Having a lot of power tools can lead to a cluttered garage or workshop. Proper storage is key to keeping your tools organized, protected, and easy to find when you need them. Here are some tips on the best ways to store all your power tools.
Page Contents
Wall Storage
Wall-mounted storage is great for getting tools up off the floor and freeing up floor space in your garage or workshop. Some options for wall storage include:
- Pegboards – Pegboards allow you to customize your storage by using hooks, baskets, and holders. This makes it easy to organize tools by type and size.
- Wall cabinets – Closed cabinets keep tools protected from dust. Look for cabinets with drawers to divide up space.
- Wall racks – Open racks let you easily grab frequently used tools. Racks with slots are good for upright storage of long tools.
When installing wall storage, make sure it is securely anchored into wall studs. Stagger the placement to distribute weight evenly. Give yourself room to take tools on and off the mounts easily.
Workbenches
A sturdy workbench can provide storage right where you need it. Options for storage on and under a workbench include:
- Drawers – Great for small tools, fasteners, and supplies. Can be mounted under the work surface or on the sides of the bench.
- Cabinets – Enclosed storage keeps tools and materials out of sight but easy to access.
- Pegboard – Makes use of wall space above the bench for frequently used tools.
- Shelves – Open shelves under the workbench are good for bins, boxes, or baskets to corral medium and large-sized tools.
Make sure your workbench is made of a durable material like hardwood, laminate, or stainless steel. Allow at least 24″ of clearance around the bench for maneuvering.
Freestanding Storage
Freestanding storage units give you flexible options for organizing tools in the garage or workshop. Some options include:
- Tool chests – Metal chests with drawers stack together to save floor space. Great for hand tools, power tool accessories, fasteners, and hardware.
- Utility carts – Rolling carts let you take tools to the project. Look for ones with pegboard panels, shelves, and drawers.
- Cabinets – Upright metal cabinets provide enclosed storage. Some have removable interior trays.
- Shelving units – Open or closed shelves help organize bulky tools and supplies.
Make sure freestanding units are sturdy and won’t easily tip over if loaded unevenly. Put heavy items on lower shelves. Add locking casters to tool chests and cabinets for added security.
Tool Organization Tips
To make the most of your power tool storage, keep these tips in mind:
- Group tools according to use or trade. For example, have all electrical tools together and all plumbing tools together.
- Store tools used together near each other. This allows you to easily grab what you need for a specific task.
- Keep heavy-use tools at the most accessible heights between waist and eye level.
- Control dust by storing tools in enclosed cabinets or covering with plastic tool bags.
- Separate sharp, pointed, or heat-generating tools for safety.
- Label storage units and outlines of tool shapes with their names for quick identification.
Power Tool Storage Ideas
Here are some specific storage solutions for common power tools:
| Tool | Storage Ideas |
|---|---|
| Drills, drivers | – Mount on wall hooks or pegs – Store upright in open shelves – Hang bits and accessories from pegboard |
| Saws | – Hang on wall with slots or hooks – Keep unplugged in utility cart with other cutting tools – For circular saws, store blades flat in a drawer |
| Sanders, grinders | – Upright in open shelves or bins – Label outlines with tool names – Store discs flat in drawers |
| Nail guns, staplers | – On wall hooks above workbench – In open shelves near compressors and hoses – Extra nails/staples in small parts organizer |
| Routers, planers | – Hang under workbench with quick release mounts – Upright in utility cart drawer – Store bits in labeled small parts bins |
| Generators | – On flat shelf with fuel separated – Weatherproof outdoor locker – Extension cord wraps on wall hooks |
labels and Identification
A labeling system makes it fast and easy to put tools back where they belong and locate the right tool when you need it again. Some labeling ideas include:
- Stencil or write tool names on storage unit fronts and edges.
- Apply printed tags or stickers naming the tool on cabinets, drawers, shelves, and hooks.
- Use color coding by painting tool handles and storage units coordinating colors.
- Attach photos or drawings of tools to identify their storage spots.
Maintenance and Inspections
Regular tool maintenance and storage inspections help keep your power tools in good shape:
- Check tools for damage before storing. Repair or replace worn parts.
- Clean tools after use to remove all dirt, debris, and grease.
- Apply rust inhibitor to unpainted metal parts.
- Tighten loose screws, bolts, and fittings.
- Check that blades are protected by guards during storage.
- Inspect electrical tools for frayed cords. Replace worn parts.
- Drain gas and fluids from engines before storing long term.
By giving your tools some care while they are stored, you’ll help extend their life and performance.
Garage Storage Ideas
In addition to power tools, a garage often ends up storing all kinds of household items. Bring organization to the space with these storage ideas:
- Overhead storage racks take advantage of unused vertical space. Use for infrequently accessed items.
- Slatwall panels accept a variety of wall-mounted hooks, baskets, and shelves. Customize as needed.
- Tall shelving units provide a lot of storage volume in a compact floorprint.
- Cabinets mount on the wall or ceiling to enclose and contain items.
- Multi-purpose utility carts can hold tools, hobby supplies, or sports equipment.
- Label and outline storage bins and containers so items go back to designated spots.
Think about allocating zones in your garage for different functions – garden tools, sports gear, workshop area, etc. Use floor markings as a visual guide.
Safe Power Tool Storage
Safety should be a priority when organizing your power tools. Keep these tips in mind:
- Store tools in dry conditions to prevent rusting. Avoid letting them get wet.
- Lock up dangerous or hazardous tools like chainsaws in drawers or cabinets.
- Unplug all corded power tools before storing.
- Keep fire extinguishers and first aid kits easily accessible.
- Separate gasoline-powered tools from flammable chemicals.
- Position tools out of reach of children and pets.
A clean, organized storage setup reduces clutter and helps prevent accidents or injuries when retrieving and using tools.
Workshop Storage Ideas
A workshop needs customized storage to handle all the materials, parts, and tools you use for DIY and hobby projects. Consider these ideas:
- Use pegboards, slatwalls, or cabinets to hold tools right where you use them.
- Shelves with bins organize small parts and fasteners.
- A mixture of open and closed storage keeps everything handy but dust-free.
- Utility carts provide portable storage to wheel around the workspace.
- Wall-mount lumber racks free up floor space.
- Parts organizers label and section off compartments for fast access.
Think through the workflow of your projects and position your storage to support efficient working. Frequently used items should be readily accessible from your workbench or assembly area.
Conclusion
With some planning and organization, you can effectively store all your power tools no matter how big your collection grows. Use a mix of wall mounts, workbenches, freestanding storage, shelves, and cabinets to give everything a home. Apply labels so tools can be identified at a glance and quickly returned to their proper spots. Keep safety in mind by storing hazardous tools securely and unplugging corded ones. Regular maintenance will keep your power tools functioning at their best for years to come.