small garage ideas...

[bronco_ed]

Hello all new to the forum...
Had to down size and it may be a while before getting a bigger garage.

I am looking for small garage ideas...
I need to maximize the space available
It is an old 1 car cinder block garage. I built some rafters to help store some of the larger tools that I will have to bring down on occasion.
I plan to build a small enclosure outside to house my 80 gallon quincy upright compressor.

A started a street rod project that will be on hold. At least I can roll it in and out. So when it is inside it is tight. I need to keep most things off the sides and can use the back wall for cabinets/storage.

any small garage pics will be very helpful.

Thanks...

 

[Colin Len]

Welcome to the Journal! Do you have any photos? Pics can be really useful in helping others help you. Oh, and don't forget to update the location in your profile - this also helps others help you since so many things regarding building, access to various vendors...etc can be very regional.

I too had a small 1 car but recently moved into a small 2 car. Organization is a constant challenge. The first thing you'll hear (because it's so crucial) is to take as much stuff up off the ground as possible. The more you can get your things onto the walls or up into storage the more room you'll have to move around. With my new garage I'm really trying to make sure I maximize space so the first thing I did was build a 120sf shed behind my garage. The goal is to move any "non-garage" type items (christmas decorations, camping supplies, bikes...etc) out there to leave as much room in the garage as possible for working on projects and storing my track car.

Another tip would be to put things on wheels, the ability to move and rearrange in a small shop can be beneficial. And maybe look into fold down work benches. I built one in my small 1 car garage and it made it possible for me to tackle many projects which otherwise would have had me working on the floor

 

[bronco_ed]

I will add a few photos...
One idea that I have been tossing around. For some of the small but larger tools.
Small drill press, ban saw, sander, table saw. I was thinking rather than just store them up in rafters I can mount them to the 3/4 plywood used for the shelving up on the rafters.
and use some sort of electric winch/hoist to lower and have the unit sit on horses while being used and then lift it back up hiding it in the ceiling. Anyone done something like this?

Thanks...

 

[bronco_ed]

I like the idea of the fold down work bench...

 

[altersaddle]

I have considered stashing the stationary power tools in the attic / rafters of my single car workshop, but I have an irrational fear of one of those big tools crashing through the ceiling and crushing me. I store long pieces of lumber and stuff in bins that won't be able to vibrate loose easily - eventually I'll put some better decking up in the trusses and insulate.

I have a table saw, band saw, roll cabinet, and one work table on casters. Also have a 20gal compressor, wood lathe, and some shelving. Some things are moving constantly, some have the ability to move but stay put, and some are set up to not move.

I don't have a permanent workbench (yet) - my plan there is to convert the wood lathe station into a combination work surface / wood lathe (similar to a sewing table), so I can lift up the table top and reveal the lathe.

I also have a single Black & Decker Workmate and some sawhorses for easily configurable work surfaces. Welding happens on a folding weld table that has an expanded metal top.

Right now most of my shop is filled with a sports car - hoping to get that out soon and back on the road. Then, we'll see what happens in the space.

 

[bronco_ed]

I hear ya... The lowering station would definitely would need some sort of safety locking to prevent a crash. I still need to store my project in there I would hate to add a ton of work to what I already have started. Or worse be in there when it came down ;(

 

[garage rookie]

I don't know if I can explain this but I'll try. Put your tools, drill press,band saw, sander etc., on 2x2 pieces of plywood. Build you a roll around bench with locking casters and make it where you can slide one tool out and put another tool in as you need it. Sort of a swiss army type of cabinet. Maybe hang the tools on the plywood on the walls? I can see the concept in my mind just can't explain it very well.

 

[dadsEH]

No chance you could knock a hole in the back wall for a door and build a tool shed attached ?

 

[bronco_ed]

I don't know if I can explain this but I'll try. Put your tools, drill press,band saw, sander etc., on 2x2 pieces of plywood. Build you a roll around bench with locking casters and make it where you can slide one tool out and put another tool in as you need it. Sort of a swiss army type of cabinet. Maybe hang the tools on the plywood on the walls? I can see the concept in my mind just can't explain it very well.

