Drills are expensive bits of kit, and yet we come to rely on them to help us carry out all manner of DIY tasks. As such there are a few special considerations you should make when maintaining your drill as this will ultimately ensure it has have a decent life span.
Like any good tool, your drill should be kept clean and stored properly for a longer service life, especially as it can be frustrating to have to make another purchase out of negligence and carelessness. This involves a proper cleaning of the tool which should come as regular maintenance.
Tip 1 – Disconnect before Cleaning
This is a safety tip where danger is to be avoided with an acute awareness of it lurking in all the most unsuspecting of places. Cleaning the drill should happen once you are sure it’s switched off.
This would refer to the actual power switch connection which disconnects the drill from the mains (if mains powered) as well as removing the battery pack in cordless drills, before the cleaning process proceeds.
Tip 2 – Remove the Drill Bit
A proper and thorough cleaning of your drill requires the removal of the drill bit. This component must be removed from the drill with the appropriate chuck key. Cleaning the drill is easier and more thorough when the drill bit is not attached.
Tip 3 – Proper Cleaning Equipment
Effective cleaning of the your drill should involve the use of a clean, correctly sized brush to reach the moist difficult corners and depths of the drill. A clean rag could also be used to remove large debris particles stuck in the drill from the previous job.
It’s important to include the chuck recess in the cleaning process. This is where the drill bit shaft is positioned for operation. There could be substantial amount of debris in this area.
The moving parts of the drill should be cleaned with specific cleaning oils which are readily available. This keeps the moving parts functioning effectively and efficiently. No water should be used in cleaning the drill, if you do then you risk encouraging rust or corrosion that could stop the drill from working properly, or at all.
