Unpopular Opinion - Tool Storage

[four.cycle]

Funny... I bought two different boxes from a guy last night off a CL ad. One of them is a 3-drawered PLASTIC affair which I saw and thought would serve a particular purpose quite nicely. The other one is an old steel beater with the top tray that will either get sold off or used to contain something exotic like ... more tools.

The gentleman I bought them from was raving about this new "tool storage system" he had just purchased - said he just loved it.
Can't recall the name. I left a message on his voice mail asking for the manufacturer's name of the unit and will advise.
I can't imagine lugging around a huge "stacking" tool storage system. I usually just toss what I need into a cardboard box (or the always reliable 5-gallon bucket.) I bought an assortment of some fancy-schmantzy "Milwaukee" bags last year from Cripe, but I've given most of them away - they actually weren't really quite as "handy" as I thought; having to remove every. single. tool. from the bag to find that one screwdriver that worked its way to the bottom gets to be old in a hurry.

 

[tyyost]

I bought a Ridgid set up when it came out, I like the boxes to store my cordless power tools. My current struggle is that I don’t like the rolling base boxes on any of these systems. I do a bunch of DIY but I find myself “gearing up” more now than when I load the trick with every possible tool to get the job done. The bottom boxes are cavernous, and most don’t have decent storage unless you load them with light bulky tools like nail guns, hoses or cables. I find myself not being able to roll in to a job because I leave the base home more often than not unless it’s a bigger project. I like the cases, and the ideas some new systems have. Was looking at a Flex 2 drawer box at Lowe’s the other day that may be great for my cordless jigsaw and OMT. But like some posters have mentioned, they are expensive for what you get so I’ll hold off and see if Ridgid does a drawer box.

 

[M6erfan]

Hey, I said it would be an unpopular opinion lol

This...I find the arrangements all wrong...just plastic bins or small compartment trays for screws, but not actual organization.

To all those doing odd jobs all over, I get it...I built out a tool bag for exactly that purpose, I can do electrical, hang stuff on the wall, fix/put together the odd furniture thing, etc. with this one bag but everything is tucked into spots that are easy to find:

I can't imagine lugging a packout system to do the same thing.

This^^^

Remodling our home over the course of the last year and a half, the open top tool bag is what I landed on. I've tried boxes, belts, aprons even, but the open top electrician type bag is where I landed. Pretty much a dedicated spot for everything and I can customize the loadout dependent on the job. I looked at the various "packout" type systems and was left wanting. Just cavernous spaces with no organization.

I do like my Bosch L-Boxx's to keep various power tools organized and stored though.

 

[American Locomotive]

That's fine if you like them, I don't. We both get to have our opinions.

I didn't say you were wrong. I have no skin in the game - I don't have any of these storage systems. You said you didn't see the "purpose" of them. I was pointing out the purpose of them is to be able to transport a large amount of tools quickly and easily to your working location.

There's a few tradespeople I watch on YouTube, and it quickly becomes apparent how useful the storage box systems can be.

 

[i4ni]

Different strokes for different folks. If I were in a trade I would definitely consider some sort of packout system but I'm not so I honestly haven't bothered any more than a casual look to determine I don't need them, at least for now anyway.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I've found the dewalt system to be the easiest to use, they can be stored and removed individually. I built custom racks that I can swap out and take what I need without removing the box above. Before these systems you really had to build your own. The other bonus with dewalts racking system is I can remove all the boxes and fold the brackets in and have an empty van in 10 minutes.

 

[scooby074]

I have the DW system. For mobile tools its great but its not, nor was it designed as shop storage IMHO

 

[zendriver]

Almost seems like a troll thread.

FWIW making a living by observation, I check out what all is in the back of passing service trucks.

Plastic stack boxes predominate big time, seems red and yellow take the lead. What kind of metal box would they use? I like a tool bag, but transporting one in the back of a truck, is a recipe for a mess.

I always thought they were for saws, bulky power tools, etc. more than hand tools and or fasteners.

