Storage for more Speciality Lesser Used Tools?

[oldschoolcraft]

I'm in the process of upgrading my tool collection and planning out my first box and what size I actually need. I'm starting to realize that nothing will ever really be enough because I will keep finding new tools to buy.

One example is snap ring pliers. I am very likely going to buy 16 knipex ones since I hate the feeling of not having a tool to do a job, BUT I doubt I'll wind up using them more than a couple times each year.

So it doesn't make sense to give them drawer space and possibly I put them in a small pelican case with cut-out foam and then that pelican case can be in less accessible storage. The few times a year I need them, it will take a couple extra minutes to get to but it will be fine.

Another idea I had was just to get more tool carts once space allows. I don't want to run a HF 44" as my primary box because the lack of smoothness in the drawers will drive me nuts, but as a secondary or third box with lesser used tools, maybe! So maybe one HF44" box holds lesser used tools like the snap ring pliers.

What strategies does everyone here have for lesser used tool storage? What's worked well over the years and what have you tried but changed?

 

[Fedwrench]

I've used a wall locker with shelves for storing blow molded cases and specialty tools. Another option is a used metal filing cabinet. I think the wall locker and file cabinet offer deep storage and they're a lot easier to get to your tools when needed.

 

[crewchief888]

most of my lesser used tools are in blow molded boxes.
some things came in those boxes, those that didnt got put in repurposed boxes.

for example, i keep all my brake line flaring tools, bender and cutter in a repurposed box for a "grab & go"

 

[audioworks04]

I keep all my handtools in my tool box regardless of how often I use them. However I keep all my power and pneumatic tools in a separate box along with all my impact accessories. This seems to keep the toolbox mechanically based and more space in the common used box.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Another idea I had was just to get more tool carts once space allows. I don't want to run a HF 44" as my primary box because the lack of smoothness in the drawers will drive me nuts, but as a secondary or third box with lesser used tools, maybe! So maybe one HF44" box holds lesser used tools like the snap ring pliers.

It definitely varies per box/cart. I've tried other guy's 44" boxes at work and the drawers are nice and smooth, but the drawers on my 5 drawer cart aren't great. Especially the shallow drawers. The display one in the store was nice and smooth.

 

[Tallpilot]

Blow mold cases in a large metal cabinet.

 

[Htscheg]

Second the storage cabinet or file cabinet method

 

[Crossfire05]

I'm in the process of upgrading my tool collection and planning out my first box and what size I actually need. I'm starting to realize that nothing will ever really be enough because I will keep finding new tools to buy.

One example is snap ring pliers. I am very likely going to buy 16 knipex ones since I hate the feeling of not having a tool to do a job, BUT I doubt I'll wind up using them more than a couple times each year.

So it doesn't make sense to give them drawer space and possibly I put them in a small pelican case with cut-out foam and then that pelican case can be in less accessible storage. The few times a year I need them, it will take a couple extra minutes to get to but it will be fine.

Another idea I had was just to get more tool carts once space allows. I don't want to run a HF 44" as my primary box because the lack of smoothness in the drawers will drive me nuts, but as a secondary or third box with lesser used tools, maybe! So maybe one HF44" box holds lesser used tools like the snap ring pliers.

What strategies does everyone here have for lesser used tool storage? What's worked well over the years and what have you tried but changed?

I am struggling with the same problem Right now I have my large bottom drawer of my new Milwaukee bench filled with corded tools (sander, skilsaw, a couple drywall guns). Not a perfect situation to have. I have a heat gun, circular saw, miter saw etc. in my shed. I bought a rolling new gladiator cabinet but that will be full of detailing gear. Deciding what to take up space with is tough and I have not come up with a perfect plan. I do like the fact that I have a drawer dedicated to cordless Milwaukee tools and they are going to be 90% of what I use along with my detailing buffers. My garage is not big enough for another rolling cabinet. Maybe a wall mount for the corded stuff or in the shed they go.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I have a palate rack with all of my lesser used tools on the shelves. I label every box so I can see it from the ground. I also get hand carry tool boxes to mak grab an go box for a particular job, like Plumbing, Home electrical, Auto electrical, etc. For specialty tools that I reach for a little more frequently, I have several wood top roll away benches.

Chris

 

[Mr Ratchet]

most of my lesser used tools are in blow molded boxes.
some things came in those boxes, those that didnt got put in repurposed boxes.

for example, i keep all my brake line flaring tools, bender and cutter in a repurposed box for a "grab & go"

Very similar method for me here. The bigger cases go in the bigger drawers and the smaller cases go in a smaller sectioned off drawer.




Then there are the trays you can get from Sears or HF that go in your drawers.


I keep all of my power tools like nailers, circ saw, rotary hammer, etc in their cases. Those cases all go in a rack/shelves.

If not done already, make sure wrenches and pliers are in racks to help gain space in your box.

 

[crewchief888]

i can stash cases up on a shelf, or in a toolbox drawer..

most of my cases are too big to fit into a drawer.

i use several repurposed cases in my service truck. i have all my 1/4" dr stuff in one, my cordless grinder, and wheels are in another. the truck body is only 18" or so deep, so sometimes it's a PITA to get stuff stacked up correctly so everything fits back in...

all my woodworking type power tools stay in the basement on a wire shelving unit

 

[Parrothead]

The best storage that I've found for me in that category is a lateral file cabinet. Easy enough to put cases and tools in there because the drawers are large.

 

[crewchief888]

The best storage that I've found for me in that category is a lateral file cabinet. Easy enough to put cases and tools in there because the drawers are large.

if i hadnt already repurposed some wire shelving we had in one of our apartments, i'd be looking for "free" lateral files for basement storage of woodworking type tools.

i may have a line on some, theres rumors going around at work that we may be renovating some office space...

i guess i'll save the old cabinets from the scrap pile..

 

[Yarpo]

Another idea I had was just to get more tool carts once space allows. I don't want to run a HF 44" as my primary box because the lack of smoothness in the drawers will drive me nuts, but as a secondary or third box with lesser used tools, maybe! So maybe one HF44" box holds lesser used tools like the snap ring pliers.

Both HF boxes we have open and close smooth as can be, did you just try out the store model and come to this conclusion or is this a well reported issue? Honestly curious.

Also, are you sitting on 30k or are you planning 15 years in advance? You don't have your primary box yet and are already planning on second and third boxes? I store everything lesser used in my large bottom right drawer of my lower box (Brake Caliper kit, Serpentine belt tool, Digital Caliper, Multimeter, etc) all in their blow molded cases.