Portable tool box, small toolbox, mobile tool bags, cantilever toolbox for essential tools

[jeffmoss26]

I was inspired by a recent video that essential craftsman did, as well as this thread. I got a whole bunch of miscellaneous hardware in this organizer today and rather than take an hour or two to put everything into the various places it would go in my shop, I decided that I will keep this in my car. I enjoy trip trips to the hardware store just as much as the next guy, but if I’m fixing something quick for someone, it will be nice to have a small assortment of fasteners along with the basic hand tools I always carry with me.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

I have my old 18” StackOn that was my only box for years. It holds mostly home maintenance stuff in it plus some hardware. It has my claw hammers, plumbing tools, my old fencing tools , basically anything that isn’t automotive related. I also have my old 3 drawer CMan Rally box that I just cleaned out when I got my 42” combo. I’m not real sure what I’m going to do with it just yet, I may make it my home maintenance box for hammers and plumbing tools. I also have a open top tool bag from Walmart that I use to take tools from my main box to wherever I’m working, it helps me keep track of everything and I can load it with whatever tools I might need.

 

[mikey03]

One thing I been thinking is two choices for making these kits

you either put everything in a different style of box that makes the most sense for that kit like a drywall and painting kit might be in a plastic toolbox that has a built in step stand on top. And a car kit might be the metal cantolever toolbox.

or you standardize everything into something like packouts or the kind from Klein or whatever so every setup is in the same kind of container and you can click them together to do bigger jobs if you need multiple stuff

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

If you need to move tools over long distances, have elevator access - stacking and rollers are fantastic!

In reality, when you hand carry you’ll be stacking 3 to 4 boxes tops. Especially when carrying through residential stair cases in finished homes. Far to risky to scratch stuff when trying to move “oversize stacks”.

And then comes the size/weight & capacity ratio. In my case, none of the boxes/ setups were chosen by accident.

Take my “grab-and-go” toolbox for example. It‘s a very light/thin box with excellent size/capacity ratio and means to fix the organizer to the lid. It wouldn’t survive long on a rough construction site though. But that is not what I need this box for. I wanted a half foam, half open space & an organizer in the lid. I was able to realize this with this box. Since chances were good I would have the “personal” box with me as well, I decided it would be good if those could go together. (I changed that by now, because I take the “personal”-toolbox more often than the “grab-and-go”-toolbox and wanted other means of organizing/ adding stuff as needed. Also experimented with soft bags/ totes for a while. And still might go back to it for a project if it makes sense. Having options that can be executed quickly is a great thing.)

Also it is far more likely that I also need the hand tools from the “grab-and-go”-toolbox when using the rotary hammer. So it made sense for me to stay within that box system.

The impacts are far more likely to be used on their own. So I keep them in my main box system.

Festool‘s installer‘s kit took the decision out of my hands, it’s exactly what I need and the reason I chose & stayed with the “Systainer” as my main box system. Also working out of these within my shop - that’s why I built the cart, visible in my “lair” thread.

For the electrical-toolbox organization and visibility is key. Many different drivers, pliers, cutters, (…). I couldn’t imagine having to pick these from a stack or single large compartment. Also you want the screwdriver blades/profiles protected, especially those multi-profile slotted-PZ and slotted-PH drivers.

None of this came overnight, it’s a constant evolution. I‘m very happy where I am right now, but who knows what I think about it another couple of years down the road or what I use then.

The key is organization, knowing where your stuff is - which box(es) to take.

I have a Milwaukee Packout organizer that I’m evaluating since a year or two. If I had a project that brought me on a construction site = house build from scratch or something like that, that’s where I would go.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Dave455]

My “Electrical Tools” box.

Didn’t post earlier but just been cleaning up and packing away.

Not shown are the tools I use for installing fittings, as they are more general, or things like meters / test equipment that I protect carefully when I transport. I only carry crimpers if I know I’m going to be crimping terminals, as there are so many types.

Also not shown are things like my PB Swiss bit driver, that I tend to carry anywhere I’m working.

The plastic bag in the middle has a fairly full set of PB Swiss insulated drivers, but I protect these as much as I can.

The case is a Keter “service case”. These turn up under a number of brand names as well as Keter, but they are very inexpensive and very good value.

 

[richfinn]

My “Electrical Tools” box.

Didn’t post earlier but just been cleaning up and packing away.

