Off the floor, to the box, on the floor, repeat-repeat-etc.

[ddawg16]

vice grips and pipewrenches are you need...........

You forgot the sledge hammer.....

I used to be a slob with my tools.....I ended up spending more time finding the wrench I just have 30 seconds ago than it took to get the part off in the first place.....

I have now have a roll-around....I role it to where I'm working (if it's an involved project) or I grab my tray and put in it what I need....and I put back each tool/wrench/socket after I use it.....not only am I able to find it again...when I'm done I know if I left anything inside the engine bay....or where ever.

 

[Cryptic1911]

I try to have a half and idea what I'm going to need for tools, so I'll take a look at what I'm doing and then take my tool cart over to the toolbox and grab a bunch of stuff. I have all my sockets on rails, so I'll just grab a whole rail for whatever I need, extensions, and ratchets / wrenches, and just wheel it over to the lift. That way I have 99% of what I need. There's always the misc tool that you didn't think you needed, but it all goes into the toolcart while I'm working, then I sort it all out and put it back when I'm done

 

[ADaughen]

i usually take a BFH with me the 1st time.

LOL, I would if my cars looked like the one in your avatar.

Even after 30 years of Ohio winters, most of the bolts still come off easily.

 

[Barquero]

They are FREE just ask your wife .

Acquisition cost might be low but the upkeep and maintenance will kill you. And having two doesn't just double your cost, it squares it!

 

[jdieter]

I use a small 4-wheel three shelf roll around cart, throw what I'll need in it top shelf if I'm under the hood, bottom shelf if I'm under the chassis. Also makes returning tools and supplies easier, everything get's put back in the cart cleaned and put away. So I can roll the cart around to the various tool boxes, drawers, cabinets, shelves. Keeps from having stuff scattered all over the floor or fender protectors, tools left under the hood, etc.

 

[JerseyJeff]

I use an old creeper loaded with tools I suspect I will need and roll it under with me. That way I can move it around and can see what I have next to me. I wont roll over tools that way either and I push it next to the tool box to put the tools away.

 

[henrysgarage]

My wife bought me one of those Craftsman kits with both Imp and metric sockets(1/4-3/8 &1/2 drive) which is very handy.

 

[Ign]

2. Throw pile of tools in the floor next to car. Sort through them as necessary, and usually difficult to find the 15mm that I need after an hour, as all sockets have come off their holders and have turned into what resembles a stack of coal ready for the grill.

You forgot to mention how the socket you need has rolled under the creeper, unbeknownst to you. Then the ratchet you forgot you had is now blocking a creeper wheel, preventing you from rolling around in the one direction you want to go.

Seriously, this all was one of the major motivations behind a 2 post lift for me. Now I just walk to the box, walk back under the vehicle. And of course keep a cart with me so the in-use tools are right there at waist level.

Couple this w the fact that getting up and down a million times kills my already weak lower back, and the lift was an easy choice.

 

[sneakyfast]

You really only need to grab 2 tools...

WD40--use if it's supposed to move but doesn't
Duct Tape--use if it's not supposed to move but does

 

[Vicegrip]

lift.



Before having the lift I used a big plastic cafeteria tray. They hold a lot, are easy see into from an angle and easy to slide around. Load one up with the socket strips, wrenches and other common hand tools.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Before having the lift I used a big plastic cafeteria tray. They hold a lot, are easy see into from an angle and easy to slide around. Load one up with the socket strips, wrenches and other common hand tools.

That's a smart idea.

 

[Zeke]

I'm not sure someone doesn't already make this, but if not someone should. That would be a bib style apron with slanted pockets so you can load tools while standing, but they won't fall out while lying on your back.

I end up putting tools on my stomach. If I roll over a bit, they all slide off.

BTW, never put tools on the frame (or other horizontal places) under the car. You will drive off with them still there. I'm so pissed that some of my sets are missing a matching end wrench or socket because it's been lost on the road somewhere.

A lot of tools in my box have been picked up off the street. So a lot of people must do this.