Power Tools Care and Maintenance By Andrew Stratton At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Power tools don't come cheap and there's nothing worse than spending a fortune on a new drill just to have it break down a year later. Unless you're an avid carpenter, the average person will use his power tools sparingly, probably only a few times a year or even less. In order to ensure you don't waste your investment or risk your safety, you should take some regular maintenance precautions in order to keep your tools in top condition.

Another important reason to perform regular maintenance routines is to keep yourself safe. A rusty blade or broken gear can cause you or a loved one to suffer a serious injury. Never turn on a power tool if you think it has been damaged.

To help prevent problems from occurring, it's important to keep your tools in a clean, dry area, away from dust and moisture. Dirt can get trapped in mechanisms either slowing them down or stopping them altogether. Too much moisture can cause rust, which can easily destroy the power tools. This is especially true if they are battery powered. Batteries should be checked often for leaks and changed according to factory specifications. Electrical cords and plugs should also be examined for damage before using.

Keeping your power tools oiled is also an important part of regular maintenance. This helps maintain clean movement and also can preventing rusting. Oiling keeps your equipment running smoothly and should be performed often. It's inexpensive to buy and can add years of life to your power tools.

Larger tools will require a more thorough maintenance. Filters should be checked and changed often as well as oiling, dusting, and testing between uses. Bolts, hoses, and other small parts should be kept tight. Tools like table saws will need alignment and balancing occasionally to ensure that they work properly. Blades will also need to be replaced periodically. If you're unsure of how to perform any necessary maintenance, consult with a professional. Never attempt to clean or fix a machine without experience and knowledge. Not only could you potentially damage the tool, but you could seriously hurt yourself in the process.

If an object becomes trapped in the power tool or the mechanisms fail, make sure the machine is completely shut off before disassembling. Always follow all given instructions on taking apart any piece of equipment and then reassembling. Don't add or alter any parts without consulting the manufacturer.

The most important part of power tool maintenance is safety. Save all instruction booklets that come with your power tools. These will be invaluable when problems arise or if you rarely use the tool. If you're unsure of how to fix a problem, either call the manufacturer or have a professional look at it. Be sure that your tools are also in good condition before lending them out to a friend. You don't want to be responsible for the ramifications of using a faulty tool. Performing a little bit of maintenance will keep your power tools running smoothly for years to come.

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