Tools That Break First If You Don’t Store Them Right

The tools you reach for the most tend to be the ones that get left out, banged around, or shoved in the wrong spot. That’s exactly why they break first. Here’s what to protect if you want them to last.

Shovels and Rakes

Leaned up against a barn wall in the sun? That handle’s going to dry out, warp, or crack.

Hang them properly or store them indoors to avoid split handles and rusty blades. A rack on the wall beats buying new ones every year.

Power Drills

Moisture and battery tools don’t mix.

Leaving drills in a non-climate-controlled shed or garage shortens the battery life fast. Store them inside where it stays relatively dry, and keep batteries off the concrete.

Chainsaws

A chainsaw left with gas in it and no cover is asking for trouble.

Store it dry, cleaned, and in a hard case if possible. That keeps dirt out of the bar and prevents the fuel system from gumming up.

Garden Hoses

Wound tight around a tree or kinked up in a pile? That hose is going to split.

Use a reel or at least a loose coil, and never leave it full of water through a freeze. It’ll tear faster than you think.

Axes and Hatchets

Wood-handled tools crack in dry heat and rot in damp corners.

Oil the handles now and then and store them hanging or flat in a dry spot. Tossing them in a pile ruins the edge fast, too.

Air Compressors

Dust and humidity kill compressors if they’re stored where critters or moisture get in.

Drain them after use and cover the intake ports. A little maintenance saves you from burnt motors or stuck regulators.

Sockets and Wrenches

Tossed in an open toolbox in a barn, they’ll rust in no time.

Wipe them clean and dry, and store them in cases with silica packets if you can. You’ll save yourself the frustration of stuck bolts and useless tools.

Extension Cords

Wrap them loosely and never hang them on a nail by the plug—it weakens the connection point.

Moisture and direct sun also break down the casing over time. Keep cords indoors when they’re not being used.

Battery-Powered Flashlights

Those batteries can leak acid and ruin the whole thing if you store them loaded.

Take the batteries out if you won’t use them soon. Otherwise, that flashlight won’t be worth anything in an actual emergency.

Loppers and Pruners

Sap buildup and weather exposure rust the blades and wreck the springs.

Clean them after use and store them in a dry toolbox or shed. A little oil goes a long way in keeping them working smoothly.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.