The other day, in our post about Milwaukee’s new 30″ tool storage combo, a reader asked a question that I don’t really have a strong answer for.
Dylan asked: What would be the best storage solution if I’m going to mainly be storing power tools instead of hand tools? Maybe it’s just the pics but those drawers don’t look tall enough. It doesn’t have to be mobile.
As a refresher, here is what the Milwaukee tool storage combo looks like:
The bottom drawer and top compartment are well sized for power tools, but that’s about it. You might be able to fit some power tools in the medium-height drawers as well. But this, and other ball bearing drawer tool storage units like it, are not quite ideal for power tool storage.
Handheld power tools often come in hard cases, sometimes soft carrying cases. The easiest solution is to take those cases and plop them into a cabinet or onto adjustable height shelves.
I love my L-Boxxes and ToughSystem cases, as well as the Systainers my few Festool tools came in.
An adjustable shelving unit, or adjustable shelves within an enclosed cabinet, is going to be the easiest way to store a lot of power tools.
There are some ball bearing tool storage products with deep drawers, but there’s a limit as to where you can fit a circular saw, a band saw, or other large and bulky tools.
I like to keep certain tools in tool boxes or cases, on a shelf, since I’m not always good about taming power cords. Cordless tools sometimes require their own tool cases too, especially ones that come with easy-to-lose accessories and attachments. Others, like cordless drills, can usually be placed anywhere.
While large drawers or boxes might work, you’ll kick yourself when digging around and can’t find the edge adapter to a saw, or the allen wrench for changing a saw blade.
What would you use for shop storage of handheld power tools?
I’m not really happy with my “put them on a shelf” answer to Dylan’s question, and am hoping that you might have a better solution in mind!