I just watched an interesting Tested video, where they take a thorough look at Adam Savage’s (from MythBusters) homemade tool storage stands. He emptied out a stack of ball bearing storage chests and loaded the tools into his tool stand.
I enjoyed the video, but can’t help wondering whether I should build something similar, perhaps with spare 80/20 aluminum t-slot extrusions I have around, or if I should stick with tool drawers.
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We’re moving shop soon, and I plan to continue utilizing L-Boxxes for power tools and less frequently used tools. But what about the tools I use most often? I like having most tools in drawers, as it helps keep them from sawdust, metal chips, and even fluid contamination. That’s why I moved away from using pegboard and Gladiator’s rail-style organization system.
I must have a couple of a dozen saved photos of random tool storage ideas I found on the web over the years. While many made me think “oh, that looks cool, I could use something like that,” I have yet to switch over, even partially. Maybe one day my affinity for tool drawers will come to an end.
What about you? Do you keep your tools out in the open, or in tool drawers? What’s your take on tool stands like the one in the above video?
Oh, and who else desperately wants their own pair of medical stapler turned long-reach pistol-grip pliers?
One thing that never ceases to surprise me about Adam Savage and his workshop is how practical yet simple his constructions are. He’s got more money invested in Sortimo T-Boxxes and racks than many of us have invested in tools. Then there’s this plywood and wood rack that could have cost maybe $50 in materials and parts, maybe even including the casters.
If you have made your own DIY tool stands or organizers, please share a photo if you have one! I know I’m not the only one who’s interested for ideas and inspiration.
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(P.S. the photo shown next to the headline in the main page is of the Tool Changer tool box, which I posted about nearly 4 years ago. It is completely unrelated to this post, but the discussion made me think back to it.)
Joey
So who’s building one of those bad boys this weekend? I have a few upgrades and I have also thought about building a “Frist order retrievable cart” before but I might make mine smaller with power tool holder. I might post up some pics of my final piece.
SteveR
Interesting set-up, and looks to be fairly efficient for his needs. His “aha” moment was when he realized that tools get put into tool boxes/storage units to either die or be lost. This unit keeps everything out in the open where he can see it. He has a large work/storage area, however, far more spacious than most of us have. I couldn’t set up something like that in my garage; I have minimal room to move around, let alone move a wheeled cart or tool stand.
This appears to be an independent workspace he uses for the production of his series, “Mythbusters”. It works so well for him because he uses his tools frequently (and they’re not sharing space with his cars and the other junk we tend to accumulate in our garages). It makes more sense for his working needs as compared with mine; I have to putter around in a severely restricted workspace.
Another issue is that we’re conditioned over our lifetime to protect and lock-up our tools from the prying eyes of neighbors or would-be thieves. For that reason, we store most of them in lockable tool boxes, storage cabinets or carry bags that will move with us from the garage to the ” project site” around our homes or yards.
I seem to recall that the show is San Francisco-based, a city built over largely-unconsolidated land. I live in the Los Angeles area, and we also have to be concerned with damage from earthquakes. They hit without warning, and not in any organized way (at least, to the victims). That means keeping things down as low as possible and kept in heavy storage units that won’t tip over or be scattered by a temblor. He didn’t mention if he chains these to a wall at night to safeguard them (he probably doesn’t). It’s often years between events, and people have short memories about their destructive power. In such an event. the unit looks like it could possibly be turned over and/or damaged owing to the amount of weight it’s bearing.
The positive thing I took away from this is that I need to work harder on stowing stuff that’s still up too high for safety. I’m sure it will also inspire folks to evaluate their options and try to store things more efficiently. Thanks for the video.
Jason
They don’t do any MythBusters content out of that that shop Adam uses. From what I remember MythBusters is shot outside of M5 industries the shop Jamie own/run’s. Tested is a vlog/blog Jamie and Adam bought a few years ago. It’s supposed to be content from both Jamie and Adam, but I see very little content wise from Jamie.
I know this is the last time Jamie is doing MythBusters live. I don’t know how they are going to continue the show without him. I guess the could add one of the other people that used to be on the show as a co host.
neil heuer
Lets find out more about that stapler! I want that BAD!
Bjorn
I use both wall mounted board as cabinets. I keep the delicate stuff behind doors to protect it from dust. All the tools I use frequently are hanging from the wall on wooden boards. Its cheap, its visual and easy to grab and most of all it has a nice look. If you got the room and money I understand you place everything in drawers but I just love the look of tools covering the walls.
SawdustTX
With Houston humidity very high year round, keeping tools protected in drawers is important. Plus they are ready to go when I need to take them on the road.
