First thing, I don’t have a lift and don’t plan on having one any time in the near future. That being said, when I’m working on a car I find myself in one of two places. I’m either on a small short roll around chair/stool, or sitting on my ****. The problem is, is that I always wind up with my tools scattered across the floor, sockets roll, wrenches and everything Get knocked just outof arms reach. I know Im not the only one to have this problem. Anyone ever use the roll around ,little seats with the drawers In them to put the tools your frequently using for that job. Any other tips?
How to keep tools off floor and somewhat organized?
- Thread starter Bradc1989
- Start date
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
Ever thought about a tool creeper?
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Tool creeper or get a magnetic tray and put them all in they make big ones. Or get like one of those foil tin pans the big ones from the baking section at the store and put them in there each time. That way when it’s cleanup time you just pick them up and put them back.
afazz
Well-known member
I started using large baking sheets. It has helped me keep tools contained, easily transport everything to the other side for two sided jobs (brakes, shocks, etc), and makes it easy to pick up the whole tray and carry it back to my toolbox to put everything away.
I like that, just roll the little ******* around with ya
sick467
Well-known member
Baking sheets are awesome. There are low profile, contain fluids, easy to clean, and most houses have a few in them that are spare and burnt to a crisp anyhow (cheap or free). I also have some abandoned desk drawer organizers with about 6 compartments each that work great for keeping the "nuts and bolts" separate when the work is coming apart. Once a baking sheet's worth of tools has done their job, I set it on the work bench and they are ready for when it goes back together...same with the desk organizers and hardware.
ptgarcia
Well-known member
fsae0607
Well-known member
Harbor Freight sells a very similar one. Love it!
I just remove one of the dovetailed walnut trays from my $20,000 Nepros Tool Table and use it on the floor.
www.garagejournal.com
Nepros Next Walnut Toolbox
Bump into this thread while searching for DIY stuff, hope you like it
www.garagejournal.com
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kbeefy
Well-known member
I have that set of Grypmats, I like them for working in the engine compartment, not so much on the floor.
I would like them to be a bit less flexible, and they are pretty spendy for what they are. I appreciate that the are veteran designed and marketed, but would be more willing to spend $$ if they were made in the USA.
I had a great laugh over at their store. They sell a set of (3) 10mm sockets. Because 10mm.
Bagherra
Well-known member
I think is not bad ...especially the price...
www.eastwood.com
Eastwood Rolling Undercar Tool Tray
Keep all of your tools and fasteners in a convenient location
www.eastwood.com
ptgarcia
Well-known member
I think is not bad ...especially the price...
Eastwood Rolling Undercar Tool Tray
Keep all of your tools and fasteners in a convenient location
Nice, but that would just end up at the bottom of my street. No level work surface where I live, hahaha.
I'm with the baking pan suggestion. I have a few old ones in the garage that I snagged when my wife bought new ones, they're a bit blackened from years of kitchen use but great for the garage in multiple applications. Mine are the cookie sheets but a deeper pan would be nice too
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
I have various tote trays and magnetic trays. Tote trays are very useful for holding tools when working.
ZRX61
Well-known member
I use one of those cardboard trays that are used for 35pks of soda from Costco.
sponfit
Well-known member
What about a tear down tray cart? You could always cut it down so it's shorter to work with the stool height.
I just toss stuff on the cardboard I use to lie on - rarely use my creeper.
sockets in a magnetic holder won't roll; and neither will a stick-on rail
I finally broke down and bought a roller seat and toss stuff in the tray at the bottom when I'm using it.
I have the same issues... Just ordered a rolling seat to help with keeping me and my tools off the ground. It kills my back.
