How to make your power tools last

Today's electric drills, circular saws, sanders and other power tools have more features and power than the ones your dad had — but if you want them to last as long as his, pay attention to proper use and maintenance.

• If you don't want to find yourself replacing power tools, do regular maintenance such as dusting tools off with a paintbrush after each use, and occasionally running a shop vacuum over the vents.
• Most importantly, keep the owner's manual.
• When something breaks, you can order the part and fix it. It's simple to install new brushes or a new trigger, and cheaper than replacing the whole thing.

Do not use a rechargeable drill or saw to perform tasks that require high torque (turning power) — you'll shorten the life of the tool. Corded tools are better suited to such tasks. Other tips:

• Avoid extremely cold or hot storage conditions
• Recharge an unused battery every two months
• Let the battery cool before recharging
• Never use a cordless tool near an open flame or pilot light or even sparks. Batteries produce highly explosive hydrogen gas.

• Keep cutting edges on drill bits and saw blades sharp.
• This will keep them from binding, avoid motor strain and lengthen the life of your tools. It will also make the tools safer to use, and they'll produce better results.

• Don't use solvents on power tools; they can damage the plastic housings used on most tools today. Similarly, keep tools from contact with brake fluid, gasoline and penetrating oils.
• They can damage and weaken plastic parts, too.
• Use a mild detergent to remove grease; otherwise, wipe them clean with a dampened rag.

• Many good-quality electric power tools have replaceable carbon motor brushes.
• Excessive sparking may mean the brushes are worn out and need replacement.
• Check brush thickness periodically, and replace brushes when they get down to six millimetres (1/4 inch) or the thickness recommended in your manual.
• The brushes are spring-loaded, so take care when removing them.

• If your unit is oil-lubricated, change the oil at the intervals recommended in your manual.
• Although the oil will not look dirty, as it does in your car, it still should be changed. Change oil filters and air filters as recommended.
• Drain condensation from the air storage tank after each use.
• There is usually a petcock located at the lowest part of the tank that releases the air in the tank, along with moisture contained in the air.
• If you don't drain the tank, it will rust from the inside and eventually begin to leak air.

• The best way to keep those expensive circular saw blades sharp is to store them carefully.
• Sandwich them with cardboard, and put them in a drawer.
• Resins from wood will build up on your saw blades, causing them to perform poorly and overheat.
• Extend the life of circular saw blades and table saw blades by removing gum and resins with pitch-and-gum remover.
• Soaking blades in turpentine and then rubbing them with steel wool once the gum has softened will work, too.

• Check the Canadian Standards Association regularly for recalls.
• Most recalls happen while the tool is relatively new, when you're more likely to take up the offending company on its cost-free offer to repair or replace the tool.
• You can also check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for recalls.