Most of us have a wide variety of tools stored in various places around the house or garage. Maybe you have random screwdrivers and hammers stored in the house, in the car port, garden tools like rakes and shovels against the garage wall and power tools stuffed in the plastic containers. If you aren’t storing these tools properly, it’s possible they could get easily aged or damaged and you waste time looking for them when you need them.
Tool Storage
By taking proper care of your tools and organising their storage, you’ll ensure that they’ll remain in good working order and will be ready for use when you need them. No matter what kind of tools you have, it’s important to take some time organising your tools so you’re protecting your investment.
If you have a scattered storage approach then look at ways to rearrange things. What tool boxes, cupboards or shelving do you have or could get?
Basic tool storage ideas and tips:
- Follow the instructions. Some manufacturers will have specific instructions for how to store tools, so read your manuals. It’s important to follow these instructions, especially for larger power tools like saws or drills, so they remain in good working condition.
- Clean them off. Tools should be cleaned each time you use them. Wipe them down with a damp rag or towel to get rid of any dirt, dust, grease or debris. Make sure garden tools are free of mud and grime. Everything should be completely dry before placing it in storage to avoid rust developing. Spray WD40 on metal tools if need be.
- Use original cases. Keep these cases for storage whenever possible. These cases will keep your power tools in storage safe from extreme conditions, plus all the parts can be stored right alongside them in the case. No more lost power cords or chargers!
- Use Cheap Kaizen Foam. This foam is fast and easy to cut tool shapes into, insert into drawers or containers to protect and track missing tools.
- Invest in sturdy storage containers. If you don’t have the original container, or you’re storing smaller hand tools, invest in some containers. This will not only keep your tools organized, but also allows them to be easily transportable to your next project area.
- Store in a safe, dry place. Along with having the right containers, another way to protect your tools is to ensure that area you’re storing them in is safe and dry. Water or humidity can cause damage to tools, especially power tools.
- Go vertical. Tools should never be stored on the ground. Invest in some shelving for smaller tools, or hang pegboard along your workbench or on a wall in your garage. You’ll be able to hang things like wrenches, hammers, box cutters, garden equipment and many other tools so they’ll be easy to access at any time.
- Install Garage Slat-wall. This is installed on the insides of your garage or shed walls and you can then hang multiple items easily onto these panels.
- Install metal racks. Heavy-duty Shelving is perfect in storing and organizing your space. Standard modules are 2M x 2M with shelf layers and 600mm deep, it becomes the perfect shelf to organize your tools. boxes or just about any stuff you want to store!