Store Them Properly
Storing your tools properly keeps them organized and in good condition. Designate a specific place in your home to keep your tools so you know where they are always. You will be limited to the space you have when storing them. Pegboards are a great way to keep your tools handy and ready to use. Get a toolbox to keep smaller hand tools in so they aren’t cluttering up space.
It’s important to keep your tools in a dry place. Water and moisture will lead to rust on your tools, and that is public enemy number one. Rust developing on tools renders them useless. Store any power tools you have in their original case. The hard-plastic case will protect against humidity and protect the tools better in general.
Use Them Properly
Tools have a specific job to do, and if you use it for some other purpose you could break it or injure yourself. Use a tool for the specific reason it was designed to keep them in good condition. Saw blades, for example, will dull faster and can be dangerous if misused. Stressing the blade and overheating it will cause it to dull prematurely and force you to buy a new one sooner than necessary.
Clean Them After Use
After a long day of work, taking the time to clean your tools is probably the last thing you want to do, but it’s important. It only takes a few seconds for each tool, but it will add years to their life. Oil, grease, sawdust, and other chemicals are corrosive and will slowly eat away at the tool. Keeping them clean will extend their life and have them ready to go the next time you want to use them—saving you precious time.
Repair if Necessary
You can’t use a broken tool for anything. If your power tools are broken or have even a small defect, get them repaired. Small machine repair shops can fix just about anything and their prices are less than replacing the tool. Frayed cords, broken handles, and corrosion are all things that need fixing. The tool will perform better and make the job easier when it’s operating at 100 percent.