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Remember that time you attempted to work on a DIY project in the garage but you couldn't find the hammer or screwdriver? You are not alone, as most homeowners have been faced with the exact same dilemma. A cluttered garage can make finding tools next to impossible. Luckily, there is a solution!
Here are 12 tips for organizing tools in your custom garage:
- Take inventory of your tools on hand
- Organize your tools into zones
- Buy or build a workbench
- Utilize Slatwall racks
- Don't forget about overhead storage
- Make use of vertical organizers
- Magnetic tool holders are awesome
- Store nuts and bolts in clear jars
- Organize nails and screws by size
- Create a battery recharge station
- Repurpose a pull-out tie rack for wrenches
- Hang clamps on the sides of racks
Whether you're a regular Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor or an occasional home renovator, following the tips below will help you keep your tools organized and ready to use.
Take Inventory of Your Tools on Hand
Start by going through your inventory of tools and make three separate piles: keep, trash, & sell/donate. The trash pile is pretty easy. If your tool no longer functions, such as a broken hammer, then toss it out. No need to keep what doesn't work. For all other tools you no longer wish to keep but still work fine, consider either selling them at a garage sale or donating them to those in need.
Organize Your Tools into Zones
Now that you've whittled down your tool inventory, it's time to separate them into different zones or categories. For instance, group together all of your power tools, hand tools, nuts and bolts, and so on. Once you have your zones sorted, keep the categories together when you place them in your garage.
You'll most likely want to store your hand tools nearby and your power tools near an electrical outlet so they are always fully charged. Keeping your tools in zones will make finding them a breeze!
Buy or Build a Workbench
If you have a workbench, great! If not, you have two options, either buy one or build one from scratch. The former option is easier, although it can be expensive. The latter is more time consuming, but usually more affordable. Plus, building your own workbench means you get to put your tools to use! The Spruce offers 16 different DIY workbench plans that range from simple to more complex.
Utilize Slatwall Racks
Slatwall racks are similar to pegboards in that they allow you to hang baskets and hooks in any arrangement you like. Simply install a Slatwall system on an empty wall space and attach hooks and hanging baskets to it. The real beauty of such a system is that the open concept storage design makes is much easier to find the tools you need. Additionally, they look much better than most pegboard backings.
Don't Forget About Overhead Storage
Your garage ceiling is an excellent place to store flat items, such as ladders and extra 2x4's. If you wish to utilize this option, just make sure your overhead storage system is sturdy enough to accommodate the weight of items you plan on storing. Additionally, you'll also want to ensure that it doesn't interfere with the garage door's operation and you have enough clearance to avoid scratching the roof of your car.
Make Use of Vertical Organizers
Employing vertical organizers, either in the form of racks or stackable storage bins, is a great way to keep tools organized and your garage clutter-free. If you opt for stackable bins, just make sure to keep tools you use often on top for easier access. Also consider labeling the bins to make finding the right tools even simpler.
Magnetic Tool Holders Are Awesome
These holders are simple to install and hold many handheld tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. Simply install the magnetic holder next to your workstation.
Store Nuts and Bolts in Clear Jars
Readers Digest offers five different uses for old mason jars, one of them being for garage storage. Clear glass jars are perfect for keeping nuts, bolts, screws, and nails together. Consider even building an open rack above your workbench to create a DIY mason jar storage system. Since the jars are easy to see through, you won't need to label which jar holds what item.
Organize Nails and Screws by Size
If you have a ton of different nails and screws, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep them organized by size. Accomplish this by utilizing a bin shelving rack and labeling each bin with the size number. For even more convenience, attach a screw or nail to the front of the bins with Velcro to easily compare the size of screw or nail you're putting away.
Having trouble identifying the size? Hang a sizing gauge by your bin rack to accurately measure any nail or screw you come across.
Create a Battery Recharging Station
Build a wall-mounted docking station out of plywood to conveniently store your cordless drills and batteries. Even better, add a power strip on the top to provide outlets for all of your battery recharging needs. You can also add an optional drawer to keep your drill bits all in one easy to find place.
Repurpose a Pull-Out Tie Rack for Wrenches
Have an unused pull-out tie rack? Repurpose it in your garage to hang narrow tools like wrenches. Since these racks pull out, they are great for compact storage spaces. If you don't have one at home, don't worry. Just look online or drive over to your local home decor store & pick one up.
Hang Clamps on The Sides of Racks
Clamps are super useful for all kinds of DIY projects. However, they are often bulky and awkward to store. Make use of unused spaces by hanging the clamps on the edges of storage racks and workbenches. Simply clamp them down on the edge to keep them sturdy. If you don't have any edges, consider screwing wood blocks on the wall to hang the clamps instead.
Conclusion
To keep your tools organized in your garage, first take inventory of everything you have, and then organize those tools into zones. Don't forget to invest in a workbench, as well as utilizing Slatwall racks and overhead storage. You can also get a little creative by repurposing items such as mason jars and tie racks for additional tool storage.