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…)

  • pageflight@piefed.socialEnglish
    3·
    6 hours ago

    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.

    • EchoCranium@lemmy.zipEnglish
      2·
      5 hours ago

      I picked up a can of furniture paste wax to coat iron parts of my tools. Does a nice job of rust protection.

      • TheHive@feddit.orgOPEnglish
        1·
        4 hours ago

        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

        • pageflight@piefed.socialEnglish
          1·
          2 hours ago

          I haven’t had a problem with rust on drill bits, though they’re mostly in a plastic box or closed drawer.