Five top tips to keep your tools in tip-top condition

The tools of your trade let you get on with the job. But good equipment doesn’t come cheap – so how can you keep your motor trade tools going that little bit longer? We’ve rounded up five top tips to keeping your kit in tip-top shape.

1. Keep tools clean

One of the simplest ways to help your tools go that extra mile is to keep them as clean as you can. A build-up of dirt, oil, grime and grease in moving parts may stop your tool from working properly, causing damage and meaning you have to fork out for an early replacement. So get into the habit of cleaning your tools after you use them, whether it’s wiping them down with an old towel, giving them a rinse and drying them off, or using a specialist cleaning product, depending on the tool in question.

While you’re at it, make sure you check the condition of each tool as you clean. Can you spot any cracks, breaks, rust or corrosion? If you find some tools have got damage you might want to think about repairing or retiring them sooner rather than later, so you can always work safely. Check any tool filters too – they may need replacing at different times to the tool itself.

2. Store tools properly

Where do you leave your tools when you’re not using them? How you store them can affect their lifespan. And when you consider how easily a small tool can get lost in a busy garage, you can see how proper storage can save you money in the long run.

Work out a system for storing your tools and try to keep them somewhere cool and dry. Divide them up by tool type, for example hand tools and power tools, and organise them on shelves, containers or in toolboxes depending on your needs. If more than one person uses your tools in your garage, make sure they follow the same system and always return tools to their proper spot after cleaning.

If you’re a mobile mechanic or offer roadside assistance, you may store tools in your van. If that’s the case, you’ll want to make sure you have high quality locks on your van and you park it in a secure place. We can help manage the risks of leaving your tools in your van, and we can offer the right motor trade insurance for you too – just get in touch for more info.

3. Inspect them regularly

At the end of a busy day, you might not have much time to do more than wipe down your tools and put them away – but regular inspections of their condition can be really helpful. Not only will it help you pick up on any potential issues before they cause a problem, but they can help you budget for repairs and replacements more easily too. The last thing you want is to miss a problem and end up with the surprise cost of a broken or even unsafe piece of kit.

For power tools in particular, make sure you keep an eye on the power cords. Frayed cords or exposed wires can be dangerous – causing electric shocks or electrical fires – so if you see signs of wear on your electrical kit, have it properly fixed before you carry on using it. After all, while your motor trade insurance covers your premises, you don’t want to be in a position where you have to claim!

Your best bet is to set up a maintenance and service schedule for your tools, especially the most expensive and complicated pieces of kit, to help stop any issues arising and avoid any unexpected replacement costs.

4. Replace parts and refurbish where you can

These days, we’re all feeling the pinch of rising prices. The motor trade is no different. So if you’re looking to save money where you can and your tools are showing signs of wear and tear, think about getting them refurbished or individual parts replaced to keep them going that bit longer. At the end of the day, a tool that suddenly stops working can be down to something quite simple, like a single failed part, which can be easier and more cost-effective to replace than buying a whole new tool. Some suppliers offer this as a service, so it’s worth checking out.

If you’ve got your go-to tools that you know will wear down more quickly, consider keeping a store of replacement parts in your garage or van so you can replace them quickly yourself. This will help keep your tools working as efficiently as possible, so you can get on with your job with minimum hassle.

5. Insure your tools

It goes without saying that you should make sure you, and any employee, is confident in using every bit of equipment in your garage or motor trade business. Correct usage will mean tools are less likely to get accidentally broken or cause any damage to the user or the vehicle you’re working on.

But even when you look after your tools properly, you should still keep them protected with the correct motor trade insurance. At DNA, we can offer the right level of cover for the tools that you use, from hand tools and diagnostics to plant and machinery.

We offer dedicated mechanic insurance, cover for body shops and crash repairs, and a whole range of protection for motor traders of all shapes and sizes – all at a decent price. Just give us a bell on 01708 988952 or head online for your quote.