How Do You Store Tools in a Vehicle?

[Maddog3355]

I’ve always used a small 3 drawer tool box but had an extended cab pick and there was always room in the back seat.

Fast forward I upgraded to a 4 door crew cab and seems like have been using the back more often and the toolbox was in the was so I went to harbor freight and bought a 15” Tool bag and just emptied all my tools into it and it worked perfectly to fit under the seat and out of the way until I get on a rough road and then I hear tools rattling!!!

I’m thinking maybe a wrench roll for the wrenches and maybe some cardboard dividers? What’s everyone’s opinion?

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Deleted

 

[mike93lx]

I have an old soft bag that is full of tools and tucked between the 2nd and 3rd rows of my flex. It has some sockets, wrenches, electrical tools, mini hack saw, a reflective vest, gloves, screwdrivers, etc. Have never needed it on my own vlcar, but its been helpful for some misc stuff over the years

 

[rijndael]

I use a plastic ammo can

 

[MushCreek]

My most extensive set-up was when I was building my house, and 'commuting' between SC and FL. I needed a lot of tools on both ends. I had a 29" Kennedy roller, so I took off the wheels and bolted it to the floor at the side door of my 3/4 ton van. Putting it at the side door meant that it was always accessible when the van was full of ****. Now that I'm just local, I have a typical aluminum box across the bed of my pick-up. I just keep towing/strapping stuff in there, and use a metal Craftsman tote box for hand tools when I need them.

 

[wtn1271]

Currently use a couple of the HD zippered utility tool bags (look like a bank money bag) for wrenches, sockets, ratchet, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable, etc. The bags have an internal divider sewn in so it helps separate stuff and minimizes noise. Also have a plastic Craftsman underseat box for stuff too long for the bags.

 

[PECVD2]

I have these three bags that I move between vehicles.
Green military style tool bag with the essential tools
Medium used computer bag with road side E clothing, tyvek suit, fluorescent vest gloves
Large used computer bag with jumper cables, quart oil, fix a flat can, tow rope

 

[NUTTSGT]

Tool bag with some wrenches on carabiners. Sockets on shortened rails but inside small pouches.

 

[Catch_22]

I use 2 of these. The original and now a yorktown as my need of larger tools on the trail grew. I use it all the time and I am not nice to it at all. Holds up amazing.

https://www.atlas46.com/products.html#!/Tool-Rolls-Bags-&-Packs/c/34912316/offset=0&sort=normal

If you want a cheap knock off there is this but I understand them not to hold up to real abuse like the A46 ones.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3QL75X/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Robinson1]

I've got a CLC 1539 tool bag that floats between vehicles.

Past changing a battery I've never had to use it roadside. I have done alot of maintenance type work at my in laws house and for friends out of that bag

 

[zmotorsports]

In my truck I have a couple of soft bags under the rear seat and I purchased a Carlyle socket set in a blow molded case that I stuffed with absorbent pads to not mainly stop the socket rattles but also a place to store absorbent pads if needed.

My Jeep is a different story as I find myself using those tools more often out on the trail assisting others. For my Jeep I bought Mac's Black Box and have it secured in the back of the Jeep and then inside I have all of my tools in the Klein canvas soft sided zipper bags broken out into screwdrivers, pliers, SAE wrenches, Metric wrenches, spare parts, odd tools and lastly sockets. Access is easily gained when needed and everything is labeled accordingly. Just inside the drawer I keep my VOM meter and a couple of cans of brake wash, penetrant and lube where they are stored upright and within easy reach. I also carry spare fluids for my Jeep as well as belts, tensioner and a few other parts that may be needed while out on the trail.

I keep a few old towels stuffed on top to eliminate rattles but also have a pair of hedge clippers wrapped in a towel sitting right on top so I can trim branches if needs be to keep from getting pinstriping on my Jeep's paint. This is what I actually catch the most criticism for as many in our local Jeep club think scratches and dings/dents are badges of honor for some reason.

