At what point do we add toolboxes?

[bsaint]

Right now my krl 1056 / 751 combo is pretty full. 10,000 cubic inches like the 55" krl. I got tools of top of tools even tho I'm trying to be as organized as I can. But a side set of drawers is just expensive and trying to justify it. I don't have any of my specialty cases in my box and a side locker/drawer I could move them into a locked area. Also I'm closing one shop and have a whole partially filled Kennedy maintenance pro to empty and bring home all sorts of hydraulic and sae stuff. I was honestly thinking about getting a second 1056 and doing the euro thing of two narrow boxes. I know it's even more expensive but it's way more storage than just a side set of drawers. The only thing i miss out on is a couple long top drawers.

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[noid]

You don't need to spend big money on a box. Some offshore boxes are plenty good for ~$500.

Go buy another 55" for $500, stick your less used tools in it and and enjoy all the extra space.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Old quality filing cabinets for the big tools work great.

 

[bsaint]

I'm gonna go with Snap on or Matco it's not really up for discussion lol. But when do techs know it's time for more storage? When it becomes in efficient?

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[Mr_B]

^
pretty much, drawers stuffed too full and you leaving some boxed stuff out make room for general tools .
I see no reason not add another box, I went that way from a 55" Matco and got exact same model box used and repeated that a 3rd time plus a locker and drawer hangon and finally added a 3 bay, floor space no issue and like the countertop space in modern automotive environment .
good quality filing cabinets are great too, I got 3 holding large boxed speciality tools and some common shop consumables .

 

[plinker]

I'm gonna go with Snap on or Matco it's not really up for discussion lol. But when do techs know it's time for more storage? When it becomes in efficient?

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I recently changed a couple things and upgraded some stuff, What I was using was a KRL1032 with KR537 top, Matco JSC773 full drawer cart and essentially a two shelf cart as a mobile work table. I also have a steel locker cabinet for boxed items & kits and similar.

The cart never really got moved and the flip lid's never worked for me, So what I did was bring the KR557 from home to use as a "cart", it has a smaller foot print the the JSC unit, and is wider then a typical single stack box (32" vs 26"). Shop space & being able to get around was a big consideration. Then, I ordered a Matco 4S double bank 28" deep top, with the deal going on my guy had and trading the JSC cart, I'm into it for not a whole lot considering. It also matches the KRL nicely.

This allows me to store more in the stationary boxes with less clutter (sort of), and keep most everything I use all the time in the KR557. I can also store some odd ball stuff on top the Matco top box since it's a flat top unit.

I've saved myself a good bit of foot travel by changing things to work this way. The pic is from when I swapped stuff over, a bit of a mess.

The only gripes are my KR557 has friction slides, and could use another drawer. It's not in prime condition either, but very usable. Eventually I'll take that box back home after finding something similar, I've been looking at the 36" Masterforce roller box. Not much available for stuff between 26" & 40" wide except KRA boxes, which would be fine, except there is no dealer around again.

 

[toolchaser]

Once I start getting more than 1 "layer" in a drawer it's time to expand/reorganize. I have 3 main boxes, 1 for general hand tools, 1 for Machinist tools & a slightly smaller one for sheetmetal & bodywork tools. Once the garage is completed a good portion of the "clutter" will move to a toolcart for use in lift bay

 

[Ralf11]

I use this algolrhythm:

if clutter > too much
and box cost < whatever
then add box

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I'm gonna go with Snap on or Matco it's not really up for discussion lol. But when do techs know it's time for more storage? When it becomes in efficient?

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1056 is the single bay with two 4 inch drawers, correct?


Efficiency and aggravation are the deciding factors. I bought a second triple bay last year, and am now running into space issues again. Imo the killer is when you start organizing to save space, not in the name of efficiency or keeping related items together.

Sounds like you need a triple at a minimum.

 

[Packard V8]

At what point do we add toolboxes?

When a good deal comes along. Several older double/triple stacks are usually less expensive than one or two of the shiny new giants. They will be friction slide and won't have the w i d e drawers, but lots of organization for the money.

Organization is a good thing, especially for the smaller stuff. I pick up every $25-45 Kennedy 7-drawer machinist chest that comes along. They're great for organizing small/round/flat drills, reamers, taps, dies, punches, files, hole saws, et al.

By that time, you'll need more bench space.

jack vines, who after sixty years finally has more drawers than tools.

 

[ZRX61]

I don't have any *big* boxes, but I do have about 27 linear ft of smaller rollers & top chests.