan. If you take care of them well, they can work perfectly for up to 100 hours, before you need to do even minor repairs; and years before you need to replace them.

11. Do brushless motor power tools last longer than brush motor power tools?

    Brushless motor tools use a circuit board to evenly distribute the power they use. They adjust the motor’s output depending on the power they use for a task. These, plus the limited friction they experience, compared to brush motor tools, gives them a longer lifespan.

    This is one of the reasons it is recommended that you purchase a brushless motor power tool.

12. Does the climate I stay in affect the quality and lifespan of my power tools?

    Yes, it does. Power tools are made of materials whose structural integrity are affected by extreme changes in temperature. But as long as you store them the right way, it shouldn’t matter.

    Keep the tools away from water, snow, ice, sand, and fire. Follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer and use only those lubricants and polishes which can withstand the temperature.

    Additionally, remember that AC/DC tools do deteriorate at certain altitudes since they are not designed to be used at that heights. Use them as little in altitudes as you can.

13. Will my power tool battery run longer if I use my tool more frequently?

    Whenever you use your power tool, chances are you’ll charge its battery. Over time, overuse of the tool will wear-out the battery too and reduce its capacity.

    One way to get the batteries to last long is to allow the battery to cool before you begin charging it. So, wait an hour after using the tool to charge the battery. If the battery life is still too short, you will need a cordless drill battery replacement.

14. Will my power tools need replacing if I use them too often or too little?

    Using any tool too often will lead to wear & tear and ultimately, will require replacement. Using tools too little will lead to the parts getting jammed because of lack-of-use and will make the tool uncomfortable to use.

15. How do I identify if a power tool’s working capacity is right for me?

    Before you buy a power tool, analyze how much working power you need from the tool. Then, use the tool’s model number to find out the specifications of the tool. Here you will find out its working capacity.

16. Which type of power tools is the best: pneumatic, electric, gas, or cordless?

    While each type of tool has its own benefits, tools with mechanical parts are easier to use, have a longer lifespan, and get spare parts more easily.

17. How much would power tool repairs cost?

    The cost of power tool repair depends on many things, like the brand, the extensiveness of the damage, and the repair center in question. For example, Bosch grinder repairs and Makita drill repairs will certainly cost more than the repairs of non-branded power tools.