Maximizing storage

[hand tools nerd]

What should I do to maximize storage? Someone in a Harbor Freight Facebook group that I should get earnest 40 tool wrench organizers so it'll save more room than the wrench organizers I have right now

 

[TailGunner3000]

Generally speaking, storing things vertically provides maximum space utility within drawers. For example, you can increase usable space in your socket drawer by storing the rails upright. The same goes for things like wrenches and pliers. There are many good systems for doing so, but it often comes down to personal preference as to the ones you'll like. I also like to store things that live in their original cases outside my tool boxes unless they're integral to other things in those boxes. And I personally think storing multiple rolls of paper towels in a tool drawer is a tremendous waste of space.

 

[Oldsmobile]

How to maximize space? Store like tools together. Go vertical vs. horizontal. Use the tool drawers only for tools; leave your supplies and spare fasteners and whatnot elsewhere. To really maximize space, think very carefully about acquisition of new tools. Buy things only if they solve a problem, not just because they're a good deal. Otherwise you'll end up with lots and lots of tools and need to store them all.

 

[shoggoth80]

Go upright if you can. Sockets on rails facing up. I've used a magnetic strip in the past to hold impacts inline.

I have similar angled wrench holders. Better than nothing, but the modular trays that let you line them up on edge pack things in closer (got some for the guys at work). I don't have any yet, but they're tempting. Or make my own maybe.

If I don't need the blow molded cases... They don't go in a drawer. Torque wrenches get pulled out, case goes off under my table. Odd job seldom used bits go into a small container. Things like pullers, pressure testers, seal/bearing/race drivers, caliper service kits etc. where things would get disorganized fast is a little different.

Pick up magnets live stuck to the outside of my cart. Chemicals and consumables live on a shelf. Hardware in bags or pill bottles on a shelf.

I'm not 100% set on my current organization either. Never ending battle

Store similar tools together, and if you can find a way to compact things down, try it out. You can always change your mind.

 

[richfinn]

I noticed your posts about storage and maximizing space

Try this channel, he has loads of storage solutions.

 

[tarmy]

Welp OP, do 2 for 1 and save floor space.

 

[ecotec]

I noticed your posts about storage and maximizing space

Try this channel, he has loads of storage solutions.

I really like this guy’s organization and work flow.

I don’t like that he constantly calls out the Honda torque spec… and almost never uses a torque wrench.

He has 3 toolbox tours of his cart as it has evolved. His storage solutions make his workflow more intuitive than most.

 

[wjjeep]

I've been moving tools out of the toolbox and onto pegboard.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

I would get all of the stuff out of that top compartment so that you can store the sockets standing up vertical.
Pry bars should be able to stay if you lay them across the top front or back tip to handle staggered.
Then I would get the ratchets and extension's up top also which will free up two drawers below.
Find some sort of container/holders for the extensions so that you can store them up top front to back.
That might allow you to use two drawers for wrenches one sae the other metric if need be.

Those extra blue shop towels should be on a garage shelf or in a cabinet. One of those black three door harbor freight cabinets might be of use to you or a wire shelf unit.

 

[hand tools nerd]

Here's my full setup now I just need to get the Ernest manufacturing 40 tool magnetic modular wrench pro one for SAE and one for metric

 

[hand tools nerd]

Here's my whole setup now the wrenches are going to be better organized once my red and black Ernest manufacturing 40 tool magnetic modular wrench pro organizers show up

 

[hand tools nerd]

I'm getting an assortment of 1/2 in drive SAE and metric sockets from my granddad Thursday and 3/8 hex sockets and 1/2 in drive impact

 

[hand tools nerd]

I will keep you guys posted

 

[hand tools nerd]

Here's the setup as of right now

 

[hand tools nerd]

Here's the new setup right now and there's one thing not in there that I will be getting sooner or later which is a Ingersoll rand impact

 

[pbon]

I also went vertical rather than horizontal for sockets to maximize space and bought wrench and pliers holders to stand them close to or on their side. Don’t have any more space for chests or cabinets or lockers so I am chasing efficiency now. If you wait for sales you can buy the holders cheaper. I gave a bunch of Ernst but also some no name brands that had good reviews

 

[hand tools nerd]

I also went vertical rather than horizontal for sockets to maximize space and bought wrench and pliers holders to stand them close to or on their side. Don’t have any more space for chests or cabinets or lockers so I am chasing efficiency now. If you wait for sales you can buy the holders cheaper. I gave a bunch of Ernst but also some no name brands that had good reviews

So should I change the direction on how I have some of the things organized? To make more room?

 

[pbon]

I meant stand sockets upright on socket holder trays rather than laying them on their side on single racks or other sideways type trays. Direction within the drawer depends on drawer length and width and the length and width of your trays or socket holders. Usually ends up a mix of every way possible. You just have to experiment. I use 1/2” the least so those go across the back, the least accessible area.

 

[u2slow]

All my box-end wrenches hang from screws/pegs off the front of a sturdy shelf.

Always hated them in drawers.

 

[shoggoth80]

Sockets stack closest upright. Only works if you have a top or drawer deep enough to accommodate though.

 

[engineer2]

I got the Ernst modular wrench organizers and I was finally able to get all my wrenches in one drawer.

 

[finn]

How to maximize space? Store like tools together. Go vertical vs. horizontal. Use the tool drawers only for tools; leave your supplies and spare fasteners and whatnot elsewhere. To really maximize space, think very carefully about acquisition of new tools. Buy things only if they solve a problem, not just because they're a good deal. Otherwise you'll end up with lots and lots of tools and need to store them all.

This. Surplus tools occupy valuable space, but do like I say, not like I do.

I have been trying to keep my duplicates in a separate location. I know they’re there, but they don’t complicate storage of the tools I actually use. Also trying to keep rarely used tools, like drywall and deck guns, cement tools, long levels, tile tools, etc in separate areas away from my primary automotive and fabrication area.

I really need to do a purge.

 

[Skellyii]

This. Surplus tools occupy valuable space, but do like I say, not like I do.

I have been trying to keep my duplicates in a separate location. I know they’re there, but they don’t complicate storage of the tools I actually use. Also trying to keep rarely used tools, like drywall and deck guns, cement tools, long levels, tile tools, etc in separate areas away from my primary automotive and fabrication area.

I really need to do a purge.

Agreed.

When I transitioned from full time employment to part time, I sorted through all my tools. Duplicates and rarely used went into boxes that went on shelves or cabinets. Drywall stuff got put into a seperate box, etc.

It made it much easier to find what I needed when I needed it.

I did buy a bigger toolbox when I moved to a house with a bigger garage, but the new box still has a couple of empty drawers.

 

[hand tools nerd]

I meant stand sockets upright on socket holder trays rather than laying them on their side on single racks or other sideways type trays. Direction within the drawer depends on drawer length and width and the length and width of your trays or socket holders. Usually ends up a mix of every way possible. You just have to experiment. I use 1/2” the least so those go across the back, the least accessible area.

Okay thanks

 

[HKS Fab]

Here are a few options to check out with more available and a whole lot more coming soon.

 

[TheClaw]

How long is that bench and how do you get a counter that long? 2 pieces, right?

Looks awesome.