- Check the drive belts on your power tools in a regular basis. Look for cracks and weak spots that are close to breaking. Run your hand on the underside of the belt to check for dryness and flaking, a sign that the belt is nearing the end of its usefulness.
- Replace worn belt drives. Belt drives are typically made from leather, rubber or polyurethane and are not meant to be lubricated. They provide clean power to the moving parts with little maintenance required. Belt drives are held tightly in place by a screw to keep the tension strong and can fly off when they break, causing damage to the user or to the tool.
- Keep the cover on over the drive belt when using a power tool to avoid being sprayed with wood or metal chips. Safety precautions are especially warranted when using a power tool that has an exposed drive belt, such as a belt sander. Long hair, loose clothing and nearby debris can easily get pulled into the belt and quickly pull the piece before you have a chance to turn off the tool.
- Purchase custom-made drive belts that can help reduce vibrations and last longer than factory-made belts of rubber that wear. Companies such as Highland Woodworking sell uneven V-belts that can nearly eliminate shaking and vibrating. Remove the old belt and measure its length. Power Twist drives are best used on stationary power tools such as a table saw, lather or drill press. The material costs about $10 per foot.
- Use the recommended replacement parts from the manufacturer if you are not comfortable with variations. By ordering the exact replica of the belt you're replacing, you won't have to worry about voiding a warranty or getting the wrong size. Look at websites, such as Tool For Less or Tool Parts Direct, that carry a broad range of brand name belt drives. Find any brand, from DeWalt, to Black & Decker and Bosch belt drives, in one place.
