If you have just bought some tools for the first or for the fiftieth time, you should know you need to take good care of them. Looking after your tools means that they are more likely to last longer and you won’t have to replace them anytime soon.
This article shows you how you too can take care of all your tools with ease.
Be Prepared to Repair
When you have tools that you use frequently it’s likely that they will need to be repaired. Occasionally, a tool can become slightly damaged or even break. Any Loctite Consumer will tell you that it’s important to be prepared for such occurances.
Have some glue and tape at hand so you can make some quick repairs. Allow the wood or plastic glue to dry completely before you use the tool again. If you’re using tape instead of glue, note that this is only a temporary solution. Tape often tears and peels away so a more permanent solution will be required.
Always Use the Tools as Instructed
One of the best things that you can do to look after your tools is to use them as instructed. When you do, they’re less likely to become damaged. Using the wrong end of a hammer, for example, can result in it becoming damaged. Using a screwdriver in a way that it wasn’t intended for can break it.
Using a tool as instructed not only means you're less likely to damage it, you’re also less likely to hurt yourself.
Clean Your Tools Frequently
Tools that are used often can become dirty. When dirt and debris pile up, it can prevent a tool from working correctly. Regular cleaning can make all the difference. You don’t have to clean tools every time you use them. Just make sure that you clean your tools at least once every few months.
The cleaner your tools are, the better they can work for you. You may also find that a cleaner tool is easier to grip. When you have a better grip on a tool, you’ll be able to control it better. As a result, the tool could give your project a better outcome..
Check Your Tools for Damage
When you check your tools for damage, you’re more likely to spot something. If you never do, you run the risk of using tools that don’t work well. In addition to this, there’s always a chance that you could injure yourself or someone else.
Check your power tools for damage before and after you use them. You don’t have to check tools such as hammers and wrenches quite as often. However, it does make sense to check these types of tools fairly often as well. Should you find that a tool is damaged you can repair it or replace it if need be.
Always Store Your Tools Correctly
The best way for you to look after your tools is to store them correctly. Many tools, especially power tools, come with their own storage case or pouch. Storing tools in their case or pouch can help to prevent damage.
If you need to store tools that don’t have a case, store them somewhere safe. Hang some tools on a pegboard in your garage, for example. Keep your power tools locked away in a cupboard in your workshop. Make sure you store your tools carefully to prevent them from becoming damaged.
Looking after your tools should be second nature. When you take care of your tools, they are more likely to work well for longer. Use the tips found above to help you to take care of your tools so you can use them for many years to come.
