Perforated Boards & Shadow Boarding for Tool Control
The cheapest productivity upgrade on most shop floors is a perforated board done properly. A pegboard puts every hand tool within reach and, when set up as a shadow board, makes a missing tool obvious at a glance. For Malaysian workshops and lines, it is the backbone of visual tool control.
What is a perforated board?
A perforated board (pegboard) is a steel panel with a regular hole pattern that accepts hooks and holders. It mounts on a wall or the back panel of a workbench and turns a flat vertical surface into organised, visible tool storage. Tanko's perforated board range includes standard and stainless-steel boards, louvred panels, and a full set of hooks and specialist holders.
Pegboard vs louvred board vs bin panel
| Panel type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Perforated board (pegboard) | Hand tools on hooks — the general-purpose choice |
| Louvred board | Hanging plastic bins for small parts and fasteners |
| Stainless perforated board | Wet, food-contact or cleanroom areas |
Direct answer: Use a perforated board with hooks for hand tools, a louvred board for hanging parts bins, and stainless steel where there is water or food contact. Turn any board into a shadow board by outlining each tool so gaps show at a glance.
Choosing hooks and holders
The board is only as useful as the hooks on it. Tanko offers steel, plastic and stainless-steel hooks plus specialist holders for drills, screwdrivers, T-handles, wrenches, clips and bottles. Match the holder to the tool so each item sits securely and returns to the same place every time.
How to set up a shadow board
- Select the tools that belong at this station — only what is used here.
- Lay them out on the board in reach order, most-used at centre.
- Outline each tool so its position is marked.
- Fit the right hook or holder at each outline.
- Label where useful, especially for shared stations.
The result: anyone can see what belongs, what is missing, and where to return a tool — without asking.
Why it pays off
- Less tool loss — a missing tool is visible immediately, not at month-end.
- Faster changeovers — tools are found and returned in seconds.
- Cleaner audits — 5S becomes a visual check.
- Safer benches — tools off the work surface, less clutter.
Pricing note: Board-and-hook pricing depends on panel size and the hooks you need. Tell us the station and tools and we'll quote a board kit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a perforated board and a louvred board?
A perforated board (pegboard) has a hole pattern that accepts hooks for hanging hand tools. A louvred board has angled slots designed to hold plastic parts bins. Use a pegboard for tools and a louvred board for small-parts bins.
How do I make a shadow board?
Select the tools that belong at the station, lay them out in reach order, outline each tool on the board, fit the matching hook or holder at each outline, and label where useful. A missing tool then leaves a visible gap.
Should I use a stainless-steel pegboard?
Use stainless steel where there is water, chemicals or food contact — for example in food processing, labs or wet areas. For general workshop use, a standard powder-coated perforated board is sufficient.
Where can I buy pegboards and hooks in Malaysia?
Primaxs supplies the full Tanko range of perforated boards, louvred boards and hooks in Malaysia, including specialist holders for drills, screwdrivers, wrenches and more.
Sourcing in Malaysia? Primaxs is the exclusive Malaysia distributor for Tanko industrial storage. Browse the product range or request a quote for your workshop or factory.