Tool Crib Modernization 2025

More details to come...

Zone architecture

We will divide the zone into sections for hand tools, power/pneumatic tools, and fasteners.

Storage floor

We will build a ceiling/mezzanine floor above the existing tool space to be used as zone storage space. The storage floor should be strong enough to support the weight of someone walking on it. We will add ceiling lights to the tool sections.

Tool holders

For each tool (or category of tool), we will build a custom holder from plywood or similar material. These holders may be grouped by tool type or function; for example, all of the nailguns can be hung together. The objective is to make it obvious where each tool should be returned by ensuring that each tool hangs securely in its holder only. (The Milwaukee drills/impact drivers are already organized like this.)

The holders will be hung directly on the wall, taking care not to allow fasteners to protrude from the other side of the wall. We may need to add a second layer of plywood to each wall to create more space for screws.

Corded tools

Holders for corded power tools should include space to hang the cord after it has been coiled up (not wrapped around the tool). To encourage tool users to wrap cords, we will attach some kind of cable tie to each cord and post signs in the zone describing how to wrap the cords.

Aesthetics

Visual cohesion/refinement and fit and finish be a priority when designing and building new stuff for the zone.

The walls of the zone may be painted pink to make it really obvious that the zone color is pink, and that pink tools belong there.

Construction logistics

Because all expansion work (in fact, all space activity) depends on tools from the Tool Crib, we will build the zone architecture one section at a time.