I can picture what you are talking about... I am also thinking that I will also try to give it an old auto garage look. With that said I would like to hang tools on the wall like you have suggested. but not the bigger items. I see a thread on old tool boards. That would be awesome unfortunately I dont think I would be able to get a hold of them easily.
So peg board would give a similar look. I was just thinking about running up and grabbing some.

Thanks

 

[bronco_ed]

OK... it doesn't look like much but from where I started it has come a long way...
I do not think the garage seen daylight in 50 years. I thought it had a dirt floor.
Unfortunately it is a combination of Asphalt,cement, and marble? It will be a bit of work to get it all out.


I hope I can get a floor soon...

 

[bronco_ed]

No chance you could knock a hole in the back wall for a door and build a tool shed attached ?

Knocking a hole is a bit of work with cinder block.
There is a fairly large window in back... which is kind of nice.
I would consider a "lean to" of sort on the back or side. I have a heavy steel welding/hammering table that I think might be OK out there if covered and oiled up.

Although little, I think the garage has a lot of potential.

 

[bronco_ed]

I just realized I should have taken a couple of photos on the rafters I built.

Right above the window in the back of the garage is a 3' deep shelf that runs along the width of the garage. (rafter)
In the front above the garage door is a 8' deep loft that runs the width.(rafter) Both areas can be used for storage. It really added a lot of space. I have a bunch of "parts" up there already

The center section where there are couple of 2x4's is yet to be determined on what I want to do... One of the things I liked about the garage was the higher peaked ceiling.

with my project I have about 3-4 foot on each side. I really want to keep things off the side and try to utilize the back wall. But as you can see I already have a few cabinets up.

 

[a52-830]

Knocking a hole is a bit of work with cinder block.
There is a fairly large window in back... which is kind of nice.
I would consider a "lean to" of sort on the back or side. I have a heavy steel welding/hammering table that I think might be OK out there if covered and oiled up.

you could build an addition outside the window, remove the window, build a platform on each side, and when it came time to move something from one area to the other, you could place whatever you are moving on one platform, go outside and into the other building, and pull it through. that way, you could store anything you could fit through the window opening in an attached "wing" without major work on the walls with a sledge hammer.

 

[dadsEH]

Angle grinder would make a door real quick

 

[catalytic]

OK... it doesn't look like much but from where I started it has come a long way...
I do not think the garage seen daylight in 50 years. I thought it had a dirt floor.
Unfortunately it is a combination of Asphalt,cement, and marble? It will be a bit of work to get it all out.


I hope I can get a floor soon...

What's that cool looking white table with the cast iron (?) legs in the back roght of pic #3?

 

[maxpower_hd]

If you can build a lean addition on the back you can easily cut a door and make that a storage shed/room. Block is easy to cut with a masonry blade if it is hollow block. If not you can still remove the blocks and install half blocks in their place. Don't let the masonry scare you into not doing what you want.

Another option is to just build a separate shed for the tools you don't use frequently. I have an 8x12 shed that holds more than you would think. I keep some of my woodworking tools, my generator, lawn mower, etc in there to save room in the garage.

 

[crab]

You need to switch to motorcycles, you've got plenty of room for a motorcycle shop.

 

[bczygan]

I always start analysis with what are you going to be doing?

What functions? And break it down. Make a list.

Welding?

Metal cutting?

Bending?

Painting?

Etc.......

Then, what seasons of the year? Where are you? Please put your location in your profile.

Most functions can be done in a lot of different places. Don't limit yourself to a "Garage" or "Shop". Think of every space in or on your house, shop and entire lot.

And there is no requirement that everything be done in one place.

I've polished metal in the bedroom. I know a guy who makes sails for aircraft in his living room.

And as far as extending and expanding the garage is concerned, block is dead easy to punch holes in.

My first thought is always to get all storage functions out of a work space. Build a shed or get a trailer, even an open one, and store things there, covered with tarps.

