can you store power tools in a shed factory
It’s as simple as storing them in a box where they won’t gather dust or excess humidity and cleaning them properly after every use. The best way will depend mostly on the type of tools you use, the space you have available in your house or workspace, and your personal preference.
Fear not, for we have you covered! In this article, we will explain bit by bit what is the best way to store power tools, why it is important to store them right, and where are the best places to store them.
We will also give you extra info like how to best prepare your tools for storage and tips on how to maintain them in optimal shape for long periods of time.
Many people like to store tools in their original boxes, as simple as that. However, it is important to keep the boxes in ventilated places, so that the tools do not accumulate dust over time.
If you want to know how to make one yourself, click here.This is a great idea if you want to not only store your tools, but also save space. The benefits of this technique is that you can keep them clean and organized.
One of the best ways to store your power tools is through a storage rack, you can organize them by stations and it is easy to use. If you want to protect your tools from dust and moisture, a good option is to buy an anti-rust paper.
There arethat you can choose from. The important thing for you to keep in mind is that you need to take care of your power tools so they can function properly, last longer, and also be safe to use.
A good place to start is by checking the manual. Some tools have special instructions for their storage, so checking the instructions or original package will help you have all the necessary information on-hand.
Broadly,the best way tostore all your power tools is back inside the box or case that they were purchased in. Usually, power tools come with containers or in a set with useful cases or bags.
As we have mentioned in the list above, a good place for storage for power tools is a toolbox. If you choose to buy a tool case or use one you already have, first make sure that you can store the tool safely and comfortably inside. Afterward, put some silica gel packs inside to keep moisture levels down.
You can also use chests or cabinets as storage for power tools. But consider that it is always very important to lock out moisture. So you should line the drawers with anti-rust papers as a precaution.
You could also hang power tools. This is efficient storage for power tools because it allows you to save a lot of space. You can simply hang pegboards on the wall in your garage or basement to keep your tools clean and organized. This will also keep them safely off the floor and away from ground moisture, which can cause problematic rusting.
However, if you choose to hang your tools, it is extremely important for you to do it properly. You must buy and set up a proper workstation and support on your walls. You should also dust and clean them every so often because if they get dusted over this could lead to damage in the long-term.
If you want to keep your power tools in optimal working condition, it is not enough to prepare a good storage place for them. If you really want to keep them in the best shape possible, you must first prepare your power tools for storage.
It is really quite simple. Just think of it as giving them a little love each time you finish using them. The best way to prepare your power tools for storage is toclean them properly and thoroughly after each use.
To clean them, simply wipe down the tools with a damp cloth and towel-dry them afterward. Doing this is very important and effective because it will remove any lingering dust, dirt, and grease from your tools. It will also help keep moisture from rusting them out. However, keep in mind that the cloth should be only damp, not by any means soaking-wet. If you apply too much water, it could end up damaging your power tools, so watch out for that!
Another thing you should do before storing your power tools is spraying them with a metal protectant and/or cleaner. You can use Boeshield T-9 or WD-40 for this. The lubricant will coat the metal and help repel dust. Remember that it is important to keep the dust away because it attracts moisture, which accelerates rusting.
Be careful because after praying your tools with a metal protectant or cleaner, they will be slippery for a little while. You need to pay attention and handle them carefully.
Another good measure is to check your power tools before storing them to see if there are any broken or defective pieces. Should you find one, the best thing to do is discard and replace it. This practice will help keep your tools in optimal condition.
A word for the wise: never use power tools that have faulty parts. This is extremely dangerous and could result in harm for the user. Not to mention that the power tool itself would be faulty and unproductive.
Power tools are a big investment. Although they are tough, with good maintenance they can live a lifetime. An important part of this maintenance work is to store them properly.
If you don’t take care of this, they can rust and even break. This would mean an expensive repair. You might even have to buy a new power tool to replace the damaged one.
