Tools are a great asset to have in every home. They are vital to have for every prospective homeowner, but they do require maintenance, especially power tools. 

There’s a significant difference when it comes to maintaining your power tools in contrast to regular tools, as it’s a bit more complicated than cleaning them every once in a while. With certain power tools, you’ll need to go the extra mile and do things like sharpening the used blade.

Proper Storage

One of the most underrated aspects of tool maintenance is proper storage. A significant number of people store power tools without careful consideration whether or not such storage is good for the tools, and that might lower the tools’ lifespan. 

All power tools should be stored in dry, climate-controlled environments, as moisture and dirt can cause them to fall into disrepair and rust. On top of controlled storage, power tools should be carefully placed back in their original containers. That is often tedious and time-consuming, but that is the single best thing to do when storing your tools. The original containers are usually made so as to store the tools in question, so don’t neglect to do just that.

Battery Care

Most people prefer to buy cordless power tools. While these tools allow a greater degree of flexibility than corded ones, the fact that they have batteries means that they need to be properly maintained and replaced when their charge is empty. However, batteries can be fickle to maintain, due to their nature, as even a single overheat can cause the battery to expire significantly sooner. 

For example, if you’re using Makita batteries, you should always make sure to clean their contacts after usage with a cotton swab and alcohol, and then store them in a dry and cool spot. That works for all types of batteries, including Makita ones, so don’t neglect to keep that in mind when you buy Makita batteries for the appropriate tools. 

Not all batteries are disposable, however, so make sure to get proper chargers for them, such as Makita chargers for Makita batteries, and so on. Battery charging is arguably the most important thing when it comes to battery care. The single most crucial thing to be aware of is to never let your batteries completely die down. Always try to charge them when they drop down to 15% with their respective chargers. 

Try to avoid using third party chargers, because you might run into some compatibility issues that might potentially reduce your batteries’ lifespan. If you’re using the aforementioned Makita batteries, you should aim to use only Makita chargers, and that goes for any other battery brand. 

Understanding Usage Guidelines

Even the best handyman knows their tools’ limits. Each power tool is created with a specific intent and usage in mind, so it should be used within those limits. Using the tool for not a job they’re suited for will easily cause their lifespan to diminish, especially if you’re using it for something that’s totally against what they were meant to be used for. 

On top of that, you should familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s guidelines, as per the manual provided to you when you purchase the tool. It’s also important to understand the tool’s limits even before purchasing it, as you’d know exactly when and how to use it.

Regular Cleaning

Cleaning the power tools after usage should be a habit for every tool owner. They should be free of dirt, dust, grease, and debris before they’re placed in their containers, as that’s a sure way to make sure they last significantly longer. When cleaning, you should also inspect your power tools closely for any signs of damage, as well as any signs of corrosion or rust. 

Cleaning the motor contact is another wise thing to do to keep your tools in a constant functional state. Blow air through its vents to make sure no dust or debris is stuck inside, which also cools it down instantly and expands if lifecycle.

Tighten and Sharpen

Screws and bolts can easily be loosened with usage. That means when you’re inspecting your tool while cleaning, you should make sure that the tool itself feels tight enough so that no screw or bolt will fall off. Thankfully, tightening them is almost always incredibly easy, so by doing that, you allow your tool to last an even longer amount of time. Also, some bits and blades will often need sharpening. Any power tool that uses sharp bits will fall in disrepair quicker if those bits end up dull after usage, so don’t neglect to sharpen them when you feel they’re not as sharp as they used to be.

Don’t Mishandle the Tools

Tools should be used only for the intended purpose. By using the tool for things it’s not supposed to be used you significantly decrease its lifecycle. Even if you feel tempted to use the tool for an easy task that it’s not suited for, try to find a tool that’s much better for the task at hand. You can never anticipate every hazard when working with tools, so it’s best to minimise them as much as possible.

Don’t Modify Your Tools

There’s a reason why the tools are the way they are. The manufacturers have made the tools with that specific design in mind, and if you alter them in any way, you not only decrease their productivity, you also increase the risk of danger it can do to you. Try to avoid any hacks on your tools, so always use them as they are. Don’t alter them in any way. Say, if the power tool uses Makita batteries, simply buy Makita batteries instead of trying to hack in a different type of power supply. You’d be grateful that you haven’t busted your tool and lost that significant initial investment.

To Sum Up

Power tools are an important and vital part of every household. Caring for them will not offer you many opportunities around the home, but will also reduce your costs down the line. That’s not to mention that you will be able to work on your projects hassle-free, as opposed to constantly having tools that just barely work. Carefully maintaining your tools should be on your list of your priorities when you own power tools, and you’ll thank yourself that you’ve maintained them as well as possible.