How do you store electric power tools?

Electric power tools are convenient and versatile, making many DIY and construction projects easier. However, they require proper storage and maintenance to keep them performing their best. Following some simple guidelines for storing electric power tools can extend their lifespan.

Why Proper Storage Matters

There are a few key reasons why properly storing electric power tools is important:

• Protects against damage – Power tools contain sensitive mechanical and electrical components that can easily be knocked out of alignment or stop working if dropped, banged around, or exposed to dust, dirt, or moisture.
• Prevents rust and corrosion – Moisture is one of the biggest enemies for the metal and electronic parts in power tools. Storing them in a dry place helps prevent rust, corrosion, and deterioration.
• Saves space – Having an organized storage system prevents clutter and makes it faster and easier to find the right tool when you need it.
• Increases safety – Properly stored tools are less likely to be a falling or tripping hazard in the garage or workshop.
• Lengthens lifespan – Following the storage guidelines from the manufacturer helps get the longest life out of your power tools.

General Storage Tips

Here are some general tips for proper storage of electric power tools:

• Store tools in a clean, dry location away from sources of heat, moisture, or chemical fumes.
• Avoid storing tools in damp basements, musty garages, or outside sheds subject to extreme temperatures.
• Use storage containers, cabinets, shelves, hooks, or pegboards specifically designed for power tools.
• Hang up tools with dangling cords to prevent damage and tangling.
• For handheld power tools, use tool bags, cases, or holsters for protection.
• Keep tools high enough off the floor to prevent them getting wet if water leaks in.
• Group similar tools together for convenience – saws with saws, sanders with sanders, etc.
• Arrange tools so the ones used most frequently are the most accessible.
• Keep the area free of clutter, dust, and dirt which can damage tools.
• Check storage hardware like hooks, shelves, hinges for proper condition and strength.
• Consider locking cases or cabinets to protect expensive power tools and prevent unauthorized access.

Cordless Tool Storage

Cordless power tools have rechargeable batteries that require some special storage considerations:

• Remove batteries from cordless tools before storing long term.
• Store cordless tool batteries and chargers according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Li-ion batteries prefer cool, dry storage at around 40°F to 70°F.
• Avoid storing batteries in extreme cold, heat, or high moisture areas.
• Store batteries at 30% – 50% charge state for optimal lifespan.
• Keep batteries away from metal objects to prevent short circuiting.
• Regularly charge batteries every 30 – 90 days to maintain performance.

Circular Saws

For circular saws:

• Unplug the saw before storing.
• Allow the saw to fully cool if it was just used before storing.
• Clean off any dust, dirt, sap, or material buildup on the saw.
• Inspect the blade for damage – replace if bent, dull, or cracked teeth are found.
• Store circular saws resting flat on their base – not upright on the handle.
• Use saw blade guards to prevent accidental blade contact.
• Store extra blades separately from saws in protected cases.
• Consider coating the blade with a rust inhibitor if storing long term.

Drills and Drivers

For drills, drivers, and rotary tools:

• Remove bits and accessories before storing tools.
• Carefully insert bits back into proper storage cases or holders.
• Retract and lock keyless chucks to prevent them getting jammed.
• Remove batteries from cordless drills before storing.
• Clean dirt and debris off drill bits using a wire brush or solvent.
• Coat drill bits with oil or wax to limit rusting in storage.
• Store drills upright or hanging to prevent damage to chucks.
• If space allows, keep drill cases open to allow ventilation while stored.

Sanders

For orbital, belt, and other electric sanders:

• Unplug sanders and remove batteries before storage.
• Detach abrasives, pads, belts before storing long term.
• Use the dust bag or vacuum to remove all dust from sander vents.
• Clean dust off the sander body using a brush or rag.
• Store sanders upright or resting flat – not on their handles.
• Place removed sander abrasives in protective cases or sleeves.
• Don’t store spare abrasives touching each other to prevent premature wear.

Grinders & Cutoff Saws

For angle grinders, die grinders, and cutoff saws:

• Completely disconnect blades or wheels before storage.
• Carefully store cutting and grinding wheels to prevent damage to fragile edges.
• Clean tool motors of accumulated metal pieces, sparks, and debris.
• Coat exposed metal surfaces with a rust preventative.
• Store grinders upright resting on the base or handles – not the wheel guard.
• Ensure movable grinder guards are working properly before storage.
• Allow cutoff saw wheels to fully stop before setting down after use.

