How To Maintain A Drill
It’s easy to take tools for granted, and just expect them to work whenever we need them. However, our tools require a little bit of TLC every now and again too. Your drill is no exception. A quick clean-up and check can extend their life and make yours more stress-free! Whether your drill is plug-in or cordless, there are component parts that you should look at. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to maintain a drill, with help from WD-40®!
Things you will need
Microfibre cloth
Compressed air (optional)
Drill bit sharpener (optional)
Step 1
Where You Keep Your Drill Is Key
Drills are an indispensable tool in any DIY fan’s arsenal. You should make sure you store your drill in the correct place. If it came in a case, keep it in a case! Obviously for safety reasons a drill is best in a case, but a case also keeps the drill away from circulating dust particles and moisture. Moisture is the enemy of a drill!
If you use your drill in wet conditions, be sure to dry it completely before you put it away. Also be aware of moisture in the air when you store it. Moisture can lead to rust formation. This, in turn, can jam the chuck and other moving parts including the motor itself. If you do spot any rust, then WD-40® Multi-Use Product can be used. Simply spray a little on a microfibre cloth and gently work it into the drill’s metal surfaces. Always test on an inconspicuous spot first to determine compatibility with the drills surfaces. This will create a water displacing layer that will help to protect your drill from rust.
Step 2
Wipe Down The Entire Drill
Once you’ve established you are keeping your drill in the right place, give it a quick wipe down. Just use a microfibre cloth and give the drill a gentle rub to remove any dust and grime. It is important to wipe down the drill after every use as chippings from whatever you have drilled attach themselves to the outer casing.
Step 3
Maintain Ventilation Slots
Occasionally, your drill will require more than just a rub down. Most drills have ventilation slots that will clog up over time. If the ventilation slots are not cleaned regularly, then damage can be caused to the internal machinery.
To clean these ventilation slots, don’t use a brush as this could push any dirt further into the slot. The best way to clean the ventilation slots of your drill is to gently blow into them or use a shot of compressed air. This helps remove any debris stuck in the slots.
Step 4
Lubricate
Drills require periodic lubrication to prevent chafing, corrosion, and overheating. If your drill bit isn’t spinning freely, check for any small fragments that might be stuck at the base near the chuck. If it’s clean, there’s a chance that the chuck is jammed. This can be solved using a lubricant such as WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease. Simply spray some of the product onto the affected area and massage it in, no need to wipe it away. WD-40® will get your drill moving smoothly again!
Step 5
Keep Drill Bits Sharp
It is essential to keep a check on the drill bit. You should make sure you always use sharp bits. Dull drill bits can make it much harder to clean a drill as you put extra pressure on the tool and the excessive force can end up breaking certain parts of the drill such as the joint where the bit is attached to the chuck. Either replace your drill bits regularly or sharpen them. You can buy drill bit sharpeners at DIY retailers or online.
How To Maintain Your Drill
Drill maintenance is easy as long as you remember to keep it away from excessive heat and moisture, and always store it in a proper case when not in use!
If you enjoyed this guide, and would like to find out more ways WD-40® can help around your home, why not check out our other blogs, such as How to Maintain your Drill Equipment and Jigsaw.
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
Contact Us
© 2025 WD-40 Company.
All Rights Reserved