The Importance of Garden Tool Storage
Organising one’s gardening tools and getting them out of the way can be a challenging and time-consuming task, but most definitely not impossible. Though these tools are used outdoors, they should be arranged in an efficient storage and organisation system, to ensure they last and can perform their given function.
Many DIY storage ideas work well for a wide variety of garden tools and these ideas also provide a solution to save valuable space. By organising tools one can keep track of what they have and where it is, helping gardeners avoid buying tools when they are not needed. When tools are organised and stored properly, they can be well maintained and serve their purpose for many years.
No matter what space is available for tool storage, one can utilise all the possible space that they can find, such as corners, walls, ceilings, and even the fence. When using these different storage solutions, one must always remember to make sure to thoroughly clean and dry rakes and shovels before storing them and the storage location should allow for good air circulation and be moisture-free, as this will prevent any tools from rusting while in storage.
Hand Tool Maintenance Tips
Although colder weather can significantly age and damage your tools, other natural elements such as rain and sunshine can corrode and weaken your tools all year round. Therefore, where, and how you store your tools makes all the difference.
To sustain your favourite Lasher hand tools and keep them strong and durable for years to come, it is important to take the necessary steps to maintain their condition over time.
To keep your tools in top shape, we recommend:
- Clean, dry tools after every use
- Scrub rusted tools with water and a wire brush/steel wool to remove corrosion and other damage
- Keep your clean tools in a closed container to reduce their exposure to the elements where possible, or alternatively store them in a cool, dry place
- Oil wood handles where necessary
- Always return your tools to their dedicated storage space after use
The good thing for those that do not have an indoor storage option, is that there are plenty of creative ways to store tools outside within an enclosed setting and these ideas may just involve items that are probably already hanging around at home or in the yard.
DIY Tool Storage and Organisation Ideas
Overhead storage for garden tools
For rakes, shovels, brooms, and other long-handled tools, one can make a wooden rack. One can cut two pieces of plywood about 30 cm x 120 cm, and drill matching 5 cm holes in each piece, spaced about 15 cm apart. Once complete, the rack can be mounted on cross ties below the garage roof rafters.
Convenient 2-minute tool rack
One effective tool storage solution in a storage shed or garage is a simple tools rack that works well as a gardening tool organiser as it will hold a wide variety of yard tools.
Gardening tool organiser
One can create a hanger for long-handled tools out of two planks of 2 cm x 9 cm (otherwise known as 1x4s). On the first one, one can drill a series of 5 cm holes along the edge of the board, while centering each hole about 2-3 cm inch from the edge. That will leave a 2-3 cm slot in the front that one can slip the handles through.
From here one can space the holes to accommodate whatever long-handled tools one will hang. Then screw that board to another 2 cm x 9cm (otherwise known as 1x4s) for the back and add 45-degree brackets to keep it from sagging. One can also hammer nails into the vertical board to hang even more items.
Hose storage
When it comes to storing long garden hoses, one can coil them up in a round laundry basket or bucket and hang this on the garage wall or slide it into a corner.
Wooden pallets
An old wood pallet is a great option for garden tool storage. The tools will be contained in one organised position, making them available to grab when needed, as well as kept in a safe space so that they will not fall on anyone that passes by.
Build racks into the fence
When looking at how to best store shovels and rakes one will always benefit from building a rack into an available fence within the garden. In this way, all rakes and shovels will be safe, secure, and off the ground. These racks can be made to take up minimal space and can hold multiple long-handled tools.
Create a Pegboard
A pegboard can be used to hold and carry a variety of tools from gardening shears to a yard rake and can be customised to suit whatever storage or organisational need one may have. A pegboard is great storage that is ideal for hanging large tools vertically, as well as smaller tools and accessories.
Creative Ways to Store Tools
Depending on the space and design of one’s garage or shed, long-handled tools like rakes and shovels can be awkward and difficult to store. There are some creative ways to store such tools by utilising the space as efficiently as possible.
Transform one part of a garage wall into a shovel rack
By converting one part of the garage into a compact rack that is strong and simple to build, one can store shovels, rakes, a sledgehammer, and any long-handled tools vertically, making them not take up too much space.
Use PVC pipes to create custom vertical gear storage
This shed or garage storage option is great for minimal space and offers a neat and organised appearance. One can cut and mount PVC piping onto the garage walls for small tool storage and long-handled tools, one can use PVC piping mounted to a wooden rack on floor level.
DIY garden tool storage rack
Getting landscaping power tools off the floor and onto the wall is vital for safety and for keeping the tools in good working order. A storage solution to this can be a simple garden tool storage rack that allows one to hang tools such as a leaf blower, string trimmer, and more.
Lawn tool carrier
An old, repurposed golf bag with a cart can provide a great holder for garden tools. The large wheels make it easy to pull the tools over long distances and rough terrain, making gardening that much easier.
Gardening tool organiser rack
If there are old and rusty garden rakes lying around, it is best to keep these. By repurposing an old garden rake as such, one can use it for smaller garden tool storage by turning it into hooks.
Repurposed paint cans and plaster buckets
One can use old paint cans or large buckets from plaster or other household products to store tools. A 5-litre bucket has a built-in lid, which is useful for protecting any tools stored outdoors from harmful weather elements, such as moisture, that may cause any tools to rust or become covered in mud.
Shed and Garage Tool Storage Ideas
When it comes to how to best store shovels and rakes, along with other garden tools, it is best to make use of all the available spaces in a garage or shed. This will include vertical storage, ceiling space, walls, doors, corner spaces, and under-used areas.
Ceiling Storage
The ceiling provides a great storage location to keep garden equipment off the floor outdoors where the different climates can make an impact on the functioning of such tools, meaning that one needs to protect them from moisture. One can get a rake mounted in the ceiling, which will free up space in the floor area or the cabinet space. The racks come with a built-in pulley system, meaning that one will not have to climb up to the ceiling to reach them.
Wall organiser
By utilising wall space within a garage, one can avoid clutter. You can get a wide peg track to hang as many gardening tools as you can. The wall organiser works perfectly to keep rakes and shovels clean and out of the way.
One can get an adjustable location peg that can move from one place to another. The pegboard is also very versatile, meaning that it can meet every storage organisation that one needs and one can easily customise their storage space to meet their needs.
Get a storage bench for rakes and shovels
A storage bench is an ideal storage solution for small spaces. A garage storage bench can be large enough to provide tool storage, as well as an option for outdoor seating space. By using an outdoor bench for one’s rakes and shovels, they are made easily accessible at any time, as well as protected by the enclosed covering.
Build a Shed
One can’t go wrong when choosing to build an outdoor shed for tool storage, as it protects everything inside from the outdoor elements, but it is still outside and easily accessible for garden and home projects. It is a great way to store all yards and tools in one place and provides an extra level of safety, as some heavy or sharp tools can be dangerous elsewhere as they can be at risk of falling onto equipment, people, or pets. Within a shed, they are safely out of the way and enclosed.