He can walk into his workshop in the dark and find the right chisel. You walk in and see ordered chaos. Both of you are right. The Tool Territory pattern is built on deep spatial memory. The layout looks random. It is not. Your job is to learn the logic before you touch anything.
Practical Techniques
Look Before You Touch
Spend a minute looking before you pick anything up. How are tools grouped? By type? By size? By project? Are there outlines on a pegboard showing where each tool hangs? Is there a flow from material storage to the workbench to the finishing area? The system will show itself if you look.
Ask About the Logic
Ask about his choices. Say: “I notice you keep all the chisels here. Should I put this one back in the same spot?” Or: “What is the system for small parts?” These questions show you are paying attention. They also get you the rules without him having to lecture.
Follow What You Learned
When you put something back, follow the logic you observed. If screwdrivers are grouped by size, do not put a flat-head with the Phillips heads. If surfaces stay clear, clear yours before you leave. Match his level of tidiness exactly.
Why This Works
His workshop organization reflects years of workflow decisions. When you follow the system, it keeps working for him. When you do not, he corrects it after you leave. That correction is the source of the friction.
The System Is Practical, Not Just Personal
Specific placement of sharp tools is a safety rule, not a quirk. Workshop organization reflects knowledge about workflow order, tool properties, and what goes wrong when things are in the wrong place. Respect it the same way.