Do You Know Why Power Tools are Loud?

Power tools are noisy and annoying to anyone within a certain radius. There are ways to curtail the noise, but understanding why they are so loud can help you discover a good solution. In some cases, a loud power tool may be a signal of mechanical problems but most of them are naturally noisy. 

The Reason Why Power Tools are so Noisy

Power tools create so much noise because they feature loud fans that prevent overheating. Metal gears whirr while making the motor louder. Drill bits that get dull, motors that deteriorate, unlubricated gears, and higher RPMs (Rotations Per Minute) cause the power tool to be louder than usual. 

We’ll go deeper into why power tools are so loud. 

1. Metal gears make the motor louder. Most of the noise from your power tools comes from the gear train. Multiple gears rotate around one another, creating a loud grinding noise. These movements generate vibrations and produce power and direction for the tool.  

2. Power tools feature loud cooling fans. Every electric tool needs to cool off. Friction between metal pieces produces heat. If fans were not part of the tool, they would be too hot to handle, and the motors would be damaged within minutes of usage. The pricier tools have fans that are quieter than cheaper tools. 

3. If there isn’t any lubrication, the internal components will scrape against each other and screech. Just like ceiling fans, lubricants are applied to avoid overheating. Lubrication can be found where moving parts come in contact. The gears need to be pre-lubricated to prevent the tools from being worn down, otherwise grinding sounds will be heard. 

4. Dull bits can make your tool loud. When the bits are worn down, they will vibrate more frequently. Drill bits need to be replaced whenever they get dull. The metal that they are comprised of will affect how long they last. For example, low-quality aluminum will chip, vibrate, and become dull very quickly.  

5. A motor that’s failing or if it runs at high RPMs will make more noise than usual. The more power that the tool creates, the louder it will sound. High RPMs make everything function at an accelerated speed, including fans. A defective motor can overheat, grind, and create irritating noises. 

How Loud Can Power Tools Get?

Power tools can get loud enough to harm your ability to hear based on how long you are exposed to the noise, as well as the distance between you and the noise source. Wear hearing protection whenever you use power tools. 

Power tools and decibel output 

Table Saw: 93 dB

Belt Sander: 94 dB

Router: 95 dB

Hand Drill: 99 dB

Circular Saw: 101 dB

Chain Saw: 109 dB

Hammer Drill: 114 dB

Steady exposure to any noise that reaches at least 70 dB can start to harm your hearing.   

How to Muffle the Noises from Power Tools

As mentioned, the main reasons why power tools are so noisy are because of vibrations, metal rubbing against each other, and overheating. To reduce noise from power tools:

1. Fasten the project you are working on to reduce excessive vibrations.  

If possible, anchor the material onto a solid surface. An unclamped board will move around, making the tool struggle to work and the material will produce a loud noise. 

2. Get a new bit set that is sharper and made of high-quality materials.
  
Cheaper materials will become dull and won’t remain steady. High-quality drill bits are sharp and sturdy, so they should last longer, drill with precision, and be less noisy. 

3. Regularly clean your power tools. This will prevent the fan from overheating.

Inspect the vents to make sure there isn’t any dust or debris causing an obstruction. This makes them work harder. Use an air compressor to clear out anything that can’t be reached with a soft cloth. 

4. Lubricate gears in tools, if possible.  

Some tools cannot be opened. Check your manufacturer’s guide. If the gears on a power tool are in an enclosed case and do not feature screws, you’ll have to wear hearing protection to deal with the noise. Enclosed gearboxes are usually lubricated and infrequently need to be replaced. 

Should You Use Cordless Tools?

Batter-powered tools are less noisy if you don’t want to deal with noisy power tools. 

The most powerful tools are often the loudest, but a high-quality, battery-powered tool can make up for it.  Here’s why cordless tools make less noise than corded tools:

1. Most cordless tools are not as powerful.

The majority of power tools that use a battery are quiet because they don’t feature RPMs. The fewer RPMs there are, the less likely you’ll be able to tackle challenging projects. This may not be a problem for your tools or needs.

2. There isn’t as much pressure put onto gearboxes as corded power tools.  

Weaker power equals fewer cracks caused by friction, less grinding, and less weathering. Some cordless gearboxes are made to withstand the force, and others were made to make less noise by being coated in lubricant. 

3. Traditional drills with cords do not feature modern cordless technology.

You may notice that your oldest tools make more noise than battery-powered ones. These power tools were not designed to be quiet due to the material that was available. It was naturally loud, so there’s not much you can do to muffle the noises like today’s cordless tools.  

If you want quieter tools, get a high-end style. Low-quality tools won’t have the power you need to get your projects done. 

If you are experiencing hearing loss that was caused by exposure to loud power tools, or for any other reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. 

contact us