Insulation Job Site Efficiency: Everything Has its Place in Your Shop
My very first insulation job was the most memorable. I was working with my dad’s business partner, Art. We had a 24 foot truck that was a mess. The truck was a beater and all kinds of stuff was on the floor boards.
The truck would not start up. So, Art poured gasoline down the carburetor. He told me to crank over the engine and BOOM! Flames were everywhere. I saw Art dancing with flames engulfing him. It was at that moment that I realized; the messy truck was our enemy. I dug through the junk and FINALLY FOUND the fire extinguisher. Meanwhile, Art had the presence of mind to stop, drop and roll in a pile of brick sand. Were it not for that pile of sand, things would have gone much worse.
This blog post is about being well-organized. Everything must have its own place. Let’s discuss your shop. It’s essential to equip your shop with the right tools and arrange them in a logical and accessible manner. Since you will be transferring from the shop to your truck/trailer, here are practical tips for organizing tools, ensuring that everything you need is readily available.
- Assess and Reassess Your Equipment Needs: Before you start organizing, think hard about the tools you need. Keep the tools to a reasonable minimum. Here are some other posts we wrote about outfitting your trailer/truck for loose fill and dense packing and outfitting your truck/trailer for wall spray.
- Divide and Conquer: Organize your tools and products into groups based on their functionality. Keep your foam guns with your foam. Keep your staplers with the staples. This approach will help you identify the most efficient storage options and ensure that items are easy to locate when needed.
- Utilize Storage Solutions: Storage can take up valuable space. You have a machine, product and hoses. All of these will dictate the amount of room you have for tools.
- Toolboxes: Today, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Craftsman and others are adding a variety of options. They organize the smallest to the largest of tools. So, develop a plan, figure out what you really need and then design an organizational system.
- Shelves and Racks: Install shelves or racks along the sides of your truck or trailer to maximize vertical space. This setup allows you to store larger tools, equipment, and supplies securely, while keeping them easily accessible.
- Optimize Accessibility: Arrange your tools in a way that promotes easy access and efficient workflow. Store frequently used items in the front of the shop.
Organizing tools in your shop is a fundamental step toward improving efficiency and productivity. By categorizing, securing, and optimizing accessibility, you’ll have a well-structured system that saves time and reduces stress. Remember to invest in quality storage solutions and conduct regular maintenance to uphold your organization over time.