Not shown are the tools I use for installing fittings, as they are more general, or things like meters / test equipment that I protect carefully when I transport. I only carry crimpers if I know I’m going to be crimping terminals, as there are so many types.

Also not shown are things like my PB Swiss bit driver, that I tend to carry anywhere I’m working.

The plastic bag in the middle has a fairly full set of PB Swiss insulated drivers, but I protect these as much as I can.

The case is a Keter “service case”. These turn up under a number of brand names as well as Keter, but they are very inexpensive and very good value.

Are those Maun pliers on the left??

I can highly recommend some Weicon number 5 wire strippers if you are ever looking for something for tight spots

 

[Dave455]

Are those Maun pliers on the left??

I can highly recommend some Weicon number 5 wire strippers if you are ever looking for something for tight spots

Yes, they are.

As well as being good for all the usual plier type that tasks, I can use them if I encounter an unexpected small nut.

I do actually have some Weicon’s too, might even have bought them on your advice, and yes, I think they are the best I’ve found for single core - especially vehicle work!

For domestic wiring I’m either stripping cable, which the cheapo CK’s top left do well, or 1.5/2.5 cores, which the Knipex on the right manage well on.

The next electrical tool I’m after is a Viperclip gun! Tried one for the first time last week and they are superb. Got to run some cables in my own place when the weather warms up, and banging in cable clips seems very out of date now!

 

[richfinn]

Yes, they are.

As well as being good for all the usual plier type that tasks, I can use them if I encounter an unexpected small nut.

I do actually have some Weicon’s too, might even have bought them on your advice, and yes, I think they are the best I’ve found for automotive work.

For domestic wiring I’m either stripping cable, which the cheapo CK’s top left do well, or 1.5/2.5 cores, which the Knipex on the right manage well on.

I've stumbled across Maun when looking for crimping tools, they look really traditional/interesting.

I might have to give them a shot

 

[Dave455]

I've stumbled across Maun when looking for crimping tools, they look really traditional/interesting.

I might have to give them a shot

Yes, you have an awful lot of leverage, as well as parallel jaws, so there are a lot of uses.

The pliers are by far the best tool if ever you have to remove any sort of pins, but you need the ones with the groove down the centre of the jaw to centre the pin.

I use their cutters too. Doesn’t make a big difference on copper, hence I have regular ones in my electrical bag, but anything harder they make life much easier.

 

[bassJAM]

I still have my late 1990’s college tool bag from my 87 Bronco. This bag got me off the trails when I broke something more times than I could count. When I sold the truck to my best friend in 2020 he pulled the bag out and handed it to me. He’d also used it 20 years ago but wanted me to have it for a future truck. It’s still filled with everything from back in the day.

Hey that looks familiar!! I actually just used mine for the first time in years. My son had his pinewood derby contest and I stuck around to help disassemble the track, and nobody had any tools to pull the nuts and bolts so grabbed my bag out of the truck.

 

[Dave455]

Here are the Maun pliers and cutters from my main box. Both 6 1/2”.


And these are the 8”. Not much defeats these.


I like the metal handles. Very durable, and If you get oil, grease or brake fluid on them it just wipes off.

 

[ALLFAST]

I have a small tool box problem. Mostly homemade from wood. And a metal one I made in shop class in 1970. The wooden ones don't get much use.

Very impressive!!

 

[bobg03]

I have a pair like the ones on the left, great fishing pliers with a vinyl covered handle, can't recall the brand but I believe it's Mann or Manly

Here are the Maun pliers and cutters from my main box. Both 6 1/2”.

 

[richfinn]

Here are the Maun pliers and cutters from my main box. Both 6 1/2”.


And these are the 8”. Not much defeats these.


I like the metal handles. Very durable, and If you get oil, grease or brake fluid on them it just wipes off.

Thanks, looks like I have some tool shopping to do

 

[HannibalLecter]

Here are my three toolboxes, one Facom that holds amongst others a complete Stahlwille combi wrench 6-32 collection and many other things and the small toyo ones that hold bike tools like L keys and Facom racheting wrenches and pliers as well

 

[BroncoAZ]

I was using the Rigid Pro Gear 2.0 boxes for the past couple years. Husky tool bags before that. Unfortunately the Husky tool bags grow mold or something that looks like mold in the humid environment of Cape Cod. I don’t have pictures of the Rigid, but I had a medium for tire changing tools (bottle jack, M18 inflator, M18 impact, impact sockets in SAE and metric), another medium for machine specific supplies like oil or belts, another medium with tiedowns/chains/straps, a small with a reasonable comprehensive set of hand and power tools (M12 stubby impact, M12 screwdriver, M12 light, 14 in 1 screwdriver, wrenches, sockets, voltmeter, pliers, etc). When they released the half sized organizers I bought a pair of those for connectors, light bulbs, wiring supplies and more.

