Labeling and Storage for Specialty Tools?

[PAToyota]

Lately I have been running into a bit of an issue and am looking for options.

With some "different" different vehicles in the fleet I've been acquiring some specialty tools - notably stuff for the 6.5 diesel, the Bobcats, and the motorcycle.

Most of this stuff is fairly identifiable. But I'm realizing some of the stuff isn't quite as obvious as to application - items such as sockets for injectors or glow plugs or crowsfeet wrenches for injection lines and such. Many of them just have a Kent Moore or SnapOn number on them rather than size. So is this the glow plug socket for the GM 6.5 or the Kubota in the excavator? Sometimes it is just a matter of trying and seeing which one fits.

I suppose that I could just take a few small Rubbermaid containers, label one "6.5 Injection Tools" (or such) and throw the glow plug socket, injector socket, injection line wrench, and everything else associated in there and then put the container in a drawer for the Chevy truck along with the containers for special tools for the NV4500 and the 14-bolt axle and so forth and have another drawer for the containers for the excavator tools so that everything would be together.

But does anyone else have a slick setup for things like this? Just looking for ideas and options.

 

[Fedwrench]

I started out using a full length side locker for specialty tool and their cases but, have out grown it to a regular two door wallocker.
At first, I wrote the tool's application on the box with a sharpee. I have since graduated to one of those peel and stick label makers for a better look. I also stick labels under the lid so they're protected a little. Wider clear tape over the label helps too. For smaller loose stuff, I usually pick up kids pencil boxes when they go on sale after school starts. On sale they run about 25 cents a box. Some boxes are more durable than others but for a quarter, you can't complain too much. Since I work mostly on the big three, I divided the locker into 4 sections. One for Ford, GM, Chrysler, and one for other. It's not perfect but, it gets the job done. Your results may vary.

 

[justinmc]

What about those "configurable" plastic compartment boxes... the ones similar to flat "tackle boxes" you see at walmart, etc for $5 ea or something. You can configure the compartments per tool size then put a sheet on the under side of the lid labeling what's in each compartment. Then you'd know if something never found its way home, etc.

 

[speed bump]

My dad spends most of his time on the road and organizes his tools with those Klein canvas bags like Elroys.

Also you could just label the tools individually with a paint pen or an engraving pencil(if your not stuck on the must not engrave tools)

 

[PAToyota]

Yes, this is more about the "smaller loose stuff" than the stuff that comes in boxes. Most of the time anything that comes in a box has enough information on the box to let me know what it is for.

I'll have to take a look at what sorts of containers I can come up with that will best suit the variety of tools I need "homes" for. I do have one of those Brother P-Touch label makers, which does a very nice job. But it isn't the sort of thing I'd wrap around a socket or most tools itself - mainly because the tools get greasy / dirty during use.

 

[justinmc]

Yes, this is more about the "smaller loose stuff" than the stuff that comes in boxes. Most of the time anything that comes in a box has enough information on the box to let me know what it is for.

I'll have to take a look at what sorts of containers I can come up with that will best suit the variety of tools I need "homes" for. I do have one of those Brother P-Touch label makers, which does a very nice job. But it isn't the sort of thing I'd wrap around a socket or most tools itself - mainly because the tools get greasy / dirty during use.

This is kinda what I had in mind.... I know you can find them in different sizes including depth that would probably function fairly well. Actually now that you mention it I might have to do this for some of my smaller stuff.