Keeping Good Care of Your Power Tools
Practicing proper care and maintenance towards your power tools can make any home improvement or repair project easier, safer and more successful. The better you take care of your tools, the longer they’ll last and keep you from spending money on new ones. Listed below are some good tips to practice on the power tools you may have.
Power Tools
It is important to keep power tools clean because of their mechanical and electrical parts. Dust and other debris can cause power tools to malfunction, making your tool not work at its best performance.
Includes- electric drills, saws, sanders, nailers, etc.
Cleaning- Wipe your tools down with a towel or rag after each completed job then store away properly. Tools that have vents or hard-to-clean crevices can be cleaned by using a can of compressed air or an air compressor to remove dust and dirt. Deep cleaning can also be made possible with a damp cloth. Make sure to get the exhausts and intakes as well with lightly oiled cotton swabs or other cleaning materials. Filters should also be swapped out with new ones as often as specified by manufacturer’s instructions.
Storing- Keeping tools in their original case, storage drawers, or tool chests will protect them against dust and moisture. Areas such as garages, basements, or spaces with moderately controlled climates are the best for these storage practices.
Inspecting- Check power tools periodically for any signs of damage or wear, especially power cords. Cord prongs that are loose or bent should be repaired or replaced. Exposed or frayed wires should be repaired or replaced immediately. Having poor power cords or prongs can lead to possible injuries or fires.
Lubricating- For premium performance, keep moving parts lubricated. Before choosing what kind of oil to use, it is best to refer to your owner’s manual for possible recommendations or requirements. Lubricating your power tools properly will keep them running smoothly and decreases the chance of rust from developing.
Batteries- Cleaning batteries with cotton swabs and alcohol can prolong their longevity. Store unused batteries in a dry and clean space away from excessive heat. To keep batteries working at peak level, fully charge and then fully discharge their power once every couple of weeks. Using batteries once every two weeks instead of letting them sit unused for extended periods of time is another good practice.
Putting these practices to use on your power tools will benefit not only your tools, but also your jobs and projects. Keeping and reading your instruction manuals for all of your tools will inform you of how to take care of your tools, finding replacement parts, how to safely operate your tools and more. YBC carries a wide variety of tools for your project needs. Click here to view all tool options from YBC.