Shop Tools to keep out in the open?

[StevSmar]

Every time I do something that throws chips all around the workshop it takes me ever to clean up my basement workshop.

So maybe my wife is partially right- I should have my tools in drawers or cupboards.

But there are some tools I’d never want to put in a cupboard or drawer because they’re being used all the time:
- Rulers.
- Regular Clamps (that is not the specialist ones like welding F clamps or 48” woodworking clamps).
- Of course pen, pencil, permanent markers, eraser, notepad, utility knife.

What do others have as “essential” tools that you’d always want to have within reach.

 

[David]

I keep tools in ‘zones’
Leather apron zone:
- pencil
- sharpie
- scribe
- small try square
- 10’ tape measure
- linesman scissors

Mill has all the mill tooling underneath in drawers and rolling tool chest.
Lathe has all lathe tooling and metrology instruments in drawers in the lathe stand.
Welding table and welding cart have welding related tools.
I have one large Husky tool chest that contains all my hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, sockets, wrenches etc.
all woodworking tools such as clamps are hung on the wall.

 

[whydontu]

This will probably make some of you start to twitch. Photos of the open end of my main work bench. Metric & imperial wrenches, hex keys, calipers, lots of pliers, and a tackle box with screwdrivers, knives, and small tools.Always at hand.

 

[Dan Dubeau]

As someone that struggles with object permanence, I like to keep everything out in the open where I can see it where it's ready to use. Might not be the best strategy for all, or for cleanliness, but sure helps with productivity. Precise tools, or measurement tools though I keep in drawers.

That clicked for me a few years back when I watched Adam Savages built of a shop tool cart, and he talked about first order retrievability. I'm still not where I'd like to be with regards to it in my shop, but working towards getting there, one project at a time.

 

[Susquatch]

Always at hand

Mill - All frequently used tools including allen wrenches, vise wrench, flashlight, T-slot Cleaner, plastic mallet for spindle collets, drawbar wrench, etc

Mill Tool Chest (Beside Mill) - on top of this chest, I keep my Rotary Table and various tools needed for whatever project I'm making with my mill, as well as frequently used R8 Collets, center drills, etc

Note - I'm, planning to put my shaper on top of the mill tool cabinet and get a smaller tool chest for mill tooling. The rotary table and optical indexer will also be moved to the top of that chest.

Lathe - All frequently used tools, BXA tool holders, chuck keys, all Allen keys that fit lathe and tool holders, tool post wrenches, lathe files, frequently used 5C collets, M12 driver for 5C chuck changes, etc.

Lathe tool chest (opposite lathe) - on top of this chest, I keep all my chucks, as well as parts and various tools for current projects on lathe.

All my M12 tools are on the top shelf of my big 3 layer tool chest.

Tap & Die sets and drill sets are on top of another rolling tool cabinet.

Lots and lots of tools are with various projects in process on work benches or tables or the floor.

I usually do put tools away when they are not being used. But generally, I like to keep tools where they are handy for what they are used for.

I love the term organized chaos. It's perfect for me and my shop.

 

[jorogi]

Tools in the open ? Give me 10 minutes and they all are.

 

[ChazzC]

Every time I do something that throws chips all around the workshop it takes me ever to clean up my basement workshop.

So maybe my wife is partially right- I should have my tools in drawers or cupboards.

But there are some tools I’d never want to put in a cupboard or drawer because they’re being used all the time:
- Rulers.
- Regular Clamps (that is not the specialist ones like welding F clamps or 48” woodworking clamps).
- Of course pen, pencil, permanent markers, eraser, notepad, utility knife.

What do others have as “essential” tools that you’d always want to have within reach.

My shop is still in disaray awaiting the time I can pick stuff up and get started on my project list, but here are a couple of quick shots of what I have around the Mini-Lathe:

Shelf above the lathe: markers, rules, etc. in the caddy; cutting fluids & lubes; spanners & wrenches for ER and other chucks.

Hanging on the face of the headstock: 10mm for chuck mounting nuts; 7mm for cross slide lock; 5mm for carriage lock.