Cleanest Way To ORGANIZE TOOLS! Tips And Tricks!

[@JayBates]

The color coding based upon use is interesting. Colorizing adds a level of sortability when cleaning up. Similar to the color coded Fast Cap KISS drill bit set.

[@inigo_montoya]

I just checked out that system. That's amazing

[@moosewerks6646]

I have one stall of a two car garage to work in and use the single wide tool carts and have placed my bench top tools like planer and jointer on top then as needed roll them out...the color coding and kyezan idea points me in the direction I need to go. Thanks Izzy!!

[@heathjohnson2575]

When I was an automotive tech many years ago I worked next to the shop foreman who was a master tech super smart guy who turned 120hrs a week easily. Anyway this guy had a huge 3 bay snap on $30k tool box completely full and a roll cart to match. He would look at his work order pick out what tools he needed arrange them in the roll cart and do any job in the shop super efficiently and when he was done he would clean all his tools and put them back up neatly in his box from the cart. He didn't believe in a messy work area or going back and forth to your box all day because time is money. He was a real professional technician not a grease monkey. I have always tried to model myself after him and it makes for a better experience all around.

[@mandeepsinghsehmi1951]

Inspiring just to read that.

[@txnonwheels]

I miss those old guys. Not many around anymore. Most are retired now.

[@It_Is_I_I]

Over 17 hours a day, 7 days a week?

[@DownloaderVideo]

@@It_Is_I_INot a straight math, those techs get assigned a job that’s is 4 hours by the service manual for example….by efficiency en experience he is able to complete it in 3 yet he gets paid 4 and jump to the next one and so on.

[@blesseveryoneiknow]

maybe ai will do these orgnize job for us in the future

[@prayertool]

Wow. I just wish you and I lived close enough for a coffee from time to time. I am in the process of converting our 1910 “carriage’ house into something that I can be proud of. Just finished painting it’s block walls and installing a mini-split for year round comfort. I have purchased a 72 inch Husky rolling cabinet similar to yours and have begun organizing. This video is PERFECT timing. I too have a few health issues and will say a prayer for you from time to time. Love your attitude. - Dan

[@rachwalj]

An organized shop that can get good and messy is exactly right. Once you know where stuff belongs, you don't have to sweat about "making" the mess. You just collect all the tools when done and put them where they belong. Love your shop!!!

[@dboysix26]

I am a road me mechanic. Work forced us to use kaizen foam and organize our tools. Reluctantly did it. Now I love it. There are times when the mess is unavoidable but being able to finish a job and know I have all my tools is great and saves me money from buying replacements. Plus’s I feel more comfortable buying a more expensive tool because I am more confident I won’t loose it. The foam pays for itself.

[@bruceprosser8332]

Your Lady is a Saint for tackling that hardware project! Thanks for sharing!.

[@MrAnimal1971]

A clean shop allows me to focus on my project. As my workflow adapts to my workspace, I make one or two organizational improvements each month. My efficiency improves with each project and I get excited to do more organizing.

[@gordonsmith9263]

The answer to your question is, yes! Great video. While in the military as an aircraft mechanic, this is how we kept the tools organized. It was easy to ensure you had ALL your tools before you left the job. A missing tool on a C-5 Galaxy is a big deal.

[@terryrogers1025]

I call it “organized chaos”, that organized at project start, chaos during the progression of the project, back to organized at finish clean up. Loved the video, gleaned some ideas from it, thanks.

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, Guys and Girls, great tutorial , as a retired English gentleman living in France, not sure about the gentleman, 😂 living in France, specialist jointer cabinet maker , for over 40+ . Definitely being clean and tidy make you more efficient, having the right tools for the job at hands , also is safer, so using wheel cart type storage is a excellent idea, and making sure the floor area around you is clean, I used to work by myself, in my work shop 7mts x 30mts + parking area for my van so I could load and unload in the dry . Over the last 10-14 years I was mainly making doors windows and staircases, as I was doing work on barn conversions and renovation project. And as they say, there is a place for every thing and everything in it’s place, And cleanliness is next to godliness, from what I have been told, 😂 stay safe, keep up the great work, Phil from the moulin France. Were I am now living,

[@N4CHO_]

I've spent a lot of time organizing my shop and I would do it again without a doubt! I know where everything goes when it comes time to clean up. I've had people say I don't use my workshop because It's too organized (it's the exact opposite); It only takes me 10 minutes to put everything away at the end of a project. Investing the time up front to be forever organized is 100% priceless.

