Toolbox confusion for DIY wrenching

[Lelandwelds]

Why is there such concern over 100lb drawer slides and heavy sheetmetal if the "proper" way to store tools is in a single layer of precut foam? That works out to five or ten pounds of tools per drawer, right? Why not buy eight HF 44" at the best deal and Steevo the lot of them instead of a single Snap On?

The finest mechanics tools I have ever owned a lot of are Craftsman and I must admit I never treated them with much respect. I have owned a few Kennedy and big box tool chests but usually depended on a canvas bag and a five gallon bucket. I want to do a bit better this next time with a clean slate. What is the current thinking from the more skilled wrenches on GJ?

 

[s14kev]

Where do you get this "proper" from. I don't know anyone who uses foam short of aircraft mechanics to avoid FOD. Here is half of my top drawer. It's a **** ton more than 10 pounds of tools. The other half is even heavier.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Where do you get this "proper" from. I don't know anyone who uses foam short of aircraft mechanics to avoid FOD. Here is half of my top drawer. It's a **** ton more than 10 pounds of tools. The other half is even heavier.

My first thought, as well....my top drawer has about 300 pounds of sockets up to 3/4 drive in it.....

EDIT: In all seriousness, load your tools for ease of use / speed for the tasks you will use them for as well as making it easy to spot if anything is missing and not having to root through a pile to find what you need. Some stuff may be sensitive and you may want to make a nice foam cut-out to store it in, other things will be task-specific cases where you grab that job specific kit (ball joint press or pulley puller), while others will be desirable to just pack as many of that item in together while keeping it easy to grab a single (like wrenches)....with this in mind, I have many drawers that only weigh 10 pounds, but I also have a number that 100 pound rated slides are definitely a requirement.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think it all depends on how much shop space you have and what you work on.
When I was a kid, a lot of mechanics had stacks, a bottom rollaway with a top chest on top of it. Fast forward several years and stacks were replaced with lower boxes in to 50-60 inch wide width that were approx 24 inches deep. fast forward to today with many techs having a wall of tool storage with hutches, or top chest as big as their bottom box with side lockers or end cabs. Hell, some dealerships even have built in tool boxes/cabinets for a neater and uniform looking appearance.
If i was to revamp my tool storage or have to start over. I would do things differently. I would concentrate on a nice service cart with 6-7 drawers and a deep top till with pry bar (or similar round hole tool storage) on the sides.
It doesn't have to be snap on. I've used a Cornwell chicom made 700 series cart for over 11 years now. Homak, Sunex, and others have nice carts that don't require a huge outlay of cash. This cart would hold 95% of what i need daily to do my job. The other tools used less frequently would call a couple of metal cabinets with shelves home. No fancy toolbox wall but, just as organized to enhance productivity.
There's a guy on you tube, i think it's how to automotive or something like that. he uses three or so tool carts and skips the mega box. You don't have to buy a truck brand box. There are plenty on non truck brand boxes available to meet probably any tool storage need.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Determine the size box currently needed, and add for planned tool purchases.
Take the resulting figure and go half again larger.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I think it all depends on how much shop space you have and what you work on.
When I was a kid, a lot of mechanics had stacks, a bottom rollaway with a top chest on top of it. Fast forward several years and stacks were replaced with lower boxes in to 50-60 inch wide width that were approx 24 inches deep. fast forward to today with many techs having a wall of tool storage with hutches, or top chest as big as their bottom box with side lockers or end cabs. Hell, some dealerships even have built in tool boxes/cabinets for a neater and uniform looking appearance.
If i was to revamp my tool storage or have to start over. I would do things differently. I would concentrate on a nice service cart with 6-7 drawers and a deep top till with pry bar (or similar round hole tool storage) on the sides.
It doesn't have to be snap on. I've used a Cornwell chicom made 700 series cart for over 11 years now. Homak, Sunex, and others have nice carts that don't require a huge outlay of cash. This cart would hold 95% of what i need daily to do my job. The other tools used less frequently would call a couple of metal cabinets with shelves home. No fancy toolbox wall but, just as organized to enhance productivity.
There's a guy on you tube, i think it's how to automotive or something like that. he uses three or so tool carts and skips the mega box. You don't have to buy a truck brand box. There are plenty on non truck brand boxes available to meet probably any tool storage need.

