How To Clean And Maintain A Cordless Drill UK

Cleaning Your Cordless Drill

Cleaning your cordless drill is the most important part of your maintenance routine. Dirt, dust, and debris, like sawdust, metal shavings etc, build up on your drill over time, which can affect its performance. This can happen mainly around the chuck area and around the air vents in the motor housing. Here’s how to clean your cordless drill:

1. Remove the battery. Before you start cleaning your cordless drill, make sure the battery has been removed.
2. Clean the exterior. We would recommend using a soft cloth to generally wipe down the exterior of your cordless drill. You can also use a mild detergent if necessary, but avoid using an type of harsh, chemical or abrasive cleaner.
3. Clean the chuck. The chuck is the part of the drill that holds the drill bit. Use a small brush to remove any dirt or debris from the chuck. The best way to do this is to use a small brush or cotton bud to remove any debris that has collected inside or on the chuck. Once you have done that, then use the soft cloth to wipe down the outside of the chuck. If the chuck is particularly dirty or has build-up, use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean it.
4. Clean the air vents. Use a small brush, such as a sash brush, or a small paint brush to remove any dirt or debris from the air vents on your cordless drill. If you have a vacuum handy, then use that to help suck out and dust from the inside of the air vents where the all important motor is housed.
5. Clean the Battery Terminals . On your drill, you will have some terminals where the battery slides in and attaches. It is always a good idea to clean those with something like a cotton bud.

The good news is that it takes about 2-3 minutes to clean your drill. Ideally you should do this after you use it. That is especially true if you have used it to drill masonry like bricks, or have used it on wood, which generates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t want to do this every time you use it, then try to make it a monthly or quarterly routine.

Lubricating/Oiling Your Cordless Drill

Lubricating or oiling your cordless drill is always a very good idea. You will likely understand that lubrication helps to reduce friction and wear on the moving parts of your drill. Here’s how to lubricate your cordless drill:

1. Remove the battery from your cordless drill before doing this.
2. Apply lubricant. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of your cordless drill. Be careful not to apply too much. The best type of oil to use is a light oil such as sewing machine oil or 3-in-1 oil. We would recommend Singer Super Oil. (Check availability at Amazon UK) That costs around £6 on average for 120ml, which will last you for a really long time. You can also use that on other cordless tools. Multi-purpose oil also works really well.
3. How much oil. We recommend 2-3 drops of oil to the moving parts of the chuck. Don’t use a lot of oil as this can cause dust and dirt to stick inside the chuck and block it up.
4. Applying the oil. Open the chuck fully and apply a few drops. Then close and open the chuck several times to help spread the oil around the chuck. You can also put the battery back on and operate the drill for about 20 seconds, as this helps spread the oil really well.
5. Quick clean up. Once that is done, then again wipe around the chuck and body to remove any excess oil that may have splashed out.

This takes about 3-4 minutes to do properly. It will just help keep the drill working better and make changing drill bits and driving bits a lot easier to change quickly.

Maintaining Your Cordless Drill Tips

Maintaining your cordless drill is important to ensure it continues to function properly. Here are some tips on how to maintain your cordless drill:

1. Store your drill properly. Store your cordless drill in a dry place where it won’t be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures. You can read our more detailed information on storing drills properly here.
2. Charge your battery properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging your cordless drill battery. Overcharging or undercharging your battery can reduce its lifespan. Many people neglect doing this the right way and costs them money. Partially charging batteries is generally speaking not a good idea.
3. Replace worn parts. If any parts of your cordless drill become worn or damaged, replace them as soon as possible. Most people will be able to replace a worn chuck. It is also worthwhile checking your manufacturer warranty as they may cover parts and workmanship.
4. Use your drill properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using your cordless drill. Using your drill improperly can cause damage to the drill or injury to yourself.