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Two of the most productive people I know are me and my sister. I am very much everything has a place. She is very much, “I know where everything is because I put it there”. Hyperorganizing my sister would severely cut down on her productivity because setup and teardown time would add time to her flow. For me, knowing exactly where to find any tool at any moment is key because “finding” a misplaced place tool is a flow killer. There is no better or worse, just what is best for you in your working space. I have several tools that there place on the bench: pencil, #5 hand plane, 1/2 inch chisel, square, 2 quick release clamps… They have designated homes as well but these few tools are not worth moving from the bench. Find your flow, try things that you think will improve it, don’t regret going back.

[@curtismills303]

A clean shop is the sign of a sick mind! Love the colour coding idea. Clean or messy, the bottom line does the shop get the job done, the way you want it and on time.

[@gnlman]

I think everyone would enjoy working in an organized shop. Putting things back when you are finished with them is a self discipline habit. I try to clean up my shop at the end of the day except for the area that I will be working on first thing the next day. Great video. Thank you for posting.

[@tomim7187]

Having run my business out of the back of trucks and vans and using storage units for long term storage of equipment and supplies for years, it is so nice to have a shop where everything has a home( or almost everything). Being able to lay hands on a specific tool or box of hardware instantly keeps the work flow moving and reduces the frustration factor. The more a shop is organized, the more efficient the work. A clean, uncluttered workshop is helpful, too.

[@diyjeepguy7713]

I've been considering doing the foam for my tools for a while now. When I was In the Airforce and worked on jet engines our Maintenance docks had foam with cut outs for our tools for Tool Accountability. The boxes were always kept locked when not in use. Before and after Maintenance & before and after breaks you would check your toolbox to ensure all tools were in their place to ensure tools were not left in an Engine or a component or rolling around somewhere on the floor. It really helps to prevent Incidents and destruction of the engines and potential loss of life. The reason I haven't done it is because I have assumed it would be difficult to cut the foam. I want to eventually have some boxes locked in a shed out back for my upcoming work area and having them organized and in the foam would be the key to ensuring I don't misplace my tools while working outside. Thank you for sharing the info for the foam and kits to aid in forming it.

[@fcschoenthal]

Kudos to Maggie for the sorting. I'm down to about 3 coffee cans that I have to run through now that I'm getting my shop more organized. I've got only a couple of drawers with Kaizen, but thinking of replacing my built wood cabinets with the rolling metal cabinets like you did. Kaizen would definitely be great for those. Keep 'em coming Izzy, I love to see your videos. - Chris

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic, Izzy! I absolutely agree, organization is a necessity! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@RB-wl7ct]

Based on all your work and videos I would say if you think it worth doing then it is. Many thanks for sharing.

[@johnanthony2545]

It’s what works for you and that’s what counts. I like my shop clean yet multiple projects going because ya know life happens, it gets chaotic. At which point I stop everything and straiten up for my own sanity. Shop is all ways evolving on top of that so am always in a state of flux. Hope your health rebounds love your channel.

[@garyhorton6652]

I find the organized shop is a time saver for me. It really saves me time looking for items. It also lets me know what’s missing with a quick glance.

[@larrycearlock2320]

A chaotic shop is a safety concern, I try to clean up the area I work in each day as I leave the shop. This helps me when I return to the shop as I feel i know where things are, in their rightful place and presentable to work without possible safety issues. Keep doing what you are doing Izzy and thank Maggie each day she is willing to work with you -Amen

[@jamesbrown8766]

If it works for you, it’s not overboard! My shop is a disaster area to the point where I don’t use it anymore, so this is great food for thought and great motivation to clean up and organize. Thank you!

[@clocktowertx]

Great video. I am sharing for the woodworkers who are dealing with similar health issues or who may be disabled and still want to have a functioning shop. Thanks Izzy and hope you have a continuously positive recovery journey.

[@mudslinger888]

Do you have a KZbin channel for that? If not it’s a great idea. After I got injured and lost a lot of muscle, every tool decision becomes an ergonomic one.

