Reorganizing my Pliers Drawer With GJ’s Help

[gahrajmahal]

Using the search function I read several threads on the subject and evaluated wire racks, plastic divided racks and home made blade and all thread styles. In the end I decided to buy two, Ernst 10 position Plier Pro racks.

To use these racks I would first have to swap drawers because my current space was in a shallow top box drawer. I would commandeer a lower box drawer currently housing my files, punches and chisels.





Both of these drawers are a mess and I don’t even know what all I have in either of them. The file drawer I believe I can get rid of some dull files and some duplicate or sad condition punches and chisels. I also hope to come up with some good storage ideas for these items.

 

[gahrajmahal]

So I’ll start this story with my process.

It was a cold and rainy day…



Being optimistic I could get rid of some stuff I prepared!,



But first I would have to clear off some horizontal space. It’s cold here now, so many things have moved into the old gahraj and lots of stuff has just been set down wherever.



After finding new homes for this stuff I have a small space to work in front of my Chrysler that lives in this side of the garage.



First I need to empty the file and punch/chisel drawer placing everything onto my newly cleared space.



Using the Mrs. Craft room dust vac I cleaned the drawer. (Don’t tell)



I first placed the racks as shown on the packaging.



Next, I tried placing both at the rear of the drawer as many GJ folks had done. The benefit is you get two extra spaces. One in between the racks, and another at one end.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Since I didn’t really know what all I had in this drawer I brought them out one category at a time.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I cleaned and lubricated all the pliers on the wire wheel if needed and using lacquer thinner to clean the handles off. I then started by placing like next to like.



Biggest items to the left and smaller to the right for some reason?







So for now that is my setup for the pliers drawer.

All the files, punches and chisels remain on the counter and I have to decide how to organize them.

Any ideas?

 

[Jgaz]

Looks like you’re on the same track as me with your pliers storage.


I like having the vise grips in their own drawer. I only recently set up this drawer.


Most of my files. A few larger files are stored elsewhere. Larger ones used very seldom these days.



I went thru a couple of different storage ideas for my punches and chisels years ago.
This has worked best for me. I just take the whole roll out a put it on the bench.

Again, a few larger chisels stored elsewhere. Don’t even get them out every few years anymore.

When I talk about things stored elsewhere they are usually in my old race box. This method keeps the orphans and step children tools in one place.
This method has freed up some drawer space for more often used tools.
i use this box as a counter weight for my adjustable roller stand so the weight of the tools is useful.

 

[545_days]

Dora anyone have an elegant solution for storing spring loaded pliers which are held open by the spring pressure? So far I have either piled them in a box or stored them in a drawer loosely held closed with a zip tie. Neither strikes me as a particularly good storage method, and I'm hoping someone on Garage Journal has a better solution.

 

[richfinn]

Dora anyone have an elegant solution for storing spring loaded pliers which are held open by the spring pressure? So far I have either piled them in a box or stored them in a drawer loosely held closed with a zip tie. Neither strikes me as a particularly good storage method, and I'm hoping someone on Garage Journal has a better solution.

I keep my spring loaded pliers in my Veto pro pac tool bag and the individual vertical pockets keep them closed.

If you want to keep them laid out flat in a toolbox try finding a fabric tool roll that fits the drawer with appropriate sized pockets to hold the pliers closed.

This is a panel from a technicians case, just to give you an idea of what might work.

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/tools-and-machining/power-tools-storage/lid-tool-board-incl-mounting-set/p/ZT2465356S?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=pla%2B%7C%2BTools%20%26%20Machining&utm_term=ZT2465356S&utm_medium=pla_css_2&targetid=pla-1843381539551&loc_physical_ms=1006822&dev=t&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6448152196&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9obIBhCAARIsAGHm1mTO1wnBILX_T0wYSdtOxT7y0Wuu9IN3cfwd62x8tdWQ4ZNWYLqi8GIaArMkEALw_wcB

 

[gahrajmahal]

Jgaz, thanks for sharing all the photos and advice for storage! I really like the wood block with the files alternating directions. The tool rolls look good too. I bought some from Tekton for wrenches that were good. Looks like maybe enduro racing?
545 Days, I used a Velcro ******** one of the spring loaded pliers. They come in a roll of 50 or so at Menards.

 

[Jgaz]

Jgaz, thanks for sharing all the photos and advice for storage! I really like the wood block with the files alternating directions. The tool rolls look good too. I bought some from Tekton for wrenches that were good. Looks like maybe enduro racing?
545 Days, I used a Velcro ******** one of the spring loaded pliers. They come in a roll of 50 or so at Menards.

Yes, enduro races from 73 thru about 78 mostly in Michigan with a few hare scrambles and motocross thrown in.
I used to love to ride 2nd and 3rd gear tight woods.

 

[dscheidt]

Dora anyone have an elegant solution for storing spring loaded pliers which are held open by the spring pressure?

