Mistakes tradies make

Electrical contractors, large or small, need to maintain and store their power tools correctly to prevent safety hazards and costly repairs and replacements. With more than a decade’s worth of experience in the industry, working alongside tradies with global designer and manufacturer of premium power tools Hilti Australia, Martin Stirling has put together handy hints and tips for storing the tools correctly.

Even the best of us can struggle with this, especially after an exhausting day on site. However, if you follow these simple tips and get yourself into a routine, you will be on the right track in no time - saving yourself time and money from costly repairs and replacements in the long run.

Clean up

It is important to clean your tools, not just to get rid of dust and grime but also to become familiar with its parts. Therefore, if something is looking off, you can identify it quickly. We suggest using WD-40 to keep your tools clean and lubricated. For a quick wipe down, some warm soapy water and a cloth will do the job.

Get orderly

When storing your tools, try to pack them in the hard case that you would have received when you purchased them. An average tradie transfers his tools to and from the jobsite in the back of a ute or truck, so locking them away in a case prevents them from being thrown around the tray and causing damage to both the car and the tools.

Take it off

After use, be sure to remove all screw tips, drill bits and chisel bits from your tools. Not only will this save you from a workplace injury claim (if you have ever stepped on a drill bit, you will know what I mean), but it can also save you from replacing these delicate accessories. Most of these fittings can break by someone stepping on them or dropping something on them. It can also cause serious damage to the chuck, which can destroy the gearbox and in turn interfere with the electric motor. A costly domino effect you want to avoid.

Chuck it

It is important to give this often-overlooked part of your tools some TLC. After use, grab a clean cloth and wipe out the dust. Then, spray silicone to ensure the chuck is lubricated and wipe away excess silicone with a cloth.

Remove the amps

When storing cordless tools, it is good practice to take the battery out of the tool. If you have been working in hot, humid conditions, make sure that the battery and the charger have cooled down before placing the battery in the case in order to prevent condensation. It is important to keep the battery cool and dry to prolong its longevity. If possible, try to store your battery in a moisture-free case as this keeps it from short-circuiting and prevents the contact points from coming into contact with water.

Don’t blast

If your charger is dusty, do not make the mistake of trying to clean it by blasting it with a compressed air hose. This is a sure way of damaging the cooling fan in the charger. Rather, just dust the vents at the side of the charger with a cloth, and make sure you keep it away from more exposure to dust if possible.

If the charger contact points are dirty, clean them with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps ensures a good connection is maintained between the charger and the portable device. Dirty contact points are a major source of charging challenges. Do not leave the charger inactive for an extended period. However, if you do not plan to use it for a month or more, store it in a clean, dry, cool place, away from metal objects.

Dry off

If you have been using any tool that requires water for cutting or cooling (eg, diamond coring), make sure all of the water is out of the tool before storing it. It is a good idea to put the tool in a position where the water can easily run out, even when you think it is all gone. It is even more important in this situation to make sure you have cleaned the chuck, otherwise it can cause rusting, which is expensive to remove and repair.

Implementing all of these tips does not take long and will eventually become second nature. They will save you a lot of time, money and hassle in the long run.