Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions

First off, we recommend reading the manual and any additional

instructions provided by the manufacturer. Yes, it’s no one’s
favorite task, but we assure you that reading the manual will pay
off in the long run! Be aware, if you do not follow the manual, you
risk voiding the warranty of your power tools. Below are some
great general tips to keep your power tools working for longer,
but please always take note of what the manufacturer says first!

We all know that manufacturers provide a user manual when you

make a purchase, but did you know that some also have online
resources with tips for using their tools? For example, Jet Tools
has specific care and maintenance videos for their equipment
(like bandsaws) available on YouTube:

Use the Correct Equipment for the Job

It’s key for both your own safety and the lifespan of your power
tools that you use the right equipment for the job. Using an
incorrect blade or drill bit can cause unnecessary wear and tear
on the accessories and tool motor. Doing research to determine
the correct oscillating tool blade, the correct drill bit, or even
the correct drill for your project, will ensure that your
accessories and power tools work for longer.

Sharpen Bits and Blades

Using a power tool with a dull blade or bit can cause extra stress
on your tool’s motor, and will impact the performance of your
power tool. Also, dull blades can increase operator fatigue and
decrease the lifespan of the blades and bits themselves.
Manufacturers generally recommend sending their products to a
professional sharpening service (remember those warranty
considerations!). However, a variety of online resources do exist
such as detailed instruction guides and YouTube videos to help
you master sharpening at home with the right equipment.

Tighten Power Tool Bolts and Screws

This is a super easy one! With use over time, the bolts and
screws keeping your power tool together can loosen. Regularly
check to ensure mounting screws are tightened to prevent
malfunctioning and ensure the tool is working efficiently.

Clean Power Tools After Each Use

It may be tedious but a 2-minute clean can go a long way in

prolonging the life of your power tools. Wiping the tool clean with
a soft cloth after each use will prevent dust and grime from
building up on the tool’s surface and prevent it from making its
way into the tool’s internal mechanical parts. It also helps to do
an occasional deep clean with a damp cloth and compressed air
(for those hard-to-reach parts) to ensure that dirt and other
impurities do not cause mechanical issues. Do not use bleach,
chlorine, or paint thinner to clean the plastic parts of your tools
as they can damage them.

Store Carefully

To keep your power tools working for longer, store them in a cool
dry place since moisture will corrode the electrical components
and break down the body of your tools. Storing them next to
silica gel packs is a good way to ensure that moisture does not
damage your tools. Did you know, the purpose of having silica
gel packs in many of the things you buy is for the silica to absorb
and hold moisture?

Storing your power tools in their original cases is also important.

Leaving your tools out in the open while you complete other
projects within the same area can cause dust and moisture to
build up inside, even if you do not use the tool for that particular
project. Also, your tools are more likely to sustain damage or
have parts misplaced if they are dumped loose in a drawer with a
bunch of other tools or workshop supplies.
 Image source: Ra Dragon
– unsplash.com
Lubricate Power Tools as Instructed

The moving parts of your power tools may need to be lubricated

regularly (although not all power tools require lubrication after
purchase). Learn how to correctly lubricate your tool by reading
the instructions detailed in the tool’s manual from the
manufacturer. Proper lubrication prevents overheating,
corrosion, and chafing of your tools. Ensure you use only the type
of lubricant recommended by the manufacturer (take special
note: WD 40 is not a one size fits all solution for lubrication) and
closely follow the manual’s instructions. If you no longer have a
hard copy, many manufacturers post owner’s manuals for their
tools on their websites. You can also reach out to the
manufacturer if an older tool’s manual cannot be found, or
search online Manual Libraries.

Repair with Replacement Parts

If one part of your power tool fails, try sourcing a replacement

part for it. You can save money by not having to buy a whole new
tool and this will also prevent the tool from ending up in our
recycling pile! Check with the manufacturer to see if they sell
replacement parts. Alternatively, they may be able to direct you
to a local or online store to purchase the part.

Look after Power Tool Batteries

Although tool batteries generally are replaceable, the cost of a

new battery can be high. To get the longest life from your
batteries, store them where the temperature remains the same.
Here are some useful tips from FamilyHandyman.com on how to
keep your Lithium-ion tool batteries working for longer:

 Li-ion batteries can handle only 800 to 1,000 charges. Don’t

recharge a battery if you’ve used it for just a few minutes.
 Store batteries where the temperature remains the same,
so don’t leave them in the car—either in the cabin or the
trunk. High heat and subzero cold can reduce battery life.
 Storing a battery in direct sunlight can really heat it up, so
shield it from the sun.
 If you’re not going to use your battery for a while, give it a
full charge and then store it. Do not let it be stored for long
periods of time on a charge that is 50% or less.

Beyond Repair? Recycle it!

Lastly, despite careful maintenance and repairs, if your power

tool stops working for good we can recycle it! ElectroRecycle
accepts many types of handheld and freestanding power tools
for recycling at collection sites across British Columbia! There’s
a location near you to recycle power drills, circular saws, drill
presses, and more including:
Use our Accepted Products search tool to check if your broken
power tool is recyclable through our program.

