When shopping for power tools or replacement parts, you'll encounter two motor technologies: brushed and brushless. Understanding the differences helps you maintain your tools properly, anticipate replacement needs, and make informed purchasing decisions. Each motor type has distinct advantages, maintenance requirements and parts that eventually need replacement.

How Brushed Motors Work

Brushed motors use carbon brushes that physically contact a spinning commutator to transfer electrical current to the motor windings. This mechanical contact creates the magnetic field that spins the motor. The simplicity of brushed motor design has powered tools for decades, making them reliable, affordable and easy to repair.

Advantages of Brushed Motors:

• Lower initial cost for tools
• Simple, proven technology
• Easy to diagnose and repair
• Replacement parts widely available and affordable
• No complex electronics to fail

How Brushless Motors Work

Brushless motors eliminate physical contact by using electronic controllers to switch magnetic fields, spinning the motor without friction-causing brushes. This technology costs more initially but delivers significant performance advantages that often justify the premium price.

Advantages of Brushless Motors:

• 25-50% longer runtime per battery charge
• More power in smaller, lighter packages
• Longer tool lifespan with less maintenance
• Better performance under heavy loads
• No brush replacement needed

Maintenance and Replacement Parts

For Brushed Motor Tools: Stock replacement carbon brushes for your most-used tools. Signs you need new brushes include reduced power, excessive sparking visible through motor vents, or intermittent operation. Replacing brushes before they wear completely prevents damage to the commutator, which requires expensive motor assembly replacement.

For Brushless Motor Tools: These motors need minimal maintenance beyond keeping them clean and avoiding overheating. When brushless motors fail, you typically need complete motor assembly or electronic controller replacement rather than small wear parts.

Which Motor Type Is Right for You?

Choose Brushed Tools When:

• Budget is the primary concern
• You prefer simple, DIY-repairable tools
• Tools see occasional rather than daily use
• Replacement parts availability matters most

Choose Brushless Tools When:

• Maximum runtime and power are priorities
• You use tools professionally or frequently
• Lighter weight improves your work
• Long-term value outweighs initial cost

Keep Your Tools Running

Whether brushed or brushless, understanding your motor type helps you maintain tools properly and stock the right replacement parts for when maintenance becomes necessary.