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    Tool Storage Solutions for Your Workshop

    By on Last modified: April 4, 2022

    Having an organised workplace is essential for every tradesman. Workshops are fast-paced settings, with a lot going on. If you care about productivity and efficiency, then all your tools and equipment need to have an allocated place. This means easier access to tools for the task at hand. No more searching endlessly for what you need, and risk your health and safety by doing so.

    There are dozens of storage solutions that remove clutter, raise workplace safety, and improve working conditions. With tools and equipment stored in visible and familiar places at all times, you increase speed, reduce unnecessary physical strain, and keep that investment away from sticky fingers.

    High on any tradesman’s shopping list, especially those who work out of a shop, we have the easy-access tool storage boxes. Cabinets, chests, workstations as well as shelving and tool wallboards are some of the more popular options. They come in different sizes, various configurations in terms of capacity and internal layout, and can be fixed or mobile.

    Tool Chests and Cabinets

    Tool chests and cabinets are staples of any workshop. They’re the storage solutions that keep tools in a convenient place that is also easily accessible. They allow for tools to be grouped together with similar tools, and stored in separate drawers or compartments. This speeds up the productivity in the workplace, since you won’t be wasting precious time looking for tools. In addition, they allow you to keep tools in a secure place, and reduce the chances of theft and unintentional damage.

    What to Look for in Tool Chests and Cabinets

    Tool Chests and Cabinets
    Source: stalwartproducts.com

    You’ll want quality tool storage boxes, cabinets and chests that can neatly organise the majority of tools and gear that you regularly use. They should have adequate internal storage, sturdy build, protective features and if the need arises, mobility. The storage capacity is the first thing that determines the type of storage solution you require.

    Overall heights and widths differ, and you can combine several fixed chests, cabinets, benches or boxes along with those fitted with roller wheels so tools can be easily moved around. Larger chests have multiple damped slider drawers for smooth and safe opening and closing.

    Each drawer is also weight rated (hovering around 50kilos) and there are differently sized drawers to fit tools in different dimensions. A general rule is to have the top drawers filled with the tools or equipment that you use most often. For this reason, tool box makers offer combo boxes, with removable top storage boxes sitting atop heavy-duty chests.

    Durability is another selling point. This ensures that no matter which type of tool storage solution you choose, it will remain in top condition for years to come. Bigger chests and cabinets are built around a sturdy frame made of high-grade, powder coated steel to resist corrosion and wear.

    The same material is used in drawers and shelving. Units designed to carry more weight feature strengthened iron bases and those that can be moved around sit on industrial rated castor wheels. Some chests and cabinets have additional side rubber inserts to avoid impact damage. The use of quality materials, as well as the level of workmanship, reflect the price, so invest your hard-earned cash wisely.

    And you’ll want the investment in tools and gear protected at all times. Locks are a necessity on any tool box, tool cabinet or chest. You’ll find internal locking systems that prevent drawers from opening, and key-operated locks are essential to secure different parts of the storage unit or the whole unit with one simple turn of the key.

    Mobility is important in getting heavy tools to the right place. Roller boxes are those that sit on castor wheels, so you can move your tools around safely and quickly. Wheels are resistant to oil and chemicals and are low wearing. The included brakes increase safety when moving hundreds of kilos of metal.

    Additional side and top metal handles also help here. Most workshops will have at least one fixed workbench, often with an integrated tool chest or cabinet and metal wallboard, as well as several smaller roller boxes. This allows for better organisation, increased safety, quicker access and mobility across all your tools.

    Other Tool Storage Options

    tool storage boxes
    Source: gumtree.com

    Smaller toolkits and tool boxes come in dozens of configurations. Hand carry options include tote bags, duffle bags, trolley bags with telescopic handles, pouch bags and tool belts, backpacks and more. There are also a range of bags designed specifically for different trades.

    All of these will be good for storing hand tools, smaller powered tools, testing equipment and meters and any accessories and odd bits, like fasteners, cabling or spare parts. Most are available in many sizes and can be found made from soft fabrics with reinforced bases. You’ll also find smaller tool boxes of hardened plastics, or so-called poly boxes, which are usually a bit bigger so you can fit more tools inside.

    The durable design makes them a good solution for both the workshop or the ute to complement any larger metal ute tool box. Some will also be better suited to carrying sensitive items, like electronic testing gear, since they include internal padding as well as additional compartments.