Outdoor power Tool Storage? Do those plastic boxes work?

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I've got a terrace and I want to put all the tools into something like this:
kWzf1ob.jpeg


You know; but with shelves.

Assuming i can find one that advertises itself as waterproof, do you think it's ok to store powertools inside of one of these? I suppose I mean in PRACTICE, is it ok?

Any advice?
 
I don't see why not. People store tools in wooden sheds and in theory these plastic ones should be more water proof if they're decent quality.
 
I have one for basic gardening stuff, no evidence of anything getting wet even through the storms.

I made my own full depth shelf about a foot from the top. I simply screwed through the sides into it

Main issue is security, no way to make it secure. I didn't even fit the hasp to mine. If someone want to make off with my plant pots and lawn seed... Well good luck to them.
 
I would worry about the tools corroding from the condensation but i suppose it depends how good the box
is at keeping them warm and damp free
 
Those things are junk imo, if they were less than £50 they might be alright for some bits. I certainly wouldn't want anything of value in one due to potential damp (though should be able to mod one for airflow). I'd not rule out security unless you have a 10' wall around the garden. Only takes one opportunist or neighbour to notice some tools in there.

I'd look at rearranging/ condensing your stuff in your house and DIYing some storage/shelving. Or just buy/build a decent shed.
 
Assuming i can find one that advertises itself as waterproof, do you think it's ok to store powertools inside of one of these? I suppose I mean in PRACTICE, is it ok?

Any advice?

No I don't. They are designed for garden tools, not power tools. In practice, they are not totally watertight, as there are gaps in the panel fit and the doors don't seel. Also, the plastic is a bit flimsy. It would equate to a humid environment not suitable for storing power tools.

Another issue you would have with storing power tools is damage from low temperatures and temperature changes. This would cause cracking to the plastics and make the cables more brittle.

In summary, I wouldn't do it, think of something else.

One thing you could do, is get a big chest and disguise it as a coffee table for storage indoors.

Otherwise, the big plastic storage containers are an option for storage inside.
 
Yeah I wouldn't pay full price. It's for an outdoor terrace; picture attached.

I have a bunch of these boxes though
Mc9O2KT.jpeg

They don't say they're waterproof but I shall conduct a test next time it rains. My main concern though, as you say, is condensation.
I don't actually
Those things are junk imo, if they were less than £50 they might be alright for some bits. I certainly wouldn't want anything of value in one due to potential damp (though should be able to mod one for airflow). I'd not rule out security unless you have a 10' wall around the garden. Only takes one opportunist or neighbour to notice some tools in there.

I'd look at rearranging/ condensing your stuff in your house and DIYing some storage/shelving. Or just buy/build a decent shed.

There's no garden; this is what we're dealing with. (coat hanger for scale)
rakxbPj.jpeg
 
No I don't. They are designed for garden tools, not power tools. In practice, they are not totally watertight, as there are gaps in the panel fit and the doors don't seel. Also, the plastic is a bit flimsy. It would equate to a humid environment not suitable for storing power tools.

Another issue you would have with storing power tools is damage from low temperatures and temperature changes. This would cause cracking to the plastics and make the cables more brittle.

In summary, I wouldn't do it, think of something else.

One thing you could do, is get a big chest and disguise it as a coffee table for storage indoors.

Otherwise, the big plastic storage containers are an option for storage inside.
Thanks. What *can* I store safely outside in those big containers? Everything will rust, right? I suppose tins of paint and things but that would only be to keep them out of sight no real reason for them to be in plastic boxes.
 
Thanks. What *can* I store safely outside in those big containers? Everything will rust, right? I suppose tins of paint and things but that would only be to keep them out of sight no real reason for them to be in plastic boxes.

You'll need to bring paint tins indoors over winter, having them outside in negative temperatures won't do them any good.
 
Personally I store my power tools in the house and not in the garage, which is unheated. I just don't think it's good for them.

Things like garden tools won't get that rusty in those outdoor storage boxes, because they aren't airtight, so they don't usually get highly humid. One way to prevent things rusting is to put them in plastic storage boxes that seal tightly, so humidity won't get in - so you can seal in a plastic storage box and then put that in the garden box. This would prevent rust. However, you would still risk damage from freezing temperatures, so paint is a no no because that will split after being frozen.
 
Not sure why people are cool with storing power tools in sheds but not plastic boxes? Is it because sheds have more ventilation?

Depends on the shed, and its position (weather/sun). Cheaper tools corrode easy if left in slightly damp places. My mower is under a tarp and tucked under for winter. No tools left it there as it's almost done.

Those black boxes are decent if you can get them cheap (try FB marketplace).

When you said terrace i thought you meant terrace house (no public access to rear garden). Dumb moment there :D

I'd think about building something basic but half decent with insulation if dead set on the idea. But will be quite costly. The space available looks a bit difficult to work with though, and ultimately not a good financial investment for what you'll get imo. However i have seen various garden storage on facebook market place.

I'd consider storing other bits outside instead of power tools if you're stuck for space.
 
Personally I store my power tools in the house and not in the garage, which is unheated. I just don't think it's good for them.

Things like garden tools won't get that rusty in those outdoor storage boxes, because they aren't airtight, so they don't usually get highly humid. One way to prevent things rusting is to put them in plastic storage boxes that seal tightly, so humidity won't get in - so you can seal in a plastic storage box and then put that in the garden box. This would prevent rust. However, you would still risk damage from freezing temperatures, so paint is a no no because that will split after being frozen.
I stored a work bench in my shed and few weeks ago I saw it had mould....

So I no longer store it outside in a shed
 
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