Power tools are expensive, and replacing worn-out equipment drains budgets fast. A structured preventive maintenance program keeps tools running reliably, reduces failure-related downtime, and extends service life by 50-100%.
Weekly Maintenance Tasks
Clean air vents on a weekly basis — sawdust, metal chips, and debris accumulate in motor vents and cause overheating. Use compressed air to blow out vents from the inside out. Inspect power cords for cuts, abrasion, or exposed conductors. Any cord showing damage must be replaced immediately — using a damaged cord is both an electrical hazard and an OSHA violation. Check chuck wear on drills — run-out beyond 0.010 inches reduces drilling accuracy and stresses the motor.
Monthly Inspection
Monthly, lubricate bearings and gears on applicable tools. Most grinders and circular saws have sealed bearings that don't require field lubrication, but gear boxes on worm-drive circular saws benefit from periodic grease inspection. Check arbor runout on saws — a wobbling blade produces dangerous vibration and poor cuts. Test ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection on tools equipped with it monthly using the test button.
Annual Professional Service
Cordless tool batteries degrade over time regardless of use. Test battery capacity with a battery analyzer and replace packs that have lost more than 20% of rated capacity. Schedule annual inspection by a qualified service technician for all electric power tools — motor brushes should be inspected and replaced if worn below minimum dimensions, armature and field windings should be checked for shorts and grounds, and switch mechanisms should be tested for intermittent operation.