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Let's see your toolbox.

zmotorsports

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When you guys get new tools do you just toss the plastic cases they came in?

Depends. I'm generally not a fan of the blow molded cases in my toolbox as they are a space waster. I'd rather have that real estate for actual tools vs. plastic carrying cases. However, for tools such as compression gauges, leak-down testers, vacuum gauges, brake pressure testers, etc. I actually prefer to keep them in the blow molded cases for not only convenience of storage in cabinets, but also to protect them.
 
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Shocker

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It depends on the size of the drawer they are in. For example, I keep all my impacts in their original cases in a large, deep drawer. It allows me to keep the oiled up so they are ready to go. Just grab the case and go.
 

zmotorsports

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With the thread on Snap-on screwdriver quality vs. others and my comments about my preferences, I actually made a few adjustments to my screwdriver drawer over the weekend so I thought I'd post up some updated toolbox drawer pictures to this thread. Not a lot has changed over the past few years since I showed them last but there have been a couple here and there.

Here is the toolbox itself. I purchased this KRL setup new back in 2006 after trading in my old Macsimizer top, bottom and dual side locker setup that I had for about 8 years prior at my home shop.

tool1.jpg

Socket drawer is divided in half by the 3/8" extensions in the middle. Left half SAE, right half Metric.
tool2.jpg

SAE side.
tool3.jpg

Metric side.
tool4.jpg

Wrenches. Up to 1" and 24mm. Same as sockets, SAE left side, Metric right side.
tool5.jpg

Screwdriver drawer. The black Contour Grip Snap-on's in the upper middle were my first "professional" screwdrivers purchased when I began my career in 1988. A coworker traded them in on the new Snap-on ones so I bought them. They were in excellent condition and I used those daily for a couple of years before I bought the red Snap-on Power Grips at front center of drawer in early 1990's. I also bought the MAC Comfort grip red handled ones just to the left front early 90's as well for our race trailer. Later I bought another set of the MAC Comfort grip, only high vis. green and put them in our race trailer and the red MAC Comfort grips went to the truck's toolbox and have been there ever since. I just swapped them out Saturday so I could start using them as I like them so much. The Snap-on Instincts I purchased new when they came out in 2008. The Vessels are not new as I purchased them about 12 or so years ago for working on powersports but they seldom get used these days.
tool6.jpg

Pliers.
tool33.jpg

Ratchets and Snap-on 1/2" extensions as well as other various extensions.
tool11.jpg

Blue Point amber handled screwdrivers, nut drivers, fairly new 1/4" bit driver extensions, various 1/2" wobble extensions and 3/4" extensions.
tool12.jpg

Scrapers and carburetor tools. A couple sets of older Blue Point and Snap-on sets but I really like the carbide scrapers. I have had the Matco carbide scrapers for a few years now and like them so much that I bought the Snap-on ones recently. I also like the SK set that I've had for about 8 years or so.
tool13.jpg

More pictures to come.
 

zmotorsports

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Continuing on.

Electrical testing drawer. For some reason I forgot to put my fairly recent addition in this picture as I was using it at the time. My Snap-on EEDM525F multi-meter.
tool9.jpg

Torque wrenches. My Snap-on 1/2" Techangle wrench as well as my Snap-on TQR 3/4" torque wrench are in the top as it is too long for this drawer. I have my Snap-on 3/8" Techwrench and Techangle here as well as all of the others.
tool10.jpg

Wrenches up to 1-1/8", serpentine wrenches. The Capri thin wrenches in Metric and SAE as well as the Carlyle extra long flex head ratcheting wrenches in Metric and SAE are relatively new additions. The MAC 1/2" drive torque extension is rather old but well used and a life saver in some situations, especially large RV's when trying to get to air spring fasteners.
tool14.jpg

Snap-on snap ring pliers as well as Oetiker clamp pliers to the back of the drawer.
tool15.jpg

Various extractors, rounded nut remover tools bit drivers and EZ Red flex in short and long.
tool16.jpg

Punches and chisel drawer.
tool17.jpg

Drill bits.
tool18.jpg

Various engine assembly tools and sanity tools.
tool19.jpg

Cooling system tools.
tool30.jpg

Body panel, trim tools, interior tools and hose cutters.
tool31.jpg

More to come.
 