Reading your post was almost like watching a movie that fast forwards and flashes back to scenes 10 or 20 years apart. I could almost see the visual.

Now, I just need to figure out how to google an image search for that . . .

 

[Lelandwelds]

Where do you get this "proper" from. I don't know anyone who uses foam short of aircraft mechanics to avoid FOD. Here is half of my top drawer. It's a **** ton more than 10 pounds of tools. The other half is even heavier.

My first thought, as well....my top drawer has about 300 pounds of sockets up to 3/4 drive in it.....

EDIT: In all seriousness, load your tools for ease of use / speed for the tasks you will use them for as well as making it easy to spot if anything is missing and not having to root through a pile to find what you need. Some stuff may be sensitive and you may want to make a nice foam cut-out to store it in, other things will be task-specific cases where you grab that job specific kit (ball joint press or pulley puller), while others will be desirable to just pack as many of that item in together while keeping it easy to grab a single (like wrenches)....with this in mind, I have many drawers that only weigh 10 pounds, but I also have a number that 100 pound rated slides are definitely a requirement.

Ok, you are using ratchet socket strips instead of foam. That makes a HUGE and COMPLETE difference. Lol.

My uncle had massive pegboards on all the walls with all the tool shadowed in solid black. He hot glued all the hooks in place. As children, it was great fun to swap tools around or turn a wrench to face the wrong way.

Maybe, more of the neat and sparse drawers are being shown. I am doing good to separate my metric from SAE or hammers from pliers. Over the years I have become a real 5S fan and will group things used together that may not be necessarily by tool type. I have definitely been a "route through the pile" guy.

I worked as a welding machine repair guy. A 3/8" socket, VOM meter, cable crimper, two screwdrivers and one Allen wrench made a pretty complete tool kit.

 

[Lelandwelds]

1. many techs having a wall of tool storage with hutches, or top chest as big as their bottom box with side lockers or end cabs.

2. Hell, some dealerships even have built in tool boxes/cabinets for a neater and uniform looking appearance.



3. nice carts that don't require a huge outlay of cash. This cart would hold 95% of what i need daily to do my job. The other tools used less frequently would call a couple of metal cabinets with shelves home. No fancy toolbox wall but, just as organized to enhance productivity.

4. Determine the size box currently needed, and add for planned tool purchases.
Take the resulting figure and go half again larger.

Here I find four different approaches. Each has something I really like.

I like toolboxes. With some added lateral files and Durham products, I can store all the tools, aerosols, fasteners, oil, zip ties, and stuff I use. I am a fan of the Steevo bench or wall mounted storage. I want something easy to clean but distinctive like a wall mounted bump out.

Somebody out there has a better idea.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Maybe, more of the neat and sparse drawers are being shown. I am doing good to separate my metric from SAE or hammers from pliers. Over the years I have become a real 5S fan and will group things used together that may not be necessarily by tool type. I have definitely been a "route through the pile" guy.

I have always hated the "pile" method. I may not be a flat rate mechanic, but I do usually have multiple projects happening at any given time, or at least get hit with immediate emergencies during the middle of some involved job, where I have to switch gears fast and I don't want to have to spend time "hunting" for anything. This is also why I have multiples of lots of common tools.
Over many years, this has caused me to group things in the box differently than just where it physically fits easily. Lately, it seems electrical work in general has become the biggest concern in relation to the box itself. It just bugs my OCD mind to have to go to 3 or 4 different drawers to get stuff together to do a troubleshooting routine or basic electrical repair. I ended up creating a drawer for all the first line electrical testing tools -- DMM, test leads, common test switches / bypass plugs, battery tools / tester, terminal tools -- Then second for actual repair, since I'll likey stop to grab other supplies like wire off the rack - wiring strippers / crimpers and boxes of pins / terminals / heatshrink

 

[Kaizen]

