Workshops are like well-oiled machines—until something throws a spanner in the works. Whether you’re running a busy agri repair garage or keeping plant hire equipment ticking over, a few common issues tend to creep in and slow things down.
The good news? Most of them are fixable with a bit of foresight, the right gear, and a few handy tricks of the trade. Let’s tackle the usual suspects head-on.
Messy Workspaces and Tool Mayhem
If your team spends more time hunting for tools than using them, you’re not alone. Disorganisation is the silent productivity killer in many workshops.
The fix:
Start with tool shadow boards or magnetic wall strips for high-use items. Add labelled drawers and proper storage cabinets to give every tool its home. The Sealey 4-Drawer Workshop Cabinet, available at Multimax Direct, is built like a tank and ideal for storing heavy-duty gear.
Go one step further and introduce a 5S system—Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain. It’s not just for factories; it’ll transform how your workshop runs.
Poor Lighting That Slows Down Jobs
Dim corners and shadows aren’t just annoying—they’re a safety hazard. If someone’s trying to thread a nut onto a bolt in the dark, mistakes (and injuries) follow.
The fix:
Upgrade to LED workshop lighting with high lumen output and daylight colour temperatures (around 5000K). Motion sensors can save energy, while mobile floodlights come in handy for off-site work or awkward spaces.
Look for rugged, portable models like the Sealey LED Rechargeable Work Light—impact-resistant and ideal for life on the go.
Compressed Air Leaks: The Silent Drain
That quiet hiss in the background? It’s probably your wallet crying. Air leaks in compressors are a major drain on energy—and most workshops don’t even realise it’s happening.
The fix:
Do a leak test during quiet hours. Shut down all air tools and listen. Use soapy water on joints and fittings to spot leaks. Replace worn hoses, cracked couplings, and ill-fitting connections.
Keep a spare roll of Sealey PTFE Thread Tape handy—it’s a workshop staple for airtight seals. Prevention here is cheaper than your next power bill.
Safety Gear That Gets Ignored
We’ve all seen it: dusty goggles, gloves with holes, ear defenders hanging on a hook. When PPE isn’t comfortable or accessible, it doesn’t get used.
The fix:
Invest in gear people want to wear. Lightweight, anti-fog eye protection, form-fitting gloves, and comfortable ear defenders make a difference. Put them where staff can grab them—don’t hide them away.
The Rustung Nitrile Coated Grip Gloves are tough enough for workshop work without sacrificing dexterity. Stock up and stash them in multiple spots around the floor.
Electrical Chaos: Extension Lead Overload
Need to plug something in? Good luck finding a spare socket. Workshops often rely on a rat’s nest of extension leads—not ideal when dealing with high-draw tools.
The fix:
Plan your power layout with purpose. Install enough 16A or 32A sockets at key workstations. Use cable reels rated for industrial use, and mount power strips on walls or benches to keep them off the floor.
Keep cable management tidy with clip systems or trunking. Trip hazards are no one’s idea of a good time.
Consumables: Always Running Out
Missing nuts, bolts, grinding discs, or cable ties always seem to vanish when you need them most. And when you’re out in the field or under a vehicle, that delay stings.
The fix:
Stock consumables in modular storage bins and assign someone to do a weekly stock check. Group fast-moving items together and reorder in bulk. It saves money and hassle.
Rustung offers workshop consumables in bulk packs—like drills, gloves, and grinding discs—all available via Multimax Direct.
Time to Take Back Control
Running a smooth, efficient workshop doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of solving small issues before they become big problems. With a bit of planning—and the right tools for the job—you’ll reduce downtime, improve safety, and keep the work flowing.
Need heavy-duty workshop solutions you can trust?
Browse our full range of Rustung tools, storage, PPE, and consumables at Multimax Direct and give your team the setup they deserve.
Because in a busy workshop, every fix counts.