Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintaining and operating your power tools. If you've lost the owner's manual, visit the manufacturer's Web site—they usually post old manuals for all of their products. And while you're working:
- Keep power tools unplugged whenever they're not in use. Many accidents happen when folks accidentally turn these tools on by brushing against the on/off switch!
- If the tool's air vents become clogged, clean them with compressed air or a vacuum cleaner.
- If your project yields a ton of sawdust or particle filings, use a shop vacuum to suck up the excess. You'll lessen your odds of a fire—these particles are highly flammable.
- If you have cordless tools, use only the battery and charger that came with the unit.
- Never charge batteries for tools in temperatures below 40°F or over 105°F. Batteries rely on chemical reactions that slow down in cold weather and cease altogether at 32°F. High temperatures release vapors from the battery and diminish its capacity.
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Extend the life of your power tools.
