Shop Organization Essentials?

[slowzuki]

A technique I clipped from somewhere years ago, not sure where now, its more related to farming but:

Use a 4-category system.

Tools go in one place.

Supplies like bolts nuts washers black tape, paper towels, spray lube, batteries, zip ties, electrical connectors, light bulbs, utility knife blades, etc go in another place.

All filters air oil trans fuel go in another place.

Last category is for machine parts.

Put the tools closest to your work area and supplies nearby but always close to the door you use most often to walk in/out.
Supplies by the door is VERY important because you'll SEE what you are running short of, and you will PUT THE STUFF away immediately if it's easy and convenient to do so.

This system WORKS as long as you do a good job of sorting when you set it up the first time.
Filters and machine parts can be further away because you need to go there less often.

Lastly my own pet peeve, I hate working in shops with doors on cabinets. Shelves please. Doors look pretty and are ok for cabinets up high but full length and low ones are a constant battle with jacks, jack stands, welder/plasma/torch carts, material carts, whatever.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'm getting ready to start replacing shelves with cabinets. 60ft worth.

I am just the opposite ! Of course my "shop" is just a 2 car garage with open studs. I do have a couple of metal cabinets for flammables and outdoor chemicals, plus a mini-mezzanine for heavier items.

I got some 1x6 pine and notched it to fit around the studs. I used pocket screws to attach it to the studs. I have 3 rows but have room for another.

On these little shelves I have the small red individual parts bins from Menards. This was a huge step up for me ! The shelves are tilting a bit toward the front because the bin have heavy hardware (nuts, washers, etc), but I am not overly concerned.

If I did it again, I might use 1x8 and add a pocket screw going up through the shelf into the face of each stud (Hmm ... sounds like a good project !)

 

[egnorant]

I have found that anything I organize to be on a work surface eventually bothers me until I find a better place. I am planning shallower shelves because I seem to only use the front half if the back is hard to reach. I have one deep shelf that I rearranged with longer items because my cat had kittens in the gap.

4 big trash cans so I can take a step and throw something away rather than set it on a bench or floor until cleanup.

Of course...the floor is not a shelf.

Bruce

 

[crobar6789]

just follow the 5S concept

 

[got2boostit2]

Good thread.

 

[Strouty]

So I have been doing a fair bit of organizing and thought I would bump this thread for anyone that missed it. I ended up buying a lista storage wall unit and I am very happy with it so far. It allows me to adjust things as needed and the pull out shelves are absolutely awesome. I still have my fair share of issues, but I am starting to figure out that I like things a certain way and my OCD fights me so badly that I am better off giving in and just doing it the way the OCD wants.

I will say that my stuff is now running scared as I have tossed tons of things and I spent a couple days going through random hardware, I created nine five gallon buckets of "scrap" hardware.




I also labeled all my drawers, some are temporary, the blue painters tape and a sharpie works great, but at least I can tell what is in them now.

 

[PhantomEB]

I don't care what anyone says, all my cupboards will have adjustable shelving and doors, I plan more than enough cupboards well built and hung that even my jack stands will go up.

I gonna be putting my project on the side where the man door is, that's where my work bench, welding table and tool box be going, right near the project vehicle, then next to that will be the bigger consumables such as oil, washer fluid. Then on the DD side will be the not used as much tools such as jack stands and auto body stuff will go.

Trying to keep as much stuff off the floor so it's easier to keep clean and organized. My dad asked why didn't I put the DD right where the man door is for easy access? I said more incentive to keep the work area clean!

 

[Dog Garage]

Also, Doors keep out mice and snakes.

Organization is like another project and is one that goes on ignore fast, during the busy seasons, forgotten about when it's cold.

 

[drewbird91]

I'd add a getting a label maker might be of benefit too. I moved a little while ago and everything hasn't found its "best spot" yet. I will eventually get there. I like using rubbermaid bins and putting stuff together like electrical, plumbing, light bulbs, etc. Then I stick a label from the label maker on the outside and its easier to find.

 

[gahrajmahal]

A lot of GJ'ers dislike the plastic storage boxes power tools come in but I often take my tools out on the road, even if it is up into the house. That is why I put the consumables in the box with the tool. A drill index with drill bits, a container of screwdriver tips etc. with the jig saw / sawzall all the blades are in the box, no separate drawers holders necessary.