Instant Access Tool Center

Designing and building a case that provides instant access for most of the small tools that you use regularly. This portable fixture is set up so that you can easily access the tools you need, and also replace them the second you are finished with them, keeping your workplace organized. It protects small tools from damage or loss, and increases efficiency by ensuring that they will not get lost in workbench clutter.
Plans: this fixture needs to be customized to each woodworker’s personal needs and tools, so it makes little sense to exactly duplicate my layout. However, I will post photos of the case on my website, with dimensions, to help you get started with your own layout. Here is the link to my website:
psullivancarme...
I will list below links where you can buy some of the tools I show in the video.
iGaging adjustable squares: amzn.to/2XIrm0G
Woodstock machinist square set: amzn.to/2UydUux
iGaging IP54 electronic digital caliper: amzn.to/2IZmqB7
Gyokucho dozuki saw: amzn.to/2HtfTfZ
Suizan 6" dozuki saw: amzn.to/2NPT8no
Gemred digital protractor: amzn.to/2NSRSQh
Starrett rigid 6" ruler: amzn.to/2H5XCG1
DeWalt tapered drills w countersinks: amzn.to/2VKB0ht
Woodcraft socket awl: amzn.to/2tVtGnd
Diamond grit file set: amzn.to/2XITNeR
For the Veritas marking gauge and miniature planes, see the Lee Valley site at:
www.leevalley.c...
For links to earlier videos where I make some of the tools shown, see the following links:
• Making Detail Carving ...
or go to my channel.

[@clarkpeters8273]

Four years later KZbin decided to recommend this video to me. I want to know how KZbin knew that today was one of those days. Several times today I "lost" a tool or part that had been in my hands just ten seconds earlier. Coincidence? I think not. ;)

[@shturmovik3033]

The Deep Web has “ears”…

[@rosly_yt]

I'm studying to be a teacher, and you've unintentionally created the best example of accessible design I've ever seen. You took hundreds of tools with diverse needs, and gave each of them a comfortable home. We often talk about accessibility in abstract terms when it comes up, but this is what it looks like, and I can't thank you enough for giving me such a perfect example to show people.

[@markmulder996]

I'm looking to do a french cleat wall in my garage and basically build everything from scratch, and one thing i found is that most french cleat tool storage systems basically place everything flat against the wall taking up a relatively large amount of space. This assembly with several layers of storage back to back seems like the perfect solution. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@mjac8373]

Great video best of many I've seen NO musak, good camera work, NO big EGO just education of the best kind. Thank you!

[@barbarianatgate2000]

I have to say, your tutorials are actually enjoyable to watch. Everything explained in detail, but not excessively so. Build process well documented and supported by the design. Nicely done, Sir.

[@karljolley8346]

the VERY RARE actual process of Design. lay it out, think it through. good show Patrick.

[@andrewdarnley4608]

I thought I was the only fella with a bench top that looks like a plane crashed on it. Great video and I’ve already started on my own small tool organiser

[@danbytp]

Actually,it looks like the English Master Dart champion took all the pieces and threw them in one shot and turned out looking good!

[@dobrootut]

Молодец! Круто четко получается! Так держать. Поможем Добру стать сильнее!

[@WillBravoNotEvil]

@@andrewdarnley4608 My standard Dad-joke for first time visitors is similar (and I can slide in an humble-brag about being a lapsed pilot). *Don't worry, the haz-mat team has removed all body parts*

[@markwallace7769]

When this man posts, you watch. What an elegant solution.

[@karljolley8346]

I really appreciate the use of Both metric and imperial measures. Being that both are functional in their own way, we should all be fluent in both "languages of measure" I notice that I also watched this about 4 years ago.... well, it is just as relevant today as it was then...

[@elizabethweafer43]

I’ve been looking for inspiration for storing my own quick access tools and this is exactly the concept I wanted but couldn’t articulate. Your attention to smallest details and functionality is a joy to watch.

[@awesomepossomable]

Bro. This is perfect. Exactly what I need to do. Also very refreshing from the usual KZbin woodworking content which is just advertisements product advertisements in disguise. Well done, I love everything about it.

[@mikethompson7046]

You are everything I aspire to be as a woodworker one day. I am only 21 and only have a small basement in my apartment with a tiny workbench a jigsaw and a drill but I am learning

[@blandry021]

Not only a great video, something I really need, but I love the steps you laid out before you started cutting wood. One of the best diy videos I watched.