 

[Lucas156]

I use the top boxes of the Ridgid tool storage cart and put the bottom box storage cart in the bed. Works great for transporting tools but not so great if you have passengers often. I just have my two kids in the crew cab and they don't mind. Also, I have a husky plastic weatherproof box i keep in the bed. It all works out much better than my past setups

 

[PhantomEB]

I have had this issue from vehicle to vehicle. Finally set on a 60lb Kuny bag. Doesn’t stand out behind my drivers seat of the truck, strappable in the off-road truck and is squishable enough to be in the trunk of the car.

 

[thr3squared]

I have a Knaack box that I shortened to be flush with the bed rails of my truck. Its secured using eye-bolts from the inside so I can run a strap over the gear to the keep most of the tool bags/boxes from rattling around.

 

[DFB]

Sockets generally stay in their hard plastic case, zippered tool bags handle the rest.

I do keep things that could easily get broke like a DMM, Code Reader and Digital Tester in the console box between my seats

 

[dylanmitchell]

Always been happy with CLC and prefer open-top tool bags. A favorite is fabric CLC 1578 14 Inch open top and recently got the small Leather CLC 526 that fits a drill of 1/4 impact and a few tools nice for carrying around a few tools without dragging out the big tool bag. Sockets in case, small sets fit in the bag larger ones have a handle on the case.

I see a lot of tradesmen carrying the open top CLC bags or similar from other brand. Local gas company guy had one, HVAC guy had one, and have seen a few others.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDVU1G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VXRZNK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[fortson]

I use 2 of these. The original and now a yorktown as my need of larger tools on the trail grew. I use it all the time and I am not nice to it at all. Holds up amazing.

https://www.atlas46.com/products.html#!/Tool-Rolls-Bags-&-Packs/c/34912316/offset=0&sort=normal

If you want a cheap knock off there is this but I understand them not to hold up to real abuse like the A46 ones.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3QL75X/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Nice! Thanks for posting that. That black YT mechanics tool roll is going to solve a big problem for me. I’m going to be ordering one soon. That thing looks durable.

 

[MarvinBerry]

Few months ago I downgraded to one of those small $10 husky bags. Used to carry a larger, like 20" plastic box that was fairly packed but a couple of forced vehicle changes made the switch necessary.

Used to have a Jeep XJ which had an electrical fire a year and a half ago. Kept the box behind the drivers seat... moved to a GMC & kept the box in the same place. That had a bad motor and was gone in 6 months.

Now I have a Malibu hybrid which didn't have room behind the drivers seat for a bigger box... and since its low to the ground with non-tinted windows theft is a concern. Couldn't find a way to really secure the box in the trunk without sacrificing valuable space so it kept flipping around.

Had to ditch a lot of stuff & what's left is super basic. Combo wrenches were the first to go replaced by adjustables. Full screwdriver set replaced with multibit. Allen & torx ditched for folding sets. Sockets are a little Cman kit 8-19mm & ride separate. Have a crate in the trunk with a tire pump, couple ratchet straps and a Halo jump pack.

I figure if I can't fix something with what's in the car its probably really screwed and need to put it on the shop bench. The car itself is basically call roadside assistance. The tools are for helping others and/or situations where I need tools while traveling.

 

[tym]

I used to use one of those small, plastic Craftsman "truck boxes" stashed behind the seat. I'd cram in as many red shop rags as I could to stop the rattling.

Ditto.

Home Depot also sells some nice small Klein zippered canvas tool storage bags that might work for smaller bits of kit.

 

[bob15]

Both .30 and .50 cal steel surplus ammo boxes.

 

[engineer2]

Cheap tools in a cheap toolbag in the spare tire well. Have to keep it out of sight so the car won't get broken into. Can't leave it in the trunk because the wife does Goodwill donations and when they unload it, they assume you are donating everything in the trunk.

