Tool Storage

[Seubs070]

We are looking to take advantage of the current shortage of homes for sale and get our house on the market and then likely move into an apartment while we look for a new place. That means all my tools end up in storage. What's the best way to store tools in a storage unit for 6 -12 months. (Hopefully only 4-6 months but who knows).

Cast iron tools: tablesaw, jointer, planer, and hand tools. Sockets and ratchets and all that.

 

[TreeClimber]

I got nothing on storage, but I'd do a few things if it were my ****. One, take detailed pictures, so when they're stolen from the storage locker/unit you will have a record. Two, make sure you've got insurance, again, because theft... that means renters insurance, if not a specific policy for the tools, or better yet, talk with an agent. Three, I'd liberally spray all the tools with oil in advance, especially where I live in Washington, where it rains all the time and moisture just permeates the air in storage lockers/units.

 

[Seubs070]

I got nothing on storage, but I'd do a few things if it were my ****. One, take detailed pictures, so when they're stolen from the storage locker/unit you will have a record. Two, make sure you've got insurance, again, because theft... that means renters insurance, if not a specific policy for the tools, or better yet, talk with an agent. Three, I'd liberally spray all the tools with oil in advance, especially where I live in Washington, where it rains all the time and moisture just permeates the air in storage lockers/units.

Yeah I will have detailed photos / vids of everything and have already talked with our insurance agent about making sure everything is covered.

 

[ConwayMuddy]

Oil everything and v.c.i. paper(the brown stuff they wrap u-joints and stuff in).

 

[husslr187]

lie neilson has paper sheets you could wrap the woodworking handtools in that is suppose to help protect them. every tool I got from them so far was oiled and wrapped in it with a few sheets of paper wrapped around it. another option is to soak rags in oil and wrap them in that. ratchet, wrenches and **** that has a finish I would just wipe with an oily rag and call it good. tablesaw jointer ect with cast iron tables I would put a coat of grease on them

 

[Silverback07]

I'd put mothballs and rat poison out. I had my crawler in storage for about 7 months when they were building my place. Mice loved the newer soy based wiring I had put in. Thankfully they didn't like the 25 year old Yota wiring. I know that isn't a "tool".. but if its a newer power tool with wiring I would do it.

 

[Boss]

Wd40 everything.

 

[Toreadorranger]

Spend the extra money for a climate controlled Storage unit. then leave everything in your toolbox and wheel it in. Lock the lock and check back in 6 months.

 

[Dethmachinefab]

Corrosion inhibitor spray. I've got some of the crc type and sprayed down the table on my shear that is partially exposed to the weather. It sweats real bad with temp swings. The stuff leaves a waxy film and has worked awesome for the past few months with rain mist and snow blowing in from the side of the canopy.

 

[Projectjunkie]

X11 on insurance

went through a big tool claim once already

 

[SomeGuy]

Fluid Film.

 

[Wess757]

Spend the extra money for a climate controlled Storage unit. then leave everything in your toolbox and wheel it in. Lock the lock and check back in 6 months.

In my experience a "climate controlled unit" only means that is is indoors. Has anyone recommended desiccants yet?

 

[Dethmachinefab]

https://www.crcindustries.com/products/sp-400-8482-corrosion-inhibitor-10-wt-oz-03282.html

This stuff.

 

[D Nelly]

Insurance and oil. For short term I'd look into a conditioned space unit. They have them around here at least, they aren't heated and cooled like occupied buildings but they're way better than regular indoor storage units

 

[ArTi54N]

so is this in just part of the country?

I used to be a member of smash and mangled offroad (not around anymore) SandMOffroad.com was our site

3 of the members had units in the same storage facility, and they would work on project vehicles in their stalls..

I never noticed them spraying down tools in those storage units, but maybe it was just cuz they sorta used them??

 

[Seubs070]

https://www.crcindustries.com/products/sp-400-8482-corrosion-inhibitor-10-wt-oz-03282.html

This stuff.

Thanks. I ordered some from amazon. Also looking at that CRI paper.

 

[kf4zht]

so is this in just part of the country?

I used to be a member of smash and mangled offroad (not around anymore) SandMOffroad.com was our site

3 of the members had units in the same storage facility, and they would work on project vehicles in their stalls..

I never noticed them spraying down tools in those storage units, but maybe it was just cuz they sorta used them??

Speaking from living in GA you don't put anything with bare metal in storage. I didnt do a great job when I put my tools in storage (in an insulated garage) and while nothing was majorly damaged I have some ugly surface rust I wish wasn't there. Started being much more careful after that - but it was like most things, they were only supposed to be there a couple months max, then a year+ later

I've been using this to spray tools down https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013IZSCS?tag=91812054244-20
Get something for rats/mice. I would recommend against traps, one that falls where you can't get it it or you forget with a dead critter in it can be as much of a problem.
Be wary of aerosols. I had a can full of aquanet hair spray for 3d printer bed adhesion that let loose in a bucket of random, stuff inside was ruined
Label, and make sure the labels face where you can see them