November 22, 20169 yr What solutions actually work to keep you hand tools where you want them. I normally work on the house if I do the work it is the spouses job to clean up. Should I put them all in places where the outline can be painted where they rest? Should I cut out felt in there profile same as paint but more protective? Should I just label drawers and shelves with what goes here? Should I get out only one tool at a time and then put it back? Should i get the set of tools out and confrim they are put back where I wanted them? What works in your shop? Edited November 21, 20178 yr by Ron Dudelston tags added
November 22, 20169 yr If I do a job in the house, the tools go back to the shop. And, I sometimes put them in their place. If I use a tool in the shop, it stays on the bench until the accumulation gets out of hand. Then I spend a couple hours putting them away. Each tool has a particular place. I often forget where that place is, though.
November 22, 20169 yr I got a mechanic's tool chest a few years ago after realizing that I probably won't ever have time to build one of the tool cabinets that you see in magazines from time to time. (Initially, I was waiting for my interests and collections to stabilize) Wish I'd done it years earlier. Each drawer holds one type of tool and its labeled ("Slotted screw drivers", "Chisels" "Router bits," etc.). Work apron holds the same tools -- pencils, 6" rules, 4" calipers, engineer's square, tape measure, chuck key, eraser, and utility knife. Bigger tools (routers, drills, planes, Kreg jig, biscuit cutter) go on a shelf in a nearby cabinet. My on-site tool tote is an open-topped nylon tote. Most everything fits in a pocket or the big things out the middle. If I'm going to keep using it, it stays out, if it's likely to be a one-time thing, comes out, gets used, and goes back in. I have used peg-boards but believe they are a great waste of space. I'd feel the same way about the Kaizen foam, unless it's something critical that you know it's back there, like working on jet engines where you don't want to close up with a 3/4" wrench in there.
November 23, 20169 yr 3 hours ago, Michael Thuman said: Should i get the set of tools out and confirm they are put back where I wanted them? this does and so does this... and as already said.. MY shop. MY tools, MY responsibility! set up system and learn... 3 hours ago, Michael Thuman said: Should I put them all in places where the outline can be painted where they rest? Should I cut out felt in there profile same as paint but more protective? this system hurts come any kind of change...
November 23, 20169 yr Stick, those pictures settle it. You're a neat freak. Enviable organisational skills, though.
November 23, 20169 yr My tools are my responsibility. When I put them away, I know where they belong, or at least have some idea where they were placed. Next time the're needed I won't have to ask anyone where they are. My shop isn't exactly neat, but for myself, everything has a home area, if it hasn't been left on the workbench. If I had as many tools as Stick, I'd have to build more shop space, just to get in.
November 23, 20169 yr Author Thanks all Rant over. Stick great pictures and you are my goal but i will never get there. I like the idea of a mechanics chest. Then labels on each drawer.
November 23, 20169 yr 1 hour ago, Gene Howe said: Stick, those pictures settle it. You're a neat freak. Enviable organizational skills, though. it's a tiny shop... if I didn't do it things would get out of control quick and work difficulty coefficient wold thicken...
November 23, 20169 yr 5 hours ago, Gene Howe said: If I do a job in the house, the tools go back to the shop. And, I sometimes put them in their place. If I use a tool in the shop, it stays on the bench until the accumulation gets out of hand. Then I spend a couple hours putting them away. Each tool has a particular place. I often forget where that place is, though. Yes! I spent a large part of today trying to relocate the bench top! Nice to know I am not alone!
November 23, 20169 yr We know there's a bench under there somewhere. And it's such a relief when we find it.
November 23, 20169 yr 2 minutes ago, Gene Howe said: We know there's a bench under there somewhere. And it's such a relief when we find it. you mean under that layer of stuff is another layer of stuff...
November 23, 20169 yr 13 minutes ago, Stick486 said: you mean under that layer of stuff is another layer of stuff... You got it. Every time I clean off the bench, I tell myself that I'll not let it get this way ever again. I never listen.
November 23, 20169 yr 2 hours ago, Stick486 said: that's what she said.... In my case, she's probably correct.
November 23, 20169 yr 16 minutes ago, Gene Howe said: In my case, she's probably correct. You too, huh? John
November 23, 20169 yr 27 minutes ago, Gene Howe said: In my case, she's probably correct. same here...
November 24, 20169 yr On 11/23/2016 at 6:39 AM, Gene Howe said: We know there's a bench under there somewhere. And it's such a relief when we find it. I finally am seeing small segments of wooden top between the stuff....I might be winning!
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