I in fact do have the hf44 and after loading all my sockets in it I wish it had a better slide on that and the bottom drawer so they glide open easier. They work but takes enough effort that I often just leave it open


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[crewchief888]

i'm not a fan of double/triple/quad bank boxes.
i'm from the era before any of those boxes were available. when i upgraded from a 26" stack of boxes to a kr550/555b i had plenty of room for expansion, or so i thought...
i was wrong.
i got some good deals on trade in boxes from guys that were upgrading to (the then new) double banks, and kept adding on to my original KR's with side boxes, and a couple more roller cabs.
none of my main garage boxes are wider than 33". for me they are easier to rearrange as storage needs change, or i add more "stuff".

 

[jonshonda]

Extremely personal and unique question will get hundreds of different replies. Hence the hundreds of different box layouts and configs. There is no right way to organize your tools, so there is no SOP for tool box organization.

If people only put 5 lbs of tools in each drawer, boxes would need to be huge to accommodate even a shadetrees tool collection. And you don't want cheap glides. Just because they are ball bearing doesn't mean squat. I tested dozens of ball bearing glides with very different results.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

When I see foam inserts with perfect cutouts, I think it's amateur hour, of a guy with more money than skill/brains/forethought. Even if I didn't love tools, I would still need to buy a new tool every once in a while to keep up with fixing cars. What do the foam-warriors do when they buy a new tool?

 

[Two Door]

When I see foam inserts with perfect cutouts, I think it's amateur hour, of a guy with more money than skill/brains/forethought. Even if I didn't love tools, I would still need to buy a new tool every once in a while to keep up with fixing cars. What do the foam-warriors do when they buy a new tool?

Exactly. I think the same about boxes where each drawer is laid out with the care given to the visual appeal of a meal presented at a fine restaurant. Each tool is artfully placed, in a very specific spot. Foam-style organization without the foam.

For instance, I don't place my ratchets with one short one paired with a long one, with maybe a carefully sized extension in between, just to fill a certain box dimension

At the other extreme, I don't like unmanaged piles of things either, so I have semi-organized groups. I have many ratchets piled several high, as it is still easy to see and retrieve the one you want. The same with crows-foot wrenches. The ratchets are in one distinct place, the crows-feet in another.

This suits my needs for functionality vs space utilization.

P.S. - I also laugh when I see some box labeling. I understand it for the less obvious things. But sockets and wrenches?

 

[VinceG]

I can say i use socket rails, boxes stuff come in till I run out of room then just put it in a drawer. If you like a well organized set up look at the Matco tool grid system since you can change it as you expand.

not my tool box in the pictures.

 

[dr_clyde]

My main box is a Snap-On KR1000 that is 20+ years old. It is modestly sized by today's box standards.

I love how heavy duty it is built. I have a 1/2" steel plate on the top to act as a welding surface/ work area. I routinely pick up the whole box with a forklift and drive it to another building on our campus. I may not have 300lbs+ in each drawer, but I'm glad this box is built to handle a lot of weight. It puts up with the punishment of use.

Does a home shop guy need this? No. But sometimes its nice to have things just because they're nice.

This forum is a bad place to get a sense of what the average Joe wants or needs. We're not average Joe. We are a mix of pros and enthusiasts. We're going to want the nicer box than needed, because that's what we're into. Its like asking why people buy a Ferrari when they aren't in F1. Because they're nice to look at, fun to use, and built really nice with maybe some ego in the equation. Same reason why a home shop guy buys an Epiq. Its rarely about need.

 

[dr_clyde]

I think sometimes because tools have an immediate and practical use, we forget that some people like the tools and boxes for reasons beyond their practicality and dollar value.

Many analogies can be made, but the bottom line is that some people think of their tools and box as something to be displayed and admired. Even if they are the only ones that ever see it. A cheap Casio tells time just as well as an Omega. I'm not a watch guy, but I'm here to tell you, I'll notice a Seamaster and admire it for its craftsmanship and beauty.

It is a nice feeling to open up a drawer of wrenches and see then all nicely organized. Chrome gleaming back, all laid out and ready to use. Knolling is something deeply ingrained in some of our minds. Either you get it or you don't care. That feeling is amplified when the nice tools are inside a nice box.

