Thanks for answering my question Adam! For background I am a Museum Exhibit Technician, so though my workshop is primarily a carpentry shop, we also need plenty of generalist tools and materials, from model making to molding and casting, to signage and more. As Adam advised we do meet about this process regularly now to try and make improvements. Thanks for the guidance and inspiration!
Some things like molding and casting lend themselves to dedicated boxes so that when you start that process you pull out the box that has the 1st order tools for that specific process.
The laziest way to achieve continuous-order retrievability is to never put anything away. Then whatever you use the most ends up nearest the top of the pile(s) and the least-used, nearest the bottom. Or as I like to call it, "sedimentary filing"
In geology that is known as the law of superposition, newest should be on top (well… plate tectonics can cause problems with that, but in general, newest on top)
Working in aviation, we use tool boards, where all tools (or nearly so) are readily visible to allow quick but thorough checks to be carried out to account for all tools when signing for a job, and when releasing an aircraft for flight. This has the advantage that the vast majority of tools are readily available to use as well. Some more specialist kits are in drawers, but the majority of general tools are on open panels. We also tag the tools out individually, and to the aircraft we are working on, to make accounting for them easier.
I've been applying first order of retreivability to the last two home maker shops I've set up, and it has been such a great process. Thinking about function of everything from cabinets to outfeed tables to what tools I keep at hand has helped so much. Grateful that you have been so generous I'm sharing this philosophy.
"Its not a Plan, its a Process" - Adam Savage, 2022 i love this quote, my lifes been very hectic the past 7 months. but this phrase gives me comfort. i myself build scale models, gunpla to be most specific, and i've found it hard to work on my projects. mostly due to trying to be a perfectionist with them, but also due to my organization of tools & supplies. example, my living situation means i cant have a permanent fixture for tools, supplies, etc. so i got creative and use "Command" products to velcro tape them to the walls. its both useful & non permanent. i hope this helps some fellow makers make the best of their situations & find different ways to make it work. good luck makers!
no idea how old the quote is, but they used to have stickers and other products with that (and a room on z axis version). I say used to not knowing what is currently in the store thus not knowing if still available or not.
yup! the specific products i use: - kitchen shelf (clear spice shelf) [ used for my glues & accent liners.] - long picture shelf (long white shelf) [used to display models, but has a variety of uses.] - tooth brush holders [used to hold pencils, markers, tweezers, etc] - small hook (kitchen spatula holder hook.) [holds nippers, tapes, etc.] - 16lb rated velcro (its more reliable.) [ stronger hold vs the rest of their products. and if i wanna move anything around, the velcro is still on the back of the first few items listed. all i gotta do is put it in the right location and stick it with a new strip to the wall. so it makes it modular as well.] * NOTE: this works best for me given my living situation, and it works Really well. that said, every person has their own tools & practices. it comes down to what works best for you in your space. if you want a picture of them, feel free to DM me on instagram. #RS_Builds is my given tag for all my content. good luck and happy making, makers!
1st order Organization idea: 1 bucket for each day of the work week. As tools get used during the day they get placed in the bucket if they need to use the same tool the next day it gets moved to the next bucket and so on. Record the tools that moved to the next bucket with the number of times moved. At the end of the week see if each employee found the tool they needed in the bucket rather then looking for it. Those are your priority tools.
I have found great utility in keeping tool sets together. Drill bits, socket sets, hex bits and their handle, things that you will frequently need more than one go into some kind of tray or block that can be retrieved and stored together. So if I need the picks I use for sculpting, I get out the whole set together, put them away together. It also makes cleanup faster, because you can put tools back in their container as you switch between the set. End of job cleanup is putting away those containers, instead of a pile of loose tools.
For the last question, it sounds like software development where a team does a “retro” at the end of a project sprint. They talk about what went well, what didn’t go well, etc. There’s also a method called Start, Stop, Continue that is along the same lines of reflection.
"It's a process." Yep, resonates with me. I'm in the midst of a major shop reorganization. I think back to how my shop was 15 years ago and can see it's much better now, but I'm improving it still.
I've found when having to share a shop with others and wanting to get the organizing going, collaborativly packing up and storing all the unused and unloved tools is a good first step that will get the ideas rolling around in my coworkers heads for later on.
Adam. I know you have a love of Slow Motion Filming. I'm sure you've seen videos from The Slow Mo Guys. They have said multiple times how inspired they were by Mythbusters. I would love to see a video of your channel and theirs designing some kind of project and filming the results in ultra slow motion.
If I had a shared space with colleagues I would follow on to "Lean Manufacturing." Making small changes to the work to make it better. Adam follows this naturally: crates of tools organized per-task, first order retrievability, Organized jigs, etc. Coming from software + development systems I would say this: Don't boil the ocean. Make an experiment (eg. task tool collection), compare to past/current workflow get feedback. Then iterate to make it better, throw it away (it was just an experiment), or polish it for other workers and general use. Getting collaborators on board with small changes is much easier. It can also slowly shift everyone into a "make small improvements" mindset. Sometimes breaking out of the "how we've always done it" mindframe is the biggest hurdle (even more than moving the tools around). Everything is an experiment, nothing is final, onward and upward.
