What's inside
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A drill press takes up a fixed amount of floor or bench space, but its accessories can spread across an entire shop. Chuck keys, drill bits, sanding drums, clamps, mortising attachments, fences, depth stops, and spare belts are easy to misplace and frustrating to sort through. In a small shop, the best storage system keeps these items close to the drill press without adding another bulky cabinet or creating a safety hazard.
Start With an Accessory Inventory
Before buying storage, remove every drill press accessory from drawers, shelves, and toolboxes. Group items by how often you use them and how they need to be stored.
- Daily-use items: chuck key, common drill bits, hex keys, depth-stop wrench, and frequently used clamps.
- Occasional items: sanding drums, Forstner bits, hole saws, wire wheels, and specialty chucks.
- Machine-specific parts: spare belts, arbors, mortising attachments, column accessories, and replacement hardware.
- Hazardous or delicate items: large bits with exposed cutting edges, abrasives, and accessories that can rust.
Measure the actual accessories, not just their packaging. A 1/2-inch shank bit may fit in a shallow drawer, while a long Forstner bit or hole saw arbor needs considerably more clearance. Leave about 20 percent empty space in each storage area. A container filled completely becomes difficult to use and usually turns into a mixed pile again.
Match Storage to How You Work
Keep the accessories used during nearly every operation within arm’s reach of the drill press. A shallow drawer, wall-mounted bin, or narrow shelf beside the column works better than a cabinet across the shop. Less-used items can go in a central tool cabinet, provided they have clear labels.
| Storage type | Best use | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shallow drawer | Drill bits, chuck keys, small tools | Protects tools and hides clutter | Requires opening and searching |
| Wall bins | Clamps, sanding drums, spare hardware | Visible and inexpensive | Collects dust; parts can fall out |
| Bit index or rack | Twist bits and brad-point bits | Fast size selection and easy inventory | Uses more wall or drawer space |
| Rolling cart | Large accessory collection or shared tools | Moves between machines | Consumes floor space and can block walkways |
For most small shops, a shallow drawer for everyday items plus a wall rack or cabinet for large accessories is the most balanced arrangement. A full rolling cart is worthwhile only if the drill press moves between work areas or you also store a vise, sanding supplies, and layout tools with it.
Organize Bits by Size and Type
Store twist drills in a dedicated index rather than loose in a drawer. The numbered sizes should be arranged in order, with fractional and metric bits kept separately. Mixing them saves a little space but costs time and increases the chance of selecting the wrong diameter.
A basic plastic drill bit index case is usually sufficient for a home shop. It does not need to be expensive. Choose one with positive size markings and a lid that stays closed when stored vertically. For bits larger than 1/2 inch, use a separate rack or divided drawer because standard index cases often have limited capacity.
Keep Forstner bits, brad-point bits, countersinks, and hole saws in separate groups. Cutting edges should not rub against one another. A shallow drawer with removable dividers works well, while short lengths of PVC pipe can make inexpensive individual holders for large bits. Label each compartment on the front, not only on the lid.
Control Small Parts and Hand Tools
The chuck key deserves a fixed home. Losing it is inconvenient; leaving it in the chuck is dangerous. Mount a small hook or magnetic holder on the side of the drill press stand, but keep it clear of the belt guard, quill handle, and workpiece. If the machine has a keyed chuck, make the holder visually obvious so the chuck key is removed before startup.
Use divided bins for hex keys, spare chuck jaws, arbor washers, and depth-stop hardware. Clear bins make inventory easy, but opaque drawers protect parts from dust and look less cluttered. A small magnetic tray is useful during setup, but it should not become permanent storage because metal dust and chips collect in it.
For commonly used clamps, install two or three hooks on the side of a nearby cabinet. Do not hang heavy clamps from the drill press column or head. Vibration, limited clearance, and accidental contact with moving parts make the machine itself a poor storage surface.
Protect Accessories From Dust and Rust
Drill press storage should not interfere with dust collection. A bin mounted directly behind the column may block a hose, restrict access to the belt cover, or catch chips from the table. Leave at least 2 inches around moving handles and inspect the full range of table and quill movement before fixing anything in place.
Use a drawer liner or thin rubber mat under bits and metal accessories. It reduces rattling and keeps tools from sliding when a drawer closes. For humid shops, wipe carbon-steel bits with a light rust preventive and store them away from the dust collector’s exhaust, which can circulate damp air.
Do not seal damp tools in airtight plastic containers. Moisture trapped inside can rust bits faster than an open drawer. Dry accessories first, and use a small desiccant pack only in a closed case that remains dry when loaded.
Build a Compact Storage Zone
A practical layout uses a 24- to 30-inch-wide zone beside the drill press. Put a shallow drawer or cabinet between knee and waist height, where it is easy to reach without bending under the table. Mount a narrow rack above it for labeled bit cases and infrequently used accessories. Keep the area below the machine clear for stock, dust hoses, or your feet.
When wall space is limited, add a magnetic tool holder bar for chuck keys, hex keys, and small steel tools. It is a cheap solution, but it should not hold loose drill bits where they can fall onto the table or into the belt area. For a bench-mounted drill press, a narrow drawer under the bench is usually better than adding shelves around the machine.
Label and Maintain the System
Label every drawer and bin with the accessory type and size range. A label such as “Forstner: 1/4–1 inch” is more useful than “bits.” Keep one empty compartment for items that need cleaning or repair rather than returning them to serviceable tools.
Once a month, vacuum the storage area, wipe metal surfaces, and check for dull or damaged cutting edges. Replace missing drill indexes and discard broken abrasives. If an accessory has not been used in a year, move it to secondary storage. The goal is not to store every possible attachment beside the drill press; it is to make the next operation quick, safe, and predictable.