KEEP YOUR TOOLS WORKING HARDER FOR LONGER

Cordless tools are an essential part of any toolkit, offering convenience, flexibility and reliable performance for a wide range of jobs. However, like any piece of equipment, they still need regular care and maintenance. Here, we explore why maintaining your cordless tools and their batteries is so important and share our top tips to help keep them in optimal condition for as long as possible.

 

  1. Select the right platform

Choose equipment that has been designed to work together, as this ensures the components can operate as intended. Our own cordless system enables the chargers, tools and batteries to exchange information during charging and operation to help protect against overheating, overloading and excessive discharge. It also allows the charging process to be precisely managed, as our advanced chargers can monitor the condition of the battery and even cool the battery pack before charging.

 

  1. Don’t cut corners on battery selection

Although cheaper batteries look initially appealing – they are often too good to be true. Genuine batteries undergo extensive testing to make sure they perform as intended. Cheaper versions usually don’t offer the same standard of output, leading to inconsistent performance, shorter runtimes, and possible overheating and battery failure. This may damage your tools, affect the manufacturer’s warranty or in some cases, even lead to fire risks. To avoid this, always buy your batteries from reputable suppliers and check they are authenticated.

 

  1. Charge your batteries properly

For optimal battery performance and longevity, it is always recommended to use a charger that has been approved by the manufacturer to prevent tool damage. It is good to get into the habit of recharging the batteries before they are completely drained as otherwise it may shorten their life by placing unnecessary stress on their cells. Instead, charge batteries when they have around 20-30% left, as this helps to support longevity and performance. Also, make sure to unplug the battery once it has been sufficiently charged.

 

  1. Care for the tool

When working in a construction environment, your tools can become exposed to dust and debris, which can create build up around its vents and tool parts. Make sure after every job you give your tools a quick clean to keep the motors running efficiently. Also, regularly inspect your tools for signs of wear and damage before starting a job to prevent breakdowns and follow the manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule.

 

  1. Store the tool correctly

Tools and battery packs should be stored in clean and dry environments away from direct sunlight. This is particularly important for those who regularly leave their equipment in vehicles, as exposure to extremely hot or freezing temperatures can affect the tool’s battery and electronic components.

 

If the tools are being stored for a long period of time, maintaining a charge level of 50% helps to reduce stress on the battery cells. Additionally, we would recommend keeping the tools in either protective casing or a suitable storage system, like our MAKPAC and MAKTRAK toolboxes, to prevent impact damage.