Organize Tools by Function or by Structure?

[Techniker]

Many years ago, this used to be a debate among anatomists versus physiologists- to categorize the body by function or by structure? Now...I find myself facing a similar question.

I finally just bought my HF top box to go on the base and so now I am rearranging tools. So my question is...how do you prefer to organize your tools- by structure (pliers go in the pliers drawer) or by function (brake job tools go in this drawer, tough fastener tools: breaker bar, tap/die set, Nutbuster pliers, etc. go in that drawer, diagnostic tools in another, etc.)? I know that the division isn't always so easy since many of the tools in the functional categories overlap.

Thanks in advance,
Techniker

 

[onelochevy]

Structure for me. I like having all of the same type tools in the same place. That way if say I need one particular pair of pliers, i don't have to search multiple drawers if I forget which "set" i have them in.

 

[illmatyk]

I have separate drawers for each type, pliers has their own drawer, screwdrivers their own, wrenches their own and so forth...

 

[greasemonkey44]

most used stuff goes in the cart, everything else goes in the tool box
its all separated by type and whatever is used most is closest at hand

 

[wornoutoldman]

I do a bit of both you have to do what fits your work style and ablity to remember where you put that tool last. If you don't use them everyday probably easiest to find them again if you have a pliers drawer, screwdriver drawer, etc.

 

[diesel research]

If you did it by job, where do the sockets and screw drivers go?

 

[reptilezs]

i am a bicycle mechanic. i keep my bread and butter tools in the top drawer, will even split up things like wrench sets. the top drawer will handle pretty much handle the daily tasks. i would say about 70-80% of the jobs. the specialty stuff or odd job tools will go to lower drawers

 

[crewchief888]

alike type tools together
screwdrivers, pliers, std, metric, angle head/service wrenches all drawered together
3/8" & 1/2 dr sockets together, 1/4" & 3/4" dr seperate
ratchets, ext ect alltogether electrical, pullers, prybars ect all kept together

and it all depends on what set of tools i'm looking at, boxes at work, in my service truck, and at home are organized slighty different, mostly because of box sizes.
i have 36" boxes at work, 26" wide in the truck, and 33" at home.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Tools for the most part are grouped by function or similarity. I have a few "mixed" drawers but most are the same kinda things, like a drawer for suspension tools and ball joint splitters. I know where everything is, so there's no real need for me to change it.

 

[Sick Puppy]

Problem with function organisation is what about tools that can be used for different functions?

 

[JASTECH]

A bit of both for me. Like tools together so if torx or snips are needed they are in bed with likable partners. Then I have seperate tool box's for Plumbing, Electrical 12v-24vdc, Electrical 120vac-220vac, Soldering Station, Trailer Lighting ect.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[littletoes]

Most of mine is like stuff, to like stuff, but I have a few tools that just won't fit in with the rest of its "brothers", like a 36"+ torque wrench. Wish I could get it in a drawer with the rest of my 1/2" drive stuff....

If I just knew "then" what I knew now....

Here's a thread starter, What would your tool box look like if you knew "then", what you know "NOW"?

Mine, If I could find it, would have a couple of full length drawers, and NO side door.

Thats GOT to be the most worthless thing on a tool box, a side door, where drawers are supposed to be! I sure could use a few more drawers, or even if the existing drawers were wider, THAT would be nice.

 

[Rickster]

Same here, a little of both. I start at the middle drawers and work up and down filling them with the most used tools: sockets, wrenches, pliers,.. all the same per drawer. Then I have a few specific drawers like brake tools, electronic testers/tools, Small screwdrivers, trim tools, mic's, .... Since I don't don't use a lot of air impact tools my 1/2 dr impact sockets and air tools are bundled together in a lower drawer. I'm not a pro mechanic just using my tools to restore my old Mustang and work on the family cars so this set-up works well for me.

 

[Stick]

I organize a little of both ways. For the most part pliers go with pliers, wrenches with wrenches, etc. If the tool only fits one application, it stays in the drawer with the rest of the tools for that application, but if it fits more than one application, it generally goes with whatever type of tool it is. An example is something like a brake bleeder wrench is in with the rest of the brake tools instead of with the rest of the wrenches.

