What counts as an accessory
Accessories are the small, replaceable parts that make tools useful: saw blades, drill and driver bits, sanding discs and sheets, router bits, adapters, extension bars, spare chucks and keys, batteries and chargers, dust shrouds, edge guides, and the many parts that ship with a tool and quickly go missing. They are easy to lose because they are small and easy to mix up because they look alike.
Good accessory storage has two jobs. First, it keeps each item protected, since many accessories have delicate edges or fine surfaces. Second, it keeps related items together so you can grab what you need for a task in one trip.
Group by task, not just by type
The most useful way to arrange accessories is usually by what you are doing. A sanding kit might include a sanding block, discs, sheets, a dust bag and a hook-and-loop pad. A drilling kit might include bits, a depth stop and a driver bit set. Keeping those together in one container or one drawer saves time compared with hunting through separate boxes for each.
That said, some items are better grouped by type, especially when they are used across tasks, such as fasteners or batteries. Try a mix: keep task kits for the jobs you do often, and keep general bins for everything else. If a kit needs a particular tool, store them near each other so setup is quick. Many people find that this approach matches how they think about projects.
Bins, boxes and organizers
Choose containers that suit the item’s size and the way you reach for it.
- Clear plastic bins with lids. You can see the contents, and lids keep out dust. Stackable styles save shelf space, though stacking can hide the bottom boxes.
- Divided organizer cases. Boxes with removable dividers are good for small parts such as screws, anchors, washers and connectors. Choose latches that stay closed when carried, as a case that pops open can scatter everything.
- Open-front bins. Bins that hang on a rail or sit on a shelf face outward, so you can grab items without lifting a lid. They suit frequently used parts.
- Drawer cabinets. Small-parts cabinets with many shallow drawers work well for a wide range of items. Use the labels on each drawer.
- Zippered pouches and rolls. Good for portable kits, such as a set of bits you carry on jobs.
Avoid containers that are much bigger than the items inside, because things will slide around and be damaged. Foam or felt inserts help keep fine items from rubbing against each other.
Holders for specific accessories
Some accessories are best kept in purpose-made holders.
Drill and driver bits. An indexed case or a holder with a labeled hole for each size makes it obvious when a bit is missing and protects cutting edges. A well-chosen bit set stays organized when each size has a fixed slot. Sharp bits should be stored so the tips do not bump against each other.
Saw blades. Store blades in their original sleeves or in slotted holders, with teeth covered. Loose blades are a cut hazard and the teeth dull when they rub together. The wide variety of saw blade types makes labeling worthwhile, since similar blades can look nearly identical.
Router bits. Hold them upright in drilled blocks or in a case, each in its own slot, so cutters do not touch each other. A bit with a damaged edge should not be used, so keep them protected. Good storage also makes it easier to see your router bit profiles at a glance.
Sanding supplies. Keep sheets flat in a folder or a shallow drawer, so they do not curl. Store discs on a rod or a hook-and-loop board, sorted by grit, with the grit visible. Using a consistent system for sandpaper grit helps you find the right abrasive quickly.
Batteries and chargers. Store them as the maker recommends, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct heat. Do not store loose batteries where metal objects, such as keys or screws, could touch the terminals. Keep chargers on a stable surface with ventilation, and not near flammable materials.
Spare parts and tool-specific items. Keep keys, wrenches and guards with the tool they belong to. A small bag or a pocket in the tool case works well, and a label inside helps if the item ever ends up elsewhere.
Label everything that is not obvious
Labels are the cheapest and most effective part of any storage system. Use short, clear text, and put the label where you can see it without moving the container. For bins on shelves, put it on the front edge. For drawers, put it on the face.
Good labels name the contents specifically, such as “Spade bits” or “120 and 180 grit discs.” A date or size range helps for items that change. If you use color coding, keep it simple and note the meaning somewhere visible. The habit of consistent tool labeling extends naturally to accessories.
Keep accessories near where they are used
Locating accessories close to the tool or task reduces trips across the shop. Examples include a drawer under the drill press for bits, a bin of sanding discs near the sanding station, and blade storage next to the saw. Where wall space allows, a pegboard layout or a magnetic strip can hold frequently used items such as wrenches and keys.
For a mobile option, a small caddy or tote lets you carry a task kit to the work area. This is useful in shops where a project moves around.
Keep things from getting lost and damaged
- Return items to their container at the end of each session. A habit matters more than any particular system.
- Avoid dumping new accessories into a general bin. Put them in their proper place at once, or they pile up unlabeled.
- Keep moisture away from steel parts. Silica gel packs or a dry cabinet can help, and a light coating of oil protects bare steel.
- Review your collection once or twice a year. Dull, bent or damaged accessories should be replaced or discarded safely, and duplicates can be consolidated.
Always unplug a tool or remove its battery before changing blades, bits or other accessories, and follow the manual for your tool. A tidy accessory system makes that routine easier, because everything you need is in front of you before you start.