Maintaining Hand and Power Tools

Owning your own hand and power tools makes yard work and home repairs much easier. To protect the investment that you make in your tools, it is important to take proper care of them. This will help to keep them in good working order and will enable you to use them for years to come, instead of having to continuously replace them.

• Hand and power tools should be wiped down after each use.


• Power tools should be blown out after each use. Debris often clogs power tools, so pay special attention to the chuck, vent and openings.


• All tools should be stored in a dry area. Never leave them out in wet weather.


• Pneumatic air tools should be oiled. One drop of oil at the end of the gun before the first use and then after every 3000 nails is enough. Do not over oil.


• If you own an air compressor, remember to check the oil during heavy use. Also remember to drain it after use.


• Coat tools that are going to be stored and not used for a long period of time with grease or oil.


• Use a file or sharpening stone to sharpen your hand tools.


• Sharpen or replace dull drill bits.


• Inspect power tools for wear and tear before each use. Pay special attention to cords.


• Keep saw blades clean. Saw blades can become coated with a sticky residue that causes them to drag or vibrate during cutting.


• Use a bearing lubricant to periodically lubricate bearings and moving parts on your tools.


• Keep tools on racks up off the floor and away from dampness or in tool boxes that keep moisture out whenever they are not being used.


• Handle tools with care to prevent dents.