Homeowner tool storage - how I do it.

[vartz04]

I don't want this stuff cluttering up my garage and I needed a cheap way to organize it. I bought a couple of those home Depot bucket caddies and I have a plumbing bucket, an electrical bucket, and plan to do a painting/picture hanging bucket (HD only had two of those bucket things left)

Aside from the power tools each holds everything I need to do plumbing work or electric work around the house. There is a little Plano storage box in each with small fittings. I have a bucket that is separate with wire, faceplates, Junction boxes, switches and outlets for the electrical stuff.

This will make it easier when I have to go over to someone's house to help fix something. I put a little notebook I'm each so I can write down things I need to add/shopping lists

 

[RedneckWelder]

I've done the seperate buckets/bags set up.

It works OK so long as you can keep it organized.

 

[vartz04]

Should be easy to keep this organized. I never really could keep tool bags organized

 

[cheechi]

I tried the buckets exactly like that, not for me. I have had better luck with drawers in a file cabinet for each one and an empty bag the appropriate size that fits in the drawer. so much better than buckets. less cheap, but more good overall.

 

[kool_BOY8323]

I changed careers from an auto tech to an IT specialist. I accomplished the 'homeowners tool storage' conundrum by bringing my tools home after leaving. 3 26" tool chests and a cart with side cabinet get it done quite nicely..

Cool idea though. But much like bags, i could never keep buckets organized, even with the organizers. just too easy to toss it in the bucket and say 'ill put it away later', then never do.

 

[vartz04]

Yeah really what I need is a bigger garage box then my box can become the basement tools box. After just redoing my kitchen and a baby on the way the bigger tool box will have to wait.

 

[zkling]

I tried the buckets exactly like that, not for me.

Seemed like there was always something sharp hanging out or to snag on.

 

[1950mercury]

Cant stand the bucket setups

 

[Pumpman1968]

When I first started doing plumbing (OMFG 1986!) a lot of guys just used buckets to carry their what-not around. At least once a month some douche (not me) would lean the bucket over the step and against the sliding side door of the service van. When the unsuspecting guy slid the door open....the bucket would roll out upside down onto the parking lot. What a way to start a Monday.

 

[ez-duzit]

Decades ago I tried working out of a Bucket Buddy, or something like that; inside and outside pockets; practically wore it out. The buckets, with their outside pockets full, are too bulky and you have to be careful to not bang into stuff. It was OK but tool bags are leaner and handier. Don't get all buckets; save some $ for various size tool bags. Husky makes a great size.

 

[bubinga]

OP that is a good Idea!

 

[Rarified27]

I have a shelf full of 17" craftsman hand boxes all full of job-specific tools and supplies.

Yes, it is a bit more expensive to have the same basic tools in almost all of the boxes, but when I grab the plumbing box, it has everything from Channellock 440's to a torch and it's the only thing I need. A lot of friends have a general tool bag that they drop job related things in, but then the tools have to be removed when the job is done. I prefer the boxes over open top bags, buckets or trays that can spill or get hung up on things. The boxes can also be stacked.

The frequency of which I need the plumbing, electrical, masonry, etc boxes is enough that I can justify the setup.

The only tool I don't have in the electrical or vehicle box is my fluke meter- that is in the basic zippered bag that goes everywhere anyway.

 

[tatra]

jeremy v, check out Lee valley for their plastic lazy Susan. Cheap and the small one fits just right....I use this on my bucket at home and it does make a difference.

 

[PT Doc]

I use a bucket like that for sprinkler parts. Everything fits and all the pockets for PVC cutter, nipper etc work out really well.