Toolbox Organizers Cost?

[boom_bap]

Curious what peoples thoughts are on box organization and why it is so expensive.

For example: Ernst tool tray organizer is $15. $15 bucks for a piece of plastic with dividers. I can't say inflation isn't a cause of that, but it seems insanely expensive because it is for "mechanics". Socket organization makes more sense, but getting a full set of anything other than hansen (~$50) is over $100 bucks it seems.

Just seems like organizers that are purely plastic should be much or affordable, even if its made in USA. Those with 3d printers are probably laughing in their garages..

 

[4 FN 27]

Curious what peoples thoughts are on box organization and why it is so expensive.

For example: Ernst tool tray organizer is $15. $15 bucks for a piece of plastic with dividers. I can't say inflation isn't a cause of that, but it seems insanely expensive because it is for "mechanics". Socket organization makes more sense, but getting a full set of anything other than hansen (~$50) is over $100 bucks it seems.

The tooling is expensive.

Just seems like organizers that are purely plastic should be much or affordable, even if its made in USA. Those with 3d printers are probably laughing in their garages..

Not laughing...just printing:







Or Fabricating:

 

[boom_bap]

Gosh, that some well thought out stuff. Thats the way to do it I guess. What is your cost of plastic for the printer, compared to what it would cost to just buy something.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Curious what peoples thoughts are on box organization and why it is so expensive.

For example: Ernst tool tray organizer is $15. $15 bucks for a piece of plastic with dividers. I can't say inflation isn't a cause of that, but it seems insanely expensive because it is for "mechanics". Socket organization makes more sense, but getting a full set of anything other than hansen (~$50) is over $100 bucks it seems.

Just seems like organizers that are purely plastic should be much or affordable, even if its made in USA. Those with 3d printers are probably laughing in their garages..

it costs lots money to run a company, especially a specialized company turning out a limited range of products. Material and labor are ever more expensive as is regulatory compliance, marketing, shipping, distribution, etc.

the other factor is your money is worth less literally every day. be thankful if you can find a product at a reasonable price these days.

and yes toolbox organization tends to be pricey but there are cheaper options usually such as Harbor Freight socket trays and wrench racks.

 

[4 FN 27]

Gosh, that some well thought out stuff. Thats the way to do it I guess. What is your cost of plastic for the printer, compared to what it would cost to just buy something.

The material is cheap. $30-40 for a spool of PLA and that goes along way.

Printer: $1100

Solidworks: Licensed through our company

Time applied: Hundreds of hours of design and Fabrication over the last 30 years.

Having the ability to design and make the stuff: ????

Whipped this one out this morning. I have had the Bondhus Ball Ends since 1989. Use them daily. The original holder is so warn out the Wrenches would just fall out. Got tired of picking them up all the time and trying to find the .050 driver was a PIA!!!

 

[Fedwrench]

the Ernst plastic trays may seem expensive but, they're very durable and resistant to most automotive chemicals. Plus, that high vis color shows things well. However, Ernst trays are a bargain compared to my favorite tool organizer, the Vim Magrail. Super strong magnetic rails, combined with the threaded studs and t slots make for the perfect socket/bit holder made ever (at least to me).
however, one only needs to visit their local dollar store, wal mart kitchen or office departments to find all manner of interlocking storage trays to use in lieu of the Ernst Divided trays. You can also use OEM or snap on wrench rails that can be trimmed to fit most any box drawer and aren't that expensive. get creative, repurpose parts containers. Look at socket rails from Olsa, vim, and others to reduce your storage footprint.

 

[Madjik Man]

The tooling is expensive.



Not laughing...just printing:







Or Fabricating:

The material is cheap. $30-40 for a spool of PLA and that goes along way.

Printer: $1100

Solidworks: Licensed through our company

Time applied: Hundreds of hours of design and Fabrication over the last 30 years.

Having the ability to design and make the stuff: ????

Whipped this one out this morning. I have had the Bondhus Ball Ends since 1989. Use them daily. The original holder is so warn out the Wrenches would just fall out. Got tired of picking them up all the time and trying to find the .050 driver was a PIA!!!

My god you’re work is beautiful.

Love the wrench, punch and ball end trays.

 

[4 FN 27]

My god you’re work is beautiful.

Love the wrench, punch and ball end trays.

Thank you. A friend who passed recently, his Obituary read "I loved my job so much I thought I was stealing my paycheck". The metal side of things it is my living...thus I agree. Moving forward 3D printing solutions will present opportunities for better solutions in certain instances.

51 days and wake up and I can do this stuff full time.

 

[boom_bap]

Congratulations!

 

[m6z]

Cheaper than a bigger box..

VIM, Ernst, Toolbox widget are all solid options that'll help you maximize your available space.

The 3d printed stuff is awesome, but there's also a lot of time and equipment cost to get started. One of these day's I'm going to get one.

 

[Garcky]

There's a hugely wide range of pricing on tool organization stuff. Your choice, I guess. Some guys want everything to look perfect in their drawers. Some want to see sizes on their organizers. Other guys just want a place to put things. Still others drop their stuff back in the drawer wherever it falls.

I'm one of those guys in the last group. About once a year I go through and organize my drawers. The rest of the time, I look for the tool I need somewhere in the correct drawer. It's usually in there. SAE on the left; metric on the right. Usually. Maybe.

I think I need some organizers, perhaps.

 

[speed bump]

$15 seems expensive until you have to do it yourself. I have made several of these extension holders over the years and I have probably 2+hours of time into them and if I was paying shop time for those hours then buying an off shelf product instantly makes more sense so I can utilize those hours being productive instead.

 

[86turbodsl]

Thank you. A friend who passed recently, his Obituary read "I loved my job so much I thought I was stealing my paycheck". The metal side of things it is my living...thus I agree. Moving forward 3D printing solutions will present opportunities for better solutions in certain instances.

51 days and wake up and I can do this stuff full time.

1. Congrats!

2. Teach me obiwan!!!

 

[richfinn]

Curious what peoples thoughts are on box organization and why it is so expensive.

For example: Ernst tool tray organizer is $15. $15 bucks for a piece of plastic with dividers. I can't say inflation isn't a cause of that, but it seems insanely expensive because it is for "mechanics". Socket organization makes more sense, but getting a full set of anything other than hansen (~$50) is over $100 bucks it seems.

Just seems like organizers that are purely plastic should be much or affordable, even if its made in USA. Those with 3d printers are probably laughing in their garages..

If you end up spending a combined hour per month searching through drawers for tools because they don't have a permanent organisation solution, it can soon add up, you have to remember most of the expensive organisers are aimed at professional techs working flat rate.

We work out of vans at our company, and I have seen the difference good organisation makes to productivity/quality of workmanship (people use the wrong tool if they can't locate the correct item)

You have to decide if it's worth the cost to you personally.

 

[LWB]

After spending money on tools spending money on organizers is money well spent IMHO.

Plastic resin prices have tripled in the last couple of years. You're also paying people wages not just a piece of plastic.

 

[dr_clyde]

These companies exist to sell parts at a profit and make money. Yeah, they COULD cost less, but the market will bear the price they're at now, why should they be less?

Printing and making your own stuff is great if you LIKE doing that kind of work and would rather spend the time doing that than working on other things. Time has a cost, and maybe your free time is less expensive than mine, but I've got better things to do than fabricate stuff I can buy for a few bucks.

The biggest fallacy in "saving money" by DIY has to be the lack of value assigned to time. If you pay yourself any sort of reasonable wage and account for even an incidental amount of overhead when doing DIY there is rarely any actual savings. This assumes your time is more valuable being spent doing other things. If making tool organizers is what you want to spend your free time doing, then the savings is greater than if you would rather be watching football or wrenching on your hot rod instead. I work all day so I can enjoy my free time, so I value my free time at or more than my shop rate. If I'm going to be taking my leisure time to do something I don't really want to do, I compare it to working at the shop. If I can make more money at the shop and pay for the service, I tend to do that. If I'm significantly ahead by paying myself my shop rate to DIY, I DIY. If I break even, it depends on how much I want to do whatever the task is.

Custom and special solutions are cool, and I don't want to minimize that. But you have to understand, guys like 4 FN 27 aren't doing DIY to save money, they're doing it because they want it THEIR WAY. The amount of capital equipment, software, skill/experience, consumables, design time, prototypes, materials and all the other things involved make those tool organizers SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than an Ernst or Hansen. But they're infinity cooler, bespoke to the maker's specs, and have a quality and significance that store bought will never have. "Built not bought" or something like that.

If what you want isn't available, or isn't available to your standards, DIY is often the best way. But most of the time guys just forget that their time has value.

I would challenge anyone complaining about prices of goods to attempt to do better. You'll soon discover after all the work and effort put into bringing a product to market that you deserve to charge a fair price for your work and want to get the greatest return on your investment. Manufacturing is rarely in the charity world. Making stuff is expensive.

 

[boom_bap]

After I wrote the post, I certainly see how it came across as complaining. I didn't mean to be complaining. After a lot of the responses from people who have experience in this sort of R&D, MFG etc, I can understand a bit more into why they're priced accordingly.

As I've gotten older and taken on certain jobs, I've begun to value my time more. That being said sometimes, experience is gained at the expense of time, so there is always a trade off. In terms of plastic organizers, I can value my time more certainly.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I was buying my organizational stuff in 2019, and pre-pandemic 2020... prices haven't changed much.

Indeed, it does add up. Think about how you use tools, and ask questions before you commit to a system. Expect to make (costly) missteps.

Organization doesn't just save time, it saves frustration... and misplaced tools (more frustration). I'm hopeless when it comes to organizing anything else in my life, but my toolbox is completely meticulous.

-Ryan

 

[Grokew]

Redacted

 

[saltwater4life]

I love all my Ernst organizers. Mostly sockets and pliers racks but picked this up the other day to start getting rid smaller sets that come in pouches and bags. I plan on getting a few more. Schaller treys are priced way cheaper and a ton more options.

 

[superspec]

Thank you. A friend who passed recently, his Obituary read "I loved my job so much I thought I was stealing my paycheck". The metal side of things it is my living...thus I agree. Moving forward 3D printing solutions will present opportunities for better solutions in certain instances.

51 days and wake up and I can do this stuff full time.

Would you make stuff after your 52nd day for people who want to be organized like that?

 

[4 FN 27]

Would you make stuff after your 52nd day for people who want to be organized like that?

That is the plan. The catch is I need your tools to do it unless I have the same set.

Each design is specific to the parts as measured. Tool Manufacturers have been known to make changes. Like Craftsman; an EE series 9/16 3/8 Drive Deep Socket is about 1/32 bigger in diameter than a V series. Found out the hard way when I made an V Series Socket Tray and made the exact same thing for an EE series...the 9/16 wouldn't go in the holes.

The problem with one size fits all is then one size fits none. Don't get me wrong they work but it is not perfect. I tend to aim at perfection and miss rather than aim at imperfection hit. I am wired for "Continuous Improvement". It is what I do. Take a design or idea and refine it and refine it again.

The experience of Modeling the Tools has allowed me to learn more and more about the Software's capability and what I can do with it. In the last month I have spent every spare minute I have honing this process...practice for the next chapter in the book of life.

Where was this stuff when I was a kid...this beat Legos and Erector Sets hands down!!!

Today's print while I was at work...another Tray for my Craftsman Hex Socket Key short and long, SAE and Metric. Have the SAE Trays done a need to work on the Metric stuff. Thanks to Parametric design capability within the software making the Metric Trays will take about 20% the time as the SAE. Simply change the dimensions of the Hex Keys and the entire model updates by itself.



I have 3 sets of SAE and Metric so the printer will be running overnight making one more set.

 

[Madjik Man]

That is the plan. The catch is I need your tools to do it unless I have the same set.

Each design is specific to the parts as measured. Tool Manufacturers have been known to make changes. Like Craftsman; an EE series 9/16 3/8 Drive Deep Socket is about 1/32 bigger in diameter than a V series. Found out the hard way when I made an V Series Socket Tray and made the exact same thing for an EE series...the 9/16 wouldn't go in the holes.

The problem with one size fits all is then one size fits none. Don't get me wrong they work but it is not perfect. I tend to aim at perfection and miss rather than aim at imperfection hit. I am wired for "Continuous Improvement". It is what I do. Take a design or idea and refine it and refine it again.

The experience of Modeling the Tools has allowed me to learn more and more about the Software's capability and what I can do with it. In the last month I have spent every spare minute I have honing this process...practice for the next chapter in the book of life.

Where was this stuff when I was a kid...this beat Legos and Erector Sets hands down!!!

Today's print while I was at work...another Tray for my Craftsman Hex Socket Key short and long, SAE and Metric. Have the SAE Trays done a need to work on the Metric stuff. Thanks to Parametric design capability within the software making the Metric Trays will take about 20% the time as the SAE. Simply change the dimensions of the Hex Keys and the entire model updates by itself.



I have 3 sets of SAE and Metric so the printer will be running overnight making one more set.

If you live in Colorado I’ll believe there is a god.

 

[4 FN 27]

If you live in Colorado I’ll believe there is a god.

Oh there is a God...but I am in Minnesnota...

If you have printer or access to one all my designs are on grabcad.com. User name is 4 FN 27. The Solidworks models are there as well as the STL's for anything printed.

 

[Madjik Man]

Oh there is a God...but I am in Minnesnota...

If you have printer or access to one all my designs are on grabcad.com. User name is 4 FN 27. The Solidworks models are there as well as the STL's for anything printed.

God is telling me to read the location under your avatar




I don't have access to a 3D printer that I know of. Yet.

 

[rsparks64]

Curious what peoples thoughts are on box organization and why it is so expensive.

For example: Ernst tool tray organizer is $15. $15 bucks for a piece of plastic with dividers. I can't say inflation isn't a cause of that, but it seems insanely expensive because it is for "mechanics". Socket organization makes more sense, but getting a full set of anything other than hansen (~$50) is over $100 bucks it seems.

Just seems like organizers that are purely plastic should be much or affordable, even if its made in USA. Those with 3d printers are probably laughing in their garages..

When I moved to my new place three years ago and had room for one more tool box/bench combo I decided to add some organizers, which I had never done. I was shocked then at the prices. I did start buying some dividers, small boxes of different kinds that would fit in drawers (some with dividers and some with movable dividers) and over time I even bought some of the magnetic socket organizers for my U.S. and metric things. I tried to stop in occasionally at Home Depot, Lowe's, Harbor Freight, etc., and picked up different pieces along the way and looked for things on sale. I still think most of the prices were a ripoff, but I do find the organizers useful.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

The only reason I’ve spent so much on organization is because it’s all trial and error. Most of the rails, trays, rolls are things I cannot lay eyes on until I receive them after purchase. Same goes for laying out the drawers. It’s difficult until you have the items and their contents. I’ve bought so much stuff only to find something better later or to find the organizer just doesn’t work.

For instance, I really like my Westling socket trays, Hall wrench racks, etc., but I’ve found that I’ve needed mobility (I have to access all of the background stuff on the mills and WEDMs which are not close to my box and I cannot roll anything across the narrow ways) more than straight access so Ernst socket rails, canvas wrench rolls, and the like have become predominant in my home and work boxes. Those other things weren’t cheap but I’ve grown out of them. That’s why organizers are the financial bane of my tool budget. But they also make my life easier so I deal with it.

 

[benny27]

I liked the Ernst socket rails. Now after having the Tekton rails with the twist lock they are the way to go. Cheaper and if you get 4 or more you get $3 off each. I need to switch all of my sockets over some time.

 

[VolvoRyan]

The only reason I’ve spent so much on organization is because it’s all trial and error. Most of the rails, trays, rolls are things I cannot lay eyes on until I receive them after purchase. Same goes for laying out the drawers. It’s difficult until you have the items and their contents. I’ve bought so much stuff only to find something better later or to find the organizer just doesn’t work.

For instance, I really like my Westling socket trays, Hall wrench racks, etc., but I’ve found that I’ve needed mobility (I have to access all of the background stuff on the mills and WEDMs which are not close to my box and I cannot roll anything across the narrow ways) more than straight access so Ernst socket rails, canvas wrench rolls, and the like have become predominant in my home and work boxes. Those other things weren’t cheap but I’ve grown out of them. That’s why organizers are the financial bane of my tool budget. But they also make my life easier so I deal with it.

You nailed it. What works for one person doesn't work for another. You try something that doesn't work out for you, but you've fine-tuned what should work, so you reinvest. Life is good.... until another tool purchase forces a major reorganization of your tool set.... then you start over. Sigh...

-Ryan

 

[Madjik Man]

I liked the Ernst socket rails. Now after having the Tekton rails with the twist lock they are the way to go. Cheaper and if you get 4 or more you get $3 off each. I need to switch all of my sockets over some time.

Edit: Nevermind, just zoomed in on the post. It has "sides" so you cannot freely place the socket on the rail.

With the Tekton rails the description says you can simply place the sockets on the rail loosely (not twist locking them). Can you confirm that you can place the sockets loosely in any orientation. Meaning I can line up the size stamps in the same orientation or do you have to place the socket on the post in a specific orientation, even loosely?

Thank you.

 

[CallumRD1]

Edit: Nevermind, just zoomed in on the post. It has "sides" so you cannot freely place the socket on the rail.

With the Tekton rails the description says you can simply place the sockets on the rail loosely (not twist locking them). Can you confirm that you can place the sockets loosely in any orientation. Meaning I can line up the size stamps in the same orientation or do you have to place the socket on the post in a specific orientation, even loosely?

Thank you.

It's a square peg, so you can place the socket on it loosely in one of four orientations, then twist about 45˚ if you want it to lock.

