@olsenmotorsports let be the first to encourage you to start a thread. I know many folks would be interested and participate, and 10x more would be following passively. And no media team needed, your account and perspective is more than welcome.
Thoughts on Toolgrid for toolbox/tool drawer organization?
- Thread starter lilscorpion
- Start date
richfinn
Well-known member
Yep, a Maritime Blue 964 RS would be one of my dream cars, along with a Red 288 GTO and a more humble Vauxhall Lotus Carlton in Green (this might just be a British dream car though).
I didn't even get one number on the Lotto BTW
olsenmotorsports
Well-known member
Might just take you up on that offer!
I just swapped my tool cart wrench drawer from the Snap on wrench boxes to gridfinity and some unknown racls I found on thingiverse or maker world. Allowed me to fit several more sets into my wrench drawer. Have a print running now for my crows feet sets to slide in there. 
OP
lilscorpion
Well-known member
thank you @olsenmotorsports, extremely helpful (and I always appreciate a tool box tour regardless!).
I was wondering about the height that TG requires and thought it might be a problem for me. All of the drawers I just built were intentionally slightly deeper than i needed but not overly deep.
I do like your mix and match of organizers, it just makes sense. Part of my issue with TG was that their organizers were generic in nature to work for multiple situations but tools, especially automotive specialty hand tools, are freakish in shape and a blow molded case will always fit better. I’m on the fence about the TG screw driver organizers. They look nice in your box and everything is nested nicely…but the organizers themselves look kinda goofy to me.
I was wondering about the height that TG requires and thought it might be a problem for me. All of the drawers I just built were intentionally slightly deeper than i needed but not overly deep.
I do like your mix and match of organizers, it just makes sense. Part of my issue with TG was that their organizers were generic in nature to work for multiple situations but tools, especially automotive specialty hand tools, are freakish in shape and a blow molded case will always fit better. I’m on the fence about the TG screw driver organizers. They look nice in your box and everything is nested nicely…but the organizers themselves look kinda goofy to me.
olsenmotorsports
Well-known member
I think the other dude said it best. Make your own! In a perfect world that would be great. But with the business’s and travel schedule etc I barely have enough time to keep the wife happy let alone take on a project like that!
If I had a hutch or lockers I think vertical is the best option for drivers, hang them on the wall? I also agree the holders look goofy.
shakenfake
Well-known member
@olsenmotorsports Based on my measurements the wrench organizer will fit in Snap-On's most shallow drawer. Which in my opinion is the perfect spot for wrenches. I would not use TG there otherwise.
@olsenmotorsports What are these wrenches with hard handles?
Your collection of tools is immensely impressive, but these caught my attention.
Your collection of tools is immensely impressive, but these caught my attention.
scooby074
Well-known member
@olsenmotorsports What are these wrenches with hard handles?
Your collection of tools is immensely impressive, but these caught my attention.
I think they are Mac BOPA hard handles. A pretty rare beast!
olsenmotorsports
Well-known member
@olsenmotorsports What are these wrenches with hard handles?
Your collection of tools is immensely impressive, but these caught my attention.
@scooby074 got it right. Older Mac hard handle off set wrenches. Pretty beat up but I really only use the 13mm anymore. Perfect for valve adjustments with the hard handle and the offset.
Not sure, they are too tall in my small drawers. Probably me but the tops of box end of the wrench wont allow the drawer to close.
shakenfake
Well-known member
@olsenmotorsports I bet it is just wrench dependent if the wrench is hitting. I had taken some measurements and was pretty sure it’d work. Oh well
olsenmotorsports
Well-known member
It may be the drawer liners TBH. They are pretty thick. If I took them out it may work, didn’t even think of that.
DeskJockey1991
Member
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2023
- Messages
- 13
@olsenmotorsports - like your set up, if only I had more room.
@lilscorpion - I started with tool grid for everything but I think it works best for sockets, but if you're looking to pack it in for other tool categories - jury is out on Alien Space Saver for ratchets (I am not sure I like how jumbled it looks in the picture), wrenches are better in Alien Space Saver (I am almost done re-jiggering that drawer). For me pliers are best in the racks and screwdrivers are in Tool Widgets for now until I find something better. Ratchet extensions are best in the trays they came off the truck in; I tool gridded the same set and it took almost 1.5 times the space as the tray. And might have to go back to the tray for the moon wrenches and S wrenches because I don't see anything that would keep it looking organized and take up less space. I really wanted tool grid to work because it looked so organized but to get density, I resorted to the above mish mash of organizers.
