If you tend to use your tools quite a lot, you’ll need to look after them. When you look after your tools they’re much more likely to last a long time. This means you’ll have better value for money and you’ll feel better about using them.
So how can you look after your tools properly? We’re going to explore this now:
Store Your Tools Correctly
One of the best ways for you to look after your tools is to store them correctly. You could hang your tools on pegboards, store them in bags or boxes, or you could store them on shelves or in drawers.
There’s no ‘right way’ to store your tools, you simply need to take care of them. When they are stored correctly, they will last longer and be much easier to find.
If you have a lot of pointy tools, store of all them the same way ‘round. This will ensure you’re less likely to hurt yourself when you’re looking for something.
Toolboxes are great for storing tools. Many of them come with layers, allowing you to store a lot of tools together.
You should also consider:
- Keeping your tools somewhere dry – A lot of garages and other enclosed spaces have a lot of humidity. This humidity can cause your tools to rust. Buy a dehumidifier as it will help to protect your tools.
- Store power tools in their case – Many power tools come in a case. Cases such as this help to protect the tools in question. They can also act as a good type of storage. When you’re using your power tool, make sure you keep the case close by so you can put your tool back in it when you’re done.
Clean Your Tools Once You’ve Used Them
Not a lot of people think about the cleanliness of their tools. However, they need to be kept clean so they can work well for you. You don’t need to spend a lot of time cleaning them, but up to 30 seconds can help.
- Wipe your hand tools down once you’re done with them. If they are very dirty, wipe them with a rag and wash them with some soap and water. Be sure to dry them well. Sometimes a bit of WD40 will work wonders.
- Power tools can be a lot harder to clean. Just make sure that the power supply is unplugged before you clean them. Wipe the dust off, use an air compressor if you need to. Now lubricate the moving parts. Be sure to check the manual for advice on cleaning as it could have some hints and tips. If your precision tools are fairly dirty, think twice about disposing of them. Cuttingtools will regrind your precision tools meaning you won’t need to replace them.
Inspect Your Tools Once You’ve Used Them
Quickly cast your eye over your tools once you’ve used them. Please make sure that you continue to wear safety glasses and gloves while you do so. Becuase you’re closely inspecting the tools it’s important to wear glasses that will enable you to clearly see them. If you wear glasses in your daily life, you will also be able to purchase something like these large head prescription safety frames, allowing you to protect your eyes while also ensuring clear vision.
Make sure you keep an eye out for:
- Splintered, cracked, or loose handles – Sand down any small splinters until you cannot feel any more of them. Rub some linseed oil on the handles when you’re done as this will help them to last longer. If the handle contains big splinters you should replace the handle.
- Mushroom-shaped heads on wedges and tools – Heads like this can shatter easily. You can help to avoid this from happening by keeping your tools sharp. Always sharpen your tools when you notice there’s a problem. However, making sure you sharpen your tools at least every 6 months can help to prevent problems.
- Rust on your tools – If you come across rust on your tools they might not be safe to use. You could remove the rust if you are able, but you should consider replacing them instead.
- Cracked housing on your power tools – If any of your power tools have cracked housing, do not use them. They will need to be repaired.
It’s important that you look after your tools. The more your look after your tools, the longer they are likely to last. Use the above tools to help you keep all of your tools in good condition for longer.
