The garage or workshop is a sacred place. Here is where we store all our precious tools. It is a refuge from an angry spouse where we can cool off from a heated argument and a place to spend unforgettable quality time working on projects with our children. Unfortunately the old adage our shop teachers preached, "a place for everything, and everything in its place" often falls by the wayside in our own shops. Getting things in order is a valuable investment that will save you countless hours of time and money by making your workshop a more enjoyable and efficient environment.

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Store similar tools in a toolbox or hang them from metal hangers on a peg board. Find a cupboard or shelf for larger tools. Using labels, tracing the tools picture on the wall, or taping a photo of cabinet contents to cabinet doors can help you find things quickly. Allow for adequate space for items. If you cram cabinets and shelves chockablock full you will end up pulling half the shelf down each time you reach for something. Get shovels, brooms, and rakes out of the way using special hooks or metal hangers placed high on the wall.

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Put power chords and air hoses on rollup coils near an air compressor or power plug. Installing locking wheels on big machines such as a table saw, drill press, or router table to quickly reconfigure your shop setup. Use twist ties or rubber bands to bind up excess chord lengths and eliminate tangling. A fishing tackle box, glass mayonnaise or baby food jars are perfect for storing assortments of screws, nails and other hardware.

Improper workbench height can cause strained muscles in the arms, back and neck. Medical research studies on ergonomic table heights for surgical doctors suggest ratio between 0.7 and 0.8 of the person's elbow height. To figure out the most comfortable work surface height for you simply measure the height of your elbows standing up and multiply that number by 0.8. The resulting number should be the most comfortable work surface height. For example, a person that is 5'6" tall with an elbow height of 41" the optimal workbench height to reduce muscle strain is around 33".

If you are doing a lot of wood or metal work, sanding, or bondo you may want to look at installing a dust collection system. Excessive exposure to dust particles can cause chronic bronchitis or emphysema. These systems operate from a single vacuum and will filter dust out of the air and can be connected to multiple machines.

Whatever work you are doing always have a special place for safety gear such as ear muffs and eye goggles. This way you will be more likely to use them when you should. Eye injuries can be life changing matters that unfortunately happen all too often though easily preventable.

Organize Your Work Shop

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