Add some paving outside the garage and cover the area with a lean to shed roof. You can pave with patio pavers. I even have a shed with 2x6 boards laid right on the ground, for a floor. And the roof is flat and covered with tarps instead of roofing. Temporary to be sure, but everything inside is nice and dry.

Your house is a nice conditioned space. Use it for activities where good lighting and a conditioned space is important. Turn that unused living room into a paint booth. Set up some grinders or benders or a drill press in a spare bedroom. Store parts in the basement. Even a seldom used formal dining room can be repurposed.

And use spaces for their highest and best use. If parts can be stored outside under a tarp, why use a conditioned space for them.

Don't be hindered by what spaces are named. Use them for what you need.

I wouldn't be afraid to blow out an entire wall in the garage, to create an indoor/outdoor workspace. In fact, my 8x12 shed has the 12' wall totally open. With 8' tall doors wall to wall, and a covered paved area outside, it can double your space.

I wouldn't be afraid to do the same thing to the house. Add a patio, then cover it, and put big doors opening into a room and you have another indoor/outdoor workspace.

And consider vans and trailers as storage spaces. Full sized vans and enclosed trailers have lots of cubic footage. Even a bus or box van would work. I have even seen office trailers and gutted single wide trailers used for extra space.

So think outside the box of your block garage. Think of your entire lot and house and garage as one big workspace and use it all.

Bill

 

[bronco_ed]

What's that cool looking white table with the cast iron (?) legs in the back roght of pic #3?

Originally I think it was used for a welding table. It is similar to a layout table I use it for hammering/welding,etc... It is a very heavy cast iron table. Come in handy when working with metal.

 

[bronco_ed]

You need to switch to motorcycles, you've got plenty of room for a motorcycle shop.

Yes I have a few friends with bikes... it is a good size for that.

Funny the Quincy was used in a small motorcycle shop before I picked it up.

 

[bronco_ed]

If you can build a lean addition on the back you can easily cut a door and make that a storage shed/room. Block is easy to cut with a masonry blade if it is hollow block. If not you can still remove the blocks and install half blocks in their place. Don't let the masonry scare you into not doing what you want.

Another option is to just build a separate shed for the tools you don't use frequently. I have an 8x12 shed that holds more than you would think. I keep some of my woodworking tools, my generator, lawn mower, etc in there to save room in the garage.

I actually like the window, so at this point I am reluctant to use the area behind it... Although they are very good ideas.
I would be more inclined to have another shed. Currently I have a plastic one that we brought over from the other house 8x10 that I have lawn equipment in. I guess my eventual goal would be to add on/expand to the garage.

I don't think we will move again. At least it is not in the plans.

 

[Imazagi]

I don't know if I can explain this but I'll try. Put your tools, drill press,band saw, sander etc., on 2x2 pieces of plywood. Build you a roll around bench with locking casters and make it where you can slide one tool out and put another tool in as you need it. Sort of a swiss army type of cabinet. Maybe hang the tools on the plywood on the walls? I can see the concept in my mind just can't explain it very well.

I saw something like this here:
http://www.familyhandyman.com/workshop/workbench/diy-workbench-upgrades/view-all
(Removable mounting boards). I wanted to do this, but after I got my 20kg vise, I reconsidered...

 

[bronco_ed]

I always start analysis with what are you going to be doing?

What functions? And break it down. Make a list.

Welding?

Metal cutting?

Bending?

Painting?

Etc.......

Then, what seasons of the year? Where are you? Please put your location in your profile.

Most functions can be done in a lot of different places. Don't limit yourself to a "Garage" or "Shop". Think of every space in or on your house, shop and entire lot.

And there is no requirement that everything be done in one place.

I've polished metal in the bedroom. I know a guy who makes sails for aircraft in his living room.

And as far as extending and expanding the garage is concerned, block is dead easy to punch holes in.

My first thought is always to get all storage functions out of a work space. Build a shed or get a trailer, even an open one, and store things there, covered with tarps.

