Easy-reach holder:
Make a tool holder out of scrap wire mesh. Form the mesh into a ‘channel shape’, leaving a section at the top and bottom for mounting on a wall or stud. A 1/2″ square mesh holds a variety of tools, especially screwdrivers.

Holding power:
For a convenient spot to store chuck keys, scissors, punches and other small hand tools, screw a magnetic knifeholder strip to the underside of a shelf over your workbench. Available in kitchenware stores, these powerful magnets can also hold larger hardware items, such as wrenches and screwdrivers. They work equally well when mounted on the sides of the stands for table saws and other large tools.

Small tool organiser:
Mount a small block of polystyrene foam above your workbench and press punches, bits, knives, screwdrivers and other such tools into it to keep them handy. Buy the foam plastic from a home centre or craft store, or recycle foam used as packing material.

Tool belt:
Tack in old leather or strong canvas belt along the edge of a shelf to hold tools. As you nail it, leave small loops in the belt for tools to slip into.

Handle holder:
Chest handles — available in a variety of sizes from any large hardware store — are great for hanging heavy tools, such as hammers and hand axes, up out of the way. Mount the handles directly on a convenient wall over a stud, or alternatively on a plywood backing,putting them upside-down so that the handles stick out from the wall.

Orderly power tools

Power tower:
To keep power tools handy, build a tall, narrow box out of 12″ x 1″ (300 x 25 mm) strips of plywood. Then staple carpet scraps between the sides to form soft cradles for your tools.

Concentrated power:
Put vour most frecruently used power tools on a shelf mounted over your workbench. Cut slots along the back for your circular and jig saws, and bore 1″ holes along the front for your drill, electric screwdriver and router.

In the wall:
Another way to keep tools close at hand yet out of the way is to store them on shelves built between exposed studs. Make the shelves out of 4″ x 1″ (100 mm x 25 mm) timber and cut notches into them so that the tools seat firmly. Nail 2″ x 1″ (50 mm x 25 mm) cleats to the studs, angling them downward toward the wall to keep the tools from falling. Then glue the shelves to the cleats with construction adhesive.

Ready supplies

String out:
Make a dispenser for string by cutting off the bottom half of a 2 liter plastic bottle. Then mount the top half upside-down on the wall with the string coming out of the bottle neck.

All-in-one tape dispenser:
A toilet paper holder mounted on the workshop wall or on a workbench makes a great dispenser for as many as five or six rolls of masking, friction, duct and other types of tape. For easy cutting, tie scissors to the dispenser with a length of string.

Quick wipes:
Facial tissues are great for quickly cleaning up water, oil and glue and for wiping your hands when the phone rings. To make a holder for a box of tissues, bend a vire coat hanger and hang it on a hook or a nail.

A word on First-Aid kits

An inexpensive and essential safety item for any workshop is a locked first-aid kit. Buy one and mount it where it is easy to see and reach. A standard kit will include anti-septic, bandages, gauze, elastic and adhesive tape, cotton swabs, eye drops, tweezers and scissors. Latex gloves and an instant cold pack are also useful. Make sure the container closes tightly to keep out dirt and dust.

When working with paint, solvents, strippers or any chemical with an eye hazard warning, keep a squeeze bottle of eyewash solution handy. If any chemical gets into your eyes, use the solution immediately. If i chemical irritates your skin, wash it off with water. A first-aid kit is for minor injuries only. Get prompt medical attention for a serious injury such as a deep cut or puncture or a head blow. Also see a doctor if eye irritation persists after washing.