[@rwind656]

I forgot to return to tell you my son and I built a tool center like this for an electronics lab bench as a gift. Our woodworking skills aren't anywhere as good as yours but we decided to call it a first version, and I think it's being used and serving the purpose. We miggt refine it in future. Small tools are now in a known location and being returned, hopefully no scrambling for a tool just set down a few moments ago. And I have noticed when a tool leaves the lab, it gets returned. Very pleased, thank you for sharing the concept!

[@laurielyon7740]

Mr. Sullivan……..that was an absolute clinic. Thanks for posting.

[@larrycearlock2320]

Patrick, I know what you say about forgetting where tools are laying ,because at 79 I forget alot and thsi plan is very helpful thanks. Long live us old woodworkers.

[@velcroman11]

This video HAS to be the most useful video I have seen here on KZbin. It is so much better that the bucket I currently use and so bleedingly oblivious.

[@sonnyo4273]

Great project....I am redoing my workshop and this is a must build. I also had less tools and a bigger brain when I was younger. Now that I am semi retired, I find myself in the workshop more and this will make my life easier.

[@stevenlengyel9701]

Less tools and more. Rain ha ha 👍

[@darkdelta]

How many strokes of genius can one video hold! Harvest the indexes from a HFT drill set, use a spatula, and come up with that modular build, genius I say! Patrick! I saw my life when you said how could it disappear! My response to lost objects is "It has to be within arms length since I haven't moved, right? Nevr seems to happen though.That policy of once used then it returns home is hard to get used to, but I have about a 50% success rate. Your solution is as my friend from the UK would say is "spot on!". Thanks for posting this.

[@eholland582]

I’ve watched 10s if not hundreds of videos on tool storage - “easy access” type design tool centers and this is by far and away THE BEST ONE; hands down. Thank you for this excellent design and presentation.

[@bpindermoss]

I built one to hold all the tools from a Chinese tool collection my mother-in-law bought me. It all came in a blow molded plastic case and at first I sort've sneered at it, but then noticed that when I needed a tool, that was the box I went to. Patrick's tool center idea fit the collection perfectly once the blow molded case died. I added a bunch of other stuff I use and it is crammed with the tools I once spent hours looking for. I just built a second one to hold all the metal files and rasps I use in my knife making. The third one will be to hold all my leather working tools. Patrick, this is a simple idea but so apt for the way I work that I have bought several of your designs now, based on how well this one worked.

[@JenkinsStevenD]

I think I will build something similar and slap a french cleat on the back so it isn't taking up my table space too. Thank you, Mr. Sullivan!

[@mikeconery9893]

Patrick I stumbled across your video just as I was on the hunt for tool organizing ideas. I watched the video several times and decided to build my version. I took your comments to heart about not just drilling a bunch holes in a piece of wood. So for me that process was as fun as the construction. I probably took two weeks of just selecting the tools to go in the mix as well as where to put them. So the project was quite simple to build but it’s made my time in the shop so much more enjoyable. I use it everyday. Excellent idea thank you so much

[@theseconddarrin3788]

I recently downsized to a condo and now work at a local makerspace that has the stationary tools but I found myself forever searching for the basic marking and measuring tools, bits, glues, etc. I love this concept and will adjust the dimensions to drop into a toolbox that I can keep on my car. I LOVE THIS!

[@discerningx3375]

This is SO awesome. I was in my shop designing a what I call a sharps, marks, and cuts tray. Then I said to myself, I can't be the only person with this problem. Surely someone smarter has solved it before. Lo and behold! I LOVE IT! I am totally stealing this design strategy. Thank you Patrick.

[@chiparmstrong842]

Patrick, this is a great demonstration of workmanship, creativity and design to solve a basic problem. I will rise to the challenge and replace my cobbled together holey stand that I made several years ago. Then spray painted it bright green so I could locate it in my peripheral vision. Guess that was a throwback to my early days in surgery when we wore green gowns. New one will be light blue

[@jarkkolaiho462]

The KZbin algorithm really came through here. I've just started the process of dealing with the chaotic clutter of my small shop, and this is absolutely perfect. I'm going to add a French cleat to the back, and I expect this to spend around 50% of the time on the cleat wall near my bench, and 50% on the bench itself, depending on what I'm doing. Thank you so much for this!

