5 Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Tools

Whether your tools are for professional purposes, or for home-improvement, keeping them in prime condition is essential to ensure that your jobs are always done in the best way. You will also avoid costly replacements or repairs in the future by keeping a disciplined maintenance schedule.

1. Storing your Tools on a Pegboard

Everyone has their own methods for storing tools. Some will bundle them all together in a container, while others prefer keeping everything in a cupboard. The problem with bundling all of your tools together in a heap is that they can begin grinding against each other, possibly damaging each other. The close proximity of the metal components can also foster the quick spread of rust.

The most accessible and healthy way to store your tools, however, is definitely with a pegboard. This is a vertical sheet placed on a wall, which is filled with pegs, upon which all of your tools can be hanged. This provides the oxygen and space that tools need, and allows for the most convenient accessibility.

2. Wherever you Hang your Tools, Make Sure that it is in a Dry Area

A pegboard is a great start, but you should make sure that it is hung in an area with plenty of ventilation. Unfortunately, most people do not have the space to store their tools outside of musty parts of their homes such as garages, but this issue can be solved by purchasing a dehumidifier, which will keep moisture out.

While many keen gardeners may love their garden tools, they unfortunately do not receive as much care as other home tools. Many will not be cleaned properly following dirty ventures, and will be heaped in a shed. With regards to your storage shed, make sure that your shed is properly ventilated, is clean and organized and that outside moisture does not get in.

3. Keeping your Tools Clean

Following a long and arduous day of work, cleaning your tools might be the last thing you want to do, but it is an essential part of tool maintenance. It actually takes very little time to properly wash a tool, provided you haven’t engaged with particularly resistant chemicals or substances.

4. Cleaning Hand and and Garden tools

These essential tools of the home can be largely cleaned with a rag soaked in water and soap. Try using a stronger detergent for the more obstinate smears, but make sure to wash and dry surfaces and handles thoroughly afterwards to avoid corrosion. Finish by applying a coating of lubrication.

5. Cleaning Power Tools

The first step to cleaning a power tool is to make sure it is properly turned off and unplugged to avoid a nasty shock. Tools such as power drills or saws will accumulate a lot of dust and chips, which can be removed with several blasts from an air compressor. While some power tools may require special substances for lubrication (which can be found in the relevant manual), you can generally use a good lubricant to keep moving parts well-oiled.