How do you arrange your tools?

ranunculous · Oct 3, 2009

I was thinking TAP,TWIST,TURN,but that won't cover everything?

I'm very fortunate to have amassed a large variety of hand and power tools over the years.Now,it's time to (re) arrange them effectively.

Wrenches,Ratchets/sockets,Screwdrivers and ? The drill motors,air tools and carpentry tools get segregated into other areas.

If I may ask,how does anyone else arrange their tools for quick reference and access?
Thanks...

greenreese · Oct 3, 2009

Stuff
screwdrivers
pliers
sockets/ratchets
wrenches
misc tools
big tools
auxiliary allen wrenches
more wrenches
instruments
tap/die/drill
air tools

krusty the clown · Oct 3, 2009

one big pile

fordbroncodave · Oct 3, 2009

wrenches (oddball, misc.)
scrapers,mirrors,guages,air chisel bits, drill bits,testing equipment
hammers, punches,chisels, files, prybars
pliers
screw drivers (waiste level)
wrench sets
1/4" drive
3/8" drive
1/2" drive
air tools
kit boxes and boxed items, drill bit set, slide hammer

heavy items on bottom, visual items on top(measurements and sizes)

ranunculous · Oct 3, 2009

I've scored some really inexpensive hammertoned-coated clothing cabinets that I've built shelves into for tool storage.Those cabinets,along with my cheapie Craftsamn boxes are what I've got to work with.
I'm thinking WRENCHES RATCHETS/SOCKETS/EXTENSIONS SCREWDRIVERS/PRYBARS HAMMERS/PUNCHES/DRIFTS/CHISELS FILES TAPS/SPECIALTY

Whatever falls under those categories "name-wise" or even 'use-wise" gets stored as such?
Someone on here might have a handy way to stash all these things?

PhantomEB · Oct 3, 2009

Top box
Sockets up top, then miscelleanous tools ( allen wrenches, firecrackers, utility knives, tape measures, pretty much small tools that you dont get much of)
Standard wrenches
Metric wrenches
Air Tools

Bottom box
More misc tools in the small drawers
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Instruments
Diagnostic tools and torque wrenches
Grinders since I have quiet the collection for them

Under bench cabinets are Power saws, Hammers and Battery chargers for most part

Far corner steel cabinet are all chemicals as well spare parts and body work tools

Built in Cabinet are bolt buckets etc with more spare parts like oil filters etc, but also keep day to day consumables like WD40 and brake cleaner in there.

Overhead cabinets are mostly camping and towing gear as well books.

olds88 · Oct 3, 2009

WAY too much time on my hands tonight:

Code:

|==================================================|
|electrical      |                |misc screwdriver|
|tools           |      JUNK      |handled tools   |
|----------------|  (asst. nuts,  |----------------|
|brake tools     |  bolts, caps,  |Torx and Hex    |
|                |  etc.          |sockets and keys|
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                   SAE Wrenches                   |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                 Metric Wrenches                  |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|               Ratcheting Wrenches                |
|==================================================|
|==================================================|
| Snap-on                                          |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|     1/4 and 3/8 Sockets, Ratchets, Extensions    |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                   Screwdrivers                   |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                     Pliers                       |
|--------------------------------------------------|
| 1/2 Sckts,Rtchts,BrkerBrs,Extnsns,3/8 Imp Sckts  |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                    Air Tools                     |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|               Engine/Tune Up Tools               |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                  MT2500 Scanner                  |
|==================================================|

Merkava_4 · Oct 3, 2009

Drawer 1 - Empty
Drawer 2 - Pliers
Drawer 3 - Wrenches
Drawer 4 - Screwdrivers
Drawer 5 - Sockets, Extensions, Ratchets
Drawer 6 - Miscellaneous Junk
Drawer 7 - Miscellaneous Junk
Drawer 8 - SkilSaw, Box of Wrenches, Strut Spring Compressor

krusty the clown · Oct 3, 2009

Merkava_4 said:
Drawer 1 - Empty
Drawer 2 - Pliers
Drawer 3 - Wrenches
Drawer 4 - Screwdrivers
Drawer 5 - Sockets, Extensions, Ratchets
Drawer 6 - Miscellaneous Junk
Drawer 7 - Miscellaneous Junk
Drawer 8 - SkilSaw, Box of Wrenches, Strut Spring Compressor,transmission pan

look's about right now :lol_hitti

olds88 · Oct 3, 2009

transmission pan? must be an inside joke, but still somehow funny.

