Tool Storage Wall

A modular system built for an expanding tool collection

- By Derek Richmond

For efficient woodworking, having your hand tools organized and stored close to your bench is ideal. But how best to do this, especially if you're still building to your collection? A dedicated hand-tool cabinet looks great, but adding a new tool may be difficult. Tool hangers attached to French cleats provide versatility and flexibility, but those cleats are, at best, utilitarian in appearance. Instead of taking either of these approaches, I wanted my storage system to strike a balance: good-looking custom brackets for the hand tools I use most often along with the flexibility to rearrange them as needed. I devised individual tool brackets outfitted with 134 T-bolts that slide into slots routed in a 4 x 4 sheet of plywood. Knurled knobs lock the brackets in place. As my collection grows, I can craft new brackets and slide my current arsenal around to make room. The order gives me a sense of peace in the workshop, and makes me a more efficient woodworker. I suspect observant readers will be able to watch as my tool collection evolves in issues to come.

A slotted panel with simple brackets