Note the following:

  1. Tools must be stored safely, normally with the heads downwards. There must be no danger of tools being knocked by people walking past, or of hanging tools falling onto people.
  2. Make sure tools are put in a position where everyone can reach them safely, whatever their height or strength. Provide proper ‘hop-ups’ or sturdy steps as necessary for people to reach higher racks. Remember that back injury is very likely if you have to reach over something to lift a heavy tool.
  3. Store tools in such a way that they are easy to count, and it is easy to see if any are missing.
  4. Store tools so that they are dry, preferably raised off the floor. Store them in such a way that they won’t be damaged in storage, nor while putting them away or getting them out.
  5. Store heavy tools between thigh and shoulder height to avoid awkward lifting or twisting movements when removing or returning them.
  6. Tools that need oiling such as billhooks can be hung in racks with drip trays beneath that catch the oil. Use shallow trays half-filled with sand.
  7. Try to retain some space and flexibility within the storage system, so that if you acquire a few more tools it doesn’t throw out the whole system.
  8. Although some dimensions are given in the following diagrams, most storage will need to be individually designed to fit the space available. Always check that tools are going to fit as you go along. If necessary build a ‘mock-up’ out of any rough timber before making decisions about materials and sizes. Check that you have left enough space for tools to be removed from racks, particularly where there are other racks or shelves above or below.

A well organised tool store

You should be able to make good use of second-hand timber, pallets and so on. Follow good carpentry practice, for example drill and screw rather than using nails, and with safety in mind, over-build rather than under-build.  Check for electrical cables below the surface before drilling into walls.

The designs shown in this chapter are those which have been found to work well in various toolstores, but are not the only methods of storing such tools.

Chapters