The drill is slipping, the hammer drill is overheating, the angle grinder is vibrating more than usual? Often the first thought is "I'll buy a new one," but in many cases, an electric tool service can get the machine back in shape faster and more cost-effectively. In this material, you will see how to recognize the problems, what to expect from the repair, and how to compare offers to make the most reasonable decision.
The most common symptoms and what they mean
• Sparks, smell of burning, drop in RPM – possible issues with brushes, collector, winding of the rotor/stator.
• Loud noise and vibrations – worn bearing, imbalance, or problem in the gearbox.
• Slipping of the chuck/slipping under load – worn internal gears or clutch.
• The equipment turns off sporadically – broken cable/button, poor solder joint, burnt electronics/triac.
• Overheating – blocked cooling channels, lack of lubrication in the gearbox, heavy load without breaks.
💡Tip: write down the model and the observed symptoms. Accurate information saves time and money during diagnosis.
How the service works – step by step
1. Initial inspection and diagnostics. Checking brushes/commutator, bearings, gearbox, cables, circuit boards.
2. Offer with parts and labor. A good offer specifies: price for changing brushes, bearings, lubrication, cartridge/button; deadline; warranty.
3. Repair and maintenance. Replacement of worn elements, dust cleaning, new lubrication for the gearbox.
4. Load test. Measurement of heating/noise, checking of RPM and protections.
5. Transmission + recommendations. How to maintain the tool and when to perform maintenance.
For a smooth process with requests and offers, see also:
Ofertirai.me AI: Твоят личен асистент, който решава задачи вместо теб.
Repair or new tool: how to decide
• Age and class. A professional tool that is 3–5 years old usually deserves servicing; the cheapest models are often meant to be replaced in case of severe damage.
• Cost of parts. If the collector/winding is burned out and the repair cost exceeds 50–60% of a new equivalent, consider replacement.
• Work intensity. With daily use, maintenance (brushes, lubrication, bearings) is an investment that pays off.
• Compatibility and availability. A good service checks parts for the specific repair of a drill/angle grinder/hammer drill by model and serial number.
How much does it cost and how long does it take
In most cases, basic diagnostics are quick, and typical repairs such as replacing brushes and bearings are done within a day or two (depending on workload and parts availability). The price depends on the brand/class, availability of components, and complexity (for example, a drill's gearbox versus a chuck). For transparency, please request:
• separate price for labor and parts;
• term and warranty;
• what is included in the maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, testing).
Typical mistakes that increase repair costs
• Continuing to operate with a spark/smell. Damages the collector/winding and doubles the cost.
• Random parts. "Similar" bearings or universal brushes without precise dimensions shorten the life of the machine.
• Incorrect lubrication for the gearbox. Leads to overheating and wear.
• Home "modifications" to cables/buttons. Safety risk and additional damage.
See more:
The true cost of poorly executed door installation/repair.
How to Compare Offers Fairly
Check if the offer includes:
• diagnostics with a description of the defective elements;
• brands/models of the parts (bearing, brushes, cartridge, button);
• benchmark for deadlines and warranty;
• Is maintenance (cleaning, lubrication) included;
• conditions for refusal of repair after diagnosis.
Small trick: take a picture of the model's label and attach it to the request – it speeds up the quoting process and reduces errors.
Prevention that extends life
• Dust is enemy number one. Clean the ventilation openings and filters.
• Work-rest mode. Take a short break for difficult tasks.
• Quality consumables. Discs, drills, and bits by material – less vibration and heating.
• Cables/batteries. Watch for pinching, store batteries at a moderate temperature.
• Annual review. Quick diagnostics and preventive maintenance save on major repairs.
How to extend the life of your equipment
• Do not constantly work on a pillow/blanket – the cooling gets suffocated.
• Use original power supplies.
• Dust the area around the workspace.
• Monitor temperatures (without getting obsessed).
• Plan for prevention and archiving – data recovery is the last resort, not a strategy.
Mini case: cordless screwdriver that "dies" under load
The client reports that the screwdriver stops when driving long screws into wood. Diagnosis: worn brushes, depleted batteries, and a dry gearbox. Repair: replacement of brushes and bearings, cleaning and lubrication, load testing. Result: normal RPM and less heating. The cost is several times lower than that of a new professional model.
Conclusion: how to make the right decision
When a tool generates income or is needed for seasonal tasks, an electric tool service is often the fastest and most economical way to get back to work. Send a clear request, compare offers for parts/labor/terms, and choose a service with a transparent warranty and good communication. This way, you save money, time, and nerves – and extend the life of the machines you rely on every day.