That is why it is so important to find the right storage for power tools. There is no ultimate correct answer, you can choose between a couple of efficient options depending on which one works for you. However, there are a few crucial things you should take into consideration for your power tool storage place.
Here we will explain many handy options you have to design a good storage for power tools. But the most important things you should keep in mind are these:
If you take care of these three important factors, your power tools should be alright. Keep on reading for more ideas! We will go in-depth and explore some of the most popular options for storing power tools.
However, the most important thing to consider for storage for power tools isthe humidity. This includes how much humidity is present and whether or not you can manage or maintain it.
If you decide to store them in a room at your home, you could purchase a dehumidifier to control the level of moisture easily. This is why basements are a popular option for power tool storage.
You can also choose a shed as storage for power tools. However, it is crucial for the shed to be well-insulated and properly ventilated for this idea to work. Sheds don’t usually come with insulation, so you would probably have to design and build one yourself. And you would also need to take electrical outlets into consideration. You might have to add some to the shed to run a heater or dehumidifier (and also to operate and charge the tools, should you want to use them in the shed).
As you can notice, most of these ideas require some extra spending in order to accommodate the space you will use to store your power tools. This is because power tools require maintenance. If your tools have great financial and professional value to you, then these modifications we mention are definitely worth the investment. They can help maintain your power tools in top form and prolong their lifespan.
How you want to protect and store your tools is up to you. However, our recommendation, and it is the one that we consider the best way to store your power tools is by keeping them in their original boxes, or in tool boxes using silica gel to protect them from moisture.
Are you looking for high quality power tools with a guarantee? In our store you will find the best tools for the most demanding jobs, if you want to visit our store, click here.
Storing your power tools properly for the winter months can extend the life of your tools by years. View our simple tips to help store your power equipment.
When the cold weather rolls around, we tend to put a lot of things in storage, only to break them When the cold weather rolls around, we tend to put a lot of things in storage, only to break them out at the first sign of a spring breeze. This is why having a storage shed can be a very useful addition to your home. But, some things may not be able to be kept in the cold shed during the winter months. This can be true for some power tools. “Knowing how to get your power tools ready and where to store them can lengthen the life of your tools”, says Dave Malcolm, expert, and shed builder at Mediage LLC.
The winter months have higher humidity than the summer months which means there’s more moisture in the air. Paired with less sunlight, this can be damaging to any tools that are made from metal and plastic. Condensation and moisture on your metal tools will lead to corrosion over time.
Make sure your tools are cleaned well before storing them. Wipe dirt, grease, leaves, grass, or other debris off them with a rag or towel. If anything other than this is needed, follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for cleaning. Make sure the tool is completely dry before it goes into storage. There are different things you have to do to get different types of tools ready.
Throw away broken or defective tools. If it’s something that cannot be repaired, it will only take up space and will likely just sit there for seasons to come if not dealt with.
For gas-powered tools: Empty any remaining gas from the tool into an approved gas can.Top up the oil levels. If needed, completely change the oil.Start it up to burn excess fuel out of the carburetorClean the air filter, replacing it as needed.Clean and dry the chassis.Sharpen blades, chains, or knives and coat with mineral oil.
For battery-powered tools: Take the battery out of the tool and put it on the charge.After it’s charged, put it into its storage bag and store it somewhere dry.When you clean these tools, avoid excess moisture around the battery port.Sharpen blades, chains, or knives and coat with mineral oil.
Once your tools are ready for storage, you should determine where the best place to store them is. Keep in mind cold weather and freezing temperatures can cause havoc on power equipment. So it’s best to store items like outdoor power equipment, lawn equipment, battery operated cordless tools , the leaf blower, and pressure washer indoors and out of the freezing temperature. Turning a regular outdoor shed into a power tool storage shed may be the best investment you can make to save on replacing expensive power tools. Simply take a little extra care to seal up any areas that would allow for water and wind to get in.
When possible you should store all your power tools back inside the box in which they were purchased. This will help keep dust out and help prevent rust from forming on them.