 

[Firebrick43]

When I see foam inserts with perfect cutouts, I think it's amateur hour, of a guy with more money than skill/brains/forethought. Even if I didn't love tools, I would still need to buy a new tool every once in a while to keep up with fixing cars. What do the foam-warriors do when they buy a new tool?

And when I read post like yours I know you lack "skill/brains/forethought"

Educate yourself before making ignorant and disparaging comments on others. It may not be your thing(and that fine) but it has very real benifits.

Most foamed boxes are aviation boxes to ATAF tools or boxes set up for 5S in an industrial or model specific situation such as a race car. In either case the tools needed are mostly known and unchanging. Space is left for new tools sometimes in a corner. Or a drawer is dedicated to new/specialty tools with open space.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have an older Matco 54"x 24" box that I got a good deal on because it needs some paint work. It's built like a Sherman tank and I'd rather have it over a thinner, cheaper box around the same cost. I like wider boxes compared to the stack type. Got rid of my tall stack to get this wide box that holds way more than my stack ever could. Plus I have another work bench in the middle of my work area that I can move out of the way for large projects.

I'm a DIY'er that works on pretty much everything made of metal, wood, and plastic. I'm guessing that four of my thirteen drawers has at least 100 lbs. My large drawer with most of my sockets and drive tools likely weighs double that.

I put what I need in either a tote, tool bag, or cart for the job.

I also have file cabinets that hold some tools like clamps, caulk guns, drill bits, extension cords and a smaller one for tape, zip ties, sand paper, etc. All of my power tools are in their cases in a rack/shelves except for an air impact, die grinder, driver, and chisel.


Almost forgot, I also work on concrete, brick, and tile.

 

[Lelandwelds]

And when I read post like yours I know you lack "skill/brains/forethought"

Educate yourself before making ignorant and disparaging comments on others. It may not be your thing(and that fine) but it has very real benifits.

Most foamed boxes are aviation boxes to ATAF tools or boxes set up for 5S in an industrial or model specific situation such as a race car. In either case the tools needed are mostly known and unchanging. Space is left for new tools sometimes in a corner. Or a drawer is dedicated to new/specialty tools with open space.

I don't place my ratchets with one short one paired with a long one . . . just to fill a certain box dimension

I don't like unmanaged piles of things either, so I have semi-organized groups . . . functionality vs space utilization.

P.S. - I also laugh when I see some box labeling. I understand it for the less obvious things. But sockets and wrenches?

I have always hated the "pile" method. I may not be a flat rate mechanic, but I do usually have multiple projects happening at any given time, or at least get hit with immediate emergencies during the middle of some involved job, where I have to switch gears fast and I don't want to have to spend time "hunting" for anything. This is also why I have multiples of lots of common tools.
Over many years, this has caused me to group things in the box differently than just where it physically fits easily. Lately, it seems electrical work in general has become the biggest concern in relation to the box itself. It just bugs my OCD mind to have to go to 3 or 4 different drawers to get stuff together to do a troubleshooting routine or basic electrical repair. I ended up creating a drawer for all the first line electrical testing tools -- DMM, test leads, common test switches / bypass plugs, battery tools / tester, terminal tools -- Then second for actual repair, since I'll likey stop to grab other supplies like wire off the rack - wiring strippers / crimpers and boxes of pins / terminals / heatshrink

A big part of 5S is labeling EVERYTHING so that EVERYONE knows a tools place and the location will not change. People are easily replaced (unfortunately ). The Job does not change until it is measurably improved.

I have a collection of different colored nylon and canvas bags ready for different jobs. I have used a version of the cartoon style toolbox, tool rolls, and the Stanley plastic boxes. I group by job to be performed not tool type. I often intentionally have a #2 Phillips, zip tie, or 3/8 " hex in more than one place.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Extremely personal and unique question will get hundreds of different replies. Hence the hundreds of different box layouts and configs. There is no right way to organize your tools, so there is no SOP for tool box organization.

