Cheap way to get storage such as shed or other shelter for equipment and tools as well as tools?

GervisLooper

I have been using my mum's garage and tools for the last year.

Soon I should be getting my own space but won't have anything there.

I would like tools for garden work and mechanics maintenance (pushbike and van) tools. Better to recycle than buy new as these things don't really degrade with use, except maybe for professionals using daily, not the now and then tinkerer, and last many lifetimes I guess.

Also somewhere to store them!

Any MSE tricks to get affordable storage which would be better than buying new? Just keep an eye on gumtree for people that want rid or any other ways?

I know people buy shipping containers. A bit big for the space I am looking at not to mention impractical to maneuver, since it will be on a slope. Anything along those lines though maybe that are repurposed from another use?

Size wise a container would perhaps be ok but the weight and not being able to be dismantled is the main hurdle for something like that. What about corrugated iron structures, new or used? Will they be cheaper than bought shed? I have seen quite a few shephards huts made from that material and wondered what the benefits are of using that over timber or the like and what it might have cost them.

swingaloo

Cant advise on what to use but it is sensible to think about insurance. Cheap storage is fine but if you value your things you need them properly secured or your insurance would not be valid.

born_again

Just remember metal will get a lot of condensation on the inside.

Shelving. Keep a eye out for old pallets & build your own.

Bookworm105

investigate auction houses, I regularly buy from one that acts as the "clearance outlet" for major retailers. so sells customer returns and unopened end of line items.

new and used tools plus various types of (plastic) storage "sheds" are listed at least every 1 - 2 weeks 

bear in mind however that a used tool is in an auction for a reason, it may be worn out!

GervisLooper

Bookworm105 said:

investigate auction houses, I regularly buy from one that acts as the "clearance outlet" for major retailers. so sells customer returns and unopened end of line items.

new and used tools plus various types of (plastic) storage "sheds" are listed at least every 1 - 2 weeks 

bear in mind however that a used tool is in an auction for a reason, it may be worn out!

Depends on the tool. I don't think things like spanners wear out, not easily anyway.

Power tools sure I could see them having a shorter shelf life.

GervisLooper

born_again said:

Just remember metal will get a lot of condensation on the inside.

Shelving. Keep a eye out for old pallets & build your own.

I am thinking it will be the same theory as my van, which I built for living in, which I have dealt with condensation. Sorted most of that with a couple of computer fans running 24/7.

GervisLooper

swingaloo said:

Cant advise on what to use but it is sensible to think about insurance. Cheap storage is fine but if you value your things you need them properly secured or your insurance would not be valid.

Yes well I would avoid by not insuring and not spending too much! Not talking about an exhaustive suite of power tools, just a few 'manual' elbow grease spanners, shovels and spades and such, so not going to be worth much to anyone else. Will just want to shelter them from the elements.

I would want to keep my bike in there however which I won't want stealing. Going to be very rural though.

I know it is said per capita theft is higher in the country than in cities but I find that hard to believe.

kimwp

Consider where you will work as well, do you need an indoor/shelter space for that

GervisLooper

kimwp said:

Consider where you will work as well, do you need an indoor/shelter space for that

yes! factoring it into the whole building I think

FreeBear

GervisLooper said: Depends on the tool. I don't think things like spanners wear out, not easily anyway.

Open ended spanners, the jaws can spread. Ring spanners, when hit with a hammer (which some animals do do) can distort, crack, or even shatter completely. Good quality spanners tolerate abuse a bit better, so it is worth looking out for these.

GervisLooper

FreeBear said:

GervisLooper said: Depends on the tool. I don't think things like spanners wear out, not easily anyway.

Open ended spanners, the jaws can spread. Ring spanners, when hit with a hammer (which some animals do do) can distort, crack, or even shatter completely. Good quality spanners tolerate abuse a bit better, so it is worth looking out for these.

Which would you classify as good quality? I only buy the cheapest to get the job done most times, if not using someone else's. Most of my mum's stuff would be hand me downs from my grandfather from WW2 era.