All sharp-edged tools should be transported in such a way that the edges are protected. Strong hessian sacks are useful both for protecting and carrying sharp-edged tools. Tool bags can also be used to carry wrapped tools. Hessian sacks are available from sack suppliers (see advertisements in farming magazines). Wrap and pack tools in the toolstore rather than by the van. Don’t overload any sack with more than can be safely carried.
Bowsaws should always be transported with their plastic blade guards fitted. Put four or five 530mm (21”) saws in a hessian sack and fold neatly to keep them together. For the larger bowsaws, put two or three in a sack. Spare saw blades can be carried in a section of plastic drainage pipe with push-fit ends (available from builders’ merchants). Slashers should be placed two or three in a sack, and spades three or four in a sack. Mattock heads and handles should be transported separately, with the heads in a sack.
Billhooks can be wrapped in a doubled-over sack as shown, and then tied with string.
Small fencing and construction tools should be transported in tool boxes. Old metal ammunition boxes 840mm (33”) long are ideal, but are now difficult to obtain. Similar capacity heavy-duty plastic tool storage boxes are available from DIY suppliers. Full tool boxes should be carried by two people.
When transporting tools, always ensure that passenger safety is not compromised. In minibuses, transport tools in the tool compartment provided, or use a trailer. When loading, put all the heavy weight low down. Try to weight both sides equally. Put long-handled tools in first, with short-handled tools on top. All tools and gas bottles should be secured in case of accident. Roofracks should not be used for heavy tools, or stacked above 300mm (12”) high. The maximum roofrack storage weight should never exceed 100kg.
The first aid kit should be the last item into the van and the first out, to ensure it is always accessible.
Tool lists should be kept on clipboards if they are to last the loading session. Tools should be counted out of the store by the person with the tool list. Another person should stay at the van to be responsible for the loading. An example of a tool list is given on the following pages. When making your own list, group similar items together and/or relate the order of the list to the storage plan of your toolstore.
