What is the best way to store tools so that they are safe and you can access them whenever you want?
If you’ve ever browsed the shelves of a well-stocked DIY store or tool stockist you’ll agree that it’s somewhat of an understatement to say that tools come in all shapes and sizes.
However, there are a few things that all tools have in common, one of which is that storing them in the right way is key to ensuring that they remain in the best condition and ready for use whenever they’re needed.
When it comes to tool storage and organization though, it’s important to first know a little about the different types of tools and how best to store them to keep them safe and well organized.
Here are some of the most common types of tools that can be found in DIY and professional tool kits:
Hand Tools: Hand tools are those that require physical force to operate. Examples include hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches.
These tools are usually stored in drawers or boxes where they’re kept dry and free from dirt, easy to access, and protected from damage by other, heavier equipment – like power tools.
Power Tools: Power tools provide more power than hand tools and can be used for jobs that require more brute force than finesse. Examples include electric drills, jigsaws, circular saws, and angle grinders.
Traditionally, these tools have been powered by mains electricity, with heavier-duty versions sometimes powered by compressed air. Increasingly though, battery-powered, more portable versions of some of them, particularly drills and electric screwdrivers have become popular.
Power tools are often stored on shelves or wall hooks, so they’re easy to access when needed.
Safety Equipment: Safety equipment includes safety goggles and earmuffs that protect workers from dust particles or loud noises caused by power tools. Safety equipment should always be stored where it is easily accessible to encourage use whenever appropriate.
What is the best way to store tools?
Storing Hand Tools the Right Way – As we’ve mentioned, hand tools are often stored in tool boxes or specialist tool cabinets, or trolleys, some of which can be quite large and come equipped with wheels on the bottom to make moving them around possible.
Of course, the size and shape of hand tools vary greatly, which makes it challenging to store them all away in an organized way, so that when you want to find the right tool quickly, you can.
If they’re all just kept in a box and then thrown back into the box when you’re done, then how are you supposed to find what you’re looking for without digging through a pile of tools each time?
You may know that you need a particular Mountz torque tool for a job, but how can you find it if it’s buried under a pile of hammers, saws, screwdrivers, pliers, etc?
Not only that but more delicate tools such as torque wrenches or precision electrical tools can easily get damaged if they are all just dumped into a toolbox with heavy hammers and the like piled on top of them.
This is where shadow foam really comes into its own. Shadow foam allows you to store your tools securely and safely while also allowing easy access when needed. It also helps to keep them completely organized.
Shadow foam is 100% polyethylene and designed with a unique structure that allows it to cut cleanly. It has the shapes of the various tools you want to store cut into it. The foam then sits neatly inside the tool storage drawer, tray, or toolbox and keeps all of the tools safe and secure.
Not only does shadow foam help to keep your tools organized, but as the holes in the foam are effectively silhouettes of each of the tools, this shows you where each one should go and also tells you straight away if one is missing, as there will be an empty space without a tool in. This helps keep track of your tools and ensure that none go astray.
Hope now you know what is the best way to store tools. For professionals, who may have a lot of money invested in specialized tools that they need to carry out their jobs, shadow foam is an invaluable aid. It’s easy to see then why they choose to use shadow foam to help keep all of their tools clean and stored away in an organized way.
Used in combination with a tool storage box, cabinet, or trolley, it really does save them a lot of time when they need to find the correct tool as it ensures that the tools are always in place and kept in perfect condition to do whatever job they need them for.