Always a process…. I’ve learned over the years listening to Adam.. he’s 100% right. The trick is to find what process works for you. My maker room is a 12x12 bedroom. I learned what works.
Although I never used the term 'first order retrievability' before I heard Adam use it, I have always been of the mindset that how often I use something should determine how close it is to me in my workspace. It also determines whether I have duplicates in multiple workspaces, or whether I have just one of something and have to go to another workspace to get it. Example: Pencils. I use 0.5mm mechanical pencils for writing, sketching, and marking stuff to cut or sand or fold or whatever. I am particular about brand and model - I use Pentels and have for almost 40 years, though I have moved through a number of models. Instead of having one that moves around with me, I have a collection of them, and keep one at my desk, one at my workbench, one on the side table next to the sofa, and of course, one on my desk at the office, and plenty of spares. I make sure they're all the same model so I don't have to feel like any of them are inferior and thus feel the need to go someplace else to get a usable tool, and I keep them all in an upright, easy-grab position at each workplace. Same for X-acto knives. I keep one on my desk, one on my workbench, and one at the office. At one time, I had three different models - good, better, best - and any time I used good or better I felt like I was missing out. So I bought two more of the best model and synched the three positions, so now I have the same tool, readily accessible at each place where I use the tool. Since my eyes went to crap, I do the same thing with reading glasses and keep the same model in multiple locations - desk, sofa, workbench, kitchen, office, and a set on my person for when I'm out and about. Same glasses, so I can put them on and see no matter where I am or what I'm doing, and never have to suffer wearing an inferior set just because I happen to be in the kitchen or out at the store. Instantly grabbable tools, of the type I like best and get the best results from, is my philosophy of first-order retrievability. Of course, that doesn't work with tools that are too expensive, rare, or large to duplicate all over the place, but for smaller stuff, duplication and standardization are key to finding what I need, where I need it, any time I need it.
Regarding the question, the person that is moving from their dining room to their basement. Start off perhaps with only the tools that you currently have in the dining room. Use the new space and it will become apparent to you where your “other” tools and expendables are best placed. Investigate storage options. Then, each week, and only if necessary, retrieve a tool from your stored tools. Adding tools one at a time, and only as required, will help you organise and to understand just how often you really need access to those tools. Your interim space in the dining room has been the perfect start to really understand how you work, the main tools etcetera that you use, and how you want your space to look as well as to best work. I’m very envious but mostly excited for you and your new basement workspace. So flipping exciting, yay 😁🐿❤️
As a Collision technician I have been practicing the process of F.O.o.R. And it’s been great! See, I have my main tool box that I keep a majority of my tools in, especially specialty tools. But I have a roll around cart, designed for use by diesel techs, that I keep my primary/use every day tools. I can perform 90% of the jobs I need to tackle daily with the system. I can grab any tools I need blindfolded because everything has a home. And I’m not talking about a multi drawer cart. It’s a single plane cart with dividers. No lower storage plane because that’s a catch all. And it’s made me way more efficient.
Order of retrieveabilty is a foundation for my kit bag. I work as a controls technician. My bag sets in the same position on every job it can and I can grab the tool I need without looking. That takes time as there will be tools that get removed from the bag due to lack of use and replaced with a tool that actually gets used. My bag has been a work in progress from day one and will always be. My work bench has many more tools and they are organized in a way that I can reach anything from my seat. My second work bench has nothing on it. That bench is for uncommon projects and the tool needed for the current project are brought to that bench before the project starts. It never fails though. You will have to go grab a tool from elsewhere.
Adam I gotta say this is amazing and does not only apply to tools, as a PM there are so many iterations with document storage and processes with my stakeholders that we all align to and get buy in. Thanks for sound advice
@@piorism hi Pior think in the context of the video, Adam had mentioned project managers (PM) I am one of those for the largest veterinary industry in the world
I've been working, mostly in an industrial setting, for 45 years. Viewing organizing a work place as a process is key for success-- and for inner peace. While 33 of those 45 years was in one place, it was a big place and I held many different jobs within it (though mostly in Q.A.) Personally, I didn't need many tools in my jobs, so I always found it best to have what I needed on me, like small vice grips and wire cutters in a holster on my belt when I ran automated welders. Other times, it was a micrometer and certain sized Allen Keys or other particular things. In a group setting, it's process. You know you've finished when it doesn't have to be addressed anymore, things stay organized because through a process of trial and error you've stumbled upon the best way. I could go on, but I already have.
for the person moving back into a full workshop I'd suggest making lists: 1st a list of what things did get used in the interim, 2nd a list of the things that didnt, and 3rd a list of everything that was Wanted but not available (in storage, not usable in the interim space) - it's a different situation, but I've just moved house, and I got covid right towards the end of it, so I had to spend over a full month with less than all of my stuff! I've been taking note of which things I've missed having and want to prioritize in my life, and which things I've had around but not bothered to unpack or use and so might get rid of.
