Drills, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers: one simple maintenance step can make them last longer

Drills, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers… In Switzerland, a straightforward maintenance task is often overlooked, causing these tools to be discarded far too soon, even though this basic action can make all the difference.

Drawing on advice from tradespeople and specialists interviewed by the Swiss media outlet, this article highlights a shared weakness of many corded and battery-powered tools that end up at the recycling centre prematurely. Yet a quick, almost cost-free maintenance measure can substantially extend their lifespan, with clear financial and environmental benefits.

A worrying pattern: tools thrown away far too early

According to the professionals quoted by the Swiss outlet, many people replace their DIY and gardening tools every two or three years. Drills, screwdrivers, sanders, lawnmowers and blowers are frequently changed as soon as they appear less powerful or start overheating unusually.

For the repair specialists interviewed, this replacement cycle is not explained solely by worn internal components or planned obsolescence. It is also caused by a widespread lack of maintenance, despite these machines being designed to last much longer.

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

Repairers point to this waste by describing appliances that are sometimes still mechanically sound but are taken to the recycling centre because of avoidable build-up or a neglected component.

The crucial maintenance step: clean the tool and keep its airflow clear

The central issue comes down to one specific factor: electrical tools need to be able to “breathe” properly. To work without overheating, their motors and batteries must release heat and expel dust. In reality, this often does not happen.

Ventilation grilles that are too often ignored

Swiss specialists stress that nearly every portable power tool has ventilation grilles and small cooling openings. However, these areas quickly become blocked by:

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

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

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

How to carry out this maintenance at home

Swiss professionals recommend a simple routine 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 neither is available, use a soft brush gently, then wipe with a dry cloth.
• Repeat this task after particularly messy jobs, or at least every few uses.

This cleaning should cover the outside of the tool as well as, where access allows, areas around the motor or internal fan. Some appliances even have removable covers intended for periodic cleaning.

Batteries, blades and gears: other vulnerable parts that are regularly neglected

Beyond ventilation, the experts interviewed in Switzerland identify several other factors that influence a tool’s service life.

The battery: the vital component in cordless tools

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

They set out several straightforward rules:

• avoid leaving a battery fully discharged for months;
• do not store a battery-powered tool in a very damp place or in freezing conditions;
• recharge the battery when it starts weakening, 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 “dead” can sometimes start working perfectly again with a battery in good condition, the repairers consulted by the Swiss outlet point out.

Sharp blades 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, overheats 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 encourage owners to have blades sharpened by a specialist or, for models designed for it, to use the kits supplied by the manufacturer while following safety instructions.

Why this simple maintenance routine matters for both budgets and the environment

For the experts interviewed by the Swiss media outlet, the issue is about more than a tool’s lifespan. 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 and better-controlled spending
Frequent electronic and plastic waste	Less waste and a lower environmental impact
Risk of overheating and sudden breakdown	More stable and safer operation

Swiss repairers mention tools left at recycling centres even though only their cooling system was clogged. Thorough cleaning would have enabled them to be used again.

What does this mean in France for DIY and gardening tools?

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

The principles are the same for French readers:

• check that ventilation grilles are in good condition and keep them free of dust;
• protect batteries by storing them somewhere dry and away from extreme temperatures;
• have blades and chains sharpened on lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws;
• avoid allowing dried grass or sawdust to block protective casings.

People in France can also turn to the repair sector, which is supported by the state. Independent repairers, DIY retailers and community workshops offer diagnostics, sometimes at reduced prices, to help extend appliance lifespans. Some manufacturers highlight the availability of spare parts for several years, making straightforward repairs easier.

Everyday habits for making this maintenance step routine

To turn maintenance into a habit, professionals advise incorporating it into the usual process of putting tools away. At the end of each DIY job or gardening session:

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

A quick visual check can also reveal a slightly damaged cable, a cracked casing or a button that sticks. Dealing with these minor defects before they worsen can often prevent a permanent breakdown.

A tangible effect on safety and user comfort

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

A properly cooled motor delivers more consistent power, lower vibrations and slightly better-controlled noise. Well-sharpened blades make clean cuts without tearing, reducing shocks through the arms and making the user less tired.

For households in France and for the Swiss households cited by the outlet, this straightforward maintenance habit therefore offers several benefits: tools that last far longer, lower expenditure, 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.