Top 80 Best Tool Storage Ideas – Organized Garage Designs
Most of us look on our storage spaces with a mixture of guilt and dread.
Of course we want to properly store and organize our tools and various necessities, but all too often such things join the ubiquitous clutter we bravely forage through whenever a task demands our attention.
Fortunately, the homes of today take into account the necessity of proper utility units, and what’s more, seek to incorporate those units into the overall appeal of one’s home and greater landscape.
From rolling toolboxes to more DIY options, there is no shortage of ways in which you can save yourself time, stress, and space with a little creative elbow grease. Wall-mounted mason jars and wooden crate shelves, hook-and-nail hangings and tower racks; these are readily accessible and easily installed, right up to ceiling-mounted storage containers. Even inlaid cabinets and magnetic tool bars can be implemented with relative ease and at next to no expense, and offer years of use and ample storage capacity.
Let’s face it, it’s tough to romanticize a home’s need for adequate storage, especially when it comes to tools and garage appliances. While there are certainly more attractive spaces to set your sights on, there’s no denying the transformative effect of these good tool storage ideas and setup designs. Your garage or workroom doesn’t need to be a haphazard place of abandoned projects and a laundry list of chores you’ve been putting off; with the proper storage kits in place you can all but tackle those to-dos with a newfound gusto.
Best Tool Storage Ideas
If you’ve got a long work table in your shop, chances are there’s some unused space underneath it. Make the best of that wasted space by building a set of cubbies that will organize all of your power tools.
This power tool cabinet is all about function, not form. It’s built from ¾-inch plywood, making it a simple and affordable build. To build it, find your largest power tools and design their cubbies first. Once you’ve got the largest dimensions figured out, continue filling in space with dividers, nailing or screwing through the top, bottom, and middle boards.
Sometimes the simplest builds are the most functional. This tool wall makes excellent use of a sheet of plywood, some scrap lumber, and a few strategically placed nails.
To minimize frustration, lay the plywood flat and start laying the tools out on it. It’ll be much easier to position them and see what fits where without having to nail them to keep them in place. Once you’re satisfied, mark the plywood where hooks or nails need to be and take a picture. Once you hang the board, you’ll know exactly where everything belongs.
This french-cleat tool wall is a great way to organize a few power tools and the accessories they require. The cleat system is very strong and easy to customize.
Cut strips of lumber or plywood on a table saw with the blade tilted to 45 degrees. Hang these strips from the wall studs with the face of the bevel pointing up and facing the wall. Attaching a matching beveled strip to the tool caddies and cabinets allows them to “hook” onto the wall strips. You can then lift, slide, move, and replace them easily as your needs change.
If you’re using caulking guns often enough in your shop, these holsters will come in handy. It will eventually become second nature to reach over for one and replace it when you’re done.
Make these holsters out of 3-inch PVC pipe. Drill a hole at each end through both sides of the pipe using a long drill bit. Use a long driver bit to run a screw into your mounting surface from the inside of the pipe. Depending on the diameter of the hole you drilled, you may need to fit a washer over the screw head first. These holsters won’t go anywhere and they’ll last you a long time.
This storage system for glues and adhesives is brilliant, especially in a work van or trailer. This system will keep the tubes from rolling all over and making a mess or getting lost.
Cut lengths of 2-inch and 3-inch PVC with one beveled end. You can drill and screw through the beveled end into your backer. Drill a hole through both sides of the pipe near its bottom end, but don’t sink the screw all the way in. Leave it proud by at least ½-inch. That should give the tubes something to sit on without falling through the pipe. You can also buy and glue the properly sized PVC caps to close the bottoms of the tube off.
Chainsaw storage can be a hassle. If you put them on a shelf, they’ll either take up the entire thing or you’ll knock other items off everytime you go to grab it.. This vertical storage shelf is a great option that takes up very little space and keeps them out of the way.
This shelf is constructed with scrap lumber and simply screwed to a panel wall. After you build the shelf, the easiest way to cut the grooves for the bars is to just fire up the saw and make a few careful runs through the shelf board. You’ll probably want to have the shelf fixed to the wall first. This way you’re safe and it won’t kick back at you. Also, if you’re storing your saws vertically, it’s suggested that you drain all the fluids first.
A good set of chisels can be a woodworker’s best friend. Having them on display is not only convenient but it also looks great in an organized shop.
This chisel shelf is constructed of ¾-inch plywood. First, lay your chisels out so you know how much space you’ll have between the handles. Keep in mind that they need to be easy to grab and replace. Then drill a ¾-inch hole for each chisel at the proper spacing. The easiest way to cut the grooves is on a table saw, but if you don’t have one, you can use a hand or jigsaw to make the cuts.
This tool storage solution is a functional ode to hand tools. There are tool-specific storage shelves on each tier, making this an easy-to-assemble design.
