Electrical toolbox

[Nosferatu]

I have 2 drawers in my rollaway dedicated to electrical items (wiring, connectors, crimpers, strippers, test tools, etc.) and would like to use those drawers for something else such as my growing hammer & plier collections.

I was thinking about something like this to keep everything organized:

Does anyone here have a dedicated box for electrical items? Any better ideas out there? Show me what you've done.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

I did the same thing, except my box was red... basically loaded up the drawers with fuses, connectors, solder, bulbs, shrink tube, pin tools, crimpers, etc... can't really stick too big a wire roll in there and flex tube doesn't fit either (get a spool for wire and flex tube)... any "regular" soldering iron will fit fine, the benchtop stations will not.

 

[Quint]

I have a box similar to the one you've posted, in black, only 2-drawer. Nowhere to really keep it, so it just stays in the corner of my workbench.

 

[bczygan]

I've got a cheap plastic box from a big box store that has a tray in it for a minimum electrical box. Cutter, stripper, pliers, crimpers, screwdrivers, tape, wire nuts, connectors, meter, continuity tester, fuses and LED flashlight fit in it. Lightweight and portable and non rusting. Get a bright color (Mine has a yellow top) so you can find it. Assemble the stuff you want to put in it and then shop for a box to fit. Don't have soldering stuff, but maybe I should get some and move to a little bigger box....also room for a hammer and wire staples.

 

[2oolhound]

You're going to need another roller cabinet. This is just a sign of things to come.

Actually I plan to separate my whole electrical work area to my attic. My garage is a measly 8' x 20' area with a sloped roof in the attic which has about 7' height at one end down to about 3' at the other. If I can ever clear the junk stored out of there I plan to make it my electrical work area where I'll sit at the bench for most tasks.

 

[Techniker]

I've got a cheap plastic box from a big box store that has a tray in it for a minimum electrical box. Cutter, stripper, pliers, crimpers, screwdrivers, tape, wire nuts, connectors, meter, continuity tester, fuses and LED flashlight fit in it. Lightweight and portable and non rusting. Get a bright color (Mine has a yellow top) so you can find it. Assemble the stuff you want to put in it and then shop for a box to fit. Don't have soldering stuff, but maybe I should get some and move to a little bigger box....also room for a hammer and wire staples.

I do the same thing, but then I take that black/yellow plastic Stanley box and put it in one of the larger drawers of my box. That has now become my electrical drawer. I keep my soldering iron, multimeter, etc. in there.

 

[K5blazer83]

I still have my entire GateMouth bag from when I was a commercial electrician's apprentice. Klein & Fluke to the max.

 

[DanCo]

I use one of these, has a pull out drawer, for connectors/pins/heatshrink...ect. Top sections is open for easy view of tools.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...55&group_ID=55&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[Techniker]

I still have my entire GateMouth bag from when I was a commercial electrician's apprentice. Klein & Fluke to the max.

Can you give me an idea of what you as a commercial electrician normally would carry in your bag? I'm trying to put together a home electrical kit (as opposed to the automotive one in my box) or the microelectronics one I already have. Aside from the multimeter, I feel like the rest of my stuff isn't applicable.

Thanks,
Techniker

 

[bgoodwin]

Take a look at some fishing tackle boxes also. They work great for a small electrical kit. The removeable trays have adjustable dividers and are great for organizing connectors, auto fuses and small items. There are many different configurations to choose from, some having areas for larger items like dvm, wire strippers and the like.

This little box is for fishing line but works great for spools of wire.

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[K5blazer83]

Techniker, I'll PM you a list of what's in my bag.

 

[Nosferatu]

Take a look at some fishing tackle boxes also. They work great for a small electrical kit. The removeable trays have adjustable dividers and are great for organizing connectors, auto fuses and small items. There are many different configurations to choose from, some having areas for larger items like dvm, wire strippers and the like.

This little box is for fishing line but works great for spools of wire.

[/IMG]

I already have a few Plano tackle trays full of rusted lures I haven't used in years. I'm going to sort through and use inside the drawer of the toolbox for connectors. That's a great idea on the line spool box though! I might have to get one for my fishing line as well!

Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

 

[bczygan]

Techniker, I'll PM you a list of what's in my bag.

Hey, post it here too........we could all use it!

 

[saturdaymechanic]

I have a small separate electrical kit in a 12" black and red Husky bag. It is small and light enough to carry around the house. A few weeks ago I was in the attic doing a small job and it was convienent.

