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How To Store Power Tools
Have you ever found yourself digging through a cluttered garage or workshop, wasting precious time searching for that specific power tool you need? Proper tool organization isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about efficiency, safety, and ensuring the longevity of your valuable equipment. How can power tools be stored in a way that encompasses all these aspects? As you dive into this article, we’ll provide comprehensive methods and innovative ideas to answer that question.
Why Is It Important To Store Power Tools?
Storing power tools properly is crucial for several reasons:
Safety: One of the primary reasons for correctly storing power tools is safety. Leaving tools scattered around can result in accidents such as trips, falls, cuts, or worse. Additionally, if means are left in areas accessible to children or pets, the risk of unintended injuries increases substantially.
Tool Longevity: Proper storage protects tools from moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures, which can degrade tool quality. For instance, devices exposed to water can rust or corrode, impairing their function and safety.
Maintain Efficiency: Tools that are well-maintained and stored properly are ready to use when needed. There’s no wasted time looking for them or trying to repair preventable damage, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.
Protect Investment: Quality power tools can be expensive. By storing them correctly, you’re protecting your investment, reducing the frequency of replacements or repairs.
Organised Workspace: A well-organized tool storage system can lead to a more efficient and pleasurable working environment. Knowing exactly where each tool is can save time and frustration.
Prevent Theft: Properly storing and securing tools can prevent them from being easily stolen. Whether it’s a locked toolbox, a secure shed, or a garage with a security system, ensuring devices are not easily accessible to outsiders is vital.
Battery Care: For cordless power tools, proper storage is essential to prolong the life of the batteries. Batteries should be stored in cool, dry places and not left connected to the charger indefinitely.
Maintain Resale Value: If there ever comes a time when you wish to sell or trade a tool, those in good condition will naturally fetch a higher resale value. Proper storage plays a crucial role in maintaining the tool’s shape.
Avoid Unintended Power-On: Especially for electric power tools, improper storage could lead to unintentional power-ups, which can be a safety hazard and potentially damage the device.
Reduce Clutter: Tools left around can contribute to a cluttered workspace, which can be inefficient and mentally taxing. A clean, organised space often leads to better productivity and a more evident mindset.
Thus, properly storing power tools is integral to tool maintenance, safety, and overall workspace efficiency. Making the effort to store tools correctly can result in long-term benefits both for the user and the devices themselves.
Tips For Storing Power Tools
Storing power tools properly is vital to ensure their longevity, efficiency, and safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to hold power tools:
Clean Before Storing
Before you put your tools away:
- Ensure they’re free of dirt, dust, and debris.
- Wipe them down with a clean cloth.
- Use an appropriate solvent or cleaner for tools that have come in contact with sap, grease, or other sticky substances.
Choose the Right Storage Space
Power tools should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent rust and damage from moisture. At the same time, prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade the plastic parts of some tools.
Original Cases
Many power tools come with moulded plastic cases. Using these cases for storage can protect the devices from dust, moisture, and physical damage.
Wall Storage
Pegboards: One of the most traditional ways to store tools, pegboards can be customised with hooks and holders to accommodate various tools.
Wall-mounted Racks and Shelves: Ideal for more extensive tools or tools without cases.
Tool Chests and Cabinets: These provide ample storage and help to keep tools organised. Look for cabinets with lock mechanisms for added security.
Drawers with Dividers: These are great for smaller power tools or accessories. Dividers keep items separated and easy to find.
Battery Care
- Store batteries separately from the tool.
- Remove the battery if you don’t plan to use the tool for a long time.
- Please keep them in a cool, dry place, away from metal objects.
- Do not leave batteries on chargers indefinitely. Overcharging can reduce their lifespan.
Cord Care
For corded power tools, ensure cords are not tangled or kinked. Use velcro ties or cord reels to keep them organised. Avoid wrapping cords tightly around tools, as this can damage the line over time.
Label Everything
If you have multiple storage boxes or drawers, label them so you can quickly find what you’re looking for.
Secure Storage
If theft is a concern, consider locking tool chests or installing security measures in your storage area.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Even when stored, occasionally check your tools. Ensure they remain rust-free, apply lubrication when needed, and check for damage or wear.
Store in Accessible Areas
Tools that are used frequently should be easily accessible. This makes tasks more efficient and reduces the risk of hastily grabbing tools and causing accidents.
Avoid Overloading Shelves
Ensure that shelves or storage units are not overloaded, which can pose a risk of falling or collapsing.
Safety First
Always store sharp tools, such as saws, with their blades or sharp edges covered. Ensure that switches and triggers are in the ‘off’ position and safety locks are engaged where possible.
Properly storing power tools involves a combination of cleanliness, organisation, safety precautions, and periodic maintenance checks. Investing in reasonable storage solutions can save money in the long run by extending the life of your tools and ensuring they’re always ready for use.
