(StatePoint) Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and do-it-yourselfers are kicking their home improvement projects into high gear.  At the heart of any handy job in or around the house is a high-quality set of tools.

“Even great tools won’t work as well or last forever if they aren’t treated with care,” warns Chris Barker, Technical Manager at Royal Purple, a manufacturer of premium synthetic lubricants.

So what can DIY-ers do to extend the life of their valuable tools?

Store Properly

Good organization is not just about saving time when you’re looking for the proper tool, or even just about saving space in your garage or shed. Good organization can go a long way toward keeping tools in proper working order for longer. 

So never leave tools scattered about where they are susceptible to getting dinged or could be the cause of an accident.  Install shelving units and invest in a quality toolbox that meets your size and portability needs.

Proper storage away from the elements can also protect metal tools from rust and wooden handles from rot. Be sure to clean and dry all tools before storing them and maintain a cool and dry climate in your workshop or garage. 

Maintain Regularly

Use a versatile product to lubricate power tools, rollers and lawn equipment, loosen stuck parts, preserve equipment in storage, and facilitate hand drilling, tapping and metal cutting.

A long-lasting lubricant means less maintenance for you. For example, Royal Purple Maxfilm, a high-film strength, multipurpose synthetic lubricant, uses their proprietary additive called Synerlec to adhere to metal parts and provide continuous protection. It is rated highly by the Handyman Club of America for performance, quality durability and effectiveness.

Maintaining your tools and lawn equipment with regular lubrication will protect them against wear, rust and corrosion and can actually improve the condition of metal surfaces. More information can be found at www.ProtectParts.com.

Use Correctly

Most tools are designed to perform specific functions. Using the wrong tool for a job can pose a safety hazard to you and those around you. By using your equipment incorrectly, you can make the tool less effective for its intended use. Be aware, even with good maintenance habits, tools will need to be replaced over time.

High-quality tools can be expensive. But with the proper care, you can keep them in good working order all season long and well into the future.

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Photo Credit: (c) Tyler Olson - Fotolia.com