Tips For Storing Hand & Power Tools
Most household garden sheds and workrooms are a mixed up mash of tools strewn all over boxes, shelves, and benches. Sure, we may start off with good intentions and have a designated place for everything, but each time we use a hand or power tool, we tend to just dump it in a box or on top of the bench. Before long, not a single tool is where it’s supposed to be. Not only does this make it difficult to locate certain tools when we need them, but it can also actually result in some of the tools being damaged from being shoved from pillar to post.
You can make your life easier by storing your hand and power tools neatly and in such a way that they won’t constantly be rubbing against other tools and potentially becoming damaged.
Put Dividers In Drawers
Many of us have a tendency to just dump things in drawers and slam them shut. Once closed, we can pretend things are tidy. Then we need to go looking for one of our tools and the dreaded drawers are opened. Then we are forced to rummage around, looking for the one tool we need amongst lots of sharp edges. Those sharp edges are not just hazardous to our fingers, they are also pretty bad news for the tools you have dumped in the drawer too.
Put some dividers in your drawers. You can use a cutlery divider or make your own to custom fit some of your tools. You can then make a special section for things like drill bits and clamps, or you can keep multimeters and metal detectors in a separate draw with other similar devices.
Use A Pegboard
Pegboards are great for storing a variety of hand tools. You can simply add pegs into the holes where needed to put your tools. You can dedicate an entire wall in your workroom or garden shed with a pegboard. Utilize every bit of space you can. Place the tool you want to store against the pegboard and using a permanent marker, outline the tool in the place you intend to place it when it’s not in use. This is one of the best ways to store screwdriver sets, hammers and saws because the outline will serve as a reminder of where each tool belongs. You’ll also be able to see, at a glance if one of your tools is missing.
Spice Up Your Storage
Another way to store your screwdrivers and spanner sets and chisels is by converting an old spice rack into tool storage. You can screw the rack into the wall, add some PVC pipes and put these tools into the pipes. It’s nice and convenient and the tools will be easy to access when you need them.
Hook ‘Em Up
Cordless power tools have definitely made life easier when it comes to small jobs around the house and the drill seems to be the most popular tool in the average home. The best way to keep your cordless drills in top condition is to return them to their original case when you’re not using them. If that isn’t an option you can screw large hooks in easy to reach places on your wall and hook them upside down.
You can also use large hooks to hang up your tool belts. Just loop the ends when you’re not using them and they’re simple to hang up until you need them again. Also, don’t throw away any of your old tool belts. If all that is missing is the belt strap, but the straps off and nail the belt’s pouches to the wall. You can then use the pockets for small tools, drill bits, and tape measures.
Use The Space Under Your Bench
The space under your workbench is a great place to store some of the larger pieces of equipment you own such as miter saws. You can also get yourself tool boxes on wheels that will fit under the bench. The wheels make it easier to get the tool boxes out when you need them and slide them away again when you don’t. You can also use this space to store smaller, handheld tool boxes. While on the topic of tool boxes, line the bottom of each drawer with rubber backed carpet. It will stop your tools from rattling around too much and you won’t scratch your tools, or the tool box.
Spend a little time this weekend and get your garden shed or workroom organized. With a little effort, you can have a place for everything, and everything in its place. That way, you won’t lose precious time every weekend looking for your tools and you can get down to the business of being an efficient home handyman.
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