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The average homeowner owns a variety of tools, including screwdrivers, hammers, and cordless drills, for hanging picture frames, assembling furniture, and doing other projects around the house. More advanced DIYers will own even more tools, such as jigsaws and sledgehammers. Whether you fall into the first category or the second, you’ll need a way to store all of your tools. Our review of the best tool storage ideas will help you choose the best method for your needs.
DEWALT TSTAK Tool Box
This toolbox is deep, allowing it to hold a number of large tools. At the top of the storage space is an organizer with several compartments for small parts, such as fasteners and drill bits. Below this is an open space for your hand tools and power tools. If you need more storage space than this one box provides, you can purchase several of DEWALT’s TSTAK units and stack them on top of each other.
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FLEXIMOUNTS Two-Pack Garage Shelving
This product comes with two long and deep shelves for wall mounting. Each of the shelves rests on four support beams. These beams, along with the shelves’ metal material make them capable of holding up to 200 pounds each. They’re also available in several colors and sizes, allowing you to customize their appearance based on what works best in your garage.
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Wall Control Pegboard
This product comes with two pegboard panels, and you can purchase more units and seamlessly connect them. Because the holes on these panels have a standard size of ¼-inch, you have ample options on the market in terms of the hook, basket, and other hardware packs you can buy to hang from those holes. The panels are made from galvanized metal for durability and offer several color options for customization.
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Rubbermaid Deluxe Tool Tower
This tool holder was designed for larger tools with long handles, such as brooms and shovels. It has slots for 40 tool handles around its top and a large platform on the bottom for holding the heads of these tools. It’s relatively lightweight at 12 pounds and has four wheels on the bottom of its platform, allowing you to easily relocate it as needed. Two of these wheels are also locking, preventing the unit from moving once it’s in place.
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Keter Rolling Tool Chest
This tool cabinet has five drawers—three small ones on the top and two larger ones on the bottom. It comes with a rubberized worktop to keep your tools from scratching or sliding along with 16 removable bins for organizing your drawers. You can also disconnect the top from the bottom if you only want to access half of the storage cabinet.
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Types of Tool Storage
Five common methods of storing tools in your garage include tool chests, toolboxes, pegboards, shelves, and racks. Here is a breakdown of each type.
Tool Chest
Tool chests look like cabinets. They typically have several drawers for storage and wheels for mobility. They’re best for homeowners with a lot of tools because of their large size. Some also have extra features, such as a wooden or rubber worktop or a detachable toolbox, allowing them to be used for more than just storage.
Toolbox
Toolboxes are smaller versions of tool chests. They have a lid that flips open to reveal compartments. The lid also has a handle, allowing you to lift the box and take it with you when traveling from worksite to worksite.
Pegboard
Pegboards attach to your garage, shed, or workshop walls. They have small holes in them for hardware that your tools hang from. They don’t take up floor or tabletop space like tool chests or toolboxes, but they require installation.
Wall Shelves
Similar to pegboards, wall shelves attach to your walls to save you floor space. They’re not specifically designed for tools, so you can use them for other items as well, such as holiday decorations or storage bins full of miscellaneous items. They can also hold a lot of weight because of their metal construction.
Racks
Storage racks can either be wall-mounted or freestanding. They have slots for holding tool handles, making them best for yard tools with long handles, such as garden rakes and shovels.
Buying Guide
Before buying tool storage, read our buyer’s guide to learn about important factors, such as material and weight capacity.
Tool Quantity
Consider how many tools you need to store. If you only have a few smaller tools, you can get away with a toolbox or pegboard. However, if you have a lot of hand and power tools, you may need the larger amount of storage space that a tool chest provides.
Storage Type
Each of our tool organization ideas uses a different type of storage compartment. For example, tool chests use drawers, toolboxes use compartments, pegboards use holes, wall shelves use shelves, and racks use slots. Consider which type will work best for the tools you own. For example, choose a rack if you own a lot of yard tools or a pegboard if you own mostly hand tools. If you have larger power tools, opt for a tool chest or wall shelf.
Material
Plastic, wood, and metal are the most common materials used to construct these storage methods. Tool chests, racks, and toolboxes can be made of plastic or metal, wall shelves are typically only made of metal, and pegboards can be made of plastic, metal, or wood. Plastic is the most lightweight and affordable option, but it’s also the least durable. Both wood and metal can hold a lot of weight, but wood can warp, chip, crack, or splinter, and metal can dent or rust.
Weight Capacity
The manufacturers of tool chests, toolboxes, and wall shelves usually provide a maximum weight capacity. These numbers can range from a couple of hundred pounds to over a thousand. While pegboards and racks don’t usually provide a weight limit, expect them to be able to hold less weight than the other three options.
Installation/Assembly
Each storage option also has a different installation or assembly process. Toolboxes usually arrive in one piece, allowing you to use them immediately. However, tool chests and freestanding racks require assembly, while shelves, pegboards, and mounted racks require wall mounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there portable tool storage options?
Yes. Toolboxes are your most portable option because of their small size, light weight, and handle. Tool chests usually have wheels, allowing you to change their location in your garage or bring them toward you while you’re working on a project. Freestanding racks are also usually lightweight enough to be picked up and moved. However, wall shelves, pegboards, and wall-mounted racks are permanent fixtures on your garage walls.
How do I protect my tools from theft with these storage solutions?
Some tool chests and toolboxes have a locking mechanism, allowing you to secure your tools inside to prevent theft. The remaining three storage methods have an open design, making them impossible to lock. However, you can lock your garage and home when you’re away to prevent anyone from getting inside.
What is a powder coating?
A powder coating is a type of protective layer that prevents rust and corrosion on metal surfaces. If your tool storage method is made of metal, make sure it has this coating, as this will extend its life.
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