That said, I got tired of the pile of loose tools constantly cluttering my bench, so I made a quick organizer/tote for the tools I use frequently at the bench. It’s a simple tote that one of my kids made at a big box store “kid’s crafts” day. I cut a 2″ thick block to fit in it, and starting drilling/cutting recesses for each tool. Then I made some custom holders glued on the ends. Having now used it a few years, I’d like to make another one a bit bigger, with a handle that folds out of the way.
But for now, it’s a fond memory of my kids when they were little every time I grab a tool out of the tote…..
https://goo.gl/photos/UKVz9ALjSDoSPhrBA
Anton
Neat box. Curious as to why you have included what look like chisels but no hammer and drill bits with no drill? Also, what is that tool between the mechanical pencil and the combination square?
SawdustTX
The chisels are paring chisels for fine tuning – would never hit them with a hammer. That said I have a hammer hanging the leg of my bench for actual hammering duties. The drill still sits on the bench – no need to put it in the tote. I rarely take the tote anywhere, it just sits on the bench to keep everything in order.
The tool between the mechanical pencil and square is a wheel type marking gauge. This particular one is the WoodRiver Wheel Marking Gauge.
I should also mention I wear a shop apron that complements what’s in the bench tote. I used my original (made by my sweet wife) for 20 years, and my daughter recently made me the replacement in this linked picture, with only a few modifications from the original. Here’s a pic: https://goo.gl/photos/ZvkyHzwq5hGCjCXB9
fred
Just a few observations from years of storing tools:
• Basement shops in much of the country tend to get damp in the summer months and require good ventilation and/or dehumidification to prevent tools from rusting
• Garage shops can be worse with regard to humidity and rusting issues
• Storing tools in a tool-room if you can – away from machinery that produces dust is a better option
• Roll-down heavy gauge plastic sheeting can be used to cover wall-stored tools
• Pegboard still works – but some ¼ inch hole varieties are better than others
• Pegboard hardware from companies like Azar Displays offer heavy duty alternative to stuff sold at Home Depot or from folks like Lehigh/Crawford
• Pipe/Pipefittings and flanges – can be cobbled into pretty effective clamp storage stands or overhead racks
• Hardwood boards can be fashioned into storage shelves, screwdriver racks etc. for use with pegboard. Appropriately spaced L-Screws installed at the back edge (cut a 45 chamfer) of the shelf will allow it to be hooked into the pegboard
• Rolling carts with companion tools and tooling for your machined tools (Table Saw, Shaper, Jointer, Sanding Station, Band Saw, Drill Press etc,) can be pushed into a corner when not needed and rolled out when needed. Over the years, I’ve re-purposed lots of junked computer carts with better casters – and some beefing up – to use for this purpose.
Nate 818
Great if you’re not mobile
glenn
Over the years I have always had only your standard double garage which has to house one car and 2-3 motorcycles, so efficient use of space is important.
I have at one stage nearly all my tools wall hung with shadow outlines but went back to tool chest/trolley set up. I prefer this as they are all in one place, protected from potential corrosion, prying eyes etc and they all have their place in the drawers. The bonus is the garage looks neater and is far easier to keep tidy.
For my more commonly used tools I had them in a service trolley but again they went back into the tool chest as I found that the trolley was never moved and being used as intended. In the end I just shortened it so it fits under one of me benches and is now just used as storage for consumables.
So for me, a tool chest/trolley set up works best. I think now, even if I had a heap more space, this is what I would stay with.
John
As noted, the key here is what Adam calls First Order Retrievability. I have long aimed to apply this precept to all my storage needs, be it in the workshop, kitchen, seasonal storage under my house, linen closet… you name it.
Jerry
First off, I enjoy the videos from Jamie, and many of his clever gizmos. He strikes me as someonrpe who is always looking for ways to tinker, and improve upon other’s ideas, and has come up with some pretty neat ideas.
My shop area however, doesn’t have a lot of extra space, so only a few most used tools get to stay out in the open. Also, we have moisture/dampness issues at certain times of the year, and it is hard to beat the protection of having my tools in drawers with a couple camphor tablets. Camphor gives off a vapor that protects tools from rust. I do not know if it works by displacing the moisture, or by giving steel a kind of protective coating, but over the last few years, I’m convinced it works. I have the more often used tools in easy access toolboxes or a cabinet with easy access, next most used get the ball bearing slide drawers, occasional use in the older boxes (with less slick slides), and rarely used tools in storage boxes.