[@RexusKing]

"An organized shop with a designated "messy/work area", but everything is easy to clean and reorganize" would be perfect for me

[@محمدمهدیملاعلی]

👍✌️👏👌💯❤️

[@petem6291]

Just having all that hard wear organized would be a major accomplishment for most people. Every step you take is organized, I got to believe that’s the way to go

[@wildbill23c]

For sure. I'm going to try and tackle that myself this spring, I got a 26" Husky bottom chest that is going to be where all my hardware gets stored, I have a bunch of organizer bins of various sizes that I'll sort everything into by size and type then just label the drawers as to what's in them when I get everything sorted. Hope this goes well LOL...I'm tired of digging through drawers, boxes, bags, and jars for hardware LOL.

[@michaelburke7143]

You said it near the end. Starting with a place for everything and everything in its place before starting a project is my preferred method. Which I was able to practice what i preach.

[@marykayryan7891]

I'm in complete agreement. My shop is very organized (not like yours, but I know where everything is all the time-mostly--where is that steel wool again??!!). But while I am working, my bench and surrounding surfaces get pretty messy. In fact, I know when they are too messy because that's when I start misplacing things because they are under other things. Then I stop and restraighten up and start again. My motto is, "If you can't find it, stop and clean up." Also I would say, the smaller the shop the more organization is a must. I HAVE to put everything in its place or I have no room to work. That's my 2c.

[@stuartkorte1642]

I’m a fan of Kaizen. Love the tip of cutting into smaller modular sizes. This allows for the inevitable rearrangement without tossing the full drawer sheet. Also, I didn’t know you could order cut sizes so thanks. There’s clean/dirty and organized/disorganized. I can work in clean-organized and dirty-organized. I absolutely hate working in dirty-disorganized. My goal is doing what you’re doing. Luckily I’m already halfway there.

[@archangel20031]

I've been looking for a reloading toolbox for al my gun stuff, and was mainly considering the Husky 72 in. W x 24 in. D Heavy-Duty 18-Drawer Mobile Workbench Tool Chest with Adjustable-Height Hardwood Top for $1398 but 2 of those 46 in. W x 24.5 in. D going for $399 bolted together gives you a 92 in. W x 24.5 in. D tool box, for $800, just lacking that sweet adjustable top.

[@tanialimacosta]

I think it's normal to have a messy shop while you're working on a project. But it's fabulous to have an ultra-organized shop, to be able to set things back where they belong at the end. Congrats on the awsome shop

[@ricksmith9910]

I agree - an organized shop that can get messy is a great place to work and be creative……and at the end of the day it’s easy to clean up! Thanks Izzy for the great videos 👍👍

[@mikecleek3964]

You are Right in a lot of ways and Hats Off to the lady that helped, Comfort and Nicely placed tools are my heart zone; It’s easier to Work in that kind of shop and I love your Ideals.😎😇

[@AndyJSThomson]

I'm with you on this, Izzy. My shop was a messy garage and outbuilding that seemed to always accumulate junk from the house. I finally had enough and cleared it out one weekend and left everything out on my drive under a tarpaulin while I sorted out the workshop. My saw was already on wheels, and my metal working/car/bike tinkering tools were in a metal tool box on wheels so I got another metal tool box like your Husky ones and made wheeled carts for all the machines. I organised all my screws and components and got a lot of larger plastic crates for all the stuff "that will come in handy one day". I am so pleased I took the time to do it. I can now find things I want for projects easily and my tools are all organised to be right where I need them. The one advantage you didn't mention is that it means that when you do make it messy while working, it is dead easy to clear up again as everything has a place. (And a lot of the junk that was left on the driveway went to the tip and not back in my shop!)

[@JoshuaTrautmann]

Thanks, Izzy. I would agree that an organized shop allows for greater productivity. This is especially true for those of us in a smaller shop, where moving things around just to work can take valuable time away from our projects. The more organized I am, the more work I am able to do. Keep up the good work. As someone who also suffers from a disability, you are motivating me to get my butt in gear!

[@johnstangel8918]

Izzy, you are right on point. I was lost because I had to move from a 3-car garage shop to a 1/2 garage shop. Most things I do I just go and move everything out into the street and then try to get some work done and by the time I'm done I'm wiped and don't even feel like doing anything. I would die for a shop like yours I am very anal about clean and organized and it drives me crazy not to have it. I love your videos they are very informative and you don't put me to sleep like some other ones. Thank you.

