5 DIY Workshop Organizers for Small Tools & Accessories

Keeping a woodworking shop organized isn't always about finding room for large tools. Often, it's the smaller items — router bits, clamps, drill bits, and measuring tools — that create the biggest storage headaches.

These accessories have a way of collecting in drawers, on shelves, and across the workbench. And when you need a particular tool, finding it can take longer than the task itself.

Fortunately, you don't need expensive storage systems to get things under control.

These five DIY workshop organizers are easy to build from common shop materials. Each one provides a practical way to keep small tools protected, organized, and ready to use.

1. Modular Router Bit Storage Blocks

As your collection of router bits grows, finding a convenient way to store them becomes more important.

Tossing loose bits into a drawer can damage their cutting edges. And trying to find the right bit among a pile of accessories can be frustrating.

My solution is a simple modular router bit storage system made from small hardwood blocks.

Make Individual Router Bit Holders

Each holder starts as a 2"-square hardwood block.

For larger router bits, drill a single hole in the center of the block sized to accommodate the bit's shank.

For smaller bits, you can drill several holes in one block to store multiple cutters.

The individual blocks fit neatly into a drawer and can be rearranged as your collection changes.

You can even add a short dowel to one of the blocks to hold an extra router collet.

The result is a flexible storage system that keeps router bits separated and their cutting edges protected.

Shop Tip: Size the holes to support the shanks without forcing the bits into the blocks. This makes it easier to remove and replace cutters.

2. Pullout C-Clamp Storage Rack

Small C-clamps are useful for all kinds of woodworking tasks, but storing them efficiently can be a challenge.

A drawer full of loose clamps takes up space and makes it difficult to find the right size.

This pullout clamp storage rack keeps small C-clamps organized beneath the workbench, where they're easy to reach but out of the way.

Build a Simple Sliding Clamp Holder

The rack consists of a U-shaped wooden frame with an angled bar that supports the clamps.

The clamps rest on the bar, allowing them to hang neatly in a row.

A pair of L-shaped brackets mounted beneath the workbench supports the rack and allows it to slide in and out.

The brackets also act as stops, positioning the end cap flush with the front of the workbench when the rack is pushed in.

This keeps the clamps close at hand without using valuable drawer or benchtop space.

When you need a clamp, simply pull out the rack and select the size you want.

3. Drill Press Accessory Storage Rack

A drill press is useful for much more than drilling holes.

Depending on the project, you might use sanding drums, specialty bits, chuck keys, and other accessories.

The trouble is keeping everything organized and within easy reach.

This drill press accessory rack provides a simple way to store those items together.

Make a Freestanding Plywood Organizer

The rack starts with a piece of plywood beveled at 45° along both edges.

Triangular supports attached to the back allow the rack to stand securely on a shelf.

A combination of drilled holes and dowels on the front provides storage for different accessories.

The holes can hold items such as chuck keys and drill press attachments, while the dowels support sanding drums and other accessories.

Because everything is stored in plain sight, it's easy to find what you need without searching through a drawer.

The rack is also simple to customize. Just arrange the holes and dowels to accommodate the accessories you use most often.

4. Portable Drill Bit and Countersink Organizer

Installing woodscrews often requires more than one drill bit.

You may need a smaller bit for the pilot hole and a larger bit or countersink for the screw shank and head.

Keeping the correct bits together can be a challenge, especially when working with several screw sizes.

That's why I made this portable drill bit and countersink caddy.

Keep Matching Drill Bits Together

The caddy has a series of holes for storing countersink bits and their corresponding pilot bits.

I organized mine around four common woodscrew sizes:

• 6

• 8

• 10

• 12

There's also a place to store the Allen wrench used to adjust the countersink bits.

Add a Built-In Screw Size Reference

One of my favorite features is the row of countersunk holes along the front of the caddy.

After drilling these holes, I ripped away the front edge of the block to expose part of each countersink.

This creates a visual reference that makes it easier to identify the correct bit for a particular screw size.

Instead of guessing which countersink to use, you can compare the screw with the samples on the front of the organizer.

The compact design also makes the caddy easy to carry to the workbench or wherever you're assembling a project.

5. Wall-Mounted Metal Rule Storage Rack

Metal rules are some of the most frequently used measuring tools in my shop.

But they also have a habit of disappearing beneath project parts or getting buried among other tools.

To keep them organized, I made this simple wall-mounted metal rule holder.

Cut Angled Slots to Hold Measuring Rules

The holder consists of a few small wooden blocks with a series of angled kerfs.

Each kerf provides a slot for an individual metal rule.

The thickness of the blocks and depth of the kerfs can be adjusted to accommodate rules of different widths.

Once the slots are cut, screw the blocks to the wall with the kerfs facing upward.

The angled slots help keep the rules securely in place while allowing you to remove them easily.

This simple arrangement keeps measuring tools visible, organized, and within easy reach of the workbench.

Simple Workshop Storage Makes a Big Difference

A well-organized woodworking shop doesn't require elaborate cabinets or expensive storage accessories.

Sometimes, a few scraps of hardwood or plywood are all you need to solve an everyday storage problem.

These five shop-made tool organizers provide convenient places for router bits, clamps, drill press accessories, countersink bits, and measuring rules.

And because each design is easy to customize, you can adapt the dimensions and layout to fit your tools and available space.

The next time you find yourself searching for a small tool or accessory, consider building a dedicated holder for it. A little time spent organizing your shop can save plenty of frustration later.

More Workshop Storage & Organization Ideas

Small tool organizers are a great place to start, but there's always room to make your workshop more efficient.

Explore more shop-made storage solutions, including tool racks, cabinets, workbench organizers, and clever accessories designed to keep your woodworking tools organized and within easy reach.

EXPLORE WORKSHOP STORAGE IDEAS → Get Your Workshop Organized