Add some paving outside the garage and cover the area with a lean to shed roof. You can pave with patio pavers. I even have a shed with 2x6 boards laid right on the ground, for a floor. And the roof is flat and covered with tarps instead of roofing. Temporary to be sure, but everything inside is nice and dry.

Your house is a nice conditioned space. Use it for activities where good lighting and a conditioned space is important. Turn that unused living room into a paint booth. Set up some grinders or benders or a drill press in a spare bedroom. Store parts in the basement. Even a seldom used formal dining room can be repurposed.

And use spaces for their highest and best use. If parts can be stored outside under a tarp, why use a conditioned space for them.

Don't be hindered by what spaces are named. Use them for what you need.

I wouldn't be afraid to blow out an entire wall in the garage, to create an indoor/outdoor workspace. In fact, my 8x12 shed has the 12' wall totally open. With 8' tall doors wall to wall, and a covered paved area outside, it can double your space.

I wouldn't be afraid to do the same thing to the house. Add a patio, then cover it, and put big doors opening into a room and you have another indoor/outdoor workspace.

And consider vans and trailers as storage spaces. Full sized vans and enclosed trailers have lots of cubic footage. Even a bus or box van would work. I have even seen office trailers and gutted single wide trailers used for extra space.

So think outside the box of your block garage. Think of your entire lot and house and garage as one big workspace and use it all.

Bill

Bill,

Thanks for the response...

Basically I am looking to gain room everywhere. Wife and I have been getting rid of a bunch of stuff. In a non voluntary change We now have half the house. I have also been trying to utilize basement space for both storage and additional living space. While remodeling the main floor I was cutting wood, routing, grinding in the basement. I think it is going to work better for me to keep the dust and fumes outside.

And it's purpose... Crazy me. I have my hands in a lot of stuff. So yes I will have to prioritize. I really would like a pole barn but that is not in the cards.

OK... the purpose. TO finish my street rod project it would entail welding, grinding, and even paint work. All messy dusty and fumes.
For this
Initially it would be welding and grinding.
later in the project more body work type
dust from fillers fumes from paint work.

From that perspective if this garage was used for that alone it would be small but quite nice. since it is not attached and away from house.

However, this will take second priority as I would like to experiment on ways to generate some income.

I am also in the process of lets say "re-inventing" myself as now I do not think I will pursue a typical job as in the past. I am the creative type although not professional employed in these areas I have several skills that I enjoy and want to figure how to utilize them in a manner that I can produce a small income from. (and enjoy it, wife is on board)

Initially I would like start by up-cycling furniture/functional art, etc... see if that does anything. Along the way I have a few ideas. Basically I am going to throw a few things on the wall to see if anything sticks. I am in a position where I can give it a try. I will be an entrepreneur for a while...
I expect that this would entail metal work, wood work and even paint. All items that are best left out of house. Can I also add that I would like for it to look "cool" when not in use? (I think I am now being unrealistic)

Eventually I will have heat, which is another set of issues I don't need to worry about now.

4 seasons... Michigan

For the most part work will be done in garage/workshop unless I explore in some leather work /sewing which is much cleaner. (Hey my options are open and I am not opposed to trying new things)

I have a plastic shed set up and even a canvas shed that I put up to get items out of storage. We are slowly getting rid of, or making space for. so I can toss a few things in there until I figure out where to put it. There is a large cherry picker and engine stand in there now. I think they are just going to have to go.

I think a car port/lean-to with pavers and patio option may be good as it is a good economical solution and could be considered temporary. Eventually I would like to build another or add on to this small garage. At least the yard is large enough for that. Both good ideas and near future options.

As far as the house. We have no "unused" living space at this time. I have to put my aquarium on the back porch /sun room.

You do not realize how much you accumulate over the years until you have to put it in half the space Timing is good kids are now grown, so clean up is a good thing.


long reply, all is good its just time to get "organized"... I don't mind the small space it just requires a lifestyle change.


Ed


Bill I was born and raised in Detroit...

Good things are starting to happen in the city now... It would be great to be a part of it...
About 20 minutes west for quite some time now.

 

[bczygan]

Bill,

Thanks for the response...