[@TR-yn5tb]

Thanks for sharing. This is something I’ve been struggling with for a long time … spending too much time looking for things in my shop and occasionally buying something I thought I needed only to discover weeks or months later I already had one but it was buried somewhere … so I’m moving in the direction of getting a lot more organized and this video is super helpful.

[@gusswenson7811]

I am retired now so I have the time to do a lot more.. And like you I hate being able to not find the stuff I have all ready.. I don’t like buys something I have but can’t find . I have most everything on wheels in my shop.. Even my big tools. ( table saw, radial arm saw, planer, bandsaw and other tools) I can move them outside if I want. One thing I also have been doing it Labels… I label everything thing.. Even my bench cabinet’s with what is in them.. What I do need is to organize my wall space better.. That’s my next challenge.. and lumber storage is my biggest challenge right now… I have never used the foam before so I am very ignorant on that subject. Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge and passion with us.. Please stay safe and always be kind. Cheers PS Maggie you did a great job 👍

[@triguyw3304]

I by no means am a professional and my “shop” is my three car garage where the third bay is my shop. So I would consider myself an above average DIYer. I do most of my own auto repairs and home projects. I have just now started to organize my tools in a manner with tool cabinets with labels and the drawers organized with similar plastic dividers. I do like the idea of foam for some of my drawers. Having my tools organized has turned jobs into less frustrating experiences because I now know where each of my tools are and like you said, I have many times purchased sockets multiple times because I could not find it. So for me, I agree with the organization while it doesn’t make me a better mechanic or carpenter but the lack of frustration knowing where my tools are because they are organized is well worth it. This video has helped me with ideas to take some of my organization to the next level.

[@martinsvensson6884]

I think space and organization are the biggest time savers. Besides having the right tool for the right job of course.

[@TheTkiller9999]

I like your Organization very much... I have found for me that being organized is what I try to do while doing a job, but I end up making a mess no matter what so, at the end of a project I clean up... But I have seen others that are just as productive as I am that make messes and only clean as much as needed to do the next project.... in my opinion it is based on the person and how they grew into their trade...

[@dean8864]

I put a bigger focus on being about to see the tools I need, so I have focused on getting the tools grouped by function and normally resting at at 45degree angle. I had a nice French clet system but I have moved and have not figured out a plan here. At the moment it is just wheeled wire shelves grouped by function. Thanks for sharing what you are up too

[@davidsmethurst4318]

Love it, my OCD would be happy for ever! It works for your fantastic shop and with trouble getting around. My shop is half a single car garage and my small tools and fasteners would go in one of those cabinets, so I go with a wall cabinet and shelves over the bench with frequent users in it and everything else sorted by type.

[@reginaldfluffington5142]

This is exactly how I want to set my shop up. I never thought of the cart which is an amazing idea. The tools can stay organized even out of the box.

[@charlieoliver897]

You Are the King of Glean! Your videos are well organized, performed, lighted, composed, and sound controlled. The content is always understandable. It is inspirational and freely allows our minds to take your thought process and work it into our own situations. We can glean from you because you educationally organize and present in a logical manner.

[@neilgillies6943]

_Absolutely_ the best thing I got for my workshop was a wee iLife v1 robot cleaner (got it cheap on fleabay broken and fixed it). Wakes up in the morning and cleans the workshop floor - soooo nice to keep the floor clean. Cons - haaates cables and soft items near the floor - just move them 😊😊

[@Ham68229]

A messy shop means one of three things, too many projects at once, not large enough shop for said projects and finally, someone that doesn't care. A clean shop, organized shop, far more productive and sometimes, someone with too much time on their hands if they don't have some sort of "mess" somewhere in said shop. My shop is messy, due to not large enough and too many projects going on at once. At least I can say I know where everything is... just getting to it is the issue. LOL Dang, I thought your back was getting better. Hopefully, it WILL get better for you soon. Love your video's. Cheers :)

[@robertmadden7536]

A place for everything and everything in its place - my yet unachieved ideal. We spend too much time looking for that “tool” so we need a level of organisation. in making things we make mess as well I tried both, keeping things clean during the process and leaving it to I am finished to clean. My take away so far is not to go too far in any one direction ie spend all your time keeping things squeaky clean. Keep up the good work mate always enjoy your videos

