Making your power tools last: maintaining cords, chargers and batteries

Buying the right power tools isn't all you need. You also have to take care of plugs, cords, chargers and batteries — and use them properly — to give your tools a longer life.

• Use the appropriate gauge of extension cord when you need to use one with an electric power tool.
• An undersized cord can cause loss of power, overheating and premature motor failure.
• Owner's manuals specify the cord gauge to use with the tool in question according to its length.
• Table saws rated for between 12 and 16 amperes, for example, require a 14-gauge extension cord at eight metres (25 feet) and a 12-gauge extension at 15 metres (50 feet).
• When in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. But don't get confused: The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

• Many of today's drills are keyless, but heavy-duty corded drills still require keys for opening and tightening the drill chuck.
• Such tools are rendered useless if you can't find the key.
• Upon purchasing such a drill, use the rubber key tie to attach the key to the cord.
• If your model doesn't come with a tie, use cloth-type electrical tape to attach the key to the tool's cord.
• Tape it close to the plug for ease of use and so it doesn't get in the way when you're operating the drill.
• This also ensures that the cord is unplugged when you are changing bits.

• Plug a charger directly into a wall outlet instead of into an extension cord.
• Not only will this help preserve the charger, it will reduce the risk of fire and personal injury.
• If you must use an extension cord, it should be 16 gauge or large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger.
• Make sure the extension cord has the same number of pins as the plug on the charger and that the pins are the same size and shape.

• Do not place a rechargeable tool or its battery near heat or fire.
• The battery could explode. Do not place a rechargeable battery near metal objects, such as coins or nails, which could cause the terminals to connect.
• A shorted battery will be ruined at the very least; it can cause a fire at worst.

• Batteries in cordless tools will become hot when the tool has been used continuously.
• In such situations, prevent damage to your battery pack by letting it cool for at least 30 minutes before recharging it.

• Prolong the life of your rechargeable batteries by storing and charging them at room temperature.
• High or low temperatures will shorten battery life. Don't store batteries in a discharged state.
• Always recharge them immediately. If tools are stored unused for long periods, recharge the batteries every month or two to prolong battery life.

• Unplug tools and chargers by pulling on the plug, not by yanking on the cord.
• Doing this will lengthen the life of any electric tool or appliance.