Basically I am looking to gain room everywhere. Wife and I have been getting rid of a bunch of stuff. In a non voluntary change We now have half the house. I have also been trying to utilize basement space for both storage and additional living space. While remodeling the main floor I was cutting wood, routing, grinding in the basement. I think it is going to work better for me to keep the dust and fumes outside.

And it's purpose... Crazy me. I have my hands in a lot of stuff. So yes I will have to prioritize. I really would like a pole barn but that is not in the cards.

OK... the purpose. TO finish my street rod project it would entail welding, grinding, and even paint work. All messy dusty and fumes.
For this
Initially it would be welding and grinding.
later in the project more body work type
dust from fillers fumes from paint work.

From that perspective if this garage was used for that alone it would be small but quite nice. since it is not attached and away from house.

However, this will take second priority as I would like to experiment on ways to generate some income.

I am also in the process of lets say "re-inventing" myself as now I do not think I will pursue a typical job as in the past. I am the creative type although not professional employed in these areas I have several skills that I enjoy and want to figure how to utilize them in a manner that I can produce a small income from. (and enjoy it, wife is on board)

Initially I would like start by up-cycling furniture/functional art, etc... see if that does anything. Along the way I have a few ideas. Basically I am going to throw a few things on the wall to see if anything sticks. I am in a position where I can give it a try. I will be an entrepreneur for a while...
I expect that this would entail metal work, wood work and even paint. All items that are best left out of house. Can I also add that I would like for it to look "cool" when not in use? (I think I am now being unrealistic)

Eventually I will have heat, which is another set of issues I don't need to worry about now.

4 seasons... Michigan

For the most part work will be done in garage/workshop unless I explore in some leather work /sewing which is much cleaner. (Hey my options are open and I am not opposed to trying new things)

I have a plastic shed set up and even a canvas shed that I put up to get items out of storage. We are slowly getting rid of, or making space for. so I can toss a few things in there until I figure out where to put it. There is a large cherry picker and engine stand in there now. I think they are just going to have to go.

I think a car port/lean-to with pavers and patio option may be good as it is a good economical solution and could be considered temporary. Eventually I would like to build another or add on to this small garage. At least the yard is large enough for that. Both good ideas and near future options.

As far as the house. We have no "unused" living space at this time. I have to put my aquarium on the back porch /sun room.

You do not realize how much you accumulate over the years until you have to put it in half the space Timing is good kids are now grown, so clean up is a good thing.


long reply, all is good its just time to get "organized"... I don't mind the small space it just requires a lifestyle change.


Ed


Bill I was born and raised in Detroit...

Good things are starting to happen in the city now... It would be great to be a part of it...
About 20 minutes west for quite some time now.

Ed,

Good to meet another SE Michigander. I'm in the same process as you, which is why my response might be of some use. I actually have 9 sheds on a 40x100 corner city lot. I am configuring and reconfiguring them as well as the spaces in the house to suit my widely varied interests.

And being in the same climate, I am trying to make some conditioned 4 season work spaces. But because of only having small areas (No big pole barn), I have split up functions and moved them to different areas. One shed is automotive. One is carpentry and woodworking. And the single attached garage is metalworking. Another shed is camping and general storage, etc.

It's a process.

Looking forward to seeing your progress as you evolve. My first concern would be making sure the structure was sound and the envelope was weatherproof and then insulated and sealed and heated. Floor would be the last concern.

While tweaking the structure I would make any cheap additions I could like lean to roofs etc.

Do you know your zoning and zoning requirements?

Bill

 

[Imazagi]

I also work in a small 1 car garage.

Here's my bench, only 50cm deep to save space. The tool board is made out of scrap pallet wood, the mdf peg board with the most used tools was part of an old bed.

Because it was discussed in this thread, I mocked up the removable vise base board today, I'll see if I'll keep it. I need to build more benches anyway.

