Drills, lawnmowers and hedge trimmers: the maintenance habit that makes them last longer

Drills, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers… In Switzerland, a simple maintenance oversight often sends them to the tip far too soon, even though one basic action can make all the difference.

Drawing on advice from tradespeople and specialists interviewed by a Swiss media outlet, this article highlights a shared weakness affecting many mains-powered and cordless tools that are discarded prematurely. Yet a quick, almost cost-free maintenance task can considerably extend their service life, bringing clear financial and environmental benefits.

A worrying pattern: tools thrown away far too early

According to the professionals quoted by the Swiss outlet, many households replace DIY and garden tools every two or three years. Drills, screwdrivers, sanders, lawnmowers and blowers are frequently swapped for new models as soon as they appear to lose power or become unusually hot.

For the repairers interviewed, this replacement cycle is not solely caused by worn internal parts or planned obsolescence. It also stems from a widespread lack of maintenance, even though these machines are designed to last far longer.

“Most of these tools could operate ten times longer if their owners adopted one simple, regular maintenance habit,” Swiss professionals insist.

In response to this waste, repairers describe devices that are sometimes still mechanically sound but are taken to the tip because of preventable build-up or a neglected component.

The essential maintenance step: clean the tool and let it breathe

The main issue comes down to one specific factor: an electrical tool’s ability to “breathe” properly. To run without overheating, motors and batteries must be able to release heat and expel dust. In everyday use, this often does not happen.

Overlooked ventilation grilles

Swiss specialists point out that nearly all portable power tools have ventilation grilles and small cooling openings. However, these areas quickly become clogged with:

• wood dust on drills and sanders;
• grass and leaf debris on lawnmowers and hedge trimmers;
• fine dust on workshop vacuum cleaners;
• shavings, splashes and dried grease around motors.

The repairers cited by the media outlet explain that this build-up raises the temperature of the motor and electronic components. The tool may then lose power, give off a hot smell or even stop working.

“The crucial action is to clean all ventilation grilles, slots and openings regularly, allowing the motor to stay cool.”

How to carry out this maintenance at home

Swiss professionals recommend straightforward upkeep that requires no technical expertise:

• Always unplug the tool or remove its battery.
• Locate every air outlet, grille and ventilation slot.
• Blow away dust using a can of compressed air or a compressor set to a moderate pressure.
• If this is not available, gently brush the area with a soft brush and wipe it with a dry cloth.
• Repeat after particularly messy jobs, or at least every few uses.

This cleaning should cover both the outside of the tool and, where access allows, the areas around the motor or internal fan. Some devices even have removable covers specifically designed to be cleaned at regular intervals.

Batteries, blades and gears: other frequently neglected weak points

Beyond ventilation, the experts interviewed in Switzerland identify several other factors that determine how long a tool will last.

The battery: the key issue for cordless tools

Battery-powered tools have become commonplace in homes. According to Swiss professionals, a substantial proportion of apparent breakdowns are caused by poorly treated batteries rather than by the tool itself.

They highlight several simple rules:

• avoid leaving a battery completely flat for months;
• do not store a cordless tool in a very damp place or in freezing conditions;
• recharge the battery when it begins to weaken, rather than repeatedly waiting until it stops completely;
• clean the metal contacts with a dry cloth to maintain a reliable connection.

A tool that appears “dead” can sometimes start working perfectly again with a battery in good condition, the repairers consulted by the Swiss outlet note.

Sharp blades help protect the motor

The same observation applies to garden machinery: a blunt blade puts strain on the entire system. A lawnmower that cuts poorly has to work harder, heats up and uses more energy. A hedge trimmer with worn blades vibrates, jams and places excessive demand on its motor.

“Regular blade sharpening reduces mechanical strain, limits heat and therefore extends the lifespan of the entire tool.”

Swiss professionals recommend having blades sharpened by a specialist or, for models designed for it, using the kits supplied by the manufacturer while following the safety instructions.

Why regular tool maintenance matters for your budget and the environment

For the experts interviewed by the Swiss outlet, the issue goes beyond the lifespan of a single tool. It affects household spending as well as waste management.

Without maintenance	With regular care
Tool replaced every 2 to 3 years	Tool kept for many years
Repeated cost of buying a new device	Fewer purchases and a better-controlled budget
Frequent electronic and plastic waste	Less waste and a lower environmental impact
Risk of overheating and sudden failure	More stable and safer operation

Swiss repairers refer to tools left at the tip even though their cooling system was the only blocked part. A thorough clean would have allowed them to be used again.

What is the situation in France for DIY and garden tools?

In France, repair professionals broadly reach the same conclusion as their Swiss counterparts. Repair workshops, as well as reuse and recycling networks, regularly receive tools that appear to be “fit only for the scrap heap” but are given a second life after thorough maintenance.

The guidance remains the same for French readers:

• check that ventilation grilles are in good condition and clear them of dust;
• protect batteries by keeping them dry and away from extreme temperatures;
• have blades and chains sharpened on lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws;
• prevent dried grass or sawdust from blocking protective housings.

French consumers can also turn to the repair sector, which is encouraged by the state. Independent repairers, DIY retailers and community workshops offer diagnostics, sometimes at reduced prices, to help extend the life of equipment. Some manufacturers highlight the availability of spare parts for several years, making straightforward repairs easier.

Everyday habits for keeping tools maintained

To make this maintenance task routine, professionals advise incorporating it into the usual process of putting a tool away. At the end of every DIY job or gardening session:

• switch off the device and remove the plug or battery;
• remove any visible build-up of dust, grass or shavings;
• inspect the ventilation slots and clear them;
• give the tool a quick wipe before storing it somewhere protected from damp.

A quick visual check can also reveal a slightly damaged cable, a cracked housing or a sticking button. Addressing these small faults before they worsen can often prevent a permanent breakdown.

A tangible benefit for safety and comfort

Lastly, Swiss specialists stress that this maintenance step also improves safety. An overheating tool can create a risk of burns, smoke or even a short circuit. A poorly ventilated machine may stop suddenly during a delicate task, increasing the risk of an incorrect movement.

A properly cooled motor provides steadier power, reduced vibration and slightly better-controlled noise. Well-sharpened blades make clean cuts rather than tearing, reducing jolts through the arms and causing less fatigue for the user.

For a French household, just as for the Swiss households mentioned by the media outlet, this simple maintenance habit therefore delivers several benefits: tools that last much longer, lower spending, less waste and safer use. All it takes is a few minutes of regular cleaning, often using only equipment already available in the garage or workshop.