This unit can be built with scrap dimensional lumber, plywood, or pallet wood. The shelves are specifically built for each set of tools and attached through the rear of a slat. The slats are then screwed into the framework, creating one unit with solid shelves for tool storage and display.
There are many reasons pegboard has been around for so long: It’s inexpensive, highly functional, and extremely customizable. This tool storage idea is a great way to get a lot of storage out of a small space.
Instead of hinged doors, this cabinet has sliding doors with pegboard inner panels. This effectively doubles the amount of pegboard surface available for storage and provides some organization in the garage. The shelf underneath the cabinet is perfect for holding bins full of nuts, bolts, screws, and other bits that normally scatter themselves across the shop floor.
This cleat system is an attractive and useful hand tool storage solution. Each shelf is designed to fit a specific tool and then sits between boards that are screwed horizontally to the framework.
This system is highly customizable and looks amazing. You can build it from any material but solid wood boards are the easiest since you probably won’t have to rip them to width. Take your time and build each shelf carefully for its intended use. This is the type of project that you can really display your craftsmanship and attention to detail with.
Miter saw stations can be a back-saver and increase production and workflow. Having a dedicated space for your heavy saw keeps you from hauling it from one corner of your shop to the other.
This relatively simple miter saw station offers a ton of storage in its three cabinets. Power tool storage ideas like this give homes to your most important and frequently used power tools. Attaching the shelves to drawer slides make it easy to find the tool you need and put it away when you’re done.
This drill bit caddy is the perfect accessory for the wall behind your drill press. You’ll always have the bit you need on hand and within arms reach. It will increase your workflow and save your sanity.
This storage option is easy to replicate. This particular unit is built with red and white oak. It consists of easy-to-build shelves that are face-screwed to a solid wood backer. Take care to keep everything level and square so it looks nice and doesn’t distract you from the work at hand.
This workbench might as well be the Mecca of hand tool storage. There are individual shelves and cabinets for each set of tools, yet nothing is stored away or hidden. Not only is this workshop well-stocked, but it’s so well organized that it’s almost a work of art.
Replicating this look will take a lot of time, design, and planning. The end result will be worth the effort, as you’ll find having all your tools at arms-length will increase your workflow tenfold.
You can never have enough hammers, but the issue comes when you run out of room to store them. This is an easy way to make quick work of hammer storage.
Two wood brackets are attached to the ends of a board that spans the appropriate distance. Two half-circles are then cut to cradle the 3/4-inch conduit pipe. This provides a sturdy shelf to slide hammers into instead of piling them in the bottom of a drawer.
Pegboard caddies make excellent additions to a garage shop. They provide a lot of storage in spaces that are typically barely used. These caddies stand vertically when stored away and are easily removed when you need the tools that they store.
The key to making this design works is to cut grooves into the top and bottom boards in the cabinet frame to receive the pegboard and keep it in place. Without the grooves, the pegboard will simply tip over, and most of the tools you so-carefully laid out will be strewn across your shop floor.
This wrench storage idea is a far better way to organize your wrenches than piling them into a toolbox drawer. You’ll be able to find the wrench you need in a fraction of the time. You’ll also be able to tell when one is missing.
This is a simple design and it can be accomplished on a table saw with a crosscut sled. It’s helpful to maintain equal spacing between grooves, so mark your board where you want the grooves, and make a corresponding mark on your crosscut sled. Register the two marks before passing the workpiece over the blade. You’ll have to make a few passes, but with carefully laid out marks, you’ll be able to achieve a consistent and good-looking wrench rack.
This plier-storage box on a french-cleat system is an ideal way to store awkward tools without putting them in a drawer. The plywood box hangs on the cleat system, so you can pull the box down when you need it and put it back in place when you’re done.
The construction is made with ¾-inch pine plywood so it will be inexpensive to build. Pliers are held upright by a steel rod that has been installed in the middle of each tier. The easiest way to replicate that is to cut both ends of your box, clamp them together, and drill through both ends at the same time. The rod will sit evenly and keep your pliers from tipping over.
Leatherworking stamps like the ones above are a challenge to identify even when they’re in an attractive display like this. This particular rack consists of three tiers of shelves on legs.
Replicate these shelves by using dimensional lumber and a drill press. Set the depth so you don’t drill all the way through the shelves. This will give the stamps something to bottom out on while still holding them upright for easier identification.
Garden tool storage ideas like the one pictured make storing your awkward tools a non-issue. This rack holds each tool up off the ground, keeping them from falling and you from tripping over them.
Dimensional lumber is the perfect material for a job like this. You may find cutting the slots will be easier by starting with a large spade or Forstner bit and then finishing the cuts with a jigsaw. This should give you a serviceable result while not taking the whole day to accomplish.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
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This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.