Storage of lightly used tools

[Lucid Moments]

I am mostly thinking about non-metric tools. I mostly work on cars, and mostly either Euro, Japanese, or late model cars at that. So almost everything I use is metric. So in order to create more room in my toolbox and make it easier to find what I want I am thinking about taking all my non-metric wrenches and sockets and putting them somewhere. However I don't want to get rid of them, and I still want them organized enough that on those occasions I do want them (and that does happen once in a while) I can still lay hands on them and find what I want.

My thought is to just buy an inexpensive but decent toolbox, put the wrenches in a roll, and the sockets on rails. Now that I think about it this way it really wouldn't take all that much room.

Any thoughts?

 

[quickfarms]

Get another or bigger toolbox, problem solved

my problem is the direct opposite in that I almost never use my metric tools

 

[Buster21]

I use a Harbor Freight 5 drawer roll cart to put my least used, overflow, extra backup tools in. Still keeps them handy just in case I need them but they don't take up space in my main box. Also put the extra tools like socket sets and screw driver sets that I have replaced but don't want to get rid of.

 

[CS454]

Rails and rolls are a good start, I'd just consolidate them into a lower drawer of your toolbox if possible.

 

[vwpieces]

Same situation. I only keep minimal SAE in the main box. Deep and shallow 3/8in and 1/4in drive sockets and 3/8-11/16 flex head ratcheting wrenches. If I need larger tan 11/16 there is MM size that will work instead.
I do have a large more complete set of SAE 1/4 - 1-1/16 combo wrenches in a gripper rack hanging close to the tool box to grab and go as needed.
Even after 35 years of wrenching in USA I can't ID an SAE size by sight, grab whole set so I know I'm good.

While I have a good size box I do not use it as the Main box, keeping it more minimal is a necessity. Most of my SAE tools are used on things other than cars. So having the SAE wrench set for grab and go works well.

How bout a hang on side cabinet with drawers?

 

[FMB4]

I store my seldom used tools in an old Craftsman hip-roof tool box.

 

[JradM]

I also have a cheap second box for imperial. I would prefer a box big enough for everything, but alas my finances have limits.

I am also big on tool storage density generally. I find it's best to keep things vertical or on their edges as much as possible to maximize space. You still want to make it easy to find and identify things though.

Here's some random storage thoughts that might help:

Sockets - I like Ernst Wrench rails and Trays (or anything similar). The key is that the sockets are vertical and can be slid close together on the rails - plus it comes with stickers to mark sizes so you can still find what you're looking for.

Wrenches - Ernst's grippers are also pretty good, but you don't need that if you only every work out of your box. Slotted foam works well too - but marking sizes can be tricky. I don't have any knock-down best options. I use some no-name gripper racks that hold wrenches very close together on their edges for anything used infrequently.

Pliers - Ernst/Tekton or Lisle pliers racks are great for keeping things dense but accessible. I make a custom one out of wood, but that was a lot of effort and only saved a little over buying a bunch of racks.

Ratchets- I use a mix. Some on Ernst Trays with clips (surprisingly dense), some in foam (takes a lot of effort) and my most recent trick is using narrow magnetic trays. The trays are nice because I can pop two or three ratchets in each without things being difficult to grab - yet nothing moves if I slam the drawer.

Screwdrivers - Vertical if possible! You can store a crazy amount in a small space if you can store them like that. You need screwdrivers with markings on the end of the handle for this to work of course. If you don't have a deep drawer or a place to mount a rack, then you're stuck laying them on their sides. That's ok, but not as dense.

 

[autobon7]

I use a Harbor Freight 5 drawer roll cart to put my least used, overflow, extra backup tools in. Still keeps them handy just in case I need them but they don't take up space in my main box. Also put the extra tools like socket sets and screw driver sets that I have replaced but don't want to get rid of.

Have been thinking about doing the same. The 5 drawer offers a great bang for the buck (had a 1st gen and sold it, regret it). Will be moving all my standard stuff (and seldom used tools) over to the service cart and keep everything separated.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Have you put your current tools on rails/racks etc to max out existing space?

 

[Lucid Moments]

Have you put your current tools on rails/racks etc to max out existing space?

Yes I have. I use a mix of rails and trays for sockets and I like the Toolbox Widget for my wrenches.

 

[Al Borland]

3 different toolboxes/stacks.
#1. Tools I like and regularly use (properly)
#2. Odd tools and tools I don't want to lose.
#3. Tools for fools. Loaners and tools to abuse.
Surplus/overflow in plastic totes or given to the epsilons at work to use/lose/abuse.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Yes I have. I use a mix of rails and trays for sockets and I like the Toolbox Widget for my wrenches.