[@rickbusch7911]

As far as I'm concerned,you do what works for you. Youre level of organization is amazing. I used to be pretty anal about things like that when I had my shop. Everything had it's place. Way easier to find tool or part/ hardware when i knew where to look, saves a ton of time. I took better care of my tools and kept them clean when organized. Its way easier to figure out if a tool was lost or walked away. Yes, 8t takes time to ne as organized as you are, but its really not that expensive. I never got to the point that i was using foam yet, i had just started looking into what kind of foam i would use(kaizan was definitely at the top of my list), amd probably would have started transitioning over to foam. Unfortunately we lost the house, and i dont have a place to do any work now. Keep up the good work, it looks great.

[@RYwoodview]

I'm sure these thoughts are shared by others, but altogether: I have repeatedly bought some tool or supply that it turned out I already had and just couldn't find. That was the trigger to get organized. Like Izzy, I couldn't see going to the time & trouble to make cabinets (especially with the price of good plywood) and replaced all my open stands with these mechanics tool cabinets. Drawers are so much more useful and clean than open shelves! I've laid rubber liners in them, which keep tools where I set them, and I sometimes rearrange them so I'm not a candidate for cut-out foam (yet). Now when I go down to my shop, everything is neat and I can focus on whatever task I want to do. When I'm done (or even along the way), tools go straight back to their homes, and a quick brush &/or vacuum and it's ready for when I come back. Takes nearly no time to keep it that way, which is the real value of organizing. Once done, keeping it up is much easier than not.

[@saneauto]

Thank you Izzy for sharing your efforts to get prepared. I am in the same situation. I have 4 ruptured disk 2 in the lower back that want to keep me in a chair. I have been trying to organize and modify my garage for the inevitable. The doctors say they dont know how Im still walking and keep pushing for surgery. I do know how Im still walking and it aint surgery. I totally gave up all sugar and any other inflammatory (hardest thing Ive ever quit). Switched my workouts to include mostly lat pulls and dips for decompression. Hang from a bar 3 times a day and shed weight. I was almost 210 with 17" arms and Im down to 190 I shed 4 inches from my waist so far but I still have to get a cortisone shot sometimes when it gets so bad I cant walk or sleep. Pain killers dont seem to help at all so I just dont bother with em. Im don't like dancing with anything that might be addictive especially when it does seem to even make a dent in the pain. Next Im gonna buy my own decompression bed.

[@alaskansourdough7602]

My shop is small so organization is a must. I'm not hyper organized but everything has it's place and while I'm working on a project it is somewhat messy because tools are where I need them for the project. The tool cart idea is brilliant and I'm going to try to make me one (or you can do a short video on how to set one up for me.) I have two carts like that that I use right now so making one with the dust extractor underneath is my next project.

[@mtlmutt56]

Maggie is the bomb!! Clean, organized shop is sexy. As an auto tech for 35 years, I hated not finding tools where they should have been

[@markpalmer5311]

I totally agree with the “organized clean shop with a designated temporary messy area” approach. Sometimes I leave the mess overnight, or longer, knowing that I can focus and put everything away quickly. One major improvement to my shop would be Maggie… wow, I really need a Maggie. For my psyche, your level of OCD is just right. And I have been Kaizen-daydreaming for a year, at least. Thanks for the motivation. And good luck with the back, hope you find some relief.

[@toysoldier46552]

I'm glad you covered this topic, sorry the last surgery wasn't a full success as we had all hoped it would be. with that said, I have to finish a furnace install (furnace guys have taken 19 months and have not come to put in the return so guess who gets to do it from my own shop in the basement) ugh. Anywho since I have to reorganize I may as well clean the corners (which let's be real, I don't film anymore so I've gotten a bit lazy lol). This foam Idea would be a great addition to my shop since it is small, and yes a messy organized shop is way more productive. At some point though, you must clean up or you just don't want to be in there.

[@dianebennett8095]

Thank you for this video. I have been following fleets wood shop, He uses the same foam in all of his drawers and has the best cleanest and organized shops I have seen on KZbin. You two are great. Thanks Alf 🙂🙂🙂

[@arikardasis]

I love that you’re doing this. Organizing things by how much you use them is such a good idea and it’s the driving force for my shop organization. I also really love the cart that has all the most important stuff on it. Great idea.

