Storage for larger & specific purpose tools?

[pfbz]

I have a 41" chest and top cabinet, and it is full with just everyday mechanics tools... Multiple wrench set, sockets, ratchets, nut drivers, hex T's, allen wrenches, plier type tools, torx drivers, screwdrivers, calipers, feeler gauges, ignition wrenches, pens, torque wrenches, etc. And that's just metric, with just one unorganized drawer heaped with standard wrenches and sockets for occasional use, and metric T-wrenches hanging from the outside cause there is no more room!

Less frequently used and more space consuming tools like tap sets, gear pullers, electrical test tools, automotive specialty tools, air tools, moto specialty tools, vise grips, breaker bars, etc. And that doesn't even get into non hand tools, like drill bits, rotary tools & bits, grinders, hand saws, bolt cutters, etc.

Right now, I'm using the plastic bin and shelf method, but it isn't really great. I don't have any interest in spending huge bucks on super-wide snap-on type cabinets. I'd rather put that money into the motos/cars/trucks I use the tools on!

So I'm wondering if the collective wisdom of GJ has any ideas for more effective and still cost friendly solutions than having bins and bins of extra tools?

 

[nw2571]

Sounds like you're doing this work at home? Pegboard is about the biggest bang for your buck especially on large tools.

The other option is hanging racks off the side of the toolbox. There are a lot of ideas out there for custom racks. Or you can buy something like this:
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/SP8230PHBL/PRY-BAR-HOLDER-F-SP8230BL/

 

[regguy1]

Check my video below, I have pegboard and a tool box / desk I use for storage. Also an overhead storage for items not used regularly

 

[crewchief888]

blow molded boxes can always be stacked in a hanging side locker, or in side boxes without drawers.
side boxes can take care of some of the "clutter" in drawers.
i keep a lot of seldom used air tools, and 4 1/2" electric grinders in a large wall cabinet in the garage.

longer tools can be hung from purpose made prybar or screwdriver racks, i used a couple of modified valve racks to hang prybars, and long extensions out of my way.

 

[plierwire]

I second what crewchief said - a big wall cabinet. Great for power tools and blow molded cases. Be sure to get adjustable shelves - mine doesn't have them, and I sure wish it did.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200401377_200401377

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I have a 41" chest and top cabinet, and it is full with just everyday mechanics tools... Multiple wrench set, sockets, ratchets, nut drivers, hex T's, allen wrenches, plier type tools, torx drivers, screwdrivers, calipers, feeler gauges, ignition wrenches, pens, torque wrenches, etc. And that's just metric, with just one unorganized drawer heaped with standard wrenches and sockets for occasional use, and metric T-wrenches hanging from the outside cause there is no more room!

Less frequently used and more space consuming tools like tap sets, gear pullers, electrical test tools, automotive specialty tools, air tools, moto specialty tools, vise grips, breaker bars, etc. And that doesn't even get into non hand tools, like drill bits, rotary tools & bits, grinders, hand saws, bolt cutters, etc.

Right now, I'm using the plastic bin and shelf method, but it isn't really great. I don't have any interest in spending huge bucks on super-wide snap-on type cabinets. I'd rather put that money into the motos/cars/trucks I use the tools on!

So I'm wondering if the collective wisdom of GJ has any ideas for more effective and still cost friendly solutions than having bins and bins of extra tools?

For electrical tools I started and electrical with one of my hand boxes. I keep that hand box on the shelf of my workbench. (yellow one pictured). The gray one is my plumbing box.

Breaker bars fit in my ratchet drawer, even the 24".

Smaller power tools/rotary fit in the drawers of my Lyon unit on the other shelf on the bench. The bits, blades and stones are stored in there as well

Power tools, saws, hand drills are on another shelf on the bench.


I still have a couple of spare drawers on the toolbox too.

 

[rsanter]

you need a second toolbox for all those 2nd teir tools

bob

 

[Jeeprz!]