It's about learning to file stuff. When you have an efficient file system your brain adapts to it by thinking about your build in terms of that file system. When you have 3 locations scattered around the shop for switches for example you may avoid doing the part of the job that requires switches because it's more workload retrieving them both from actual storage, and from memory. So for electrical you would have a section where all electrical are in a section, switches in a sub section, and button switches in a drawer. When you think of the switch part of the build your mind doesn't have to think over here? over there? or yonder a bit? Instead It knows section as a block of location in shop, and whatever switch you want to find is in there right in that section. Much more efficient, and mentally comfortable method. In fact part of the build thinking includes the section knowledge same as you know the tool selection to build the job. It just goes together. Then on a more granular level you don't do things to your self like; Here's a box of button switches, but sometimes I might want to use a toggle too. So I'll keep some toggles in the button box rather than having to go over to the other side of the shop to look for the toggle. But the small number of toggles in the button box can't be enough to find the right toggle so after looking through the button box you have to go over to the toggle box anyway. Having both types of switch together in the same section you know you are most likely to find what you need in that one section. If it aint in that section you know you have to buy one rather than continue to look maybe even in some completely other area where you vaguely remember seeing some toggles.You're sitting around, scratching your head, kicking yourself for not having an efficient system, and saying to yourself "where in the hell did I see that bag of toggles". It can increase efficiency, and comfort of thought, and build design 10 times.
I've dedicated an old phone to this. It has office installed and i can recall any part i have via voice command. Makes things so much easier. I can even have disorder, i just need to make a (verbal) note about where X is. No hands involved, just voice.
The best way to achieve this in a group in my opinion is as follows. First have a meeting (with coffee and donuts) where you explain the concept to everybody. Also explain the hassle, frustration and time loss caused by lost tools or tools that are hiding under a pile of other tools or materials that you work with. Play Adam's video's about the concept to round things of. Then send everybody on his or her way with the task to think about the concept and what their choices would be for first order tools. Next have a meeting where you draw a cross on a board (much like you would do in a SWAT sesion) and name the four sqares "First, Second, Third and Fourth". You can then define these sqares in relation to spaces in your work environment like Store, Central Hub, Personal etc.. Next throw a few post-it blocks on the table and have everybody write down their favorite or most important items or tools (1 per post-it). Next gather the post-its and have a discussion about where the individual post-it ends up on the board. Try to reach consensus and keep the atmosphere light. There must be room to disagree. Then have a discussion on measures and storage items and systems that you might use to achieve the goals that you derive from the order on the bord. Or something like that. I am for hire 😃
If this is something that is for a company or you need to get approved through Management, then a point of focus for trying to move in that direction is the efficiency gained if the critical first-order tools are accessible instead of being put away somewhere. What makes sense for us turning wrenches might need to be converted to numbers for the Suits get on board.
If you're not already familiar with the book 2 Second Lean, you should check it out. It is a nice, uncomplicated approach to Lean, which seems right in line with first order of retrievability.
I wonder if Adam has ever considered vertical like draws for storage, a bit like a sliding door you pull out, but then hanging your tools from it like hanging them on the wall. Everytime I see his wood storage area I revisit this thought that running out of floor space the only place to go is up :)
I work with tools every day for my living. I'd say the first fella needs to buy some of his own basic tools and mark them.... I like red paint. Kevin is using florescent green. Second over accessorize them. That is to say I have an impact battery driver. I have the adapter to 3/8inch drive and a 3 inch extension for each if my most commonly used sockets....that way they are ready to go no changing adapters when i need something. Keep track of what you use and make that first order. I've bought extra sockets and wrenches because I may need one on each side if they're common. Be prepared to buy new ones your probably going to lose them from time to time
I'm in the auto biz. I have the obligatory monster toolbox. My tool cart has all the what I call the dailys.The cart stays at one arms length away at all time, and the monster holds all those tools that used to be the dailys.
If you have been working, successfully, in a location removed from your normal "space", you already know which tools/equipment/bits should hold pride of place in your new shop....because those are the bits and Bob's you found vital to the operation and workflow. Everything else can take a back seat, and you can organize it later, if you find that you reach for x more often than y.
Likewise, for those colleagues sharing a workshop, the tools common to all should be first order retrievable, with a few tweaks, if there is physical space for those tweaks. Does everyone use rulers/tape measures/calipers on the daily? Make those first order. After the primary implements with cross-utilization are identified, you can make your case for specialist tools and equipment.
