There isn’t a magic formula for how to organise tools. On the contrary, organising tools can be a very individual thing. In many cases, placement depends on the function. Are you a woodworker, a home renovator, a weekend warrior?
Each skill set comes with different considerations and a different set of tools. For instance, a woodworker might need more small tool storage, whereas a home renovator might need an easily accessible place to organise their power tools.
However, there are some essential tools that most homeowners need to store, and there are several clever ways to get the job done.
Having lots of tools is fun, but finding ways to store them is not. So here are ingenious ways to keep your ever-growing tool collection in order. Are you getting frustrated by your clutter and garage organisation? Here at Garage Storage Solutions, we offer extensive professional organising and declutter service.
Methods For Organizing Hand Tools
Most people have at least a few hand tools. These include hammers, screwdrivers and pliers — to name a few — but any device that doesn’t require batteries or have to be plugged in during operation qualifies as a hand tool.
Hand tools are typically the most accessible tools to misplace. That’s why it’s so important to keep them organised.
How you do it will depend on several factors, including how much space you have, how many tools you have and how often you use them.
For the average person, getting organised might be as simple as buying a toolbox. You can pick one up at your local hardware store.
They come in all different shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to choose one that’s proportional in size to the number of tools you have. It should also have several compartments to help keep everything organised.
When choosing a toolbox, also consider how much you’ll be carrying it around with you. Make sure it has a good handle. If you prefer, there are also tool bags that can serve the same purpose.
When organising your toolbox, or tool bag, put the tools you use most often in the top compartments and those you use less below.
If you hardly use the tools you have or use them only in your garage, you can probably get away with something stationary. A small set of plastic drawers might do the job.
More heavy-duty toolboxes are meant to stay in one place. These are much bigger than a toolbox that you would carry around with you and necessary only if you have many hand tools.
Again, you’ll find a selection of these at your local hardware store. If you use your tools more regularly and want them to be easily accessible, you can also try installing some pegboard on the wall.
Add a few hooks, and you’ll be able to store all your tools out in the open, where they’ll be easy to see and get to.
Some people have more than just a few hand tools. They have a set of power tools as well. If that sounds like you, keep reading to find out how you can organise them.
Methods For Organizing Power Tools
Power tools are generally larger than hand tools. However, much like your hand tools, how you decide to organise your power tools will depend mainly on how many you have, how much room you have to store them, and how often you plan on using them.
For someone who has only a few power tools — for example, a circular saw, a drill and a belt sander — they may be able to get away with buying an extensive toolbox that has a drawer big enough to hold all three of these items.
Someone with a more extensive collection, however, will have to find a different solution.
The chances are that if you have a lot of power tools, you also have a space to use them — whether it’s your garage or a workshop.
One of the most common ways to organise power tools is in bins or containers below a workbench or a tabletop.
Buying containers that can seal might be a good idea because they’ll protect your power tools from water or any other hazard that could potentially damage them. For the same reason, it’s also a good idea to store them off of the ground.
Also, keep in mind that storing your power tools too low could end up being a strain on your back. If you decide to use containers to store your power tools, you can organise them by putting similar items in the same container.
For example, a circular saw, a jigsaw, and a reciprocating saw can all go in the same bin.
If you need your power tools to be even more accessible, you could also try building a storage cabinet for them or simply a shelf for them to sit on.
This is relatively inexpensive, and if you use the tools quite a bit, it might be a better option. Waferboard is cheap and works great for this type of project.
Depending on how high the ceiling in your workspace is, you might also consider installing hooks to hang your power tools from.
Just make sure the hooks are strong enough to support the weight of whatever you’re hanging on them.
Of course, if you have a lot of power tools, you probably have a few seasonal tools. Please keep reading to find out how you can organise them.
Methods For Organizing Seasonal Tools
Seasonal tools are defined by the climate you live in. Similarly, a snowblower could also be considered a seasonal tool because you wouldn’t need it during the summer.
There are also things like pruning shears, hoses, chainsaws and leaf blowers that many people also consider to be seasonal tools. However, you may notice that many of these tools are more significant than everyday tools as well.
The great thing about most seasonal tools is that — even though they’re often large — they don’t have to take up a lot of floor space in your garage.
Most of them can be hung from the walls using heavy-duty hooks or specialised hangers. Then, simply go to your local hardware store to pick some up.
You should be able to hang just about everything — from a wheelbarrow to a ladder — by using the proper hardware. Not only will this keep your seasonal tools organised, but it’ll save you space and keep them off the ground where they’re more likely to get damaged.
