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With the cost of purchasing power tools mounting up as you extend your collection, you will want to make sure you are doing all you can to keep them all well maintained so that they can continue to be used for years to come.
One vital starting point to note here is that you should never just store power tools on a floor, as moisture from the ground can damage the equipment.
Did you buy your power tools complete with a hard plastic case? This case can be used as effective storage, as it keeps dust away from the equipment when not being used. It is also very likely that they will be assigned sections for keeping the power tool’s accessories safe and secure as well.
If you would prefer to have various power tools stored together so that you can find them quicker for your next job, aim to keep them in a large toolbox.
We have a helpful guide detailing our top toolboxes, and for added peace of mind, especially when storing tools in humid environments, you might consider keeping silica gel packs alongside your tools in whichever toolbox you choose. These little packets are designed to soak up moisture, to prevent your trusty equipment from developing rust or suffering from corrosion.
You can store power tools in a clean and organised manner by hanging them on pegboards too. Just remember to follow these pointers when setting one up in your property or workshop:
Double straight hooks with upward slanting tips should be used to hang large power tools, such as cordless drills.
Pairs of heavy-duty J hooks positioned alongside each other should be used to hold heavy power tools, such as angle grinders.
Straight hooks with upward slanting tips should be used with a strong holster to hang the heaviest of your power tools, such as hammer drills and circular saws.
Baskets can be hung from sturdy brackets to keep power tool batteries and chargers safe.
Another great tip is to fit a pegboard onto a wall so that it overlooks a workbench, if you have one. That way, your power tools will always be within easy reach as you work.
The place that you will be storing your power tools is also very important and needs some careful thought.
Power tools can be kept in a shed, but only if this garden building is kept ventilated. The metal and plastic features on the equipment can become fragile if they are stored in a space that is subjected to frequent changes in temperature.
Storing power tools in a shed that is unheated is fine as well, so long as the batteries are removed from the equipment first. Batteries can corrode, freeze or leak when subjected to cold temperatures for too long, so it is best to keep these items inside your main property to prolong their use.
By knowing how and where to safely store your power tools, you’ll help keep your equipment in good condition for the long haul. Before storing, it’s sensible to clean your tools to reduce the risk of rust or seizing. You might also want to lubricate any moving metal parts using automotive greases or maintenance sprays.
For more handy tips and advice for improving how you go about your work too, be sure to keep browsing through the helpful articles found within our huge Trade Corner hub.