[@MrBarrymills]

Thank you for this. I had no idea that such a simple concept could make such a difference. I made one several days ago with your design and my bench tools in mind. I love it already... I can find things! After 50 years working wood you reminded me that the journey is never over.

[@Sky-Frogs]

Thank you Sir for sharing! I learned a few things and plan to build something similar later this year. PS: when the tape measure was hung I cheered out loud in satisfaction of the elegant simplicity!

[@joshuab.3406]

I loved how detail oriented your video was. I even went as far as book marking your website.

[@srairmand]

This is awesome. This will help a whole lot in my shop. No more asking myself where I put it. No more walking across the room to get bits. Thank you sir.

[@bcostell69]

it doesnt matter where in the world we are , THAT TOOL WAS RIGHT THERE 5 MINUTES AGO rings true for me too, nice tool tray

[@StarLight-gj4jt]

Sometimes I find my hand is still holding on to a tool that is no longer there

[@richardcary5751]

Excellent idea. And when I remove all those items from the tool wall above my bench, I'll have to buy more tool to fill the void!

[@jimallen199]

Cheers Patrick, showing your design process is as useful as the tool storage itself.

[@chipblock2854]

In 10th grade in 1970 my shop teacher had a favorite saying, everything has a place and in every place has a thing. So I learned a basic principle in life. I build model cars and trucks and have always kept things organized. My.wife long ago tried to label everything. I told her I didn't need it. I now can almost grab tools without looking. Talk about labeling things, years ago when our first child was around six months old my wife and I made labels for various parts of our baby's body. Like, the nose, cheek, ear, forehead, hand, finger, thumb. Nothing too personal. Then I took a photo of the baby, blew it up and hung it on the wall. We did it for the other two kids and they have done it for our grandchildren.

[@beetee4295]

Love watching a craftsman at work. This man adds true value to our world

[@Thom4123]

Always good to know another woodworker has that same problem “ I just put that down where could’ve gone “ lol. Really awesome idea definitely need to build one ASAP thank you for sharing.

[@WalterWasHereToo]

And You know what? You are talking to us. That's kind of unique skill atm. We have full support of what You do. No stupid loud music or noices comes from drill or hammer. Patrik - THANK YOU! Greetings form Poland.

[@Warshipmodelsunderway]

A very nice presentation - I will have to check out your other videos. For me, I have enough tools that I built an Adam Savage inspired shop cart to roll over to where I'm working. But I ran into the same issue, tools cluttering up the work area during actual use. So I modified an old mechanic's rolling tool tray to the height I work at, and have gotten into the habit of using it like a surgeons tray, returning all tools to it during the project. It doesn't take up a lot of room and has really helped my workflow.

[@paulbriant2067]

How do I love this. Let me count the ways. A wonderfully useful organiser that every toolshop can use. The sense of humour, the beautifully modulated voice and the proffesional way this video is produced and I am hitting "subscribe". Thank you sir. I am heading to my workshop to make one of these for myself, my father and brother.

[@jjsuperalfadogg122]

Thank you. Brilliant! Plus, I learned a new idea. Putting tools back after using!!!

[@kringles65]

That's a great tool storage mini center. I added a tool 'crib' to the back of my main workbench. It's basically a long,but narrow rectangular box with storage slots and holes. It holds the tools being used and keeps the working area free from tool clutter. I guess I have OCD in my shop. I want all tools and their siblings in their designated area. LOL.

[@surfearth1]

I do leather working, and I was always looking for big blocks of wood to drill holes in and make holders for punches etc. (I clumsily made one) I never thought “out of the box” to just flip some boards on their sides! What a great way to make a multi level rack! Unbelievably simple! All this time... LOL Thank you!

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

This is going to be a game changer for me. Right now we're in the process of building my study/work room and already I'm struggling to come up with a plan for my assorted craft supplies. One trick that I figured out is to organize my crafts on cheap carts that we found at Harbor Freight. So I've got a cart for sewing, one for staining, one for paint supplies, etc. With all that, I'm still struggling with the small stuff. Now, each cart can have it's own little specialized caddy. This will work great.

[@jay-rus4437]

Built my first one a year ago, building a second one this weekend for my indoor smaller workspace. Absolutely amazingly useful build. Has saved me so much time and frustration looking for a small tool that I was just using a couple minutes before. With this I know exactly where it is and where to place it back when finished using it

[@NickBair316]

Love it! That spatula hack is genius! I like that this can easily be built with scrap wood laying around.