I’m transitioning jobs now and am setting up my new truck for basics. I posted this pic in the Milwaukee deals thread, but it seems appropriate here. This is my test fit of the rigid boxes in the frunk on my Ford Lightning. This is a medium, two small, and the two half organizers. I was thinking I might prefer one of their drawer units in the front for hand tools, allowing me to quickly grab without unstacking anything. The bad thing about the drawer unit is they get heavy. The small boxes are easy to grab and carry to a jobsite away from the truck. Tools could also go in the back seat, but I’d prefer to keep it clear if possible. I don’t plan on adding a tonneau cover on this truck like all my previous ones have had. Ideally I would like to keep the frunk solution configured so I can still fit my 36” hard rifle case in there without removing boxes. Maybe that means shorter boxes with the rifle case on top or space behind a single row of boxes for the rifle case behind. MA is very picky about rifles being locked in a secure container or trunk.

I ended up going packout. Here is the Frunk with a medium case and a common rifle case. I could fit another rifle case on top of that one. I was able to fit an M18 inflator in the lower compartment of the frunk with the travel charger. I had to unscrew the hose rack off the back to make it under 5” tall on its back.

 

[pfbz]

Seems like 'pack-out' style tool cases and carts have largely replaced the classic cantilever tool boxes, but I used a Beta cantilever box for years when I did more extensive 'base camp and day rides' kind of motorcycle trips.

Definitely higher quality than some of the cheap cantilever boxes out there. Too lazy to take a picture of my box, but it looks like the same exact Beta box is still available on Amazon.

 

[Dave455]

Heading out to help a friend with an urgent job, so just loading the “Veto Pro Pack”!

 

[captain14]

.

 

[captain14]

Heading out to help a friend with an urgent job, so just loading the “Veto Pro Pack”!

Dave455,

They also have other marketing styles for camping, beverage coolers and home storage!

 

[richfinn]

Heading out to help a friend with an urgent job, so just loading the “Veto Pro Pack”!

I've got a spare Veto pro pac Drill holster/tool pouch if you want to try it out (free to a good home), got it as a free gift but not really something I would ever use, send me a PM and I'll post it to you if you like

 

[Dave455]

Dave455,

They also have other marketing styles for camping, beverage coolers and home storage!

Inexpensive, and surprisingly good availability…

I've got a spare Veto pro pac Drill holster/tool pouch if you want to try it out (free to a good home), got it as a free gift but not really something I would ever use, send me a PM and I'll post it to you if you like

That is really kind of you.

I must admit it’s probably not something I’d use either, but thank you for the offer!

I actually think the pro pac’s are very well designed. One of the few patterns where you don’t have to remove half the tools to get to the one you want. I’ll probably acquire one at some point.

Sometimes though, you just need to grab and transport a few specific items for one job. The way my workshop is set up I can select stuff I need in seconds - I just need to fine tune the “transport”!

 

[KnurledNut]

Sometimes though, you just need to grab and transport a few specific items for one job. The way my workshop is set up I can select stuff I need in seconds - I just need to fine tune the “transport”!

Sometimes the best portable bag/box is the empty one. I keep one of each just for that purpose. An empty bucket at the ready too.

 

[Hakeem]

Ok, so it’s been a few weeks of class and my toolbox has been fantastic. Open a couple latches and boom, everything is at my fingertips. The rolling toolbox keeps it at a comfortable height as seen here:

All packed up:


As much as the previous arrangement of “tray packed full of sockets” satisfied my pseudo-OCD, it was hard to identify the sockets so I got the Olsa magnetic socket organizer for 3/8” and 1/4”. I take the whole organizer out and set it on the work bench and it’s much easier for me and whomever I’m working with to keep track of sockets this way.

Here are the current contents:



All in all, it’s been great. The instructors know I have all the tools with me so I get asked to help with demonstrations, and it’s been a nice conversation starter with other students. Most importantly it’s been a genuine boon to my workflow. I may keep this setup even after I finish school for mobile work as it is really quite efficient.

