tool storage options? Attic ok?

[gcole]

Our family is expanding, so the bedroom that I have used as tool storage is becoming a nursery. Over the course of my home renovations, I've acquired a fair number of power tools, such as a table saw, routers, circular saws, miter saws, the usual stuff. Any thoughts about storing this in an attic? It is insulated and breathes fairly well, so the temperature will be pretty close to the ambient outside temp. I've got a temperature sensor in the attic and in our climate (Richmond, VA) when is gets to 95 in the summer, the attic in the sun usually holds around 120-125. Winter minimum here is around 10-15, mostly it is 20-30 though.

I've also got a few battery powered tools as well. I was thinking of storing those in the attic as well, with the batteries stored in the living areas to keep them from the temp extremes.

Any problem with doing this?

Thanks,
Greg

[Bumblerazz]

I wouldn't if I were you. The temp is not the only issue, you have to think of the humidity. The internal metal bits (motor, gears, etc...) corrode quickly when left "outdoors" for long periods of time. Cold metal will cause condensation to collect when there are quick shifts in temperature.

Batteries of course cannot be left outside in freezing temps either. Despite being called dry cells, they have a small amount of fluid inside. You've probably noticed that your camera or flash light doesn't work worth crap in the cold. The electrolitic solution seperates into its solid ionic equivalent compounds and in most cases never returns to its original state when thawed (essentially acts like freeze drying). Of course you will end up with corrosion on the contact points as well.

[mdshunk]

I have tools in the trucks for years at a time. I'm certain that the attic would be a fantastic place by comparison.

[Bumblerazz]

Yea, but you probably still use them on a regular basis. I was thinking that Greg was going to store them and I assumed that meant not use them for months at a time.

You don't find that your equipment gets pitted and corroded when left to the elements for long periods of time, especially in winter? I once left a power saw in the wood shed from Jan through to April and before it would work again I had to dismantle and clean the brushes. Admitedly it was the cheapest you could buy (I had left my "real" one in the city), so maybe that was part of the problem.

[gcole]

Things would be used relatively often, since the number of projects that need to get done around the house always seem to increase! But some things like a biscuit jointer and a laminate trim router, probably would be pretty infrequently used.

At this point I have a miter saw and some smaller power tools in a shed here in Richmond and I haven't had any problems with them yet (this has been a couple of years). I just don't want to mess up decent tools by storing them incorrectly

Thanks for the replys,
Greg

[mdshunk]

Here's a tip that every machinist knows... throw a camphor cake inside your seldom used tool boxes and tool cases and the vapors will not permit the tool to rust. Keeps the moths out of your attic also.