You can use a tool chest or cabinet to store power tools but, again, you would need to keep the moisture low because that can cause rust so you can use anti-rust papers as a precaution.
To save space you can hang tools on pegboards on your wall in the garage or shed and this will help you stay clean and organized. This will also keep them off the floor and away from ground moisture.
If you are storing your power tools in a shed make sure it is a well-insulated and properly ventilated shed. Sheds don’t typically come with insulation so you might have to insulate it yourself. You will also need the ability to have a heater or dehumidifier running to decrease moisture.
Most power tools have oils and grease that do not run when they are cold. Because of this, power tools should be brought into the house and given a chance to warm up before using them. You should give it at least two hours for this.
Use plastic bins for smaller tools. This is an extra layer of protection for them. They are also stackable and easy to carry, making them more convenient.
In conclusion, it is safe to store most electric tools in your shed as long as the temperature and humidity can be controlled. Freezing temperatures can cause the metal or plastic to become brittle on some tools, which can cause them to be damaged or broken, especially if they are used while still cold. Taking the necessary precautions should help you safely store your power tools and help them have a long life.
Changes in conditions can kill equipment in environments like you"re describing - especially involving high humidity. When the temperature falls at night, the moisture condenses on every available surface. The next day as the air heats back up, the moisture evaporates. If the day/night temperature swings are big enough to cause significant condensation, then you"re essentially dousing any metal surfaces in water every 24 hours. I had a home years ago with a poorly built uninsulated garage, on a cool summer morning there would be significant condensation - any tools left out there would look like they"d been sprayed down by a hose. Sometimes the condensation would be so great that the tin roof would drip water and it would "rain" inside the garage. It killed a few tools. I quickly learned to deal with it (and made structural improvements) and things were fine - I still have and use some tools that had been stored in that garage for a decade, once I learned to protect them.
There are ways to combat this. Wipe down metal surfaces with a rag and some light machine oil every time you use the tools. The oil will help repel condensation. If you can, store the tools in tightly-closing cases or bags, and then put the cases in airtight storage bins. This will cut down on the condensation significantly by capturing a more-stable environment directly around the tools. For the cordless tools, it probably makes sense to store the batteries in your house regardless of the temperature or humidity, so they can be on or near their chargers (I"m assuming you don"t have power at the shed).
You said there is no floor to the shed - if the floor is earth or gravel, it can be a big source of moisture. For the larger items like the lawnmower, it may make sense to store them on a pallet or at least on a makeshift floor of 2x4s or other scrap lumber - the idea is to allow air circulation under and around the tools, so they"re not just sitting directly on the damp ground all the time.
If you’re someone who loves power tools, you probably cringe at the idea of having to check them out one-at-a-time at a hardware store like it’s a library. You want to have the right tool on hand when you need it.
To keep your power tools in good shape and make the investment worthwhile, it’s essential to keep Oscillating Blades rust at bay while they’re in storage, whether that’s near your garage work bench, backyard shed or a toolbox you keep in your closet. You can alos read these reviews power tool to know more about them. But among those choices, what’s the best storage options to stoppower tool rust from forming? You’ll need to consider the size of your collection, the climate of the storage space and whether there is a risk moisture or open air.
As noted by OSHA, a wide range of handheld tools (bolts, blades, chains and more) contain iron or steel components. As our rust prevention experts at Zerust know, these metals are highly susceptible to the chemical oxidation process that causes rust. Anytime there is interaction with iron (or ferrous derivative metal) plus oxygen plus moisture, there’s danger of rust forming. This is especially true with power tools because they have so many cracks and crevices that may be prone to pitting. One small nick or dint, and it won’t be long before rust takes over.