If they set unused at home, there must not be much use for tools, anyway.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have owned a BUCKET BOSS for 30 years. It was handy for a while, than suddenly I forgot about it, UNTIL TODAY.

 

[Bert_]

These are the best thing I have used for small common parts. Grab the size you need and bring it to were you are working. I don't like lids so the open top gives easy access. I built a bunch of these to fit a spot in my truck so they make good use of space.

 

[Zewnten]

Work talked me into trying out the Milwaukee packouts when my truck was down. What a pain in the *** that was. Wrenches above 3/4 dont fit in the smaller pieces due to horrible interior design of the packouts, every interior is a 45, the lids dip down into the storage space, the lid also has little divers that match up with the bins and if you want to customize that the lid won't close. Giant pain to unlatch and latch to get to a box. If I see a trade guy with only these boxes I know he's a joke. A rubbermaid cart, a bucket boss and a stackable inside of a bucket organizer with a an open tote are the marks of a professional.

 

[Zewnten]

Everybody likes a solid well constructed metal toolbox or cart, they work great in a workshop

If your mobile and work outdoors though they can be very heavy and cumbersome to lug around.

I like Veto Pro-Pac tool bags for my hand tools and Peli style boxes for equipment, Sortimo organisers hold up well for parts.

What do you do for socket organization?

 

[richfinn]

What do you do for socket organization?

I made a mount for a magnetic socket rail on my Veto, and I just carry the sockets I use regularly (I have more in the van set up on mag rails)

 

[shoot summ]

Hey, I said it would be an unpopular opinion lol



This...I find the arrangements all wrong...just plastic bins or small compartment trays for screws, but not actual organization.

To all those doing odd jobs all over, I get it...I built out a tool bag for exactly that purpose, I can do electrical, hang stuff on the wall, fix/put together the odd furniture thing, etc. with this one bag but everything is tucked into spots that are easy to find:

I can't imagine lugging a packout system to do the same thing.



I'm surprised that's enough...usually when I bring my PA rig out (yes, another one of my hobbies - have QSC KS112's, K12.2's for mains and K8.2's and CP8's for monitors - amongst all the other supporting stuff like Shure SLX-D wireless, Soundcraft Ui24R, Traktor 3 setup, etc.) I'm bringing a 3 or 4 large rubbermaid style bins, hundreds of feet of extensions, dozens of XLR's and a snake, microphones, etc.

I've spent a lot of time streamlining my rig, take what is needed. Used to haul in 4 or 5 tubs, now it's the Ridgid roller, Rock n Roller cart that doubles as a table, facade, and a small rack. One light tree that is wireless DMX, and battery wireless DMX uplights. I'm all EV, ETX 18" subs, and ETX 10" mains, that is the hardest part, the ETX line is heavy. Not a live sound set up so that makes it a lot simpler.

 

[Citation]

They seem like an excellent option for some and a crappy option for me. The more you have to take a larger set of tools to a site that isn't accessed via smooth surfaces they seem like a good idea.

 

[LWB]

If I was hauling tools like i used to I'd invest in one of the newer systems.

I sued to have one of these Kobalts. Used it for 15+ years.

Need a new mobile toolbox/cart

Im a computer tech / AV specialist. Ive got an assortment of tools I have to carry with me for all my installs. Drill/Impact Sockets Lots of Pliers Lots of screwdrivers Equipment for running cables in wall Bunch of random hardware etc etc Currently I own a Koblat Mobile tool cart. I love it...

www.garagejournal.com

I know use my late Fathers milk crates, a Dewalt bag and a tote that will hold drywall tools and painting supplies. I don't do as much renovating as I used to.

 

[ItsNemo]

I've spent a lot of time streamlining my rig, take what is needed. Used to haul in 4 or 5 tubs, now it's the Ridgid roller, Rock n Roller cart that doubles as a table, facade, and a small rack. One light tree that is wireless DMX, and battery wireless DMX uplights. I'm all EV, ETX 18" subs, and ETX 10" mains, that is the hardest part, the ETX line is heavy. Not a live sound set up so that makes it a lot simpler.

