You Own Way Too Many of These 8 Tools, Organizers Say

Sometimes, having spare tools and extra fasteners can be handy—until those things start to go unused and fill your garage and you run out of space for the things you really do need.

Whether you have a habit of buying new tools on a whim or you have collected an assortment of spare tools that are included with tool kits, there comes a time when you simply have too many. Find out which eight tools garage organizers say you likely have to many of and how to handle the situation to better organize your space.

Hex Keys and Wrenches

Collecting hex keys and wrenches from furniture kits is all too common, yet many DIYers will hang onto these little tools long after they have served their purpose.

If your tool box seems to be filled with hex keys and wrenches that you never use, it may be a good idea to recycle them.

“Purge regularly and rotate seasonal items from low to high for easy access; ensure you’re only storing items in the garage that belong in the garage,” says Meghan Cocchiaro, Founder and Lead Organizer at Organized by Meg.

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Drill Bits and Driver Bits

Drill bit sets can be a good investment, but in most cases DIYers will only end up using one or two of the included bits, which will wear out over time, prompting you to buy another set.

Similarly, driver bits are common to find in tool kits, to the point where they can accumulate in the garage.

“Saying ‘just in case’ is how garages end up packed with stuff you never use,” says Danny Cappello, Owner of Quick Response Garage Service. “Hold onto what’s useful and clear out the rest.”

Tape Measures and Levels

Tape measures and levels are a common inclusion in tool kits, ensuring DIYers always have the basics to start a project. However, when you have purchased or received multiple tool kits over the years, these extra tools just start to take up space.

Getting rid of spares and better organizing what is left over will help you to take back your garage.

“Organize small tools into a tool cart with drawers (hammers, tape measures, screwdrivers, etc), make use of vertical space to hang tools, like levels, from a pegboard system on the wall for even easier access and visibility,” Cocchiaro says.

Shovels and Spades

Many people tend to have two or more of the same gardening tool, just taking up space in the garage. Cocchiaro has a recommendation for organizing the garage, especially shovels, spades, ladders and other large tools: “Hanging long tools vertically on the wall from hooks (rulers, levels, hand saws, leaf blowers, edgers, ladders) and hanging cords rolled up and secured with a cord organizer/wrap.”

Loose Screws, Nails, and Other Fasteners

Screws, nails, and other fasteners, like nuts and bolts, are one of the most common items to find in just about any tool box, workbench, and garage. In some cases, spare fasteners can come in handy for future projects, but more often than not, these extra parts will just sit around, collecting dust.

It’s a good idea to set a hard limit for the number of fasteners you keep of each type, then toss any extras.

“[To] declutter a garage full of tools, start by emptying the space and sorting everything by type,” Cappello says. “Toss broken tools, keep only what you use, and group items by function.”

Duplicate Hammers, Screwdrivers, and Pliers

Any tools that come in bulk tool kits will tend to build up in your garage if you buy another kit. With this in mind, it’s not uncommon to see garages full of extra hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers since these tools are some of the most popular for tool manufacturers to include in bulk tool kits.

“Extra tools in good shape can be donated or sold,” Cappello says. “Broken or rusted tools should be properly recycled or tossed.”

Trowels, Watering Cans, and Other Gardening Tools

When spring hits, it’s nice to wander down the aisles of the gardening center and pick up some new tools to use while the weather is nice. But many people have a habit of picking up new gardening tools every year, causing these tools to build up in your garage.

Consider tossing the extras, then take some time to properly organize what is left so you know what you have and can avoid duplicate purchases in the future.

“Keep like-with-like and organize in zones; group all hardware tools together, group all garden tools together, group snow items together, group all camping gear and outdoor chairs together, group car and cleaning products together, group kids toys together,” Cocchiaro suggests.

Old or Unused Extension Cords and Power Strips

Extension cords and power strips can be essential for projects both inside and outside the home, but when one extension cord isn’t the right length or doesn’t have enough slots for the job at hand, people will head out to buy another, while keeping the old cords and strips.

Get rid of old and damage extension cords and power strips, so you can organize what remains to clear space in your garage.

“Use the wall hooks for cords secured with a cord organizer, long power towels, garden tools, coolers and outdoor backpacks, sports gear and bicycles, outdoor chairs,” Cocchiaro says.