This is another thing I've been looking at picking up from HF. Just never seem to remember when I'm there... But it's similar to another item someone else posted earlier. I always seem to get under the car to do something and forgot a tool or grab the wrong sized tool. I'm thinking having this little tool creeper under the car with me could help me avoid having to make multiple trips. https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-creeper-56155.html
This is another thing I've been looking at picking up from HF. Just never seem to remember when I'm there... But it's similar to another item someone else posted earlier. I always seem to get under the car to do something and forgot a tool or grab the wrong sized tool. I'm thinking having this little tool creeper under the car with me could help me avoid having to make multiple trips. https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-creeper-56155.html
ajchien
Well-known member
When I’m sitting, I use the roller seats with the trays at the bottom. Often times, I’ve got 2-3 magnetic trays attached. When I’m on the ground, it’s pretty much disorganized. I’ve tried trays, but hasn’t really worked out for me.
APEowner
Well-known member
100 years ago, when I was a GM tech I got in the habit of always placing tools on either the floor or the bench in a roughly sorted pattern. From right to left it's drivers like impact guns, ratchets and extensions, then sockets followed by screwdrivers and other long skinny things with handles, then pliers and things with squeezy handles then everything else. On the floor I pile that stuff to my right. Parts and fasteners go on the left. Small ones in magnetic trays and bigger ones on the floor. I try not to get to **** about it. Just having some consistency makes the job go faster and keeps me from hunting around for tools and parts that I just had.
I have the same problem. I started using tote caddies.
Interesting thought process. I’ll try something like this. Thanks for posting.
tomtomgt356
Well-known member
What a strange concept!
I don't always remember too put them away when I am done with a project, much less in the middle of a project!Jersey Drew
Well-known member
You could use a cheapo HF tool cart and leave the bottom shelf for the tools you need while “crawling” around on the floor…
Bad Habit
Well-known member
The plastic trays for cut up veggies from the grocery store work great for holding nuts and bolts etc
scdealer
Well-known member
There was a similar thread awhile back and using a regular hand tool box on a HF lift table was suggested a couple of times.
didit
Well-known member
I never did use any kind of tool caddy because my garage isn't all that big and I try to avoid a lot of tool duplication.
Sometimes it gets to the point that I have too many tools out. I stop and put everything back where they belong. That way I waste less time looking for something and avoid tripping hazards. If it's in its place I can find it right away. Some might find it to be a waste of time if you are going to need the same tools for reassembly but I'm just working for myself with no time restrictions and have grown accustomed to being organized. I still lose and misplace stuff sometimes though.
Sometimes it gets to the point that I have too many tools out. I stop and put everything back where they belong. That way I waste less time looking for something and avoid tripping hazards. If it's in its place I can find it right away. Some might find it to be a waste of time if you are going to need the same tools for reassembly but I'm just working for myself with no time restrictions and have grown accustomed to being organized. I still lose and misplace stuff sometimes though.
Nachito13
Member
TTMotorsports
Well-known member
I have one of these and was surprised at how often I use it.
www.harborfreight.com
Tool Creeper
Amazing deals on this Tool Creeper at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
quickfarms
Well-known member
I use plastic buss trays, made for bussing tables in restaurants, when working under the house or in the attic
in the garage I often use them except they sometimes ride on a furniture dolly.
the cardboard trays from the cases of drinks are also good and disposable
in the garage I often use them except they sometimes ride on a furniture dolly.
the cardboard trays from the cases of drinks are also good and disposable
I’ll probably try out one of those tool creepers. I also like the idea of cutting down a plastic cart to make it shorter. Stopping and cleaning up and starting fresh every so often is also not a bad idea At all.
My gal gave me a set of those silicone mats branded "Grypty" or something similar. I smiled and thanked her thinking they wouldn't get used. Wrong. For working on Harleys without a lift or anything on the floor they work well. Our projects often sit somewhat idle for various reasons and keeping parts & fasteners separated and organized helps. I really don't like dragging chrome tools across concrete. If I was doing it for rent I'd probably feel much different about that.
ptgarcia
Well-known member
I have a tool creeper, very handy. My driveway is also sloped, but I usually don't have any issues with the creeper rolling away. Errant sockets that fall through the engine bay though - yeah they just keep rolling.
I also have one of those tool chest stools, works pretty well for me too.
I also have one of those tool chest stools, works pretty well for me too.