Should I repair or replace my power tool?
Pro-tier brands (Makita, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bosch Pro) have plentiful service parts and are nearly always worth fixing. Budget tools rarely justify a repair quote over $40 — replacement is just easier. Cordless tools have a third category: the battery itself often outlives the tool.
Updated April 25, 2026
- · Repair economics
- · Replacement price logic
- · Expected lifespan
- · Safety considerations
Live market data isn't available yet for this power tool
You can still get an honest repair-or-replace verdict — the calculator works fully with a manual replacement price. Here's how to estimate one well:
- ·Look up a comparable like-for-like new model from a reputable retailer.
- ·Avoid the cheapest unknown listings — they distort the benchmark.
- ·Include delivery, installation and disposal of the old unit.
- ·Subtract any realistic resale or trade-in value to get net replacement cost.
- ·Use a typical mid-range price, not the absolute cheapest or most premium.
We never show fabricated prices. If a live snapshot isn't there, it's because we don't have reliable offers for this category right now.
- · Replacement prices are fetched from configured live price providers when available.
- · The benchmark uses reliable in-stock offers — not the cheapest random listing.
- · Manual inputs are used when live data is unavailable; we never fabricate prices.
- · Repair costs are user-supplied unless clearly labelled as estimates.
- · Prices change. Always confirm before purchasing.
When repair makes sense — and when it doesn't
Repair when…
- ·Pro brand with parts available
- ·Fault is brushes, switch, chuck or cord
- ·Repair under 30% of replacement
- ·You're invested in the battery platform
Replace when…
- ·Budget tool with motor or gearbox failure
- ·Repair quote above 50% of a new equivalent
- ·Brand has discontinued service parts
- ·You can move to a brushless model that doubles runtime
Common power tool failures
Honest verdicts based on typical repair cost vs. remaining lifespan.
| Fault | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Brushes worn out | Repair | Cheap consumable on brushed motors. DIY on most pro tools. |
| Trigger switch failed | Repair | Reasonably priced part, common service item. |
| Battery pack degraded | Repair (replace pack) | On a pro platform, a new battery is far cheaper than a new tool. |
| Motor or gearbox failure | Usually replace | Especially on budget tools — repair rarely beats replacement. |
Common problems that move the needle
These are the failure areas the TopOrHop calculator weighs when scoring your power tool. Severity and repair complexity directly influence the recommendation.
| Failure area | Severity | Repair complexity | Effect on recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Usually minor | Low | Pushes the score toward repair — small cost, big remaining value. |
| Charger | Usually minor | Low | Pushes the score toward repair — small cost, big remaining value. |
| Switch | Often moderate | Moderate | Decision depends on age and quote. Run the calculator. |
| Power cord | Often moderate | Moderate | Decision depends on age and quote. Run the calculator. |
| Motor brushes | Often moderate | Moderate | Decision depends on age and quote. Run the calculator. |
| Chuck | Often moderate | Moderate | Decision depends on age and quote. Run the calculator. |
| Bearings | Can be major | High | Pushes the score toward replacement on older units. |
| Gearbox | Can be major | High | Pushes the score toward replacement on older units. |
| Motor | Can be major | High | Pushes the score toward replacement on older units. |
| Control board | Can be major | High | Pushes the score toward replacement on older units. |
We don't list precise repair costs here — they vary too much by region, brand and labour rates. Your actual quote drives the decision in the calculator.
- ·Always isolate (unplug or remove battery) before inspection.
- ·Never bypass safety switches or guards on returned tools.
- ·Lithium-ion battery packs must be properly recycled — never bin.
Read the full methodology — inputs, scoring, lifespan model, confidence weighting, and what we never include.
Worked example
5-year-old pro 18V drill, brushes worn
Brushes are a 12% repair on a tool with years of motor life left. Trivial repair call.
This is an illustrative example. Run the calculator with your actual figures for your specific recommendation.
Run the numbers on your power tool
We'll combine your repair quote, the live replacement benchmark above, lifespan and reliability into one transparent recommendation — with confidence and next steps.
Start the power tool repair or replace calculatorFAQ
How long should a power tool last?
Pro brands with normal use: 8–12 years. Budget brands: 3–6.
Are brushless tools worth the upgrade?
Yes — typically 50% more runtime per battery and 2-3x motor life. Worth it if you're already buying new.
Is replacing a tool battery worth it?
On pro platforms (Makita LXT, DeWalt 20V, Milwaukee M18), absolutely. On budget tools, usually no.
Read next: deciding well
Five short guides that cover the most common questions about your power tool decision.
When the classic 'half of new' shortcut works — and when it misleads.
Sanity-check the quote, ask the right questions, decide objectively.
Age shifts the math more than most people realise.
Reliable offers beat random low-ball listings — here's why.
When a refurb of a newer unit beats fixing your old one.
Affiliate disclosure. Some replacement offers below may earn us a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate compensation does not influence the repair-or-replace recommendation — that is calculated from your inputs and benchmark prices before any offers are shown.