If your shop is anything like mine, there's a good chance that benchtop or countertop space is at a premium. It seems like there's an unwritten rule that states: "The tools and project parts you accumulate will expand to fill any available flat surfaces." And if you don't keep your shop clean, just finding a place to set down a tool can be a challenge. I recently tried out a few inexpensive items designed to help cut the clutter. They've proven to be really useful for some common storage needs.
Drill Press Tool Collector
The drill press is the first place I needed to find some help. More often than not, when I use the drill press there are going to be a few bit changes. On top of that, it's not unusual to have a countersink bit or a couple of sanding drums on hand for the same project.
Having the Tool Collector shown in the photo above has made life a lot easier. A large hose clamp holds the mounting bracket for the collector on the drill press column. This allows you to swing the storage tray into position when you need it. A series of holes in the tray keeps several of the most common bit sizes close at hand. And a lip on the edge of the round tray prevents things from rolling off. For under $15, you'd be hard pressed to find a more useful accessory.
Router Bit Storage Rack
Keeping router bits off the benchtop and out of drawers where they can roll around and easily be damaged is a priority. The bit rack shown below will hold both 1/2" shank bits (27) and 1/4" shank bits (13). The mounting holes are spaced 16" on center, so you can even mount it to wall studs.
Lathe Tool Holder
Another place where I like to keep several tools and supplies near at hand is the lathe. The lathe tool holder shown at right has twelve slots for hanging your turning tools (six regular and six miniature). There's also plenty of tray space for sandpaper, calipers, or a can of your favorite finish. And it features a lip on the edge, so you don't need to worry about your supplies sliding off.
In order to bear the weight of tools and supplies, the tool holder is made of tough, high-impact plastic supported by a steel pivot arm. A sturdy mounting bracket fits into the slot on the bed of most standard-size or midi lathes.
Magnetic Mounting Tray
For tools, accessories, small project parts, or hardware, this 4 1/2" by 8 1/4" magnetic tray is perfect for wherever you're working. The sheet metal tray is rigid and built to last. And the magnets provide plenty of grip so the tray won't slide or move with tool vibration. The mounting tray also features a protective rubber bumper to help prevent it from scratching up your tools. As you can see in the photo, I keep one on my band saw.
This collection of tool holders is guaranteed to make your time in the shop more productive. And to organize more tools, check out the tool apron in the box below. None of them will break the bank, but each will be a big help.
Worth a Look: Storage Apron
No matter how hard I try to organize my shop, there are always a few items that just don't seem to fit anywhere. Oftentimes it's due to their odd size or shape. That's where the Pack Rack Tool Apron comes in handy.
Think of this as an apron for your shop (though few aprons can claim to have half as many pockets). Made of heavy denim and double-stitched for extra strength, the Tool Apron is sure to last a lifetime. On top of that, four steel grommets allow you to hang the apron on a wall, a roll-around shop cart, or clamp rack, as shown in the photo.
The pockets will hold chisels, screwdrivers, squares, or just about any other hand tool to keep them near the job. The innovative design of the pockets features a back row of narrow slots for chisels and screwdrivers, while the large pockets sit directly in front. It seems a little unconventional, but it really works out well. It might be the perfect solution for your storage needs.
