Tl;DR: What are some good practices when storing tools “outside”? In a covered, but not very temperature stable environment.
How to store tools?
I live in a rented space. I have a cellar and a balcony with a roof above it. Currently my workshop is in the cellar, but I hate it there. It’s dark, low ceiling and ventilation is bad. Just recently I had the idea of moving (some of) my workshop to the balcony. Covering things from rain is not an issue, but I’m worried about the humidity mostly. European climate is where I’m at.
So I’m wondering: Is there some things I can do, to help my tools stay in good form? Not storing batteries out at cooking or freezing temps is a given, but my table saw would have to be outside. Just like all my handtools, chisels, drills, saws. I would have to build/buy new benches and tool storage anyway, so are there some things to maybe deal with humidity? That is my biggest concern tbh… But is there even a reason to worry? I mean garages around the world are not isolated that well either…
I just love my tools and it’s a hobby. So I wouldn’t mind doing a little extra. (this wont be my last semi outside shop either, so…)
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Store them with the handle down and the “tool end” up.
Oh what’s that about?
Desiccant packets will help with moisture. You can just buy a bunch and dispose when they’re full, but there are also some that you can refresh by baking them.
reusable ones are something I will look into, thx!
My brand new jobsite table saw is also going to need to spend the winter in a cold shed and I’m slightly concerned. Not really sufe if there’s anything I can do about that. Wrapping it in plastic seems like something that could do more harm than good.
Then again, I’m a single guy so I could just bring it inside. Technically it does function as a table as well. Or a night stand.
Yes, humidity is an issue. I have mine in an uninsulated shed and they still rust even if they’re stored in their cases inside the shed. Maybe it’d work better in something with insulation.
Waxing exposed metal surfaces can help with rust protection. Manuals often say to lightly oil when not in use but that can stick to sawdust / get gummy.
I picked up a can of furniture paste wax to coat iron parts of my tools. Does a nice job of rust protection.
Do you also coat drills and the likes? Just wipe it on? I’m mostly self taught and this is nothing really talked about or shown in videos
I haven’t had a problem with rust on drill bits, though they’re mostly in a plastic box or closed drawer.