Impact Drivers & Wrenches

For impact drivers and wrenches:

• Remove sockets, bits, and adapters before storage.
• Arrange impact socket sets neatly in order by size in a protective case.
• Coat sockets and drive tools with a light oil or wax before storage.
• Clean out any dirt, chips, or gunk built up inside tool housings.
• Ensure direction switches move freely and return to center position.
• Check the condition of anvil and other impact mechanisms.
• Remove batteries and store separately from tools.

Nail & Staple Guns

For nail, brad, and staple guns:

• Completely empty the magazine, channel, and body of fasteners.
• Remove and store fastener cartridges separately from the tool body.
• Use a toothbrush to clean out nail and staple residue buildup.
• Lubricate mechanisms with light oil if sticking occurs.
• Ensure no jams are present and mechanisms move freely.
• Store with the safety on in the upright position.
• Keep out of children’s reach in locked storage.

Saws

For jigsaws, reciprocating saws, and band saws:

• Unplug saws and remove accessories, blades, and batteries before storage.
• Carefully store saw blades to prevent accidental contact and dulling.
• Clean the saw body, vents, blade guards of sawdust and debris.
• On band saws, release blade tension before long term storage.
• Coat exposed metal components with a protective wax or oil.
• Ensure blade guards, handles, and levers move smoothly.
• Store saws resting on their base or upright – not dangling from handles.

Routers

For laminate trimmers, palm routers, and regular routers:

• Remove router bits before storage to prevent damage.
• Carefully organize and store router bits in protective cases.
• Clean out router housing, vents, edges of all debris.
• Verify router depth adjustment mechanisms are moving smoothly.
• Ensure any shaft lock or bit locks are functioning properly.
• If possible, store routers in an upright position.
• For plunge routers, have the plunge mechanism extended before storage.

Outdoor Power Equipment

For electric lawn mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and other outdoor power tools:

• Move and store away from extreme weather shifts that can damage tools.
• Wipe off any moisture, debris, dirt, or vegetation before storage.
• Drain the fuel and run the carburetor dry for gas-powered equipment.
• Remove batteries from electric equipment before storage.
• Clean air vents and filters of any accumulated debris and dirt.
• Lubricate mechanical parts and sharp cutting components.
• Ensure safety locks and guards are functioning properly.
• Use weather protective covers for long term storage.

Workshop Storage Solutions

Organizing an efficient power tool storage setup in your garage or workshop can make projects go smoother. Here are some handy storage solutions and tips:

• Use pegboard walls with hooks to hang commonly used tools within easy reach.
• Mount shelves sturdily at a convenient height to store larger tools.
• Utilize stackable toolboxes, cabinets, and drawers for holding accessories, bits, attachments, and small parts.
• Get a utility cart on wheels for portable storage to move tools right to the project.
• Designate areas, containers, or storage racks for certain tool categories.
• Label storage bins, shelves, and cabinets so you know exactly what goes where.
• Keep an inventory checklist of all your power tools and their storage locations.
• Have a consistent spot right by your workspace to set down tools when taking breaks.
• Invest in protective tool bags, cases, and holsters to prevent damage in transport.
• Keep your most used and essential tools within arm’s reach while working.

An example workshop tool storage layout:

Storage Type	Tools Stored
Wall-mounted pegboard	Drills, circular saw, reciprocating saw, jigsaw
Lockable floor cabinet	Grinder, sander, planer, routers, batteries
Shelving unit	Nail guns, clamps, boxes of fasteners
Small parts organizers	Drill bits, saw blades, router bits, screwdrivers, wrenches
Rolling utility cart	Extension cords, tool boxes, portable tools
Workbench	Impact drivers, hammers, pliers, measuring tools

Maintenance While In Storage

To keep tools performing their best while in storage:

• Every so often, rotate stock to use up older accessories first.
• Periodically inspect tools for any rust or damage that may be developing.
• Check batteries every 1-3 months and recharge as needed.
• Test tools briefly to confirm proper operation.
• Replace worn components like chucks, guards, handles when noted.
• Wipe down and clean tools of dust buildup.
• Lubricate moving parts that may get stiff from lack of use.
• Re-coat metal tool surfaces with protectant if signs of rust show.

Conclusion

Properly caring for electric power tools through smart storage and maintenance techniques will keep them performing like new for years of use. Avoid exposing tools to sources of damage like dirt, debris, moisture, temperature extremes, or physical impact. Invest in sturdy, organized storage solutions like cabinets, shelves, hooks, and cases that allow convenient access without clutter. Take time to clean tools after use and periodically service, inspect, and recharge them while stored. Follow the tips provided for your specific power tool types. With the right storage approach and a bit of regular care, you’ll get the longest lifespan out of your valuable power tool collection.