The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Rollaway or peg board?

Which do you prefer? A big chest with wheels, or tools hanging on the wall where you can see them?

My shop is three stalls and about 1200 square feet so its big but not huge and using floor space for something I don't need seems smart. Also walking to a wall isn't likely to be a bigger deal than walking to a tool box thats likely to stay in one place or always be in the way.

I like the idea of being able to see when things are put away instead of opening drawers to know I've picked things up.

So what do you think? Which seems to work best for you?

Steve,

I wouldn't choose one over the other. I have both in my shop. The roll-away is for the common tools that roost best in a toolbox...end wrenches, socket sets, screwdrivers etc. The pegboard lends itself to things that don't do well in the tool box like handsaws, framing squares, c-clamps, rolls of duct tape and the such.

The only drawback to the pegboard in my shop is that all those hooks end up being a catch all for what ever can be hung up, or hung on them.

Stuart

I have both, they both have advantages. I agree with atomarc about the drawback. James

Funny, that seems to happen to my benches. Things just pile up.

I think I prefer the tool box. Stuff doesn't get as dusty and dirty in the drawers. Besides, I don't need strangers peeking in my shop and taking inventory of what is up on the wall. Material I'll hang up, but not tools.

As for working and walking, I try to put the work near my box. If it can't be, then a cart loaded with the tools I need for a particular job is wheeled around to the job.

Well maybe I'll just do both.

My experience is that I pile things everywhere, so at least if they are hung on the wall I'd be able to find them...

Thanks!

Another vote for both. The pegboard is good for odd shapes (framer's squares), spare parts, expendables (like tape) and large stuff that would clutter up a toolbox. I hang all my welding stuff from pegboard (c-clamps, grinders, hack saws, etc.) so stuff that might have metal shavings or dust on it doesn't go in the roll-away with clean stuff.

For a big shop like that I would definitely go with both.

R-Bo

Im with the rest of the Gents , I use my pegboard for seldom used but neccesary tools and I like my rollaway so my hand tools are close to where i am working , WE ALL KNOW AFTER THE 20TH TRIP TO THE BOX , YOULL NEED 1 MORE TOOL ....AND OFF YA GO AGAIN !.....lol

Both, somethings need to be hanging, others lay flat and orderly.

John

I prefer the roll around tool chest.It looks very impressive.When someone walks into my shop they think I know what I am doing.

I use both,along with a row of Cabnets above the work bench. The pegboard holds 1 set of standard
wrenches,6 screwdrivers,box cutter,string,layout
tools,level,square,pliers. A cork board holds,notes,phone#s,oil change dates. Also theres a rolling workbench if needed. I use old chest
of draws to hold,power tools,sandpaper,plumbing,
electrial stuff. The tool box rolls to the job.
Garage floor is painted with Rust ol eum epoxy
paint.
Wick

I like a rollaway tool box rolled to the patient and a small cart/workbench on wheels so I don't have to wind up on the floor.A large set of wheels(casters) and a sturdy frame for your rollaway will prevent a tip over if it hits something on the floor.Ask me how I know that.AH SH.................

I have two large boxes for mechanical and body working tools and large cabinets and built-in drawers for wood-working. With the dust from woodworking and the dust from welding and grinding, I keep everything all sealed up. I have shelves and hanging storage in my loft above the shop for parts and materials,
Scott

Well, I'm going to go against the tide here - but I like the pegboard for the whole enchilada. I can instantly (well, providing I put it back in the right place) find anything I need from end wrenches, which are hung according to size, screwdrivers, sockets, extensions, drives, etc.

I've done the rummaging around the rollaway trying to find something number - no thanks!

Rollaways can be organized, too.

My only prob with my rollaway is when my brothers or freinds stop over too help out , I find I spend more time tellin wich drawer to go for than anything ! LOL , See I know were everything is in my huge roll around , they do not .
But I prefer to be able to roll the chest right up to the work.

My only prob with my rollaway is when my brothers or freinds stop over too help out , I find I spend more time tellin wich drawer to go for than anything ! LOL , See I know were everything is in my huge roll around , they do not .
But I prefer to be able to roll the chest right up to the work.

