A cluttered toolbox makes work a mess too. If you have a greasy, dirty and messy toolbox, you can learn some concrete strategies for cleaning and making your workday easier. Start by cleaning it, observing what it has and then rearranging it in a more careful way. If done well, you can learn how to clean your toolbox and keep it clean.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Organizing Toolbox
Step 1. Spread a large tarp or cardboard across the driveway
Whether you're rearranging the equipment storage rack in the garage or cleaning out a portable box, the best way to get started is to get all your tools out and see what you have. If the box is really a mess, take out all the tools in the pile and start looking at it slowly.
If you have a messy or greasy toolbox, try to spread out the obstructions so they don't create a mess. You can use old cardboard or tarpaulin if possible. Do this activity in the yard or in the driveway rather than doing it at the kitchen table
Step 2. Clean the toolbox thoroughly
Clean the toolbox after you remove all the tools from the box. Use a small amount of paint thinner to clean very oily areas if you have repaired the car. If the box isn't too dirty, all you need to do is wipe it lightly. The box doesn't need to be completely clean because you won't be eating it. However, if the box is clean, it will be easier to keep it organized.
If acetone is used to clean equipment, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and take frequent breaks to ensure that you don't pass out
Step 3. Clean and assess each piece of equipment separately
Check each equipment and clean one by one. Use the same rag and paint thinner to remove grease from the equipment. Make sure that the equipment is still functional, free of rust and free from other defects. Make sure that the tool is still functioning properly. Make sure the socket wrench is still working properly and the movement is good, make sure the lock after is still locked properly and make sure other equipment can function as it should.
Step 4. Get rid of any equipment that is damaged or that is no longer working
Start by getting rid of loose screws, washers and nails that are no longer functional. If any equipment is damaged or rusty and difficult to repair, remove it. Get rid of any equipment that is just taking up space.
If you wish, keep the equipment recognizable. If you have a pile of locking tools and other small drills, start tidying them up. The basic rule is if you can't identify the item, throw it in the trash
Step 5. Save only the essentials
What is really needed in the toolbox? Make sure to have the most basic tools on hand for a quick fix. It depends on the purpose and the job you have, but most people will need at least a set of screwdrivers with plus and minus screwdrivers in various sizes, a good quality hammer, a set of locks, a set of pliers, a measuring tape, a flashlight, a knife, gloves and safety glasses.. A spirit level and an electric drill are also essential basic tools, but won't fit in most portable toolboxes.
Step 6. Pay attention to what the toolbox requires
Check used toolboxes and be honest with yourself. Are you trying to store 5 kg of equipment in a 4.5 kg capacity box? If so, it's time to upgrade. After combing through all the equipment, determine what you need. For most people, even those with a large collection of tools, a single portable toolbox with commonly used tools plus a drawer-style toolbox is sufficient.
- Use a small, easy-to-manage toolbox. You're better off starting by having a smaller box. After that, add it when you have other equipment. You don't need too many tools because some of them won't work.
- Purchase a drawer-style toolbox to safely store larger and non-essential tools. Choose a box that has a tray at the top for storing drills, screws and other items. This is an easily accessible place to store those small items while you're working on projects so they don't get lost.
Part 2 of 3: Rebuilding the Toolbox
Step 1. Save by type
There's no specific way to organize toolboxes, but the best way to start organizing them is to create stacks. Place the equipment according to its type. How to do this is up to you and depends on the equipment you have. However, there are some good strategies to consider as you sort through them. In general, you can store your tools from side to side, so you don't have to rummage through your tools to find the tools you need.
Step 2. Sort by function
Store locks such as screws, bolts, washers and items related to locking tools in the same area. Keep screwdrivers in the same rack and keep keys in different places. Match the functions of the equipment to their respective places.
Step 3. Sort by job
If you have a specific job, you can define separate drawers, shelves or boxes according to each job. If you always need the oil sprayer and socket at the same time, keep them in the same drawer. If you always need a pipe wrench and a set of screwdrivers plus a screwdriver at the same time, keep them in the same place.
Step 4. Sort by intensity of use
Keep the equipment you use most often at the front and the equipment you rarely use at the back because you don't have to worry about it. In addition, you can also use separate boxes or drawers for "most commonly used" and "least used," to create diverse categories that you can identify where they are.
Step 5. Separate standard and metric locks
If you have a basic set of sockets and locks of varying sizes and configurations, it can be very difficult to rummage through an unorganized drawer for the tools you need. Separate these items in different places so you can find them faster.
Step 6. If possible, keep the sockets and locks on the ledge
A ledge, or lock adjuster, is common at hardware stores. This item can allow you to quickly scan and install and uninstall equipment. You can even arrange them in the right order, so it won't take much time to find the tools you need. This thing is cheap and useful.
If you don't have a ledge or don't want to use one, try storing loose locks in old scraps of cloth or small sacks to store in a portable toolbox. The items will at least be in the same place and will not rattle
Step 7. Line the bottom of the portable toolbox with cardboard
If the equipment binds oil, cover the bottom of the box with cardboard. The cardboard will help absorb the oil and keep it from contaminating equipment and even dripping out of the box. This method is a rough method, but is considered successful.
Step 8. Name all the equipment
Use permanent marker and paper tape and start naming every drawer, every box and every little place to hide something. The first weeks after rearrangement are the most frustrating and you'll make it easier if you mark all the items in the workshop correctly and make them easier to find.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping to Stay Organized
Step 1. Hang the spare equipment on the pegboard
Setting up the main equipment is considered easy. However, it can be difficult to organize tools if you have three of the same screwdriver to keep if you lose one screwdriver or if someone needs an extra screwdriver. However, separating spare equipment from primary equipment is a great way to clear up clutter and make your workspace more organized.
Hang some peg boards in the workshop and also hang hooks for easy-to-hang tools or hang small baskets to hold tools like screws and other smaller items. Keep the items visible, but not too close to each other
Step 2. Purchase a storage tray to store other items
In general, buying a storage tray at a hardware store to store items like screws, nails and other small locks that you don't want to take apart is useful. Having these little tools in your hands is great, but finding a place to store them is considered difficult.
Also, keep old milk boxes, coffee cans and other small boxes for storing screws and other locks. Make sure to name it clearly. If you want to store a small amount, you can even tuck it in a portable box when you need it for a job
Step 3. Clean the equipment after using it
Reminisce about when your grandpa was going to visit the house tomorrow and wanted to see your toolbox. Avoid his lectures to always clean the equipment. If the equipment is useful to you, try to maintain it.
Use a rag to remove grease and dirt from the equipment, then place the equipment in its proper place. You don't need to rub it. However, the equipment will be protected from rust and damage if you clean it
Step 4. Return the equipment immediately
After you have finished using the lock, don't just leave it lying on the floor. Save again after use. It's easier to clean tools while you're still working than it is to clean a pile of tools at the end of the day. You might be tempted to put the lock in any place, put the file together with the screwdriver and start messing around again. Don't let yourself create the mess you've already gotten rid of. Stop the behavior.
Tips
- Place spare items on a pegboard in your garage. Also put large items or items that are rarely used there.
- Keep the equipment clean and occasionally remove any dust in the toolbox. Equipment that is well maintained will last longer.
- Rub the surface of the equipment with oil to keep the equipment functioning properly.
- Start with a toolbox that is larger than you will need. The additional available space will be filled when you start setting up the equipment.
