I know you don't need some snobby writer telling you how to take care of your tools. Maybe, maybe not. I'm willing to bet you might though. There are a few organizational tips that can be passed on to just about anyone and really help you with your tools.

Every other day around my house someone is looking for a hammer. Why, is beyond me most of the time, but they are. My wife's response is always "In the tool drawer". The tool drawer is also the "junk mail" drawer, the "Johnny got a D" drawer and where my wife inexplicably keeps bread ties. Not the wisest choice. We need to get organized.

Under the kitchen sink is a no man's land when it comes to tool storage. It's just not always a good spot. If I had a nickel for every household that has a coffee can or bucket full of tools under their sink I wouldn't be writing this; I'd be in Hawaii with my own two Doberman's. A few industrial strength sticky hooks and a few strings and hey, you've got a place for your tools to hang out. Literally.

If you can't get away from the junk drawer, then maybe it's time to start thinking about making a few dividers. This establishes a "tool only" domain. Hopefully that will deter any sort of junk ending up where the tools will be. Enforcing the tool territory might take a little work at first, but not using a steak knife on a tiny Philips head screw is worth it.

There's more to taking care of your tools that just keeping up with them. Keeping them clean and sharp has its benefits as well. A flathead screwdriver with a chipped blade should be filed out smooth or else not used anymore. Using this screw driver could cause it to slip out of the screw's saddle and cause an injury. For handsaws and the like; keep them sharp. This is not only a functionality issue but a safety one as well. One rarely heard of a sharp saw snapping or woodchips flying from a sharp saw blade. If it's supposed to be sharp keep it that way.

Basic tools you how should be using are two hammers, a small and large one, a set of standard and Philips screwdrivers or a multi-driver and adjustable pliers. While other tools might be needed or even a little easier to use for certain jobs. These basics will get you through most crisis's you might be facing.

For additional versatility, try throwing in a small screw driver set into the mix. These things are great for two things; removing small screws and getting lost a lot. Having a designated tool drawer helps. Hiding these precious little tool kits someplace like your underwear drawer is even better.

Remember taking care of your tools is an imperative, but being able to find them is every bit as important. Make sure that you know where your tools are at all times and enforce a "you take it, you bring it back" policy will go a long ways towards making sure you have what you need when you need it.