Whether you are a weekend DIYer or a serious hobbyist, good quality tools do not come cheap.
Many homeowners are unaware of how easy it is to cut years from the life of your tools by way of poor storage techniques.
Most of the damage to your tools does not come from the amount of times you use them. Damage to tools usually results from other than normal, or avoidable, garage tool storage techniques.
If you've ever had to deal with a rusty wrench, dead batteries, twisted cords, or lost parts, then your storage technique has likely contributed to the problem. Here in this article, we will address the 5 most common garage organization mistakes that result in tool damage and demonstrate how to correctly store your tools to preserve your investment.
1. Storing Tools Directly on Concrete Floors
Directly storing tools, tool boxes, or storage containers on the concrete floor of your garage is another very common garage organization mistake.
The concrete floor of your garage will absorb and release moisture based upon the humidity level of the air and the temperature in which your garage resides.
Although your garage might appear to be relatively dry, there is always some level of moisture present within the slab that will transfer to metal surfaces over time. This will cause corrosion, rust and excessive wear.
Fixing It
To fix this, raise all items above the concrete floor. There are several options available to achieve this; shelving units, cabinets or wall-mounted storage systems. Simply placing a moisture barrier mat under a tool box will help to minimize the exposure.
In our opinion, elevating the storage of your tools is one of the easiest and best upgrades you can make when learning how to properly store tools.
2. Ignoring Humidity and Temperature Changes
Most garages are not climate-controlled, so seasonal humidity changes can be detrimental to both your metal tools, batteries and electronic devices. Ignoring these changes is one of the most easily corrected garage organization mistakes.
High humidity causes rust, extreme heat causes batteries to degrade faster, and extreme cold causes batteries to lose power rapidly as well as causing condensation when the tools warm up rapidly.
Fixing It
Use sealed cabinets for all your sensitive equipment. Use either a dehumidifier or a moisture absorber if you live in an area where the humidity levels are high. Keep your battery packs indoors if you experience extreme temperature fluctuations in your garage.
Learning how to properly store tools involves controlling the environment that they are stored in, not simply the containers that you place the tools in.
3. Overloading Shelves and Drawers
You probably want to stack as much as you possibly can on each shelf and fill every single drawer in your tool chest to maximize the storage capacity. However, overloading your storage units is one of the most damaging garage organization mistakes.
When you overload your storage units, you run the risk of your shelves becoming unstable, your drawers becoming misaligned, and the hardware weakening over time. When a storage unit fails, your tools are subject to falling off, getting damaged, or being disorganized.
Fixing It
Follow the recommended weight limit for your storage units. Distribute the weight of your heaviest tools among multiple shelves. Consider investing in heavy-duty metal shelving or reinforced cabinets if your collection is large enough.
The proper distribution of weight is a key component of learning how to properly store tools both securely and efficiently.
4. Leaving Tools Exposed to Dust and Debris
While having access to your tools via open shelving may be convenient, exposing your tools to dust and debris can ultimately cause long-term issues. As tools sit out, dust, sawdust and debris build-up on metal surfaces and within mechanical components of the tools.
Eventually, this build-up can reduce the performance of your tools and increase the need for repairs. This is perhaps one of the most insidious garage organization mistakes since the damage occurs slowly.
Fixing It
Try to keep your frequently-used hand tools in drawers or cabinets when possible. If you like to have an open wall system for ease of access, try cleaning your tools regularly and wiping them down before storing them.
Using drawer liners and tool organizers can also protect your tools from scratches and grime.
5. Proper Storage of Power Tool Batteries
Storing Lithium-ion batteries requires specific conditions. Leaving them in extremely hot or cold garages can significantly shorten their lifespan.
Another common garage organization mistake is to store batteries completely depleted or completely charged for extended periods without use.
Fixing It
Store your batteries in a moderate temperature range as often as possible. Bring your batteries indoors during extreme weather if your garage is not insulated. Follow the manufacturers recommendations when maintaining a partial charge if the batteries will not be used for an extended period of time.
6. Failure to Organize Small Components and Hardware
Loosely scattered loose screws, nails, bolts and drill bits on top of shelves or randomly tossed into open containers causes frustration and inefficiency.
The most common garage organization mistake is this one; it initially appears as nothing more than a minor inconvenience, however as time progresses, you will inevitably lose parts, purchase duplicate items, and spend hours searching through containers.
Fixing It
Utilize labeled containers (bins, drawers), stackable containers or draw organizers for small components. The transparent nature of clear containers allows you to immediately identify what you have stored inside.
Organizing your hardware components and storing them in a way which is easily accessible, will save you time and reduce the possibility of purchasing unnecessary items, as a result of losing track of the components you possess. A well-organized component storage system is one of the easiest steps you can take in avoiding many common garage tool storage mistakes.
7. Failure to Utilize Lockable Storage for High Cost/Value Tools
High cost/value power tools and specialized equipment represent a substantial financial investment. Leaving these types of tools exposed in your garage without providing any means of securing them represents a significant oversight.
Not only do these types of tools provide an opportunity for thieves to steal them, but in addition, they also increase the likelihood of damaging the tools if they were to be accidentally moved or knocked over by others.
Fixing It
Install lockable cabinets or a lockable tool chest. Providing secure storage for your tools will prevent theft and ensure that they are not handled improperly by individuals who are not authorized to handle them.
As you assess how to effectively store your tools, security is a factor to consider when you have expensive/high cost/value items.
Bonus Mistake: Poor Design/Layout & Unusable Accessible Areas
Poor design/layout may result in issues with your storage even though you avoid rust and damage. If tools that you use regularly are placed in areas difficult to access, it results in frustration and creates opportunities for improper usage practices such as leaving tools out in the open.
Additionally, poor design/layout contributes to additional clutter, as well as the potential for misplacing or damaging tools.
Fixing It
Place frequently-used tools close to your primary work area so that you can easily access them. Place infrequently-used items in upper shelf locations or on overhead storage racks.
Good organizational planning is not just about selecting the proper storage container. As you attempt to avoid garage organization mistakes, think about how you utilize your space as part of the process.
Designing a More Intelligent Storage System
You do not need to completely renovate your garage to correct garage tool storage mistakes. Frequently, making small changes can result in a large improvement.
Store your tools off the floor. Control humidity. Enclose storage where applicable. Distribute weight equally throughout your storage units. Properly organize hardware. Protect your batteries. Secure your valuable equipment.
Once you know how to effectively store your tools, you not only help extend their service life, but you also enhance your ability to perform efficiently and enjoyably in the garage.
Conclusion
Many homeowners believe that tool damage is unavoidable. The truth is that the majority of damage occurs due to garage tool storage mistakes that could have been avoided. Rust, dead batteries, broken drawers and lost hardware are generally a direct result of improper storage techniques rather than excessive usage.
Once you are aware of garage organization mistakes and are able to correct them, you will not only protect your investment, but you will also save money and develop a working environment that runs smoothly.
An organized garage is not about achieving perfection, it is about creating intelligent systems that will keep your tools in good condition, available for use, and ready for your next project. Once you dedicate the time to properly storing your tools, they will reward you with years of reliable service.
How many of these mistakes did you make so far?