 

[mikey03]

damn man and there’s a thread this week about how useless roto head ratchets are

 

[LXCam]

Ok, so it’s been a few weeks of class and my toolbox has been fantastic. Open a couple latches and boom, everything is at my fingertips. The rolling toolbox keeps it at a comfortable height as seen here:

All packed up:


As much as the previous arrangement of “tray packed full of sockets” satisfied my pseudo-OCD, it was hard to identify the sockets so I got the Olsa magnetic socket organizer for 3/8” and 1/4”. I take the whole organizer out and set it on the work bench and it’s much easier for me and whomever I’m working with to keep track of sockets this way.

Here are the current contents:



All in all, it’s been great. The instructors know I have all the tools with me so I get asked to help with demonstrations, and it’s been a nice conversation starter with other students. Most importantly it’s been a genuine boon to my workflow. I may keep this setup even after I finish school for mobile work as it is really quite efficient.

On a side note Hakeem i was wondering something. What the average age of the other students?

 

[Hakeem]

damn man and there’s a thread this week about how useless roto head ratchets are

We’re not using power tools so the ability to use the roto ratchets as a nut driver to quickly spin off fasteners is useful to me. I will grudgingly concede that they have been superseded by cordless ratchets/wrenches/drivers for most other applications.

On a side note Hakeem i was wondering something. What the average age of the other students?

19-20. The oldest student I’ve encountered is 22. I’m 36 LOL. Fortunately, everyone there is serious about learning and working on trucks so we all get along just fine.

My only gripe is none of them had heard of Sears Craftsman and so my prized complete Sears Craftsman USA wrench sets meant nothing to them. Freaking whipper snappers ……

 

[mikey03]

We’re not using power tools so the ability to use the roto ratchets as a nut driver to quickly spin off fasteners is useful to me. I will grudgingly concede that they have been superseded by cordless ratchets/wrenches/drivers for most other applications.

whats the reasoning for no impacts?

My only gripe is none of them had heard of Sears Craftsman and so my prized complete Sears Craftsman USA wrench sets meant nothing to them. Freaking whipper snappers ……

which craftsman usa wrenches are prized? I always read complaints about the raised handle ones tbh

 

[Hannahranga]

whats the reasoning for no impacts?

If it's anything like the trade school I went to all the threads/fasteners get enough wear and tear from ham fisted muppets with hand tools, impacts would allow them to destroy stuff way too quickly.

I've ended up with a tool backpack for my main mechanical bag (got used to them at work cos we often walk a bunch) mostly cos the pockets to empty space ratio tends to be high. Too much big empty space and personally I find it just fills up with tools you have to dig through.

 

[Hakeem]

If it's anything like the trade school I went to all the threads/fasteners get enough wear and tear from ham fisted muppets with hand tools, impacts would allow them to destroy stuff way too quickly.

I've ended up with a tool backpack for my main mechanical bag (got used to them at work cos we often walk a bunch) mostly cos the pockets to empty space ratio tends to be high. Too much big empty space and personally I find it just fills up with tools you have to dig through.

Yes, the margin for error is much smaller with power tools, and in the hands of the inexperienced damage is sure to ensue. The fasteners/mating pieces get tore up with just hand tools. Plus, we’re not in a rush and going slower gives us a chance to discuss what we’re doing.

which craftsman usa wrenches are prized? I always read complaints about the raised handle ones tbh

They may not be high performance tools but they are perfectly capable of most tasks. Even testing bears this out - the open end is on par with the mid range wrenches of today. I think the raised panel handle provides a great grip, even when wearing gloves or covered in oil. The open end features a size marking—a handy feature that is sadly absent from most wrenches of today.

Id much rather use a USA craftsman over a Tekton, icon, Gearwrench, etc. Others may feel differently and that’s ok.

Why are they prized to me? Many reasons:
-my earliest tool memories were playing with my dads craftsman wrenches.
-no longer produced. You can’t just buy them new off the shelf.
-they’re quite old, dating back to the 80s-90s. Imagine what these might have worked on over all those years!
-made in USA. Enough said.
-they are complete, no missing sizes. The SAE set even has the 11/32” wrench!
-previously belonged to a GJ member who I’ve met and who graciously invited me into his home shop.