Many power tools can fit neatly into a box, which can be stored in an indoor closet – or anywhere, really, including your garage or shed. According to top Garage Door Service Greater Vancouver this is usually a smart option that can help minimize rust formation, as the hard case will help protect tools from the kinds of dings and dents that can be the start of pitting – and power tool rust. However, just tossing them in won’t be enough to halt rust if there is any possibility that moisture – even just from humidity in the air – can seep in. The best option is a cool, dry area, avoiding anywhere temperatures may be prone to dramatically rise and fall (which can create condensation, which can precipitate rust. Keep those boxes stored on a higher shelf. For the best power tool rust protection, slip in a Zerust toolbox drawer line or , plastab. You could also simply attach a VCI vapor capsules, or select the appropriate size of Multipurpose VCI Poly Bag.
When it comes to deciding whether to store your power tools in a garage or outdoor shed, it’s important to consider whether you can keep the tools at a stable temperature. It’s unlikely high or low temperatures will have an adverse affect, but the fluctuation of temperatures will (due to the risk of condensation, which we mentioned earlier).
If you have a work space already in your garage, it’s probably going to be ideal for you to store your power tools there. If it’s possible to keep your garage temperature relatively stable, this is one of your best strategies. But garages are more likely than sheds to alternately heated and cooled, depending on the season when you’re out there working. You can offer added protection by utilizing the power tool rust prevention products we mentioned earlier.
If you don’t have a toolbox or the tool is too large, the VCI vapor capsules work best. One of the benefits of vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) technology is that Zerust has patented it to fit inside or cover almost any tool – from a jig saw to a tablesaw. The VC6-2 capsules offer a six-foot radius of power tool rust protection in an enclosed space for up to two years.
These same rust prevention strategies can and should be used in sheds as well. Although sheds may seem to have the advantage over garages in terms of temperature variation, tools left open air in the shed may be at risk for rust if the shed is prone to holes or leaks – even tiny ones that could allow humid air to pass through. No shed is airtight.
For this reason, we’d be more likely to recommend garage storage, though in both cases, Zerust power tool rust prevention products are the best tool you have to reduce the chances of rust damage.
Have your tools outgrown your good ole’ toolbox and you now want a bigger space for optimal organization and storage? If so, a tool shed might be just the right solution! While tool sheds are a bit more expensive than most toolboxes (obviously!), they are still quite affordable. Plus, you will not have to deal with missing or misplaced tools next time you are ready to conquer a building project or heroically fix the sink. In this article, we’ll cover the most common tool shed options, average tool shed prices, and the most asked questions surrounding outdoor tool sheds. Let’s get started!
A tool shed is smaller than most sheds, usually ranging in size from 3’x5’ to 10’x12’. Due to their smaller size, tool sheds are more affordable and offer greater flexibility in terms of placement on your property. Plus, tool shed interiors are often designed for easy organization and accessibility of your tools.
Some of the most popular tool shed sizes include:3×5 – Perfect for very basic tool storage like a few rakes, hand tools, and a bag or two of potting soil, etc. This size is common among plastic/resin tool sheds. (This size is not available from Sheds Unlimited.)
4×8 – This size holds enough room for basic tool storage, plus enough space to add a bike or a couple of larger-sized tools like a blower or chainsaw. (This size is not available from Sheds Unlimited.)
An 8×10 Standard Saltbox tool shed gets the job done for many homeowners’ basic tool storage needs, while adding a little extra flare to their properties! Your push mower and tools will stay safe and sound inside this cute little shed with its extra-wide overhang.Wood Siding = $3,032
10×12 is a popular tool shed size for storing larger outdoor equipment in addition to hand tools. Thanks to its gambrel (or barn-style) roof, the Standard MaxiBarn style offers the greatest storage flexibility out of all our tool shed models. We offer built-in lofts as an option; they’re a great way to take advantage of all the extra overhead space.Wood Siding = $4,209
The real answer is, “It depends.” If a tool shed is not properly built and ventilated, then your tools could begin to rust over time due to moisture buildup. If your shed is built on a concrete slab without a moisture barrier, condensation can form on the concrete floor and encourage rust on your tools.