How to Store Power Tools: Innovative and Secure Methods
Proper storage of power tools is paramount for prolonging their operational life and maintaining a safe workspace. A staple in many workshops, pegboards offer a customisable solution, letting artisans hang tools on hooks for easy access. Similarly, shelves can be strategically installed to categorise tools based on size, use frequency, or functionality. Toolboxes and chests come in handy for those who prioritise mobility or need protection from environmental contaminants.
While portable toolboxes cater to smaller tools, larger chests can house the more substantial equipment. Both purchased or DIYed wall-mounted racks are suitable for accommodating hefty tools like grinders or circular saws. In contrast, drawer cabinets with labelled sections and foam inserts ensure each device has a designated, secure spot. Tool bags provide a practical solution for artisans constantly moving, with their varied sizes and compartmentalised designs. Storage bins and totes offer a protective haven for seldom-used tools, shielding them from dust, moisture, and pests. Furthermore, the space beneath workbenches is an often-overlooked goldmine. One can optimise storage space by adding cabinets, drawers, or shelves under the workbench.
On the other hand, dedicated cabinets present an organised approach, consolidating power tools in a singular, lockable space, ideal for those prioritising safety, especially in homes with children or pets. Lastly, climate-controlled storage becomes indispensable in regions with extreme climatic conditions, preventing rusting and ensuring tools’ longevity. Choosing the correct storage method balances accessibility, protection, and space optimisation.
Besides all the methods mentioned above, we have some innovative ideas for storing power tools, so let’s begin.
Set Up a Secure Storage Space
- Purpose: Protect your tools from theft, environmental damage, and unauthorised access.
- Implementation: Choose a dedicated room or section of your garage or workshop. Ensure it’s equipped with a sturdy door and lock. If possible, install security cameras or an alarm system for enhanced protection.
Create a Designated Docking Area:
- Purpose: To organise and charge battery-operated tools.
- Implementation: Designate a corner of your workshop for this purpose. Install a shelf or bench to line up your tools and connect them to their chargers. Consider a power strip for multiple charging points.
Use a Rollaway Workstation:
- Purpose: To provide mobility and ease of access to your most-used tools.
- Implementation: Purchase or build a workstation on wheels. Organise tools in drawers according to frequency of use, with the most-used tools on top for easy access.
Repurpose Pallets for Shelving:
- Purpose: A cost-effective way to create storage.
- Implementation: Collect old wooden pallets. They can be vertically attached to walls to create shelving units. Customise the shelves based on tool size and shape.
. Set Up Vertical Storage:
- Purpose: To maximise space, especially in tight areas.
- Implementation: Use wall-mounted racks, pegboards, or magnetic strips. This method is perfect for tools that can be hung, ensuring they remain visible and easy to access.
Collect Scrap Wood to Make French Cleats:
- Purpose: A customisable and adjustable wall storage solution.
- Implementation: Cut scrap wood at a 45-degree angle to create cleats. Mount one side to the wall and attach the other to the tool holders. This allows for easy rearrangement as your tool collection grows.
Invest in a Professional Tool Chest:
- Purpose: For organised, protective, and long-term storage.
- Implementation: While more of an investment, a professional tool chest offers multiple drawers and compartments. Many also come with built-in locks for added security.
Use an Accessory Tote for Easy Transportation:
- Purpose: Convenient transportation of tools and accessories.
- Implementation: An accessory tote is a portable storage solution beneficial for those on the move. It’s great for carrying smaller tools, screws, nails, and other accessories. Select a tote with multiple compartments for better organisation.
Thus, the key to adequate power tool storage is a blend of organisation, security, and convenience. Whether you’re a professional craftsman or a DIY enthusiast, these innovative methods will ensure your tools are always in top condition and ready for the task.
Conclusion
In a world where the tools of our trade play a crucial role, understanding how to store power tools is essential for every amateur or professional artisan. An organised workspace improves efficiency, ensures the user’s safety, and extends the tools’ lifespan. Investing time and sometimes a bit of money into proper storage solutions protects your investment, ensuring that your power tools are always ready for the next project. So, the next time you wrap up your work, remember the importance of giving your devices the care and storage they deserve.
FAQ’s
Why is it essential to store power tools properly?
Proper storage ensures safety, prolongs tool lifespan, and enhances workspace efficiency by reducing clutter.
Can I keep my power tools in their original cases?
Many power tools come with moulded cases to protect against dust, moisture, and physical damage.
How should I care for the batteries of my cordless power tools?
Store batteries in a cool, dry place, separate from the device, and avoid leaving them on chargers indefinitely to prevent overcharging.
Are pegboards a good storage option for power tools?
Yes, pegboards offer customisable storage solutions, allowing tools to be hung on hooks for easy accessibility and visibility.
Is it safe to store my tools in areas with extreme temperatures?
It’s best to store tools in climate-controlled spaces to prevent rusting and degradation caused by extreme temperatures or high humidity.
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