The key to tool storage is to never have to move anything to get or replace a tool. If I have to move something A to put something B back, then something A is just going to be dropped wherever there is space. Until there isn't space and I have to spend a weekend organizing my garage and trailer.
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Tool Box Organization
- Thread starter Jampy00
- Start date
I’m just here for suggestions. My garage / tool boxes / office are a horrid mess…
I 100% agree and will add, easier said than done... lol
That is also an issue in my garage.
I want to maximize my storage real estate and usually put too many things on one shelf. For example a toolbox and something smaller in front of the toolbox.
Now if I need to get at that tool box I need to move the smaller items first which often end up on the floor or another shelf and so on and so on.
I am planning on redoing my shelving on one side of the garage that I most of the time. Making is shallower so I physically cannot place any random item in front of anything else. I am half-married to the Milwaukee Packout system so I will be making my shelves to accommodate it. Hopefully no more toolbox on top of a toolbox. Each box will have its own shelf.
Not going to lie. Hoarding is a struggle and my garage often gives me anxiety when I need to find something.
I call that double parking, a no go as much as possible.
Seems like a 3D printer would be great for building a storage system within a tool box.
Think I’ll talk to my buddy about printing something for me, at the very least to be able to keep things as organized as possible.
Think I’ll talk to my buddy about printing something for me, at the very least to be able to keep things as organized as possible.
Organization is relatively easy if every other thing in your life is in 100% under control.
I absolutely HATED the guy that came to service our office photocopier. He carried a briefcase with only the tools he needed to service his equipment. The other half of the case was parts. He couldn't tighten a loose screw on a light switch cover.
Most of us have more eclectic patterns so we take an extra widget adjuster or two, metric and imperial tool sets and don't forget the socket set in a case that won't close because a socket broke and the replacement is a different size, not fitting the molded case.
Good workshops and service vans evolve. You can paint yourself into a corner if you don't know what you'll be working on in a year or two if you dedicate space or funding to projects that never materialize.
Pull out drawers are good. You can get at stuff at the back without emptying stuff onto the floor.
Look up for storage. Hang stuff from the ceiling.
Put stuff on wheels to make shop space adjustable to the project.
If you do resort to peg board use the stabilizer clips or make custom wood or 3D holders screwed to the board.
I absolutely HATED the guy that came to service our office photocopier. He carried a briefcase with only the tools he needed to service his equipment. The other half of the case was parts. He couldn't tighten a loose screw on a light switch cover.
Most of us have more eclectic patterns so we take an extra widget adjuster or two, metric and imperial tool sets and don't forget the socket set in a case that won't close because a socket broke and the replacement is a different size, not fitting the molded case.
Good workshops and service vans evolve. You can paint yourself into a corner if you don't know what you'll be working on in a year or two if you dedicate space or funding to projects that never materialize.
Pull out drawers are good. You can get at stuff at the back without emptying stuff onto the floor.
Look up for storage. Hang stuff from the ceiling.
Put stuff on wheels to make shop space adjustable to the project.
If you do resort to peg board use the stabilizer clips or make custom wood or 3D holders screwed to the board.
Tools divided between drawers according to general type (wrenches, pliers/pry bars, ratchets/sockets together, etc).
I try to put things back where they came from as I work. I don't like a bench covered in tools and then have to sift through to find what I just had 10 mins ago. I haven't worked piece work in a LONG time so I can afford the extra 20-30 seconds per task.
But otherwise, if it fits and the drawer closes, that's where it lives! Shameful I know.
I try to put things back where they came from as I work. I don't like a bench covered in tools and then have to sift through to find what I just had 10 mins ago. I haven't worked piece work in a LONG time so I can afford the extra 20-30 seconds per task.
But otherwise, if it fits and the drawer closes, that's where it lives! Shameful I know.
Let's see what you come up with, maybe a new product to sell?
Not a bad idea. I normally just make things for me. Custom tool inserts are far too much work but a tray to sort screwdriver bits is generic and would help most people (including me).
I need to get my hands on a 3d printer again lol. I'll reach out to my buddy as he was looking to upgrade so may sell his old unit (PRUSA or something something).
Now that I’m “officially” downsized , there is no way around moving x to get to y . But I need a wet saw once every two yrs? And a rotary hammer once every 3yrs ? But they owe me nothing so I keep them so digging is no big thing . Stuff that comes out every wk is in drawers where it can be seen and found .
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My infrequently used tools live on the platform above the garage doors. Climbing down a ladder with a table saw isn't ideal but there are long periods between uses so it is nice to have it out of the way.
Unless you buy a known tool set (like sonic), that is a hard road. It's way too much work for someone to fit snapon 3/8" ratchet 2528463, craftsman ratchet 36814, etc. You could try open rectangles but even those are trouble as handle lengths can be vastly different.
For tool storage porn, here is the Studley box. 300 tools in 19.5x39x9.5"
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You also have to keep tools comfortable, I’m not grabbing a garage cold wrench in February. It’s on a thermostat so it keeps the room happy.
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Agreed, exactly why I stated small to mid-sized market... It would take creating a database of tool sizes, then perhaps find a "sweet spot" for different brands.. Lastly would have to be a passion project, doubtful you'd make any money. Like everything else, tools are quickly becoming throw away after use items...
You can buy lots of lifetime tools , not throw away , but then you have to decide if over a working career does 12 Philips drivers from CTC make more or less sense than 1 off the snap on truck ? When I made living with tools , my snap on Philips was in my hand all day ( and I still have it) , but really good needs to weigh against an it’s ok tool.
My Pop was a buy once , buy right guy, but in his 90yrs I never knew him to loose a socket or a wrench let alone ever leave a tool outside its box when done . I should have paid more attention.
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My Pop was a buy once , buy right guy, but in his 90yrs I never knew him to loose a socket or a wrench let alone ever leave a tool outside its box when done . I should have paid more attention.
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I have mostly OK tools. Some lifetime. A very few worthy of heirloom status.
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