[@billybobfudpucker5817]

This is awesome. I am going to have a pile of stuff of my desk for the next week deciding what is going into my tool centre. THANK YOU for the great idea and the full breakdown of what to do.

[@gingerburden3356]

I am always looking for small tools in drawers, tool bags, apron pockets. Drives me crazy! Definitely building one. Thanks!

[@blainerueckwald]

I wish I’d seen this many years ago, it could have saved me so much time in the “Now where did I put that department.”

[@icedogsvideo]

Fantastic job with the explanation and visual image with measurements

[@jackdotzman2908]

Great idea for a tool center. Great design, excellently well edited video, quality craftsmanship and not a bad job on the BS narration. Marriage, wives and tools should never be discussed in the same conversation. Really enjoyed your vid and it is an excellent video. From Missouri

[@wandawTube]

This video was a joy to watch. I now have some hope of managing my tools AND art supplies. Thank you.

[@danasaunders5997]

I've been looking for weeks for something just like this!!! I'm a huge fan of french cleats walls. It will be just what I need for working on my main bench, keeping my work surface clear, as well as carrying it to my layout table.!!! Thank you so much!

[@garymorris6061]

Thank you Patrick for an inspirational video. I like the way you emphasized the planning phase. I think making something like this may well keep relationships together. I won’t be so grumpy and frustrated and I guess a better person to be with.

[@dfu1685]

Thank you so much for going slow enough and such details on the process of Actually Making It! Brilliant by the way; I think everyone wishes they had this for their bench. Great job!

[@ivan7453]

Hi Patrick. this is a really great idea. There is nothing worse than searching for the item you need when it wants to play hide and seek. A big thank you for providing dimensions in metric. I wish more could do the same as I really struggle with imperial waffle.

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Such an excellent video, thank you! I am almost 70 and only started wood work a couple of years ago. I wish I’d seen this before I started building my tool wall (in a spare bedroom! I’d still like to make a small one though, SO good!

[@jmquez]

Exactly what I need right now! Drawers are no good for small tools thank you for sharing the plans for free!

[@thegroove2000]

same here. I am a messy sod.

[@charliebecker2216]

Very nice job. Great design, workmanship.

[@annaredd2422]

Thank you for a very well done video, I am getting tired of watching videos of just music in the background. I love your channel and I know what I will be making this weekend.

[@bryandraughn9830]

Of course I'm standing here looking at my tools now. It's not bad but it's not great. Thanks for getting my wheels turning. I'm definitely going to

[@VIDEOEPPO]

I have most of these tools on my pegboard which is setup on the wall. The work table is in front of me with me facing the back on the wall. That is because I have space constraints and I need to film while I am working. I turn to the wall to pick any tool I need. It never occurred to me to put the stuff i regularly in front of me. This is a great solution. It would save a lot of time (and space on the memory card of the card too)

[@ADVJason]

I'm glad I found this video of yours. I have a bench I picked up for hand tool use and it has become my go to bench. Someone had put some time into building it as it is white oak and Walnut. I bought it really cheap. I've since added a well to the back of the bench just so I can have some stuff there at hand. I did a quick orcanizer for my chisels but I have found it way undersized as I end up with everything crowding that spot. The well is great but does act as a catch all. I think I am going to adapt your design some and get the little things organized. I love the idea of moving it as I need to for large pieces or just to get it more handy for small stuff. Thanks for the ideas. Now off to my shop.

[@yurihuta8487]

Great idea and appreciate the details in the video and links to tools. Thank you!

[@KeystoneADV]

Just finished building my own tool center....thanks so much for the terrific design! I should have built one a long time ago. Added a French cleat for versatility and use on my tool wall.

[@solobiker3691]

the VERY RARE actual process of Design. lay it out, think it through. good show Patrick. From Germany

[@BernardClaviere]

Many many thanks for adding metrics measurements for overseas viewers...

[@coreyferguson401]

Just EXCELLENT Patrick.

[@DTeK]

15:14 looks so good, every tool easy to reach and store, perfect !

[@garyhorton6652]

You had me hooked with the “where could it have gotten to? I just had it? Thanks for sharing the cure

[@PaulChandler1951]

Great idea! I have a tool wall behind me when at the bench but this idea brings everything to hand and avoids the inevitable cluster of tools on the bench 👍

[@jayfoster5756]

Well sir, you inspired me to make a tool center very similar to yours. It usually sits at the end of my 6' workbench and has proven to be very handy indeed!!! I made it out of scrap wood I had on hand. As I live with it and use it daily for the next months or year, I will build a 2nd version out of some nicer wood, maple or oak or whatever. Thanks again for your inspiration. This saves me a lot of time and steps in my workshop.

