How to Properly Take Care of your Tools?

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Every man loves having a garage filled with tools and be ready for everything that might come their way. Men are builders; they love fixing problems, which is why most of us love a perfectly equipped garage with all the tools that we might ever need.

However, getting the tools and not maintaining them properly is a big mistake. If you have a place filled with tools, you must know how to take care of them. Taking care of them will make them last longer, and you’ll have the flawless every time you need to work with them.

In this article, we’re sharing five points that will help you with the maintenance. We will explain why it’s crucial to work on them regularly and what you need to know about cleaning. Read on and see more on the subject!

1. Have perfect storage and always put them back after use

Every tool needs to have its own dedicated place where it will be stored. It’s crucial to put them back after use because this will keep them in perfect shape. Most people who understand how important this is, get themselves big tool cabinets or similar items for storing tools.

There are many options on the market, from gigantic robust cabinets to easily transferable and lightweight boxes. Check out OZY Toolbox to see some of the most popular and modern options most commonly used today and find the best option for you personally.

2. Clean them after use

When you work with something, and you’re finished, you must take it back into its place, as we mentioned above. However, before doing this, you need to inspect it and see if it is clean. If you’ve been working with a screwdriver, make sure the grease is taken off.

These little things are going to protect your tools and have them last longer. At the same time, you won’t experience that awful feeling the next time you pick them up. A greasy tool that stayed for days on the table is disgusting. Taking perfectly cleaned tools from the cabinet is a different story, though.

3. Avoid water contact

Tools hate water. Almost all of them are made of materials that will become ruined if they are often in touch with water. Rusting and calcification are some of the most common chemical occurrences that will destroy your tools.

Of course, this will not happen right away, but unless you take care of them, they will be ruined much faster than they should. If you spilled water, or you had to work in unusual conditions, then the least you can do is wipe them with a dry towel afterward.

This should be enough to keep them dry. Place them back in the cabinet, and you’ve done your part. Don’t forget to make sure that there’s no leakage or too much humidity inside the place where the tools are stored, as this is the same thing as not maintaining them properly.

4. Buy quality materials

On the market, you’ll find all kinds of different tools. Some of them are more expensive than others. When you’re purchasing something new, don’t mind the price, but look for a quality-made tool. Those made perfectly will last much longer than those more affordable and made poorly.

If you get something that’s more affordable at the moment, be sure that you’ll need to toss it in the garbage because it was destroyed while working with it. If you want to have long-lasting and durable tools, always aim for quality.

5. Regularly inspect those not being used often

Some tools are going to stay in your garage for months or even years without being used. It’s completely fine to leave your sledgehammer intact and not inspect it if it’s useful – unless there’s too much humidity, nothing can go wrong with it.

However, having a chainsaw means you need to lubricate it regularly. The same goes for every machine you have and runs on gas or electricity. You need to periodically inspect them and see if they work correctly because when the moment to use them comes, they might fail and hurt you.

Every month, take them off their place and turn them on. See if everything works properly, add some lubrication, and put them back in their place. This way, they’ll never fail you in moments when you need them urgently.

Conclusion

With everything written above, you now know how to take care of your tools and why it is so important to do it. Always take them back to the cabinet where they are stored, don’t forget to clean them after use, and ensure there is no water around. Get yourself quality stuff and do regular inspections. That’s how you’ll have tools that will never fail you.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.

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