Yes, power tools can be stored in a shed. Be sure your tool shed is built weathertight and is well ventilated. If you want to ensure the best quality of life for your power tools, consider insulating the walls of your tool shed to help keep temperatures more regulated. Plus, proactive care of your tools, such as keeping them off the ground and regularly applying a protective oil coating will certainly help to maintain their quality.
It depends.If you have all the necessary tools, lots of free time, and general construction knowledge, you may be able to save off the up-front cost of a pre-built tool shed. The average cost for building your own small tool shed ranges from $1,300 – $5,000 depending on the size, type of materials, accessories, and the shed’s level of complexity.
When storing tools and other items in your shed, you should never overlook safety. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 300,000 people in the UK are injured in their gardens each year [1]. This includes 6500 lawnmower accidents, 4400 secateur incidents, and 3600 garden-spade-related accidents. It’s not clear how many of these accidents occur in garden buildings. But as it’s common to store items like these in sheds, we thought it was good idea to offer you advice to help prevent accidents happening to you or a member of your family. So, here are 10 tips to help you avoid storage hazards in your shed…
While not strictly related to your personal safety, shed security is important for keeping your possessions safe. After all, tools are expensive – and you may have collected yours over many years. So you want garden tool storage that keeps your tools in one piece - and in one place! To help keep your shed secure, consider fitting a shed security door and locks. The Police recommend fitting two Hasp and Staple padlocks to prevent break-ins [2]. Anti-vandal hinge screws also make it harder for thieves to prise off door hinges – a weak spot thieves will try to exploit. We offer the security options mentioned above as upgrades on many of our garden buildings.
Clutter stops you making full use of the space in your garden shed. And when all your junk is piled high, it"s unsightly and stops you finding your tools when you need them most. And as we say in our post on shed storage ideas, clutter can also lead to trips and falls. In other words, clutter is a hazard. But worse than that – it may also increase the risk of fire [3]. So, to improve safety in your storage shed, it would be wise to get it organised.
It’s a good idea to hang tools – especially the ones you use a lot – on hooks or in drawers that are easy to find and easy to reach. But by contrast, we don’t recommend hanging knives, hammers – and other sharp or heavy items – up high. Why? Because there’s more danger of them falling and hurting you (or a member of your family) when you go inside. Plus, if you’re forced to stretch for items stored way above your head, this also increases the chances of dropping them – and a free-falling knife is never safe! And to keep toxic or hazardous items away from children, it may be a good idea to store such items in secure boxes, cupboards, or even cages.
Without proper maintenance, even the best sheds or garden workshops can develop problems. For example, shed roof repair issues can cause leaks, which in turn cause your metal tools and other garden machinery to rust. Leaks can also increase damp and lead to mould growing inside, while also reducing the life expectancy of even the sturdiest garden house storage units. To help avoid such issues, keep up with maintenance and make sure you address any problems as soon as they appear.
Being aware of potential hazards in your shed – whether storage related or not – is arguably the best way to ensure it stays safe and secure. Let’s face it – a vigilant person would always be sure to store tools and other items sensibly. So stay on your toes and keep an eye out for the potential problems described throughout this post, and you’ll be fine. To avoid creating fire hazards, it would also be wise to avoid smoking and having barbecues (and we have seen this!) in your shed.
If you own power tools, you know how expensive they are. Therefore, storing them properly (and safely) is of the utmost importance. If you don’t, they’re likely to rust and/or break, which can be quite costly to repair and/or replace.
If possible, store power tools in the original boxes or the cases in which they were purchased. If you choose to store your power tools in toolboxes, put silica gel packs inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent your tools from rusting.
If you prefer to keep your power tools in a tool chest or cabinet, place anti-rust liners inside the drawers for extra protection. Or, to keep your power tools safely off the ground, you can hang them on pegboards in the basement or garage.
