HoserRacing
HoserRacing HalfDork
1/20/21 8:06 a.m.

I'm working on getting my shop organized.  First step is locking the door so my buddy can't come in and borrow stuff without asking and leave me hunting for my tools!  Second step is to organize my tools & storage.  I'm looking at putting the parts washer next to the sink so that I've got the ability to pull it out of the cleaner and rinse it off.  Easy step 1.  I've got extra bumper covers over the bathroom, I simply framed up an area with an 8' ceiling in the corner of the shop, which has 10' walls and scissor trusses for the ceiling, allowing me to raise the race car all the way up on the lift.  One wall is going to have approximately 20' of width, with a height that ranges from 12' - 14' to the ceiling.  I had planned on putting some shelving there, but now I'm thinking about the wasted overhead wall space, and how it might be utilized.  Any thoughts or similar experiences?  

Next item is tool storage.  I've got a large Kobalt rolling tool storage chest, I think it's a 10 drawer top with a 10-12 drawer bottom.  Some of the tools are bulky (air tools, hub pullers), and I'm trying figure out if I need a separate large drawer bottom unit to store bulky stuff in.  By the time I do a drawer for 1/4" drive socket stuff, 3/8" drive, 1/2" drive, then wrenches, screwdrivers, electrical, allen wrenches/torx items, air tools, adjustable wrenches/pliers, it seems I'm out of space and then some.  How do y'all organize your tools?  

Thanks for the suggestions/recommendations, etc.  I appreciate it!

 

asphalt_gundam
asphalt_gundam Reader
1/20/21 8:47 a.m.

Sockets always on top or in top drawer (easily the most searched through and want good light/easy access.

Then traveling down the box: Wrenches, Pliers and screwdrivers, Junk drawer, air tools/grinders, and at the bottom Hammers/pry bars/blunt instruments. Specialty stuff gets separated into other drawer columns or other boxes. Things like low use tool kits, fabricated tools, measuring tools, punches, cir-clip pliers, brake line tools, hoses/fittings, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, oil filter wrench, bolt kits, and so on.

If drawers are in short supply I recommend looking around on craigslist or market place. Can almost always find deals on tool boxes and sometimes cabinets. Free filing cabinets are nice too...and good sheet metal if needed.

Robbie (Forum Supporter)
Robbie (Forum Supporter) MegaDork
1/20/21 9:20 a.m.

I hang most of my tools on the wall, and keep the rolling box small so it can roll around with me in the shop if necessary. Sockets, screwdrivers, prybars in the rolling chest. 

Pic in 2nd post of this very relevant thread:

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/dont-post-pics-of-your-tool-storage/170501/page1/

HoserRacing
HoserRacing HalfDork
1/20/21 10:09 a.m.

Good thought process, I appreciate it!

 

Nice!  Thanks for the link Robbie!  

pirate
pirate HalfDork
1/20/21 11:34 a.m.

If you can find a commercial grade free standing wall cabinet they are great for tool storage. I have 3' foot wide by 6 1/2 foot tall unit I purchased from a company going out of business for $20 if I recall correctly. It has five adjustable shelf's. I store all my air tools, battery powered tools and corded tools in. I also use one shelf for expendable supplies like cut off wheels, flap disc's, sandpaper, welding supplies, etc. it carries a tremendous amount of weight. For safety purposes I put a couple of lag bolts into wall studs so it can't tip over. I put a good quality hasp on door so it can be locked even thought it had a lockable door. All I did was pressure wash it, scuff existing paint and rattle canned outside. Good quality new units start about $250.

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