[@aaronoconnor606]

I think you are right about organizing haveing a clean shop just makes me feel better then haveing a mess I'm definitely more productive when things are organized

[@MyGrowthRings]

I totally agree with your conclusion, Izzy, including all the good things you have to say about Maggie and all her hard work. I offered to do some woodworking tutoring for my wife’s cousin, who I knew had a touch of OCD. I had no idea! He had a professional kitchen’s worth of cabinets installed by a kitchen and bath dealer in his garage. Every drawer and organization, somewhat akin to kaizen foam, but this was at least 20 years before that was available. I would set a tool down in the middle of using it, and when I would look up, he would be wiping it clean, and putting it back in the drawer! After our training, I told him that his need to be hyper-organized was holding him back from being productive. His woodworking challenges were’t being caused by his inability to use his tools, but instead by his obsessive need to have them all in drawers or tucked away in their original boxes. Thanks for sharing and it’s so smart of you to plan for the future. Scott

[@joelahnstein2281]

adding) long husky tool cases like yours and one smaller one i put in between the two. the larger ones hold lathe tools and accessories and the other hand held power tools. the shorter one is my grinding station for sharpening gouges with other sharpening equipment in the drawers below. the shop isn't done, so i will be moving things around some more.

[@bridgetl.303]

As a dental lab technician and hobbyist woodworker, I learned decades ago that organization of your tools makes you more efficient. I don’t know when Kaizan Foam was available, but I French fitted my work tools into an MDF board about 35 years ago so that I could immediately go to the drawer and find what I needed. It was incredibly frustrating to not be able to find the tool in the drawer where you knew it was because the drawer was such a mess. I make a mess on my bench, but when the job’s done, the tools go back where I can find them immediately tomorrow. The time I spent organizing my drawers has been paid back many times over as I never have to search for a tool anymore. I think that hyper-organization not only saves you time, makes you efficient, but also saves your sanity. Now I need to organize my shop like my workplace!

[@travisjohnston1923]

I gotta say, with the recent sequence if injuries and surgeries ive endured recently on top of having Asperger's, this is right up my alley. The only thing id have to do differently is find a way to have things displayed. I have object permanence issues, and as a result if i cant just eyeball over where it goes, itll nevergo where it goes.

[@nathanielblackwood9226]

I found myself convinced for a thumbs up midway into the video an then twice more along the way just to realize I have already gave you one. Maggie and you rock! Keep your heads up, I wish you and all the best.

[@Breezer56]

I agree!! Although my tool chests aren't quite as organized as yours, they are organized by U.S. vs Metric and layed out nicely. Of course when I go to use these tools, they get displaced in the area I am working at. This is my messy part, but once I am done working, every tool gets immediately placed back to it's organized spot in the tool chest. All of them except my 10mm, which of course I cannot find...

[@TalkinTools]

I absolutely love when everything has a home. Im super organized in the area of the shop that I work in and in my toolbox especially. its definitely more efficient to be organized, it cuts down on loosing or missing something and also make your everyday clean up process so much quicker and thoughtless. I can toss everything back in my toolbox at the end of a late night and it takes me maybe 10 minutes and with a quick glance I can tell if something didn't make it back to its place.

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

While I worked at a major oilfield service company, we did tons of Lean Six Sigma projects. One massive project was to use Kaizen in our electronic assembly area. All of the assembly tools were placed on Kaizen trays, numbered and inventoried. When an assembly job was pulled, the parts AND Kaizen tray(s) arrived via a parts expediter at the work station. The assembler then had everything he or she needed to complete the job. It had a few rough spots at first, but within a couple of months, part flows were up, and assembly times were shorter. It was a very successful process.

[@dancooperish]

I'm a lean six sigma coach, and this is a use of the word kaizen that I'm not used to. I don't work in manufacturing, though. Kaizen is a verb, not an adjective, where I work. These organisational techniques are what we would call part of a 5S approach.

[@olhesty2196]

My lord you are tops with organization. Forget what everyone tells you, your kickin' it right.