While I agree that you definitely can’t have just a single task to solve the problem, I do think that it is a plan and a process. In my own personal experience, if I just start shifting stuff around and working within that process, I end up being more frustrated by the lack of flow and cohesion within my workspace, but if I think ahead to potential scenarios and work those out in context, I’m in a much better spot to find something that works well.
the way it works out for me that one tool use once in a blue moon for some reason when you put it away better than you need it all of the time after you reorganize
For anyone watching this in the future, there's a thing called single transferable vote, get everyone to make a list of tools in order of how often they are used, and then pick a number of tools you know you can fit "on display", then the things that get the most votes get a higher order of retrievability, which then means that everyone should be as happy as they can be with how easy it is to retrieve their tools
afternoon adam. would like to see a quick segment on your morning coffee routine. you seems to have your coffee in your hand on a few episodes. we all have our morning routine with coffee or tea. would like to see yours... - Mark from NorCal
@Adam Savage’s Tested: surprised you haven't mentioned the magic of using Ziplocs and sharpies for temporary bolt/nut/screw organization when disassembling or reverse engineering. Don't think this is unique, but my step dad taught me this trick when I was replacing some head gaskets. fwiw, he's an airplane mechanic; think 1950s Cessnas.
I hope I didn't imagine the part where Adam said he was starting to think about pitching a new television show. 🤞 I know I didn't imagine the part where he said "ensmallened", because he said it twice. 🤔
In my work place we have a person that thinks, tools only walk one way out of the shop area. Because when he is finished with the job he need the tool for. He doesn't see the important things in bringing back the tools or asking someone else to do it. How would you solve that.
Off topic entirely, Prop idea that I would love to see Adam's interpretation of. Spoiler warning for Jurassic world dominion. Baby Beta the Velociraptor when she is unconscious and essentially in a netted backpack with her little face resting on the shoulder. I think this would be a lovely prop, and Adam would certainly do it justice and i'm sure it would look spectacular. And frankly just fun to wear for the giggles.
i got tired of only i set of digital calipers. i bought a bunch and put one at each machine in our maintenance shop. cnc vert machine center, bridgeport mill, engine lathe, cnc lathe , turret lathe plus a couple work benches. we don't need ultra precision most of the time so the cheap digital calipers are fine. anything needing more precision we use mics or expensive caliper or bore gage etc.
Hey Adam, do you ever feel like you don't have enough time in life to finish all the projects you want? I am 28yo and already feeling that with my job and not having enough time left over for my projects.
imagine you are wearing a toolbelt. your first order are the ones in the belt. your second order are the ones you have in a backpack you can carry. the 3rd are ones you have in your truck.. 4th the ones you have to go get to do the job.. thought exercise this is
5:33 Hah yeah, i had pointed that out a while ago as well, almost every answer is "It's a process.." Almost sounds like a T-shirt print, or new book title
Little late but I just saw the video you had put out about the story behind the Mythbusters narrator, and Adam had mentioned never hearing what the british narrator sounded like. I stumbled upon a clip that has the british narration. And it just so happens to be the shock prank! th-cam.com/video/U0SEBFGGEcI/w-d-xo.html
Adam, we need to see you build a land transportation vehicle that moves with little to no power but needs to be anchored when still as a result nature.
This is ridiculous. I don't believe there is any workshop where you are doing anything so important that you can't spend 5 minutes retrieving a tool. 99.99% of the working population aren't defusing bombs. It's a nice idea but you immediately talked about the problem of a shared work space: everyone has a different idea of what is most important, therefore everything needs to be immediately retrievable.
great product placement of the Bunderberg, tell you come from a movie background, nice shilling young man, of course you have sponsors money,you may fool the rest of the sheep.....Baaaaaaaar...
I need all whenever, but Hammers, Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, scrapers/chisels, pry bar/clamps....I only have a hundred more groups of five to go...🥸
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Thanks for answering my question Adam! For background I am a Museum Exhibit Technician, so though my workshop is primarily a carpentry shop, we also need plenty of generalist tools and materials, from model making to molding and casting, to signage and more. As Adam advised we do meet about this process regularly now to try and make improvements. Thanks for the guidance and inspiration!
Some things like molding and casting lend themselves to dedicated boxes so that when you start that process you pull out the box that has the 1st order tools for that specific process.
I find that my shop changes every so often to support which ever rabbit hole or new hobby I’ve dove into
I know this is a year old but you’re so right
The laziest way to achieve continuous-order retrievability is to never put anything away. Then whatever you use the most ends up nearest the top of the pile(s) and the least-used, nearest the bottom. Or as I like to call it, "sedimentary filing"
In geology that is known as the law of superposition, newest should be on top (well… plate tectonics can cause problems with that, but in general, newest on top)
Working in aviation, we use tool boards, where all tools (or nearly so) are readily visible to allow quick but thorough checks to be carried out to account for all tools when signing for a job, and when releasing an aircraft for flight. This has the advantage that the vast majority of tools are readily available to use as well. Some more specialist kits are in drawers, but the majority of general tools are on open panels.
