Buying guide for Best tool organizers
If you’re a tradesperson or DIYer, you know how important it is to have the right set of tools. Since no two projects are the same, it’s common for people to amass quite an impressive collection of tools over time. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a tool organizer is a great investment.
Over the years, tool organizers have made leaps and bounds in design. Some are simple, lightweight, and portable; others are complex storage houses for tools, accessories, and hardware. For those with a special set of tools, such as power or garden tools, a wide variety of dedicated tool organizers exist as well. There are tool organizers with flexible or modular designs that allow you to customize organization as well.
Key considerations
Your storage needs
Before you dive into the world of tool organizers, which is rather extensive with hundreds of varieties, take an inventory of your tool collection.
If you’d like to store all your tools in a single location, it may be best to invest in a large tool organizer like a cabinet or workbench. These provide the most storage space, and depending on design, they may feature cubbies, compartments, drawers, or pegboards.
If you use some tools more often than others, it may be best to invest in several tool organizers. Tools used on a daily basis could be kept in a portable tool organizer like a toolbox while those used less often could be stored in a tool chest or on a mounted tool rack.
Ease of portability
If you’re in the market for a portable tool organizer, keep in mind that some in this category are easier to tote around than others.
Portable tool organizers such as those made of nylon or polyester are lightweight and eliminate bulk. If not packed strategically, however, uneven weight distribution could make a tool organizer like this a challenge to carry.
No matter which portable tool organizer piques your interest, it’s essential to invest in one you can carry, roll, or pull with ease. For those who transport their tools for long distances, this is crucial.
Expert Tip
Close the lid on the small item cubbies every time. A spill is a disaster.
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Security
Some people spend a small fortune on their tools. They may even take out an insurance policy on their investment. As a line of defense against theft, you might choose to invest in a secure tool organizer. These products typically come with a lock or holes that will accommodate different types of locks.
Tool organizers with added security tend to cost much more than others. Some say the investment isn’t worth it, but others find peace of mind in the theft deterrent. It’s also a good way to keep out curious animals and children.
Types of tool organizers
Portable tool organizers: Toolboxes, carry cases, backpacks, and some wheeled tool organizers fall into this category. For on-the-go trade professionals and DIYers with a modest tool collection, portability is valuable. However, portable organizers are limited in capacity and will be heavy — and harder to carry — when full.
Mounted tool organizers: Mounted tool organizers are often seen on the walls of sheds, garages, and other workspaces. A variety of pegboards, racks, and shelving units are found here. A weight limit may be offered so you know exactly how much load it can handle. Consider the size of your tools as well. Pegboards work great for paintbrushes and wrenches, but you'll want something more substantial for sledgehammers and pickaxes. Some of these organizers are part of an organizational system with coordinating pieces.
Power tool organizers: From racks to molded cases, you can store your power tools here. Many power tool organizers have dedicated space for cords or rechargeable batteries. It’s common for these products to be rather pricey.
Garden tool organizers
Garden tool organizers may be portable or stationary. Simple totes, bucket organizers, and rolling carts are easy to transport around the garden. Organizational racks that store full-size garden tools such as shovels, aerators, and rakes are stationary options.
Other popular tool organizers
Some tool organizers are multifunctional. They may provide you with a workspace or offer other unique features. Workbenches, for example, are equipped with deep drawers that accommodate tools of many sizes. Tool chests, typically wheeled and made of steel, are appreciated by mechanics and craftspeople. Tool cabinets are essentially oversized lockers with flexible storage options such as shelves, pegs, or racks.
Expert Tip
If you need to clean your tool boxes, try a vacuum hose with cheesecloth on the end. That way, you can suck up dust without sucking up small parts.
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Features
Capacity
Some tool organizers illustrate what they can hold. This may be articulated in list or diagram form. For heavyweight tool organizers like racks and pegboards, capacity is typically expressed as a weight limit. Generalized tool organizer designs — basic tool totes and backpacks, for example — may lack this information.
Charging station
Given the popularity of cordless tools, it’s no surprise that some tool organizers have integrated charging stations. These are specially designed with multiple battery slots so you can easily switch them out. While incredibly convenient, it may be tricky to find a compatible organizer for your tool set due to variations in rechargeable batteries.
Branded organizers
Branded tool organizers are manufactured by tool companies to accommodate specific types of tools or tool sets. They’re popular with brand loyalists because they provide a near-perfect fit with molded slots for specific tools. While often more expensive, this type of product eliminates guesswork when it comes to arranging tools in storage.
If you have an old portable tool organizer, repurpose it as an emergency kit for your vehicle. Store jumper cables, socket wrenches, a few water bottles, and flashlights inside it.
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Tool organizer prices
Inexpensive
Simple portable and garden tool organizers cost between $10 and $50. They can hold up to a dozen tools and often have removable straps or wheels.
Mid-range
In the $60 to $250 range, a variety of deluxe portable tool organizers and mounted power tool organizers can be found. Often manufactured by tool companies, these are well-made and built to last.
Expensive
The priciest tool organizers run from $250 all the way up to $1,500. Workbenches, tool cabinets, and pegboard systems are found here. If you’re a DIYer or trade professional who needs to store a wealth of tools and accessories, this price bracket may be for you.
For Your Safety
In many garden tool organizers, items are stored facing up to prevent dirt from accumulating inside them. Exercise caution whenever you reach for your garden tools — especially those with sharp or pointed edges.
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Tips
- Invest in drawer organizers. Some workbenches and tool chests have large, spacious drawers. To keep contents separate, consider investing in drawer organizers to subdivide those compartments into small, organized sections.
- Try more than one configuration. Pegboards are incredibly flexible, but it can be challenging to find the ideal configuration for tool storage. Try more than one layout. We suggest taking photos of different configurations to determine which one would work best.
- Pick up a tool wallet. A tool wallet holds a small tool set, such as a wrench set. With an individual compartment for each wrench, it’s easy to make sure you’ve retrieved each piece at the end of a day’s work.
Expert Tip
Labeling drawers and cubbies will keep you more organized.
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FAQ
Q. Are there tool organizers that house smaller tools?
A. Yes. If you work with small handheld tools for jewelry making or fine project work, a portable tool storage chest is ideal because it is equipped with a variety of compartments that hold small items. Transparent windows offer maximum visibility of contents.
Q. Are backpack tool organizers popular?
A. Yes. The best backpack tool organizers feature a well-designed series of compartments that may accommodate power tools and electronic devices. Because weight is distributed evenly across the back and your hands are free, a backpack tool organizer is easy to carry, too.
Q. How can I keep my tool organizer clean?
A. An easy way to keep out dust and dirt is to always close your tool organizer after you retrieve or return a tool. If you notice considerable accumulation inside the organizer, a few bursts of air from a can of compressed air will blast away most of it. For deeper-set stains or grime, consider wiping down the organizer (or spot cleaning it) with alcohol wipes.