I use the pegboard for larger stuff, & rollaway like everyone else, & also have 3 big workbenches piled fulla stuff, & some in the floor, some on the truck fender, some inside the truck, oh & a roll around cart w/tools on it . Prolly a few out in the yard also(18 m/o & 6 y/o),,I can also see some on the kitchen island-recahrgeable drill, 2 screwdrivers & a pair of dykes. Brian

Amen

Got both in both garages.

My dad is a pegboard kinda guy. But I prefer taking my tools where I need them like closer to the vehicle in the garage or outside under the carport.

i have a small box with some drawers that have most of the likly tools i will need for the job every now and then i have to jump up and go two my big box for a defferent tool im getten to old to be jumpen up every 2 minutes for a defferent tool but thats just me

I tell my wife that she has a Pilot's License piles it here and there, then she reminds me about my work bench. I have both, pegboard for some fabrication tools and carpentry tools but all the mechanic tools are in a large upper and lower box (Snap-on Belair Edition) I fabricated a cabinet to hold air tools, hanging from aluminum bars attached to the top and drilled and tapped for quick disconnect fittings. Drawers below that hold attachments and abrasives for the air tools, it's all supposed to be there, but we are back to the "Pilot's License". I built a roll around cart for carring tools and parts around the shop and when it was done and painted the valve grinder fit it perfectly, well 2 more carts later I still don't have one for tools. Sometimes we can have to many toy's and don't have room to work on our big toy's.

Or the time!!!!!

Its a lot easier for somebody to load your entire rollaway into a truck and steal all your tools than it is for them to spend the time to round them up off your pegboard, throw them into a box that you don't have, and make off with them.

That's my justification for having a messy shop, anyway. I have a wall covered with pegboard, a small Machinist's chest, and a small tool cart, works good enough. I tend to wipe the grease off my tools before I put them on the wall but I tend to not bother when I put them in the chest. I'm not sure why.

A combination of all. I have upright roll around, one big pegboard, two smaller metal work benches(sears/home depot style) for my wood working and one for grinders etc. One snap on cart for taking tools I need to a specific job that may be sitting outside my shop. I also have
80' of shelf just above eye level for paint, and various supplies plus one deep shelf under my 8' work bench. Thats it. I'm now cleaning out and giving away "stuff" that is cluttering my life!! Simplification is the new buzz work

It doesn't really matter, eventually either or both overflow

Jon.

I use a little of both, along with a couple of small boxes, and i keep spare tools laying all over my benchs...

I have well organized rollaways, messy peg board, and a disaster on my workbench. I get things by thinking like a former fighter pilot, I work the vertical and spend half my time moving stuff around so that I can use whatever tool I need at that moment. That is why I can't wait to have my new 50 x 40 two storey garage ( heated floor with a 2 post hoist ) finished. I lose too much time having to put everything away at the end of the day. I hope to be moved in by October.
Bob

I really like my roll away cabinet,which is very well organized.I know right where everything is at in there.Above and behind my workbench there is a piece of pegboard,where I keep my hammers and a few specialty tools, plus tape,etc.Works great for me. It all depends on what you are comfortable with.A lot of guys would probably change things around if they were using my shop and I would do the same in theirs.

Sockets on peg boards are a pain, they drop and roll
just out of reach..... :mad: :rolleyes:

Just my $.02.

Building cabinet doors to cover my peg board / small shelf area. Just simple 1x3 frame and 3/8 plywood with a piano hinge. That way, I can close the doors when not in use, and no one sees the tools. One section for air tools, one for wood working, one for body work, one for welding. I use the rollaway for hand tools, wrenches, etc.

i have both,16'X 2' bench along with the peg board

I prefer the rollaway,I'll take my tools out and put em in a tool bag if I have to go any distance from the shop.Even if I'm not done with the job I'll put everything away to be sure nothing is lost in the transfer.It only takes a few minutes.Also have a seprate tool bag for electrical testers,wire ends ect, set up at all times.Also all tools get wiped down when put back,nice clean tools the next day.Tom

if u put your tools in a cart so they will not get dirty and dusty u have mist the point completely

Drop by the local restaurant supply and get a bus cart like they use to clean plates etc. off tables. It makes a great tool cart you can roll over close to the job you're doing. When finished replace the tools back to the wall or tool box.