I’ll discuss the proper places to store power tools and why safe storage is so important. I’ll explain how to correctly hang power tools in a garage and if it’s okay to keep them there in the winter or if the garage is cold.
The best way to store all your power tools is back inside the box or case that they were purchased in. Not only will this keep the dust-out but also prevent them from rusting.
Another good place for power tools storage is in a toolbox. Be sure to put some silica gel packs inside to keep moisture levels down. You can buy silica gel packs on Amazon at a good price.
A tool chest or cabinet is also a good idea for storing power tools. Once again, it’s important to lock out moisture that can cause tools to rust so line the drawers with anti-rust papers as an extra precaution. Check this TANKSTORM tool chest on Amazon.
Hanging tools is another way to store power tools and save space at the same time. Simply hang pegboards on the wall in your garage or basement to keep tools clean and organized.
The best places to store your power tools include a shed, garage, or basement. The most important thing to consider is humidity and how to manage and/or maintain it.
Power tools can also be stored in a shed, provided it’s well-insulated and properly ventilated. As sheds don’t typically come with insulation, you would likely have to design and build one yourself.
To maintain your power tools and keep them in good working condition, you must first prepare them for storage.The best way to do this is to clean them properly after each use. Simply wipe down the tools with a damp (not soaking-wet) cloth first and then towel-dry them afterwards.
However, freezing temperatures can make the metal and plastic parts on some power tools week or brittle. This can lead to damage or breakage, especially if you use them while still cold.
Hanging power tools in a basement, garage or shed is another way to store them. In a few hours or less, you can make and hang a pegboard to keep your tools safe and organized.
Hang your power tools safely and clean up the area.As a note of caution, be sure to use appropriate safety gear when working with wood, such as gloves and goggles. Put on a dust mask and use ear plugs, if possible. Avoid wearing long sleeves when operating a miter saw and have a shop vac handy to clean up the dust and debris afterwards.
Power tools can also be stored in toolboxes, provided you put some silica gel packs inside to absorb excess moisture and protect your tools from rusting.
Hi there! My name is Jack and I write for ToolsOwner. I have a passion for everything related to tools and DIY projects around the house. You often find me in my workshop working on new projects.
Tired of stumbling over lawn tools and equipment in your outdoor shed? Because they house a range of gardening, home improvement, and landscaping items, outdoor storage sheds can easily get cluttered. Check out these handy shed organization tips and storage ideas that can help you clean up this outdoor space!
Make use of all available wall space in your shed with easy-to-install floating shelves. Not only do floating shelves add storage space, but they can also help your shed feel larger by removing clutter from the floor. Floating shelves are great for storing items such as planters, cleaning supplies, tools, and more!
Storage containers are perfect for storing hardware, cords, cables, tools, and other random items in your outdoor shed. Be sure to use labels so you can quickly find what you need without having to dig through each tub.
Instead of letting lawn tools sit in the corner, hang them up on a wall. Tool hangers can be used to keep rakes and brooms from cluttering floor space, and they take almost no time to install. You can even use leftover PVC piping for an easy DIY tool hanger!
Magnetic strips aren’t just for helping you organize your kitchen! They’re perfect for storing tools like trowels, pliers, and other handheld metal tools in your shed. Plus, magnetic strips can save you from having to dig through any drawers.
Mason jars are perfect for storing paintbrushes and other painting tools. And if your shed doubles as an art studio, this is an excellent idea for ensuring all of your art materials stay neatly organized as well!
It’s important to properly store and protect power tools in your shed. A power tool storage rack is a good way to keep drills off of the floor and ensure your shed stays organized. Consider making your own power tool holder out of wooden pallets!
A shed wall organizer with slat panels is ideal for storing power tools, ladders, and garden hoses in one convenient spot. For more shed organization options, add hooks and baskets to hold items!
A pegboard tool organizer wall makes it easy to organize tools in your outdoor shed! Design a tool board that fits any wall, place hooks in the holes, and you can keep tools in one easy-to-access spot!
