How to store power tools: Storage ideas

Power tools give you the power to complete everyday tasks and professional work, faster. Power tools can be on the more pricy side, so it’s a good idea to store them the right way so they don’t break or rust.

Store your power tools safely and you’ll also find them faster. Replacing lost power tools is expensive, so let’s look at how to protect your prized collection.

How to maintain power tools

Power tools need regular care, so looking after them is important. Disconnect power tools from power sources before you clean them. Wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.

Wipe down the outside of power tools with a good degreaser and steel wool brush. You should only do this when you have finished using the tool and it has cooled down.

Use a toothbrush to scrub away dust and grime in hard-to-reach places. You can use compressed air to clean vents. Go through the tool and spin the moving parts to make sure they run smoothly.

Check the power cords and plugs for any frays and tighten loose bolts or screws. You should also listen for odd noises and lubricate where needed. Make sure to keep your drill bits and cutting blades looking new by sharpening them.

Always avoid electrical wiring and motor casing when cleaning any power tool. Use a towel to dry the tool and remove all moisture. You can spray their metal parts with some WD-40 after drying them. This provides a protective barrier against rust and keeps them working well. Just be careful when you handle them or place them in storage, as they may be slippery.

Where to store power tools

Now your power tools are clean, you need to find the right place to put them. Bear in mind that freezing temperatures are bad for power tools.

If you’re storing power tools in a shed, it needs to be well-insulted and ventilated. Seal any gaps that could let water and wind in, and run a heater or dehumidifier to keep the area free from damp.

Your best bet is a dry and cool space without big changes in temperature. Changing temperature can damage your power tools by making the metal or plastic fragile. Power tools can break if you use them when they’re too cold, and moisture in the air can freeze the moving parts.

Most power tools require oils and grease to run properly. When they are cold, they become difficult to use. You will need to bring them into the house and let them warm up for a few hours before using them.

Keep cordless power tools and chargers indoors during the cold season. Battery charges will decay in freezing temperatures, so store and charge your batteries within the temperature range recommended by the tool manufacturer. It’s important to warm up the cordless battery before charging to prevent any problems.

Try to find an appropriate warm space inside to store power tools when you use them in winter. You should avoid operating your power tools in extremely cold or wet weather.
Keep your equipment sheltered from the rain and wind if you use power tools outside in cold weather. This will stop moisture from getting on the surface.

Once you’ve decided where to store your power tools, you’ll need to consider how to store them.

How to store power tools

Don’t store power tools on the floor, as they could be damaged by ground moisture. Put up sturdy shelving for smaller power tools to keep them off the ground. You can also use a power tools pegboard along your workbench for added storage.

You can hang all sorts of power tools, from circular saws and drills to nail guns and hedge trimmers. Tool chests or cabinets are also popular choices for power tool storage. Place anti-rust liners inside the drawers for added protection.

Not only is this great for organising and accessing your tools, you won’t need to bend down to pick up your power tools.

Here are some other handy power storage tips to remember:

Use original cases

Power tools usually come in hard, plastic cases for safe and simple storage. Use these to keep dust out and prevent rust. The original cases are also designed to store all the necessary parts of the power tool, so you won’t lose essential accessories like chargers and spare blades.

Invest in sturdy storage containers (ideally with a lid) to organise your power tools and transport them in your van or vehicle to your next project. A canvas or cotton water-proof bag or cover will also work, letting the tool breathe while still being water-resistant.

Put silica gel packs inside toolboxes

You can store your power tools in a large toolbox. Put silica gel packets into your toolbox to soak up excess moisture that can cause corrosion and rust.

Think about the key features of a toolbox that matter to you. It should be a long-term investment you can use for different projects. Metal toolboxes are made to be robust and carry a lot of weight, making them good for heavy-duty power tools. Also think about the storage space it offers for larger tools — tool chests usually have a deep main compartment to hold power tools and larger equipment.

Finally, look for a toolbox with an IP65-rated weather seal. This means the product has the highest dust protection level and keeps out rain and jobsite debris.

Know which hooks to choose for your pegboard

Pegboards are great for hanging tools in your garage, shed or workshop. They keep your power tools clean and organised, letting them breathe, unlike a chest or cabinet where there can be moisture. You need to use the right hooks to keep your power tools secure.

J Hooks – Large J hooks with a 1 1/2“ opening are good for heavy power tools. Heavy-duty J hooks can support up to 22kg of weight. This means many chainsaws can be securely held by the handle, while two J Hooks can be positioned side by side to hold power drills and angle grinders.
Straight hooks – Choose straight hooks with upwards slanting tips to keep your tools fixed in position and stop them from falling. They can be combined to create a sturdy holster for your heaviest power tools like circular saws and hammer drills.
Double straight hooks – Two prongs offer sturdy support for larger, bulky power tools like cordless drills, leaf blowers, and handheld sanders. Look for hooks with upward slanting tips to stop your power tools from sliding off.

Top tips for storing power tools

These three tips will help you even further with efficient organisation and storage:

Keep your garages, workshops and general workspace functional and clutter-free by getting rid of any power tools that can’t be replaced or fixed.
Position the largest and heaviest power tools at the bottom of a pegboard to minimise stress on the wall.

What is the best way to store power tools?

No matter where you store your power tools, it’s important to store them in a dry and dehumidified place to protect them from rust, extreme temperatures and moisture-related damage.

A misfiring or misplaced power tool is useless, so set up a robust storage system to protect your assets. If you are also organised, your power tools will remain safe, in good condition and be easy to access.

Keeping your power tools in good condition means you can rely on them to complete projects professionally and on time. You will also save time looking for power tools and money spent replacing them.