Neil
looks promising:
http://www.conmed.com/products/endomechanical-instrumentation-ligation.php
fred
I have a set of what’s called an “ear polypus” :
http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=polypus
Bill K
The custom tool stand that Adam made and the concept behind it makes a lot of sense. Very tempting! If space allowed and I worked on one level I’d likely make one today. But I have limited space and greater mobility is needed. Smaller and portable would be better for me. Above, SawdustTX posted a picture above of his micro-version custom tool stand. Another good idea headed in the right direction, but to small for my needs and if one is to embrace Adam’s concept. Bigger modular stands which can be stacked and easily transported might work. Or maybe have the stand include a hand truck. More thought needed.
Stan
I really like this part of Steve R’s message. “Another issue is that we’re conditioned over our lifetime to protect and lock-up our tools from the prying eyes of neighbors or would-be thieves. For that reason, we store most of them in lockable tool boxes, storage cabinets or carry bags that will move with us from the garage to the ” project site” around our homes or yards.”
This might be a decent set up if you are a secure location and work by yourself, but this wouldn’t work for me. I don’t trust just anyone to be around my tools, especially given the amount of thieves there are these days. Any chance there is to steal any items and easily without there being solid evidence you in fact stole items seems to be more than enough incentive for some people to steal.
I don’t want to be similar to a neighbor I once had that had this guy steal some of his tools because he hadn’t locked them up in a tool box. Granted, I heard the neighbor found this thief and put him in the hospital, but I still don’t want to be taken advantage by others.
Also, man some of those comments on that video are hilarious, if not 100% family friendly. Might be worth mentioning in the article, should any parents scroll down the comment section with their kids. Although some DO have valid points.
Porphyre
Eh…. looks like a horrible mess to me, but I’m sure he’s got a method to his madness. I agree with the concept but not the execution.
I’m a huge fan of peg board, organized socket drawers w/ trays, and the shadowed drawers as he mentioned.
My major gripe with his setup is it’s all together. All my tools are near where they’ll likely be used. Also, if he loses a pair of pliers, for instance, how is he even going to know?
Pete
Funny how minds work differently. That makes perfect sense to me. If you notice every tool had a specific spot, like a hole the pliar goes into. I did see one missing spot on his nippers/cutter row. Which im sure he has only not found the tool he wants there or he would im sure said something.
Its similar to my tool bag- i use a open top tote with tons of pockets, everything has is specific place, if i have an empty spot i know at a simple glance if something is missing.
Porphyre
Ah, but Pete, what if you have 3 or 4 empty spots? I’ll often have a couple vice grips, a couple needle nose pliers, and a slip joint pliers out of my drawer all at the same time.
Pegboard or shadowed boxes, you glance and know, not only something is missing, but what the missing thing is.
Pete
If i have 4 empty spots that means i have 4 tools missing. Its pretty simple. dont think that to tools float from spot to spot. Getting put where ever there is an empty spot. Each tool had a specific spot.
Sean
This is also what I do for my “carry-tools.” I have an open-tote, and I keep the larger hand tools inside, while the smaller and mid-sized ones all have a spot in the outside pockets. I immediately know which tool is missing by looking at it and being familiar with it. It’s also a bag that contains my junkier (backup) tools. I keep my nicer tools “organized” in plastic tubs in my garage, at the moment (until I can afford a nice BIG chest.
I also keep a couple other bags for specific tasks. I have a bag for anything electrical and small “hobby” type projects. I also have a bag for plumbing and cheap Stanley rolling plastic chest for automotive. The plastic boxes in the shed are also organized by group or task (i.e. woodworking, accessories/consumables, extra hand tools). The only one that needs a better system is the tub full of hand tools. Most of it is NOT easily accessible as it has turned into a large pile.
Sean
Also, a bit off topic, but storage related: check out this Bostitch 16″ bag: http://amzn.to/1L2fmh4
I am in the process of transferring my electrical tool bag into this thing. I bought it for TWENTY dollars at Wal-mart a couple days ago. I have no idea why they’ve begun discounting it so low, but this is seriously a high quality bag, especially for the price. It is listed for $38 on amazon. Go check your local Wal-mart!
RICHARD DECKERT
Many industrys have throw away items that are used in producing their products I know off many operating room supplies that qualify. The problem is one of accountability. Hospitals do not want to blamable for bad things which may occur to someone or some thing as a result of the reusing of throw away items. Legally speaking. Many things are tossed that could and would be useful for where it not for lawsuit happy civilians. If we took responsibility for our actions, life would and could be sweeter!
Joe
I like the idea but I would go a step further and add a couple of small drawers and me the thing for rigid.
He must work with good people for those tools in the open not to grow legs 🙂