I have been trying to get my own stuff organized and I've spent alot of time reading the threads on GJ and thinking about this issue. In my case smaller "purpose oriented" organization seems to be the way to go. For example, when I can get to that point I want to have a small roll cab (like 36" wide or so) by my compressor, larger bottom drawers for tools, mid drawer for impact sockets, top drawers for smaller items like consumables, air gauges etc., no point in having wood working chisels in the cab next to the compressor. As much as I drool over how cool those huge roll cabs are, not that I can afford them anyway, but they just wouldn't make much real situation sense for the small space I have to work with.
Go read thru the garage build thread, the best thing I took away from it is there isn't a one size fits all solution, but there is also an endless supply of creative ideas that you may be able to adapt to your situation.

 

[bobcatdan]

I would use peg board for anything that hangs well. For stuff in boxes or otherwise bulky tools, I would get a good shelfing unit or a floor cabinet. At home, in my opion the whole garage is tool storage, not just the tool box. It is not like a pro at work where his all his stuff has to fit in a 6' by 2' foot print. As long as the garage is locked, I'm not concerned about having everything under lock and key. If a jackass is motivated enough to break into the garage, a locked box is going to stop him.

 

[Outlawmws]

I store the "secondary tools" like the drills and tooling in a secondary tool box. No need for this to be new Snap On. Lots of used rollers and top boxes suitable for this on CL, yard and estate sales, and Flea markets.

Same for less used tap sets, gear pullers, electrical test tools, automotive specialty tools, air tools etc. A good 7-8 drawer (All drawer) 26 " roller will swallow a lot of these.

For larger bulkier tools, whether in blow mold boxes or not (skill saws, drills, grinders, etc...) there are lots of options: office storage cabinets, metal book cases, lateral file cabinets, all work pretty well for bulk storage.

Keep the small bins for fasteners, electrical connectors, and other small consumable stuff.

 

[regguy1]

I noticed this system on Amazon, what do you think

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006RGKY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Outlawmws]

I don't like deep shelves like that Amazon thing as you have to crawl to get to the stuff at the back. Anything more than about 2 ft deep is generally more trouble than its worth.

I also don't like them deep and shallow, again you have to dig to get anything at the back...

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I have been trying to get my own stuff organized and I've spent alot of time reading the threads on GJ and thinking about this issue. In my case smaller "purpose oriented" organization seems to be the way to go. For example, when I can get to that point I want to have a small roll cab (like 36" wide or so) by my compressor, larger bottom drawers for tools, mid drawer for impact sockets, top drawers for smaller items like consumables, air gauges etc., no point in having wood working chisels in the cab next to the compressor. As much as I drool over how cool those huge roll cabs are, not that I can afford them anyway, but they just wouldn't make much real situation sense for the small space I have to work with.
Go read thru the garage build thread, the best thing I took away from it is there isn't a one size fits all solution, but there is also an endless supply of creative ideas that you may be able to adapt to your situation.

I think this is good input here. Take ideas from the build threads and apply them to what you need or can do in your space. Make the most of the space you have and it'll be like those tools are invisible when you don't need them, but there when you do.

 

[gabeancounter]

Hang the big stuff on the walls.

 

[dwm]

I have just about all forms of storage in the attached garage that leads into the basement. Roll cabs, chests, project centers, workbenches (rolling and fixed), pegboard on almost every wall, small tool boxes, Systainers, lots of shelves (many I built), racks, bins, etc. Most of the time I know exactly where things are located, even when things look untidy. Good or bad, it is what it is and it mostly works for me.

Most of the infrequently used stuff is in bins on shelves. Most of that isn't tools, it's parts and stock of consumables. The more frequently used stuff is in roll cabs and chests, along with the things that I want kept mostly free of dust. The one exception: I have an inexpensive and older ITB 41" roller and chest that I keep all of my BMW specialty tools in, even those that are only used once every several years. It just worked out that way, it wasn't really a plan until I had enough of them to warrant reorganization. I also keep the garage scope, DMM, temperature gun, work lights and some other stuff in there.

The very frequently used and truly awkward stuff is hanging on pegboard. I don't have any metal pegboard right now, but I've had it before and with the right hooks and organizers it'll hold almost anything. And of course there's always slatwall.

I suspect a lot of us enjoy planning garage reorganization, regardless of budget. It's finding the time to do it that's often difficult.