Taking care of our tools can be a chore. We have all invested a lot of money and thought into our tool collections, and we want to make sure we get the most out of our investments. Implementing a cleaning and maintenance regime is one way to make sure that our tools remain in tip-top shape.
Proper power tool storage is another way to ensure that they are kept clean, dry, and out of harm’s way. Creating an organizational system enables us to find what we need when we need it. With a little thought, some creativity, and a bit of building, the perfect tool storage solutions are readily available.
How to Get the Longest Life Out of Your Power Tools
There are a few key steps to getting the most out of your power tools. Like all machines, power tools require general maintenance and safety protocols.
For battery operated and electric tools, keeping the housings free of dust and oil is a good start. Be sure to follow the manufacturer recommendations for deeper cleaning and lubrication.
The Right Way to Store Your Tools
One of the best ways to set up a routine for tool care is to set up a good method of power tool storage. Once power tools are organized, easily identified, and securely stored, assessing the maintenance needs of each becomes easier.
We’ve all seen tool piles: tools haphazardly stored where ever there was space. Often, these tools are not being properly cared for in the most basic ways, and creating a routine around disorder is never easy. Proper power tool storage is crucial to getting your mind in the habit of tool maintenance and selection.
Key Factors in Power Tool Storage
The most important things to consider when designing your power tool storage system are cleanliness, climate, categorization, and placement. Any power tool storage system should be clean and dry. It’s beneficial to group tools that go with certain tasks together, or to group tools by category, such as “cutting tools,” “finishing tools,” etc.
Finally, deciding whether your power tool storage system should be static or portable can be a huge help in keeping the system functional. If you always use your tools close to the garage, a static power tool storage system will be just fine. But if you take tools with you to other locations, it might be best to make caddies or tool bags up for the right level of convenience.
Power Tool Storage Ideas
Power tool storage systems are as diverse as tools themselves. Your power tool storage will be unique, based on the job you do, the hobby you have, or the way you think. We found some great power tool storage ideas to get your creative juices flowing. From peg boards to DIY tool shelves, the possibilities are endless.
Good Old Pegboard
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Starting with pegboard feels natural when we set up a shop, doesn’t it? Almost every shop we’ve been in has at least one pegboard of tools. Usually, hand tools are stored this way, but with a little thought, this tried-and-true method can easily be adapted to power tool storage.
Rolling Caddies
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Building a rolling caddy for your tools is a great DIY project for a craftsman of any level. You will be able to trick out your caddy with exactly the right features for you. The best part? The rolling caddy can go with you across the shop, so you always have what you need at your side.
Custom Shelves
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If you don’t really need to move your tools about, or you prefer to have a safe home for them when you aren’t on the go, a custom shelf might be just the thing. You can create a simple plywood shelf with cubbies that perfectly fit your tools. If you hang the shelf near an outlet, you can even incorporate a shelf for chargers and extra batteries, creating the perfect power tool storage station.
Organize Consumables
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When we think about power tool storage, it is easy to forget bits and blades in that equation. Make sure you incorporate smart ways to keep consumables safe and ready. Believe it or not, office supplies come in handy here! Consider using hanging file organizers to store circular and table saw blades. Binder clips make great hooks for band saw blades and pencil caddies are well suited to storing bits and jig blades.
For a more inventive take on consumable storage, you can create a pincushion by laminating a piece of rigid foam insulation onto a sheet of plywood. Hang this storage sandwich up and stick your pointies right in!
Make the Most Out of Cabinets
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If you have cabinets and drawers in your shop, it is easy for these to get out of hand. Soon, the drawer is a jumbled mess of whatever, and the cabinets are hiding places for tool piles. Optimize those spaces for the purpose.
Use silverware organizers or drawer organizers to section off drawers and create order spaces for each item. Try setting up a pegboard or hooks in the back of a wall cabinet to create a hidden power tool storage rack. You could even use spice organizers on the inside of cabinet doors to fit batteries and smaller power tools!
If you have cabinets and drawers in your shop, it is easy for these to get out of hand. Soon, the drawer is a jumbled mess of whatever, and the cabinets are hiding places for tool piles. Optimize those spaces for the purpose.
Use silverware organizers or drawer organizers to section off drawers and create order spaces for each item. Try setting up a pegboard or hooks in the back of a wall cabinet to create a hidden power tool storage rack. You could even use spice organizers on the inside of cabinet doors to fit batteries and smaller power tools!
Ready Kits
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One organizational trick that many professionals use is to have ready kits. Tool bags or buckets are stocked with organized, categorized tools so that when a pro has to hit the road, he knows the right tools are ready to go. Try doing this for yourself on a smaller scale.
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Store tools that work together with each other in the same tool bag, belt, or box. Keep a few consumables with the tool at all times, so that if you grab your tool bag and take it away from home, you will be prepared. Matchboxes and old mint tins are great for storing a few loose bits and drivers with your ready kit, and pocket folders are great for abrasives!
Conclusion
Although it may seem time consuming to set up a power tool storage system, it will save you time and energy later. You will be able to organize a routine around your system, and you will be able to build proper tool care and maintenance into the routine of simply putting your tools away.
You will always be able to find what you need and you will be able to rest easy knowing your tools are safe from rust, dirt, and grime. Keeping your workshop organized and clean is one of the best ways to extend the life of your tools. If you take the time now, power tool storage will benefit every project you undertake!