For many people, rakes, shovels and garden hoses are also considered seasonal tools. However, when it comes to keeping these items organised, you have several options.
You can hang them from the wall like many of your other seasonal tools, or you could store them all in a bucket. If you don’t like looking at them, you could also build a storage cabinet for them.
When it comes to smaller seasonal tools, like gardening supplies, it’s not a bad idea to buy a container and keep them all together. You can easily label it, and the next time you head out to the garden, you grab the bin and take it with you.
So we’ve talked about hand tools, power tools and seasonal tools, but what about all the accessories that go with them? That’s a tricky one. Keep reading to find out how you can organise all your tool accessories.
Methods For Organizing Tool Accessories
Whether hand, power or seasonal, many tools come with accessories. Several tools won’t work without them.
A socket wrench, for example, does you no good unless you have sockets to go with it. Similarly, a reciprocating saw can be used with several blades meant to cut through all different kinds of material. T
His point is, many tools are useless without their accessories, and unfortunately, many of those accessories tend to be small and easy to lose. That’s why it’s crucial to find an excellent way to organise them.
If you’re already considering a toolbox or a tool bag to help organise your tools, don’t forget to take into account all the accessories that you’ll need to collect as well. For example, many toolboxes come equipped with smaller compartments perfect for organising and storing socket heads or drill bits.
If you’re looking for a cheaper solution, small plastic organisers can work as well. Not only do they have several small drawers to store all your accessories, but you’ll also be able to see what’s in each compartment without having to open it.
On top of that, you’ll probably have enough room to store hardware like screws and nails in the same organiser.
Another option is to store the tools themselves with their accessories. For example, you can buy small containers or a set of drawers with enough room for a family of tools to live — such as your drill and all its drill bits.
Label each drawer or container on the outside, and you’ll know exactly where to find what you’re looking for. Magnets can also come in handy while organising metal accessories. Just get a draw and use it to hold all the accessories for a specific tool.
Keep in mind that the size of the magnet should be proportional to the number of accessories you want it to hold. The important thing is to find a system that you can stick to easily. Once you get everything organised, it will be up to you to keep it that way. Garage Storage Solutions features an innovative wall system with heavy-duty sliding wall components such as hooks, garage shelving and stylish, durable steel cabinets designed to hold your gear securely and neatly in place.
Storing Tools And Tool Accessories
By now, you probably have a good idea of how you’re going to organise your tools and all of their accessories. When it finally comes time to store everything in its proper place, however, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
For starters, never store dirty tools. For example, if you’re using a wrench and get some oil on it, make sure you wipe it down before putting it away. Similarly, don’t put away a saw when it’s covered in sawdust.
Keeping your tools clean can help keep your storage area clean and may make your tools last longer.
It’s also a good idea to keep your tools off of the floor. You’ve probably noticed this tip mentioned a couple of times throughout this article, but it’s worth repeating. Floors — particularly the floors of your garage — can be a dangerous place for your tools.
There are a couple of reasons for this. First off, garage floors tend to get wet. Second, think about how snow can get packed under your car when you drive during the winter.
Once you pull into the garage, all that snow is going to melt. So unless you’ve got a drain right underneath your car, the floor — and anything on it — is probably going to get wet.
Second of all, garage floors can get pretty dirty. When you come in from the outside, dirt and debris tend to travel with you, and if your tools are on the floor, they’re probably going to get covered in it.
If the floor is your only storage option, you might want to find some plastic bins with airtight lids. They’ll help protect your tools from the elements.
There’s one more thing you should keep in mind when storing your seasonal tools. Anything that runs on gas, like a lawnmower, snow blower, or a chain saw, shouldn’t be stored with gas in it.
If you’re putting one of these items away for an extended period, be sure to empty the gas tank and clean it thoroughly.
If it has a separate oil tank, you should change the oil as well. These steps might seem like a hassle now, but come spring — or winter for the snowblower — you’ll be glad you took the time to take care of them. In addition, this essential maintenance could end up saving you quite a bit of money in repair bills.
Unique Tool Organising Ideas
Create Zones For Different Tools
The first step to organising tools is to do a thorough inventory. Then, once you have a general idea of the tools on hand, sort them into categories.
Group all of the power tools, the small hand tools, and so on. Next, create zones and use cabinetry to keep the items together.
For instance, here’s a DIY storage cabinet designated for table saw equipment. When planning a workshop layout, this cabinet would be hung near the table saw. Details like this might seem trivial at first, but they will enhance the ergonomics of the space.