Last edited:

zmotorsports

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Continuing on.

Metrology drawer.
tool34.jpg

Pneumatic tools and the few cordless tools that I own. I'm still a fan of air tools in many applications, although I do own a select few cordless tools from Snap-on and Milwaukee. This drawer has become layered over the years as the collection has grown substantially.
tool35.jpg

Hammers and prybars.
tool36.jpg

Bottom drawer is kind of a hodge podge. I have my large wrenches, 1-3/16" up to 2" Danahers (NAPA), large chain wrench (Williams), Knipex Cobra large pliers, emergency brake cable tool, battery cable crimpers, Snap-on and Bahco high torque adjustable pliers, wheel lugnut socket set, small diesel injector remover tool set and a variety of others.
tool37.jpg

Body hammers and dollies.
tool32.jpg

More to come.
 
Last edited:

zmotorsports

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Last of the pictures.

Side locker. This is where I keep some of my tools in blow-molded cases that get used more frequently. Others are in the cupboards along the shop wall. Tools such as air hammer, timing light, coolant tester and adapters, serpentine tools, cylinder leakage tools, compression tester, tubing flange tools, vacuum gauge, thread chaser set, fuel line disconnects, brake pressure test kit and many more. Snap-on long prybar hands inside door.
tool26.jpg

In the toolboxes mounted under my workbenches I keep my scanners and terminal adapter kits.
tool28.jpg

Tools for depinning terminals and small AES UScope for quick access.
tool27 (2).jpg


That's the bulk of them.

Thanks for looking.
 
Last edited:

53choptop

New member
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Apr 4, 2006
Messages
1
Last of the pictures.

Side locker. This is where I keep some of my tools in blow-molded cases that get used more frequently. Others are in the cupboards along the shop wall. Tools such as air hammer, timing light, coolant tester and adapters, serpentine tools, cylinder leakage tools, compression tester, tubing flange tools, vacuum gauge, thread chaser set, fuel line disconnects, brake pressure test kit and many more. Snap-on long prybar hands inside door.
tool26.jpg

In the toolboxes mounted under my workbenches I keep my scanners and terminal adapter kits.
tool28.jpg

Tools for depinning terminals and small AES UScope for quick access.
tool27 (2).jpg


That's the bulk of them.

Thanks for looking.
I like it. Personally, I like looking at a box that looks "used" and not a perfectly-manicured-super-organized-everything in perfect symmetry. You know sockets arranged in such an order that if one is taken out, the house of cards will crumble. I wish I was that OCD, looks great, but doesn't seem practical (not saying it isn't to those that are like that). Your box looks practical.
 

DC6DRIVER

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Joined
Feb 25, 2024
Messages
13
Not a tool box but it's in my shop so it should count.
I got this from my Uncle's estate. He worked many years at Hughes in Culver City. When Hughes shut everything down there, in the mid 90's, they cleared out all the buildings and hauled a lot of stuff to the dump. This was slated to go but my Uncle asked if he could have it.
In the early 40's, Howard Hughes and Henry Kaiser got together to build a large airplane. It was the HK-1 more commonly known as the Spruce Goose. When building a mostly wooden airplane, you don't hire carpenters, you hire cabinet makers. As part of the interview process, prospective employees were told to get what they needed from the supply that would become the aircraft and build something. This workbench is one of those somethings.
20200608_144935.jpg
 

2ndGearRubber

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Messages
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Location
Pittsburgh
I like it. Personally, I like looking at a box that looks "used" and not a perfectly-manicured-super-organized-everything in perfect symmetry. You know sockets arranged in such an order that if one is taken out, the house of cards will crumble. I wish I was that OCD, looks great, but doesn't seem practical (not saying it isn't to those that are like that). Your box looks practical.

My thought exactly.
 

Jgaz

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Messages
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Location
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Not a tool box but it's in my shop so it should count.
I got this from my Uncle's estate. He worked many years at Hughes in Culver City. When Hughes shut everything down there, in the mid 90's, they cleared out all the buildings and hauled a lot of stuff to the dump. This was slated to go but my Uncle asked if he could have it.
In the early 40's, Howard Hughes and Henry Kaiser got together to build a large airplane. It was the HK-1 more commonly known as the Spruce Goose. When building a mostly wooden airplane, you don't hire carpenters, you hire cabinet makers. As part of the interview process, prospective employees were told to get what they needed from the supply that would become the aircraft and build something. This workbench is one of those somethings.
20200608_144935.jpg
Holy ****! That thing is beautiful! And heck yes it counts.
Great backstory as well.

Post this in this thread https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...please-show-them.305831/page-18#post-10454665
 
Last edited:

Jgaz

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Messages
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Location
AZ
With the thread on Snap-on screwdriver quality vs. others and my comments about my preferences, I actually made a few adjustments to my screwdriver drawer over the weekend so I thought I'd post up some updated toolbox drawer pictures to this thread. Not a lot has changed over the past few years since I showed them last but there have been a couple here and there.

Here is the toolbox itself. I purchased this KRL setup new back in 2006 after trading in my old Macsimizer top, bottom and dual side locker setup that I had for about 8 years prior at my home shop.

tool1.jpg

Socket drawer is divided in half by the 3/8" extensions in the middle. Left half SAE, right half Metric.
tool2.jpg

SAE side.
tool3.jpg

Metric side.
tool4.jpg

Wrenches. Up to 1" and 24mm. Same as sockets, SAE left side, Metric right side.
tool5.jpg

Screwdriver drawer. The black Contour Grip Snap-on's in the upper middle were my first "professional" screwdrivers purchased when I began my career in 1988. A coworker traded them in on the new Snap-on ones so I bought them. They were in excellent condition and I used those daily for a couple of years before I bought the red Snap-on Power Grips at front center of drawer in early 1990's. I also bought the MAC Comfort grip red handled ones just to the left front early 90's as well for our race trailer. Later I bought another set of the MAC Comfort grip, only high vis. green and put them in our race trailer and the red MAC Comfort grips went to the truck's toolbox and have been there ever since. I just swapped them out Saturday so I could start using them as I like them so much. The Snap-on Instincts I purchased new when they came out in 2008. The Vessels are not new as I purchased them about 12 or so years ago for working on powersports but they seldom get used these days.
tool6.jpg

Pliers.
tool33.jpg

Ratchets and Snap-on 1/2" extensions as well as other various extensions.
tool11.jpg

Blue Point amber handled screwdrivers, nut drivers, fairly new 1/4" bit driver extensions, various 1/2" wobble extensions and 3/4" extensions.
tool12.jpg

Scrapers and carburetor tools. A couple sets of older Blue Point and Snap-on sets but I really like the carbide scrapers. I have had the Matco carbide scrapers for a few years now and like them so much that I bought the Snap-on ones recently. I also like the SK set that I've had for about 8 years or so.
tool13.jpg

More pictures to come.
Beautiful box!
Or should I say, beautiful working box.
That KRL bottom box with the two long drawers is my all time favorite SnapOn box.
 

4 FN 27

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Building out a "FB Market Place/Ebay" Tool Box for the Toy Hauler. Found a new in the box Gen 1 US General Top Box on FBMP for $150. Bought a Tekton 3/8 & 1/4 Drive set and a few other goodies. The hit Ebay for NOS USA made Craftsman Drivers.

A little time reverse engineering and about 80 hours of 3D Printing and it is coming along...

IMG_5714.JPG

IMG_5728.JPG

Torx Drivers will have a home by noon tomorrow.
 

DC6DRIVER

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2024
Messages
13
Holy ****! That thing is beautiful! And heck yes it counts.
Great backstory as well
Sorry to help derail @zmotorsports thread but I had to comment.

Post this in this thread https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...please-show-them.305831/page-18#post-10454665
If only I could figure out how to do that. I thought that when I posted it here, I was starting a new thread. Instead, it appears that I hijacked a thread from Zmotorsports. That wasn't intentional, it's just me not knowing how this all works.
I went to that site and could not find any place to post a thread.
Holy ****! That thing is beautiful! And heck yes it counts.
Great backstory as well
Sorry to help derail @zmotorsports thread but I had to comment.

Post this in this thread https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...please-show-them.305831/page-18#post-10454665
 

bugnut

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Jul 14, 2012
Messages
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Location
Central Ohio
Pat, are you by chance sharing the stl files for the holders you are printing. I might have to get a bigger toolbox or 3 or 4 but I'm loving the organization.

Or do we start setting up appointments for you and you tools to stop by!

PS your comment about organization and Mikes tool box struck a nerve for me!

Mike my OCD is telling me I need to load up the Faro Arm, Computer and 3D Printer and head to your shop...

But I bet if anyone moved a tool to a different drawer you would know...
 

zmotorsports

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Messages
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I like it. Personally, I like looking at a box that looks "used" and not a perfectly-manicured-super-organized-everything in perfect symmetry. You know sockets arranged in such an order that if one is taken out, the house of cards will crumble. I wish I was that OCD, looks great, but doesn't seem practical (not saying it isn't to those that are like that). Your box looks practical.

My thought exactly.

**OK guys, after walking away and then re-reading your comments I think I misunderstood. I apologize for not being as literate today.

I think what you were saying is that my box is practical in terms of not so symmetrical and organized that if a socket is removed then the others fall over. I'm sorry, I misunderstood.

Although I have a few socket sets stacked on others they don't impede getting to the ones I need most.

I agree that I much prefer looking at well used tools and toolboxes vs. those that looked like they haven't been worked out of, but to each their own. I have mine arranged for ease of grabbing tools and workflow, although the socket drawer and impact drawer do have some that need to be moved to get access to others. I'm guess I merely just out of room. :dunno:

Mike my OCD is telling me I need to load up the Faro Arm, Computer and 3D Printer and head to your shop...

But I bet if anyone moved a tool to a different drawer you would know...

Thanks Pat, unfortunately, anything additional in the drawers to organize will simply take up valuable real estate I cannot afford to lose. While I love your socket, ratchet and screwdriver arrangement pictured above, I would find myself needing probably two more boxes to house everything. :bounce:

I can tell you though if I am putting tools away at the end of a task and a socket or something is missing or out of place I can usually tell pretty quick. It's like a disturbance in the force.
 
Last edited:

zmotorsports

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Beautiful box!
Or should I say, beautiful working box.
That KRL bottom box with the two long drawers is my all time favorite SnapOn box.


Thanks Jim. I like that you mentioned "working box" because that is exactly what it is. I have put a couple of scratches in it and have a little wear showing on the top front drawer edges just above the pulls but I guess that is to be expected with 18 years worth of use, even trying to take particular care of it. Even though it is in my home shop, it still gets used daily, although not 6-8 hours a day like it used to when I had my speed shop. The last few years I only spend about 2-5 hours a night in the shop working.

As for the KRL1023, I agree. This was my favorite bottom box for quite a few years and I felt so blessed when I was able to finally afford it and even doubly blessed when the wife gave her support/permission for me to pull the trigger. I had looked for used ones for a few years and the couple I did find were kind of abused and/or not the right color. I'm a red fan and only a red fan when it comes to tool boxes and many tools for that matter. Old school I guess.

When I purchased it I was informed that Snap-on was getting ready to release their new line of boxes, the Epiq, but I liked this KRL or Masters Series for so long I couldn't think of not getting one when I had the chance. Looking back I still prefer the KRL's to the Epiq's due to the drawer pulls mainly. I don't like the ratio of chrome to paint on the Epiq's nor the drawer locks, but those are just personal preferences, I know many feel the other way. For me, the slide to unlock pull is just a second nature move and doesn't impede my opening a drawer by even a fraction of a second and I prefer the looks.

I know it isn't showroom condition and I know the tools show signs of wear, some heavy wear, but it has been a good toolbox and the tools themselves have helped me to make a decent living over the years and I'm proud of it.

Thanks.
 

Toold_up

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Attached
Thanks Jim. I like that you mentioned "working box" because that is exactly what it is. I have put a couple of scratches in it and have a little wear showing on the top front drawer edges just above the pulls but I guess that is to be expected with 18 years worth of use, even trying to take particular care of it. Even though it is in my home shop, it still gets used daily, although not 6-8 hours a day like it used to when I had my speed shop. The last few years I only spend about 2-5 hours a night in the shop working.

As for the KRL1023, I agree. This was my favorite bottom box for quite a few years and I felt so blessed when I was able to finally afford it and even doubly blessed when the wife gave her support/permission for me to pull the trigger. I had looked for used ones for a few years and the couple I did find were kind of abused and/or not the right color. I'm a red fan and only a red fan when it comes to tool boxes and many tools for that matter. Old school I guess.

When I purchased it I was informed that Snap-on was getting ready to release their new line of boxes, the Epiq, but I liked this KRL or Masters Series for so long I couldn't think of not getting one when I had the chance. Looking back I still prefer the KRL's to the Epiq's due to the drawer pulls mainly. I don't like the ratio of chrome to paint on the Epiq's nor the drawer locks, but those are just personal preferences, I know many feel the other way. For me, the slide to unlock pull is just a second nature move and doesn't impede my opening a drawer by even a fraction of a second and I prefer the looks.

I know it isn't showroom condition and I know the tools show signs of wear, some heavy wear, but it has been a good toolbox and the tools themselves have helped me to make a decent living over the years and I'm proud of it.

Thanks.


You sir are a good man! I like that you are humble and count your blessings. (y)
 
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4 FN 27

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Pat, are you by chance sharing the stl files for the holders you are printing. I might have to get a bigger toolbox or 3 or 4 but I'm loving the organization.

Or do we start setting up appointments for you and you tools to stop by!

PS your comment about organization and Mikes tool box struck a nerve for me!

Everything I build for myself I put up on Grabcad:

3D Printed Tekton Socket Racks (STL Files, Native SW Files, Parasolid and STEP files are there).

Keep in mind these are set specific and manufacturers have been known to change Blank Sizes (Socket OD). Tekton through a curve at me this time. They added 15mm Sockets to their 3/8 Drive Sets, standard height and deep. They also added a 3.5mm Hex driver in the 3/8 drive. This changed since I bought a couple of sets 2 years ago. Thus I have 3 sockets rolling around in that Box.

Traveling the country organizing Tool Boxes for GJ Members might not be a bad gig. Might be the right excuse to order up a new Featherlite Transporter and a decked out Tractor to pull it???

Pat, if I only had half your talent and tenacity …


Well I’d have half your talent and tenacity 😁

Great job bud 👍

Thank you Cam.

Not sure if it is talent and tenacity??? More like insanity.

I really enjoy the art of design and then making something from it. Developing the skillset in preparation to making the jump to 3D Metal Printing someday. I would really like to print Cylinder Heads and Intake Manifolds. Practice makes perfect.

Pfft, if an alligator clip was facing the wrong direction in mikes tester drawer he’d be hunting for the culprit 🤬

I know the feeling. My buddy Pete, who died almost 2 years ago would turn a wrench or 2 around in my Master Box. I was cool with that but I asked him not to flip and levers on the Mill or the Lathe and explained the disaster that could lead to.

Thanks Pat, unfortunately, anything additional in the drawers to organize will simply take up valuable real estate I cannot afford to lose. While I love your socket, ratchet and screwdriver arrangement pictured above, I would find myself needing probably two more boxes to house everything. :bounce:

I can tell you though if I am putting tools away at the end of a task and a socket or something is missing or out of place I can usually tell pretty quick. It's like a disturbance in the force.

Mike this is GJ...more Boxes? That is a win.

But I get it...not all my stuff has gotten the OCD touch for the same reason. The Racks and Trays do take up space. However when it comes to "Mobile Boxes" rolling/bouncing down the road and more than just my hands in the box I like organization. I detest loosing tools or having to dig for them when trying to accomplish fixing something.

Old habit from the racing days. Every tool has a place and is accounted for prior to leaving the Pit Spot. One of my guys left a 7/16 Wrench on the Intake Manifold. Fell out of the car and the Starter walked over as we were coming back on the return road and handed me the wrench. Don't need that hitting the ground at 200+ MPH bouncing and taking somebodies eye out.

Look Mom, no trays...but organized.

IMG_2074.JPG
 

2ndGearRubber

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Joined
Mar 24, 2014
Messages
14,185
Location
Pittsburgh
Thanks Jim. I like that you mentioned "working box" because that is exactly what it is. I have put a couple of scratches in it and have a little wear showing on the top front drawer edges just above the pulls but I guess that is to be expected with 18 years worth of use, even trying to take particular care of it. Even though it is in my home shop, it still gets used daily, although not 6-8 hours a day like it used to when I had my speed shop. The last few years I only spend about 2-5 hours a night in the shop working.

As for the KRL1023, I agree. This was my favorite bottom box for quite a few years and I felt so blessed when I was able to finally afford it and even doubly blessed when the wife gave her support/permission for me to pull the trigger. I had looked for used ones for a few years and the couple I did find were kind of abused and/or not the right color. I'm a red fan and only a red fan when it comes to tool boxes and many tools for that matter. Old school I guess.

When I purchased it I was informed that Snap-on was getting ready to release their new line of boxes, the Epiq, but I liked this KRL or Masters Series for so long I couldn't think of not getting one when I had the chance. Looking back I still prefer the KRL's to the Epiq's due to the drawer pulls mainly. I don't like the ratio of chrome to paint on the Epiq's nor the drawer locks, but those are just personal preferences, I know many feel the other way. For me, the slide to unlock pull is just a second nature move and doesn't impede my opening a drawer by even a fraction of a second and I prefer the looks.

I know it isn't showroom condition and I know the tools show signs of wear, some heavy wear, but it has been a good toolbox and the tools themselves have helped me to make a decent living over the years and I'm proud of it.

Thanks.

Please don't read into my comment negatively.

I love seeing a box setup to do real work, rather than a carefully organized masterpiece which looks nice but would be a massive PITA to work out of due to layout.
 

zmotorsports

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Please don't read into my comment negatively.

I love seeing a box setup to do real work, rather than a carefully organized masterpiece which looks nice but would be a massive PITA to work out of due to layout.


Thank you. I hate to admit this, but at first I didn't read it correctly. After re-reading the comments I understood what you and @53choptop were saying. I have much respect for your posts and comments so that is why I went back and re-read the comments.

I apologize for jumping to conclusions, but I thank you for clarifying.
 

bugnut

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Mike, Absolutely nothing wrong with honest wear and tear on tools and equipment, from making a living! And you are right tp be proud of it!
I know it isn't showroom condition and I know the tools show signs of wear, some heavy wear, but it has been a good toolbox and the tools themselves have helped me to make a decent living over the years and I'm proud of it.

Pat, Thanks for the information I 'll take a look, I hate gaps in socket racks I see it as wasted space!

Everything I build for myself I put up on Grabcad:

3D Printed Tekton Socket Racks (STL Files, Native SW Files, Parasolid and STEP files are there).

Keep in mind these are set specific and manufacturers have been known to change Blank Sizes (Socket OD). Tekton through a curve at me this time. They added 15mm Sockets to their 3/8 Drive Sets, standard height and deep. They also added a 3.5mm Hex driver in the 3/8 drive. This changed since I bought a couple of sets 2 years ago. Thus I have 3 sockets rolling around in that Box.

Traveling the country organizing Tool Boxes for GJ Members might not be a bad gig. Might be the right excuse to order up a new Featherlite Transporter and a decked out Tractor to pull it???
 

LOW1

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Joined
Jul 20, 2018
Messages
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Location
ontario
Not a tool box but it's in my shop so it should count.
I got this from my Uncle's estate. He worked many years at Hughes in Culver City. When Hughes shut everything down there, in the mid 90's, they cleared out all the buildings and hauled a lot of stuff to the dump. This was slated to go but my Uncle asked if he could have it.
In the early 40's, Howard Hughes and Henry Kaiser got together to build a large airplane. It was the HK-1 more commonly known as the Spruce Goose. When building a mostly wooden airplane, you don't hire carpenters, you hire cabinet makers. As part of the interview process, prospective employees were told to get what they needed from the supply that would become the aircraft and build something. This workbench is one of those somethings.
20200608_144935.jpg
Beautiful. But who is Shirley?
 

Sterff

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Joined
Feb 8, 2010
Messages
1,367
Location
PA
I recently upgraded my bottom toolbox to an Extreme RX 55''x25''. So far I am really happy with it. It is already full but, it was nice getting all my wrenches into two drawers vs 6 in my old box. Here are a few higlights of the box. I bought it from Rockin' Toolboxes and the process went smoothly. I wouldn't mind adding one of the Extreme carts in the future for at my job.
 

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GeoBruin

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Joined
May 5, 2018
Messages
3,732
It's been about 6 years since someone posted about a Pelican 0450, and they've been redesigned since then, so I thought I would post my new one.

This is replacing a combination of a couple tool rolls, milwaukee packout cases, and a bag that live in my truck. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with the previous arrangement other than it was kind of a pain to find/access a given tool. But I had the opportunity to obtain this case very affordably, and I've always thought they were interesting, so I pulled the trigger.

I ordered it with only a single deep drawer based on the rough plan in my head and I think that was the right decision. That said, the shallow drawers are pretty shallow, so I was lucky to fit nearly everything I wanted in them.

The top tray is removable, which is really nice if you just want to bring sockets to the work, and they are all on Earnst trays/rails so those come out individually as well. I ordered Kaizen foam for the rest of the drawers and did all the marking/cutting myself.

I've got a couple more bare spots I can fill at some point, but I'm already over 100 lbs, so I'm not trying too hard to cram more in. If you see something obvious I'm missing or some way I could have optimized DO NOT TELL ME BECAUSE I AM SICK OF THINKING ABOUT THIS AND CUTTING FOAM.

Cheers!
 

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will335i

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Feb 18, 2020
Messages
497
Location
IL
The pelican cases have been on my radar since I first saw them in the military. I keep an eye out for them but haven't pulled the trigger yet.
 

GeoBruin

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2018
Messages
3,732
The pelican cases have been on my radar since I first saw them in the military. I keep an eye out for them but haven't pulled the trigger yet.
From what I gather, the 2019 change was a good update. They now use aluminum slides instead of just letting the plastic ride on plastic. Also, the top tray is now a couple inches wider. Not sure if the drawer internal dimensions changed.
Worth considering if you're looking at used options.

I view foam as necessary if you're ever going to move it or tip it at all, and that will add 100 ish dollars to your purchase price assuming you want to do your own foam from scratch.

The Milwaukee packout drawers are pretty cool, but even for the 4-drawer model the drawers are deep enough that there's a lot of wasted space for hand tools. And the overall dimensions of the packout drawers are not all that much bigger than the 0450. The fact that it all seals up weather tight may not matter to some, but in other cases it makes all the difference.
 

will335i

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 18, 2020
Messages
497
Location
IL
From what I gather, the 2019 change was a good update. They now use aluminum slides instead of just letting the plastic ride on plastic. Also, the top tray is now a couple inches wider. Not sure if the drawer internal dimensions changed.
Worth considering if you're looking at used options.

I view foam as necessary if you're ever going to move it or tip it at all, and that will add 100 ish dollars to your purchase price assuming you want to do your own foam from scratch.

The Milwaukee packout drawers are pretty cool, but even for the 4-drawer model the drawers are deep enough that there's a lot of wasted space for hand tools. And the overall dimensions of the packout drawers are not all that much bigger than the 0450. The fact that it all seals up weather tight may not matter to some, but in other cases it makes all the difference.
You use to be able to find them with snap on tools too on the various gov auction sites but it seems like they are using different tool suppliers now.
 
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