Exactly. I think the same about boxes where each drawer is laid out with the care given to the visual appeal of a meal presented at a fine restaurant. Each tool is artfully placed, in a very specific spot. Foam-style organization without the foam.

For instance, I don't place my ratchets with one short one paired with a long one, with maybe a carefully sized extension in between, just to fill a certain box dimension

Does a home shop guy need this? No. But sometimes its nice to have things just because they're nice.

This forum is a bad place to get a sense of what the average Joe wants or needs. We're not average Joe. We are a mix of pros and enthusiasts. We're going to want the nicer box than needed, because that's what we're into. Its like asking why people buy a Ferrari when they aren't in F1. Because they're nice to look at, fun to use, and built really nice with maybe some ego in the equation. Same reason why a home shop guy buys an Epiq. Its rarely about need.

I think sometimes because tools have an immediate and practical use, we forget that some people like the tools and boxes for reasons beyond their practicality and dollar value.

Many analogies can be made, but the bottom line is that some people think of their tools and box as something to be displayed and admired. Even if they are the only ones that ever see it. A cheap Casio tells time just as well as an Omega. I'm not a watch guy, but I'm here to tell you, I'll notice a Seamaster and admire it for its craftsmanship and beauty.

It is a nice feeling to open up a drawer of wrenches and see then all nicely organized. Chrome gleaming back, all laid out and ready to use. Knolling is something deeply ingrained in some of our minds. Either you get it or you don't care. That feeling is amplified when the nice tools are inside a nice box.

I can say i use socket rails, boxes stuff come in till I run out of room then just put it in a drawer. If you like a well organized set up look at the Matco tool grid system since you can change it as you expand.

Neat. Flip a pegboard flat and it is new and better!

If I understand a concept, I can often duplicate the core of it for a tiny fraction of its original cost. I am on a fact finding tour. I want to go straight to the core of those who are skilled and up to their elbows in it.

I am thinking of streamlined cleaning and appearance. Maybe chasing cool, shiny, and drool worthy is the flip side of that?

 

[Gmonkee]

I have a plastic tote at work and the shop tools are hung on the wall. My boss has his own toolbag and small drive socket sets I don't use much.

We have no big boxes between us. A few smaller kits that are grab and go at best.


At home a general purpose kit in a home made wood tote, including bike stuff and an electrical kit now we'll buried after the rewire job was done. I should probably repack and shelve that stuff then bring the nice tote to work.

 

[ToolRoom]

Why is there such concern over 100lb drawer slides and heavy sheetmetal if the "proper" way to store tools is in a single layer of precut foam? That works out to five or ten pounds of tools per drawer, right? Why not buy eight HF 44" at the best deal and Steevo the lot of them instead of a single Snap On?

Generally speaking, I suspect you might not find many Snap On boxes in the sort of places that use tool control. I've found it tends to be lots of shallow height wide drawer lista boxes or shadow boards. You need lots of real estate for foam. The tools also tend to be smaller and very specific, individually serial numbered and fully traceable. Tool purchases are strictly controlled so inventory seldom changes. You Tag out and tool check at the end of each shift. I understand it is a bit more laid back in commercial if the tools aren't supplied.

When I see foam inserts with perfect cutouts, I think it's amateur hour, of a guy with more money than skill/brains/forethought.

If you worked in an environment where TC is a requirement you would change your mind pretty fast or find yourself in an alternative career equally quickly. Once you've used it, the justification becomes very obvious. If you don't need to use it, you wouldn't.

What do the foam-warriors do when they buy a new tool?

Cut a new hole.

If you don't have space you re-foam the box. Correction, you get the fresh faced arrivals to re-foam it while you do something else.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Generally speaking, I suspect you might not find many Snap On boxes in the sort of places that use tool control. I've found it tends to be lots of shallow height wide drawer lista boxes or shadow boards. You need lots of real estate for foam. The tools also tend to be smaller and very specific, individually serial numbered and fully traceable. Tool purchases are strictly controlled so inventory seldom changes. You Tag out and tool check at the end of each shift. I understand it is a bit more laid back in commercial if the tools aren't supplied.