@lilscorpion - I started with tool grid for everything but I think it works best for sockets, but if you're looking to pack it in for other tool categories - jury is out on Alien Space Saver for ratchets (I am not sure I like how jumbled it looks in the picture), wrenches are better in Alien Space Saver (I am almost done re-jiggering that drawer). For me pliers are best in the racks and screwdrivers are in Tool Widgets for now until I find something better. Ratchet extensions are best in the trays they came off the truck in; I tool gridded the same set and it took almost 1.5 times the space as the tray. And might have to go back to the tray for the moon wrenches and S wrenches because I don't see anything that would keep it looking organized and take up less space. I really wanted tool grid to work because it looked so organized but to get density, I resorted to the above mish mash of organizers.
OP
lilscorpion
Well-known member
Just for context, how wide are the drawers in the above pictures?@olsenmotorsports - like your set up, if only I had more room.
@lilscorpion - I started with tool grid for everything but I think it works best for sockets, but if you're looking to pack it in for other tool categories - jury is out on Alien Space Saver for ratchets (I am not sure I like how jumbled it looks in the picture), wrenches are better in Alien Space Saver (I am almost done re-jiggering that drawer). For me pliers are best in the racks and screwdrivers are in Tool Widgets for now until I find something better. Ratchet extensions are best in the trays they came off the truck in; I tool gridded the same set and it took almost 1.5 times the space as the tray. And might have to go back to the tray for the moon wrenches and S wrenches because I don't see anything that would keep it looking organized and take up less space. I really wanted tool grid to work because it looked so organized but to get density, I resorted to the above mish mash of organizers.
How do you feel about the wrenches sitting up on end? I know I don’t technically read the sizes every time (I do become kinda familiar with where the common sizes are), but sometimes I’d bet I’d have to grab twice or 3 times to get the one I actually wanted.
I’d like slightly dense but not too dense. For example I’d like to be able to easily pick up a wrench and not need to reposition my hand just to get it out of the drawer.
shakenfake
Well-known member
I like ToolGrid for that reason because the wrenches are angled in a way that makes them show the number or you can put a label on them.
olsenmotorsports
Well-known member
I never heard of Alien. I will look that up and thank you so much for the recommendation!
DeskJockey1991
Member
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2023
- Messages
- 13
This is a 68" wide tool box so maybe @ 66" wide drawer. Wrenches sitting on end: I had most of these wrenches in a tool grid arrangement and I would have to pull a few wrenches out to make sure I got the right size. I also had the 27 piece foam that had measurements next to each slot but it took up a ton of room which made for wrench piles in the drawer which would be a time **** to piece through to get the right one. As for ease of access, some of the tool grid holders made for a tight fit so you almost had to use two hands to get a wrench out. For now, I love the density but am sure I will find some drawback as I use this arrangement. FYI - I am a DIY home player. If I was a pro, I would just get a bigger box and tool grid stuff so it looks organized.
olsenmotorsports
Well-known member
While we are on the topic of organization. What the heck are you guys all doing with pliers etc? I stand them up, but the drawer messes with my OCD when it comes to the bigger stuff as it wont stand up in a 4” drawer. Drives me nuts.
One side of the drawer. Snap ring pliers are a pain so I leave them in the packaging. As are pistol grips. Same thing to big to stand up, and laying them down takes precious storage space. I guess I could foam and stack the vertically which would leave room for expansion. Would allow me to clean out my second pliers drawer and consolidate into one?
These two sets are pretty old and the cases are worn but still pretty mint seeing as they are 20+ years in service. Hate to throw them out so I keep them stored this way. Could rubber band them shut and throw in a pliers rack but thats more of a PITA for me.
The other side of the drawer is even worse with the remote coolant clamp pliers.
Someone has a solution for this so hit me with it!
Don’t get me started on the diag cart. That’s just a freaking disaster
One side of the drawer. Snap ring pliers are a pain so I leave them in the packaging. As are pistol grips. Same thing to big to stand up, and laying them down takes precious storage space. I guess I could foam and stack the vertically which would leave room for expansion. Would allow me to clean out my second pliers drawer and consolidate into one?
These two sets are pretty old and the cases are worn but still pretty mint seeing as they are 20+ years in service. Hate to throw them out so I keep them stored this way. Could rubber band them shut and throw in a pliers rack but thats more of a PITA for me.
The other side of the drawer is even worse with the remote coolant clamp pliers.
Someone has a solution for this so hit me with it!
Don’t get me started on the diag cart. That’s just a freaking disaster
shakenfake
Well-known member
I just throw them all in the drawer on top of each other. They are not sorted at all.
olsenmotorsports
Well-known member
Yeah my brain would explode and I would be calling my doc for anxiety meds if that was me. Ive got issues
shakenfake
Well-known member
@olsenmotorsports Oh it drives me up a wall. I just haven't bought a rack yet. I was hoping to buy a new box first.
