How do I store outdoor power tools in my garage?

Having the right storage solutions for your outdoor power tools is crucial for keeping your garage organized and protecting your equipment. Proper storage helps prevent damage from moisture, dust, corrosion, and accidental impacts. It also makes it easier to find the tools when you need them. Follow these tips to effectively store leaf blowers, lawn mowers, pressure washers, and other outdoor power equipment in your garage.

Protect Tools from Moisture and Corrosion

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to tools stored in a garage. It can cause rust and corrosion that damages exposed metal parts. Here are some tips for keeping moisture off your power tools:

• Store tools off concrete floors. The moisture from concrete can cause rust. Use shelving, racks, hooks, or other methods to keep tools off the floor.
• Use protective covers. Use covers specifically designed for lawn mowers, pressure washers, and other power equipment. Make sure covers fit snugly and are made of water-resistant materials.
• Oil metal surfaces. Wipe down any exposed metal parts with a lightweight oil or silicone lubricant before storing tools. This prevents rust.
• Use desiccant packets. Place moisture-absorbing desiccant packets in storage bins or tool drawers.
• Run storage heaters periodically. If your garage is climate controlled, run heaters for a bit before storing tools to reduce ambient moisture.

Avoid storing tools anywhere that collects moisture, such as directly on the floor or against water pipes. Try to store in the driest areas of the garage.

Protect Against Dust and Debris

Dust and debris can damage the internal components of power tools. Follow these tips to protect your equipment:

• Use dust covers. Covers designed for lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other outdoor equipment keep out dust.
• Store tools in bins. Clear plastic sealed bins keep dust off tools.
• Wrap in plastic. For short-term storage, you can wrap tools in plastic bags or sheeting to protect from debris.
• Clean tools before storing. Remove built-up debris, dirt, and grass clippings before placing tools into storage.
• Seal storage cabinets. Use cabinets with tight-sealing doors to keep dust out of enclosed storage spaces.

Try to store tools in an area of the garage away from sources of debris like yard waste bags or the cars themselves. Keeping them covered is ideal.

Protect Against Accidental Impacts

Garages are busy places, so stored tools can easily get bumped, dropped, or impacted. Follow these guidelines to protect them:

• Use padding. Line storage bins and shelves with foam, towels, or other padding to cushion tools.
• Avoid stacking. Do not stack power tools on top of each other to prevent falling and impact damage.
• Secure shelves. Bolt shelving into studs in the wall and use earthquake putty or Velcro to secure tools in place.
• Use tool mounts. Hang tools on specially designed wall-mounted brackets and hooks.
• Store in cabinets. Closed cabinets with secure latches protect tools from accidental drops and bumps.

Try to store tools away from high-traffic zones in the garage to prevent collisions. Storing them up and out of the way is best.

Keep Tools Accessible

While you want to protect your tools, you also want to store them so they are convenient to access when needed. Here are some tips:

• Store tools near garage entrance. Keep most-used tools near the door you use to access the backyard.
• Label storage areas. Use signs or labels to mark where tools are stored.
• Make a map. Draw a map showing where everything is stored and keep it posted in the garage.
• Keep tools unobstructed. Make sure there is a clear path to access tools without moving stuff out of the way.
• Use wall-mounted storage. Racks, pegs, and brackets keep tools visible and easy to grab.

Try different storage methods like shelves, cabinets, overhead racks, and wall hooks to find the most accessible setup for your needs.

Consider Specially Designed Storage Solutions

In addition to generic shelves and cabinets, there are storage solutions specifically designed for power equipment. These include:

• Tool chests – Chests with drawers are ideal for small tools like trimmers and blowers.
• Hanging racks – Vertical racks let you hang long tools like shovels and rakes.
• Wall-mounted boards – Boards with cutouts or pegs hold smaller tools.
• Overhead pulley systems – Pulley systems allow you to lift and store heavy mowers up and out of the way.
• Utility hooks – Screw individual hooks into studs to hang tools like hoses and sprayers.

Look for storage solutions made specifically for the types of tools you need to store. They are designed to hold tools securely while keeping them accessible.

Keep It Organized

An organized storage system makes it fast and easy to find the tools you need. Follow these tips for staying organized:

• Give tools a designated storage spot. Return them to the same spot after use.
• Group tools by type. Keep all gardening tools together, cleaning tools together, etc.
• Alphabetize for easy identification. Label bins and shelves with letters.
• Color code your system. Use different colored bins or labels for different groups.
• Make a map of your storage system. Post it or keep it in a notebook for reference.

Periodically audit your storage and get rid of stuff you no longer use. Clutter makes organization challenging.

Keep Tools Clean Before Storing

Always clean tools before putting them into storage. Built-up dirt, grime, sap, and other residue can damage tools over time. Get into the habit of cleaning immediately after finishing use. Here are some cleaning tips:

• Remove debris. Use small brushes, putty knives, or compressed air to remove caked on debris or dirt.
• Clean metal surfaces. Wipe down with a soft cloth dampened with water or mild cleaner.
• Check air vents and intakes. Use compressed air to clear dust and debris from vents.
• Change worn parts. Replace worn brushes, blades, belts, etc. before storage.
• Inspect and tighten parts. Look for loose bolts, cracked hoses, or other issues needing repair.

Proper cleaning makes the next use more pleasant and helps keep tools performing optimally.

Store Gas-Powered Equipment Properly

Gas-powered tools like mowers, tillers, and chainsaws require some special care. Here are tips for storing them:

• Drain the gas tank. Fuel left sitting can go bad and clog carburetors.
• Use fuel stabilizer. If storing with gas, add stabilizer to keep fuel fresh.
• Disconnect the spark plug. This prevents accidental startup while in storage.
• Maintain air filters. Clean or replace air filters before storage.
• Change oil. Old oil can get sludgy and cause problems.

Always wait for hot tools to cool down before storing to prevent fire hazards. Store away from ignition sources like water heaters or furnaces.

Maintain Tools in Storage

Stored tools still require periodic maintenance. Follow these tips:

• Inspect stored tools monthly. Check for any signs of damage or deterioration.
• Replace desiccant packs every 2-3 months. Rechargeable types can be dried in the oven.
• Lubricate metal surfaces. Reapply a light oil coat every few months.
• Refill fuel periodically. If storing with gas, refill tanks to prevent condensation from forming.
• Exercise gas engines. Run gas engines outdoors every month or two.

Regular maintenance helps ensure tools are ready to use after months in storage.

Safety Tips

Follow these additional safety tips when storing power tools:

• Store away from ignition sources. Keep a minimum 10 feet from heaters, water heaters, etc.
• Pay attention to fumes. Gas or oil fumes can accumulate in enclosed spaces.
• Install a garage ventilation system. Good airflow reduces fume buildup.
• Use gas cans for fuel storage. Store gas for tools separately from vehicles in approved containers.
• Keep fire extinguishers handy. Have ABC extinguishers near the storage area.

Storing tools safely reduces the risks of fires, explosions, or chemical exposures.

Conclusion

Properly storing outdoor power equipment in your garage takes some care and effort. Protect tools from moisture, dust, and impacts while keeping them accessible and maintained. Invest in good storage solutions made specifically for power tools. Take time to keep your storage organized for efficiency. Follow basic safety precautions. Putting a little work into proper storage will extend the life of your valuable power tools.