Yeah, I tend to do all kinds of different shows...A lot of corporate (often multi-room), some DJing, some live and in varying venues, many I won't get to scout before either, so I need to come prepared. This was the last one I did a couple weeks ago, drums, bass, piano, 3 vocals (2 on wireless), 4 mon mixes, and obviously mains...lots of cabling...

I'd really like some KS118 subs, the KS112's work well on smaller gigs with the K8.2's as mains, but the K12.2's can run away from them on louder gigs. I only got the KS112's because I found a crazy good deal on a pair barely used. The ETX line you have is quite nice, but ya, heavy.

 

[legenddc]

I have 2 Dewalt ToughSystem boxes I got for a steal. One is for plumbing and one is for electrical. Use a Husky bag for the daily stuff. I got tired of grabbing tools from a tool chest and throwing them into a bag. Always seemed like I forgot something and had to go back to the basement.

They do sit a lot but they're ready to go when I need them and I can bring them to a family member's house or let my neighbor borrow something quickly.

I've found the dewalt system to be the easiest to use, they can be stored and removed individually. I built custom racks that I can swap out and take what I need without removing the box above. Before these systems you really had to build your own. The other bonus with dewalts racking system is I can remove all the boxes and fold the brackets in and have an empty van in 10 minutes.

What did you make the rack out of? I was thinking of doing the same thing in my basement and adding a few more boxes.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I’ve gone all in with DeWalt, going to set all our trucks up with them, their quick detach system is just easy. I can swap boxes out in the shop, home, other crews, even their hand truck allows for individual access. Not having to remove the box on top is huge and the drawer units are easy to set up. What’s a big plus is being able to buy the folding brackets and make your own custom racks, Milwaukee should take note.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have 2 Dewalt ToughSystem boxes I got for a steal. One is for plumbing and one is for electrical. Use a Husky bag for the daily stuff. I got tired of grabbing tools from a tool chest and throwing them into a bag. Always seemed like I forgot something and had to go back to the basement.

They do sit a lot but they're ready to go when I need them and I can bring them to a family member's house or let my neighbor borrow something quickly.

What did you make the rack out of? I was thinking of doing the same thing in my basement and adding a few more boxes.

I used 1" square tube, you have to drill index holes for the brackets. You can buy dewalt racks as well & the brackets depending on your needs, seems like everything I do it ends up being custom.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have the DW system. For mobile tools its great but its not, nor was it designed as shop storage IMHO

This is my home carpentry set up, rolls anywhere with everything I need, plus can swap boxes if doing different work. I like having everything fast neat and mobile.

 

[Shocker]

I am one of those homeowners with a Milwaukee Packout stack. I don't take it places. I find it just a nice place to keep all my M12 stuff organized.

I will say that it is pretty tall now and I am going to pare it down a bit, but sometimes there are just too many good deals on one. I need to check out the wall mount. That is still pretty pricey.

Otherwise I have tool bags, open totes etc. I really don't like 5 gallon buckets for stuff. I usually sacrifice them for mixing cement or mortar...

 

[ChevyEFI]

I do like my Bosch L-Boxx's to keep various power tools organized and stored though.

The Bosch tools-specific L-Boxx inserts can be heated and shaped to fit other brands of tools.

Never limit yourself to one 18V brand, kids!

 

[scooby074]

This is my home carpentry set up, rolls anywhere with everything I need, plus can swap boxes if doing different work. I like having everything fast neat and mobile.

If you have many boxes and each box set up for a specific task, thats great. My first gen TS are loaded with carpentry tools. Drill & impact, bits and drivers in top box, handtools in second and electric/cordless in the base box. I like the box because I can take it to sites, theyre waterproof and bulletproof, but for shop storage its a PITA. I do like the factory DW dolly that keeps the boxes separate, it would sure simplify tool access and your truck setup is pretty sweet.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Those systems are great for pros. It's who they're designed for. Also, most pros I know keep their tools in the original cases. Especially wrench n socket sets. The packout is for the weird stuff, and providing tool and part transport from the truck to the site. They treat their truck like a homeowner would a conventional toolbox stack, and shop for stuff out of that.