Build A Tool Cabinet With Pegboard Backing
The best way to organise tools is to customise storage pieces to fit the space. For instance, purchasing a workbench is not nearly as effective as building one with specific storage spots for your tools.
Building a tool cabinet is a smart way to maximise any vertical space you have to spare. Use a pegboard as a backing and on the cabinet doors, so you have plenty of surface area to hang tools.
Customise A Wall Panel With Containers And Baskets
Many people prefer open-concept storage in their workshops. For example, instead of storing tools and essentials inside cabinets, homeowners opt to keep these items out in the open.
If you have a blank wall, install an extensive slat wall system similar to what you see in a retail store. You can use hooks to hang tools.
Also, consider storing items inside bins and transparent plastic containers. You’ll be able to pack more things into each square foot that way.
Hang Miscellaneous Tools Off Wall Strips
Again, one of the most effective ways to keep a work surface clear is ample vertical storage space.
Tools hidden away in toolboxes and drawers can be forgotten about or misplaced. So the more you can visually see on the walls, the better.
There are many ways to hang tools on a wall, including slat boards and pegboards. Another popular option is to use vertical stripes and anchor hooks on the strip. For smaller devices, consider a magnetic strip.
Organise Commonly Used Tools In A Mobile Workbench
Many people struggle with organising power tools that they often use, especially when they are in the midst of a big project.
If you are in the process of renovating a home and find yourself struggling to keep your tools in order, consider adding a mobile workbench into the mix.
The plans for this workbench include ample hanging storage for power tools and space for storing more extensive devices, such as air compressors. Try to build in as much storage as possible so the top remains a clear work surface.
Utilise Blank Space On The End Of Cabinets
The end of a cabinet or workbench is an ideal spot to add extra tool storage. Before you go out and buy wood for this project, check whether you have any scrap pieces you can use instead.
Remember, this location is ideal for commonly used tools, such as screwdrivers, if it is close to your work area.
If the cabinet is on the other end of the workshop, consider storing something else that you won’t reach for as often in that location.
Store Awkwardly Sized Tools In Totes With Labels
Some tools don’t make sense on a pegboard wall, or maybe they just won’t fit in the space.
Organise awkwardly sized items, such as paint rollers and tubes of chalk, inside clear plastic totes. And store the totes on an open shelving unit.
Even though the totes are clear, it is helpful to spend time labelling each container. This step will make it much more likely that you and other members of your household will put the tools back where they belong.
Keep Nuts And Bolts In Clear Mason Jars
Some workers like to save every spare screw, and some don’t. If you are one of the former, make sure you have a system in place for sorting through all these miscellaneous items.
Clear mason jars work well for organising small parts, but you need to put those jars somewhere that won’t clog up counter space.
Consider building open shelves for them to sit on. You can even screw the lids on the underside of a frame and suspend the jars from their tops.
Set Up A Battery Recharging Station
Cordless power tools are lovely as long as you don’t lose track of their batteries and chargers. Build a custom charging station for your most used power tools, and make sure to add an outlet, so the storage space is functional.
This wall unit works well for a small collection of power tools. But you might require something more substantial if you own significantly more cordless tools than this.
Hang Tools Inside A Cabinet
Not everyone wants their tools out in the open. There is the risk of theft when expensive tools are visible from the outside in a garage or shed if this is the case, store tools inside cabinetry that can be locked.
However, don’t just toss your tools inside the cabinet and call it a day. Instead, keep them organised by hanging them on the cabinet walls. To complete this project, line the interior walls of a cabinet with a pegboard.
Behind The Door Storage: Tool-apron Storage
Tool aprons can be modified to store nearly any household item. Just sew a variety of pocket widths in the aprons, then mount the aprons by screwing a wood strip through the top of each and into a door. For hollow-core doors, use hollow anchor fasteners to hold the screws firmly to the door.
New Angle On Small Tool Storage
Find a bare spot on a wall or workbench and screw on a 2-ft. piece of 2-in.-wide, slotted angle iron available at home centres. It’s the perfect hangout for screwdrivers, bits, safety glasses and sanding drums.
Toolbox Liner
Rubbery shelf liner works great in toolboxes, but there’s a cheaper alternative. Cut a non-slip rug mat to fit any size drawer and keep tools from sliding around.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different ways to organise tools. From buying a toolbox or organising your garage, these tips should help make life easier for you and those who live with you.
Follow our advice in this post, and we guarantee that it will change how you think about storing your tools! Garage Storage Solutions features an innovative wall storage system with heavy-duty sliding wall components such as hooks, garage shelving and stylish, durable steel cabinets designed to hold your gear securely and neatly in place.