Modular Tool Boxes in the garage?

[IRQVET]

So I’m debating as I go down the rabbit hole of garage organization, or in my case, the lack thereof- possibably going with a modular tool storage system. I know these systems are mainly used for people on the go, so I’m not 100% sure this will be my best option moving forward.

I currently have 44 inch tool cabinet (bottom only) and a 26 inch tool cabinet as my only tool storage system outside of my welding area. Unfortunately my garage has zero shelving, or places I can store bulky tools I seldomly use. So I’m looking for some way to get organized as my garage looks like a bomb hit Walmart. And I’m really getting tired of having to dig around to find the tools I need.

Looking for suggestions and/or lessions learned.

 

[619DioFan]

check your local CL for file cabinets { especially the 4 drawer laterals } great for storing bulky less used tools. some times file cabs are free on CL . paint them to fit your other boxes.

 

[GrayFlattop]

IMO the modular systems referenced in your photo are best suited for traveling / job site work. I have several and while they function, I really do not care for them. The tool I need is always in the bottom-most box.

At one time I traveled with my tools for work, but that time is past. For awhile, I thought I would be buying properties and fixing / flipping. Not happening.

I do like the old Bosch L-Boxx and sort of like the Festool boxes, but in reality, if you are working at a single location, Deep drawers cannot be beat for storage density and accessibility.

Lista gravitates to the top of my list for quality, but the cost is not for the weak of heart. Used Lista, Lyon, Vidmar or similar can be a good option, but evaluate condition closely.

HD has a good selection of Husky roller cabinets that aren't too bad.

 

[Spud McGee]

I have some of those style like what's shown in the photo. I have some dewalt and some husky. Its annoying to have to un-stack the **** on the top to get into the stuff on the bottom. I would plan on using them for anything you use fairly often.

Milwaukee has partially fixed this with their packout drawers. IDK what sort of rolling bases they have these days. Last time I looked, they didn't have a great option for a rolling base to go with the packout drawers.

 

[LeeG]

I use the Rigid toolboxes for organizing tools. The thing I don’t care for is having to move a box to get to the one under it. To solve that, I build custom shelves to hold them.



Lee

 

[Bucko]

check your local CL for file cabinets { especially the 4 drawer laterals } great for storing bulky less used tools. some times file cabs are free on CL . paint them to fit your other boxes.

I second the use of the file cabinets but I chose the 2 drawer lateral cabinets because I was able to remove the leveler feet and use 2" casters on them. They fit under my benches and if/when I move again they can be hauled with the stuff inside. I plan to make up some cribbing so they can be stacked on the truck and under the bottom cabinet to keep from damaging the casters with all the stacked weight. I got them all from facebook for about $30 each and the casters came from Amazon fot about $12.

I also have several 4 drawer legal file size cabinets in a storage room. Most of them I paid $10 each for.

 

[ColorMeOrange]

Those would be a step up for me. I'm currently using rubbermaid tubs for their convenience.

They make it easier when on the go from my shop/ work areas to any finish work jobs I decide to take on. And when bringing tools in and out while we dont have a locking garage with this house. And I've become very reluctant about leaving my expensive tools and any tools exposed for curious eyes and sticky fingers .

If you like them OP go with your gut.

As soon as I fix the flat on my wheelie we won't be all that far apart with the approach.

 

[CSRPenFab]

I have a large roller box for all of my hand tools. Then I bought a bunch of DeWalt T-Stak boxes on a wheeled base to hold all of my Park bicycle tools and some seldom used cordless power tools such as a circular saw, dremel, etc. This works well for me and I can simply roll the DeWalt t-stak out when I'm wrenching on the bicycles or need one of the power tools. Acme Tools has some good t-stak deals at times, as does Amazon.

You can see the DeWalt t-stak to the right of my roller box:

 

[ColorMeOrange]

I have a large roller box for all of my hand tools. Then I bought a bunch of DeWalt T-Stak boxes on a wheeled base to hold all of my Park bicycle tools and some seldom used cordless power tools such as a circular saw, dremel, etc. This works well for me and I can simply roll the DeWalt t-stak out when I'm wrenching on the bicycles or need one of the power tools. Acme Tools has some good t-stak deals at times, as does Amazon.

You can see the DeWalt t-stak to the right of my roller box:

How do you like that modular flooring. Is it the modular stuff you can easily move and lay back down by the piece if one gets damaged? I actually considered using something like that in the basement pool table / rec / hangout cave.

 

[CSRPenFab]

How do you like that modular flooring. Is it the modular stuff you can easily move and lay back down by the piece if one gets damaged? I actually considered using something like that in the basement pool table / rec / hangout cave.

The floor is RaceDeck and I love it! This is my fourth garage with RD tiles. The first 3 in CA were their "diamond" tiles and then I installed this "Free Flow" flow in my Idaho home two years ago. It handles the winter slush great. It's very easy to remove a 1'x1' tile if needed. Takes 30 seconds with a putty knife.

For a rec room, I'd think you want their Diamond or Circle tiles. Head over to the "Flooring" forum for more info on Race Deck. Mention you're a GJ member for a very nice discount too! Here's my prior CA garage with the diamond tiles:

 

[Zeke]

You really can't beat a drawer based tool storage system. I have kept many of my power tools in their original cases because of accessories, wrenches, etc. Storing them vertically on a shelf makes that easy. But if I have few out and open that takes up a lot of real estate. Not saying I put every tool back in its drawer between uses, but I have that option if things start to get too spread out.

Unstacking and unpacking modular is not convenient at home.

 

[IRQVET]

Being 100% honest, the cleanliness of you guys garages are making me feel like such a lazy POS.

My garage looks like a bomb hit walmart at the moment, and this is the cleanest it been in months, lol.