The simple maintenance step that makes drills, lawn mowers and hedge trimmers last longer

Drills, lawn mowers, 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 the Swiss media outlet, this article highlights a shared weakness of many corded and battery-powered tools that are discarded prematurely. Yet a quick, virtually cost-free maintenance task can greatly 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 media outlet, many householders replace their DIY and garden tools every two or three years. Drills, screwdrivers, sanders, lawn mowers and blowers are frequently replaced as soon as they appear to lose power or begin overheating unusually.

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

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

In the face of such waste, repairers describe appliances that are sometimes still mechanically sound but are taken to the tip because of avoidable build-up or a neglected part.

The key maintenance step for power tools: clean and restore airflow

At the centre of the issue is one specific factor: the ability of power tools to “breathe” properly. To operate without overheating, motors and batteries need to release heat and expel dust. In everyday use, this too often does not happen.

Overlooked ventilation grilles

Swiss specialists point out that almost all portable power tools have ventilation grilles and small cooling openings. These areas can quickly become clogged with:

• wood dust from drills and sanders;
• grass and leaf debris from lawn mowers and hedge trimmers;
• fine dust from 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 altogether.

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

How to carry out this maintenance 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 neither is available, brush the area gently with a soft brush and wipe it with a dry cloth.
• Repeat this task after particularly dusty work, or at least every few uses.

This cleaning should cover the outside of the appliance and, where access allows, the areas surrounding the motor or internal fan. Some tools even feature removable covers specifically designed for periodic cleaning.

Batteries, blades and gears: other commonly neglected weak points

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

The battery: the crucial element in cordless tools

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

They stress several straightforward rules:

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

A tool that seems “dead” can sometimes start working perfectly again with a healthy battery, the repairers consulted by the Swiss media outlet note.

A sharp blade protects the motor

The same observation applies to garden machinery: a blunt blade puts strain on the entire system. A lawn mower 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 encourage owners to have blades sharpened by a specialist or, for models designed for this purpose, to use the kits supplied by the manufacturer while following all safety instructions.

Why this basic maintenance matters for budgets and the environment

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

Without maintenance	With regular maintenance
Tool replaced every 2 to 3 years	Tool kept for many years
Repeated cost of buying a new appliance	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 mention tools left at the tip even though only their cooling system was blocked. A thorough clean would have allowed them to return to use.

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

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

The same principles apply for readers in France:

• 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 lawn mowers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws;
• prevent dried grass or sawdust from clogging protective housings.

People in France can also make use of 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 the life of appliances. Some manufacturers emphasise that spare parts remain available for several years, making straightforward repairs easier.

Everyday habits for making tool maintenance routine

To turn this maintenance task into a habit, professionals advise including it in the routine of putting tools away. At the end of every job or gardening session:

• switch off the appliance and unplug it or remove the battery;
• remove visible accumulations of dust, grass or shavings;
• inspect ventilation slots and clear them if necessary;
• briefly wipe down the tool before storing it away 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 permanent breakdown.

A tangible effect on safety and user 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 appliance may stop suddenly during delicate work, increasing the chance of an awkward movement.

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

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