In trade, your tools are your livelihood. And most cases of tool damage and theft are preventable with a bit of foresight. For the most part, it all boils down to how you store them. With that in mind, we’ve written this explanatory guide to clue you in on how to store your tools safely and securely.
Proper tool storage keeps your space tidy and organized. This helps to increase the life of your tools by keeping them out of harm’s way, as well as to reducing the number of health and safety incidents.
After all, you should never underestimate how dangerous tools can be. It’s all too easy to make that mistake. So easy in fact, that 8,300 people were admitted to hospital after hand-tool accidents during lockdown in 2020-21.
Moreover, having your tools secured safely reduces their vulnerability to theft. For trades workers, this means you are able to keep putting food on the table and rest easy at night.
Safe and secure storage of your tools is essential. You should see having the facilities you need to ensure this as indispensable equipment rather than an unnecessary expense.
Be sure to choose high-quality, secure toolboxes, chests, and cabinets as better alternatives to everyday toolboxes. Keep these containers locked whenever they’re not being used and keep them in secure places.
If you have a lot of tools, then as you store them over time you might find that they’re taking up a large amount of floor space. Vertical tool storage is the solution to this problem. This includes forms of wall storage, such as shelves or tool cupboards, which increase the amount of space you have for your tools without covering the floor.
As reported by Parkers, research conducted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles found that almost a third of van drivers were tool theft victims during 2021. Yet even worse, almost three-fifths leave their tools and equipment in their vans overnight.
If you’re going to store tools in your van, it’s vital that you take precautions to prevent them from being stolen. There is all manner of products that you can buy to this end, from safes to alarms.
The most effective and least costly way to stop your tools from being stolen from your van is to simply remove them during the night. Bring them into your home or your workplace instead, where thieves are less likely to try and break in.
What do you think is the safest and most secure way to store your tools? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.
