Maintenance of Screwdrivers and Power Drills: Tips to Make Them Last

How long do your screwdrivers and power drills usually last? If you find yourself replacing sets every few months because they get twisted, chipped, or the handles start wearing down, it might be time to rethink your approach to the maintenance of screwdrivers and power drills.

That’s why maintaining your screwdrivers and power drills is not just about keeping your tools clean. It's all about taking care of your investment in high-quality construction fasteners, making your tools last more than a few months, and ensuring everything stays securely fastened.

What Can Damage a Screwdriver?

Using your screwdrivers the wrong way, leaving them in moist environments, applying too much force when driving screws, or exposing them to chemicals can damage your screwdrivers. 

Using Your Screwdriver Like a Crowbar or Hammer

It might seem easier to pry up stubborn deck boards, chisel out old nails, or tap a screw into tight spots with your screwdriver when you’re on the job. However, using your screwdriver for these tasks can bend the shaft or ruin the tip. This makes it much harder to drive screws properly later on and slows down your whole project.

Working in Wet, Salty, or Harsh Environments

Without proper maintenance of screwdrivers, even the best screwdrivers can start showing signs of wear if exposed to these elements. Rusted screwdrivers can break unexpectedly or the tip can strip screws right when you need it to be precise, causing annoying delays and possible safety issues on the job.

Applying Too Much Torque or Overworking Your Tools

It’s easy to find yourself pushing your screwdriver harder than it’s made for.  If you drive down screws extra tight to make sure every deck board stays solid and secure or force the tool through stubborn screws that won’t budge, it can round the edges that fit into the screw head.

Exposure to Oils, Cleaners, Sealants, and Other Harsh Substances

You might have wiped your hands on your tool, splashed some cleaner while cleaning up the workspace, or got some wood preservatives, stains, or sealants on it while working with treated lumber.

These substances can make your screwdriver feel awkward to hold when you're trying to get a good grip. They can wear down rubber grips or make plastic handles softer.

It's more than just the handle. Those tough chemicals can wear down the metal as well. They remove the protective coatings from the shaft and tip, which exposes the metal to rust. 

What Is the Proper Maintenance of a Manual Screwdriver?

To prevent strip screws and delays on your project, you need to do the proper maintenance of screwdrivers.

After each job, brush off sawdust, dirt, and debris with a stiff brush or rag. Outdoor construction tools pick up a lot of grit, which can wear down the tool if left unchecked.

Here are different ways to clean and maintain a screwdriver:

Using Tub O Wipes

Tub O Wipes work great for cleaning screwdriver handles.

1. Gently rub the handle to wipe away dirt, dust, grease, or any chemical leftovers.
2. If your screwdriver has any textured parts or tricky spots, just use the edge of the wipe to get into those little nooks.
3. Let the handle air dry, or grab a dry cloth to wipe away any leftover moisture or residue from the wipe.

Hot Soapy Water for Heavy Dirt Removal

Clean off heavy dirt by soaking your screwdrivers in hot soapy water. 

1. Fill a container that’s large enough to hold the screwdrivers with hot water. Put in a couple of drops of light soap or dish soap into the water. Mix the water to create suds.
2. Let them soak for about 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring that the metal shaft and tip are fully submerged.
3. Use a stiff-bristled brush or an SOS pad to clean the screwdriver's shaft, tip, and handle. For small areas, use a toothbrush.
4. Run clean water over the screwdriver to get rid of any soap or dirt.
5. Wipe the screwdriver dry with a clean cloth.
6. If there is still dirt or dust that won't come off, soak and scrub it again.

Polishing Scratches with Maguire’s PlasteX

After cleaning your screwdrivers, you may notice light scratches or oxidation. Maguire’s PlasteX is great for restoring plastic handles and removing light surface scratches or oxidation.

1. Take a clean cloth (preferably microfiber) and lightly dampen it with water.
2. Pour a small amount of Maguire’s PlasteX onto the dampened cloth—about a quarter-sized amount should be plenty for the handle of a typical screwdriver.
3. Gently rub the cloth in a back-and-forth motion on the screwdriver handle. Focus on areas with visible scratches or oxidation. You may need to apply a bit more pressure on scratched areas to work the polish into the surface.
4. As you work, increase the friction by rubbing the cloth back and forth. Keep rubbing until the handle starts to smooth out and show some shine.
5. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess PlasteX from the handle.
6. If needed, repeat the process in those areas to further smooth out any imperfections.

Using Ballistol for Lubrication and Protection

Ballistol is a great cleaning product for protecting the metal parts of your screwdrivers in general, but it works especially well after being in harsh conditions like wet, dirty, or salty air.

1. Make sure your screwdriver is clean and dry before you use Ballistol.
2. Start with a light mist. Spray directly onto the metal shaft and tip of your screwdriver. 
3. Once you've applied the Ballistol to the tool, grab a clean, dry cloth and wipe away any extra oil. You want to leave a thin, even layer that will protect your screwdriver while ensuring the handle remains easy to grip.
4. Allow the screwdriver to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to let the Ballistol settle and form its protective coating.

How To Maintain Your Power Drill

To make sure your power drill works perfectly every time, taking care of it is essential.

Don’t overwork the machine. 

Choose the correct torque setting when driving screws, and don’t strain the motor by using blunt drill bits and incorrect power settings. 

Clean the motor housing.

First, you need to start the motor. After that, use compressed air to blow out any wood chips or debris that might have built up inside the motor housing. This keeps things from getting too hot and makes sure the drill works well all the time.

Safety Tip: Be sure to wear safety glasses while doing this to keep your eyes safe from any flying debris.

Clean Plastic Components

Avoid using solvents on your drill's plastic components, even if they are quite resistant to them. Instead, use a moist towel and a light detergent to clean the outside.

Clean the Battery Compartment

After that, clean the place where the battery slides in using compressed air.

Avoid Water or Harsh Cleaning Solutions

Your power drill should never be cleaned with water or aggressive cleaning agents. These have the potential to harm internal parts and impair the tool's functionality. When cleaning, use only dry or slightly moistened rags.

Repairs

If your power drill needs repairs, it’s best to take it to a service center or consult with the manufacturer. Fixing things by yourself might cancel warranties or make the problem worse if you don't do it right. If your drill or driver uses brushes, don’t let them wear out completely as this could damage the armature. 

Maintain Your Screwdrivers and Power Drills, Trust Your Fasteners

Maybe you’ve noticed screws stripping more often than usual and blamed the fasteners themselves. But more often than not, the culprit is a worn-out screwdriver or power drill that is losing its grip. When your screwdriver’s tip or bits wear down, it can strip screws, slow you down, and even damage the materials you are working with.

Whether you’re working in construction, deck building, marina maintenance, or furniture manufacturing, tool wear happens faster than you might expect and it can seriously impact your work.

Maintenance of screwdrivers is just as crucial as choosing the right fasteners. Taking care of your tools helps them last longer, work better, and keeps your investment in top-notch products from ATC Construction Fasteners safe.

Check out our wide selection of construction fasteners today! Strong, reliable, and lasting structures begin with the right tools and fasteners.