 

[Moose97]

I love small garages and I think yours looks great! I am going to agree with others that if it were mine I would lose the window for an opening as wide and add on a "lean-to" type tool storage area. As big as you can make it. This way you have everything under one roof and your not running back and forth between sheds (especially in cold and rainy months). I think if you attack it strictly from a "tool storage/easy in-out" standpoint you could have a really nice space for not only working on cars but other projects as well. Keep us posted on which way you go!

 

[a52-830]

I saw something like this here:
http://www.familyhandyman.com/workshop/workbench/diy-workbench-upgrades/view-all
(Removable mounting boards). I wanted to do this, but after I got my 20kg vise, I reconsidered...

i have thought about something like that, but i think that were i going to go in that direction, i would add a few dowels to the platform you are adding, and a few holes the the bench top lined up with them to deal with lateral forces, and use something like this:

http://www.rockler.com/4-1-4-reach-hold-down-clamp

to hold it down, rather than C clamps.

 

[-Brent-]

This topic is right up my alley since it's pretty much what I've been concentrating on over the last few weeks.

First thing, for me was to get rid of anything I was storing. Some things moved to my off-property storage and some were donated/given away, scrapped, or thrown away. I still have some more to purge. I'm no minimalist when it comes to my garage but I am working on it.

Next, I took a good hard look and evaluated just what was taking up precious floor space. Moving the stuff I was storing freed up a lot of space but so did reducing the size of my work bench. It went from nearly 18 sq ft to a bit over 8. A lot of that bench space ended up collecting clutter, anyway.

Then, I got rid of things that weren't really essential, a garbage can that never held any garbage since the trash can that is collected is feet from the door. I just walked past the thing.

I guess this goes back to the topic of storage but I moved (or I am in the process of moving) a large shelving unit to the shop's attic (that I've now put stairs going to) and that will hold all the tools that aren't commonly used (lots of carpentry related power tools and such) as well as a few blow molded cases that sit empty since the tools have a place in drawers and such.

I got rid of duplicates. I didn't need 3 pieces of RR track rail to hammer on. I made one into and anvil and gave two others away.

Storing cords and hoses is something that seemed to waste space for me, too. So, I splurged the other day and bought a dual reel air/electric Cox reel. It was pricey BUT if I need a cord or air hose I'll have them coming through the ceiling, ready to go. The old hose and cords will go upstairs and if they're not used after a year, they're going to someone that can use them. I think the cords will still get used but probably not in the garage. We'll see.

I have gone as far as swapping my overhead garage door to a jackshaft model to get some additional ceiling space.

The list goes on in similar fashion.

 

[-Brent-]

Oh, and one more thing. I calculated the floor space I was wasting. I gained 98 sq feet back. In 462 sq feet, that's a 21% of floor space that was wasted and forcing me to trip over stuff - constantly.

I still have a way to go to stop being my worst enemy but the plan is to make a place that is simple to maintain.

 

[taumac]

IMO you have to go vertical with things. You go from ceiling to the floor with storage. If you have a toolbox stack them. Seriously, stack them if need a step stool to see in top drawers then do it. Whatever you can get off the floor do it. Nest tools and benches need can. You can have a bench but then roll other tools boxes under. You basically have to look at using every inch you can and then find items with multiple used. So if have a bench make it multi use for doing different things.

Here's a old pic of a tool box I had years ago.

I added another mid chest. So if think about it that toolbox takes up 27" wide by 18" deep and over 6' tall. Think of the amount of stuff you can store in that box in that small of foot print on the floor. I also use old tool boxes for storage other than tools. Here's another project.

All bottom rollers roll out and chest are hung on the wall. And middle 2 boxes serve as a rolling bench.

You have to get creative and even though I have 2 car garage I would use these same concepts in a 1 car. Only difference is I'll only be parking 1 car in the garage vs 2.

 

[a52-830]

wow, taumac, i sit here in awe over that line of craftsman bottoms and tops. that is truly magnificent.

 

[bronco_ed]

Guys... Thanks, I have a few ideas from the comments and pics... I will post on any improvements along the way. I think I am going to start by getting some tools on the side wall. (hand Tools/Tool board)

I am then going to think about how best to utilize the back wall. The pics are great...

