Keep Tools Organized With Proper Storage
Throwing your tools randomly into a bucket or a metal chest is not an organizational method. If you're a serious do-it-yourselfer, you need to know how to put your hands on the right tool when you need it.
It's frustrating to stop in the midst of a home repair and search for the tool you need, or worse yet, have to run out and buy one because you can't find the one you own. It's enough to raise anyone's blood pressure.
My tools are all over the garage. It's not like I don't own a toolbox. There are eight: three small metal boxes with handles; two plastic chests dedicated to my son's model race cars; a wood box he made at camp with his name engraved in it; my grandfather's metal tool chest with drawers, which stands 3 feet tall; and the largest, but unused, industrial toolbox on a rolling stand previously owned by my children's grandmother, who built jets at Northrup. I'm just storing that one to be passed along as an heirloom some day.
No wonder I can't find a tool when I need it; I'm not sure where to look.
I've built up quite a collection of tools over the years, inheriting hand and power tools from my father and grandfather and purchasing many for my various projects.
If you need to get your tools organized like I do, here's a plan:
• Start by taking inventory. Take all your tools out of the chest or chests and evaluate each one. Toss broken tools, such as hammers with loose heads or cracked handles and dull drill bits.
• Polish metal tools with fine steel wool, wipe clean and give them a quick spray with WD-40 if they're prone to rust.
• Group them into categories, such as flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, crescent wrenches, etc. Place duplicates aside.
• Determine how mobile your tools need to be. Do you need to grab them and go on a moment's notice for a home repair at your daughter's condo? Are you building a deck out back? This information will help you decide whether you need a toolbox or tool chest or both.
• The number of tools you own will determine the size storage system you need.
In my case, I have enough duplicates to create grab-and-go toolboxes with the basics for myself and each of my children, which will put all three of those small metal boxes to good use.
Toolboxes and storage chests made for residential use come in graduated sizes from small canvas bags to 20-drawer organization and storage systems. And I'm going for the serious storage cabinet. I don't want to bend over and dig tools out of some gym bag or something that looks like a giant cooler. I've being doing some shopping and found tool chests come in varying grades from flimsy to industrial strength
Be sure to give the chest a workout before buying by checking the operation of the drawers and casters. Check its weight and rated weight capacity, which will help determine durability. Then get one that locks, so your tools stay put. Measure the space in your garage or workshop where you plan to include a tool chest. Pay attention to the width, depth and height of each model.
