Organization help for my new tool chest

[icnsltmfg]

I bought myself a new tool chest, and need help in getting it organized right from the start. What is the best way to store sockets, open ended wrenches, and any other types of tools (pliers etc).

Any recommended brands would be great.
Adam

 

[kartracer55]

Hansen trays for sockets, wrench racks for wrenches.

Search around, this is a frequent topic. Also check the sticky on the top of the section for links on this.

Jim

 

[PAToyota]

Might want to look at these threads - lots of ideas:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2157
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=660

 

[RickP330]

These are pretty cool:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=95708&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog


More Ideas here:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/catalog.asp?tool=storage

Rick

 

[MarkH]

Hansen trays for sockets, wrench racks for wrenches.

This says most of it. I usually put one measurement (SAE or Metric) wrench on a regular rack and the other on a reverse. It uses space better where I can. I wish someone had told me about the reverses and stubby racks earlier.

 

[tez929rr]

Shop those Hansen racks hard. Sears was quite a bit cheaper than Northern Tool when I got mine.

 

[ba614]

Hey Mark,

Please explain what you mean about putting wrench on a regular rack and the other on a reverse.

Are you referring to having the "V" shape running one way for one set and then the "V" the other way for the next set to sit beside it?

I think I answered my on question. This is the way my wrenches are organised in my box. At first I was thinking that maybe you alternated SAE & Metric in opposit directions on the same rack or that there was a reverse rack.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I divide my tools into 4 boxes my 1st box is a 40" Craftsman chest & roll cab that is my primary box, it holds all my standard stuff & the core basics of my tools. The 2nd box is an old abused S/O top box that I keep only metric in, I still use much more standard than metric since my newest car is a 1992, and all my cars are domestic.The 3rd box is an old Dayton top box and holds specialty tools such as brake tools, torque wrenches, gasket scrapers etc... The 4th box is an old Craftsman top box and three drawer middle box that holds all my bodywork tools such as hammers,dollies etc.. All my pullers are wall mounted in a shallow cabinet that came out of an ambulance. I have additional boxes for drill bits, machinist tools etc..

 

[icnsltmfg]

Thanks for all of the insight.....having belonged to a few on line forums, I typically over use the search function...however I do have a tough time sometimes finding terms. I searched for tool organize and I got every "tool" posting...I will continue to play with it...but thanks for the Hansen lead...I also heard about http://www.ernstmfg.com/organizers/wrenches.html
Adam

 

[ba614]

Hadn't seen the Ernst Organizers before. Good tip. Thank's

I use the metal racks most of the time because you are not limited to the size sockets on a rail. I like the rail system because you can take the sockets you need to the job and drag them around under the vehicle with you.

I really like the Ernst system because it allows you to do that plus have ratchets and extensions on the rack to.

 

[brianpgriset]

I use Hansen socket racks, el cheapo wrench racks from HF (about $6 I believe) and foam for all my ratchets, extensions, U-joints, etc..., and screwdirvers, thats it. Pliers you dont have to worry about rolling around.

You shouldn't pay more than about $10 a rack for the Hansen stuff. It helps to look on ebay sometimes. The wrench racks from HF are pretty nice all in all, they hold my wrenchs from 1/4" to 1-1/4" all on one rack. They have an annoying handle on them, but I just sawed mine off. The tool foam is a TOTAL PITA. Probably took me 3 hours or more to do my entire drawer. I'd still say its totally worth it. I can't stand stuff rolling around in my box every time I close a drawer.

 

[Coach James]

I use these for my combination wrenches up to 3/4".

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...t=Tool+Storage+Accessories&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Coach

 

[z28toz06]

Shop those Hansen racks hard. Sears was quite a bit cheaper than Northern Tool when I got mine.

they are on sale right now for 9.99 at sears

 

[z28toz06]

I use these for my combination wrenches up to 3/4".

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...t=Tool+Storage+Accessories&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Coach

I bought one of those. never liked it. Its kicking around here somewhere.