[@willfishing5605]

"How could it just disappear!?" I'm in my 30's and I ask myself this every day in my shop!

[@lelandclayton5462]

I'm so building this. I'm not a wood worker but i've been known to build things. I mostly do Electronics as my past time and I think this will keep my electronics hand tools organized.

[@TravisJaneway]

Thanks Patrick. I really appreciate your videos!

[@davidbrooks3387]

We all know organization is essential in small shops. This is a brilliant idea. Thank you.

[@artificiusintelligence4996]

Love your videos, you are very informative, clear and insightful. I commend your efforts to show how you build and manufacture your tools and projects. I’m both grateful and inspired.

[@ianlloyd100]

This is going to be my first proper build..... Brilliant design to build format!!!.... Thank you

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

By far the best portable organizer I've seen. I like the thinking outside of the box with using the stainless steel from a spatula! Clever

[@PaulChandler1951]

I just built one and am loving my uncluttered bench with regular tools to hand. Many thanks Patrick 👍

[@campmodewithrussell]

Very nice design, and execution! I am going to add a cleat on the back to hang it when I am not using. Thanks for taking the time to explain this out.

[@andy4373]

Wow! This is really great. Awesome video and awesome end result. Thanks!

[@msheart2]

I love organization and you’re tops on it. I love that you laid everything out first on the tools you use. Thank you for the wonderful video, a pleasure to watch your work.

[@rickwilliams3081]

Patrick, thank you for this video and others. I built an "Instant Access Tool Center" very similar to your design and it has changed my shop work habits forever. Now I can actually find tools, most of the time...haha! Thank you for your effort and keep up the great work.

[@adriancoetzee65]

This is a genius solution to a problem I've never been able to escape. Thanks Patrick!

[@humor62]

And I thought I was was organized, you Patrick take the lead by far! Many good tips & ideas in this great video! Thank You!

[@lockcitywoodworks]

This is so awesome. I’m planning to start my trip down the rabbit hole of wood working in the Spring (Northeast living and no dedicated shop space means my ability to start is weather-dependent), and I have a habit of losing my tools A LOT. This is a GREAT idea and one that I will absolutely adopt. Thanks for posting.

[@donovanlucibello6420]

Great content here, very much appreciate you sharing your, "here's what works . . . " perspective, Sir! I cannot tell you how badly my bench needs this level of attention. Thank you.

[@JensRoland]

What an inspired build and inspiring build video! The pace is perfect and you show just enough of your problem solving process to enable a viewer to replicate it for an entirely different set of tools, while not dwelling so much on details that it gets boring even for a moment. I will definitely build one or two of these!

[@mattstegall]

This is one of my favorite videos on KZbin. Can't wait to build one and I'll be adding cleats to the back for wall hanging above my assembly table. Great job

[@SteveInPalmSprings]

Great design with a well narrated what to include and why intro. The how to build segment is equally excellent.

[@markyour6998]

Great video. Design, build. Well explaned. Thank you.

[@fiziwig]

This is genius. I'm off to find all my tools hiding under shavings and sawdust, and work out a plan for my own version. Thanks a million!

[@Tugmun11]

Brilliant Mr. Sullivan thanks for sharing.

[@lolaj6488]

Wow!!!’ I’m impressed, all though I’m a woman I love to watch everything related to wood work etc. your tool keeper is fabulous

[@ben12079]

An excellent idea. I’m going to go with the basic concept, but I think I’ll add a magnetic strip to the front for tools that don’t quite work I. The slot idea. Thanks for posting!

[@flute8712]

Wonderful!! This has turned my life around and fixed my marriage as you promised 😄

[@shturmovik3033]

Great Project! …and perfect design notes!

[@brianmccarthy5108]

Thanks Patrick. This was a real treat to watch. This does not have to be intimidating and I think you have sweat all the details for all of us.

[@DoItYourselfDIYAtHome]

Thank you very much for the explanation and demonstrations. I will utilize many of your ideas.

[@shanmugathasanpatkunan9752]

a Hi Patrick, Thank you for your generosity. This will become a small temple in the woodworking area.