Let it snow: Storing tools and equipment for the winter

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Winter time is a tricky season. Temperatures drop overnight and the weather becomes more unpredictable than usual. People busy themselves with ensuring that they have all the appropriate winter wear, enough wood for the fireplace, and their snow tires installed. Proper care for instruments like household tools and equipment becomes an afterthought, often overlooked until the tools are found in damaged condition.

Protecting tools from winter damage starts with preparing for the season. Woodwork equipment makers, like Laguna Tools , routinely remind their customers about basic tips that extend the equipment’s lifespan by shielding the tools from unexpected damage. Some of the most important tips are:

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• Cleaning – Water may freeze up during winter, but come spring, moisture can cause rust and fungi. Cleaning tools before storing them protects them from rusting and becoming breeding grounds for insects that lay eggs in small crevices. Before storing, tools should be rinsed off with a steel wool scrub or a hard-bristled brush and then dried thoroughly. This removes any dust, soil, or dirt debris that may be hidden in between the tool’s steel parts.

• Sterilizing – Contrary to what most wood craftsmen assume, cleaning tools is not always enough. Sterilizing them before storage is important to prevent the spread of fungi and rotten foliage, thus preventing disease from developing in the storage room. Sterilizing tools is not pricey; using isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizing gel suffices to rid tools of germs.

• Protecting – Keeping tools dry may prevent rust, but the winter cold may still cause erosion. Woodwork equipment makers, like Laguna Tools, recommend lubricating tool blades and handles with general purpose oil or cooking oil.

Image credit: woodworkersjournal.com

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