Storing tools - A guide for craftsmen

Whether you’re a hobbyist who enjoys DIY projects or a professional like a tiler, painter, or plumber, proper handling of materials is essential. To keep tools in good condition long-term, regular maintenance is important, but proper storing tools is even more crucial.

Some equipment is only used during the cold winter months or infrequently due to its specific application. In these cases, it’s crucial to ensure that the tool is stored properly so that drills, circular saws, and similar items remain in the same condition when they’re needed again. To prevent rust or other damage to expensive equipment, we’ve summarized the most important tips for tool storage.

Storage tools: Which location is the best?

The most common reason for storing equipment is seasonal, especially for winterization. Outdoor tasks like work on the house facade, roof, or garden typically pause during the cold months. So, where should all the unused equipment be stored?

Tool storage in the garden: is that possible?

“Only the tough get into the garden” is a common saying, especially true for tools. Not all equipment is built to survive winter in a garden shed or outdoors. Only simple tools, often made of wood and metal, can withstand the cold without issue.

Examples of this are garden tools such as Shovel or rake, but also hammer or a simple hand saw can cope with temperatures below freezing. Only and only wetness must be avoided at all costs, as Humidity is considered the absolute mortal enemy of any kind of tool. While wood swells and eventually cracks, metal objects are affected by rust and can suffer irreparable damage.

Storing tools in the house or garage

Devices made of plastic, especially those powered electrically or by gasoline, must also be protected from moisture and cold. Cordless drills, electric saws, and generators cannot withstand the cold and won’t survive winter in an uninsulated shed. This doesn’t mean tools like angle grinders and jackhammers need to be stored in the heated living room, but the temperature should stay well above freezing.

For single-family homes, the basement or even the attic may be best suited for storing all kinds of equipment. As you can read in our last blog article on the subject of “Possible problems with the use of Containers, attics and cellars for storage. However, as you can read in the section on “The use of the new”, even these locations are not always suitable due to possible humidity or temperature fluctuations. Is a storage room available in the heated area of the house, this would probably be the best alternative.

If necessary, a garage can work well for storage, as long as it is well-insulated and not exposed to drastic temperature changes. In apartment buildings, however, the situation is often more challenging due to limited space and the lack of available basement compartments. Even when a cellar compartment is available, storing expensive tools there is not recommended due to the risk of burglary.

Selfstorage as a secure solution

The safest option for protecting tools from cold, moisture, and theft during storage is undoubtedly self-storage. At STORE ROOM, video surveillance, alarm systems, and sensors that monitor temperature and humidity ensure absolute security for your stored items. This way, your equipment is kept in optimal condition, ready for use when needed next.

What is the best way to store tools?

However, when it comes to the proper storage of one’s working materials, the question is not only whereto store one’s tools, but above all how. There are a few different options here, with no limits to creativity.

Toolbox

Toolboxes are probably the most common way to store his tools safely and certainly the most practical. In a variety of compartments wrenches, hammers and several other tools can be neatly sorted and transported at any time.

Tool cabinet

The tool cabinet is basically a tool box on steroids. Spacious compartments and drawers can store conventional tools as well as large equipment such as drills and the like. In addition, a workbench with vice is often integrated, which makes certain work much easier.

Perforated wall systems

Perforated wall systems provide a clear way to store tools. You can easily hang pliers, files, wrenches, and more on hooks plugged into the wall, taking them off when needed. However, this storage method is best for smaller items, as the risk of larger equipment falling off is too high.

Magnetic strip

A more unconventional storage method for metal objects is using a magnetic strip on the wall or a wooden beam. Since only iron, nickel, and cobalt are magnetic, this method isn’t suitable for all items. However, it’s a practical and creative DIY solution for most drill bits and wrenches.

Wooden beam with brackets

Similar to the magnetic strip, a simple wooden beam with attached staples can also serve as an ideal storage option serve. Clamps of this type are available in any hardware store and are simply screwed to the wood. Subsequently, objects of all kinds such as shovels, brooms or hammers can be easily hung.

Winter is coming: store your tools

Before storing your tools for an extended period, it’s a good idea to spend a day or at least a few hours preparing them. Start by thoroughly cleaning each tool to remove dirt and moisture. It’s also recommended to seal metal objects with an anti-corrosion spray to prevent rust. For more complex tools like electric drills or saws, it’s best to disassemble them and clean the interior. Dust and small particles can get inside during use, causing long-term damage. Performing a regular refurbishment before storage will save you frustration and money in the long run.

Self-storage as an ideal solution for commercial craftsmen

Not only for storage for several months, such as during the winter period, but also as a regular storage facility in a commercial context, the storage compartments from STORE ROOM are excellent. This is a great offer especially for professional craftsmen, as they usually have a lot of different equipment, not all of which is in constant use, and its inexpensive as well as safe storage is a basic requirement for good business. The easily accessible storage compartments in the south of Vienna with 24/7 access are thus a perfect storage facility for all kinds of equipment, which can be stored and retrieved at any time and as needed.

Well-functioning equipment is crucial for any craftsman, making proper safekeeping a top priority alongside regular maintenance. We hope this article has helped you understand what to consider. Consistent temperatures above zero and dryness are key, with storage security being one of the top three factors for tool storage. When stored in a toolbox or cabinet, your tools will be well cared for!

Store your tools at STORE ROOM

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