OP
lilscorpion
Well-known member
I don’t have a solution for goofy pliers. I’ve been using the wire-like racks and made my own machined out of 2” plastic for the regular ones (more or less the same as yours). Pistol grips end up in a pile of sorts. My tools ate in cabinets I’ve built so I am able to have deeper drawers but even having done so, there are still pliers that can’t stand vertical or the variance in their shape and size makes for a goofy custom rack. I really have had an epiphany yet and I’m kinda not expecting one…While we are on the topic of organization. What the heck are you guys all doing with pliers etc? I stand them up, but the drawer messes with my OCD when it comes to the bigger stuff as it wont stand up in a 4” drawer. Drives me nuts.
One side of the drawer. Snap ring pliers are a pain so I leave them in the packaging. As are pistol grips. Same thing to big to stand up, and laying them down takes precious storage space. I guess I could foam and stack the vertically which would leave room for expansion. Would allow me to clean out my second pliers drawer and consolidate into one?
These two sets are pretty old and the cases are worn but still pretty mint seeing as they are 20+ years in service. Hate to throw them out so I keep them stored this way. Could rubber band them shut and throw in a pliers rack but thats more of a PITA for me.
The other side of the drawer is even worse with the remote coolant clamp pliers.
Someone has a solution for this so hit me with it!
Don’t get me started on the diag cart. That’s just a freaking disaster
olsenmotorsports
Well-known member
So you’re basically saying that we must just deal with this? This is garage journal! There must be a solution!
Scuderia-F1
Well-known member
I use the new Snap-on dipped metal racks for "normal" pliers and the oddballs lays in stacked on top of each other in layers. Just provide your Snappy guy with what pliers you want and he should be able to have them (the foam) laser cut for you. Here in Europe we can chose between Snap-on (takes forever) and ToolBed (extremely quick turn around, just as nice in my opinion) via our Snap-on reps.
richfinn
Well-known member
I keep all mine (and my screwdrivers) stored vertically in a Veto pro-pac bag (mobile technician) as I hate digging for tools, if I ever went back to a conventional toolbox I would find a way to do the same maybe a bunch of appropriately sized tubes welded together and mounted on the side of the box.
Did you mention a diagnostic cart?? Would love to see that
dlwilson
Well-known member
@olsenmotorsports How do you handle not being able to take a whole rail of sockets to the work? Often I don't know quite what I'll need, so I usually grab the whole thing. Do you just know what you need from experience? Or do you grab a few sockets and see what fits?
All of the 3D printed socket organizers I've found are the type that stay in the drawer, and you just take the socket(s) you need. I would like to use them, but not sure if that would work. Currently I just have loose rails.
I'm working on gridfinity for my wrenches:
All of the 3D printed socket organizers I've found are the type that stay in the drawer, and you just take the socket(s) you need. I would like to use them, but not sure if that would work. Currently I just have loose rails.
I'm working on gridfinity for my wrenches:
shakenfake
Well-known member
@dlwilson Is gridfinity magnetic?
For me personally, if I am doing something that is mobile or I am not right next to my box, I have another set of sockets on rails I can grab and take with me. But I would say about 70% of the time I know what sizes I will be using and it is easy enough for me to walk back over if I forgot something.
This is all in the home shop though.
For me personally, if I am doing something that is mobile or I am not right next to my box, I have another set of sockets on rails I can grab and take with me. But I would say about 70% of the time I know what sizes I will be using and it is easy enough for me to walk back over if I forgot something.
This is all in the home shop though.
olsenmotorsports
Well-known member
I keep all mine (and my screwdrivers) stored vertically in a Veto pro-pac bag (mobile technician) as I hate digging for tools, if I ever went back to a conventional toolbox I would find a way to do the same maybe a bunch of appropriately sized tubes welded together and mounted on the side of the box.
Did you mention a diagnostic cart?? Would love to see that
That’s a great idea. Yes have a diagnostic specific cart. It’s a mess and embarrassing lol. Wires and dongles everywhere
I have an epic workstation that has duplicates of stuff in the main box. Just take that with me. I don’t do much vehicle work myself anymore. 90% of my hands on stuff is engine building. So I dont need to move very far! Do love the loose rail idea. I used to rock the blue point stainless racks. The ones that were a tray of sockets? Like 4 or 5 rows? It’s a good solution when you’re unsure what to bring!
dlwilson
Well-known member
Sometimes. In my case, I print the base grids, and put magnets in them. Then I print either blank plates, or wrench holders, and put opposing pole magnets in them. That lets me rearrange and get the layout correct. My blank plates and wrench holders are all 1x1, but lots of designs are bigger.
shakenfake
Well-known member
Home made.
