15 Easy Ideas for Tool Storage

Keep your workbench, garage, and shed organized with these versatile tool storage ideas.

By Deirdre Mundorf | Updated Feb 28, 2022 11:31 AM

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Tool Storage Ideas

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When your tool shed or garage is organized, it can make tackling a new project so much easier. Rather than searching for the drill, hammer, screwdriver, or other tool you need, you will know exactly where to look to find what you need. This leaves more time to focus on the project at hand and can eliminate unnecessary stress.

Whether you’re looking to create a DIY tool organizer or purchase something premade and ready to use, these tool storage ideas should help provide you with the inspiration you’re looking for.

1. Two-Level Tool Box

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Amazon.com

The Trusco 2-Level Toolbox offers a spacious interior with multiple compartments that help keep tools and hardware organized and easy to find. This tool box, which earned the “Best Overall” award in our guide to the best tool boxes, features durable all-metal construction with a blue enamel finish and comfortable handle for carrying.

Get the Trusco ST-350-B 2-Level Toolbox on Amazon for $64.50

2. Cordless Drill Organizer

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Etsy.com

If you’re looking for tool organization ideas for your cordless drills, consider this drill organizer from Late Night Wood Shop. You can customize the number of slots to fit your needs, and a “combo version” is even available to add a slot for storing a cordless circular saw. Above the slots that hold the cordless drills, there are two shelves for storing batteries, chargers, or other small tools.

Get the Cordless Drill Organizer on Etsy, starting at $90

3. Tool Chest with Drawers

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Amazon.com

This Craftsman Tool Chest offers four shallow drawers to help keep tools easy to find. Additionally, the top of the chest features a hinged opening that provides extra storage space. This tool organizer, a top pick in our researched guide to the best tool chests, can hold up to 300 pounds of equipment and includes a keyed internal locking system to keep your tools safe and secure.

Get the Craftsman Tool Chest on Amazon for $149

4. Custom Shelving Unit

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Amazon.com

If you’re looking for the best garage shelving solution for your space, consider using the 2x4basics Shelflinks to create your own custom unit. This kit includes all the hardware you’ll need to create your own DIY tool storage shelf using 2x4s. Cut the 2x4s to match your desired length and width, then use the easy-to-follow instructions to put everything together. You’ll only need a saw and a power screwdriver or drill.

Get the 2x4basics Shelflinks Shelving and Storage System on Amazon for $27.94

5. Wrench Organizer Tray

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Amazon.com

Another essential for tool organization is this wrench organizer tray from Tool Sorter. The tray, which will fit in most tool chest drawers, includes labeled spots to hold up to 28 quarter-inch to ¾-inch wrenches. The tray, a featured selection in our guide to the best wrench organizers, is constructed from high-quality and long-lasting ABS plastic. It is also deep enough to ensure your wrenches are protected against bumps and scratches.

Get the Tool Sorter Wrench Organizer on Amazon for $18.49

6. Waterproof Outdoor Storage Box


PROMOTED PICK

If you don’t have a garage or shed where you can store your yard tools, consider the waterproof YardStash outdoor storage box. The box is constructed from a durable vinyl tarpaulin material that holds up well against the elements and won’t warp, crack, or leak. Two size options are available to accommodate your storage needs: medium (31 by 25 by 28 inches) and extra-large (60 by 25 by 28 inches).

Get the YardStash XL Outdoor Storage Box on Amazon for $129.99

7. Overhead Wall Cabinet

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Amazon.com

Adding a garage cabinet, such as this one from itbe, can increase your available storage and keep your tools safe and within easy reach. This overhead cabinet features two adjustable shelves to let you customize the layout to match your storage needs. It offers high-quality steel construction and has a 66-pound overall capacity (44 pounds per shelf). You can lock the cabinet, as well, to prevent others from accessing your tools.

Get the itbe Small Wall Cabinet on Amazon for $154.99

8. Yard Tool Storage Rack

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Etsy.com

Rakes, shovels, brooms, and other long-handled garden tools can take up a lot of space in a shed or garage. This tool-racking solution for yard tools from BayouStateBuilt mounts to the studs on a wall or bricks and cinder blocks (masonry screws will be needed) and will help keep all your tools organized and off the floor. Choose between heights of 2 and 6 feet to accommodate up to 11 tools.

Get the Yard Tool Storage Rack on Etsy, starting at $51.26

9. Zippered Tool Storage Case

Protect your meters, sensitive devices, and other tools with this zippered case from Klein Tools. The soft interior lining prevents your tools and devices from getting scratched, while the hard outer shell protects them from getting bumped or broken. The case’s zipper goes all the way around its perimeter, ensuring a tight seal to prevent small pieces or parts from falling out.

Get the Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Large Hard Tool Case at The Home Depot for $21.97

10. Socket Organizer


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Keep all your sockets arranged by size with this socket organizer from B&C Home Goods. The set of trays includes three red trays labeled with Standard American English measurements and three black trays labeled with metric measurements. Each tray also features a large base to prevent tipping.

Get the B&C Home Goods Socket Organizer on Amazon for $39.99

11. Slatwall Panel Organizer

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Amazon.com

The Proslat Garage Organizer offers a spacious 8-foot by 4-foot space where you can hang all your tools and accessories. Each square foot can hold up to 75 pounds. Be sure to also purchase the Proslat Steel Hook Kit, which will allow you to customize the layout of this homemade DIY tool storage solution.

Get the Proslat PVC Slatwall Garage Organizer on Amazon for $189.99

12. Hand Tool Organizer

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Etsy.com

The Ultimate Hand Tool Organizer from VectorCustoms is designed to hold 48 tools. The slots work with nearly any tool that has a handle, making it an excellent option to organize everything from screwdrivers to wrenches to hammers. The organizer is constructed from unfinished ½-inch birch plywood and can be mounted to a wall using the included drywall screws and anchors or hung from a pegboard.

Get the Ultimate 48-Piece Hand Tool Organizer on Etsy for $68.95

13. Hardware Drawers

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Amazon.com

Keep hardware, small tools, batteries, and other tools organized with this 44-drawer cabinet from IRIS USA. The cabinet includes twelve 4-inch by 6-inch by 2-inch drawers and thirty-two 1.75-inch by 6-inch by 1.5-inch drawers. You can choose to mount the cabinet to a wall or place it on the table. Multiple cabinets can even be securely stacked thanks to their interlocking grooved design.

Get the IRIS USA 44-Drawer Hardware Cabinet on Amazon for $46.99

14. Tape Measure Hanger

Tool Storage Ideas

Photo: Etsy.com

With this tape measure hanger from SeansMakerSpace, you will always be able to know exactly where your tape measure is. The simple hanger can either attach to a wall or under a cabinet or shelf for more hidden or out-of-the way storage. Once mounted, simply hook tape measures over the hanger to keep them organized and easy to find.

Get the Tape Measure Hanger on Etsy for $8.50

15. Metal Garage Storage Cabinet


PROMOTED PICK

The Fedmax Metal Garage Storage Cabinet offers covered, secured, and out-of-sight storage for all your tools. This five-shelf cabinet offers four adjustable shelves, allowing you to customize the layout to best meet your needs. Each shelf can support up to 180 pounds, giving the cabinet a total capacity of 900 pounds. Clear assembly directions are included, as are leg levelers to keep the cabinet level on uneven surfaces.

Get the Fedmax Metal Garage Storage Cabinet on Amazon for $279.99

The prices listed here are accurate as of publication on 2/27/22.