Ok, then you’re getting the most bang for your buck there. The harbor freight 4 and 5 drawer carts are hard to beat. But they also might be overkill without knowing your needs first hand. Some older multi drawer Craftsman hand chests or an intermediate chest etc might be perfect to keep your oddball stuff organized and put together. My current plan for the garage is to put some 5 drawer carts under a new workbench so I get some small storage and portability at the same time. But it’s dependent on getting a few good deals and my wife being onboard with it lol.

 

[thool]

I'm a DIY guy so my list of lightly used tool count is probably bigger than most. One thing I noticed is that surface rust forms on these unless they get a light oiling every couple years. This is partly due to the fact that the tools are in my garage, which gets temp swings, condensation, and salty winters. So a couple winters ago I did a thorough cleaning and light oiling with 3-in-1 oil.

I bring this up because unless you examine tools frequently, some time can slip by and give you rusty tools. This was most apparent on my security driver bits.

 

[kbeefy]

I started working out of field boxes and a tool bag that I carried to whatever needed to be fixed on an entire airport.
I got really good at packing my most used tools into the toolbag. 90% of my work could be done from my GI toolbag.

I took the same approach with my tool chest/box/cart when I confined myself to a building.

I have a base tool chest that isn't very mobile, probably parked next to a set of shelves with stuff that doesn't fit in my tool chest.

My 'tool cart' has evolved into a 42"x24" tool chest that I use instead of a cart because I think their dumb.

I do a regular assessment of what tools get used the most. I try to keep the most used tools in my cart or toolbag.
If I'm not using it for 2 days or more, it's not in my bag or cart.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I keep it all in the same box even have it on my cart too. Same for home. I keep all my extra rarely used back up tools in cardboard boxes stacked up. It works for me. Also have them on shelves in the basement too for some of them.

 

[mailpup]

My thought is to just buy an inexpensive but decent toolbox, put the wrenches in a roll, and the sockets on rails. Now that I think about it this way it really wouldn't take all that much room.

Any thoughts?

I think that is a reasonable plan. While I have tons of tools in my main roller cabinets, I have a separate portable hand carry tool box with my most frequently needed tools which has gotten quite heavy over the years (they're all duplicated in the main cabinets anyway). In it I keep both metric and SAE sizes but, like you, I mostly need only metric tools these days with one exception. Some tools like various pullers use SAE sizes on their forcing screws although you can sometimes use metric equivalents successfully. That said, you can always bring the appropriate SAE tools if you need to use said pullers. So I'm thinking of taking my SAE tools out of my portable box mainly to reduce the weight and to reduce clutter so I can more easily find what I need.

Alternately, I'm considering assembling a metric only portable tool box in addition to what I already have so I can just grab the most appropriate one for a particular task. Maybe a good excuse for me to buy more tools. This last part probably doesn't help you but is just me rambling. Sorry about that.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Same boat. Condense all you can, and then buy the cheapest toolbox that you won't break given your usage.

Toolbox Widgets are super nice, but there are some old school wrench organizers that are more "vertical" that will hold more wrenches per inch.

-Ryan

 

[Sneezer]

I am getting my 5 drawer HF cart outfitted with the more commonly needed things I use in the driveway for DIY repairs. Mostly sockets/wrenches, air tools and the like. I have 2 26" stacks with mid and top cabinets that hold all the specialty ratchets, tools, drivers and woodworking stuff. Also overflow socket stuff. I have one drawer for SAE, and a 2nd for Metric. Deeper drawers are crammed full of specialty sets in their blow molded cases still.

I also have a few Craftsman rally boxes - working on setting one up for all metric motorcycle stuff, have one for household electrical repair, and another for SAE work on my old truck. Will do another for gunsmith type stuff.

 

[Al Borland]

I am getting my 5 drawer HF cart outfitted with the more commonly needed things I use in the driveway for DIY repairs. Mostly sockets/wrenches, air tools and the like. I have 2 26" stacks with mid and top cabinets that hold all the specialty ratchets, tools, drivers and woodworking stuff. Also overflow socket stuff. I have one drawer for SAE, and a 2nd for Metric. Deeper drawers are crammed full of specialty sets in their blow molded cases still.

I did this with a 4 drawer HF cart. Worked great until I backed over it with my truck.
Next one will have a little flag on a fiberglass pole so I can see it over the tailgate.