I don’t want to turn this into a 3D printing thread, but I had very good look printing my own socket holders, corners, wrench holders, and other sundry accessories. I bought the base plates on eBay.
Would I do it again? Probably not. There isn’t a meaningful savings over just buying the bulk accessories packs, but I had the printer and filament on hand.
I found the the trick was to be very deliberate with how oriented the pieces for printing, because sometimes the software-recommended positions would leave me a lot of support material that needed to be removed. It’s tedious.
I used files I found here, with virtually no editing. https://www.printables.com/@MaxTheSpy
Bambu X1C, using carbon fiber reinforced PLA and 65% infill. I figure these aren’t going to see that much actual stress, so I was ok using a cheap and easy material vs. something like PETG.
I don’t want to turn this into a 3D printing thread, but I had very good look printing my own socket holders, corners, wrench holders, and other sundry accessories. I bought the base plates on eBay.
Would I do it again? Probably not. There isn’t a meaningful savings over just buying the bulk accessories packs, but I had the printer and filament on hand.
I found the the trick was to be very deliberate with how oriented the pieces for printing, because sometimes the software-recommended positions would leave me a lot of support material that needed to be removed. It’s tedious.
I used files I found here, with virtually no editing. https://www.printables.com/@MaxTheSpy
Bambu X1C, using carbon fiber reinforced PLA and 65% infill. I figure these aren’t going to see that much actual stress, so I was ok using a cheap and easy material vs. something like PETG.
Wow! what a shop!
My main box has a lot of tool grid in it. The moduline cabinets to the right have all my blow molded and big sets in it. When you plan it out have to be aware that tool grid adds a lot of height, so it will not work in the 2” drawers.
Like here. This is brake service drawer and tool grid would be great but height wont work, so this is tool box widget.
This is my metric drawer, and is all tool grid. Really helps lay everything out, gives the tools flow and the ability to categorize everything together with symmetry. In love with this personally. The ball Allen’s are stacked on top of the same set in regular Allen’s used the corner holders to keep it all in place.
The wrench drawer in the big box is a mess. It’s all stacked on top of each other at the top, three high in sets in that area. This is where it is super beneficial to keep the snap on organizers. Makes stacking and moving things super easy.
I use the TG bin organizers for my engine special tools. They are a couple mil’s shorter than the lista red organizers so I am able to use a 2” drawer for this setup.
I think TG is the best solution for the ratchets - if someone has a better one I am a buyer!
TG would be fantastic in this drawer and save me a ton of space. But the height doesn’t work, and I need my deeper drawers for bigger stuff. I could do tool box widget here, but that one set of radiator picks I have had for 25 years so I dont want to give that case up. Call me strange but I have a ton of old school stuff from way back then and i am proud of it!
This is a mix and match of tool grid and snap on holders.
I wish tool grid was there back in the day. Would give me a heart attack if I added up the VIM holders, wrench racks etc that I have spent money on over the years. I think I am done though and found my brand! Money well spent.
OP
lilscorpion
Well-known member
I like it!I just swapped my tool cart wrench drawer from the Snap on wrench boxes to gridfinity and some unknown racls I found on thingiverse or maker world. Allowed me to fit several more sets into my wrench drawer. Have a print running now for my crows feet sets to slide in there.
Im a fan of making my own. Especially when I don’t always have the same set count as the stick trays/racks.
Nah, meant I just haven’t had an idea I like yet. I will, I just need to spend more time thinking about it. May need to just spend the time playing with some ideas.
There’s something about this solution I like a lot. I know I can buy bags of these but I like being able to make one or a custom one, as needed. For example - I have 3/4” and 1” sockets. Being able to print means I can make holders that look the same style wise for any socket even if it’s goofy. Buying from a MFG I cantHome made.
I don’t want to turn this into a 3D printing thread, but I had very good look printing my own socket holders, corners, wrench holders, and other sundry accessories. I bought the base plates on eBay.
Would I do it again? Probably not. There isn’t a meaningful savings over just buying the bulk accessories packs, but I had the printer and filament on hand.
I found the the trick was to be very deliberate with how oriented the pieces for printing, because sometimes the software-recommended positions would leave me a lot of support material that needed to be removed. It’s tedious.
I used files I found here, with virtually no editing. https://www.printables.com/@MaxTheSpy
Bambu X1C, using carbon fiber reinforced PLA and 65% infill. I figure these aren’t going to see that much actual stress, so I was ok using a cheap and easy material vs. something like PETG.