The condition of your tools is important to the quality of your pieces. Your tools working correctly and efficiently add to the satisfaction of your efforts, but also ensure your safety. You probably have spent a lot of time and money collecting your tools, and even more setting them up and arranging in your work space. But it is just as importance to set up a routine maintenance program to assure everything is running correctly, are correctly sharpen, that calibration are true, and tool are clean.After purchasing a new tool make sure you keep the operating and care instruction. Some people keep them in binders, some put them in plastic sleeves, I like to keep them in a handy drawer. It depends on how often and how many people who will need to be looking at them. I like to highlight information that I will need to refer back to or any information that seems counter-intuitive.

Don’t ignore the maintenance instruction, tools are always running in a harsh environment. Oil that keeps a motor running smoothly attracts dust, and usually in the most inconvenient places. Proper care will keep them running efficiently, help in maintaining their new tool look, and increase their lifespan. Some tool parts need proper oiling, or lubrication, while some components of an electrically driven tool need to be kept free of dust and debris.

Power tools require little maintenance if store in a clean, dry protected area, keeping dust and debris away from them, and protecting them from the elements. Make sure that the cord is free of cuts or abrasions. You can also check the switch to see that it is properly connected to allow current to flow to the motor. Some power tools, including routers, have a pair of brushes that might need to be repaired or replaced as they wear down over time. Double check that chucks and bits are proper tightened. Keep tools in there case when not in use and make sure there is a proper shortage place for tools that do no have a protective case.

Saws and sanders require more attention for their maintenance. The nature of the tool entails cutting or abrasive action. The cutting and abrasion surfaces wear-out and must be change or restore frequently. Flattening tool surfaces, keeping sawdust and resin buildup away from integral components, checking electronic components for sustained damage, wheel and bearings function and proper lubrication are important to proper operation and lifespan of the tools. Worn out drive belts can cause amplified vibration and slippage and will tend to break.

Air powered tools are usually piston-driven and this necessitates lubrication. Add a few drops of pneumatic oil into the air intake coupling. Tools used daily can also be oil daily. Use of tape on threaded surfaces will keep a tight seal which avoids loss of pressure on components. Clean or replace filters depending on use of the tool, and the overall environment in which it is used.

Always protect your tools from moisture and extremes in temperature, exposure to moisture causes corrosion on unprotected metal surfaces. Use tools as they are intended, tools are usually made for specific purposes, when they are subjected to misuse and stresses they weren’t designed, they will often brake down and fail to work correctly.