If you worked in an environment where TC is a requirement you would change your mind pretty fast or find yourself in an alternative career equally quickly. Once you've used it, the justification becomes very obvious. If you don't need to use it, you wouldn't.



Cut a new hole.

If you don't have space you re-foam the box. Correction, you get the fresh faced arrivals to re-foam it while you do something else.

I have been in some impressive setups and never cared enough to pull my head out and ask for a tour of some of the mechanics tool set ups. I so, so regret it.



Parts of this other thread leave me speechless.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=381487

His space is only 750 sq ft and is PACKED full. It wouldn't work for me, exactly. I admire his storage.

 

[SeattleSaleen5.0]

I have the 26 inch middle and top box givin to me when I was young and it got to the point it was bursting at the seams. When we moved we gained so much shop space I was able to get a 56 inch craftsman top and bottom to add to my storage. I shopped all the big brands and watched for used boxes. When it was all said and done I got a deal at our local sears outlet I couldn’t refuse. It’s not quite as nice as a snappy or matco etc. but the drawer slides are well rated, ball bearing, soft close. For me it’s plenty. I also have inherited my dads 26 inch 3 piece snap on classic but call me sentimental cause I can’t even bring myself to rearrange the drawers in it lol. These work great for me but I am no mechanic. I mostly just enjoy some recreational wrenching on the toys.

 

[Lelandwelds]

i'm not a fan of double/triple/quad bank boxes.
i'm from the era before any of those boxes were available. when i upgraded from a 26" stack of boxes to a kr550/555b i had plenty of room for expansion, or so i thought...
i was wrong.
i got some good deals on trade in boxes from guys that were upgrading to (the then new) double banks, and kept adding on to my original KR's with side boxes, and a couple more roller cabs.
none of my main garage boxes are wider than 33". for me they are easier to rearrange as storage needs change, or i add more "stuff".

I have the 26 inch middle and top box givin to me when I was young and it got to the point it was bursting at the seams. When we moved we gained so much shop space I was able to get a 56 inch craftsman top and bottom to add to my storage. I shopped all the big brands and watched for used boxes. When it was all said and done I got a deal at our local sears outlet I couldn’t refuse. It’s not quite as nice as a snappy or matco etc. but the drawer slides are well rated, ball bearing, soft close. For me it’s plenty. I also have inherited my dads 26 inch 3 piece snap on classic but call me sentimental cause I can’t even bring myself to rearrange the drawers in it lol. These work great for me but I am no mechanic. I mostly just enjoy some recreational wrenching on the toys.

You two gents are examples of the incremental acquisition or "how did I get here?" mechanic. I wish I was a member. I am in the "barely wrenching because my **** and clutter make worming under a car too hard" group. I visit the hoarding and "I might need it some day" group.

I want to join the spotless and place for everything group. I sold almost everything when I sold my last house and have a clean slate. I like the Matco tool grid, this guy's work
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=381487 , cut foam, routed wood blocks, and the concept behind my uncle's pegboard shadows.

I am intrigued by the Sweden designed and Taiwan built Teng Tools modular idea. It is based on foamed/high impact plastic/ blow molded inserts which fit into road toolboxes, chest, and wall shelving units. The lids snap off and each unit is easily moved from the "daily use" to the "use it once a month" group. Anyone familiar with it?

What else is out there like it?

 

[nes999]

Tool organization is a very personal thing. No matter what tool box I've had my first drawer is my screw drivers. Why? I don't know thats just how I've done it.

I have my tools laid out more by operation then by tool. For example everything I need to do electrical work is in one drawer. My layout tools are in their own. I dislike the whole opening 10 drawers to get what I need for a common job. There are something I havent been able to remove like a socket drawer, but for the most part I've been able to separate my drawers by operation.

I hate having to dig through 4 inches of tools to find the one I need. I only pile when I absolutely have to. A few drawers of mine are like that but I refuse to buy another tool box to change that. Maybe if/when I get enough tools to make it worth it.

I have never used a cart for tool storage. I would be too concerned about it walking off.