I use rubber bands cut from a bicycle inner tube. They are strong enough to hold closed, and flexible enough to fit different sized handles. Take the rubber band off when taking out, and leave in drawer. I also keep a few spares already cut.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

Dora anyone have an elegant solution for storing spring loaded pliers which are held open by the spring pressure? So far I have either piled them in a box or stored them in a drawer loosely held closed with a zip tie. Neither strikes me as a particularly good storage method, and I'm hoping someone on Garage Journal has a better solution.

To store spring loaded pliers, it is ideal to have them held closed. I go to the local auto parts store and buy a set of vacuum plugs The set includes multiple rubber cones in various sizes and colors. These can slide over the end of the pliers and hold the jaws together.

In the above picture, look in the upper right corner and you will see three pairs of spring loaded pliers - two with red caps and one with a yellow cap on the end. Also, those purchased pliers holders are nice, but I found that I can store more pliers by making my own racks with various styles of wire shelves or oven racks. The two racks on the right in the picture show racks made out of a different type of metal rack with much closer spacing between the wires - great for smaller pliers and even hemostats.

 

[Dig Doug]

2 different boxes & drawers

Ive since swapped out to a different style of rack & don’t have any pics

 

[rharman]

Dora anyone have an elegant solution for storing spring loaded pliers which are held open by the spring pressure? So far I have either piled them in a box or stored them in a drawer loosely held closed with a zip tie. Neither strikes me as a particularly good storage method, and I'm hoping someone on Garage Journal has a better solution.

I use these hair bands. I always keep a card of them on my bench - handy for a jillion different things. The gel style don't fray or get gunky over time like some rubber band type products do.

 

[Skyman]

I've removed the return springs from some of my spring-loaded pliers, as I don't find them helpful, and they're annoying for storage. For others, I use a wrap of narrow Velcro across the handles.

Examples:





A trio nested with Velcro retaining straps:

 

[545_days]

I use these hair bands. I always keep a card of them on my bench - handy for a jillion different things. The gel style don't fray or get gunky over time like some rubber band type products do.

This is the sort of outside of the box thinking I was looking for. I'm not sure it is better than a zip tie, but it is certainly an option.

I have a vague plan for a pliers holder that would retain the handle end holding the spring closed that could be 3D printed, but I don't own a 3D printer. Basically shallow compartments that would hold the pliers by the handle end with the handles closed. I'm just not sure that I really want to grab my pliers by the business end every time I pick them up though...

 

[66HertzClone]

I'm not wild about the look but there are effective, I toss those annoying pack of silica gel in this drawer to help prevent any corrosion/rust from forming on the pliers. I have a couple other pairs of the Knipex Cobra, Plier Wrench pliers in a rack on the pegboard above my workbench and the both of the mini versions in the drawer where I sit so they can be reached easily.

 

[Skellyii]

This is the sort of outside of the box thinking I was looking for. I'm not sure it is better than a zip tie, but it is certainly an option.

I have a vague plan for a pliers holder that would retain the handle end holding the spring closed that could be 3D printed, but I don't own a 3D printer. Basically shallow compartments that would hold the pliers by the handle end with the handles closed. I'm just not sure that I really want to grab my pliers by the business end every time I pick them up though...

You live in Texas, do a google search for "Makers". In my area we have community workshops devoted to providing machines and assistance in creating stuff.

Hammerspace Workshop |

|

hammerspacehobby.com

You probably have WAY more of these down there than we have here. Also, there are various 3D folks hanging around here on GJ who would probably help you.

Good luck and show us your creations !

 

[L.Cheapo]

I've removed the return springs from some of my spring-loaded pliers, as I don't find them helpful, and they're annoying for storage. For others, I use a wrap of narrow Velcro across the handles.

Examples:





A trio nested with Velcro retaining straps:

You probably already know this, but you can hook the Robo Grip pliers closed by holding the larger handle and pushing the smaller one up into the top tooth and they will stay shut on their own.

 

[rharman]

This is the sort of outside of the box thinking I was looking for. I'm not sure it is better than a zip tie, but it is certainly an option.

I have a vague plan for a pliers holder that would retain the handle end holding the spring closed that could be 3D printed, but I don't own a 3D printer. Basically shallow compartments that would hold the pliers by the handle end with the handles closed. I'm just not sure that I really want to grab my pliers by the business end every time I pick them up though...

You live in Texas, do a google search for "Makers". In my area we have community workshops devoted to providing machines and assistance in creating stuff.

Hammerspace Workshop |

|

hammerspacehobby.com

You probably have WAY more of these down there than we have here. Also, there are various 3D folks hanging around here on GJ who would probably help you.

Good luck and show us your creations !

The hair bands are better than a zip tie because they're flexible and easy to work with. And, as mentioned, useful in many other ways.

Our local library offers 3D printing, a resin printer, sewing machines, a laser cutter, and other arts/crafts services. For 3D printing, you fill out an online form and give them a link to the STL. They'll print it and notify you. I believe they offer workshops as well to introduce people, especially kids, to the various technologies.

 

[Skyman]

You probably already know this, but you can hook the Robo Grip pliers closed by holding the larger handle and pushing the smaller one up into the top tooth and they will stay shut on their own.

I might have known that, but if I did it was forgotten long ago. They don’t see much use. Thanks for the reminder!