What a tool holder does
A tool holder is a small, fixed fixture that holds a handful of hand tools in a known order: screwdrivers, chisels, pliers, files, a hammer. It is smaller than a full storage wall and quicker to build than a cabinet. A holder keeps the tools you use all day within an arm’s reach, protects edges from rubbing against one another, and makes it obvious when a tool has been left elsewhere.
This article covers simple wall-mounted and bench-top holders for hand tools. Holders that use magnets are a separate approach with their own considerations. Larger systems such as a pegboard layout or a full wall are on their own scale.
Decide where it goes
Location determines the design.
- Above the bench. A wall holder at eye to chest height keeps tools visible and reachable without bending. Leave enough clear wall above the bench top that you do not hit the holder with long boards.
- On the bench. A small block holder sits on the work surface and holds a few tools upright. It takes up bench space but needs no mounting.
- On the side of a cabinet or cart. A holder can hang from a vertical surface where wall space is limited.
Mount a wall holder to studs or use appropriate wall anchors for the wall type, and test it with some weight before trusting it. A holder with a full load of steel tools can be heavier than it appears.
Materials
Solid hardwood or good plywood are the usual choices. A holder is not a high-load item, but the wood needs to hold screws and resist splitting.
- Plywood is stable and strong in thin layers, but its edges show layers. It is a good choice for backers and shelves.
- Solid wood is easy to shape and looks good, but check that the boards are straight. Wood grain direction affects strength at slots, so avoid cutting long, narrow slots across the grain in thin stock.
- Scrap is fine if it is dry, flat and free of cracks.
Think about the tool surfaces too. A bare wooden slot is kind to tool handles and edges, while a metal bracket can scratch or dull cutting edges. A coat of a clear finish helps the holder resist grime. Wipe-on finishes are easy to apply. Dispose of used finishing rags safely, as many oil-based finishes can heat up as they cure; follow the instructions on the product.
Common holder designs
Drilled block. A thick block of wood with holes drilled at a slight angle holds screwdrivers, files or awls by their shafts. The hole diameter should match the shaft with a little clearance, and the depth should support the tool without letting it fall through.
Slotted rail. A strip with slots cut along its top edge holds chisels or flat tools by their blades. The slots should be just wider than the blade, with a stop below so the tool does not slide through. Tool handles rest above the rail.
Shelf with notches. A shelf above a backer, with notches for handles, holds pliers, snips and similar tools by their jaws or handles.
Hook and peg board. A board with pegs or hooks holds hammers, saws and tape measures. Pegs can be dowels glued into drilled holes, angled slightly upward so the tool stays put.
Leather or fabric loops. Strips of flexible material screwed to a board hold hand tools snugly. They are simple, but check that the stitching or fasteners hold up to the weight.
Spacing and layout
Layout is where most holders go wrong. If tools are too close, you cannot grip one without bumping its neighbor; too far apart, and the holder becomes large and wasteful.
A reasonable approach:
- Lay each tool on the board in the position it will hold, with handles facing the direction you want to grab them from.
- Leave enough space between neighbors for your hand. For handles you grip full-handed, leave about the width of a finger at minimum, and more for bulky handles.
- Mark the holes or slots with the tool in place, and double-check the measurements before cutting.
- Group by task: marking tools together, driving tools together, cutting tools together.
- Put the most-used items at the center, lighter items on the sides.
If you have a set of chisels, space the slots evenly and arrange them from narrowest to widest. A visible gap shows right away when one is missing. For information about what belongs in a hand tool collection, chisel sets and pliers selection give some context.
Make a paper template first. It costs nothing to move a paper outline, but it is costly to redo drilled holes.
Making it safe
Edges matter. A holder should keep cutting edges covered or recessed so that you do not reach into a blade. Chisel slots should hold the blade with the cutting edge turned toward the wall or protected by the rail, and a bench-top holder should not tip when a tool is pulled out. Position holders where you will not brush against sharp tools when passing. Keeping edges sharp is a separate task, but a dull tool left in a holder is still a hazard, so inspect tools before putting them back.
Wear eye protection when drilling and sawing, and use a clamp to hold small blocks when you cut or drill them. Sand all edges so that you do not collect splinters every time you reach for a tool.
Mounting and testing
Fasten a wall holder through a solid backer into studs wherever possible, and use screws that are long enough to hold. Check that it is level with a level or a laser level before the final fasteners, since a crooked holder looks and works poorly. After mounting, load it with the real tools and give it a gentle tug. Make sure nothing shifts.
Finally, label the spots if several people use the shop. Label the shelf edge or holder with the tool name so that tools return to their place.