Keeping your tools properly stored does more than clear up clutter; it helps protect your equipment, makes your work safer, and allows you to work faster. But what’s the best way to store your tools? The right method depends on your space and needs, but the main ideas stay the same: keep everything organized, easy to reach, and safe from damage.
Whether you’re an experienced professional with a full workshop, a hobbyist working out of a garage, or someone in an apartment with just a small tool kit, storing tools is a challenge everyone faces. The good news is, with some planning and a smart setup, you can turn a messy pile of tools into a neat and usable system.
Why Storing Tools Properly Is Important
It’s easy to get annoyed with a messy workspace, but being unorganized is a bigger problem than just being untidy. Proper storage means your tools last longer, you work more safely, and you save time.
Think of your tools as things you’ve invested money in. If you want them to last and work well, you need to look after them. Leaving them unorganized and out in the open can damage them or expose them to weather and accidents.
Longer Life and Less Rust
Metal tools can get rusty if they’re left in damp places. Keeping them in boxes that close tightly or in a space with controlled temperature can help prevent this. Make sure to clean and dry your tools before putting them away. Keeping tools off the floor is another simple step to keep them in good shape.
Besides rust, tools can also get chipped, bent, or dulled if they’re not put away properly. Giving each tool a home keeps it safe and ready for your next project.
Safer Work Areas
Tools left all over the floor or a table can cause trips and injuries. Sharp and pointed tools can cut or poke someone. By having a spot for each tool, you lower the chance of accidents for yourself and anyone else who might be in the area, like children or pets.
Also, tools that are stored well are less likely to fall or get knocked over, which keeps your space safer and protects your stuff from breaking.
Find Your Tools Faster
If you constantly waste time looking for tools, you’re not alone. In a messy area, searching for that one wrench can be frustrating. When each tool has a specific place and is labeled, you can grab it quickly. This means you spend more time working and less time hunting for things.
How to Group and Get Tools Ready for Storage
Before buying shelves, hooks, or boxes, start by taking inventory of what you own and sorting your tools. This step is the start of any organized system and will make everything else easier.
This part may seem like a big job, especially if you have a lot of tools or they’re already jumbled up. Still, sorting and preparing your tools now means less work later and better results.
Sort by Type or How Often You Use Them
- Hand tools (hammers, pliers, etc.)
- Power tools (drills, sanders, etc.)
- Fasteners (screws, bolts, nails)
- Measuring tools (tape measures, levels)
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles)
Also, try grouping things by how often you use them. Keep the tools you use the most within reach. Items you use less can go in harder-to-reach places. Roughly 80% of your work will use the same tools, so keep those close.
Clean and Check Tools Before Storing
Don’t put dirty tools away. Wipe off dirt, oil, or any other mess. Dry metal tools to keep rust away. If you’ve used your tools with paint or glue, follow cleaning instructions for those materials. Check for broken parts or wear, sharpen if needed, and repair anything before you store it. This way, you’re always ready for your next project.
Label Everything
With your tools sorted and cleaned, labeling helps you keep the system going. Label your bins, drawers, shelves, or hangers clearly to see what goes where. You can draw outlines on a pegboard for each tool, use photos, or make sure each drawer is labeled. When everything has a set place, it’s easy to stay tidy over time.
Making the Most of Your Storage Space
No matter if your workspace is a large workshop or a small corner, using space wisely is important. Use space above, below, and along walls to give you more storage without adding clutter.
Think about all areas, not just floor space. Walls, under workbenches, cabinet sides, and high shelves are all places you might use.
Go Up: Using Walls and Overhead Space
Walls are great for storage. Pegboards and wall strips with hooks let you hang tools where you can see them, saving bench and floor space. Tall cabinets also help use wall height for storage.
High shelves or racks can be used for things you don’t need all the time, like seasonal or bulky tools. Just make sure they’re easy to get down when needed and are safely supported.
Use Cabinet and Workbench Sides
The sides of cabinets and workbenches are often forgotten. Hang pegboards or attach magnetic strips for screwdrivers and pliers. This saves drawer space and keeps tools handy while you work. Attach holders for gloves or towels for extra convenience.
Mobile Carts and Tool Bags
If you need to move your tools around, rolling carts are very useful. They can carry the tools you use the most and move with you where you’re working. Mobile benches with storage are also helpful for larger or many tools.
Tool bags with many pockets let you bring selected tools to another room or job site. Durable toolboxes or wheeled bins are great if you regularly work in different locations.
Storing Hand Tools
Hand tools come in many shapes and sizes, so you’ll need several types of storage to keep them all neat and in good condition. Avoid just tossing these tools into a drawer, as this makes them hard to find and may damage them.
Pegboards and Wall Panels
Pegboards are a tried-and-true way to store hand tools. They’re inexpensive and easy to set up, and you can change the layout to fit your collection. Pegboards can be put on walls, inside cabinet doors, or on workbench sides. Slatwall panels are similar and work well too. Outlining tools on the board can help keep things back in the right place and spot if something’s missing.
Drawer Organizers
For tools stored flat, drawer trays or dividers keep things neat and prevent everything from sliding around. Choose organizers with compartments for groups of tools, or make your own. Use different colors for different tool types if that helps. Lighter tools go in top drawers; heavier ones at the bottom.
Foam Inserts
Foam cutouts in drawers provide custom spaces for your tools, keeping each piece in place and protected. Trace around your tools and cut the foam to shape. It’s easy to see if something is missing with this setup and your tools don’t get banged together.