 

[budget76]

like some others, one of the soft Craftsman tool bags. Pickup that sees more 'work' has a full set of pliers/wrenches/sockets/screwdrivers incl 1/2 drive. One in the Honda has a minimal set. Corvette has nothing. I should at least throw in some screwdrivers and a pair of pliers

 

[Sloper0204]

I'll have to upload pictures later, but the truck tool kit is in Adventure Tool Company bags. Much higher quality than most of what you will find elsewhere.

 

[Sterff]

I use a Husky bag from Home Depot. You can get a few different sizes for less than $20.

 

[nate_g_2003]

Probably overkill for roadside repairs, but it rides in the driver floorboard in the backseat. 50% of the reason it stays is the rare occasion I need it at work, which is infrequent at best.

Mainly all metric Genius 1/2, but have a set of the free HF screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, and Channellock 420s, along with a few random things I've needed in the past.

Also carry a HF multi driver, an old Cman flat blade, and another adjustable wrench, and a SOG Field Pup in the driver door pocket.

 

[lardy1]

I really don't carry tools in my vehicle unless I know I'm going to use it. My Harley, on the other hand...……...

 

[Sloper0204]

I'll have to upload pictures later, but the truck tool kit is in Adventure Tool Company bags. Much higher quality than most of what you will find elsewhere.

 

[bob from indiana]

Metal tool box in my trunk, old school and works for me. For my truck I have a Dewalt black plastic drill box that I removed the inner plastic guides from with an oscillating tool. It holds a lot and fits out of sight behind the seat of my regular cab G.M.C. I have another one that I use for a junk yard box. It is easy to carry and the top opens 180 degrees. I make it a point to set the tool I am using in the opened lid and never on the ground.

 

[Maddog3355]

Thanks guys for the ideas.

 

[Ryanbabz71]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[mrjaw14]

Trying to organize my tools to under seat storage. I may get an atlas 46 tool roll, but I am space limited, so it may be too big. I’d love to see more pictures.

 

[lolaetype]

I have a basic tool bag in the trunk of every car. Nothing fancy, screw drivers, pliers, wire cutters, tape, tie wraps wrenches (metric or SAE depending on the car) and a set of jumper cables. I've also got a NOCO jump starter I carry in a separate bag along with a flat repair plug kit this goes in the trunk of whatever car we are taking on an out of town trip.

 

[WQ59B]

Took the rear seat out of my crew cab and built this. Far side under the Makitas is hinged for storage, too.

 

[bugnut]

If you have a Ridgeline, just saying

 

[engineer2]

One in the Honda has a minimal set.

All you need is a Phillips screwdriver and a 10 mm wrench. That's good for disassembling half the car.

 

[Catch_22]

If you have a Ridgeline, just saying

So the owners of the "truck" has a place to keep their purse safe?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Fast forward I upgraded to a 4 door crew cab and seems like have been using the back more often and the toolbox was in the was so I went to harbor freight and bought a 15” Tool bag and just emptied all my tools into it and it worked perfectly to fit under the seat and out of the way until I get on a rough road and then I hear tools rattling!

Just stuff some rags in the bag to keep the tools from rattling, if you need to use them you'll probably need the rags anyway.

 

[Mattlt]

I have these three bags that I move between vehicles.
Green military style tool bag with the essential tools
Medium used computer bag with road side E clothing, tyvek suit, fluorescent vest gloves
Large used computer bag with jumper cables, quart oil, fix a flat can, tow rope

[GALLERY=media, 36199][/GALLERY][IMG][/QUOTE]


Securing them is actually a really good idea! You don't want these things flying around inside the cab in the event of a crash or a rollover.

 

[PECVD2]

Securing them is actually a really good idea! You don't want these things flying around inside the cab in the event of a crash or a rollover.

Thanks, but learned the hard way twice before I was a teenager.
Roll over with hard sided luggage (mom fell asleep) and with groceries/cans(sister was racing and lost it....rookie Mustang diver) gotta few scars and aches and pains to remind me of those brief horrible seconds

 

[WQ59B]

Also seen in thread :
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6011688#post6011688