As is the case with most equipment designed for heavy use, power tools can become affected by wear and tear over time, and may even cease working or develop electrical problems. It can happen regardless of how well you maintain and care for your tools, too. When a problem occurs, the only solution for you to be able to continue using them effectively, is to have them assessed by a professional and repaired if needed.

Look out for these 5 signs that your power tool might need to be repaired:

1. You’re not able to start it up: When a power tool won’t start, it could well indicate that there’s a bigger electrical issue at fault, and you should immediately begin by checking the power source that it’s plugged into, the air pressure if it’s a pneumatic tool, and whether the battery is the correct one for the model. Once you’ve checked those things, take a look at the power switch and check for visible signs of heat or water damage, along with the power cord itself. It may also be the case that dust and other small particles are clogging up the brushes and springs, so be sure to check them too.
2. It’s not performing at its best: An underperforming power tool is often useless, and if a low battery isn’t the cause of it losing its usual power, it could be that the carbon brushes have become worn and need to be replaced. Often wearing out over time after a lot of use, these small blocks of carbon responsible for transferring electrical current from the source of power to the motor of the tool, may need to be replaced from time to time. It's worth noting that a lot of manufacturers of cordless power tools are making them without brushes, which could be something to think about if you need to buy a new cordless tool.
3. There is a smell of burning: No matter how faint, the smell of burning is a clear indicator that something is wrong with your power tool, and it’s most likely a problem with the motor. You may also find that the smell is accompanied by a lack of power, even if the motor is still running, and you should firstly check that you’re using the right tool for the job, and with the right accessory. Or, it may be that the capacitor needs to be replaced, if the burning smell is coming from a power saw, for example. There’s also the possibility that your tool has simply overheated, and the problem may go away when using the tool for less time, or for less tough tasks.
4. It’s making a screeching sound: While power tools can be noisy, they shouldn’t screech or scream, and if yours has started to make such a sound, it could mean that it needs to be lubricated. There may also be an issue with the gears, and the gear switch may well have gotten stuck between the gears.
5. Sparks are flying!: If sparks start to fly from your power tool when you’re using it, or it begins emitting smoke, it’s vital that you switch it off right away, disconnect it from the power source, and allow it to cool down fully before handling it again. Dust clogging the parts, or heat damage could have caused this problem.

Most issues with industrial power tools can be prevented with routine maintenance and proper storage etc., but there may come a time when they need to be professionally repaired, and if you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it could mean that your power tool is in need of some extra TLC.