We also tag the tools out individually, and to the aircraft we are working on, to make accounting for them easier.
I've been applying first order of retreivability to the last two home maker shops I've set up, and it has been such a great process. Thinking about function of everything from cabinets to outfeed tables to what tools I keep at hand has helped so much. Grateful that you have been so generous I'm sharing this philosophy.
"Its not a Plan, its a Process" - Adam Savage, 2022
i love this quote, my lifes been very hectic the past 7 months. but this phrase gives me comfort. i myself build scale models, gunpla to be most specific, and i've found it hard to work on my projects. mostly due to trying to be a perfectionist with them, but also due to my organization of tools & supplies. example, my living situation means i cant have a permanent fixture for tools, supplies, etc. so i got creative and use "Command" products to velcro tape them to the walls. its both useful & non permanent. i hope this helps some fellow makers make the best of their situations & find different ways to make it work. good luck makers!
no idea how old the quote is, but they used to have stickers and other products with that (and a room on z axis version). I say used to not knowing what is currently in the store thus not knowing if still available or not.
That is a genius idea!
yup! the specific products i use:
- kitchen shelf (clear spice shelf)
[ used for my glues & accent liners.]
- long picture shelf (long white shelf)
[used to display models, but has a variety of uses.]
- tooth brush holders
[used to hold pencils, markers, tweezers, etc]
- small hook (kitchen spatula holder hook.)
[holds nippers, tapes, etc.]
- 16lb rated velcro (its more reliable.)
[ stronger hold vs the rest of their products. and if i wanna move anything around, the velcro is still on the back of the first few items listed. all i gotta do is put it in the right location and stick it with a new strip to the wall. so it makes it modular as well.]
* NOTE: this works best for me given my living situation, and it works Really well. that said, every person has their own tools & practices. it comes down to what works best for you in your space.
if you want a picture of them, feel free to DM me on instagram. #RS_Builds is my given tag for all my content.
good luck and happy making, makers!
1st order Organization idea: 1 bucket for each day of the work week. As tools get used during the day they get placed in the bucket if they need to use the same tool the next day it gets moved to the next bucket and so on. Record the tools that moved to the next bucket with the number of times moved. At the end of the week see if each employee found the tool they needed in the bucket rather then looking for it. Those are your priority tools.
I have found great utility in keeping tool sets together. Drill bits, socket sets, hex bits and their handle, things that you will frequently need more than one go into some kind of tray or block that can be retrieved and stored together.
So if I need the picks I use for sculpting, I get out the whole set together, put them away together. It also makes cleanup faster, because you can put tools back in their container as you switch between the set. End of job cleanup is putting away those containers, instead of a pile of loose tools.
For the last question, it sounds like software development where a team does a “retro” at the end of a project sprint. They talk about what went well, what didn’t go well, etc. There’s also a method called Start, Stop, Continue that is along the same lines of reflection.
I'd never get any exercise if I didn't have to walk across the house to find the next tool I need :-).
My vote for best TH-cam comment this thread so far. Thanks, Tom.
"It's a process." Yep, resonates with me. I'm in the midst of a major shop reorganization. I think back to how my shop was 15 years ago and can see it's much better now, but I'm improving it still.
I've found when having to share a shop with others and wanting to get the organizing going, collaborativly packing up and storing all the unused and unloved tools is a good first step that will get the ideas rolling around in my coworkers heads for later on.
Adam. I know you have a love of Slow Motion Filming. I'm sure you've seen videos from The Slow Mo Guys. They have said multiple times how inspired they were by Mythbusters. I would love to see a video of your channel and theirs designing some kind of project and filming the results in ultra slow motion.
If I had a shared space with colleagues I would follow on to "Lean Manufacturing." Making small changes to the work to make it better. Adam follows this naturally: crates of tools organized per-task, first order retrievability, Organized jigs, etc.
Coming from software + development systems I would say this: Don't boil the ocean. Make an experiment (eg. task tool collection), compare to past/current workflow get feedback. Then iterate to make it better, throw it away (it was just an experiment), or polish it for other workers and general use. Getting collaborators on board with small changes is much easier. It can also slowly shift everyone into a "make small improvements" mindset. Sometimes breaking out of the "how we've always done it" mindframe is the biggest hurdle (even more than moving the tools around).
Everything is an experiment, nothing is final, onward and upward.
Always a process…. I’ve learned over the years listening to Adam.. he’s 100% right. The trick is to find what process works for you. My maker room is a 12x12 bedroom. I learned what works.
Although I never used the term 'first order retrievability' before I heard Adam use it, I have always been of the mindset that how often I use something should determine how close it is to me in my workspace. It also determines whether I have duplicates in multiple workspaces, or whether I have just one of something and have to go to another workspace to get it.
