Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Storing tools in the cold.

Hey Folks,

Just wondering if anyone has any opinions on storing power tools, etc. out in the cold and if this has any negative impact on them.

Shortly, I'll be moving into my first home that we purchased recently. It's a pretty small house with limited storage, so no more storing all my power tools down in the basement.

I have two options. Store them in an unheated shed behind the house, or rent one of those little unheated storage units nearby.

I live in an area that gets very cold in the winter. 25 below freezing isn't surprising, but it's a very dry cold so I don't think moisture will be an issue.

The tools I'm thinking about are mitre saws, table saws, sawzalls, drills, a compressor, nail guns, paint gear (not paint or mud, that's staying inside), etc.

Any ideas as to whether this is going to be problematic?

Thanks, as always. Bill.

What comes to mind is whether the various plastic parts on any particular tool would become brittle at those temps.

I'm assuming you're just storing in these conditions not using or handling?

I don't think the actual mechanisms,motors etc would be damaged in storage but plastic is another matter.

I'd do some research.Most major manufacturers have a variety of info sources,web sites,phone numbers etc.

Although the materials used are very tough I'm not sure they are designed with that level of cold in mind...maybe they are but I'd ask them.You can't judge all by what one tells you and though some of what you have might be fine some might not.

I agree with spdavid, some parts may be adversely affected. I have a 1970's vintage radial arm saw in my shop. If I spool it up in pretty cold weather without heating the shop first, it sounds as if the bearings are coming apart. After it warms up, and in warmer weather - no problem. I am sure I am harming it in some way by running it that cold, but, hey, it's time.
Lube all you can get to. I like to use Liquid Wrench Teflon on surfaces. It is dry and doesn't attract bugs and dust like WD-40 or oil will.

You should have no problems at all storing tools in the cold if all you will be doing is storing them.
If you plan to use them cold as said you may have a problem with motors starting and if you take them into a warm place moisture will condense on the tools.

The exception to this is batteries and things that may have an LCD readout..........Keep them inside.

Thanks for the info guys. I'll definitely be keeping any cordless batteries inside the house. Any saws or anything like that will have to be brought inside the night before to bring them slowly up to room temperature before use.

Just rented a little storage unit today as well that's not too far from home. It's not heated, but it's cinder block walls so at least things will be kept a little protected from the elements.

Once again, thanks for the info.

Just to add..take proper precautions. Even though it may be real dry..things can still rust..saw blades, table tops..etc. I'd rather have to use a solvent to clean off a protective coating than deal with scrubbing rust. Gun type products would be a good choice.

If you want to keep all rust off tools when bringing them in from the cold, while still outdoors put them in a sealed plastic bag and don't open the bag until they have warmed to room temp.

This is how you keep camera gear in working condition in our climate.

Get yourself a spray bottle of Barricade ( sheath ) gun rust protector.
Spray a light coat on all exposed metal--it works great.
Here in MI when it is really cold--my tools in the garage don't like to run until
I heat the garage..................:eek: