Toolbox Organization

[Mikea57]

I need some help organizing my meager set of tools into my new (to me) toolbox. Kudos to my wife for finding this for me at a moving sale and just buying it right on the spot. This is my first real toolbox and I don't really know what the best way to organize it is. The picture is crappy (cellphone camera) but it gets the point across. I figure that the tools I use most will be towards the middle of the stack and I don't even know what to put in the top drawer that flips open. I can't even see in it and I'm 6'1"!
About 99% of my tools are hand-me-downs from my Dad, my Grandfather, and a Great Uncle. The Grandfather and Great Uncle were finish carpenters and farmers. The majority of the tools from them are carpentry but a few mechanics tools were in the mix too. I've got another toolbox that my Grandfather handmade for the carpentry tools so I'm good there.
What I'd like to get ideas about is, what is the best way to store sockets (vertical or horizontal) and why? I bought a set of holders for them from Sears that they lay into but I'm not sure this is what I want to use. How about wrenches and screwdrivers? Magnetic strip or insert to slide each one into? I know that grinders, sanders, etc. will go in the taller drawers, but what tools do you just leave out of the box and why? Pictures of what you've done will be helpful too. I realize this is going to be always evolving but I'd appreciate any ideas anyone is willing to share.

Thanks so much,

Mike

 

[Stuey]

Holy ****, that is a TALL setup.

Try moving the intermediate to a shelf or something to see if you can then see inside the top drawer.

In all honesty, I'd recommend just sorting your tools out temporarily into the drawers and then see what you can do.

I like having a ratchet/drive tool/drive tool accessory drawer, a screwdriver drawer, a pliers drawer, a vise grip/adjustable wrenches/tongue in groove pliers, and then everything else fits into some sort of mixed order.

Of course, the first thing I'd do if I were you, would be to head to Lowes/etc and pick up some non-adhesive shelf liners. I prefer Duck brand, but Lowes' house brand is made by the same company.

Nice
Grippier

 

[chammyman]

thats a good wife you have there! Most wouldn't know what to look for let alone buy on the spot.

it really depends on how much you have but the seperate drawers for ratchets. spanners etc etc I always find people put the sockets on the top lift up bit, that swhere I also have mine. i have them vertical on the rail

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

You don't have to leave it stacked. You could also build a wooden step, that could be handy when you need that extra reach under the hood, and leave it next to the toolbox.

I moved my top box to the side, and now the intermediate, is the top with a spot for cleaners, antiseize, locktite, etc. The top of the top box, depending on its setup, I place hammers, hacksaws, if it has a spot in the lid, some small drill bit sets, etc.

 

[JohnK007]

If you're an organizational nut-job like me resist the temptation to label the drawers. At least for a few months. You'll more than likely fine tune and re-organize your drawers a few time before you settle on something you like. You'll just be peeling off labels that don't match the contents. Trust me, I speak from experience.

Here's how I did a few of my drawers in my main box:

 

[Brad54]

I put pliers in the first full-width drawer on the top box, because those are the most used tools.
Second drawer is screwdrivers.
Third and fourth drawer are wrenches.
Part of this is because when you ask someone to help you in the shop, and tell them to get a tool, they always start at the first full-width drawer.

Punches and chisels, tape measures and rulers, pens, markers, note pads, tire gauges, misc. stuff go in the small drawers.

I put all my ratchets and sockets in the top, under the lid, but you need a step-stool the get into yours.

Bottom box gets the heavier stuff:
First drawer is hammers
from there, it's groups of stuff: chassis tools, body tools, air tools, etc.

Have fun!

-Brad

 

[nissan_crawler]

Just some ideas. 1" white heavy foam for some things, Craftsman foam holders for the wrenches and screwdrivers, aluminum angle from McMaster and Craftsman plastic rails for sockets, magnetic socket holders in the other box, 1/2" socket rail is 1x pine that's varnished with 3/16" bolts and stacked washers to hold the sockets.

 

[Printer Mike]

I envy those that organize...

Most of my tools are scattered here and there. Finding something is like an adventure.
I want to change......really!

 

[Mikea57]

Thanks guys! That's really helpful. I did buy some of the black Kobalt shelf padding at Lowe's and have got the top 2 boxes lined. I ran out though so I need to get more. I really liked the Blue stuff that comes with the Kobalt toolboxes they sell there at Lowe's but apparently they don't sell it separately. I could've had a Superman themed toolbox!!

I haven't looked but I guess I can get those wrench racks at Sears can't I? I like those. Most of my wrenches are very old and I may or may not have the full set. I don't even know.

I really appreciate everyone's ideas and especially the pix. I did a search on this topic and got no threads found. That surprised me...

Mike

 

[Mikea57]

Nissan Crawler,
How do you carve out the white foam that you use for your pliers? I've tried that before and it came out looking very, very crappy!!! Is it that the type that is several layers?

 

[jcs_in_ky]

That box is the exact one that I bought when I purchased my first toolbox. I bought it new from sears around 1990. I remember they had a deal going where you got the intermediate section free when you purchased the other pieces. Eventually I took the intermediate box and put it on a shelf because with everything stacked it made it too tall and was a little top heavy.

 

[Mark in Memphis]

I made a bunch of removable labels for my box. On an ordinary sheet of paper I typed the names of the labels in a large font that filled up the paper. Then my lovely wife laminated the sheet. Then she bought me a magnetic sheet that she bought at Hobby Lobby that was a flat magnet with glue on the other side. I stuck the laminated paper to the magnetic sheet and cut out the labels. WaaaLaaa Removable Labels. The funny thing is that once I put my tools in the drawers and placed the labels on the drawers I've never wanted to move them.

 

[Mikea57]

Mark in Memphis

Funny you should mention that Mark. I was putting stuff in the drawers last night and I got to thinking "How am I ever going to remember which drawer has what in it? They all look the same!" I had made those type labels for the audio mixer at our church and they work great. I used photography paper and refrigerator magnet material that you can find office supply stores and Hobby Lobby, etc. You're right up the road from me too. I'm in Olive Branch.

jcs in ky, where are you at? I grew up in Louisville...

 

[nissan_crawler]

I haven't looked but I guess I can get those wrench racks at Sears can't I? I like those. Most of my wrenches are very old and I may or may not have the full set. I don't even know.

Yes, Sears has them with the other organization stuff. It comes in a plastic sleeve with 4 of the foam strips and 4 of the plastic rails the foam goes in.

Nissan Crawler,
How do you carve out the white foam that you use for your pliers? I've tried that before and it came out looking very, very crappy!!! Is it that the type that is several layers?

Eh, hard to explain, it's just a single layer. I just use a regular small utility knife. If you want to make a cut like |__| first cut a "v" out like \_/ and take a wedge out, then cut out the wedge |\_/| pieces on each side. If it's rounded items like extensions or ratchets, leave it somewhat v'd, and it fits the handles better.

 

[rburke65]

I have a friend in Olive Branch, although I haven't see him in years. This site would be a lot more friendly if everyone included their location.

 

[rickairmedic]

Re: Mark in Memphis

Funny you should mention that Mark. I was putting stuff in the drawers last night and I got to thinking "How am I ever going to remember which drawer has what in it? They all look the same!" I had made those type labels for the audio mixer at our church and they work great. I used photography paper and refrigerator magnet material that you can find office supply stores and Hobby Lobby, etc. You're right up the road from me too. I'm in Olive Branch.

jcs in ky, where are you at? I grew up in Louisville...

Mike I am actually in Louisville JCS is a little further east I am pretty sure and may or may not have power at the moment . Ike knocked our power out on sunday and I am still running off a power inverter in my service truck . I havent heard or seen anything out of JCS since the storm I know Cincinati got hit as hard as we did and I am pretty sure he is close to Cinci so he may be sitting in the dark.

Rick

 

[Mikea57]

RickAirMedic
Whoaa!!! I had no idea. I guess I need to check on my folks. They're in J-Town. I didn't know you guys got any bad weather at all. We got a little wind Saturday nite/Sunday AM; it blew some stuff in the pool and a little rain but nothing serious. I checked the radar Sunday morning and it looked like everything went almost straight north and I didn't even see any problems up L'ville way. Thanks for the heads up!

RBurke 65:
Is that a subtle hint? : I thought I'd put in my profile where I was but I see that I haven't yet. I'll correct that...

Nissan Crawler:
Thanks, I probably wasn't patient enough with my whittling so it came out looking like ****. I remember trying it though and the results looked, well, crappy.

 

[rickairmedic]

Mike as far as I know most of J-Town has power back but yeah we got hit with cat 1 strength winds up here kinda hard to imagine a cat 1 hurricane this far north we are in PRP and are still without power and on day 6 . I have an order place with my local Harbor Freight for a 10KW generator head I will be hooking it too a VW motor . I will never go through this **** again LOL.

Rick

 

[JohnZ]

I use molded plastic inserts for my socket drawers and for my wrench drawers; I think I got the inserts years ago at Sporty's; keeps things organized and I know visually if any tools are out elsewhere in the shop.

 

[jcs_in_ky]

I wanted to make some labels for my drawers but didn't want to spend much on them. I bought a roll of magnetic tape at Walmart that has adhesive backing on it. They sell it in their craft department. Regular paper didn't stick to it very well so I took some file folder labels we had here and stuck them on. Between the adhesive on the tape and the labels they stick well. Then I just write on them with a Sharpie. It doesn't cost much for each one and if I ever want to change the label I can always stick a new sticker over the old one.

I live about 40 miles east of Bowling Green KY, the power was only out here for most of last Sunday. We got it back that evening. We got some moderate wind here but nothing bad. It took a few shingles off my roof but I'm actually in the process of putting a new roof on the house this week so it helped me out a little with the stripping!

John

 

[Cobra5150]

For labeling, Avery makes a product that is printable and magnetic. You can run it through your printer with tool names and clip art if you desire. I'll post pics when I get back out to the garage.

 

[Kevin54]

Indoor / Outdoor carpet

 

[Mikea57]

Kevin54,
My son-in-law suggested I/O carpet but the stuff he was talking about had a very heavy backing. It ended up being more $$$ than the Kobalt toolbox liner stuff so I went with that. But yours looks great!

I've made some progress on the organization. I'll try to take some pictures of what I've got so far. I haven't been to Sears yet to get wrench holders yet but I will.

 

[eandrese]

Thank you all for this thread. I have been looking for about 4 hours for this. I just purchased the BB craftsman tool chest and was wondering if there were any strategies for how to organize these things. I will shop around for some of the holders I have seen here and just dive in and see what works. I think the photos were really inspiring.

 

[kwright]

I just use regular-'ol shelf/drawer liner, available in any home improvement store and many grocery stores. Cheap, easy to use, comes in many color and has an aggresive texture that prevents items from slipping and sliding around.