Keep it Organized: Ingenious Hacks to Keep Your Auto Shop in Top Shape
For most people, the idea of running an auto shop sounds like a dream come true. But with all the time and effort that goes into keeping your business organized, it can quickly turn into a nightmare.
If you are looking for some clever ways to keep things in top shape at your auto repair shop, then this article is for you. Here are some ingenious hacks that will help you stay organized while maintaining an efficient workflow.
Place Everything on Wheels
Keeping your tools and equipment up off the floor makes a world of difference when it comes to keeping an organized shop.
Make sure that everything from workbenches, cabinets, shelves, and toolboxes, are on wheels so they can be rolled around easily.
This will save you time whenever you need to pick something up or move it somewhere else in the shop. Place them next to each other if possible too. That way, they won’t take any extra space when not being used which also cuts back on clutter.
Label Everything You Own with Custom Decals
Custom decals are a great way to label your tools and equipment.
This will ensure that you know what each tool or piece of equipment is for, which can help prevent any accidents in the shop. It’ll also make it easy on employees if they need to find something without having to ask anyone first.
Using professional labels can be pricey though, so buy some blank stickers at your local office supply store then use white-out tape (or masking tape) on top of them instead of actual labels.
Then just write down whatever information you want using a marker pen.
Consider Installing Wall-Mounted Toolboxes
Another way to keep everything organized and easily accessible is by having
Toolboxes are a great place for storing all of your hand tools because it keeps them off the floor, which means that you won’t step on any sharp objects or get poked every time you walk past one.
Instead of wasting space trying to fit each item into its own little compartment in an oversized drawer, use several wall-mountable toolboxes instead so they can be stacked together without taking up too much room.
It also makes finding something easier when it’s sitting right beside where you work.
Install an Overhead Rack for Ladders and Other Long Tools
Another great thing to have is an overhead rack.
This makes it easy for you or your employees to grab a long tool that’s just out of reach without having to waste any extra time trying to find something else that will work instead.
Plus, this keeps the floor from getting damaged by heavy tools as well. Just make sure that whatever you choose can handle at least 200 pounds so people don’t get hurt when they stand on top of it accidentally (or intentionally).
Hang Tires off the Floor Too
To keep your tire storage organized, consider hanging them off the floor instead of stacking them on top of each other.
This will free up a lot more room in your shop which means that you can fit more cars inside without having to worry about it getting cluttered or dirty from all the equipment and stuff lying around everywhere.
Plus, this makes changing tires much easier when they’re already at waist height.
Use Wooden Card Catalogs for Shelving
Card catalogs are perfect for storing all of your manuals.
They’re already designed to store any type of paper, so it makes sense that they would be an efficient way to keep things organized in a small shop where you don’t have room for filing cabinets or bulky shelves.
It’s also very easy to pull out the manual you need when needed because there is no need to sort through countless folders and binders which can get tedious really quickly.
Just make sure that whatever card catalogs you choose are at least six inches deep though.
Otherwise, they won’t fit properly on top of each other without some extra help from woodblocks or books underneath them first. Use hooks instead if possible too just in case something falls down.
Install a Stainless Steel Sink
Another great thing to have is a stainless steel sink.
This will ensure that all of your tools are thoroughly cleaned after every use so nothing gets damaged from being covered in grime or rust, which can lead to accidents and injuries if ignored for too long.
Even the best mechanics make mistakes occasionally, but they shouldn’t be caught off guard by an accident caused by their own carelessness either.
Install a Wire Basket Rack for Organizing Wrenches
Instead of wasting time looking through drawers filled with various sized wrenches one at a time (which also means more trips back and forth throughout the shop), try installing some wire basket racks.
These are also great for holding all of your sockets and other tools that tend to get lost underneath piles of rags or debris.
Just make sure you label them so everyone knows where things go when they take something out and replace any missing items right away before someone gets hurt by using a wrench with worn-out teeth or one without a handle anymore.
After every use, wipe down the tray too just in case there is some grime on it from being stored elsewhere beforehand.
Mount Storage Bins on Your Wall for Car Parts
Another great way to keep your shop organized is by using wall-mounted storage bins.
This will help you save time because all of the parts for a specific car can be stored in one container together instead of being spread out across several different shelves and cabinets.
Just make sure that whatever type of bin you choose has high sides so no one gets injured from reaching inside without leaning back first (or staying as far away as possible).
Use Epoxy Paint for Your Floor
Another way to keep your shop clean and organized is by using epoxy paint for the floor and auto shop management software.
This will allow you to easily wipe up oil or grease from cars that spill somewhere they shouldn’t, which can be difficult when it seeps into cracks in a cement surface.
Plus, this type of paint has an extra layer of protection against dirt so no one slips on a wet spot either, even if someone takes a corner too fast without being careful enough first.
Ready to Organize Your Auto Shop?
As you can see, it’s not too difficult to organize your auto shop. To learn more about this subject, continue reading this blog for more helpful articles.
