Movable Tool Storage Organization

Last modified: February 23, 2024

One of my recommendations for boosting workshop storage efficiency involves the idea that any item that needs to be moved while searching for something else should be kept somewhere suitable. Even though it's a matter of a few small actions, when you're fully absorbed in your current project, it feels like a long and distracting task.

This interesting concept, another I picked up from Lil Scorpion's Garage Journal Tool Organization thread, is well worth thinking about. Imagine if you were to bring the storage to wherever you needed to use the object, along with any similar items. When you're finished, simply gather the entire unit and return it to its long-term storage location. Fascinating concept!

Here are some ideas along those lines:

A French cleat with two parallel arms and holes at one end attached to wood.

That triangular piece on the back is called a "French Cleat" and is familiar to woodworkers and those who make retail shop fixtures...

Well-organized drill bit storage solution.

French cleated toolholder racks can be moved to and from the machine for different tasks...

Metal cart with wheels in front of an open garage door, yellow box on top, white board attached to side secured by bolts.

Set up a rolling tool cart with French Cleats and you can outfit it for the task at hand...

Spray gun attached to a French cleat bracket.

Painting...

A wooden shelf with various bottles and containers on a workbench or table.

Gluing...

Well-organized workshop with wooden cabinets and drawers showcasing various tools and equipment.

French Cleats let you customize what's on hand at the bench for the project you're working on...

Wooden cabinet drawer filled with metalworking tools.

How about side drawers on slides that make it easy to take the whole thing off as a tray?

Wooden drawer with various tools and supplies in a workshop setting.

Double side drawers...

Wooden drawer filled with clamps, wrenches, and machinery parts organized into separate compartments.

Lift out side drawer for one side.  I have a drawer with almost exactly the same stuff in it that would benefit!

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