wreckercologist · Oct 3, 2009

olds88 said:

WAY too much time on my hands tonight:

Code:

|==================================================|
|electrical      |                |misc screwdriver|
|tools           |      JUNK      |handled tools   |
|----------------|  (asst. nuts,  |----------------|
|brake tools     |  bolts, caps,  |Torx and Hex    |
|                |  etc.          |sockets and keys|
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                   SAE Wrenches                   |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                 Metric Wrenches                  |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|               Ratcheting Wrenches                |
|==================================================|
|==================================================|
| Snap-on                                          |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|     1/4 and 3/8 Sockets, Ratchets, Extensions    |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                   Screwdrivers                   |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                     Pliers                       |
|--------------------------------------------------|
| 1/2 Sckts,Rtchts,BrkerBrs,Extnsns,3/8 Imp Sckts  |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                    Air Tools                     |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|               Engine/Tune Up Tools               |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                  MT2500 Scanner                  |
|==================================================|

That's awesome! And yes, you do have too much free time!

speed bump · Oct 4, 2009

Misc stuff, allen wrenches, spare sockets, flashlights, and what not in the top.
screwdrivers
pliers
SAE wrenches
metric wrenches
misc useful tools
Big wrenches/pry bars
bottom box
1/4 and 3/8" drive stuff
Hammers other drawer vice grips/clamps
tap and dies, mics other drawer eletrical
1/2 drive stuff other drawer files and drill bits
auto body stuff other drawer specialty tools
misc fasteners and what not other drawer spare wrenches
pipe dies, and big stuff other drawer air tools.

I also have a 36" pipe wrench on the back, a torch in the case on the side, and my leathers. The chop saw goes under the bench, the little welder wherever it fits, the press and drill press on the work bench and the other stuff moves around.

T56 Impala · Oct 4, 2009

Top chest, big box

TOP: Hammers and measuring tools.
Drawer: Screw drivers and picks Sm Drawer: Razor blades and cutting tools
Drawer: Cutting pliers Sm Drawer: Tape and glue gun
Drawer: Gripping pliers and pry bars Sm Drawer: Adjustable wrenches
Drawer: Allen and duplicate wrenches, Punches Sm Drawer: Nut drivers
Drawer: Electrical testers and tools Sm Drawer: Marking tools

Bottom chest, big box
Drawer: SAE Wrenches
Drawer: Ratchets and extensions
Drawer: Sockets
Drawer: Metric wrenches
Drawer: TQ Wrenches and engine specialty
Drawer: Air tools
Drawer: Air tools and power tools.

Small side box mounted under bench

Drawer: Drill bits and drilling Acc.
Drawer: Lathe Acc.
Drawer: Misc handled tools. Mostly ROC stuff
Drawer: Chisels for the lathe
Drawer: Table saw Acc
Drawer: Sand paper and misc supplies

26" Craftsman top chest

Top: Duplicate sockets, and ratcheting tools
Sm Drawer: Cutting tools Sm Drawer: Interior pry tools Sm Drawer: Brake bleeder
Drawer: Misc Vintage wrenches, uncategorized
Drawer: Bonney wrenches
Drawer: Bonney and Vlchek wrenches

Craftsman 26" Inter box

Drawer: cut off wheels and brushes for die grinder, misc air fittings
Drawer: Body hammers and dollies
Drawer: tape, hand brushes and scrapers

Small 2 drawer craftsman carry box:

Road kit consisting of mostly ROC made tools.

Top: Misc screw drivers, hammer, and various pliers and tapes, misc tools
Drawer: Wrenches SAE and MM
Drawer: Sockets and ratcheting tools.

Small no drawer Craftsman box:

Tray: PVC pipe cutting tools and drip ends
Bottom: Pipe fittings, small drip hoses and sprinkler heads.

Vintage USAAF Box:

Plomb WF 1/2 drive tools, Spares for the 9/32 and 3/8 drive WF set, spare WF wrenches, complete period correct military issue Wright 1/2 drive and 1/4 drive set, the PWA collection.

3 displays on my wall:
3/8" WF drive set
9/32" WF Drive set
WF wrench set

Hanging tool boards

Left
Various pre 1929 wrenches (Hex Cap sizes etc...), old wood planes.

Right
Post 1929 wrenches. Mostly WWII vintage military issue. Some I find interesting ("S" and specialty wrenches.)