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[HanShotFirst]

Everyone is different. If I were buying a new tool box today, I would want something that could hold all my ratchets and sockets in the top drawers...that's a lot of weight.

 

[theoldwizard1]

... In all seriousness, load your tools for ease of use / speed for the tasks you will use them for ...

I could not believe what a godsend it was when I got my first PROPER tool chest and could put metric wrenches in one drawer and SAE in another ! Eve though I had the metric wrenches marked for easy identification, there were just SO MANY IN ONE DRAWER !

I do take the time to move the smaller wrenches (1/2" and down) and line them up neatly. This is because the size stamped on them is so damn small I can't read it. How does lettering/numbering stamped into forged steel SHRINK over time !

 

[Lelandwelds]

My next tool chest is my last one. It's going to be 32 X 40 and big enough to walk around in.

 

[crewchief888]

I could not believe what a godsend it was when I got my first PROPER tool chest and could put metric wrenches in one drawer and SAE in another !

This is because the size stamped on them is so damn small I can't read it. How does lettering/numbering stamped into forged steel SHRINK over time !

back when i got started wrenching professionally i didnt have the need for an extensive metric collection.. it didnt stay that way.. working on const eq i still use a LOT of std tools, with the occasional metric, specifically for engine related fasteners...

over the years ive gotten to the point where i can look at a nut or bolt, and reach blindly into my toolbox and 99% of the time come out with the correct size socket. most of my sockets have been in the same place since i went out into the field and set my "portable" boxes up.
wrenches are a little more difficult as they have a tendency to move around in my service truck.


FWIW i cant ever remember having sockets and ratchets/extensions in the same drawer..

 

[taumac]

I’ve done the 44 deal but sometimes wish drawers were deeper. There no one correct way but looking at what others done gives you ideas on what might or might not work for you.

 

[hangfirew8]

I am in the "barely wrenching because my **** and clutter make worming under a car too hard" group. I visit the hoarding and "I might need it some day" group.

I want to join the spotless and place for everything group.

I was heading towards the first group (hoarding/piles). Then I started buying tool storage and making an effort towards being in the the second group. (Everything in perfect neat rows.)

What I discovered is that getting stuff done is more important than organizing every last bit of everything, and being at one extreme or the other gets in the way of getting stuff done.

With the goal of getting stuff done up front, instead of being part of the spotless and totally organized group, I found that putting most-used tools up front and together was more important than nice neat rows of stuff I hardly use.

I also found I can't remember where absolutely everything is. But I can remember "Friction in those drawers over there" and "Car parts in that cabinet over there" and "auto cleaning stuff in that tub up there" and "machinist tools in machinist chest" and so on. From there it's a lot easier to find stuff because the search area is limited.

So my organization manta has become, not "how do I best organize all this" (and possibly have to re-organize the moment I add another), but rather "like stuff together" and then shuffle groups of like-stuff into spots where each collection physically fits.

So the process for moving me towards truly useful organization is a.) have enough space/shelf/drawer/pick-bin/whatever for everything (that's not easy) and b.) Just keep moving like stuff together, and c.) move the most important, most used stuff towards where I use it most. Sometimes c.) conflicts a bit with b.) in that I'll have to split up some like-things. I just keep at it until it just makes sense.

The past few years I've been getting more stuff done, faster, with less time spent playing "where's-it", than ever before. And, that's what really counts.

 

[Lelandwelds]

What I discovered is that getting stuff done is more important than organizing every last bit of everything, and being at one extreme or the other gets in the way of getting stuff done.


The past few years I've been getting more stuff done, faster, with less time spent playing "where's-it", than ever before. And, that's what really counts.

You say it differently but we are definitely in agreement. Much of what you are saying is at the core of my favorite quality program, 5S. (Clean. Organize. Find what works and don't change it until something better comes along. Keep clutter out from underfoot.) My last employer lost sight of that and kept trying to reduce it to a janitorial policy.

I want to have an idea for max organization and max storage from the start. The organic let it just happen method has not worked in the past for me. Once I start something, I tend to ride it out to the bitter end instead of walking away or trashing it all and starting over. This is a rare clean slate for me.