Organizing Your Tools

Keeping your tools properly stored and organized will ensure that you can find the right tool when you need it.

by HSM Staff

Most of us store our tools out in the garage or basement. So, whenever a problem arises, we have to run out and rummage through tool boxes just to find one simple tool. Save yourself time and energy by assembling a basic home repair kit to store in your kitchen or laundry room.

All you really need is a large drawer in which to store your everyday tools.* Dividing the drawer into segments will keep it more organized- you can purchase an organizer or just look around for a silverware tray that you are no longer using. Small, lidded, plastic containers are excellent for storing nuts, bolts, and nails (use the clear type so that you can see what's inside).

Gather the tools and materials that you use most frequently. Here is a suggested list, add or remove items based on your individual needs.

Flashlight and extra batteries
Small hammer
Multi-tip screwdriver
Mini screwdriver set
Small measuring tape
Pliers
Wrenches
Heavy-duty scissors
Small level
Safety glasses
Assortment of nuts, bolts, screws, nails, and picture hangers
Various glues: glue stick, white glue, and superglue
Tapes: duct tape, packing tape, and masking tape
Adhesive remover/ Goo Gone

Labeling your tools will help ensure that they find their way back to your basic repair kit. Use a permanent marker to label each tool with "BRK" (Basic Repair Kit). Another idea is to color code your items- assign a color for the items in the basic repair kit and make sure everyone knows that the items of that color go back in the drawer. You can keep the drawer even more organized by affixing labels onto the organizing tray so that an item is returned to its precise location. Remember to keep all tools out of the reach of small children- attach a drawer lock if necessary.

*If you don't have a large enough drawer to house your kit, use a small tool box and place it on a shelf in the laundry room, pantry, or kitchen cabinet. Remember to label the contents as well as the outside of the tool box.

Hot Tip
Organize instruction manuals, maintenance schedules, warranties, and store receipts into one binder. Buy a three-ring binder and fill it with plastic sheet protectors. Then, place each booklet into its own protector and use dividers to organize the contents into sections. Include a calendar in the front pocket to note when certain maintenance or repairs were performed for a quick reference. Keep your binder in a central location near your home repair kit.

Safety

Ladders
Follow these simple rules to prevent falls and injuries while using ladders.

If you are uncomfortable on a ladder, enlist someone else's help or hire a contractor.
Do not use a ladder that is not structurally sound.
Use the right ladder for the right job- an A-frame ladder for indoor use and an extension ladder for outdoor.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for usage and weight limits.
Set up the ladder on a flat, level surface. Enlist blocks if necessary to make it level and secure them with stakes.
Rest the base of the ladder at a distance equal to 1/8 of its height. For example: the base of a 16 foot ladder should rest 2 feet from a wall.
Employ a ladder stabilizer when working on the roof or gutters.
Wear a tool belt or use a special bag that attaches to the ladder to keep your tools within reach.
Wear appropriate closed-toe shoes.
Never stand on the top two steps of a ladder.

Gear
Remember to always wear the appropriate safety gear even if they are not the most fashionable accessory.

Wear goggles or glasses to protect your eyes.
Wear earplugs or earmuffs when using power tools.
Wear a respirator when sanding, sawing, or using materials with fumes.

Garage Tools
Keeping your other tools organized in the garage really isn't as hard as it may seem. All that you really have to do is set up a system and stick with it. Here are some suggestions:

Use a tool storage unit with multiple drawers to store all of your tools. Label each drawer and replace items to the appropriate drawer after each use.
Employ a color coding system. Use tool boxes of various colors or use paint pens to code those that you already own. Designate each box for similar items; one for hammers, screwdrivers, and fasteners, for example. Then, color code the contents with the corresponding box. Remember to label the outside of the box with the contents.
Label shelving so that the contents get replaced to the appropriate spot. This saves a lot of headaches if you have several family members utilizing the tools.

Tip: Have an empty tool box or belt on hand at all times. Place all the items that you need for a job into the box/belt. This will save you from carrying several tool boxes inside and make it a snap to return them to the garage.

Quick Fix
Buy a couple of multitools and place them in several locations for quick fixes. These handy devices usually include a screwdriver, knife, pliers, and other helpful tools. Their compact form makes them ideal for your car's glove box, kitchen drawer, or laundry room.

Common Sense
Always use common sense when using any tool.

Use the right tool for the right job.
Do not use broken tools.
Do not use tools while under the influence of alcohol.
Unplug power tools when not in use or while changing parts.
Always keep a first aid kit on hand.