Buying good tools is quite an investment, but if you maintain them properly, they’ll return the favor. You can save time and money by properly cleaning, maintaining, and storing your tools. You can enjoy your DIY projects with quality tools. Whether you own power tools, garden tools, crafting tools, or hand tools, all of them require proper maintenance, cleaning, and storage. This article explains the maintenance of construction tools. Here is a rundown of some valuable tips for proper care and maintenance of your tools.
Clean the Tools After Every Use:
Construction tools are mainly divided into two categories; power tools and hand tools. Power tools have electrical and mechanical parts like sanders, electric drills and saws while hand tools include hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. These tools suffer a lot of wear and tear, and they get dirty after work. Although most of us are lazy to clean them, it’s better to clean them immediately after use. This will ensure their longevity and proper functioning. You might require some chemicals to clean them but make sure they are not too harsh. Proper cleaning up helps to save your time and money you could have spent on repairing or replacing them.
Hand tools can be cleaned by simply wiping them with a rag. You can also give them a good wash with soap and water. Make sure to dry them in an open place. Tools with wooden handles should only be wiped with a rag dampened with a little linseed oil.
Electrical tools need special caution before cleaning. First, make sure the tool is unplugged. You can also use a dry cloth or an air compressor to get the dust off. Wipe down the surface and lubricate the moving parts of the tool with machine oil.
Store the Tools Properly:
Tools can be hanged on pegboards, or stored in drawers, boxes, bags, or chest. Maybe you keep them on shelves in your storeroom or shop. Toolboxes are most common as they are portable. Your tools can live longer if you prevent them from rusting. Right storing methods can help you avoid rust. If you keep your tools in basements, garages, and other enclosed spaces, humidity can affect them.Consider installing a dehumidifier to keep the dampness and moisture levels down in those spaces. Moreover, you should not let your bricklayer tools and garden tools rest on the floor; instead, hang them to keep the moisture away. It’s better to save your power tools in the hard plastic cases after using. This way, they are protected from humidity. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to toss silica gel packs in your toolboxes or drawers to keep the moisture at bay.
Inspect Your Tools:
Always take out some time to inspect and repair your tools after the construction job or project. This helps you to figure out the faulty functioning or damaged tools that need repairs. It’s wise to get your damaged tools repaired immediately to avoid the last-minute hassle. Look for the problems like corrosion and rust, exposed wires and cracked housing on power tools, and loose or cracked handles.If the wooden handle of your hand tool is cracked, it is likely to break during the use, which can be injurious. Consider replacing the loose or cracked handles. Rust and corrosion can cause malfunctioning of the tool. Try removing the rust or replace the tool if you can’t remove. Don’t use a power tool if it has more than a hairline crack on the housing. It’s unsafe to use before you get it repaired by a professional. Moreover, if your power tools don’t start easily, try lubricating, fitting in a new power switch or a power cord. Exposed wires must be covered with tape temporarily but should be replaced as soon as possible.