This simple maintenance habit makes drills, lawnmowers and hedge trimmers last far 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 consulted by a Swiss media outlet, this article highlights an issue shared by many mains-powered and cordless tools that are prematurely discarded. A quick, almost cost-free maintenance task can substantially extend their working life, bringing clear financial and environmental benefits.

A worrying reality: tools thrown away far too early

According to the professionals quoted by the Swiss outlet, many householders replace their DIY or gardening tools every two or three years. Drills, screwdrivers, sanders, lawnmowers and blowers are often replaced as soon as they appear to lose power or become unusually hot.

The repairers interviewed say this replacement cycle is not solely caused by worn internal parts or planned obsolescence. It also stems from a widespread lack of maintenance, despite these appliances being designed to last considerably longer.

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

In the face of this waste, repairers point to devices that are sometimes still mechanically sound but have been discarded because of preventable build-up or a neglected component.

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

The central issue comes down to one particular factor: an electric tool's ability to “breathe” properly. To operate without overheating, motors and batteries need to release heat and expel dust. In everyday use, however, this often does not happen.

Overlooked ventilation grilles

Swiss specialists note that almost every portable power tool has ventilation grilles and small cooling openings. Yet these areas quickly become blocked by:

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

The repairers quoted by the outlet explain that this accumulation raises the temperature of the motor and electronic components. The tool may then lose power, give off a hot smell or even stop altogether.

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

How to do it at home

Swiss professionals recommend straightforward maintenance that requires no technical expertise:

• Always unplug the tool or remove its battery.
• Identify 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 that is not possible, gently brush the area with a soft brush and wipe it with a dry cloth.
• Repeat the process after particularly messy work, or at least after every few uses.

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

Batteries, blades and gears: other vulnerable points often overlooked

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

The battery: the vital component in cordless tools

Cordless tools have become commonplace in homes. Swiss professionals say that a large proportion of apparent faults are caused by poorly treated batteries rather than the tool itself.

They emphasise several simple rules:

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

A tool that appears to be “dead” will sometimes work perfectly again with a battery in good condition, the repairers consulted by the Swiss outlet point out.

Sharp blades, protected motors

The same finding applies to garden machinery: a blunt blade puts strain on the whole 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 life of the entire tool.”

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

Why this simple maintenance matters for budgets 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 appliance	Fewer purchases, better-controlled budget
Frequent electronic and plastic waste	Less waste, reduced environmental impact
Risk of overheating and sudden failure	More stable and safer operation

Swiss repairers describe cases of tools left at the tip even though only their cooling system was clogged. Thorough cleaning would have enabled them to work again.

What is the situation in France for your DIY and gardening tools?

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

The same principles apply for French readers:

• check that ventilation grilles remain clear and remove dust from them;
• protect batteries by storing them somewhere 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.

People in France can also rely on 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 appliances. Some manufacturers highlight the availability of spare parts over several years, making straightforward repairs easier.

Everyday habits for making tool maintenance routine

To turn this maintenance step into a habit, professionals advise making it part of putting the tool away. At the end of every job or gardening session:

• switch off the appliance and remove the plug or battery;
• clear away visible accumulations of dust, grass or shavings;
• visually inspect the ventilation slots and clear them;
• give the tool a quick wipe before storing it away from damp.

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

A practical effect on safety and comfort in use

Finally, Swiss specialists stress that this maintenance action also improves safety. A tool that overheats can create a risk of burns, smoke or even a short circuit. A poorly ventilated appliance may stop abruptly during delicate work, increasing the risk of a sudden incorrect movement.

A properly cooled motor delivers more consistent power, lower vibration and somewhat better-controlled noise. Well-sharpened blades make clean cuts rather than tearing, which reduces jolts through the arms and causes less user fatigue.

For French households, just as for the Swiss households mentioned by the outlet, this simple maintenance habit therefore offers several advantages: 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.