• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

tool organization tips ??

jprather

FBBO Gold Member
FBBO Gold Member
Local time
7:35 AM
Joined
Dec 30, 2014
Messages
1,659
Reaction score
1,862
Location
Tennessee
So, does anyone have any ideas, tips, tricks for organizing tools?
I want to start with wrenches.. yea, i could just put up a peace of plywood and put screws in it or peg board... but i want something that looks really nice..

what have you done ?
 
Would like to hang wrenches for easy access and easier to identify size
 
I use a 3 bay Mac box. In the very top drawer I put the wrenches and sockets that is use the most. The wrenches are in racks shaped like a V with the largest at the top of the V. They are turned on the side to optimize space. The sockets are on racks that resemble nails pointing up. 1 rack for 3/8 drive 6 point 1 rack for 1/2 drive metric etc to cover all your sockets.
 
will prob do something like this.. just wondering what works well for others
maxresdefault.jpg
 
I use a 3 bay Mac box. In the very top drawer I put the wrenches and sockets that is use the most. The wrenches are in racks shaped like a V with the largest at the top of the V. They are turned on the side to optimize space. The sockets are on racks that resemble nails pointing up. 1 rack for 3/8 drive 6 point 1 rack for 1/2 drive metric etc to cover all your sockets.
I tried the drawer thing, biggest problem i have is my son, I dont mind him using my tools, but A) they dont get returned , or B) he opens fist drawer he comes to and just drops them in.
I think hanging them with help keep tract of whats missing, and maybe get him to put them back where he got them
 
I hang heavy things such as hammers and power tools, with sockets in the top of the box, under the lid as they add up to a lot of weight and they are what I use the most. This helps keep the weight out of the drawers. One roller with stacker for SAE, one for Metric. Drawer for cutting tools, drawer for fine measuring tools, drawer for drill bits and related, drawer for flat blade screwdrivers, one for phillips and misc. tips.
 
Look for magnetic racks. I bought mine from Snap-On years ago.
I'm sure you can find some on Amazon or the like.
Many different lengths. Strong to hold large tools. I have everything from wrenches to pliers even pipe wrenches.
The small rack I have screwdrivers in front of the work bench and the larger tools on the wall.
They look cool too !
 
Look for magnetic racks. I bought mine from Snap-On years ago.
I'm sure you can find some on Amazon or the like.
Many different lengths. Strong to hold large tools. I have everything from wrenches to pliers even pipe wrenches.
The small rack I have screwdrivers in front of the work bench and the larger tools on the wall.
They look cool too !
i like that idea
 
A good memory works also. Now where did I throw that wrench?
 
A good memory works also. Now where did I throw that wrench?

For me sometimes, it ends up being the last place I used it. Oh yeah, now I know why it isn't where it's supposed to be.

I have shelves that are stacks of tools. They are bigger tools I use very rarely. There is a group of pullers on the same shelf as stacks of other tools. I can tell you how the groups are arranged to the point that with directions from me, you could walk right up and pick out the puller you need.
But to look at the whole shelf... sensory overload.
 
For me sometimes, it ends up being the last place I used it. Oh yeah, now I know why it isn't where it's supposed to be.

I have shelves that are stacks of tools. They are bigger tools I use very rarely. There is a group of pullers on the same shelf as stacks of other tools. I can tell you how the groups are arranged to the point that with directions from me, you could walk right up and pick out the puller you need.
But to look at the whole shelf... sensory overload.
I have always been somewhat poor when it comes to my tool collection. All my tools fit in a Craftsman upright toolbox. Than after watching myself pee one day I went down to Harbor Freight (which I seldom visit) and bought one of those six foot long monsters, pulled all the emblems off and call it my Viagra box. It is so big now that I need labels to remember where the tools are, but it can double for a coffin for future use.
 
These are the cats meow, a one time investment that works excellent.. not dirt cheap but but you won't ever buy another. We bought a few at work, I liked them so well I bought 3 panels for my garage and love them. Mine are the longer panels.
 
Last edited:
Mag strips is a great idea. We have one in the kitchen for a set of chefs knives. Why didn't that occur to me too? lol. I have Metric wrenches and crescent wrenches and ratchet wrenches hanging in various places. Regular closed/ open and double open end wrenches in the tool box second to lowest drawer. Screw drivers in the next drawer up and long screw drivers hanging down through holes drilled in a line on one of my shelves. Long sockets and the handles/extensions, wobblers and step up/step down pieces are laying in the top of the box, socket sets are on clip strips and hanging next to the box on the face of a 3x6 stud. What I need to do is devise a way to store corded tools neatly.
 
I recently purchased 2 inexpensive tool boxes off Craiglist. Once disassembled cleaned up and repainted their as good as new. I had to refurbish my old boxes cause they looked dingy compared to the new used ones. Now I have room to spread out and room to get more tools. You can never have enough.
 
Paint buckets from Home Depot, Lowes, and Harbor Freight. Box end wrenches in one, open end wrenches in another, and sockets in another. Leave the combination wrenches on your bench top or throw them in with the sockets. :D

Seriously though, I use a lockable drawer trolley and multiple tool boxes.
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top