A homeowner is going to typically want a stationary solution, like HF toyboxes, and maybe some kind of tote to drag some tools to the current project.

Myself, I go shopping in my hundreds of cubic feet of stationary storage for tools and parts for today's project. I'll load them into my happy purple Rubbermaid tote, and head off to do battle. If the job requires more tools than one human can carry, then the Dingo's 4 cu ft bucket usually suffices. Now, if I'm going off-site, then I've got some packout-like temporary storage, that I'll load up with the needed tools, etc. After I'm done, everything goes back into stationary storage.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Almost seems like a troll thread.

FWIW making a living by observation, I check out what all is in the back of passing service trucks.

Plastic stack boxes predominate big time, seems red and yellow take the lead. What kind of metal box would they use? I like a tool bag, but transporting one in the back of a truck, is a recipe for a mess.

I always thought they were for saws, bulky power tools, etc. more than hand tools and or fasteners.

If they set unused at home, there must not be much use for tools, anyway.

Nah, I don't think Garcky's around anymore. At least he hasn't been trolling the inmates lately.

 

[PoorUB]

Pretty much all my power tools have factory cases. I prefer them that way to keep any accessories and specific tools with them. I have a 36" wide, 18" deep 72" tall steel cabinet that most of them fit into.

When I need to drag my tools elsewhere I have a couple quality shipping totes to load up smaller tools and the rest just gets tossed into the back of the pickup that has a hard tonneau cover.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I use a 2 wheeler and those yellow totes with the black lid from Home Depot, that are stackable.
I fill how many I need for a certain task and roll them out to the truck. Right now it is a wiring job at the lake. When the project is completed the tools get put away and the totes are fitted into one another to save space until the next project.
I had a smaller, cheaper metal stacker that now is taking room up in my covered trailer. That one could very well be gifted to our neighbour’s son in the near future. Or more than likely in the spring.

 

[Aileron]

I tried the canvas totes but always went back to a bucket boss type liner and a 5 gallon bucket as my main tool bucket. I carried a stack of empty 5 gallon buckets and put whatever other tools , drill, leak detector, pipe wrenches ,etc in those buckets as needed as they were stored in my service truck either on shelves or weathergaurd packrats. If the bucket gets too heavy I start another. They are also easier to rope up onto a roof. I could sit on my service bucket in front of a unit if needed to read documents, prints,etc or diagnosing a machines. If your there just to do a maintenance, grease bearings, adjust belts , etc, a grease gun slipped in the center of that service bucket for the call along with a few rags. I carried a Rubbermade plastic cart in my truck to tote the buckets, torch kit,etc into the building to either a machine room or a roof hatch.

 

[Aileron]

one another note, for a service guy the drill boxes that hold a charger,driver and drill are useless. Most have nowhere to keep spare bits nowdays and they are oversized for storing in the truck. Its easier to grab a drill and whatever bits you may need and throw them in a bucket. No need for a charger to be brought,unless you had a good size job.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I use a 2 wheeler and those yellow totes with the black lid from Home Depot, that are stackable.

Has anyone seen totes with lids that don't gather water?

 

[LXCam]

I rarely ever put my tools on for my day job so I never saw the need to jump into one of these modular totes.

Last week I changed that with a major 4 day jail controls cutover that you didn’t dare skip a beat. I just didn’t have enough of the right personnel for this one. And Egressing outside because you didn’t have a widget just isn’t acceptable.

So I ended up going all in on a Klein set up. I already had the bag for a while and all though I don’t much care for it, it does just ok.

But I’ll tell you what. Having everything I needed from metal work to electrical to network test equipment in one easy to roll around package was the best thing ever.

As a package ya it’s heavy. Individually it was slam dunk getting to whatever and loading/unloading out of the truck and not just tossing a few dozen items in the back seat after a 16hr day.

I’m sold, but definitely need to find or build the right organizational brackets or boxes in order to pack it better.

