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Is Your Cordless Drill Losing Power? Try This

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Pete Fazio | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 7:00 AM ET

A cordless drill is one of the most useful tools in any toolbox, but it’s frustrating when it starts losing power too quickly. Maybe it won’t hold a charge, or it dies faster than it used to. Sometimes, it even seems like it’s fully charged but still lacks the strength to do the job. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Battery-powered tools wear down over time, but some problems can be fixed—or at least delayed. Let’s look at what might be causing the power loss and what you can do about it.

1. Battery Problems

Power tool batteries don’t last forever, and they tend to wear out faster than the cordless tool itself. If your drill is losing power, the battery life is the first thing to check.

Age and Wear – Rechargeable batteries have a limited lifespan. If your lithium battery is a few years old, it may not hold a charge as well as it used to.
Faulty Battery — Sometimes even the original battery packs can have dead cells or other faults leading to poor battery performance.
Storage Conditions – Extreme temperatures and moisture can shorten battery life. Leaving your cordless power tools in a hot garage or a damp basement can lead to a dead battery over time.
Charging Habits – Overcharging or letting the battery drain to a deep discharge before recharging can damage it. Most modern batteries work best when charged before they get too low.
Dirty or Loose Contacts – If the battery contacts are dirty or corroded, the drill may not get a solid connection and adequate power. Wiping the battery connection with a clean cloth or cotton swab and a bit of contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol can help.
Battery Charger Issues — Is the power source good? Is this the original charger meant for this type of battery pack. Is there a power switch? Is the battery inserted in the proper position to get a proper connection and a full charge? Is it a faulty charger? Dirty contacts?

If your battery is old or not holding a charge, replacing it might be the easiest fix. Before buying a new one, try swapping in a spare battery (if you have one) to see if the problem goes away.

2. Motor or Internal Issues

If the battery seems fine but your battery drill still struggles, a broken tool, a faulty motor, or internal parts might be the problem.

Over time, dust particles and debris can build up inside the drill, making it harder for the motor to run efficiently. If your drill feels sluggish, try blowing out any dust contamination from the motor assembly with compressed air.

Another possibility is that the brushes or brush springs inside the electric motor are wearing down. These small parts help transfer power, but they can wear out after years of use. Some drills have replaceable brushes, while others do not. If you suspect worn brushes, check your drill’s manual or look up a replacement guide for guidance on repair.

Overheating is another common issue. If your drill gets hot and then slows down or stops, it may be going into thermal shutdown. This happens when the motor is overworked, which can happen if you're drilling into tough materials or using the drill for long periods without a break. Letting it cool down before using it again can help.

Regular cleaning and following good cleaning guidelines will keep your tools in tip-top shape with optimal performance.

3. Wrong Drill Bit or Tool for the Job

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the drill—it’s how it’s being used.

If you’re using a drill that’s too small for the task, it might struggle to keep up. Some materials, like hardwood or thick metal, require more power than a basic battery drill can provide.

The drill bit also plays a role. A dull or wrong drill bit can make the electric drill work harder than necessary. If your drill feels weak, try switching to a sharper, high-quality bit that matches the material you're working with.

If you’re driving screws, consider whether you’re using the right setting. Many cordless drills have adjustable torque settings; using too low of a setting can make the drill feel underpowered.

FAQ

Can I revive a weak drill battery?

Sometimes. If your battery won’t hold a charge, try cleaning the contacts and charging it fully. If that doesn’t help, some people have luck “jump-starting” a lithium-ion battery by briefly connecting it to a working battery of the same voltage; however, this can be risky and isn’t always recommended. In most cases, replacing the battery is the best solution.

How do I know if my drill motor is dying?

A failing electric motor may make unusual noises, produce a burning smell, or struggle even with a fully charged battery. If cleaning out dust and replacing the battery doesn’t help, the motor may be worn out. Some battery tools allow for motor repairs, but in many cases, replacing the drill is the better option, look for sale prices or deals on combo sets. Also check to see if your tool has an extended warranty, or better yet, a lifetime guarantee.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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