I dunno. They hold a special meaning to me beyond their ability to turn a fastener. Hence, “prized”.

Sorry to get the thread off track!

 

[Jgaz]

@Hakeem
Im right there with you brother.
My original combo set of SnapOn wrenches was bought in the mid 70’s and stopped at 7/8”.
A few years later I filled out the set with two Craftsman wrenches that were my Dad’s.

They’ve done the job for the last 45 years and I think of him when I see or use them. Priceless!!

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Heading out to help a friend with an urgent job, so just loading the “Veto Pro Pack”!

Reminds me of Dad's service van back in the day. A sea of cardboard cartons full of tools, parts and hardware, each carefully sorted and arranged so that he knew exactly where everything was. It worked for him.

 

[mikey03]

Everytime I see these portable kits it makes me real jealous and I try to piece stuff together and then give up because I can’t decide how to limit it from becoming a 500 pound monster

it doesnt matter what I put in it never seems enough

if I run mid length sockets only to keep it small then I am missing being able to hit small stuff

if I get deep and shallow sockets then I’m missing bit sockets

if I add torx and male hex then I’m missing triple square and torx plus

if I add all the bit sockets then I wonder if I need long versions too

if I just run regular I wonder if I need stubby

if I put combination wrenches I wonder if I need XL double box end

however many ratchets I put there’s always one more size or style that seems missing

 

[Dave455]

Sometimes the best portable bag/box is the empty one. I keep one of each just for that purpose. An empty bucket at the ready too.

This is so true! Despite the “junk“ shown, my workshop is quite well organised, but so often I need so many different types of things, no pre prepared kit would ever be adequate.

On this occasion, I needed two sizes of wall plugs, drill bits to suit, two sizes of screws, some basic woodworking tools, and some electrical components. Chucking it all in an empty box was the only way to go.

Reminds me of Dad's service van back in the day. A sea of cardboard cartons full of tools, parts and hardware, each carefully sorted and arranged so that he knew exactly where everything was. It worked for him.

You have to go with whatever works.

Cardboard isn’t that viable for me as it doesn’t survive more than one wet day, but whatever works on the day.

My Dad had a flat metal box, about the size of the bottom compartment of a cantilever box, that was great for this sort of thing. I must track it down.

Everytime I see these portable kits it makes me real jealous and I try to piece stuff together and then give up because I can’t decide how to limit it from becoming a 500 pound monster

it doesnt matter what I put in it never seems enough

if I run mid length sockets only to keep it small then I am missing being able to hit small stuff

if I get deep and shallow sockets then I’m missing bit sockets

if I add torx and male hex then I’m missing triple square and torx plus

if I add all the bit sockets then I wonder if I need long versions too

if I just run regular I wonder if I need stubby

if I put combination wrenches I wonder if I need XL double box end

however many ratchets I put there’s always one more size or style that seems missing

This is where the experience comes in.

I pretty much go with standard length sockets only, in my road box.

If I encounter something I can’t do with standard length, then maybe I have to use another option. A box end wrench maybe. Much slower, but does the job with what you have.

Knowledge of what you’re going to do helps too. If I know I’m going to need a deep socket, or a big 1/2” drive socket, I take them. Otherwise it’s just the basics. Triple square and Torx Plus are definitely in this category too - I know where I’m going to find them, and most often I’m not.

I do take Torx and hex bit sockets now, but only short ones. Long ones taken as required, again.

And I have one 3/8 ratchet and one 3/8 breaker bar. Again, does all the basics.

The most common addition to my basic setup is a comprehensive 1/2” drive set. Either my aging Acesa (SAE and metric) or my more comprehensive Stahlwille. But if I don’t need it I don’t take it!

 

[Hannahranga]

Mine is heavy as, it's the best part of 75lbs but again that's the advantage of a backpack they're marginally better to walk with compared to a single strap tool bag. Not as good as a cart but eh.

Re tool selection it just comes down to having an idea of what you'll need and accepting that you'll have to use a less perfect tool occasionally. I carry normal/deep 3/8 sockets 8 to 19 (and the equivalent AF), I've only got standard length metric 1/2" sockets up to 32mm and the 1/4" kit I've got is standard lengths (metric and AF) only too. For more interesting sockets it's mostly just a smattering based on what the vehicles I expect to be working on.

