New toolbox organization project

[messar]

Having looked at some of the grid based tooling storage ideas, and having a milling machine in the garage, I decided to take the concept to the next level.

Goals:
-To build the ultimate clean, high quality tooling storage using the grid concept.
-No plastic - needs to look and feel solid, and well made. I chose anodized aluminum.
-Spacing compatible with Gridfinity bins.
-Although I like tooling foam for tool control, this adds flexibility, and give the same result of seeing when a tool isn't in it's place.
-Made in the US

Details
I decided to start with a approximately 5x5x0.25" building block. These join together using a thick rubber pad that holds the sections together, and prevents the assembly from slipping in the toolbox.
The holes are on the same pitch as the Gridfinity system (for those unfamiliar, it's a system of modular bins that can be 3d printed, and adapted for pretty much any purpose).

Progress
1/4in socket holder - Done
3/8in socket holder - Done
1/2in socket holder - Done
Removable socket holder base - in design
Base plate - Done
Base plate filler (1 or 2in wide sections to better fill drawers) - In design
Gridfinity divider - Done
Ratchet holder - Partial
Extension holder - Needs to be anodized
Screwdriver holder - Needs to be anodized
Wrench holder - In design

This image shows the modular dividers that form the Gridfinity pattern. These can easily be expanded to cover more area, and cross over the bases.

This is a view of the bottom side, with one of the rubber ties.

Of course, the main goal of this is to hold tools.
1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 sockets. These have a magnet in the bottom that gives a nice click when the socket is dropped in place, and helps retain it.



Here is a sneak preview of the screwdriver holder. I also have some versions that are more of a column that will better support some screwdriver types. There will be a small rubber insert that goes under the handle and tip of the screwdriver to protect the surface.

I will update this thread as I go if there is interest.

These will eventually be for sale, but I will not put the link in now until I check forum rules.

Thanks,

matt

 

[d.mcfarland]

Looks good!

With that said, the price you will have to sell these at is well above what most people would be willing to pay.

 

[sponfit]

Seems like a beefed up Toolgrid. Cool though.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

I don't know. My layout changes constantly. Every time a good tool (every week), my layout changes

 

[scooby074]

Neat but looks like $$$

 

[Black300zx]

Nice work, and I can certainly understand going to this level for your personal storage if you have the equipment and time, but what is your target market if you're actually entertaining selling these? My guess is that they will be priced well above what the majority if the tool-storage market would be willing to spend.

Your most likely market might be industrial manufacturing settings where Kaizen foam isn't an option (or wouldn't be rugged enough), or where you could demonstrate an efficiency benefit either in terms of space utilization.

 

[WWheeler]

For as much time and money that will involve might want to at least consider getting a 3D printer and going the Gridfinity route ...

^ That was the start of it. It's ballooned out now with people having added thousands and thousands of new additions to it for organizing almost anything and everything.

 

[LXCam]

That’s slick! Looking forwards to the final product.

 

[messar]

Thanks all for the comments. Cost has been my concern as well.
These won't be HF cheap, but the pricing won't be stratospheric.
My goal with this is to take advantage of fixturing and automation, to make production the most efficient possible. And, my machines are paid for, so overhead is very reasonable.
For example, I'm looking at about 10-12$ (selling cost) for the base plates - this is a bit over 2x the cost of gridfinity plates if you consider the price per sq in. Expensive yes, but metal vs plastic and the perceived quality.

The target market for these is challenging - it unfortunately can't be inexpensive enough to the the cheapest choice, but is priced to be an option for those that take great pride in their boxes. Focus will be higher end automotive (where the bays look like labs), industrial (sub for Kaizen foam), and of course those who appreciate the clean, flexibe layout in their toolboxes.

To answer a few specific comments:
Michael_in_DE - This system is intended to support flexibility - just unscrew the holders, and reposition as your layout changes. The holes are tapped into the plates, so with care, can quickly make changes without wear.
WWheeler - 3d printing is critical to all my projects - I use that for prototyping, and a lot of fixtures, or storage containers. (I made a LOT of prototypes of these parts before cutting metal). That is also why I targeted gridfinity as a compatibility. 3D printing is perfect for specific storage or fixtures, but doesn't look or feel as nice, or have the strength of metal for things like socket holders.

 

[Black300zx]

When I looked at the top-view photo of the screwdrivers, my initial thought was that you could tweak the design to capture the screwdriver in a way that would allow the plate to be mounted vertically in the way that pegboard is. If you were to figure that out, I could potentially see a "new" market for a peg-board replacement for settings where drawers don't work well.

If you're serious about this, have you looked at what volumes would be needed for casting to give a positive ROI?

 

[LWB]

If the base plates run $10-12 each how much would a holder cost?

 

[messar]

Mounting sideways is an interesting idea - I'll have to look at this more closely.
I have not looked closely at casting, but again, that in a good idea. There is quite a bit of waste in machining, especially the 1/4in drive ones, that would be saved when casting. On the other hand, I can load material in 14" lengths and cut 40 holders in one setup, so I'd need to look at the tradeoff of raw cost vs more hands off time.
The holders will be around 2.50 a piece, both for sockets and screwdrivers. (with screwdrivers needing 2).

Thanks for the continuing interest and good questions.

 

[messar]

I'm finally ready to roll this out with some limited stock. Available at https://hsmprecision.us/

I've added red socket pegs, and will be adding ratchet holders, and the finished screwdriver holders in the next few days.

Thanks,

Matt