Tl;DR: What are some good practices when storing tools “outside”? In a covered, but not very temperature stable environment.
How to store tools?
I live in a rented space. I have a cellar and a balcony with a roof above it. Currently my workshop is in the cellar, but I hate it there. It’s dark, low ceiling and ventilation is bad. Just recently I had the idea of moving (some of) my workshop to the balcony. Covering things from rain is not an issue, but I’m worried about the humidity mostly. European climate is where I’m at.
So I’m wondering: Is there some things I can do, to help my tools stay in good form? Not storing batteries out at cooking or freezing temps is a given, but my table saw would have to be outside. Just like all my handtools, chisels, drills, saws. I would have to build/buy new benches and tool storage anyway, so are there some things to maybe deal with humidity? That is my biggest concern tbh… But is there even a reason to worry? I mean garages around the world are not isolated that well either…
I just love my tools and it’s a hobby. So I wouldn’t mind doing a little extra. (this wont be my last semi outside shop either, so…)
If you have tools that will stay unused for months, then you can spray the metal parts with WD40 to prevent them from rusting. This is standard practice for industrial parts that are put in storage for longer periods and works well.