Have old gardening tools that you don’t know what to do with? Use them for decoration! This helps keep them out of the way and helps you spruce up your outdoor shed at the same time.
When winter rolls around, we think about keeping ourselves warm, along with our houses, but we don’t give much (if any) thought to the tools stored in the garage, shop or shed. That can be an expensive mistake. Many tools can suffer damage of one kind or another by being kept in the cold all winter long. Here are some tool storage suggestions for protecting your investments.
Most hand tools will not suffer damage from being stored in a cold garage or shed. Freezing temperatures, however, can make many metal or plastic parts brittle and particularly susceptible to breakage. To avoid this, get into the habit of taking hand tools out of cold storage before use; let them sit inside the house for an hour or more before use.
Also keep in mind that metal tools can rust. Big swings in temperature and humidity can accelerate that process. If you are worried about rust, try to find a good spot inside the house for tool storage. Alternatively, apply some rust protector to all metal surfaces.
The biggest problem you can run into regarding power tool storage in winter stem from plugging in a cold tool and operating it before it has a chance to warm up. This causes a big, rapid temperature swing from very cold to very hot, which is a stress that will cause some tools to suffer an early death.
Tools containing grease or oil should be allowed to warm up before starting. The lubricants just aren’t as effective as they need to be when cold. Pneumatic tools often come with instructions on which oil to use in cold weather.
Try to keep cordless power tools and their chargers inside during cold weather. Freezing temperatures seem to accelerate battery discharge, and many cordless tools come with a warning that the chargers simply won’t work when cold.
If you have some source of heat in your garage, shed or shop, turn it on for awhile before turning on any power tools. You might also want to consider keeping the heater on throughout the winter; all it really needs to do is maintain a temperature above freezing.
You may have already perused our shed ideas. After all, the humble shed is a go-to when it comes to keeping garden tools safe. But if you"re specifically looking for clever systems to store your spade, fork and other backyard apparatus, you may want to go a step further. Plus, if you"re working with a smaller plot, a bulky garden building might be out of the question. Luckily, there are plenty of options to try.
Shelves below a bench are perfect for storing smaller tools such as your secateurs or hand trowel, whilst crates, positioned underneath, can be used to keep bags of compost from spilling.
Meanwhile, fixing larger tools above the bench will mean that everything"s in one place. Just some simple wooden hooks secured up high are all you need, whilst nails attached to the wall can be used to support soil sieves. As shown here, they have a decorative appeal, too.
Simple hooks like these are an easy way to keep your larger tools to hand. Plus, it"ll mean they won"t take up any floor space. They won"t cost you much either, so are ideal if you"re on the lookout for cheap garden ideas.
You might be tempted to pile up your larger tools in a corner of your shed. But even if you try to retain some sort of order, inevitably it will turn into a cluttered mess.
A tangle of tools can be an infuriating thing, and will cost you time when you"re trying to find what you need. A clever structure like this, however, will allow you to slot your best garden rake, spade and shovels in and out easily, so you can always see (and access) what you need, quickly.
A shed or workshop set-up like this will ensure everything has its proper place. Simple shelves to the side and up above will maximize the use of space, and can be filled with electrical tools and cords, as well as neatly labelled tupperware boxes for all your nuts, bolts and screws. Hammer nails into a central backboard for attaching handheld tools, whilst a simple batten of timber positioned just above your bench will allow you to neatly line up more tools in a row.
A pegboard is another useful addition for keeping your smaller tools in order. Panels and hooks are easily available online, in a range of sizes and materials, which are quick to install to your workspace or shed wall.
If you have a tiny courtyard or even just a balcony garden, you"re likely to still need somewhere safe to keep small tools. A nifty design like this looks the part, whilst keeping your space uncluttered.
Old metal shelves can be used to display watering cans – as shown here. Wire baskets are useful for holding small terracotta pots, whilst larger planters can be filled with hand tools. What"s more, reusing and upcycling in this way may well save you some money, and is great if you"re keen on creating a more sustainable garden, too.
