When you think of tool maintenance, it’s likely you’ll go straight to replacing belts, lubricating components, and truing up your tools. The reality is though, tool maintenance extends far beyond the power tool itself to stands, benches, fences, and the products that keep your tools working their best. Today we’re going to focus on this portion of maintenance in Tool Maintenance with GearWrench.

This Blog is written in partnership with The Home Depot as part of their THD Prospective program. While I am compensated for my time, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Why Maintain Your Tools?

Tool Maintenance with GearWrench

It’s easy to miss important maintenance on tools like stands, benches, fences, and the like when taking care of your tools. While you may not see it as the priority, I can promise you that an ounce of prevention is worth the effort to keep your tool accessories and components in tip-top shape just like your tools.

Since your accessories generally get more wear and abuse throughout their lifetime too, it’s easy to take for granted their importance. Where your tools often show signs of needing maintenance, often something like a miter saw fence or a roller support system will function as usual until there is a real problem, and all too often, it’s too late to fix it.

Set a Maintenance Schedule-

Tool Maintenance with GearWrench

The key to keeping your tools working their best, cutting square and true,  and extending their life is all about maintenance. While it’s important, finding a schedule that works for you and that you find achievable is important. Some issues will present themselves as they arise, but keeping your eye on things with a routine can prevent a lot of unwanted surprises from creeping up. Just like your home and the mechanical components, appliances, and structure, being aware of a problem in its infancy can save you a big headache down the line.

Here are a few things I look at and the frequency that works for me-

Bits, Blades, knives, and fences should be checked for square and tight fastening frequently. I aim to check these heavy-wear components before most large projects or every other week or so. This is important for the safety and performance of your tools.

Motor components, belts, gaskets, and the like should be checked monthly or fairly often based on your use. Check to be sure components that require lubrication do not need attention and that debris hasn’t built up in these areas. Especially in a woodshop, I find this to be a priority in keeping tools working well. Specifically, keeping these things in line will extend your tool’s life and keep the tool working well.

Legs, supports, casters, mobile bases, benches and the like should be looked at once a quarter or so. For me, I find this sufficient to stay ahead of any nuts or bolts coming loose and to stay ahead of any rust, wear of the caster wheels, and the like.

About the Tools

Tool Maintenance with GearWrench

There are a lot of hand tools that go into tool maintenance. While having a full lineup of mechanics tools is a great investment for any homeowner or tool user, there are times when pulling a large set out isn’t always necessary. When I go to tighten loose nuts and bolts, simple hex keys, a screwdriver and a set of ratcheting wrenches are generally all I need.

One obstacle you may face in tool maintenance, just like during tool assembly is working in tight spaces, odd angles, and with limited reach. One of my favorite finds this year to overcome this is the GearWrench Flex Head Ratcheting Wrenches.

These Wrenches have a flexible head that allows you to pivot the head to get the best leverage on a fastener no matter what the angle is. Gearwrench offers a 90-tooth, 4-degree swing arc too, providing fastener movement even when space is tight. Their full chrome alloy steel makes cleaning fast and easy and provides the best protection against damage and rust.

Gearwrench has a slew of variations to their Flex Head Ratcheting Wrenches, offering Metric and standard, as well as a range of lengths too. My SAE set includes 8 wrenches and a case for easy transport and organization. Dual marked sides make quick grabbing and use easy no matter what you’re working on.

You can find an 8-piece set of GearWrench Flex Head Ratcheting Wrenches with a tray at The Home Depot for $83.97. 

Wrap Up

Tool Maintenance with GearWrench

Without exception, investing the time into properly taking care of your tools will go a long way in keeping things in working order. Whether you’re a woodworker, professional contractor, mechanic, or hobbyist that tackles almost everything, investing in proper tools goes far beyond the initial monetary investment. Factoring in the time to keep your tools in good working order goes very far in making the most out of your tools and extending their life. 

If you have a maintenance routine that works for you, or if you have questions or tips of your own, feel free to comment down below!