Have you ever looked for a particular tool and end up missing it? I am sure you have while in your workplace. The main reason is that your tools are everywhere.
You can’t tell whether you kept it on top of your working table or someone borrowed the tool.
While working with a lot of tools, there is a tendency that you will misplace these tools.
Another thing you may notice is that your tools quickly become disorganized. The tools can even be stolen in the worst case scenarios.
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This happens in the cases of a mechanics, carpenters and for those who undertake DIY projects at home.
The key thing is figuring how to avoid such situations. You need to organize your tools in a way that, the tools are easily accessible. The next thing is securing the tools to avoid theft. All you need is a tool chest drawer.
Having a tool chest drawer which is properly organized is what you need. All the troubles you are having because of disorganization of your tools will be over.
I’m here to offer you the best solution. That is why am going to take you through a step by step guide on how to organize tools in chest drawers.
Step 1: Arrange according to weight
When organizing your tools in the chest drawers, arrange these tools according to their weight. The heavier tools are located in bottom drawers of the chest.
This is to provide stability of your chest. Another reason for this arrangement is that the lower drawer has more space compared to the middle and top drawer.
It also makes it easier to carry in the case of portable chests. For the lighter tools place them on the top drawers. This makes it easier to access this kind of tools. Middle drawers place specialty tools and tools that are of average weight.
Step 2: Arrange according to usage
The next arrangement you will make is on the tools you use almost daily. Tools that are frequently used the top and middle drawer will be the best suited. This is to enable easier access to the tools. The tools become within reach whenever the need arises.
For tools that you may only use once a month, the lowest drawer and bottom drawer is best suited for such tools. When the time comes to their usage you can easily retrieve them.
You don’t have to place such tools in dark corners or places where you have to remove a lot of stuff to find them.
Sufficient space on the middle drawers is required since most craftsmen suggest it for mostly used tools. This is because mostly used tools contain a bigger percentage of all your tools.
STEP 3: Arrange according to sizes and types
For tools such as screwdrivers, it is best if you arrange them according to sizes. These tools will most likely have been placed in center and top drawers. To make a quick distinction arrange them according to size.
You may also have tools that are of different types. It is best to arrange according to the manufacturer. For easier retrieval and identification place cards indicating the type, the tools will most likely have been placed in a particular deck.
The types of tools to arrange should not be limited to the same tool with different manufacturers. You can create more distinctions by placing chisels in the same place and punches in another place. This arrangement ensures you are able to get a particular tool easier.
Step 4: Arrange on the pegboard
If you are using specific tools more often, it is advisable that you hang the tools on pegboards or hooks. This will save you a lot of time and you will easily find a particular tool when in need. Wrench sets can be perfectly placed on boxed ends of your drawer.
Manufacturers have designed the wrench sets to fit perfectly on such boxed ends. You are able to sort out the wrenches with ease. The location of the tools on hooks increases your productivity and efficiency.
Step 5: Arrange tools using foam organizers
To create even more access to your tools you can use foam dividers. This foam organizer lets you create a dedicated spot for each tool that you are using.
The process of making this foam toolkit is very simple. All you have to do is cut the foam in a way that any tool can fit perfectly.
With this organizer, you are able to notice any missing tool. This is because each compartment is built to store a particular tool.
Any empty compartment implies that a tool has been misplaced or lost. So with this divider, you are able to keep track of all your tools.
The foam organizer can also be used as a drawer divider. Just cut the foam into rectangular pieces and place in the drawers. Your tools have a better organization when the foam organizer is used in the drawers.
Another benefit you will derive using this organizer is about the reorganization of your tool chest. You can easily reorganize your tool drawers by cutting out a different shape on the foam. This means you are able to customize the arrangement according to your preference easily.
You don’t need a new foam to create a new organization. Just adjust the organizer to fit what you want easily.
Step 6: Arrange according to fragility
It is particularly important to separate delicate tools from the rest. Just place these tools in a different compartment in the drawers. This reduces the chances of such tools from getting damaged. For longer usage the separation of these tools from the rest tools is crucial.
Although it may seem tricky since these tools easily damaged. The safest way is placing them in one drawer which is easily accessible and not the drawer with frequently used items or with other items.
Step 7: Arrange assorted stuff in trays
It is important to note that you may have some assorted stuff such as nails and sockets. These are tiny pieces of tools. Having trays makes it easier to organize such tools especially if use them frequently.
You want to avoid such tools getting when their need arises. That’s why having trays comes in handy. Just buy these additional trays for easier retrieval and safe storage of such tools.
Final Words
It doesn’t matter which type of tool chest you have. You don’t want to have trouble finding a particular.
Having an organized tool chest drawer makes it easier to find the tools that you require. It also facilitates easier identification of tool type and size. That is why it is best if you follow the arrangement highlighted above.
To have a clear outline of your working procedure, provide a disciplined way in the organization of your tools. This creates the needed balance in order to maximize your productivity in your area of work.
You can organize tools according to your preference. There is no limitation on how you will organize your tools.
For the best arrangement follow the outlined guideline on how to organize tool chest drawers. The procedure I have set can be relied on.
You have the best organization at your disposal. After reading through the article, you will find one or two ideas on how to organize tool chest drawers.