Q:
Browsing through Breaktime, FHB’s online discussion forum, I found a spirited debate about whether cold weather affects the performance and durability of power tools. Most thought that cold has no effect on tools. But I’ve been skeptical since I burned up a circular saw while working outside in 0°F cold. What do power-tool manufacturers say?
Dennis Horton, Denver, CO
A:
Barry Wixey, an independent power-tool designer and professional engineer, replies: My answer to this question, based on my experience with designing power tools, is to agree with the Breaktime folks. Cold weather should have no effect on the durability and performance of power tools. Here’s why.
Every power-tool manufacturer is concerned with the durability of its tools. For a manufacturer, tools that fail and are returned can be a huge expense both in terms of money and reputation. Consequently, most tool companies spend an enormous amount of time and energy to make sure that their tools perform in all situations.
One of the first steps in testing a tool is to understand every possible way that tool will be used as well as every possible environment that the tool will be used in. The design engineer then selects the proper grade of material for every component of the tool: from plastic housings, to aluminum gear cases, to steel gears and bearings and even the proper lubricants.
Of course, this planning all looks good on paper, but the next step is testing the tool in the lab. Most companies have environmental chambers to lower the tools to temperatures well below 0°F, as well as to raise them to extremely high temperatures similar to those that can occur in the trunk of a car or in the toolbox in the back of a truck. Tools also are subjected to high humidity, and some components are subjected to saltspray testing to ensure that they don’t corrode easily. The tools then are used to cut every conceivable material, including wet and frozen wood. Lab testing is great, but real life is better. Most major power-tool companies also field-test tools before giving them the final thumbs-up. Sample tools are sent to users all over the globe from Alaska to Australia to make sure that lab results concur with real life.
When I discussed this question with engineers at several major power-tool companies, they agreed that extreme cold should not affect power-tool performance, corded or cordless. (However, batteries should not be charged in extreme cold.) One engineer even pointed out that overheating motors are a common cause of tool failure. So drawing cold air through the motor via the fan should improve the efficiency and increase the motor’s life.
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