Organising and maintaining a collection of tools can be a challenging task, especially without the right storage solution. This is particularly true for those who work on cars regularly. Finding the right tool storage is essential for keeping your tools and car parts organised and easily accessible, enabling you to easily search your tools, keep them to hand, and protect them.
The types of storage you’ll be looking for are mobile drawers, under-bench cupboards and drawers, wall-hung cupboards, and tool racks.
Look for durability and quality
The last thing you want is for your tool storage to fall apart or become damaged after a short period of use. Look for tool storage solutions that are built to last. If built from metal, they should be thick enough that they are difficult to dent, but not so thick as to be unwieldy. They should be powder coated or anodised so they don’t rust, and held together with quality components. If made from plastic, they should be robust and be reinforced with ribs or ridges.
Consider the weight capacity of the storage solution, and make sure it can handle the weight of your tools and car parts without buckling or collapsing.
Look for features such as reinforced corners, smooth-gliding drawers, and secure latches or locks. The last thing you want is for your tools and car parts to become damaged due to poor quality storage solutions.
Consider your specific needs
Think about the types of tools and car parts you have, and how you like to work. There are specific items that you may find difficult to store, such as engine hoists and jacks that may take up more room. Do you need a large storage solution for a wide range of tools for a full engine rebuild and body-off restoration, or do you only need something small to hold a few essential items for a bit of tinkering?
Consider the size and shape of your tools and car parts, as well as any special requirements you may have, such as a need for lockable storage or the ability to move your tools around easily.
And, of course, you need somewhere to work on the vehicle, and in which to hold your tool storage. You may want to search through the huge range of sheds for sale to get something suitable to your needs so everything you own can be kept in one place.
It’s also important to think about how you like to work. For example, if you prefer to have all of your tools and car parts within easy reach as you work, a portable tool chest with wheels may be the perfect solution. Alternatively, if you have a workshop space with limited floor area, wall-mounted and floor-standing tool cabinets with multiple drawers and compartments, plus wall-mounted racks may be more suitable.
Think about organisation and accessibility
Look for storage solutions that offer plenty of organisation and configuration options, such as multiple drawers, compartments, and dividers.
You could start with a list of your tools and then when you’re looking for storage, check that you’ll have room for everything.
Will your tool kit grow in the future? Or might it contract? This should influence your thinking.
Consider how you like to access your tools and car parts. Do you prefer to have everything on display and easily accessible, or do you prefer to keep everything neatly tucked away? Do you have tools you use very infrequently that can be put away in less convenient places?
Consider your budget
Tool storage solutions come in a wide range of price points, so it’s important to consider how much you’re willing to invest in your storage solution. Keep in mind that the cost of the storage solution should be balanced with its durability, quality, and features. It’s better to invest in a high-quality tool storage solution that will last for many years, rather than a cheap solution that will need to be replaced soon after purchase.
By applying these tips, you can select the most suitable tool storage solution for your collection of tools, ensuring they are safe, accessible, and well-maintained for years to come.
Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
