Up to now I have stored a lot of my tools with old standard pegboard method. Marking tools, screw drivers, wrenches, pliers, hammers, saws etc are all hanging on the pegboard wall. I am building a new home with a three car garage. One bay will be my workshop. I’m a little reluctant to hang pegboard on these new walls. I am considering a rolling tool chest like that used by mechanics. This at least would keep the tools locked up and dust free. Does anyone use this method or have tried this method or have any comments about how they store their tools?
Frank
Replies
I store all my hand tools in a mechanic's rolling metal tool chest--a gift from the Mrs.. I lined the drawers with rubber/foam drawer liners to keep them from rattling around. I do not roll it around. I have really enjoyed it.
Having said that, I will probably build anything I need in the future--for the pleasue, the price, and the customizability.
Depending on your skill level and whether this will be a dedicated woodworking shop, you may want to consider building one.
Good luck,
Danny
Pegboard versus drawers. I've done both, and continue to do both, though I'm not sure why.
In my case, pegboard hooks can make everything look very orderly -- a place for everythin, and everythin in its place.
And drawers, for me, only look good when they are closed -- usually a ruddy mess in any drawer, and therefore hard to find the specific tool I seek.
And of course, both of those statements depend heavily on the one factor that seems to be a big problem in my shop -- tools get pulled out of their storage location, and simply refuse to put themselves back. This is true regardless of hooks versus drawers.
Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
I use all three, pegboard, rolling machineshop drawers (Craftsman), and handmade cabinets and tool chest. Of course the latter give you some modicum of learning experience, satisfaction and ultimately a chance to show off your abilities.
I tend to keep my "carpenter" tools on the pegboard: hammers, large saws, carpenter squares, levels, etc. while my rolling toolchest sits behind me at the workbench. The top drawer has marking and measuring tools, another two contain planes and chisels so there easily accessible.
I reserve my hand built tool box for my prized saws, chisels, rasps.
I built a rolling cabinet that sits under the drill press that holds all the drill bits, and other paraphenalia used at that station.
In one of the books, I think it was Small Shop Solutions there was a miter saw stand built from plywood that used ready made drawers available from Lee Valley that is pretty easy to build, looks decent and adds a great deal of storage space for smaller stuff.
Hope this helps.
Neil
I agree with most of the other responses in that pegboard coupled with other methods of storing items all work well together. Most of my pegboard space is littered with various jigs that I've made since some of them are hard to store in a cabinet or mobile unit, e.g. sacrificial fence, tapering jig, etc. For me, building my own workshop solutions has been not only a cheaper alternative that purchasing a ready-made item but given me the practical experience for doing finer projects. These projects are a great way to get you familiar with work methods, the tools, and techniques. For example, if a cabinet drawer that has box joints is a little messy, no big deal. Hopefully, those kinks are worked out by the time it "really matter." Also, projects you see in FWW or other books for a workshop can be modified to add storage. I added eight drawers to a miter saw station that just had a scrap bin underneath it. So, be creative.
Things like a mobile tool chest are simple to build and is no more of an investment than maybe a sheet of quality plywood and some casters. Better yet, if you have extras around the shop. You can easily spend a few hundred on an entry level tool chest.
The other good tip I can give is to stalk your home improvement center for cabinet rejects that they're sealing at a discount. HD or Lowe's have a defect isle and/or they'll place these items (appliances, cabinets, lighting, etc.) in a center isle on the weekends. I picked up three kitchen-grade cabinets, two wall units and one base unit, for $15 a piece b/c of some small imperfections. These normally sold for $225-$275. They two sets of cabinets don't match but again, this is a workshop and I have them located in two different areas so who cares.
Sargegrinder gave me a good tip: only you know what will work best in your shop so there's no wrong way.
Be creative and make sure it's functional for your needs.
Brett
fgnoel,
When you have a small shop, you've got to fight to protect your floor space. Between Table saws, workbenches, bandsaws, drill presses, sharpening centers, router tables you'll need room to process lumber, stage and setup projects and, finally, finishing. It takes time to figure out your needs and your needs evolve over time. I've built several things for tools and storage that I latter disassembled and recycled the pieces.
I built a wall cabinet that measures about 5'x3'x14". The front has box doors that hold the handtools and the interior is divided into cubbies that hold the power tools. I can swing open the box doors over the workbench and everything is available. Good luck with your shop
Thanks for all the good advice. You have given me much to think about.
Frank
I have always thought of pegboards as an inefficient use of wall space. To me, a wall-hung cabinet, shelves, or even drawers under your workbenches and stands are more attractive and allow for more efficient storage.
Plus, where are you going to hang your flat-panel 1080p?
Frank,
One suggestion - combine the pegboard, tool rollabout. Most of my hand tools are in a rolling tool chest. The back of that chest is inset about 3" from the end of the sides, and has a number of dowels sticking out. Good place to store hand saws, framing squares, things like that. Roll out the tool chest, reach around back, and there they are. Saves space nicely, keeps things hidden.
Bob
I have both plus shopmade storage. One mistake I made was to buy an expensive set of chests that had the ball-bearing slides. If the thing's even slightly out of level, the drawers won't stay open or closed unless they're locked. If I had to do it again, I'd get a cheaper set with plain slides that have more friction.
Grizzly sells a pretty neato little rolling maple tool chest w/ felt lined drawers. Just be careful that it doesn't contain lead paint or small magnets that are prone to break off and present a choking hazard for small children.... :-)
http://www.grizzly.com/products/H7719
JM
Fgnoel-
Last winter I made a cabinet to fit under my bench it holds a ton of tools. It holds almost all of my smaller hand tools like, files/rasps, chisels, measuring tools and other smaller items. I also use french cleats to hold a larger items on the wall. The system uses custom made holders for various tools like planes, cordless drills, glue and accessores.
I used to have peg board, but thught I could be better organized with the new set up. So far I like it. It looks alot cleaner and neat. But I am not sure if it makes me a better woodworker.
I used to agonize on organzing my shop. but you what...no one cares but me. When I finish a project and put that new end table in the family room. My family and friends do not say, "wow that is a great end table and I bet your shop is really organized and looks tidy." You know what I mean. Who cares (but you) what type of tool organziation system yu use. As long as you like it and it works for you--That's what matters. You have to use it and not anyone on Knots.
Good luck
Dom
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