Roger Redden, National Roofing Account Manager, Makita USA
When asked, “What are your most important assets that contribute to the success of your business, most owners will always say “My employees,” and they would be right. However, what is often overlooked and what represents a smaller line item in the budget are tools. I have heard people say, “I have a personal relationship with my tools.” These are the things that help you get the job done and will always go from job to job. They make you money and help your employees produce a consistent, high-quality finished product.
Tool maintenance is also overlooked for the most part and just like the maintenance of your fleet, a well-maintained tool will last longer and perform to the manufacturer’s specification longer, saving your company time, money and effort.
Rising costs and worldwide shortages make it more important than ever to treat your tools like the assets they are. Warranties differ from company to company and tool to tool, usually ranging from one to three years. Below are some things that you can do to extend the life of your tools.
Overworking a tool puts stress on its motor and can cause it to overheat. This occurs when you apply unneeded pressure trying to make the tool work faster or work with harder materials such as concrete or an extremely dense wood. Overheating can also occur
if you run a tool too long. If your tool seems like it is getting hot, stop what you are doing and give it a break until it can cool down. This will save you from wearing out the motor or burning out parts.
Cleaning tools at the end of every shift and before they are stored will help with longevity. You can wipe dirt and other particles from the outside casing with a good cleaning cloth. Compressed air is the best option to clean the particles from the tool’s vents.
Lubrication is necessary (especially for pneumatics) to keep all the moving parts on your tools working properly. Check the tool maintenance section of your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to correctly lubricate your tools and which lubricant to use. Keeping your tools well-lubed keeps the parts from chafing, heating and corroding.
Using old and worn-out drill bits or saw blades means you must work your power tool even harder to get the job done. This causes extra stress on the motor which can damage parts or cause the tool to overheat. Likewise, it is important to make sure you are using the right bit for the material you are working with.
Power tools are precision instruments. They have moving parts that need to remain in alignment. The tool maintenance schedule
in your user’s manual outlines when a tool should be recalibrated, usually after a specified amount of use hours. Most tool companies offer calibration services for their products.
Power tools should be stored in a dry, clean place. Storing power tools in a moist environment can lead to problems with the electrical components and cause corrosion. This can cause safety issues or cause your tool to stop working completely. Tools should also be stored inside a case or cabinet when not in use. This helps eliminate excess dust and particles from getting into the tools through the vents when not in use.
Lithium-ion batteries are the current standard for power tools. One of the most crucial factors to keep your lithium-ion battery well maintained is to manage heat. Allowing a battery to overheat can fry it beyond repair. Store your batteries in a climate-controlled area and avoid leaving it in places where the temperature spikes (such as in the back of an enclosed truck).
Implementing daily maintenance routines is the best way to prevent problems with your power tools and extend the life beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Regular care and maintenance can extend the useful life of power tools, keeping a valuable asset trouble free.
Roger Redden has been in the construction industry for over 30 years and is currently the National Roofing Account Manager for Makita USA. He serves on the boards of the NRCA and the WSRCA.
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