-Ed

 

[bronco_ed]

Ed,

My first concern would be making sure the structure was sound and the envelope was weatherproof and then insulated and sealed and heated. Floor would be the last concern.

While tweaking the structure I would make any cheap additions I could like lean to roofs etc.

Do you know your zoning and zoning requirements?

Bill

The garage is in good shape, no rain, snow newer roof, etc. I do need to do a little work on the back window but for the most part its fine. I doubt the city would allow multiple "permanent sheds". Right now if there was a complaint most likely I would have to remove the plastic shed I have up. Neighbors are fine so I do not expect any issues. I would need to check into a lean-to. With the rafters up I can almost take down the tent shelter I have up now.

I have a double lot so eventually I will have a larger garage I may even be able to use this as a shed and build a 2 car garage. I will check on that when the time comes. How soon will be dependent on my own success.. Or when the kids college bills are paid off It was discussed and I knew I had to make a sacrifice regarding the garage when we bought the place. just want to make the best of it until then.

Thanks,

 

[bronco_ed]

I also work in a small 1 car garage.

Here's my bench, only 50cm deep to save space. The tool board is made out of scrap pallet wood, the mdf peg board with the most used tools was part of an old bed.

Because it was discussed in this thread, I mocked up the removable vise base board today, I'll see if I'll keep it. I need to build more benches anyway.

Internet is amazing, responses from all over the world.

Thank you... Nice and neatly organized. lets see...50cm 1 cm, slightly under 1/2" a little over a foot and a half, a little narrow but...we have to work with the room we have

Never seen a drop light like that. Is that a level up on the left?

 

[ibedayank]

And consider vans and trailers as storage spaces. Full sized vans and enclosed trailers have lots of cubic footage. Even a bus or box van would work. I have even seen office trailers and gutted single wide trailers used for extra space.

So think outside the box of your block garage. Think of your entire lot and house and garage as one big workspace and use it all.

Bill

Post some pictures and show us all how it's done Bill

 

[ibedayank]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/e8/bc/3e/e8bc3eb8439982127a67319da126684e.jpg

 

[taumac]

wow, taumac, i sit here in awe over that line of craftsman bottoms and tops. that is truly magnificent.

Not to hijack his thread so I'll give a quick explanation. I got one box from dear neighbor. His father pass and 10 years later mom passes. Well he know I was a tool guy and felt better to pass it along to me. So I started to find more to it current state. Biggest thing is they don't store hand tools. Those are in my HF 44s. Those store a lot of stuff that's garage related. Honestly, IMO you can't find a better premade storage system. Some use old filing cabinets or some method I use vintage tool boxes and they can be found relatively cheap in comparison to stuff you can buy at store. I posted this for him so show that you can fit a lot in small space with small foot print.

Sorry to hijack your thread.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

I like the idea of the fold down work bench...

I did this in my first house with a tight 1 car garage. Actually it folded up, with a hook to hold it stored. Easier to get the legs out of the way. It was a good solution.

 

[Imazagi]

Never seen a drop light like that. Is that a level up on the left?

Yep, that's an old school work light, the most ghetto thing I did to it was the reflector made from a beer can. I have a proper LED one as well.
Yes, the magnetic level sticks to the garage door frame, easy to pick up.

 

[bronco_ed]

Not to hijack his thread so I'll give a quick explanation. I got one box from dear neighbor. His father pass and 10 years later mom passes. Well he know I was a tool guy and felt better to pass it along to me. So I started to find more to it current state. Biggest thing is they don't store hand tools. Those are in my HF 44s. Those store a lot of stuff that's garage related. Honestly, IMO you can't find a better premade storage system. Some use old filing cabinets or some method I use vintage tool boxes and they can be found relatively cheap in comparison to stuff you can buy at store. I posted this for him so show that you can fit a lot in small space with small foot print.

Sorry to hijack your thread.

No hijack... The photos are great, It may have taken a while to accumulate that many boxes. I actually just picked up a small 3 draw vintage craftsman.
to carry around in the truck.