Power Tool Storage

Up till now I've used a lock up steel cabinet to hold all my hand power tools but it is always a mess and the cords get tangled.
I saw a storage rack recently where they hung them all by their cords close to the tool - (not by the end) - not sure if that would cause problems down the track with the lead.
I have been thinking of maybe some steel filing cabinets or old school steel lockers.
I should probably build something like individual boxes with sloping fronts and maybe lids on each box but the project doesn't inspire me!

What does everyone else use to store their hand power tools?

Power tool storage is one of the problem areas in most workshops. There are so many shapes and sizes and the collection keeps changing. Mine are all under the work bench but while it is secure and dry can get in a tangle. I would not be hanging any of mine by the cord. It may not do any harm to most tools but I can't see it doing any good either. I have seen some clever things like drills placed in plastic pipe elbows on shelves. Peg board is another system and there are a wide range of hooks available. I guess I have put power tool storage in the too tricky basket for now. Any system will have to keep changing as you replace tools.
Regards
John

I do not like the idea of hanging a power tool by the cord, even if it is at the base of the tool. There is no way of confirming how the connection to the power with in the tool is secure. Could just be enough to make this loose.

I don't have many loose power tools only a drill. It is still packed away in it storage box, might be a bit tattered but still works.

How about making long rectangle box that would fit in one of the shelves of your steel cabinet. Then determine the tools that are going to go into that part of the cabinet and just create dividers for the tool. Just have them screwed in.

Another thought that could be of use would be to make L shape pieces that would fit in the cabinet and have the tool sit in this. The next tool butts up against the last L shape. To prevent the cord from coming out just add another piece of wood to the front to act as a lip.


Very crude but I hope this explains the thought.

Attachment 137450

Well there is this one and lots of other ideas at:
Tool Shelf

Hanging by the cord is not a good idea. I use steel filing cabinets for most of my power tools, even a scroll saw laid on its side with a piece of carpet in the bottom. Store accessories in the drawer with each tool, e.g. circular saw blades with circular saw, spare sanding belts with belt sander(s), cut-off wheels with RA grinder, etc. Some drawers contain more than one tool. Filing cabinets may be available at garage sales and used office furniture shops.

Cheers,
Joe

I like deep drawers under my bench, and as Joe says keep all the bits & bobs with the correct tool. Works well.:D Regards, Bill

Thanks for our advice - I've decided to go with a row of small cabinets, one for for each tool group and a space to store spare blades ect inside each cabinet.
A bit time consuming but most are well worth the effort.

I have never thought of using a filing cabinet for tool storage, it seems a great method and the cords will not be tangled with one tool one draw :2tsup:
les

Darned great site you posted there Scribbly!! thanx!:2tsup::2tsup:

I would modify the shelf show with a clip to hold the cord to the front edge.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gnu52

I like deep drawers under my bench, and as Joe says keep all the bits & bobs with the correct tool. Works well.:D Regards, Bill

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That's reassuring, Gnu. I'm in the process of making new storage for my power tools and they are going in deep drawers on full-extension runners. Each one will go in its own section with the appropriate spanners, fences, etc. stored with them so it's easy to grab what I need. I'm only halfway there, so will maybe post a few pics wwhen it is done...

Because I need them for multiple tools, drills & router bits & so forth live in a couple of drawers where they are easy to grab as required.
Cheers,