Another Question on Tool Storage

For my main bench in the garage (mild climate in "Slower Lower"
Delaware), the majority of my tools -- woodworking, household repair
stuff, etc. goes on peg boards above and to one side of my bench. I
have a tote box to load up with whatever I need for a given job around
the house. Some tools, like small set of 1/4" sockets and a box for
drill bits are on a shelf to one side.

Sets of drawers for small power tools like jigsaw, electric drill,
sander.

Automotive tools -- mostly 3/8" and 1/2" sockets, wrenches, etc. are
in a tool box that can be taken to the driveway, or other part of the
garage as needed for car or lawnmower work. I really should have these
in a box on wheels, but I really don't have enough space. I might re-
think that.

Specialized tools, like my gun smithing and reloading tools are in a
separate "tackle" box with compartments for the small bits and pieces.

Tools for model building are in a separate toolbox - really a fishing
tackle box with small compartments. Another toolbox is devoted to
small tools for delicate tasks, electronics, etc. That one lives under
my desk in my office at home which doubles for small "clean" projects.
LIkewise artist's supplies - acrylics, watercolors get their own
storage boxes.

I find that "Sportsman's Dry Boxes" that you can get in any sporting
goods dealer make especially good toolboxes. The better ones have
trays. There is an "O" ring seal around the top to keep dirt and
moisture out. One is used in each of the cars for emergency tools and
stuff.

There are obviously some duplicates -- multiple sets of gaspipe
pliers, screwdrivers, etc. here and there, as needed.

Assorted small parts, etc., live in a couple of sets of those gadgets
with little drawers that you can bolt to the wall. Larger quantities
of stuff are in jars, boxes, etc. in a couple of large cabinets.

> How do you prefer to store your tools and accessories? Open racks
> (pegboard like)? Cabinets? Tool Boxes?

I am not an organized person, never was, even tho the U.S. Army tried,
and never will be. I will tell you that I spend a lot of time redoing
my
workshop because things are just too easily "lost" and hard to find.

I have tried a number of things to at least "collectively" gather like
items together. I recently built a rolling storage rack for my growing
plywood off-cuts, bought several rolling tool carts (Sears brand, on
sale)
and put up cabinets along one wall. In each, I've tried to keep
like things together. So for instance, in one of my carts, I keep
all of my drill and router bits together. In another, measuring
instruments,
even pencils, etc. In one shelf in the cabinets, I try to keep all of
the
sanding pads, block, paper.

The power tools, if they are portable (like circ. saws, drills, etc.)
are either
kept in their hardshell cases or on a shelf unit, also installed last
year.

My shop is not the neatest, tho to be honest, it's getting easier to
find things
and I am resigned that it will always be in a constant state of re-
organization
and cleanup. I have been to shops that have a place for everything
and it amazes me to see these. I just don't have the mindset to do
that
so what I will finish with is this: you have decide what works for
you.

If you can easily find things, no matter what method you use to
store items, then that is the what you should go with. You are the
one that will have to live with the way things are. You need to find
something that works for you. In the end, you truely are the decider
in
this regard.

Take care!

MJ Wallace

Mechanic/metal bashing tools in a rollaway. Smaller woodworking tools
in a stationary tool cabinet opposite my workbench. Some chisels,
jigs, braces under workbench. Tablesaw tools, fixtures, jigs in
drawers under saw and on shelves next to saw. Lathe tools under
lathe. Drill bits in tray on drill press. Household/general repair
tools in toolbox for easy carting around. Emergency car repair tools
in bag in wheel well of car.

You get the picture.

Also, for less expensive tools, I find that if I need to go to another
spot to grab a tool more than a few times, I buy a duplicate to store
near the work. Thus, I have more than one set of wrenches, hammers,
screwdrivers. As I get older, the time wasted going downstairs for
yet another tool is worth more than the money that a second tool costs.

> After my wife asked a few questions about how I store stuff, I
> decided
> to ask all of you this question.
> How do you prefer to store your tools and accessories? Open racks
> (pegboard like)? Cabinets? Tool Boxes?
I got some old drawers from a under-the-bed. I built some sides. Holds my
bulk nails and screws.
three old freezers. Holds my portable power tools.
roll around tool chests for bits, blades...

Donald

"Neillarson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>6 Days of cleaning and organizing, I finally got the new lathe to fit
> in. Not well, but in. I built a tool holder for the lathe that mounts
> on the table behind the lathe and high enough to reach all my tools.
> I
> thenb moved the lathe near a wall and mounted the rest of the items I
> have on some pegboard behind it.
>
> After my wife asked a few questions about how I store stuff, I
> decided
> to ask all of you this question.
>
>
> How do you prefer to store your tools and accessories? Open racks
> (pegboard like)? Cabinets? Tool Boxes?

For the most part the smaller wood working tools and power tools are stored
in a large roll around 9 drawer chest that I built. Pictures available up
on request. It is about 24" D x 42" W x 66" T. The mechanical tools reside
in my old roll around chest and top box. All other stuff goes in shelves
and cabinets.