You’ve had your next project on your mind for a while now and you finally have time to get to it. But then you enter your garage and realize you can’t find this, that, or the other thing.
Or maybe you’ve just purchased a new power tool and want to know the best way to keep it in good shape for years to come. Either way, having a clean and organized workspace can be incredibly useful. Here are some tips that will help you organize.
Build a Pegboard
Adding pegboards or slat walls to your garage can be an excellent and cost-effective way to organize your tools. You can also purchase packets of pegboard accessories that make it easy to see all of your tools in one place.
Steps to Hanging a Pegboard Wall
1. Pick your spot
Select the area of your garage that you want to add the pegboard. This might be a good time to start considering temperature. If you have an attached garage, consider using a wall that shares its other side with the inside of your house.
2. Locate studs
Another element that might dictate where you put your pegboard is stud placement. Use a stud finder to locate the studs within your chosen wall. Mark the locations to determine where you’ll hang the pegboard.
3. Mount your pegboard
You can use drywall or wood screws to mount your board—or lath screws, which offer a bit more durability. You might also consider attaching the pegboard with lath screws and using drywall screws to firmly secure it. At this point, you might also want to keep electrical outlets in mind. Having one near your pegboard could be incredibly handy. You can also create cutouts in your pegboard to increase access to outlets.
4. Add mounting tracks
For additional support of heavier tools, add mounting tracks to areas of your pegboard that are backed by studs.
There are a couple of ways you might choose to organize your pegboard once it’s up. Organizing by usage may work for you if you only have a few different types of projects you work on. Organizing by size might be better if you work on several projects that might use tools from different categories. Going by size will also make it easier to find things with a visual scan.
Create a Charging Space
Many power tools require either an outlet or a battery that has to be kept charged. Creating dedicated charging stations is a great way to make sure all of your tools and power supplies have a home, and that they’re always charged.
Cord organizers
Mounting organizers that hold the end of a charger, for example, make it easy to grab the output you need. They also help make sure those cords don’t disappear because they end up getting used for other things.
Cable ties
Using cable ties can be an affordable option to keep your cords organized and out of the way. You can also use them to pair like cables together.
Cable covers
You might consider using cable covers if you have several cords that you want to run down to an outlet. They’re great for making a space look neat while keeping cords out of danger’s way—especially when working with power tools.
Control the Environment
One last thing to consider when trying to build the ultimate storage space for your power tools is temperature. Some people worry about leaving expensive equipment out in the cold. While for the most part you should be fine, there are a few precautionary measures you can take.
Dehumidifier
Basements and garages are known to get a little muggy. Excess moisture can have a negative effect on your tools and cause rust. Purchasing a dehumidifier can help ensure that this never becomes a problem. Having lubes handy might also help you remember to put protective coatings on things that require the occasional upkeep.
Insulation and Noise
There are a couple types of insulation you might consider. On the more expensive side, if your garage or basement gets extremely cold, insulating between the walls could help give you more control over temperature and noise. But if noise is your only concern, you can also purchase sound isolation barriers that cut at least a little of that noise out.
Smell
Different chemicals and tools can produce an unpleasant smell. Having a plan for dealing with those smells can help. In some cases, using an air circulation fan can help prevent harmful fumes from creating an unpleasant or dangerous work atmosphere.
Setting up an ideal workspace may seem like a chore, but having a dedicated workspace will make projects easier to achieve and clean up after. It also takes the guesswork out of figuring out where you put your tools last, which probably causes more frustration than the work itself.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.