 

[M635_Guy]

I think more people have them than need them, and overall I do think they're over-priced, but the argument that they're useless is just silly.

They might be useless to you (they're definitely useless to me), but the guy who replaced my hot water heater the other day had a system of mounts/etc. set up in his truck for his PackOut system, and he talked about how much more configurable his truck was and how much more efficient he was with it. I didn't ask him for an endorsement, I just noticed he walked in with a couple that had labels on them and commented on it.

In certain spots, they're far better than the alternative. If you don't want or need them, don't buy any

 

[Robinson1]

I’d rather have a well laid out service truck with dedicated job specific tool bags and a general use tool bag. Power tools ride in their own compartment. Stuff I use constantly stays within easy reach. Keep a spare empty tool bag so I can pick and choose what I need and load it up.

At this point in my career I’m more interested in not having to carry the entire truck into the job. If that means I make a second trip to grab something I forgot so be it. I’m also not working in giant commercial buildings or multi level apartment complexes.

I think we’re these boxes would shine are as task specific kits for jobs you do often.

They’re not mean for stationary storage, or to replace mechanics type boxes.

All that being said I can definitely see why they are popular. On the flip side I don’t want to wheel in 500 pounds of stuff when all I need is a screwdriver, hammer and drill.

 

[mike93lx]

I rarely ever put my tools on for my day job so I never saw the need to jump into one of these modular totes.

Last week I changed that with a major 4 day jail controls cutover that you didn’t dare skip a beat. I just didn’t have enough of the right personnel for this one. And Egressing outside because you didn’t have a widget just isn’t acceptable.

So I ended up going all in on a Klein set up. I already had the bag for a while and all though I don’t much care for it, it does just ok.

But I’ll tell you what. Having everything I needed from metal work to electrical to network test equipment in one easy to roll around package was the best thing ever.

As a package ya it’s heavy. Individually it was slam dunk getting to whatever and loading/unloading out of the truck and not just tossing a few dozen items in the back seat after a 16hr day.

I’m sold, but definitely need to find or build the right organizational brackets or boxes in order to pack it better.

What made you go Klein?

 

[LXCam]

What made you go Klein?

I was at the wholesale house and it was there. Figured if I didn’t like it I’d give it to one of my guys.

Also there are two design features I like. The bag locks onto the lid and the handle comes off the base so it fits under the tonneau cover on my work truck.

I also got a couple other intermediate boxes not so I can dial in what tools go when.

 

[mike93lx]

I was at the wholesale house and it was there. Figured if I didn’t like it I’d give it to one of my guys.

Also there are two design features I like. The bag locks onto the lid and the handle comes off the base so it fits under the tonneau cover on my work truck.

I also got a couple other intermediate boxes not so I can dial in what tools go when.

Having to modify the Milwaukees to fit in a pickup is stupid.

Looks good

 

[Renegade1LI]

I rarely ever put my tools on for my day job so I never saw the need to jump into one of these modular totes.

Last week I changed that with a major 4 day jail controls cutover that you didn’t dare skip a beat. I just didn’t have enough of the right personnel for this one. And Egressing outside because you didn’t have a widget just isn’t acceptable.

So I ended up going all in on a Klein set up. I already had the bag for a while and all though I don’t much care for it, it does just ok.

But I’ll tell you what. Having everything I needed from metal work to electrical to network test equipment in one easy to roll around package was the best thing ever.

As a package ya it’s heavy. Individually it was slam dunk getting to whatever and loading/unloading out of the truck and not just tossing a few dozen items in the back seat after a 16hr day.

I’m sold, but definitely need to find or build the right organizational brackets or boxes in order to pack it better.

That's what pushed me to dewalt, the built in ability to rack them is a game changer. An organized modular system saves time and money, not to mention piece of mind.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Has anyone seen totes with lids that don't gather water?

Generally speaking I’ve never showered with mine. All kidding aside I have a topper on my truck, dust dirt okay but even if it rained the tops fit well and all is dry inside.

 

[bb29510]

i bought the millaukee small parts about five years ago and it was under $10, now the exact same one is $45

no thank you