How do you store your corded power tools?

[1redTA]

I have several DeWalt and Black and Decker corded tools that are gently set in the bottom of a tool box. They look unorganized and usually have to pull several tools off of another to get what I need.

Please show me examples of how your tools are hung/stored.

Thanks Art

 

[jd_1138]

I just keep them in 2 larger contractor's bags -- DeWalt branded bags. In one is the circular saw and the reciprocating saw. Smaller bag holds the oscillating multi-tool, jigsaw, and the compact circular saw (Rockwell 4.5 inch). Easy to grab and toss in my vehicle.

They've paid for themselves 20 times over and deserve better accommodations but they're just tools. So I want it to be easy on me.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

It's not much help in the way of suggestions or cool ideas, but I have a vintage Utility Metal Products "Store Master" cabinet for my power tools. A previous employer was going to toss it out. The cool thing for me is that it's identical to the one my Dad has his power tools in.

Tommy

 

[ItsNemo]

Some in a cupboard, some in tool bags, some in rubbermaid bins, some in their cases on a shelf...really depends on what tool, how often I use it, how big it is, etc.

 

[boiler7904]

I have 3 shelving units that are 4 ft wide x 7 ft tall on the north wall of my garage. 1 is completely full of power tools in their plastic cases. The next one is full of DeWalt Tstak cases full of various tool kits and supplies - electrical, plumbing, and so on. The third is a mix of various things like detailing towels in plastic totes, boxes of supplies, Ridgid belt / spindle sander, etc.

Even though plastic cases take up a lot more space, I like to be able to keep the accessories and tools together. I also add any handtools needed for adjustments like a screwdriver or hex keys in the box. Square boxes are also easy to stack on the shelf.

 

[evintho]

A neighboring business was throwing this away. Threw it in the back of my truck and hauled it home. It holds a bunch of my corded tools. Easy access and out of the way! Check CL or OfferUp.

 

[Lightman 1]

Most of my Milwaukee tools came with cases. Of course there are a few odd ones that just sit where ever theres room! Now that I'm retired they are stacked on a shelf under my work bench. Before that I had a small job box in the back of my van.

A friend made "holsters" for some of his tools out of 4" PVC conduit. They are fastened to the under side of a shelf. There is a cutout for the pistol grip/trigger on the drill and impact type tools. This seems to work pretty well.

 

[xyster101]

2 Filing cabinets. Works great.

 

[niget2002]

My coworker just installed a french cleat on his wall for all of his. He did a really good job with the mounts for each tool. He took his time and it really shows in the final project.

 

[Ej63090]

My coworker just installed a french cleat on his wall for all of his. He did a really good job with the mounts for each tool. He took his time and it really shows in the final project.

I did have this, but I am going to build an assembly/outfeed table with divided drawers to house each tool and it's accessory.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I have one like evintho... Was a freebie listing on CL very close to my house...

It is deceptively heavy, if you find one be sure you have a friend or two to help you load it.

 

[Jon_E]

I'm another fan of file cabinets. Either lateral files, or vintage heavy steel cabinets. Label the drawers, and you can keep accessories in there too.

If I was a contractor and my tools traveled a lot, I would keep everything in bags or the original cases and put them on shelves.

 

[Farmall450]

Either in cabinets or on FB Marketplace.

 

[kaymccampbell]

In drawers and on shelves, with the cords wrapped round them.

 

[James-W]

I wrap the cords around most of them and put them on a shelf. Some corded tools I still have the box the tool came in so I just put the tool inside the box and place it on the shelf. I wish I had saved the boxes for all my tools, but unfortunately I didn't.

 

[dr_clyde]

If it came with a case, I put it on a shelf with the others in cases. Most of my power tools are in cases.

If no case, I tie the cord in a loop with a wire tie or twist tie and put it in the side locker of my toolbox.

 

[HenryAZ]

I usually coil the cords and secure the coil with a piece of two sided velcro strap, rather than wrap it around the tool. Then store in cabinets, drawers, on the shelf under my bench, or, in the case of angle grinders, I made a wall rack to hang them on. I get the velcro strapping from McMaster-Carr, comes in various widths from 1/2" up to 2", and lengths up to 75ft. It's called "one piece hook and loop".

I've found tons of other applications for the hook and loop strapping around the house.

 

[1redTA]

cool, thanks guys. I was hoping someone had a storage system like what is used for cordless tool and made from PVC

 

[Mattlt]

I built this out of some leftover 3/4" plywood. It's on casters. The drawer contains sandpaper, blades, etc.

 

[dr_clyde]

cool, thanks guys. I was hoping someone had a storage system like what is used for cordless tool and made from PVC

Problem is, there are so many different kinds of power tools that one system that works for you probably wouldn't work for me.

I don't think a great "one size fits all" solution exists.

 

[bradpac]

I have a shallow shelf where power tools can sit only one deep and a little bit deeper shelf just above it for tools in cases or bags. These are hung above a row of metal base cabinets and peg board where small items are kept. I rarely store anything under benches or down low unless it's a cart or 5 gallon bucket size or bigger because being 6'4" and enjoying food more than i should, it's a lot easier for me to reach up than bend down. Even all my tool boxes are up on pedestals with large cabinet doors on the bottom because I hate bending over to get some small little thing out of a low drawer, although my friend who is only 5'6" hates working in my garage because he can't see what's in a lot of the drawers.