Example: Pencils. I use 0.5mm mechanical pencils for writing, sketching, and marking stuff to cut or sand or fold or whatever. I am particular about brand and model - I use Pentels and have for almost 40 years, though I have moved through a number of models. Instead of having one that moves around with me, I have a collection of them, and keep one at my desk, one at my workbench, one on the side table next to the sofa, and of course, one on my desk at the office, and plenty of spares. I make sure they're all the same model so I don't have to feel like any of them are inferior and thus feel the need to go someplace else to get a usable tool, and I keep them all in an upright, easy-grab position at each workplace.
Same for X-acto knives. I keep one on my desk, one on my workbench, and one at the office. At one time, I had three different models - good, better, best - and any time I used good or better I felt like I was missing out. So I bought two more of the best model and synched the three positions, so now I have the same tool, readily accessible at each place where I use the tool.
Since my eyes went to crap, I do the same thing with reading glasses and keep the same model in multiple locations - desk, sofa, workbench, kitchen, office, and a set on my person for when I'm out and about. Same glasses, so I can put them on and see no matter where I am or what I'm doing, and never have to suffer wearing an inferior set just because I happen to be in the kitchen or out at the store.
Instantly grabbable tools, of the type I like best and get the best results from, is my philosophy of first-order retrievability. Of course, that doesn't work with tools that are too expensive, rare, or large to duplicate all over the place, but for smaller stuff, duplication and standardization are key to finding what I need, where I need it, any time I need it.
Regarding the question,
the person that is moving from their dining room to their basement.
Start off perhaps with only the tools that you currently have in the dining room.
Use the new space and it will become apparent to you where your “other” tools and expendables are best placed.
Investigate storage options.
Then, each week, and only if necessary, retrieve a tool from your stored tools.
Adding tools one at a time, and only as required, will help you organise and to understand just how often you really need access to those tools.
Your interim space in the dining room has been the perfect start to really understand how you work, the main tools etcetera that you use, and how you want your space to look as well as to best work.
I’m very envious but mostly excited for you and your new basement workspace.
So flipping exciting, yay 😁🐿❤️
As a Collision technician I have been practicing the process of F.O.o.R. And it’s been great! See, I have my main tool box that I keep a majority of my tools in, especially specialty tools. But I have a roll around cart, designed for use by diesel techs, that I keep my primary/use every day tools. I can perform 90% of the jobs I need to tackle daily with the system. I can grab any tools I need blindfolded because everything has a home. And I’m not talking about a multi drawer cart. It’s a single plane cart with dividers. No lower storage plane because that’s a catch all. And it’s made me way more efficient.
Order of retrieveabilty is a foundation for my kit bag. I work as a controls technician. My bag sets in the same position on every job it can and I can grab the tool I need without looking. That takes time as there will be tools that get removed from the bag due to lack of use and replaced with a tool that actually gets used. My bag has been a work in progress from day one and will always be. My work bench has many more tools and they are organized in a way that I can reach anything from my seat. My second work bench has nothing on it. That bench is for uncommon projects and the tool needed for the current project are brought to that bench before the project starts. It never fails though. You will have to go grab a tool from elsewhere.
Adam I gotta say this is amazing and does not only apply to tools, as a PM there are so many iterations with document storage and processes with my stakeholders that we all align to and get buy in. Thanks for sound advice
You're a prime minister ?
@@piorism hi Pior think in the context of the video, Adam had mentioned project managers (PM) I am one of those for the largest veterinary industry in the world
definitely a process. at one point at work or school (can't remember which) I had two of the same tool in opposite ends of the work space.
I had many 10mm wrenches and sockets scattered around my shop. It seemed like everything I worked on for at least a year needed 10mm.
I've been working, mostly in an industrial setting, for 45 years. Viewing organizing a work place as a process is key for success-- and for inner peace. While 33 of those 45 years was in one place, it was a big place and I held many different jobs within it (though mostly in Q.A.) Personally, I didn't need many tools in my jobs, so I always found it best to have what I needed on me, like small vice grips and wire cutters in a holster on my belt when I ran automated welders. Other times, it was a micrometer and certain sized Allen Keys or other particular things. In a group setting, it's process. You know you've finished when it doesn't have to be addressed anymore, things stay organized because through a process of trial and error you've stumbled upon the best way. I could go on, but I already have.
Adam. All the talks and discussions you have are all fascinating
for the person moving back into a full workshop I'd suggest making lists: 1st a list of what things did get used in the interim, 2nd a list of the things that didnt, and 3rd a list of everything that was Wanted but not available (in storage, not usable in the interim space)
- it's a different situation, but I've just moved house, and I got covid right towards the end of it, so I had to spend over a full month with less than all of my stuff! I've been taking note of which things I've missed having and want to prioritize in my life, and which things I've had around but not bothered to unpack or use and so might get rid of.
