In my basement, I have a set of tools that my father used more than half a century ago. I haven’t had the heart to get rid of them because they once belonged to my dad, but they have clearly seen better days. Many of them have gathered a layer of rust and corrosion. There is a pair of pliers that won’t open anymore, and a couple of the adjustable wrenches are locked at the last setting they were used for. That’s because these tools have sat unused for a very long time in less than ideal conditions. It’s also because even when they were new, the technology for storing tools wasn’t as advanced as it is today, and it was harder to keep tools in pristine condition.
Modern storage materials have transformed the way tools and other equipment are stored, and that has made it easier than ever to keep tools in good working order. Purchasing the right tool storage option can help you save money when you need to buy tools less often.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how modern storage materials can make your tools last longer and what you can do to help ensure a long life for your equipment with effective storage solutions.
Moisture control
Moisture is the single biggest factor contributing to the rusting and corrosion of tools and other equipment. Modern storage materials are designed to absorb moisture or channel it away from tools, preventing rust and corrosion. With more tools now containing electronic components, moisture control has become increasingly essential to ensure that tools remain in good working order and usable for a long time.
Temperature control
Another contributing factor to tool degradation is temperature. Whether it’s temperatures that are too high and promote overheating or too low and risk damage from freezing, sensitive components in today’s modern tools require temperature modulation to remain in good working order. Keeping your workspace at a constant temperature can help, but tools don’t always stay in the workplace, and even in the workplace, temperatures can vary by season or activity. Certain storage materials help to regulate temperature around your tools and equipment in order to extend its functional life.
Shock absorption
Everyone has had the experience of having a tool become broken or damaged when it is accidentally dropped. As a worker, there’s nothing quite like the upsetting feeling of opening a dropped toolbox only to see that an important tool has cracked from hitting the side of the box or banging into another tool. Modern storage materials like rubber, foam, and other kaizen foam alternatives, can provide cushioning to absorb physical shocks so tools are less likely to be damaged should you accidentally drop your toolbox or if the toolbox slides around or falls during transportation.
Chemical resistance
If you use tools in industrial environments where harsh chemicals are frequently used, you would likely benefit from modern storage materials that have chemical resistance. Some advanced materials are resistant to harmful chemicals, oils, or gases that might degrade certain types of equipment over time. Storing your tools with these types of materials can help prevent chemical corrosion and other forms of damage caused by chemicals.
Protection from static electricity
Static buildup is a major threat to tools that contain sensitive electronic components. Older storage materials such as previous generations of foams were prone to static buildup. Modern storage materials, on the other hand, are designed to prevent the buildup of static electricity. Anti-static bags, for example, ensure that equipment stays safe from electrostatic discharge (ESD) during storage. If you have tools or equipment with sensitive electronic components, it’s worth considering whether investing in anti-static technology such as anti-static bags can help extend the lifespan of your equipment and prevent unexpected damage.
Protection from UV and light
Many materials, such as plastics and fabrics, can degrade in the presence of ultraviolet light. Think, for example, about the way the sun bleaches curtains on the side of the house where the sun shines longest. Modern storage systems often include UV protection as covers or whole containers, protecting sensitive equipment and plastics from damaging solar rays—and keeping their colors bright and vibrant as a bonus.
Improved ventilation and breathability
When air gets trapped around stored tools, moisture, heat, and toxins in the air can linger, causing damage to the tools. Some storage materials are breathable, allowing airflow around equipment. This can help prevent the buildup of heat, moisture, or gases that might otherwise shorten equipment lifespan, as we discussed above.
