Looking for tool storage suggestions (benchtop methods)

[razorhunter]

Guys,
I've been wanting to build (or buy) some type of little rack, specifically made for holding screwdrivers, pliers, etc, that will just sit on top of my workbench that will just keep me from having all kinds of tools strewn out across the workbench.
Just wondering what you guys have done for this?
I could simply build a little shelf out of 1x10 or something, with holes drilled in it, to put the screwdrivers down in, but I thought I'd see what you boys have done first. I know someone's always got something cool as can be that might work for me better!
Any pics? Thanks guys!

 

[Kit Carson]

Here's mine. Messy, but I like it that way. If thiefs break in, they can't find anything

 

[razorhunter]

Haha! Funny Kit!
Mines pretty much the same as yours, THIEF-PROOF!

I'm basically looking to build a couple of nice little benchtop shelf/rack systems, that will hold screwdrivers, allen wrenches, pliers, etc.
I have seen a few designs like this in jewelry supply catalogs, which I'm about to go check by the way. Nothing real, real elaborate, but they are nice to have.
Thanks!

 

[Gossman Knives]

I use the sling method. I sling it on top of my bench and where it lands that's it's place. Seriously, I use a couple of tool boxes to store small hand tools and brass rod, guards, soldering supplies and all the other small things that get lost easily. I stack them under the bench for easy access. Well Kit it's good to know the pros work areas are cluttered too.
Scott

 

[Mike Hull]

For smaller tools, I got a bunch of interlocking plastic drawers from MSC, I think it was. They come with labels, and dividers. They're the gray things, with the yellow labels on them.

I use office desk trays to hold sheets of sandpaper.

 

[fitzo]

You sure you have enough C-clamps for handle scales, Mike??

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Mike,that's sick! Anyone with a shop bench that clean is warped.
Seriously,That is an impressively organized bench.Do you ever use it?Or is this your show bench,and the real one is behind the curtain.
In answer to the storage question,I wall all my shops with pegboard.That way you can put something anywhere.There are a thousand types of peg board storage racks and bins for tools and parts.

 

[ddavelarsen]

Aw, you know Mike cleaned up before he took that picture!

Bizzare thing for me was, and this must have to do with the weird book I've been reading, but I thought that was a casket in the right of the photo, before I realized it's Mike's truck! I thought, "Custom casket maker too?" [shudder!] Then realized what I was seeing...

As for tool storage, I have metal shelving lining all the walls of my shop and have tool boxes in the shelves nearest my main bench. Everything's within arm's reach. Whenever it gets so bad I can't find something I take a couple of hours to put everything away again and I'm good for a couple more projects.