I went from memory on this so I may be missing a few items. Some I simply lump in to a section.

Rickster · Oct 4, 2009

**** you use in the middle. Stuff you use less going outward with heavy items lower.

Drawer 1 - EMPTY??... now thats just not right.

Merkava_4 said:
Drawer 1 - Empty
Drawer 2 - Pliers
Drawer 3 - Wrenches
Drawer 4 - Screwdrivers
Drawer 5 - Sockets, Extensions, Ratchets
Drawer 6 - Miscellaneous Junk
Drawer 7 - Miscellaneous Junk
Drawer 8 - SkilSaw, Box of Wrenches, Strut Spring Compressor

77fixer · Oct 4, 2009

I just scatter it all over the garage. Then when I want something I just have to make several laps, get pi**ed

, say how I need to clean the place up, then go back in the house, beat the wife, screw the dog. Uhm, what were we talking about?

ranunculous · Oct 4, 2009

Wow?! I need more tools to keep up with you guys?!
So,I started today,one smaller box-all screwdrivers and handled tools.
One box and top all wrenches-open/combination/allen/ignition/torque...

One box and top all ratchets/extensions/sockets/anything in a socket(allen/torx/sae/phillips).

One box and top all pliars/needlenose,slip-joints/vise-grips/and specialty stuff...wiring strippers,ziptie strippers,solderless connector pliars...
(The boxes and tops are cheapie Craftsman deals I'd buy on sale.)

I have one flea market cabinet left to stash all the other stuff that doesn't fit the above criteria.
Two others have the drill motors and their drive pieces and air tools and their parts and stuff.
Years ago I scored a SS three shelved cart that the Vulcan box with the screwdrivers will ride.Hammers on the second shelf and files and rasps on the bottom.
It's a bear to stow all the stuff you collect over the years?

EricF · Oct 4, 2009

sadly to say, the only thing I have organized is sockets and ratchets. everything else is everywhere,and as much as I want to spend a couple days organizing/cleaning, etc.. I'm able to find stuff easier with the organized mess that it is now.

WVU Tuba Dale · Oct 4, 2009

Sockets/ratchets/extensions
Pliers/pipe wrenches
Screwdrivers
SAE Wrenches
Metric Wrenches
Air tools
Bullpens/Slide hammer/brake tools
Things I hit with a hammer
Hammers
Electrical tools/flashlights/electric screwdrivers/anything that has electricity passing through
Measuring devices (torque wrenches/feeler gauges/tape measure etc..)
Bullpen drawer/paperwork/assortment of useful devices.

Elroy · Oct 4, 2009

krusty the clown said:
one big pile

pjcforpres2020 · Oct 4, 2009

I randomly toss them in drawers, pat the pile down with my hand, and hope it closes.

Honestly, it is personal preference. For me, my box is a place for storage, and my cart is where organization really matters. In my box, it is wrenches in 1 drawer, then sockets, then ratchets, then screw drivers, then pliers, and so forth.

For the cart, I fill it up with what I will need for the job.

Merkava_4 · Oct 4, 2009

olds88 said:
transmission pan? must be an inside joke, but still somehow funny.

King Me IRL · Oct 5, 2009

T56 Impala said:
Top chest, big box

TOP: Hammers and measuring tools.
Drawer: Screw drivers and picks Sm Drawer: Razor blades and cutting tools

I like how you have the hammers and measuring tools next to each other!

olds88 · Oct 5, 2009

Merkava_4 said:

Yeah well, I have a Quadrajet E4MC in my bottom drawer.

As of this morning my Scanner now lives next to my box... need more room for tools, and carburetors apparently. :lol_hitti

adam728 · Oct 5, 2009

My 3 larger boxes. Most of this was collected in the last ~3 years. Not pictured is a small Craftsman box overflowing with mostly cheap tools. It goes in the trailer for dirt bike rides/races. Being cheaper stuff it's less likely to walk away when borrowed, and less painful if it does.

