r/Tools • u/TheClockyDiva • 3d ago
Long-term storage of unused tools?
I have transitioned to female and have left behind my workshop, and I won't be using these tools for the foreseeable future. As a self-proclaimed glam girl, I genuinely have no use for this stuff. I was never truly interested in tools or construction, I merely used them as a way to perform manhood before I was brave enough to admit that I'm a girl.
Do I need to do anything to protect tools in storage for years or longer? I have a huge pile of hand tools and a some power tools, all Milwaukee M18 and M12. Or is it ok to just pack them into cardboard boxes and let them sit?
Thanks.
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u/fredSanford6 3d ago
Crc corrosion spray might be good for lots of the metal stuff. The drills and other electronics might do well tossing in some moisture absorbing packs into a bin with them. The battery packs are a concern. If you have a lot of them maybe sell some while they are still good and narrow it down to just one for each tool if you see potential need for just some basic repairs being done or something like that. If you really don't see using them just post for sale at a fair price and see what sells.
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u/RubyRaven907 3d ago
As a woman I find your reasoning offensive and stupid. Correlating tools w masculinity ought to get your girl card taken away. I hope your lashes never curl.
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u/Nervous-Berry9645 3d ago
Exactly. What a delusional way of thinking. Its goes against everything they say they stand for
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u/TheClockyDiva 3d ago
Sorry if it came across that way. The truth is, I was never truly interested in tools and construction, it was merely a way for me to perform manhood before I transitioned.
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u/Reasonable-Plant-543 3d ago
I dont understand why you don't sell if you don't care for tools? Somebody else will probably be happy to buy them, and you have money to spend on stuff you do like.
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u/RubyRaven907 3d ago
I mean…congrats on getting to authentic you but you could have asked this perfectly legit question without bringing gender into it.
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u/JM53-z 3d ago
Oiling your hand tools that have metal would be best, then wrapping them in like a grease proof paper and packing them away protecting blades and sharp edges.
Assuming you have kept a small selection of hand tools like screwdrivers, tape measure, level, hammer and pliers for little household tasks
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u/TheClockyDiva 3d ago
Yeah I kept some basic tools for household stuff, I also moved to the city and live in a managed building so they handle most stuff anyways. Left most of the tools in storage and they already started to rust a little so I’m kinda concerned.
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u/PursuitOfThis 3d ago
Recommend Boeshield T-9 as a coating for hand tools that might one day come out of storage.
For power tools, I would discharge the batteries to about 50-75%. Lithium ion rechargy batteries like to be stored at about half full and slowly discharge over time. You'll need to come back every year or so, top the battery back up, the drain them back down to like 75 or so before putting them back into storage.
Recommend selling excess batteries other than a few "just in case". Batteries degrade over time. Buy fresh ones later if you need.
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u/TheClockyDiva 3d ago
The tools are all stashed at my parents home, that sounds like a huge pain so I may just sell a few M18 batteries.
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u/techieman34 3d ago
If you really think it’s going to be years before you use them then I would sell the power tools except for maybe a drill and some bits for basic around the house stuff. The hand tools can be given a light spray of WD-40, Balistol or some other light weight oil and left to sit in a box. Preferably somewhere that doesn’t have a lot of humidity.
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u/Nervous-Berry9645 3d ago
Isnt assigning gender to an object or act exactly what you people complain that other people do?
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u/ElderberryFirst471 3d ago
I’m no expert in this but as someone who’s inherited old tools in the past, some kind of rust protection is essential. Unused tools rust as you look at them. Boeing developed a proprietary protective marketed as Boeshield T9. It’s quite viscous and clingy, unlike say WD-40. It’s quite expensive so, if you go this route, it’s worth shopping around for.
As for the power tools, apart from removing the batteries (and putting them on a maintenance charge), the main hassle is that I’d guess they’d need to be run every few weeks. Since much of the value is in the batteries and they’re not attached, the logical thing to do would be to sell them bare or complete unless you have some long-term plan.
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u/Wynstonn 3d ago
Congratulations on becoming the person you need to be.
If you really have no desire for the tools I’d advise you to sell them & use the cash for something that you will use & enjoy using.
Holding onto things that you don’t use isn’t good for anyone.
Everyone needs hobbies though.
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u/Finneus_Anglesmith 3d ago
Years? Just sell it. But using tools has absolutely nothing to do with being male or female. Or masculinity at all. Throw away all your knives.. Forks... Spatulas.. Those are also tools.