mattbur

Guess the picture didn't upload. You'll have to use your imagination I suppose.

krecik

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mattbur

try try again

the red box below has lesser used tools.

dennis336

I did see the Park Tool Box ... they do look really slick. Got scared off by the price but, yeah, they are nice, especially when space is at a premium.

dennis336

Continued thanks for the responses - especially the pictures. The organized arrangements give me something to aspire to and the disorganized pictures help me not feel so bad about myself

NoWhammies

All of my tools are in a toolbox. But as I acquire more and more tools, I'm finding the toolbox isn't big enough anymore.

I like the idea of picking up a stand up tool box/chest. Something 'real' mechanics use. I just don't know if I have the space for something like that. And for the frequency I use it, I don't know if it is a worthwhile investment. I suppose if I came across a good one used on Craigslist it couldn't hurt. Space permitting of course.

aggiegrads

Here is mine organized. Full disclosure: It is rarely this organized. I am really good about putting tools back in their place, but junk tends to accumulate on horizontal surfaces.

Le Mechanic

Yeah, I thought the same thing. I picked one up at Harbor Freight for about 25$ Works great!

Darth Lefty 

jlaw

$10 at a local retailer (Harbor Freight) plus $4 for the pail if you don't have one. Tools are visible and bulkier items can be stored in the pail. If one pail isn't enough, buy a second set-up. This system is portable so you can work in various locations if you don't have a dedicated space. Dedicated space is nice, but many folks just don't have it.

Or, something like this - $16 for this medium sized bag - $25 for the next size up.

u235

Organized is not a term I would use for my sub area where I do most of my bike work. A spare bedroom. I know where everything is though. To make an excuse for the clutter, this is just after doing a lot to two of my bikes and doing some soldering and mods to some wiring for my car trailer lights. It's multipurpose. The bench is some cheap one from Amazon, like $75 on sale. Flimsy but it works for this. Way on the left I have a few plastic drawers with a lot of less used stuff in them and the black and orange container there is full of small stuff like brake pads, screws, stem spacers, quick links, cable ends, etc.. Where I am standing is my bike stand and next to that are some bikes hanging on and leaning against the wall.

dennis336

Thanks again for the ideas ... I've just been starting to do more of my simpler work so in the early stages of tool acquisition. Learn a lot the first couple times you do something! In the past, I took the view that since i was working full time, I wanted to use my my free time either riding or other life stuff so I'd go to the LBS for even pretty basic stuff (even installing new tires). I'm now transitioning to the thought that if I invest the time upfront to do a job, many basic jobs are pretty quick once you learn a few efficiency tips so it ends up not taking any more time than schlepping back and forth to the bike shop for small jobs. Then, saving some money doing it myself and, most important, the knowledge gained.

So far, I've recently:
Changed a couple of chains
Cleaned disc brake pads on my Surly
Replaced rim brake pads on my Domane
Replaced tires
I'm planning on replacing my cassette(s) next time they need replacement

Small stuff, but impressive for me and a start!

mattbur

Dennis, It sounds like you're off to a great start on learning the basics. Good for you. I was about where you were 5 or so years back. Although I did do my own tire changes. But with getting more bicycles in the basement and riding many more miles than I had in the past I figured it time to do more of my own work. So I got a bought a good repair and reference manual. Then I volunteered at a local non-profit org. and my learning curve went straight up. The volunteering part helped me the most.
Good luck, Tony

NoWhammies

This ^^ This is what I need to go out and do. My bike knowledge is ok, but certainly not great. I feel as though I've plateaued and my YouTube learning is only so far. This is a good tip/suggestion.

mattbur

Nowhammy, I agree with you 100%. The repair manual and You Tub only took me so far. There's nothing like actually working on used and sometimes damaged bikes to get a real life lessen in bike mechanics. Straightening bent rims was also a regular thing at the non-profit.

Tony

dennis336

Thanks Tony ... and good for you on that volunteer work. Doing good and learning a lot!

robertorolfo

I think a lot of us non-pro mechanics actually derive considerable pleasure from the work. It can be beneficial in a meditative sort of way. Sometimes I get to a good point where all my bikes are in good shape, and then I find myself jonesing for some work to do. That's why a few of us have "long term" projects that can be done for fun to fill up the voids.

Work areas are always going to look a little messy when you have just completed a job. The trick is to have the discipline to put everything back at the end so you are starting from a clean slate each time. And yes, I admit to lacking said discipline on occasion...

Phil_gretz

^This is the fundamental difference between being organized and being disorganized in a nutshell. Cleaning up afterward is how good operations are run. The next most important principle has been mentioned earlier in this thread: locate tools closest to their work area based on frequency of use. A third principle would be: have adequate horizontal work spaces. Finally: install adequate general and task lighting.

jlaw

Sounds reasonable - unless you're me! The more horizontal space I have the more I tend to spread-out my stuff and the less reason I have to put it all away!

fietsbob

Canvas Tool Rolls .. Sew a pocket for each tool. put a Grommet in the corners and you can hang it ...

bocobiking

woodcraft

Am I the only one who thinks that pegboard is an awkward PIA

& a massive waste of space?

bocobiking

woodcraft

Sorry. Popular- almost standard- system for lots of folks,

just wondered if any others shared my curmudgeonish opinion.

le mans

i have a small area dedicated to bike building in my extension room [hobby room], don't think you need much space, other side i have a bench just for wheel building
Organizing your tools does make life easier! recently got a peg board {which is removal incase i need to get to those car magazines** still need to get more hooks!