plastic tool set containers ?

[outcast]

these things take up a lot of space. do you guys buy a larger tool box, too put all of these waisted space containers in. or toss the containers ?

i am thinking about tossing them. but sometimes i can't bring myself to do so.

1 example. my MAC "seal and race" installer set. the container is AT LEAST twice as large as it needs to be. and if i toss the plastic container, i can free up 75% of the space the set now occupies.

discuss

 

[thomask]

They make it harder to loose your specialty tools, IMO.

 

[jeffk14]

For "everyday" tools like socket sets, I toss the blow molded case. For specialty kits like pullers, slide hammers, tap and die sets, etc, I keep those lesser-used kits in a cabinet like the one in the link. Picked mine up at an office salvage warehouse for about 80 bucks.
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/698501/HON-Brigade-700-Series-Lateral-File/
If you're in your place of work and not a home garage, this may not be an option though.

 

[greasemonkey44]

they keep special tools from getting mixed together but i usually toss them out

 

[outcast]

yeah. it keeps sets more organized and pieces less likely to be lost. but in my case, i can not get a larger box and/or cabinets. there isn't room at work. at home there is plenty of room for that stuff. and i keep the cases.

a guy at work. he tosses the cases. in a few of his drawers, he has brake pads boxs, with the tops cut off, filling the drawer. he then has sets of stuff in these boxs. its all pretty organized.

 

[Subyroo651]

I agree, I just put them to the side or store them if you have room. I m a bit of a pack rat and keep alot of boxes etc.. I've always thought it helps resale value

With certain kits though, it may be best to use the box or risk losing manuals or small parts etc..

 

[dwm]

For me, it depends on the case. I agree with others, for specialty tools I usually keep the case. Even if I don't actively use it day-to-day, it's nice to have it when I need to take the set with me to another location.

For basic tools, I toss most of the blowmolded cases in the recycling bin. I make exceptions when the case makes very good use of space, especially if it has a removable lid so I can just use it as a drawer organizer. For example, several of my Grey Pneumatic Duo-Socket sets. I pile up the lids in one of the otherwise mostly useless deep drawers so I have 'em in case I want to cart a set off-site.

 

[tbobbo]

I am using the bottoms of the blow molded cases for socket organization in my cart. I hate it, but no ome makes storage for as many sockets that I have. 10 mm to 36mm short and deep 1/2 drive. Someday I will make something better. But for for stuff not uesed all day I like the cases. Yes I meed more room, but you always need a bigger box.

 

[outcast]

yeah. some cases i will not toss = mity-vac, taps/dies, tubing flare kit.
i have no need to take any of my tools on the road. i work out of my box and thats it. sept for my pos cart, that "takes a lickin and keeps on tickin".

 

[outcast]

tubing flair kit. i actually need a better case for this set. the one that blu-point sold me is nearly a pos.

 

[Outlawmws]

Some things I keep on the blow molded box, for instance my metric road box. Yes it takes a small amount of extra space(Not a lot when you consider all the wasted space in most portable tool boxes), but I can find anything in a second, and tell if anything is missing at a glance.

Things like power tools that I don't use often, and specialty tools like my door mortise set, and wood bits, stay there.

For sockets and wrenches for everyday use, not happening; in the roller for sure.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I usually toss the plastic cases and replace them with more compact steel boxes. The ones that Proto socket sets come in are my favorite, and can be had for a buck or less (most guys I work with just toss them and I gather them up).

 

[Matt018]

You should get a side cabinet like a storage locker for some specialts tools like tap and die sets and compression tester and that kind of stuff. But if i buy a set that comes in a little tray you can just put right in your tool box and keep em organized i use that.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

The part that annoys me is that I do like to keep things organized and tend to leave a lot of sets in the tray / case they came in, but over the last few years I've noticed those plastic items are getting larger and larger which = more space used up in the tool box.....I think it's part of a ploy to help sell tool boxes since you will fill one up faster that way. It makes me consider shadowing a lot stuff in foam in the drawers to condense the space while keeping the organization.....maybe I'll work on that some winter when cabin fever sets in.....

 

[jeffmoss26]

I keep drill bits and taps in small plastic Plano style boxes that fit nicely in the drawers of my toolbox. The set cases are usually too big.

 

[Neuswede]

I keep drill bits and taps in small plastic Plano style boxes that fit nicely in the drawers of my toolbox. The set cases are usually too big.

Agreed. I use either Plano or Flambeau and re-organize into specific kits, with the result of then having standard sizes that can be stacked or arranged side-by-side either in the roller cabinet or separate freestanding steel cabinet. Each is labeled for easy identification. I have made up kits for my Cleco assortment and tool, Soldering iron(s), bearing pullers, step drills, hole saws, specialty drill bits, air chisels, air tools (nozzles, tips, etc.), Dremel bits and many more. I also have a large portable box for Weatherpack connectors with the tools all in one.

In designing the boxes, I think in terms of the job at hand. For example, the soldering kit holds 2 different irons, solder, various specialty tips, desoldering tool, small stand, flux and various clamping devices, small screwdriver for tip set screw and so on.

I will admit it does take some room to store each of these, but that's a trade-off I can accept to help save some time on projects.

 

[Atlascycle]

Agreed. I use either Plano or Flambeau and re-organize into specific kits, with the result of then having standard sizes that can be stacked or arranged side-by-side either in the roller cabinet or separate freestanding steel cabinet. Each is labeled for easy identification. I have made up kits for my Cleco assortment and tool, Soldering iron(s), bearing pullers, step drills, hole saws, specialty drill bits, air chisels, air tools (nozzles, tips, etc.), Dremel bits and many more. I also have a large portable box for Weatherpack connectors with the tools all in one.

In designing the boxes, I think in terms of the job at hand. For example, the soldering kit holds 2 different irons, solder, various specialty tips, desoldering tool, small stand, flux and various clamping devices, small screwdriver for tip set screw and so on.

I will admit it does take some room to store each of these, but that's a trade-off I can accept to help save some time on projects.

got any Pictures??

Jason

 

[mlittle29]

If anyone is tossing them, I could really use some Bit Socket trays for my Hex Socket sets. I'll pay the shipping is anyone is tossing them I need the trays in these models:

207EFAMY
211EFAMY
208EFAY
212EFTAY

 

[Neuswede]

got any Pictures??

Jason

Jason:

Here's a few pics. With the electrical connector kit, I keep shrink tubing, dialectric grease and some extra zip ties.

The Weatherpack kit has 2 smaller boxes that keeps the smaller bits better in control and actually takes less space in the box.

The Dremel box keeps 2 Dremels, including the 90 degree head and 2 additional boxes. All does fit inside the one larger box.

The pop rivet kit is used mostly for fixing down spouting; rarely do I have the need, but I hate going and buying another box of rivets when I know I have one around somewhere from the last time.

Hope that helps,

Marc

 

[crewchief888]

in the past, i used to toss blowmolded boxes after a while.
i keep certain sets in the blow molded boxes, mainly seldom used tools.

anymore i tend to keep blow molded cases, never know when i might use them or repurpose them for another use.

 

[Atlascycle]

Thanks for posting the pictures Marc.

Are the first two pic Plano brand Boxes?