More Adam Savage is always good
It's about learning to file stuff. When you have an efficient file system your brain adapts to it by thinking about your build in terms of that file system. When you have 3 locations scattered around the shop for switches for example you may avoid doing the part of the job that requires switches because it's more workload retrieving them both from actual storage, and from memory. So for electrical you would have a section where all electrical are in a section, switches in a sub section, and button switches in a drawer. When you think of the switch part of the build your mind doesn't have to think over here? over there? or yonder a bit? Instead It knows section as a block of location in shop, and whatever switch you want to find is in there right in that section. Much more efficient, and mentally comfortable method. In fact part of the build thinking includes the section knowledge same as you know the tool selection to build the job. It just goes together. Then on a more granular level you don't do things to your self like; Here's a box of button switches, but sometimes I might want to use a toggle too. So I'll keep some toggles in the button box rather than having to go over to the other side of the shop to look for the toggle. But the small number of toggles in the button box can't be enough to find the right toggle so after looking through the button box you have to go over to the toggle box anyway. Having both types of switch together in the same section you know you are most likely to find what you need in that one section. If it aint in that section you know you have to buy one rather than continue to look maybe even in some completely other area where you vaguely remember seeing some toggles.You're sitting around, scratching your head, kicking yourself for not having an efficient system, and saying to yourself "where in the hell did I see that bag of toggles". It can increase efficiency, and comfort of thought, and build design 10 times.
I've dedicated an old phone to this. It has office installed and i can recall any part i have via voice command. Makes things so much easier. I can even have disorder, i just need to make a (verbal) note about where X is. No hands involved, just voice.
The best way to achieve this in a group in my opinion is as follows. First have a meeting (with coffee and donuts) where you explain the concept to everybody. Also explain the hassle, frustration and time loss caused by lost tools or tools that are hiding under a pile of other tools or materials that you work with. Play Adam's video's about the concept to round things of. Then send everybody on his or her way with the task to think about the concept and what their choices would be for first order tools. Next have a meeting where you draw a cross on a board (much like you would do in a SWAT sesion) and name the four sqares "First, Second, Third and Fourth". You can then define these sqares in relation to spaces in your work environment like Store, Central Hub, Personal etc.. Next throw a few post-it blocks on the table and have everybody write down their favorite or most important items or tools (1 per post-it). Next gather the post-its and have a discussion about where the individual post-it ends up on the board. Try to reach consensus and keep the atmosphere light. There must be room to disagree. Then have a discussion on measures and storage items and systems that you might use to achieve the goals that you derive from the order on the bord.
Or something like that. I am for hire 😃
Cleaning is always a good go-to step when you're working things out.
I don't have a workspace and don't even make things like props, just here listening to your thinking processes.
If this is something that is for a company or you need to get approved through Management, then a point of focus for trying to move in that direction is the efficiency gained if the critical first-order tools are accessible instead of being put away somewhere. What makes sense for us turning wrenches might need to be converted to numbers for the Suits get on board.
If you're not already familiar with the book 2 Second Lean, you should check it out. It is a nice, uncomplicated approach to Lean, which seems right in line with first order of retrievability.
I wonder if Adam has ever considered vertical like draws for storage, a bit like a sliding door you pull out, but then hanging your tools from it like hanging them on the wall. Everytime I see his wood storage area I revisit this thought that running out of floor space the only place to go is up :)
I work with tools every day for my living. I'd say the first fella needs to buy some of his own basic tools and mark them.... I like red paint. Kevin is using florescent green. Second over accessorize them. That is to say I have an impact battery driver. I have the adapter to 3/8inch drive and a 3 inch extension for each if my most commonly used sockets....that way they are ready to go no changing adapters when i need something. Keep track of what you use and make that first order. I've bought extra sockets and wrenches because I may need one on each side if they're common. Be prepared to buy new ones your probably going to lose them from time to time
I'm in the auto biz. I have the obligatory monster toolbox. My tool cart has all the what I call the dailys.The cart stays at one arms length away at all time, and the monster holds all those tools that used to be the dailys.
If you have been working, successfully, in a location removed from your normal "space", you already know which tools/equipment/bits should hold pride of place in your new shop....because those are the bits and Bob's you found vital to the operation and workflow. Everything else can take a back seat, and you can organize it later, if you find that you reach for x more often than y.
Likewise, for those colleagues sharing a workshop, the tools common to all should be first order retrievable, with a few tweaks, if there is physical space for those tweaks. Does everyone use rulers/tape measures/calipers on the daily? Make those first order.
After the primary implements with cross-utilization are identified, you can make your case for specialist tools and equipment.
I just realised this is also how I organize my desktop and the software I use for work.
