Tool
Repair or replace? A calculator for cordless tools
Fix it if the repair or part costs about 30% or less of a comparable new tool, and replace the tool at about 60% or more. In between, a tool 8 years old or older leans toward replacing. These are our rules of thumb, not manufacturer figures, and you enter your own costs below.
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The rules the calculator uses
| Fix cost as a share of a comparable new tool or kit | Tool repair | Battery or charger |
|---|---|---|
| 30% or less | Repair it | Replace the part |
| Between 30% and 60%, tool under 8 years | Lean toward repairing | Lean toward replacing the part |
| Between 30% and 60%, tool 8 years or older | Lean toward replacing the tool | Lean toward a new kit |
| 60% or more | Replace the tool | Look at a new kit |
Before you decide
- Check the charger and pack first with our charger light-code decoder. A pattern that looks like a dead pack can be a charger or a dirty contact.
- Check which batteries fit with the battery compatibility checker.
- Check the warranty. A covered fix changes the math.
FAQ
How does the calculator decide?
It divides your cost to fix or replace the part by the cost of a comparable new tool or kit. At 30% or less it says fix it. At 60% or more it says replace. In between it looks at age: a tool 8 years or older leans toward replacing. These cut-offs are our rules of thumb, not manufacturer figures.
Why does it ask for my own costs?
Prices change constantly, so this site doesn't publish them. You enter what you've been quoted or what you see, and the calculator only compares your two numbers. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Should I check the warranty first?
Yes. A covered repair or replacement can cost nothing, which changes the answer. Read the brand's current warranty page before you pay. Terms differ by product, and by pack model for batteries.
What if only the battery or charger failed?
Choose battery or charger, and compare the replacement part with a new kit that includes a battery and charger. If the part costs most of a kit, the calculator suggests looking at a new kit.
Does it tell me which batteries fit?
No. It links to our battery compatibility checker and the buying guide for your brand, which cover what fits and what to check on aftermarket packs.