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…)
Store them with the handle down and the “tool end” up.
Oh what’s that about?
Two reasons:
It keeps the metal tool off the moist ground. It’s less important if you have concrete or something to put them on, but even if you do,
If you’re storing them in a small area, it takes up less floor space and lets you see what you have more easily. Also, if you store everything tool side down and want something like a rake, shovel, or something else with a broad head, it can be difficult to extract from the pile because other tools will end up on top of the tool side.