I still have a roll around and a bunch more tools back in Michigan that I need to get back someday.

chadster1 · Oct 5, 2009

olds88 said:

WAY too much time on my hands tonight:

Code:

|==================================================|
|electrical      |                |misc screwdriver|
|tools           |      JUNK      |handled tools   |
|----------------|  (asst. nuts,  |----------------|
|brake tools     |  bolts, caps,  |Torx and Hex    |
|                |  etc.          |sockets and keys|
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                   SAE Wrenches                   |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                 Metric Wrenches                  |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|               Ratcheting Wrenches                |
|==================================================|
|==================================================|
| Snap-on                                          |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|     1/4 and 3/8 Sockets, Ratchets, Extensions    |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                   Screwdrivers                   |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                     Pliers                       |
|--------------------------------------------------|
| 1/2 Sckts,Rtchts,BrkerBrs,Extnsns,3/8 Imp Sckts  |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                    Air Tools                     |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|               Engine/Tune Up Tools               |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                  MT2500 Scanner                  |
|==================================================|

Dude, you seriously need to update your diagnostics.

chadster1 · Oct 5, 2009

Here is how I arrange my tools.

I probably have a slightly bigger toolbox than most.

olds88 · Oct 5, 2009

chadster1 said:
Dude, you seriously need to update your diagnostics.

Typical Snap-on dealer. :lol_hitti

You're right though. I think my carts have 6.2 on them which is fine except I don't have a CAN adapter. When I dealing with a CAN PCM I have to borrow my boss's Genisys.

Which I don't care for... my old boss had a Solus and I am totally sold on the Solus. Maybe next winter.

Merkava_4 · Oct 5, 2009

chadster1 said:
Here is how I arrange my tools.

^
Frickin' Awesome!!

chadster1 · Oct 5, 2009

Merkava_4 said:
^
Frickin' Awesome!!

Thanks. I am not done yet.

adam728 · Oct 5, 2009

Done
Chad wins
Close thread

:bounce:

T56 Impala · Oct 6, 2009

Chad doesn't count as they are not his tools. Still, I would LOVE to walk on a nice SO dealer truck some time. I dont do it since I don't use SO tools. I would hate to waist some one's time.

chadster1 · Oct 6, 2009

T56 Impala said:
Chad doesn't count as they are not his tools. Still, I would LOVE to walk on a nice SO dealer truck some time. I dont do it since I don't use SO tools. I would hate to waist some one's time.

I beg to differ. They are most certainly my tools.

lauver · Oct 7, 2009

olds88 said:

WAY too much time on my hands tonight:

Code:

|==================================================|
|electrical      |                |misc screwdriver|
|tools           |      JUNK      |handled tools   |
|----------------|  (asst. nuts,  |----------------|
|brake tools     |  bolts, caps,  |Torx and Hex    |
|                |  etc.          |sockets and keys|
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                   SAE Wrenches                   |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                 Metric Wrenches                  |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|               Ratcheting Wrenches                |
|==================================================|
|==================================================|
| Snap-on                                          |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|     1/4 and 3/8 Sockets, Ratchets, Extensions    |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                   Screwdrivers                   |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                     Pliers                       |
|--------------------------------------------------|
| 1/2 Sckts,Rtchts,BrkerBrs,Extnsns,3/8 Imp Sckts  |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                    Air Tools                     |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|               Engine/Tune Up Tools               |
|--------------------------------------------------|
|                  MT2500 Scanner                  |
|==================================================|

Olds,

Love your diagram; very effective & clever.

BackTracker · Oct 7, 2009

krusty the clown said:
one big pile

phew, i'm not the only one :beer:

Diesel_Crawler · Oct 7, 2009

chadster1 said:
Here is how I arrange my tools.

I probably have a slightly bigger toolbox than most.

Can you slap them on like photobucket or something, you are out of bandwidth and some of us did not get to see. :sad:

Merkava_4 · Oct 7, 2009

chadster1 said:
I beg to differ. They are most certainly my tools.

He's probably referring to some dealers that need to constantly buy their inventory with credit.

NUTTSGT · Oct 7, 2009

I try to organize to size and tool family genus.

chadster1 · Oct 7, 2009

Diesel_Crawler said:
Can you slap them on like photobucket or something, you are out of bandwidth and some of us did not get to see.

They are on photobucket now. I have never had a problem before. I guess these pics have generated some traffic.

norry · Oct 7, 2009

Apart from the toolboxes, I have a few sturdy equipment carts that my work threw away awhile back. Great for tools that come in cases (Sawzall, large tap-and-die set, etc) and also a way to keep spare batteries off the floor.

Diesel_Crawler · Oct 7, 2009

chadster1 said:
They are on photobucket now. I have never had a problem before. I guess these pics have generated some traffic.

They seem to have come back to life! That's awesome, Best of all its easy to "roll" job to job

How do you arrange your tools?

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