Best tool drawer liner material?

[Shoreline_]

I don't know what material it is, but the premium drawer liners from Matco, circa 2010 - those were the best I ever used. They almost had a tack cloth feel and The smallest tool would form a slight indent in the mat and it would hold the tool perfectly in place. Way better than my Krl liners.

 

[CGarage]

I have not noticed any problems like that, but my tools are kept in a heated shop, and over time the carpet absorbs some oil which helps prevent corrosion.

Heated shop makes a difference.

I think any material that absorbs moisture should be a no-go for drawer liner.

 

[D.F.B]

I mistook that guy as a social media influencer in the new tools thread.

I don't feel so bad about my compulsive cleaning after looking at his garage!

Certainly not a social media influencer, just a psychopath who likes nice things.

 

[Beemer]

I have the Craftsman issue liners that seem to move around and get bunched up so they are not the best solution.
They are a thin perforated tacky web like material.
I was thinking something thicker and heavier might be better.

 

[Speed-Racer]

I'd use a hard wool felt. Available as industrial felt or carpet underlayment. With fluid film (lanolin based) it would feel right at home . When it wears out, you can compost it.

Interesting. Care to share a pic of the hard wool felt in your tool box? Do the tools slide when you open/close the drawers? I really like the NSI (NuSource) liner because it does not smell, just works. The only natural materials I considered was cork.

 

[banditbigdog]

I’ve had good luck with industrial felt conveyor belting.
Not sure of the manufacturer, material was left over at work, we decommissioned several powered convoy belts and I picked up a bunch of the belt material that was kept as spare stock.
Some of the belts are what I would call a true felt, however the material is pretty rigid.

Some of the belts are some sort of rubber / felt / fiber composition. Pretty stiff as well.

I prefer the felt type vs. the rubber ones.
Some types of plastic tool handles can “stick” to the rubber over a period of time.
Example

 

[darrowco]

I am about to give 1/32" neoprene a try, got a 130ft, 40in wide roll so I figure it's worth a shot!

The good

• thin
  • my magnet tool holders will stick
  • gets the tallest tools possible into the shallow drawers
• shrugs off oil
• completely reusable if I change my mind

The not so good:

• dust, dirt, shavings really stand out, will need more frequent cleaning

 

[bluedog225]

Why not a spray bed liner or plasti-dip type coating?

 

[Renegade1LI]

I think i will be using some single component bedliner by durabak, great stuff. I just did the front of a cargo trailer and floor and love the stuff. It’s also available in many colors as i would like to do the drawers in white. It comes smooth or textured and very easy to apply.

Truck Bed Liner Paint - DIY Roll On Bedliner

Our truck bed liner paint comes in 16+ Colors. DIY with ease. Suitable for cars, boats & many surfaces. Protects steel, fiberglass, aluminum, wood & more!

www.durabakcompany.com

 

[Wyoming09]

I have wanted to do a thread like this for some time.


There are literally dozens of choices on the market.

I have had very good success with the solid version (as opposed to mesh) of this product, available in the US at Lowe’s, or online.
I think Zerust makes it for Lowe’s.

The VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) I really like as well.

Additionally, the ribbed vinyl mat used on Snap-On shop carts seems to be durable, easy to clean with spray bottle soap, and keeps tools in place. I see this material (ribbed rubber and vinyl) being sold in rolls on eBay and on Amazon.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Zerust-Solid-Drawer-Liner/3374226

A +1 for the Kobalt drawer line. I've been using it for 6-7 years and have nothing but good luck with It. Holds up well, easy to cut and install. Best of all I think is that the tools stay where you put them. This stiff is tacky enough that the tools do not slide around at all. I have put it in all of my boxes.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Zerust-Solid-Drawer-Liner/3374226

 

[Rounder]

Over 20 years ago I cut up some big cardboard boxes. Not to glamourous. Held up great, and now I can't change it due to nostalgia.

Only draw back, is maybe little thick, and not as cool as other stuff.