I'm not a pro but from reading, my father and just needing certain tools I keep: Klein wire strippers, 6" needle nose, Ideal crimper/wire cutter, a neon voltage tester, a continuity tester, a pair of orange USA screwdrivers (no name, but they were my father's) that are wrapped in electrical tape, a couple #0 philips, multi meter, various gauge of wire, a terminal kit, wire nuts, electrical tape and a small led flashlight.

When I'm doing an electrical job, I'll also pack my Channellock linesman, 8" needle nose and diagonal cutters from my main box. I also have a Milwaukee blade gripping hand chuck that holds reciprocating blades and my Husky Pro ratcheting screwdriver all from my main box.

It works so far, but I would also be interested in hearing what other members pack.

 

[klhitman]

i use a small tackle box like thing to keep my connectors and wire nuts in. works great as you can take it with you to job you are working on.

 

[Techniker]

I have a small separate electrical kit in a 12" black and red Husky bag. It is small and light enough to carry around the house. A few weeks ago I was in the attic doing a small job and it was convienent.

I'm not a pro but from reading, my father and just needing certain tools I keep: Klein wire strippers, 6" needle nose, Ideal crimper/wire cutter, a neon voltage tester, a continuity tester, a pair of orange USA screwdrivers (no name, but they were my father's) that are wrapped in electrical tape, a couple #0 philips, multi meter, various gauge of wire, a terminal kit, wire nuts, electrical tape and a small led flashlight.

When I'm doing an electrical job, I'll also pack my Channellock linesman, 8" needle nose and diagonal cutters from my main box. I also have a Milwaukee blade gripping hand chuck that holds reciprocating blades and my Husky Pro ratcheting screwdriver all from my main box.

It works so far, but I would also be interested in hearing what other members pack.

I do love reading. Any resources you would recommend?

 

[JeremyManning]

I use tackle boxes because they are cheaper, one for electrical and one for plumbing, mind you they are good sized ones but you can get a heck of a tackle box for $40.

 

[Nosferatu]

I use tackle boxes because they are cheaper, one for electrical and one for plumbing, mind you they are good sized ones but you can get a heck of a tackle box for $40.

The box I posted above is $47.49 @ Sears.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00965396000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

 

[antolod]

I use a Plano 3650. The drawer compartments provide ample space for wire nuts, crimp fittings and other small items. The top is large enough for my all of my dedicated wiring tools and wire ties and meter. I have another, larger drawer type box that has more wiring supplies when for re-stocking the smaller box.

 

[boseefus402]

I vote tool bucket. When you do electrical it always seems like you need a pile of tools between all the screw driver sizes, dikes, linesman's, needle nose, strippers, knives, and then all the consumables it's better to carry around the bucket than the toolbox.

 

[ToddyB]

As a practicing electrician I keep several tool belts and pouches around; all tailored to different types of work. For an electrical kit around the house I would think a bucket or bag with a couple of nail aprons; 1 filled with rough-in stuff such as wirenuts and staples and another with screws and wirenuts along with a toolbelt or pouch would be enough. The only tools necessary would be a 10 in 1 driver, some kleins, dikes, needlenose and strippers. Anything else is gravy. Even when on big commercial and industrial jobs our tools were always organized by our belts, pouches and aprons just stored in a gang box.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

I do love reading. Any resources you would recommend?

Just some basic material: Popular Mechanics, various online articles, my Black and Decker guide to Home Repair my father gave me as a gift years ago.

 

[Nosferatu]

I guess I should clarify: I'm not an electrician or other trade professional. Most of this is automotive related stuff. It's pretty rare that I ever have to do any home electrical work, and when I do, it's a screwdriver and pair of pliers, which reside in the main box.

I'm not looking for something that I can grab for on the go. I just want something to sit on my bench in the garage and keep the tools and supplies organized and out of my main box.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

I have something similar for my "electonics" type stuff - soldering irons, solder, heat shrink, terminals, etc. I have a storage tote with a handle for my "house wiring" stuff like voltage tester, wire nuts, etc.

I think your idea of a small box with drawers is a great idea for your bench.

FYI, my "new" 1930's tackle box that I swapped my electronics stuff to last week:

 

[Greatbear]

For small electrical supplies I use a few different sized tackle boxes. Cheap, durable, and see-thru.