So, it really depends on what is easiest for you and where you work, but anytime you can bring something closer to you without reaching or moving other things it's easier and safer.

 

[crewchief888]

most of my corded tools came in a blow molded case, others are stored in repurposed cases.

most of them are on a wire shelving unit i have in the basement. also have a cheap 2 drawer filing cabinet sitting on the shelf with tools i havent found cases for.

i dont keep any of my cordless drill/drivers in their cases or contractor bags.


i have several corded tools in cases in the garage where they get used the most.

 

[Outlander]

Bottom drawer of my tool box, cords wrapped around an unceremoniously piled on top of each other. Yes, I know somewhere a garage fairy lost it's wings.

 

[Toolfool]

Drawers built to needed depth of specific tools.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I keep them near the center of the shop in a military cabinet with large drawers like a file cabinet. The more used tools are in the open bin on top. All of the grinding wheels, wire wheels, blades, sand paper, and other attachments are in the drawers too. I put a light in the top so it's easier to see and find things. I like being able to grab what I need quickly and keep several 4-1/2" grinders with different wheels mounted and ready to use. Ed.

 

[Monza Harry]

Just like everything in my life, not quite finished yet, but tools that came in blow molded cases are mostly still stored in them, on [or near] my Heavy Duty Costco shelves that are as common on "GJ" as VD in a house of ill repute, most of my tools predate the blow molded cases and those are in a [free from a previous employer] legal file cabinets [I put these on the furniture dolly's from PAL for easy cleaning underneath]. For the cords I have become "Heavily Invested" in "Cable Cuffs" these are way easier and neater than the old "wrap around" Harry

 

[billie]

I love to scan the bench and see all my tools. So open shelving. Angled. Within reach.

 

[Monza Harry]

Billie what is that over your "Cantilever Tool Box" a can opener? If so what kind? That is a cool looking one! TIA Harry

 

[billie]

I'm mostly mobile so here is how I store my 35 year old radial arm saw.

 

[billie]

My Moms, older than me. Still working after 70 years. We talk about all the global problems but we insist on plugging in a freaking can opener. lol, so sad.

Only thing sadder is electric bicycles.

 

[metalmagpie]

When I built my workbench, I left 11" of free space underneath. Nearly every power tool case is under there, along with my floor jack and chainsaw. Really freed up a lot of room.
My battery powered stuff is all neatly placed in the open top tray of one of my Kennedy stacks. The chargers are on a small shelf and the batteries live in the chargers.

metalmagpie

 

[rburke65]

As said, if it came with a case, it goes back in it. If not, then I wrap n tie the cord and it goes into a drawer or a shelf.

 

[speed bump]

I have a wall of cabinets. Two of them are dedicated to storing power tools. If they have a case or a bag I store them in that. Otherwise I wrap the cord around the tool and put it on the shelf. Probably the most inconvenient tool to store is my Skill 77, it's either tall with the base fully extended or deep on its side.

 

[C lectric]

Many of my tools are old enough there were no cases for them. I do have a few more recent items of course and those with cases are stored on shelves.

The loose ones I use velcro to bundle the cord and tie that to the handle so the cord is contained.

I use a combination of shelves and an old clothing dresser with some deep drawers to hold the smaller things. I like the filing cabinets but none have come my way and I am not looking.

 

[motoford]

The heavy duty horizontal filing cabinets like others have posted are my favorite. My OCD doesn't like the different size tools and cords in plain view. ToolFool has a very elegant solution but I'm too lazy for that so horizontal filing cabinets for me. I do take an extra step and spray paint the filing cabinets with red cases and "bronze" (gray) drawers so they look like they were made for the shop.

 

[ScottsGT]

If they came in a case, they get stored in it. If not, I have about 7 or 8 hard cases (like Anvil cases) that were being thrown out at work that I snagged. I keep my biscuit joiner, palm router and my hand planes in them.
Eventually I'm going to build some pull out shelf systems to store all of these on, along with all the other **** in my garage. Right now they are just stacked under a table.

 

[Red 17]

One heavy drill/air impact drawer in one of my rolling chest. One chop saw hanging. "Most used" on shelves in a server rack I got from neighbor. Shelf spacing is ok for smaller tools. It's a work in process.....

 

[pbon]

On plastic shelving upstairs where my less used stuff goes. Downstairs in the garage, I have a 7’ tall cabinet full of battery tools that I use 95% of the time.

 

[Richie Rich]

I have one like evintho... Was a freebie listing on CL very close to my house...

It is deceptively heavy, if you find one be sure you have a friend or two to help you load it.

I have the 4 drawer version of this cabinet that I got from Habitat for $10.
Has most of my corded tools, many of my cordless ones and all my bulk/spare hardware bins in it.

They are heavy empty but are very, very sturdy. Paper is pretty heavy so they were designed to carry some serious weight.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

2 Filing cabinets. Works great.

Are they for metal filings?

Tommy