For more tips on how to repair and maintain other small

appliances in your home, read our blog posts:

Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions

First off, we recommend reading the manual and any additional

instructions provided by the manufacturer. Yes, it’s no one’s
favorite task, but we assure you that reading the manual will pay
off in the long run! Be aware, if you do not follow the manual, you
risk voiding the warranty of your power tools. Below are some
great general tips to keep your power tools working for longer,
but please always take note of what the manufacturer says first!

We all know that manufacturers provide a user manual when you

make a purchase, but did you know that some also have online
resources with tips for using their tools? For example, Jet Tools
has specific care and maintenance videos for their equipment
(like bandsaws) available on YouTube:

Use the Correct Equipment for the Job

It’s key for both your own safety and the lifespan of your power
tools that you use the right equipment for the job. Using an
incorrect blade or drill bit can cause unnecessary wear and tear
on the accessories and tool motor. Doing research to determine
the correct oscillating tool blade, the correct drill bit, or even
the correct drill for your project, will ensure that your
accessories and power tools work for longer.

Sharpen Bits and Blades

Using a power tool with a dull blade or bit can cause extra stress
on your tool’s motor, and will impact the performance of your
power tool. Also, dull blades can increase operator fatigue and
decrease the lifespan of the blades and bits themselves.
Manufacturers generally recommend sending their products to a
professional sharpening service (remember those warranty
considerations!). However, a variety of online resources do exist
such as detailed instruction guides and YouTube videos to help
you master sharpening at home with the right equipment.

Tighten Power Tool Bolts and Screws

This is a super easy one! With use over time, the bolts and
screws keeping your power tool together can loosen. Regularly
check to ensure mounting screws are tightened to prevent
malfunctioning and ensure the tool is working efficiently.

Clean Power Tools After Each Use

It may be tedious but a 2-minute clean can go a long way in

prolonging the life of your power tools. Wiping the tool clean with
a soft cloth after each use will prevent dust and grime from
building up on the tool’s surface and prevent it from making its
way into the tool’s internal mechanical parts. It also helps to do
an occasional deep clean with a damp cloth and compressed air
(for those hard-to-reach parts) to ensure that dirt and other
impurities do not cause mechanical issues. Do not use bleach,
chlorine, or paint thinner to clean the plastic parts of your tools
as they can damage them.

Store Carefully

To keep your power tools working for longer, store them in a cool
dry place since moisture will corrode the electrical components
and break down the body of your tools. Storing them next to
silica gel packs is a good way to ensure that moisture does not
damage your tools. Did you know, the purpose of having silica
gel packs in many of the things you buy is for the silica to absorb
and hold moisture?

Storing your power tools in their original cases is also important.

Leaving your tools out in the open while you complete other
projects within the same area can cause dust and moisture to
build up inside, even if you do not use the tool for that particular
project. Also, your tools are more likely to sustain damage or
have parts misplaced if they are dumped loose in a drawer with a
bunch of other tools or workshop supplies.

Image source: Ra Dragon

– unsplash.com
Lubricate Power Tools as Instructed

The moving parts of your power tools may need to be lubricated

regularly (although not all power tools require lubrication after
purchase). Learn how to correctly lubricate your tool by reading
the instructions detailed in the tool’s manual from the
manufacturer. Proper lubrication prevents overheating,
corrosion, and chafing of your tools. Ensure you use only the type
of lubricant recommended by the manufacturer (take special
note: WD 40 is not a one size fits all solution for lubrication) and
closely follow the manual’s instructions. If you no longer have a
hard copy, many manufacturers post owner’s manuals for their
tools on their websites. You can also reach out to the
manufacturer if an older tool’s manual cannot be found, or
search online Manual Libraries.

Repair with Replacement Parts

If one part of your power tool fails, try sourcing a replacement
part for it. You can save money by not having to buy a whole new
tool and this will also prevent the tool from ending up in our
recycling pile! Check with the manufacturer to see if they sell
replacement parts. Alternatively, they may be able to direct you
to a local or online store to purchase the part.

Look after Power Tool Batteries

Although tool batteries generally are replaceable, the cost of a

new battery can be high. To get the longest life from your
batteries, store them where the temperature remains the same.
Here are some useful tips from FamilyHandyman.com on how to
keep your Lithium-ion tool batteries working for longer:

 Li-ion batteries can handle only 800 to 1,000 charges. Don’t

recharge a battery if you’ve used it for just a few minutes.
 Store batteries where the temperature remains the same,
so don’t leave them in the car—either in the cabin or the
trunk. High heat and subzero cold can reduce battery life.
 Storing a battery in direct sunlight can really heat it up, so
shield it from the sun.
 If you’re not going to use your battery for a while, give it a
full charge and then store it. Do not let it be stored for long
periods of time on a charge that is 50% or less.

Beyond Repair? Recycle it!

Lastly, despite careful maintenance and repairs, if your power

tool stops working for good we can recycle it! ElectroRecycle
accepts many types of handheld and freestanding power tools
for recycling at collection sites across British Columbia! There’s
a location near you to recycle power drills, circular saws, drill
presses, and more including:

Use our Accepted Products search tool to check if your broken

power tool is recyclable through our program.

For more tips on how to repair and maintain other small

appliances in your home, read our blog posts: