Making my own tool box foam inserts.

[Odinson55]

I have been looking for good DIY foam for awhile, and the prices have always made me shy from ordering pre sized drawer kits. I was hanging out with my daughters, and they were making stuff with craft foam. I got to thinking, and busted out a can of super 77 and started testing a theory.

Results have been pretty decent so far, and I've already started one full drawer. The cheapest blank foam pieces I found put me spending as much on foam as I did on my tool boxes. With using the craft foam, and even EVA foam flooring mats, I have found my way into something fun as hell and it will look damn good in the end. Just takes a router, spiral saw, or dremel, and some patience.

Up first my test pieces.

And my first full drawer, not yet finished, but getting there.

 

[acer66]

Looks great.

 

[Ohmthis]

Some people will poo poo shadowing if its not required because of (so called) wasted space. I love having an organized tool box and there is no better way, in my opinion. I had all of my sockets cut into foam years ago, I loved it. When I upgraded my box, the foam insert didn't fit anymore, so I went with socket trays. I am looking for a tray (kinda like what Snap On drivers come in) for screw drivers. This may be what I do. I like it and it looks good

 

[rsanter]

Nice, where did you get this craft foam

Bob

 

[Richard Cranium]

nice looking. Waiting to hear where you got the foam.

 

[Odinson55]

Hobby Lobby sells it in sheets 12"x18", in either 2mm, 3mm, or 5mm. The ratchet piece is one piece of black 5mm, with 8 pieces of 3mm in red under it. The cheapest way is to use flooring tiles. Wal-Mart sells 3/4" thick ones for about $25. You get six tiles, each is 24"x24". Then you just buy the top foam.

I'm looking for a place to source EVA foam in larger sheets. If i find one, I'll post up for sure.

 

[dv8customs]

I used this stuff for my box, worked great

http://www.foambymail.com/MC2-/cross-linked-polyethylene-foam-2lb.html

 

[Odinson55]

I don't know how well that would take a router bit. And to get any color except white or charcoal, you have to buy the biggest sheet they sell. I'd have to get a sample of the foam and play around with it.

 

[JonBoehman]

I like it. I will be using this idea. Hobby lobby sells that foam

 

[Odinson55]

Yep, but you have to buy multiple sheets and use a good spray adhesive to fuse them together. It works pretty well though. I have a plan in my head for making larger sheets for larger drawers. When I get one put together I'll post about it here.

 

[Pop Alexandra]

Thanks for sharing! Works like a charm.

 

[skrap metal]

neat.