True, if you need something to store larger tools, it won"t be the solution for you. But, for a small city courtyard garden, it might be all you need.
Power tools need to be stored somewhere clean and dry – this will help to prolong their life and avoid any corrosion which can lead to safety issues down the line. As with all tools, they should also be kept safely out of reach of children and pets. And make sure they"re stored securely – especially if being kept up high – to prevent them from falling and causing injury.
For petrol-powered tools, such as some hedge trimmers, empty out the fuel (in a well-ventilated place) before putting it away for the season. "To empty the petrol completely, pour the contents of the tank out of the filling hatch into a well-insulated canister, then start up the engine and let it idle until it comes to a stop of its own accord," says Stihl(opens in new tab). "This will ensure the tank and all the suction hoses are completely empty and that the carburetor diaphragms do not stick together.
"When it comes to battery tools, it"s important to store the battery and the tool separately and in a dry, frost free location out of direct sunlight," continues Stihl. They recommend leaving it at a charge level between 40–60%, or with two bars, rather than fully charged or flat.
"As with all battery tools, make sure you disconnect your safety plug and store your tool and battery separately in a dry and covered area," they add. And if it"s petrol-powered, don"t forget to empty it first.
When storing tools and other items in your shed, you should never overlook safety. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 300,000 people in the UK are injured in their gardens each year [1]. This includes 6500 lawnmower accidents, 4400 secateur incidents, and 3600 garden-spade-related accidents. It’s not clear how many of these accidents occur in garden buildings. But as it’s common to store items like these in sheds, we thought it was good idea to offer you advice to help prevent accidents happening to you or a member of your family. So, here are 10 tips to help you avoid storage hazards in your shed…
While not strictly related to your personal safety, shed security is important for keeping your possessions safe. After all, tools are expensive – and you may have collected yours over many years. So you want garden tool storage that keeps your tools in one piece - and in one place! To help keep your shed secure, consider fitting a shed security door and locks. The Police recommend fitting two Hasp and Staple padlocks to prevent break-ins [2]. Anti-vandal hinge screws also make it harder for thieves to prise off door hinges – a weak spot thieves will try to exploit. We offer the security options mentioned above as upgrades on many of our garden buildings.
Clutter stops you making full use of the space in your garden shed. And when all your junk is piled high, it"s unsightly and stops you finding your tools when you need them most. And as we say in our post on shed storage ideas, clutter can also lead to trips and falls. In other words, clutter is a hazard. But worse than that – it may also increase the risk of fire [3]. So, to improve safety in your storage shed, it would be wise to get it organised.
It’s a good idea to hang tools – especially the ones you use a lot – on hooks or in drawers that are easy to find and easy to reach. But by contrast, we don’t recommend hanging knives, hammers – and other sharp or heavy items – up high. Why? Because there’s more danger of them falling and hurting you (or a member of your family) when you go inside. Plus, if you’re forced to stretch for items stored way above your head, this also increases the chances of dropping them – and a free-falling knife is never safe! And to keep toxic or hazardous items away from children, it may be a good idea to store such items in secure boxes, cupboards, or even cages.
Without proper maintenance, even the best sheds or garden workshops can develop problems. For example, shed roof repair issues can cause leaks, which in turn cause your metal tools and other garden machinery to rust. Leaks can also increase damp and lead to mould growing inside, while also reducing the life expectancy of even the sturdiest garden house storage units. To help avoid such issues, keep up with maintenance and make sure you address any problems as soon as they appear.
Being aware of potential hazards in your shed – whether storage related or not – is arguably the best way to ensure it stays safe and secure. Let’s face it – a vigilant person would always be sure to store tools and other items sensibly. So stay on your toes and keep an eye out for the potential problems described throughout this post, and you’ll be fine. To avoid creating fire hazards, it would also be wise to avoid smoking and having barbecues (and we have seen this!) in your shed.