 

[matthew]

I do whatever fits in the toolbox. So impact wrench fits in the drawer that's deep enough for it. Same with torque wrench. Then fill in around it. Drill bits ended up in the same drawer as the pneumatic tools. Spark plug socket ended up in the same drawer as other sockets. Not saying that won't change when other toolbox space is available - might end up with plug gap gauge, plug sockets, plug boot pliers all in one spot, whether that be with the other sockets or a place all their own.

 

[rsanter]

both

general use tools go by structure
wrench drawer, screwdriver drawer....etc
specialized tools go by function
engine building, layout....etc

bob

 

[Dust]

More by function than structure, but it's a mix of both. All of my impact sockets are with my impact tools, which share the drawer with most of my specialty brake tools. I figure I'm going to need the impact stuff in order to get at the brakes, why not just store them together?

Air tools other than impacts or ratchets share the their drawer with miscellaneous fabrication and metalworking tools, such as drill bits, vice grips, paint prep, etc.. All electrical diagnostic tools get their own drawer, which also houses wiring supplies and the like.

So I'd say I store by function, but organize by structure within each drawer.

Problem with function organisation is what about tools that can be used for different functions?

You have to assign a weight to each tool, as in how important is that tool to daily use? Tools that have multiple functions and see extensive use may be grouped with other such tools in an easily accessed drawer, where-as a tool that maybe sees use once or twice a month is located in a less-accessed drawer.

The problem I have with structure-based organizing is that it isn't as efficient as the function-based organizing. More time is spent opening drawers and gathering tools than actually working on the job. Sure it may look nicer, but looks don't get the job done.

 

[bgott]

I'm getting older and stiffer, so, the more frequently used tools go up high and the less frequently used tools go in the bottom.

 

[Danglerb]

By type in the box, by job on the cart or the tray under my rolling seat.

I tend to take tools out without putting anything back until I do a formal "Tool Inventory" at the end of a job. Helps make sure I don't leave a ratchet on a motor, and just because I got out the wrong size socket or wrench for what I am doing at the moment, doesn't mean I won't need it on something else.

 

[ecotec]

garage tools by structure and work tools (i'm an electrician) by function. one exception: i have a 3/8" ratchet, extension, and a lisle low profile 32mm socket in my oil/oil filter cabinet.

i like to keep everything in its place, so as to keep things from disappearing. at some point, i would like some red/black two layer retention foam rubber.

 

[ptschram]

My toolbox is organized in a similar fashion to my bolt bins, ie with an eye toward ergonomics.

Hardware that is used the most is at eye level, and as frequency of usage goes down, they get further away from eye level.

As for tools, those that are used most often are in drawers most easily accessed, least used tools are in the lower-most drawers, or in boxes further away from my main work area.

I hear arguments quite often that expensive toolboxes don't make one money. Having tools that are easily accessible and easily identified/found means I don't waste billable time/overhead time on chasing down a tool.

Heaven help the employee who left one of my tools out-especially over the weekend when time is even more valuable as I'm probably working on my stuff!

 

[MetalMangler]

I can't say that I'm organized enough to have a drawer of like tools, my plan is a combination of methods. Also, I'm not a professional, so my needs are different for each job. I try to keep a set of like tools together so I know where to go when I need a wrench, socket, etc. However I've been putting together functional kits, which will usually include the tools necessary for that function. I.e. my furnace kit (plastic toolbox gift from my kids) includes an extra 12mm wrench and a cheap philips screw driver along with some extra fuel filters and such. This way I just grab the box and know I have the tools I'll need. Not only that, I don't have to remember from last year what size wrench I needed and bring down a range to make sure I don't need to make multiple trips.

MM

 

[speed bump]

Generally I organize in both ways.

My main box has the most used tools in the most accessible drawers (IE wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers close to the top and body tools close to the bottom). Since I have a lot of room unless the tools logically go together they are arranged by type in this box.

Since my cart is more for common tools they are grouped by the amount of use they see. The more I use them the easier they are to get at.

 

[jim m]

I organize a little of both ways. For the most part pliers go with pliers, wrenches with wrenches, etc. If the tool only fits one application, it stays in the drawer with the rest of the tools for that application, but if it fits more than one application, it generally goes with whatever type of tool it is. An example is something like a brake bleeder wrench is in with the rest of the brake tools instead of with the rest of the wrenches.

This is how I do mine most drawers are like tools IE Wrench's with wrench's or Pliers with Pliers. But I keep a;; metal working tools Engine rebuild tool and brake tools together.


Jim