9 Things I Keep Near My Tools So I Don’t Forget Them

When you’re in the middle of a project, the last thing you want is to stop and go hunting for a pencil, a bit, or something to wipe your hands on. I’ve learned over time that keeping a few extra things near the tools—right where I’ll need them—saves a lot of trips back and forth.

These aren’t your typical must-haves, but they’re the small things that make every job go smoother. Here’s what I keep close to my tools to make sure I don’t forget them when it counts.

Extra Gloves

You’d be surprised how often gloves get soaked, torn, or lost halfway through a project. Keeping a spare pair near the main tool stash means you won’t get derailed when your first set fails. I like to stash an old pair of leather ones in a bag or drawer where I keep my hand tools.

Measuring Tape

It sounds obvious, but this is one of the most forgotten tools—until you need it. I keep a cheap backup measuring tape tucked near the main pile of tools so I’m not constantly walking back inside or to the shed. Even a little one comes in handy more than you’d think.

Permanent Marker

Whether it’s labeling pipes, wood cuts, or marking something on the wall before drilling, a Sharpie gets used all the time. It lives in the same bin as my screws and drill bits because I reach for it constantly when I’m laying things out or trying to remember measurements.

Utility Knife

You’ll use it for opening packaging, cutting rope or twine, trimming tape, and about a hundred other things. I keep a basic utility knife clipped near my tool rack. Having it close keeps me from ruining a good pocketknife or trying to saw through something with the wrong blade.

Bits and Drivers

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve grabbed the drill and forgotten the bit I need. Now I keep a small container with the most-used bits—Phillips, flathead, hex—right next to the drill. It saves a ton of time and helps you avoid that back-and-forth that breaks your flow.

Zip Ties

They’re cheap, they’re strong, and they fix a lot of little problems. I keep a handful in a jar by the tool area to deal with broken handles, secure loose cables, or even bundle garden stakes. You don’t think about them until you need one—and then they’re gold.

Pencil

I always keep a carpenter’s pencil nearby for quick marks. It doesn’t roll away like regular pencils and holds up well in your pocket or tool pouch. I sharpen a few and stash them right by the hammer so I always have something ready when I need to mark a cut or line up a bracket.

Rags

Messes happen—paint, grease, dirt, or dust. A couple of old T-shirts or towels stashed in a bucket near the tools makes clean-up quick. You’ll also want something to wipe off blades or handles after a muddy job, and it keeps things from getting gross between projects.

Safety Glasses

These are the first thing people forget—and the one thing that’ll mess up your day if you skip. I keep an old pair near the drill and saw so they’re always in sight. Having them right where the action is makes it more likely I’ll wear them, even when I’m in a hurry.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.