[@Handleyman]

Izzy, Izzy, Izzy. Does your mind ever take a break? Your now have a literal woodworking surgery! I can see that a lot of thought has gone into the arrangement. Perfect! 👍

[@marshallcollins8634]

A 10 minute nod is just that with an organized shop, A 10 minute job in an Unorganized shop sometimes Never gets done( without at least 1temper tantrum) I’m with you on the organization I literally worked out of 5gal . Buckets got about a year ( it was always stressful) then I got a toolbox (no more tools. At first) it was amazing how work I got done just by ortwhat I already had.

[@meyeame8956]

Thanks for the input. I've never found ultra precise organization scalable. Everyone is different though, and all needs are different.

[@scottengdahl4868]

I second Jay's comments! That said, I might consider going a step further and buying affordable "color matched" cabinets, like the ones at HF, I've got one of their cabinets and am absolutely impressed with it, and they come in a bunch of colors to match the kyzan!

[@justpassinbyy]

i like the idea of a clean shop. of course i do not have one. but i would welcome you and maggie coming over and doing my shop like yours

[@dennismarjamaa6805]

In my shop, everything has a home. During projects it gets to be a real mess but once the job is completed it doesn't take long to put everything away. And with everything having its own place, I can find all my tools quickly. So, I agree with you 100%!

[@mathewshoyt1763]

i finally bough an 11 drawer husky cabinet.. so many years having tools being stored everywhere.. i was able to centralized all my most used home tools.. organization is key

[@andylangton780]

Wow that is a level I have never achieved. Frankly this gives me stress just thinking about organizing to this level. I think everyone is different and it’s important to know how you work and what level gives you the most peace. I guess I’m in the middle. I find this very impressive and enjoy watching your videos and always pick up something that works for me, just like you said. Keep up the good work 😊

[@dreamrocker9287]

Love this video I have mobility issues myself organization is crucial , on the other hand at the end of each project somehow I still end up with a messy work top , # 1 Rule for me nothing on the floor because it will cause me to trip and fall

[@joelahnstein2281]

great video. when we moved to TX, i had to rework my two car garage shop and set it up for woodturning. like your shop, i bought two of the

[@hippie-io7225]

When the project "urge" comes upon me, having tools and supplies ready and waiting really gets the momentum going!

[@rudyschwab7709]

I agree. Nothing screams "Come use me!" more than a work space that is ready and waiting to be used. No one wants to start a new project on top of the mayhem that was left over from the last project. Everything should have a dedicated space, and there should be plenty of space waiting to be used for a project. Sometimes, I want to do something, but I don't want to get to get into anything huge, so I just go around and make sure everything has found it's way back to where it resides.

[@deepzone31]

Love the useful carts and the foam org system. Nicely done!

[@JoseHernandez-ez6sd]

I love it! I keep alot of tools in my semi truck so i think something like this would greatly help me stay organized

[@billybike57]

Glad to see a video that is helpful for physical limitations

[@orlando4866]

Thank you for all of the ideas. I am always thinking on how to make my shop more organized and efficient

[@mrrobbles]

The fact you did a demo on the foam… you just got a sub my guy. That’s exactly what I was looking for 😊

[@ross-smithfamily6317]

You inspired us to organize our tools in our garage. We are over the moon learning about the Kaizen foam!

[@wildbill23c]

I need to organize all my various hardware too, I bought a Husky 26" bottom tool chest, and then later on I ended up with the 26" top and bottom combo unit from Harbor Freight, and was going to sell the Husky because the Harbor Freight top chest is too large to fit the Husky....but I decided to keep the Husky chest and use it for my hardware storage...I ordered a bunch of drawer divider bins and I'll do what you guys did in the one tool chest. Then I'll just label the drawers as to what is in them. The nice thing is the Husky chest is on wheels so I can simply roll it wherever I want, or just take out the bin with the fasteners in it that I'm using.

[@RobbieSongwriter]

My goal was always to have a well organized shop, but unfortunately circumstances causing multiple moves over the past 12 years have gone the wrong direction (sigh). Almost salivating at the cool ways your are hyper organizing. I think you will more than recapture the effort in the future (hoping your injury improves🤕). You are so lucky to have such a great life partner. My fastners have always been organized, but in portable divider plastic boxes for on job transport. Like yours MUCH better. Thanks for sharing your journey - always a pleasure!😏

[@springwoodcottage4248]

