Easy Drawer Organization with Pegboard Dividers
Keeping workshop drawers organized can be a challenge, especially when they're filled with small tools, hardware, and accessories. Without dividers, everything tends to slide around and collect in a jumble.
While building some storage drawers for my workbench, I discovered a simple way to solve this problem using a familiar shop material: pegboard.
I had run out of the ¼"-thick hardboard I normally use for drawer bottoms. Looking around the shop for a substitute, I found some ¼" pegboard and decided to give it a try.
It turned out to offer more than just a sturdy drawer bottom. The holes provided an easy way to add adjustable drawer dividers.
Use Pegboard for the Drawer Bottom
The pegboard I used had a white melamine surface. Besides giving the drawers a brighter interior, the smooth surface is easy to wipe clean.
But the real advantage is the pattern of evenly spaced holes.
Instead of fastening drawer partitions permanently, you can use the holes to locate dividers wherever they're needed.
This makes it easy to create compartments for different tools and supplies. And when your storage needs change, you can rearrange the dividers without rebuilding the drawer.
Make Adjustable Dividers for Shallow Drawers
For shallow drawers, the simplest approach is to use ¼"-diameter dowels to position the dividers.
Cut the partitions to fit inside the drawer, then install short dowels along their bottom edges.
The dowels fit into the pegboard holes, keeping the dividers in position.
Because the dividers aren't permanently attached, you can lift them out and move them to a different location whenever you want to change the compartment sizes.
Secure Dividers in Deeper Drawers
For deeper drawers, taller partitions may need a more secure connection to keep them from shifting.
I've found that #8 × ¾" roundhead wood screws work well for fastening these dividers.
The existing pegboard holes provide convenient locations for the screws, allowing you to fasten the dividers without drilling a new pattern of holes in the drawer bottom.
When it's time to reorganize, simply remove the screws and reposition the partitions.
WOODSMITH TIP: Plan Your Compartments Around the Pegboard Holes. Before cutting the dividers, arrange the tools and accessories you want to store in the drawer. Then use the pegboard hole pattern to determine where the partitions should go. This helps you make compartments that fit your tools while taking advantage of the adjustable layout.
A Simple Upgrade for Workshop Storage
Sometimes a useful shop improvement starts with an unexpected material substitution.
By using pegboard instead of a solid hardboard drawer bottom, you get a built-in system for organizing the drawer's contents.
The dividers are easy to make, simple to reposition, and adaptable to everything from small hand tools to workshop accessories.
It's an inexpensive DIY drawer organizer that makes better use of your existing workshop storage.
More Workshop Storage Ideas
A well-organized workshop makes it easier to find tools, keep hardware sorted, and make the most of limited storage space. From custom drawer organizers to shop-made cabinets and tool racks, a few practical projects can help bring order to your shop.
EXPLORE WORKSHOP STORAGE IDEAS → Get More Organized in Your Woodshop