How to Store Power Tools
Power tools are larger, heavier, and need careful storage to stay safe and last. Since they can be pricey and may have special parts, they call for stronger storage options.
Shelves and Cabinets
Strong shelves and cabinets are great for storing bigger power tools like saws, drills, or sanders. Shelves keep them off the floor (protecting from water), while cabinets also keep out dust. Adjustable shelves help you fit different tool sizes, and tall cabinets can store a lot.
Charging Stations
For cordless tools, set up a special place for batteries and chargers. Keep them together — you’ll always know where they are and if they’re charged. A charging station with outlets makes it simple to plug everything in and avoid tangled cords.
Cases and Totes
Keep power tools in their original cases when possible. These boxes protect both the tool and its parts. If you don’t have cases, use big, tough bags or bins. Just be sure tools are dry before storing. Tool bags are handy for carrying tools around, especially if you work on different sites.
How to Store Small Parts and Accessories
Small items like screws, nails, washers, drill bits, and other tiny parts can quickly become a clutter headache. If you organize them well, you’ll have a much easier time tackling projects.
| Part | Good Storage Solution |
|---|---|
| Screws, washers | Clear bins, jars, small drawers |
| Drill bits | Compartment boxes, magnetic strips |
| Nuts/bolts | Mason jars, stackable bins |
Clear Jars and Boxes
See-through jars and plastic bins let you easily spot what’s inside without opening each one. Mason jars can be attached to the bottom of a shelf for easy access and to save space. Compartments in drawer organizers also help sort different sizes and types of fasteners.
Magnetic Holders
Use magnetic strips to stick metal pieces like screws and drill bits in place. These can go on the wall or in drawers to stop parts from rolling or mixing together. Magnetic tool holders are also useful for organizing small metal hand tools.
Stackable and Wall Bins
Bigger collections of tiny parts go well in stackable or wall-mounted bins. They save floor space and are easy to label. Rolling bin racks let you move your parts around with your work.
Tips for Odd or Seasonal Tools
Some tools, like rakes, shovels, or snowblowers, don’t fit in boxes or bins. These need special storage plans. Get creative with hooking or hanging these items so they’re out of the way, but not impossible to grab.
Heavy Hooks and Racks
Use strong hooks or wall racks for tools with long handles like brooms, rakes, and shovels. Hang them vertically to keep them tidy and stop them from falling over.
Be sure the hooks are sturdy enough for the tool’s weight.
Labeled Plastic Totes
Items that don’t hang up easily, like paint rollers or less-used tools, can go into labeled, see-through totes. Stack these on shelves or inside cabinets and group similar items together.
Weatherproof Storage and Covers
For outdoor or seasonal tools, use covers to protect from dust and moisture. If storing outside, get weatherproof containers or sheds. Gas-powered tools should have their gas tank emptied and be cleaned before a long break to stop fuel problems.
Security and Maintenance for Your Tools
After your tools are stored, don’t forget about safety and upkeep. Secure storage helps avoid theft and regular checks keep your system working well.
Lock Up Valuable Tools
Store expensive or high-use tools in lockable cabinets or chests, especially if others can access your storage area. While no lock is perfect, secure storage can deter theft and give you peace of mind.
Keep Tools Dry and Rust-Free
Wet air can cause rust. Use a dehumidifier or silica gel packs in cabinets or toolboxes if needed. Make sure your area isn’t damp, and avoid basements or rooms with leaks. Check tools often for rust and act quickly to fix any problems.
Regular Checks and Cleaning
Your tool storage system will work best if you keep up with it. Regularly check that everything is in place, labels are easy to read, and no tool is missing or broken. Wipe down storage spaces and fix any damage to shelves or hooks as soon as you spot it.
Mistakes to Watch For
Even when you’re trying your best, it’s easy to make mistakes with tool storage. Watch out for these common problems, and you’ll avoid many headaches.
Too Many Tools in Too Little Space
Piling in more tools than you have room for causes messes and makes it tough to use your tools. If you’re running out of space, either trim your collection or add more storage. Focus on keeping the tools you use most handy and store less-used tools elsewhere.
Ignoring Maker’s Instructions
Some tools need to be stored a certain way. Always check the manual for tips on storing tools, especially power tools or ones with batteries. Right storage means they last longer and work right.
Storing Tools in Moist or Sunny Places
Don’t keep your tools where it’s damp, like a wet basement, or in direct sun. Both can ruin tools by bringing on rust or breaking down handles. Choose a spot that’s dry, cool, and out of the sun to help your tools last.
FAQs About Storing Tools
Here are answers to common questions about tool storage to help fine-tune your system:
What’s the Safest Place for Battery Tools?
Store them dry and out of heat or cold. Take out batteries if you won’t be using the tool for a while and store batteries separately, away from anything that could catch fire. Use a charging station in a well-ventilated area for easier organizing.
Should Metal Tools Be Oiled?
Use a little oil or rust spray on metal tools before long-term storing, especially on moving parts. Clean the tool first. Don’t use too much oil, since it can attract dirt. For tools used on wood, make sure they’re dust-free first. Oiling needs depend on humidity where you store the tools.
How Often Should I Reorganize?
If you put tools back in the same place every time, your setup should last a while. But it’s helpful to take a quick look and tidy up every few months or after big projects. If finding tools becomes hard again, it’s time for a more thorough clean-up. Remember: keeping organized is an ongoing task, not just a once-and-done job.