 

[Shocker]

Yoga mats here. I have been grabbing them of Craigslist for free for awhile now. The only thing is that I have a few colors. I picked up a bunch of fuchsia colored ones...woot!

 

[Stick-man]

I bought this stuff. I haven't used it yet. Probably will in the next month.

VEVOR Garage Floor Mats 2 Rolls 17 x 3.6 Ft Garage Mat 2.5mm Thickness Black Garage Flooring PVC Garage Mats for Under Car | VEVOR US

Discover VEVOR Garage Floor Mats 2 Rolls 17 x 3.6 Ft Garage Mat 2.5mm Thickness Black Garage Flooring PVC Garage Mats for Under Car, Water-Proof Material and Anti-Slide & Heavy-Duty at lowest price, 2days delivery, 30days returns.

www.vevor.com

 

[mooman]

Definitely yoga mats.

 

[Houdini5150]

Cut up yoga mat or the drawer liners for silverware or whatever Harbor Franks sells

 

[Dragfluid]

What do I use?
Nothing

 

[LazKat]

I use sheet cork. It cushions well and dampens noise. It also looks a little old skool!

 

[no704]

I use the heavier waffle shelf liner from Ace hardware.

 

[mjdarg]

I grabbed this stuff when I needed to source a bunch of liners for my Snap-On box from marketplace. Very good quality. I went with the medium tack and the only tools that slide in the drawer are my loose screwdrivers. I've used it in other places around the house where I need good matting, and also sold some small sections to friends. My 20' roll is almost gone. Shipping cost kind of *****, but I am happy with the purchase.

https://nsimaterialsgroup.com/collections/tool-box-drawer-liner-material/products/tb-liner

 

[WWheeler]

My go-to has been vinyl floor runners from Lowes / Home Depot /etc. 36" wide & only 1/8" thick and runs about $3 ft. The ribs makes it super-easy to cut to size, it holds tools well and super durable.

 

[Nofries]

Bringing this back up,
I have a 56" US general roller cabinet and top box that came with liners. I'm a home DIY mechanic, I use my tools about once a week at minimum but not everyday. The liners are ok, my tools don't slide but the liners slide in the drawers and start to bunch up at the back.

Any proven ideas of how to keep them flat and not allowing them to slide?
Hot Glue, Magnets, double sided tape etc.

I don't want to spend money on buying thicker liners that don't slide if I don't have to.

 

[lilredex]

Use the "by the foot" hall runners above. They stay put, I've used them for the last fifty years without issues.

 

[rooster59]

Cut corrugated cardboard to fit, rub / spray with mix of OMS and oil. Keep the drawers closed.

 

[zimman]

Rubber hallway mats from carpet places, sold by the foot.

I use that stuff everywhere. Simple, looks good, last longer. It made a good dust cover under my drawer in the back seat. LOL
Zim

 

[BWWgarage]

Anybody try toolbox widget? Reasonable price and looks good. Only a single review.

Looks like 20% BF sale has ended.

Premium Drawer Liner | Toolbox Widget

Keep your toolbox protected with ToolBox Widget Premium Drawer Liners! Non-slip, easy to cut, and available in multiple sizes. Shop now.

toolboxwidget.com

 

[kams1973]

I used cork drawer liner in one of my old Matco boxes. It’s inexpensive and comes in all varieties.

Note: Photo was pulled from the web.

 

[mikegt4]

I used cork sheet to line my then brand new Park 3 drawer tool box, it's starting to come apart in places but it was circa 1970 when I bought the box. No fancy drawer liners available back then so cork was it or nothing.

 

[dscheidt]

Bringing this back up,
I have a 56" US general roller cabinet and top box that came with liners. I'm a home DIY mechanic, I use my tools about once a week at minimum but not everyday. The liners are ok, my tools don't slide but the liners slide in the drawers and start to bunch up at the back.

Any proven ideas of how to keep them flat and not allowing them to slide?
Hot Glue, Magnets, double sided tape etc.

Spray adhesive. Does not take much.

