21 Tool Storage Ideas You Should Try

All crafters know how annoying it can be to keep your tools organized, whether they are carpentry enthusiasts or scrapbooking addicts. For my part, I frequently discover tools in odd locations.

Functionality is the key to a good tool storage system. Consider how frequently you use particular instruments, how to maintain their cleanliness, and whether they require routine replacement.

Simply choose the tool storage option that works best for you from these twenty-one choices that will make organizing your area easy. Let’s get started!

1. Slot Clamp Storage Shelves – Organize Clamps by Size With Simple Slotted Boards

Woodworkers know clamps are indispensable—but storing them neatly can be a nightmare. Create horizontal boards with evenly spaced slots to hold clamps by the handle. Mount multiple shelves at different heights to organize by length. This frees up floor space and speeds up your workflow during glue-ups.

2. DIY PVC Pipe Tool Holders – Vertical Tool Storage on a Budget

Turn standard PVC pipe into efficient vertical tool slots. Cut into 4–6″ lengths, mount them on a board or shelf, and drop in tools like chisels, files, screwdrivers, or wrenches. You can also tilt them slightly for better access. This system is dirt cheap, modular, and keeps frequently used tools at arm’s length.

3. Floating Metal Shelves With Pegboard Backs – Maximize Garage Wall Storage

Combine the strength of floating metal shelving with the organization of pegboards. Use the shelves for boxes, paints, or power tools, and mount pegboards behind or between them for smaller items. Add a lower rail for hanging brooms or extension cords. Great for turning any blank garage wall into a multi-use workspace.

4. Wall-Mounted Pegboard System – Customizable Tool Wall for Easy Access

A pegboard gives every tool a home—and keeps them visible. Mount a large panel near your workbench, install peg hooks, wire baskets, and magnetic strips. You’ll reduce drawer clutter and get a full overview of your toolkit at a glance. Bonus: It looks organized, even when you’re in the middle of a project.

5. Over and Under Workbench Storage – Use Crates and Pegboards to Maximize Every Inch

Make use of forgotten space above and below your workbench. Add stacking crates underneath for heavy-duty storage and mount pegboards above for lightweight tools. Choose coordinated stains or paints (like walnut or mahogany) to unify the look. Add drawer dividers for small parts like screws and drill bits.

6. French Cleat Tool Wall – Fully Modular Wall Storage System Using 45° Angles

French cleats let you rearrange your wall tool holders anytime. Just install horizontal slats with a 45° bevel cut, then build custom tool holders with a matching back cleat. This is ideal for organizing power tools, clamps, batteries, and more. Plus, it’s renter-friendly since the system is easy to uninstall.

7. Magnetic Strip Tool Rack – Quick-Grab Storage for Metal Tools Without the Pegboard Hassle

If you don’t want to mess with pegboard layouts, mount magnetic knife strips instead. They’re ideal for metal hand tools like pliers, hex keys, wrenches, and bits. No drilling into drawers or custom holders—just snap and go. It’s one of the fastest, most flexible storage solutions you can install.

8. Foam Board Drawer Inserts – Custom Slots for Bits, Blades, and Small Tools

Cut foam board to fit your drawers, then carve out sections to cradle small tools, batteries, or accessories. It’s cheap, customizable, and keeps everything snug. Perfect for drill bits, router bits, or even specialty screws that would otherwise rattle around loose.

9. DIY Tool Pedestals – Showcase and Store Frequently Used Tools on Open Platforms

Create mini “podiums” for your most-used tools using horizontal wood planks or cleats. You can build custom rests for drills, sandpaper, glue, or even measuring tapes. Bonus: this method keeps tools dust-free and is great for renters who can’t install full wall systems.

10. Retrofitted Storage Cabinet – Hide Tools Inside a Closed Workshop Cupboard

Turn a basic cabinet into a complete workshop storage system. Use hooks for hanging long tools on the doors, build shelves for drills or bins, and mount PVC pipe inside to hold extension cords or clamps. It keeps tools clean, secure, and out of sight—perfect for shared spaces.

11. Scrap Wood Storage Bins – Build Custom Wooden Containers for Hardware

Use scrap wood to construct bins for nuts, bolts, washers, or nails. They’re stackable, strong, and built to your specs. You can label each one clearly and keep them on shelves, carts, or racks. It’s cheaper than buying plastic bins and adds a rustic, handcrafted feel to your space.

12. Full Pegboard Feature Wall – Transform an Entire Wall Into a Tool Command Center

Why settle for a small pegboard when you can cover an entire wall? Create a high-functioning tool zone with hooks, bins, holders, and shelves. Dedicate the bottom row to paint cans or toolboxes, and hang everything else above. The result? Total visual access and hyper-efficient use of space.

13. Swivel Jar Storage Rack – Rotate-In Hardware Storage for Tight Spaces

Mount screw-top jars to a pivoting frame and store small items like nails, screws, washers, or wall anchors. The rack swings out for access and tucks away when not in use. It’s compact, functional, and a great beginner woodworking project with a high payoff.

14. Leather and Wood Tool Rack – Rustic and Stylish Wall-Mounted Tool Storage

Combine stained wood with leather straps for a vintage-looking tool holder. Drill tool holes in the bottom board, add hooks for hammers, and secure a leather strip with rivets to hold screwdrivers or files. It’s practical and looks amazing on any workshop wall.

15. Vintage Chisel Organizer – Use Magnetic Strips on Wood for Simple, Secure Storage

Glue magnetic strips to a hardwood board and mount it on the wall to store chisels, knives, or carving tools. It’s a nod to classic tool shop design and lets you store your tools in any order while keeping them secure and easy to access.

16. Rolling Tool Cart – Mobile Workbench and Storage in One

Build a mobile workshop cart with drawers, side hooks, and a solid worktop. Use heavy-duty swivel casters so you can move it wherever you’re working. Add a power strip or charging dock for extra functionality. It’s like having a shop assistant on wheels.

17. OSB Box Frame Tool Wall – Cheap Material, High-End Look

Use Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and box joints to build custom tool frames. Paint the backing black for a modern finish, and dedicate one frame per tool for ultimate organization. It’s a stylish solution that keeps tools protected and easy to grab.

18. Cordless Drill Charging Station – Keep Batteries Topped Off and Tools in Place

Build a small shelf system to hold your cordless drills and battery chargers. Add cutouts or holders to secure the drills, and mount a multi-charger unit for fast power-ups. Hide wires behind the board for a clean, safe, cable-free appearance.

19. Pegboard Wire Basket Add-ons – Organize Small Tools and Supplies in a Modular Way

Wire baskets attached to your pegboard are great for things that don’t hang well—tape measures, pencils, zip ties, or glues. Stack them vertically and use label tags so every item has a home. Easy to rearrange, easy to use.

20. Rotating Tool Carousel – Vertical Corner Storage With a Twist

Build a spinning vertical carousel with deep shelf pockets to store paints, cans, or even power tools. This rotating system is a major space-saver and perfect for workshop corners. Want a smaller version? Use a spice rack for screws and bolts.

21. Professional Charging Cabinet – Centralized Power Tool Charging Hub With Clean Cable Management

Install a wall-mounted cabinet with multiple outlets and a dedicated battery rack. Use a professional-grade charger to power up multiple tools at once. Run wiring behind the cabinet to keep it safe, organized, and aesthetically clean. This setup is perfect for pros and serious hobbyists alike.