road mechanic tool organization????

[WittHay]

I use metal trays for 3/8 and aluminum socket rails for 1/2 in a Snap-on KRA60B road chest.

 

[WittHay]

Great thread! Looking at getting into field service work and would love to see more organization/setups.

This is my main box, the KRA60B fits like a glove in the compartment

The Princess Auto socket rails work good, they are Taiwan made not China ****

 

[G-Ram]

This is my main box, the KRA60B fits like a glove in the compartment

The Princess Auto socket rails work good, they are Taiwan made not China ****

Have seen those there before, thanks for the tip. Will check them out next time I'm in the city

 

[tlc1976]

For my portables, I keep 2 small boxes. One with "driving" tools (sockets and screwdrivers), and the other with "grabby" tools (wrenches and pliers). Hammers stay out separately.

Socket strips are a pain in the garage, but seem to be the best thing for mobile work. The only reason I found that sockets get stuck to the rails, is if they are rarely used ones and develop a little corrosion at the clip contact points. Or if they get wet. A very light dab of grease helps with that.

 

[Al Borland]

Best way I've found is to get socket sets in blow molded cases, wrenches in wrench rolls, screwdrivers in small canvas zippered bags, etc.
I expect to hear about the wasted space, but the organization and portability of individual sets, as opposed to having to drag out the whole toolbox is worth it.

 

[Tom.C]

We use these, they have them for deep and shallow, never lose sockets.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-pc-sae-socket-trayorganizer-68100.html

 

[ericb445]

Best way I've found is to get socket sets in blow molded cases, wrenches in wrench rolls, screwdrivers in small canvas zippered bags, etc.
I expect to hear about the wasted space, but the organization and portability of individual sets, as opposed to having to drag out the whole toolbox is worth it.

This works for me too.
I also use a bunch of smaller "grab bags" of tools I know I'll need for certain tasks.

 

[crewchief888]

couple of drawer shots

 

[homebuilt burner]

I made my own socket rails for 1/2" and 3/4". I took a piece of 1/4" x 1 1/2" flat stock and drilled 1/2" holes laid out to fit my socket sets, then I cut 1/2" round stock in 1" lengths and welded them in on the bottom side. Same for my 3/4" stuff. 3/8" and 1/4" are set up in a tray with 1/8" x 1" flat stock stood on it's edge and welded to the tray. It held up for 10 years and I think the guy that took that truck over is still using that setup.

Build yourself a big tube rear bumper with a door on the end that's where the really big pry bars and mauls go.

 

[sberry]

I use 2 trucks, a pickup and a full size one when you absolutely positively have to heat and beat. Full air power on the big one.

 

[BIG BACCHUS]

Dumb question, but have you seen the Montezuma boxes?
They seem like they might solve some of your frustrations,
they come in different sizes.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/montezuma-professional-portable-tool-box-small-22-1-2-x-13.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjww7zHBRCToPSj_c_WjZIBEiQAj8il5F6wUzAkg_l5gUJnnyZoDZJkmRWXjFlHVU-hIAHhq6caAkTX8P8HAQ

 

[Al Borland]

problem with the Montezuma boxes is they waste a LOT of space with the shape and screwdriver areas, and are awkward to carry away from the truck (goofy shape, poorly balanced when loaded up).

 

[shockwave]

What I find works best is getting separate bags for wrenches,sockets ,pliers and screwdrivers not really best but easy to sort out without toolbox now

 

[crewchief888]

problem with the Montezuma boxes is they waste a LOT of space with the shape and screwdriver areas, and are awkward to carry away from the truck (goofy shape, poorly balanced when loaded up).

plus the fact they aint designed for mechanics with wide selection of tools.

a LOT of the stuff i carry would be truly out of place in a montezuma style box..

they are OK for a set of wrenches, some screwdrivers, and a couple sets of sockets. i considered a montezuma box, until i actually saw one in a store.

JMO but, i'm guessing a lot of the posters in this thread arent in a service tuck full time.