Helpful Tool Rules  

There is much more to tools than just buying them and then throwing them into any drawer… 

First, your working tools should be well organized and kept in a specific place so you know where to find it when the occasion arises. Nothing is more annoying than running around the house and checking every drawer and cabinet to look for a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Your tools should be kept is a permanent place for easy access. And when it comes to the car, the tools should be in the trunk or the glove box. 

Second, your tools should we well maintained. Don’t let your tools get wet and get dirty. After every use, you should clean the tools and put each piece away properly so that the next time it is ready for you. If you don’t take care of your tools, they will rust or get damaged with time, not to mention get lost. Tools are like treasures and they need to be cared for and deserve your attention. 

Third, your tools are never to be loaned to anyone. This cannot be stressed enough. Never ever let anyone borrow your tools “for a few days” or for a project. In the world of tools, this is as bad as letting friends borrow money… You will lose your valuable tools and you will end up regretting this generosity on your part. Tools are personal and they should be kept hidden from outsiders who wish to “use them and return them” at a later time: You will lose tools this way! And your tools should be kept away from your children and people who do not know how to care for the tools. Children will damage your tools and you will lose pieces that belong to your tool set. This is not a selfish philosophy but it is a fact when it comes to tools. Do as you will but be warned that many have lost tools through loaning them and through children and you should heed the advice. 

Lastly, safety is very important when it comes to working tools. You should use the right tool for the right job. For example, never use your screwdriver to pry open something that is meant for a crowbar. Using the wrong tools for the wrong jobs will result in injury and you will damage your tools. Safety also means using the proper safety procedures to ensure that you will not be hurt or injured. Wear goggles if you need to; apply force while maintaining control on tools; and always know what you are doing. All it takes is one slip and you have a cut, a smashed finger, or worse injure your eye. Please be careful when you use tools to do whatever it is that you need done around the house or with the car.