For a toiling tradesman, a power tool – or any other tool for that matter – is a bread earner while for a hobbyist (Do It Yourselfer – DIY) the same tool becomes a passion. Driving forces might not be the same but both of them use power tools to express their talents and creativity and have strong reasons to invest heavily in power tools.
Power tools are expensive. There are no competing arguments about it. A casual hobbyist usually invests $ 2000 – $ 3000 while an enthusiast goes a few steps ahead. On the other hand a professional tradesman or a laborer can easily pile up an inventory that’s worth five-figure sum. Now, how would you ensure that these tools remain your companion for a long time? Here are few tips:
Read the Manuals and Manufacturer Instructions
Majority of the power tool users skip this part. They completely overlook the instruction manual that comes with the tool and toss it aside like its completely useless. Some do that because of carelessness and the others think they are too experienced to bother. This is a big mistake. When you buy new or refurbished tools, keep your bravado aside and never forget to read the manual thoroughly and make sure you follow those instructions. Nobody knows better about a tool than its manufacturer. This way you will ensure your safety and high end reliable performance of your power tool.
Join the Internet Forums
There are online forums for every type of craftsmen and hobbyists. You might want to join these forums to know more about your tools and share your experiences with others. For example, if you are into woodworking and you own woodworking power tools, you can sign up on many websites to get free tips and advice where experts of the craft are willing to share their expertise.
Buy Power Tools That Fit Your Needs
Smart decisions will always count when it comes to shopping of power tools. Buy what you need and not what you want. You may also want to buy power tools that are easy to maintain and repair. Go for the brands that have the best customer services and those that make replacement parts available so you can repair your tool in case your tool gets damaged or defected.
Repair Immediately
If your power tool’s performance has gone downhill, it is not behaving normally or there’s a smoke or funny noise coming out of it then stop using it immediately and inspect it for any defects and damaged parts. If you are not familiar with the internals, take your tool to a repair shop. If the problem can’t be solved, don’t use the defected tool. Replace it with a new one or if you want to save some money, you can also go for refurbished tools.
Take Care of Your Power Tools
Keep your power tools clean and keep them in a place recommended by the manufacturer. After every use, make sure you remove the small pieces of dirt and shavings from your tool.
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