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Keep Electric Tools In Top ShapeBy Jim Sulski Summary: There is nothing worse than starting a project and discovering that your drill isn't working. Jim gives you tips on how to keep all your electric tools in top shape. There's nothing worse than a non-functioning electric drill or electric saw. When electric tools no longer function properly, it's usually due to neglect, not failure or wear. And with a little care, these tools can last a long time, and also be ready when needed. What follows are a few tips to keeping electric tools in top shape. Let's start with general care. Because of their moving parts, power tools are not as durable as hand tools and need a bit more attention. To remove dirt or other grime from an electric drill or saw or sander, unplug the tool, or remove its battery. Then wipe the tool down with a damp sponge or cloth. Be careful not to soak the tool. That could ruin it. You can also use commercial spot cleaners to remove paint or other stains from the casing of a tool. Be especially careful, however, with those spot cleaners that are flammable, because electric tools throw off sparks. Another way to keep power tools functioning well is to clean them out with a vacuum cleaner or an air hose. This will remove sawdust after sanding or cutting wood, or plaster dust after drilling into a wall. If the tool has a dust- or sawdust-collecting bag, make sure you clean it out frequently. Again, use a vacuum cleaner or air hose to remove fine debris from the bag. Another important tip: Never carry a power tool by its power cord. Also, never secure it to a ladder by tying the cord to a rung, or pull the plug out of a wall outlet by yanking on the cord. When you're through using power tools, don't tightly wrap the cord around the tool or handle. All of that can damage the cord and the tool will stop working. Another concern is storage. Most tools are ruined because they are left on a basement or garage floor. Then comes a rainstorm, or a washing machine overflows, and the tools are destroyed by water damage. Or at the very least, their metal parts begin to get rusty. Be especially careful after using tools outside, where they are more prone to be exposed to moisture. There's enough moisture in the dew of the grass to ruin a power tool. Rust can also spread from tool to tool if they're thrown haphazardly into a toolbox or back off of a pickup truck versus individual cases. Most electric tools come with their own storage boxes. If not, you can buy small storage boxes for under $5 at housewares stores. Make sure the box or case is airtight, so that if it is left out in the rain, the tool will be protected. If a power tool does happen to get wet, dry it off with a clean, dry cloth. Or use a blow drier on a low setting or a shop vacuum to dry the inner workings. Make sure it is completely dry before storing it away. Also, never store your power took in with a bunch of rusty nails or screws. That rust can quickly spread to the casing and metal inner workings of the tool. It's also important to protect the bits and blades of your power tools. A dull blade or bit can cause you to overwork the tool, which could cause a premature death. Again, proper storage will help the most. Drill bits, router bits and circular saw blades that are tossed into a toolbox and are jostled against each other or other tools will dull quickly. So will drill bits that are left in the drill's chuck when the drill is tossed on a workbench with other tools. In addition, never store a power tool or accessory near a heat source. Even direct sunlight through a basement window, or the high heat in a garage on a hot sunny day, can damage or warp the plastic part of a tool. High heat can also cause havoc to the rechargeable batteries in cordless tools. If a power tool does become damaged, it sometimes can be repaired at a cost
less than a replacement tool. Check your owner's manual or with a local hardware
store that sells the brand. © by Jim Sulski. All rights reserved. January 27, 2005. NOTE: This column is distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate, PO Box 366, Glencoe, Illinois, 60022. This column may not be resold, reprinted, resyndicated or redistributed without written permission from the publisher. © 2005 by Ilyce R. Glink. Distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate. |
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