Tool box organization - Tools in cases, or in organizers?

[HanShotFirst]

All,

In my tool box, I have discarded the cases that my tools came in and have put them in tool organizers. A friend of mine has done the exact opposite, and his rationale is a good one...when he needs tools, he grabs the box he needs.

Me, I load up a tool tray with the tools I think I'll need. I like all my tools out in an organizer because they're just easier to get at.

So how do you like to roll?

 

[regguy1]

Toolbox organization video:

 

[chrisnazzy]

At least as far as my socket drawer is concerned, I used to use more of the blow molded cases with lids removed for organization. I ran out of room as I expanded and recently converted my sockets to trays. I did leave my hex and torx bit sets and general service sets alone as I like the organization and tool control they provide.

Before / After pics.....

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[bobcatdan]

I only keep kits in cases were the case is the best way to store them, like tap and dies or my oil pressure set. Otherwise I ditch them. Plastic trays are pretty must the same way. Of say 40 sets that came in trays, I can think of four still in use.

 

[Codejack]

I like blow-mold cases for portable sets, but even they get limited, and you wind up with a dozen cases and lots of wasted space.

I'm using foam inserts I made bu laying out my tools, covering them in cloth, spraying expanding foam over them, and pressing it down with a plastic-covered block of wood.

This was a first attempt, and obviously, the tools moved around and I ran out of foam

They work, though; that's a portable box, and they stay in place.

I'm going to redo them with plastic instead of cloth, so hopefully it will expand and make deeper pockets, and clay to hold everything in place and form fingerholes for the long tools.

I also need a 3rd tray for the 1/2" socket set.

That's grooved vinyl carpet runner, which also works pretty well, but not for big sockets, long tools, or in a carry case...

 

[crewchief888]

I only keep kits in cases were the case is the best way to store them, like tap and dies or my oil pressure set. Otherwise I ditch them.

ive repurposed several blow molded boxes for tools that didnt come in a box, or misc "stuff" that needs to stay together.

i think the only set of sockets i have in a blow molded case is a SK 1/4" dr set.

all the rest of them are on steel rails, or sheetmetal trays, and a few in MTS socket holders.

i have a couple hansen socket trays in the garage, but IMO they are a waste of space...

like bobcatdan mentioned, sometimes the blow molded case is the best place....

 

[Al Borland]

Home box everything is laid out and sockets are on rails, etc. The tools I have for work are in a separate box, and socket sets are in blow-molded cases, power tools are in plastic cases, etc. In my home box I can see everything at a glance, in the work box, I can grab the set I need and the cases are a quick way to inventory/ tool control at the end of the day.