 

[KnurledNut]

My Dad had a flat metal box, about the size of the bottom compartment of a cantilever box, that was great for this sort of thing. I must track it down.

I don’t know if Knaack is available on that side of the pond, but they make the most heavy duty tool tote I have ever seen. The gauge of sheet metal is very thick. Deep enough to be functional without being to big overall. Its designed to hang in one of their job boxes but used to be available separately.

 

[dscheidt]

Everytime I see these portable kits it makes me real jealous and I try to piece stuff together and then give up because I can’t decide how to limit it from becoming a 500 pound monster

it doesnt matter what I put in it never seems enough

You have to decide what you actually need to be able to do, and know how to improvise from there. Experience matters, of course. What you can do is start keeping track of what tools you use on various jobs, and whether you actually needed that tool or could have made do with something else (you used a flexible ratchet, could have used a regular wrench, it just would have taken longer) and what you didn't use because you didn't have it.

 

[DAustin]

Ok, so it’s been a few weeks of class and my toolbox has been fantastic. Open a couple latches and boom, everything is at my fingertips. The rolling toolbox keeps it at a comfortable height as seen here:

All packed up:


As much as the previous arrangement of “tray packed full of sockets” satisfied my pseudo-OCD, it was hard to identify the sockets so I got the Olsa magnetic socket organizer for 3/8” and 1/4”. I take the whole organizer out and set it on the work bench and it’s much easier for me and whomever I’m working with to keep track of sockets this way.

Here are the current contents:



All in all, it’s been great. The instructors know I have all the tools with me so I get asked to help with demonstrations, and it’s been a nice conversation starter with other students. Most importantly it’s been a genuine boon to my workflow. I may keep this setup even after I finish school for mobile work as it is really quite efficient.

What brand is that grey wrench roll?

 

[richfinn]

Everytime I see these portable kits it makes me real jealous and I try to piece stuff together and then give up because I can’t decide how to limit it from becoming a 500 pound monster

it doesnt matter what I put in it never seems enough

if I run mid length sockets only to keep it small then I am missing being able to hit small stuff

if I get deep and shallow sockets then I’m missing bit sockets

if I add torx and male hex then I’m missing triple square and torx plus

if I add all the bit sockets then I wonder if I need long versions too

if I just run regular I wonder if I need stubby

if I put combination wrenches I wonder if I need XL double box end

however many ratchets I put there’s always one more size or style that seems missing

Everytime I see these portable kits it makes me real jealous and I try to piece stuff together and then give up because I can’t decide how to limit it from becoming a 500 pound monster

it doesnt matter what I put in it never seems enough

if I run mid length sockets only to keep it small then I am missing being able to hit small stuff

if I get deep and shallow sockets then I’m missing bit sockets

if I add torx and male hex then I’m missing triple square and torx plus

if I add all the bit sockets then I wonder if I need long versions too

if I just run regular I wonder if I need stubby

if I put combination wrenches I wonder if I need XL double box end

however many ratchets I put there’s always one more size or style that seems missing

It isn't the work of a moment, it will take months of doing various jobs to fine tune a tool kit down to the most useful selection of tools. If you are struggling with socket and spanner sizes limit yourself to one single socket rail (of mixed drive sizes) and five or six spanners.

I only do metric, and I carry 7mm/8mm/10mm/13mm in varying depths and drive sizes (change the 13mm for 12mm if you do Asian cars).

I carry a good selection of 1/4" PB Swiss torx and adapters for an M12 ratchet

These are the tooIs I use for ripping off panels/covers/air boxes, to replace car batteries, spark plugs, ignition coils. sensors and get access to troubleshoot efficiently.

I've got tools for suspension, steering, brakes, wheels etc, but they stay in the van mostly.

Different types of work I use different kits, but 75% of my day I can do out of one bag and it saves so much time running back and forth to the van to grab another tool, I have more comprehensive socket/spanner sets I can throw in if required.

 

[AJHD]

Everytime I see these portable kits it makes me real jealous and I try to piece stuff together and then give up because I can’t decide how to limit it from becoming a 500 pound monster.

Welcome to my world. For me, it's not so much about experience or not knowing what I need, it's more that I overthink it and I struggle to keep it simple.

I want to have and carry everything. I hate not having something I might need or not having something that would make the job easier, more enjoyable, safer, or whatever else the case might me.

It's not just tools, either. It's unfortunately the way my brain works.