While I agree that you definitely can’t have just a single task to solve the problem, I do think that it is a plan and a process. In my own personal experience, if I just start shifting stuff around and working within that process, I end up being more frustrated by the lack of flow and cohesion within my workspace, but if I think ahead to potential scenarios and work those out in context, I’m in a much better spot to find something that works well.
the way it works out for me that one tool use once in a blue moon for some reason when you put it away better than you need it all of the time after you reorganize
For anyone watching this in the future, there's a thing called single transferable vote, get everyone to make a list of tools in order of how often they are used, and then pick a number of tools you know you can fit "on display", then the things that get the most votes get a higher order of retrievability, which then means that everyone should be as happy as they can be with how easy it is to retrieve their tools
Loving these daily snippets.
afternoon adam. would like to see a quick segment on your morning coffee routine. you seems to have your coffee in your hand on a few episodes. we all have our morning routine with coffee or tea. would like to see yours... - Mark from NorCal
@Adam Savage’s Tested: surprised you haven't mentioned the magic of using Ziplocs and sharpies for temporary bolt/nut/screw organization when disassembling or reverse engineering. Don't think this is unique, but my step dad taught me this trick when I was replacing some head gaskets. fwiw, he's an airplane mechanic; think 1950s Cessnas.
It’s good to finally have a name for this concept because it’s what I’ve been doing all my life, with my clothes…
Good to see also that first orders for drinks are Bundaberg Ginger Beer - go Aussie! 🍻😂
Thanks.
"It's not a plan, It's a process" -Adam Savage
I think I may have to put that on the wall of my workshop
Nice T-shirt, Adam.
"Ensmallened" may be the best Adamism ever.
ive always wondered this, but whats the purpose of your shop? do you make money off of selling anything?
I hope I didn't imagine the part where Adam said he was starting to think about pitching a new television show. 🤞
I know I didn't imagine the part where he said "ensmallened", because he said it twice. 🤔
Are you suggesting that ensmallened is non-cromulent in some capacity?
@@keithklassen5320 No, no. At least, not after utilizing Google. I can now say that "ensmallened" is totally cromulent. 😀
In my work place we have a person that thinks, tools only walk one way out of the shop area. Because when he is finished with the job he need the tool for. He doesn't see the important things in bringing back the tools or asking someone else to do it. How would you solve that.
Hi Adam are you excited about the new ILM documentary?
Off topic entirely, Prop idea that I would love to see Adam's interpretation of.
Spoiler warning for Jurassic world dominion.
Baby Beta the Velociraptor when she is unconscious and essentially in a netted backpack with her little face resting on the shoulder. I think this would be a lovely prop, and Adam would certainly do it justice and i'm sure it would look spectacular. And frankly just fun to wear for the giggles.
i got tired of only i set of digital calipers. i bought a bunch and put one at each machine in our maintenance shop. cnc vert machine center, bridgeport mill, engine lathe, cnc lathe , turret lathe plus a couple work benches. we don't need ultra precision most of the time so the cheap digital calipers are fine. anything needing more precision we use mics or expensive caliper or bore gage etc.
I wish you well as you head back towards TV. If you are ever building a team of makers, count me in
Hey Adam, do you ever feel like you don't have enough time in life to finish all the projects you want? I am 28yo and already feeling that with my job and not having enough time left over for my projects.
garage cleaning is only for making space for new projects :)
First order tools get easier with multiple work stations. One thing all three have is a hammer and a sharpie.
imagine you are wearing a toolbelt. your first order are the ones in the belt. your second order are the ones you have in a backpack you can carry. the 3rd are ones you have in your truck.. 4th the ones you have to go get to do the job.. thought exercise this is
5:33 Hah yeah, i had pointed that out a while ago as well, almost every answer is "It's a process.."
Almost sounds like a T-shirt print, or new book title
Nice!
Attempt 2 Will you make a mechanical television? 😄
@7:40 What… what? You made television shows? Tell us more about that ;)
Little late but I just saw the video you had put out about the story behind the Mythbusters narrator, and Adam had mentioned never hearing what the british narrator sounded like. I stumbled upon a clip that has the british narration. And it just so happens to be the shock prank! th-cam.com/video/U0SEBFGGEcI/w-d-xo.html
But what about pieces and parts
You can file everything under Miscellaneous
Lean management in a nutshell :)
Cool
look up: lean 5s
where the frick is the aluminum ball!
Adam we want to see you hit that yoinky sploinky
adam where your eva?
Adam, we need to see you build a land transportation vehicle that moves with little to no power but needs to be anchored when still as a result nature.
What? No sound?
unmute lol
♥️ him
Bundaberg ginger beer eh. Awful place.
This is ridiculous. I don't believe there is any workshop where you are doing anything so important that you can't spend 5 minutes retrieving a tool. 99.99% of the working population aren't defusing bombs. It's a nice idea but you immediately talked about the problem of a shared work space: everyone has a different idea of what is most important, therefore everything needs to be immediately retrievable.
great product placement of the Bunderberg, tell you come from a movie background, nice shilling young man, of course you have sponsors money,you may fool the rest of the sheep.....Baaaaaaaar...
I need all whenever, but Hammers, Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, scrapers/chisels, pry bar/clamps....I only have a hundred more groups of five to go...🥸