Super interesting questions. In my case it’s the hunt for something I know I have but can’t find that vexes me & this is most acute when I return to something I haven’t worked on for a while, as for example Christmas stuff that is hyper active late in the year then left for most of the year before restarting. My solution has been to build boxes of 18x12x4 inches out of scrap wood & 6 mm plywood. Each box opens with two rear hinges giving a roof of 1 inch depth & has two latches at the front. Each box has stenciled on it what is inside, if I have time I will add an home made handle, but not always. I do not use much storage organization within the box, but having all the things I want in the box makes finding easy & it maximizes what I can get in, plus foam is expensive by my standards. This system suits me as I am often in different locations & need to take everything I need to the location & having purpose built boxes makes this easy. The downsides are I get too tired at the end of a job to put things back in their box, but I am improving on making this a priority & it also makes it easy for a thief to get a box of useful stuff & leg it quickly, but so far the general lack of interest in making stuff in the uk & relatively low cost of the tools I buy has kept me mostly theft free. As to the question I think it’s the ergonomics that matters: Quick finding of what’s needed, space to work & inspiration that leads to maximum productivity at least for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@sailorcto]

Messy during the builds, but well organized at the end of each day. I love the Kaizen....now you got ME thinking....

[@craynecabinets]

Izzy, I always learn something from your videos! If you work with others, then organization improves teamwork. That's the premise of 5S. That said, here are some additional thoughts... 1. Label the drawers! You can ask a helper to get something from the 'Wrenches' drawer. 2. I'm not a fan of foam. It makes it harder to grab a tool and adds time to put a tool away in the exact orientation. And when you add a tool, you need to re-think everything... 3. Kaizen translates to "Change for Good". Foam impedes change. A better term might be "5S foam".

[@arthurhammeke8296]

Just recently decided I needed to organize my collection of bolts, nuts and other assorted hardware. I had the habit of just buying more screws, etc, because I didn't know what I had. I also would throw the bolts and screws in buckets and gallon cans. After organizing, I now realized I have a lifetime supply of 2.5 inch yellow screws. 3 boxes worth. So yes, it's worth being organized and being able to just put the bolts back after the project instead of half assing it.

[@spsu2014]

Time spent finding tools and fasteners is a big drag on getting work done. One of my most beneficial organization projects was fasteners, drastically reducing the number of trips to the hardware store. Add thoughtful full box purchases of fasteners when that is just a few dollars more than individual fasteners needed for one project. With a garage shop that shares space with general household storage, there is always pending organization projects. I am interested in a list of the tools you selected for you primary cart.

[@johnmeinhardt-jensen7713]

Glad to see more regular content from u again. I pray the change in focus is everything u want. I have some thoughts about ur back/mobility issues having had a little parallel experience. Not same level, but if u want to pm me. Live the work one OCD to another

[@MrHandyDad]

Good idea. I did something very similar w/ two Horror Freight Cabinets few years ago.

[@raydriver7300]

I always glean something from your videos, Izzy. I hate looking for stuff and try to have a place for everything. Now I do turning in my shed I also have two of some things to save time and effort. Keep up the good work 🌞

[@joewhitney4097]

Great video, I think organized is better. Once working with it for a while, knowing where everything is at makes for quick access and ease of cleaning up while optimizing space. Thanks for sharing.

[@miteytuff1]

I appreciate an organized shop. I'm able to tell my wife and kids the tool they're looking for is in the bottom drawer of the red cabinet. I hate searching for tools or anything for that matter. Organization is the key to efficiency. My shop isn't always clean, it's not a museum it's a workshop with sawdust and shavings around. But it is organized which I believe is tantamount to getting things done.

[@utehill1141]

You've got a gem in Maggi!!! I hate wasting time looking for tools, so organized is definitely the way to go. That said, it gets disheveled during projects, but is easy to put right when everything has a place. I also feel very strongly that if you have move several items to put something away, it won't work. BTW my little shop (hobby) is 11 x 16. Love cabinets.

[@izzyswan]

Maggie is an amazing woman. What bothers me looking for tools is i lose my focus and the task and it tasks me time to get back in the groove.

[@wingrider1004]

Awesome...love it...hope you get relief from your back pain.

[@CNKXU1]

I like the idea of the carts that you load with what you will be using. I think that will be my next project.

[@rswearing]

Right in line with Adam Savage's first order of retrievability ideas with maintaining flow when making. Excellent work. I'm long way away.