 

[Shoreline_]

This is the same material Mac and Matco use for their toolboxes. You can buy it in bulk from their manufacturer. I am sorta cleaning up and redoing this old Macsimizer and I knew I wanted the same material as my matco box. With some research I found out its made outta Buffalo NY area and I bought a roll. 72" wide by 20 feet. 160 with shipping to commerical address. I just cut it to length. Anyone whos had these liners with a Matco box know this stuff is amazing. Its tacky without being a glue. And small items even little sockets will leave their own impression to stay put. You can see my thumb left a small impression just leaving it there for a half min. Usually you need a couple warm days and the stuff is setup.

 

[BWWgarage]

Shadow foam

 

[Tchicken]

I am trying the Zerust stuff - not exactly cheap depending on how much drawer space you want to cover, but the Anti-rust aspect is attractive to me. Mine's been in a year, doesn't show signs of sliding or bunching up like some stuff I've had

Toolbox Drawer Liners - Zerust Rust Prevention Products

Made with our patented corrosion-inhibiting formula and a heavy-duty non-slip rubber, Zerust Toolbox Drawer Liners protect your tools and tackle from rust.

www.zerustproducts.com

 

[BWWgarage]

Anybody try toolbox widget? Reasonable price and looks good. Only a single review.

Looks like 20% BF sale has ended.

Premium Drawer Liner | Toolbox Widget

Keep your toolbox protected with ToolBox Widget Premium Drawer Liners! Non-slip, easy to cut, and available in multiple sizes. Shop now.

toolboxwidget.com

20% side wide is back (no coupon needed). I ordered the above and will report back when installed.

 

[rust in the eye]

This is the same material Mac and Matco use for their toolboxes. You can buy it in bulk from their manufacturer. I am sorta cleaning up and redoing this old Macsimizer and I knew I wanted the same material as my matco box. With some research I found out its made outta Buffalo NY area and I bought a roll. 72" wide by 20 feet. 160 with shipping to commerical address. I just cut it to length. Anyone whos had these liners with a Matco box know this stuff is amazing. Its tacky without being a glue. And small items even little sockets will leave their own impression to stay put. You can see my thumb left a small impression just leaving it there for a half min. Usually you need a couple warm days and the stuff is setup.

well, what is "this"?
I'm something of a drawer slammer and looking for something that stays put without adhesive.

 

[Nofries]

well, what is "this"?
I'm something of a drawer slammer and looking for something that stays put without adhesive.

I'm looking for ways to keep mine in place with out adhesive also. I have the liner already, and really don't want to spend another few hundred dollars for my box to replace what I have. I've not tried anything but Magnets, hot glue or as I post this wondering if a magnetic tape on the leading edge of the liner might work. Problem would be getting the strip to stick to the liner. Maybe something like this?
Looking for experiences others have had success with keeping the liner in place and not buying new liner that is better.

https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Magnetic-Strip-Adhesive-Anisotropic/dp/B078SVG2CC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[imagineer]

Rubber hallway mats from carpet places, sold by the foot.

I use this in all my tool chest drawers:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rubber-Cal-Composite-Rib-48-in-x-96-in-Black-solid-color-Rubber-Roll-Multipurpose-Flooring/1003015910

It's durable and cheap.

 

[Shoreline_]

well, what is "this"?
I'm something of a drawer slammer and looking for something that stays put without adhesive.

I'm not sure they probably have the patent on it. I've never seen anything else like it.

 

[Old Man Roger]

I'm not sure they probably have the patent on it. I've never seen anything else like it.

I could be wrong, but I think he’s asking you what it is and where did you get it.

 

[Shoreline_]

I could be wrong, but I think he’s asking you what it is and where did you get it.

Who is your daddy and what does he do?

 

[rust in the eye]

I'm not sure they probably have the patent on it. I've never seen anything else like it.

They who? Where or who to buy from?

 

[Nofries]

They who? Where or who to buy from?

Mac and Matco's manufacturer thats who.
From Buffalo NY.
Lol