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Extend the life of your household tools with a little TLC

By Jack Storey

| February 3rd 2012 | Views:

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Tools are a vital addition around the home, from fixing up those leaks and holes to making your home decor ideas come true. Professional tools might not be the cheapest out there, but they offer longer lasting performance if you are willing to take proper care of them. Our simple tips give you the lowdown on how to look after a variety of tools to keep them in good working order for years to come.

Store your tools properly

Water is bad news for tools. It can rust metal and lead to rotting wood. You should make sure that all of your various tools are only ever stored in a 100 per cent dry area. Never keep your household tools on your floor where spillages can occur and salt used to treat roads in winter can build up, causing some metals to decay.

Keep your tool collection safe and bone dry by housing them all in a tool box. If your workshop or basement is damp, then wooden tool boxes are perfect as the wood absorbs moisture in the air, keeping tools dry.

Avoiding the dreaded rust

Rust prevention is crucial to maintaining metal tools. Clean your household tools regularly as a build up of dirt and grease can help rust get a foothold. You might want to also purchase some silica gel which soaks up any humidity that is around which can lead to rusting. Should tools are to be stored in a damp environment like a basement, you may need to purchase a dehumidifier.

Rust treatment

If you should ever see rust making an appearance, immediately treat the affected areas with a trusted lubricant like WD40. Then use a heavy duty pad that has been designed for use on metal to scrub away the offending rust, and then wipe your tool down with a cloth. Do not use sandpaper on metal parts of tools as this can permanently scratch them.

Caring for power tools

To prevent your power tool collection from rust, give them a spray with all purpose oil. Always switch on your power tool in order to guarantee that the oil makes its way round the tool.

Should you encounter power tool battery life diminishing, it could be because your power tool battery suffers from memory effect. You can increase the battery life by running your tool in question until its battery is 100 per cent dead. Charge the tool up until it will accept no more charge, deplete the battery fully and recharge fully once more. Although time consuming, it can help to significantly improve in your tool battery life.

Jack Storey - About Author:
These tool care tips were written by journalist and self confessed DIY addict Freddy Cardoe. If you need proper storage, he recommends RS Components for an affordable and extensive tool box selection.