 

[LWB]

For sockets I use this type and haven't looked back.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/3-8-in-dr-metric-magnetic-socket-holder/product/PA0008697427

Wrenches, I've tried a few and am still looking. I'm trying the Snap on next. If that doesn't work I'll make my own tray from wood.

 

[Madjik Man]

It's a square peg, so you can place the socket on it loosely in one of four orientations, then twist about 45˚ if you want it to lock.

Thanks for confirming.

For this reason I'm going to go with the VIM rails. A lot more expensive but allows me to orientate the sockets so that all the size markings face the same direction.

 

[LWB]

Thanks for confirming.

For this reason I'm going to go with the VIM rails. A lot more expensive but allows me to orientate the sockets so that all the size markings face the same direction.

Let us know what you think of them. They look do be a great rail.

 

[Chumly]

Any "organizer" is expensive really. Even Rubbermade silverware organizers run about $15 which is $10 less what a Snap-On Socket rail costs.

I'm going to lose the OCD around here and lose face, but "Organized" isn't the same as "Pretty and lined up nicely". Screwdrivers in this drawer, 3/8 in this one side with 1/4 on the other of this drawer, Electrical up here, air down there, cordless stuff right above, then side cabs for bulk...just having a system is being organized if you know where it's at and not just rolling around randomly.

It's of my opinion that you have to have a full, built out kit of tools, AND have lived with them for years in prior methods, to get to the point that you are very sure you want to make it perfect and put this socket exactly right there, in that hole in that drawer, in that box, to make it purty. It's great, but not while a box evolves and we're attemping to grow...Thing change.

My big box (don't giggle) is different from the cart's lay out, and both of those are different from the trailer box. I guess I just do my own thing and these ideas wouldn't work for me at all. At some point, it's just a pegboard and the 10mm is in some other spot at the moment, there's a shadow where it should be, so ultra precise organization is more mental work. I know it's still on the socket I used last.

So, why is it expensive? You want this. It's plastic, it's made of evil oil, it's injection molded, boxed, shipped through truck or jet using diesel, and by the time you get it, it's only $15. This is the price for wanting to be very organized. Not entirely inflation, just the way it is and has been. Foam for the rifle case was $70 prior to 2019. It's mostly air!

 

[shephd]

God is telling me to read the location under your avatar




I don't have access to a 3D printer that I know of. Yet.

Some public libraries have 3D printers and print items for you, sometimes for a nominal fee.

 

[ecotec]

I did my whole pliers drawer for about $7 and a little work with a bolt cutter.

 

[mepstein]

I liked the Ernst socket rails. Now after having the Tekton rails with the twist lock they are the way to go. Cheaper and if you get 4 or more you get $3 off each. I need to switch all of my sockets over some time.

I really like the tekton rails. I leave them unlocked unless I'm using them remotely and then I twist lock them and pull them from the tray.
I eventually want to do a setup like 4 FN 27 but I'm still filling up a box with the tools I want/need. I don't plan on learning how to 3d print but one of the kids who works for me is a genius with it. Since 4FN27 has graciously shared his models, I'm sure my guy can modify them to fit my needs.

 

[Walkers]

For basic small boxes try Schaller.

Plastic Drawer Organizers - Made in USA - Schaller Corporation

Shop durable, USA-made plastic drawer organizers and bin assortments. Ideal for tools, crafts, and hardware. Customize your storage with Schaller Corporation.

www.schallercorporation.com

 

[flippin]

The only reason I’ve spent so much on organization is because it’s all trial and error. Most of the rails, trays, rolls are things I cannot lay eyes on until I receive them after purchase. Same goes for laying out the drawers. It’s difficult until you have the items and their contents. I’ve bought so much stuff only to find something better later or to find the organizer just doesn’t work.

For instance, I really like my Westling socket trays, Hall wrench racks, etc., but I’ve found that I’ve needed mobility (I have to access all of the background stuff on the mills and WEDMs which are not close to my box and I cannot roll anything across the narrow ways) more than straight access so Ernst socket rails, canvas wrench rolls, and the like have become predominant in my home and work boxes. Those other things weren’t cheap but I’ve grown out of them. That’s why organizers are the financial bane of my tool budget. But they also make my life easier so I deal with it.

This is perfect. I have just finished setting up my shop and I couldn't agree more with the CHI's explanation. It may not be everyone's concious process but it certainly was mine. I have an attic full of different organizational accessories which were purchased with the best intentions but they never made the cut. Socket trays in every shape conceivable, plier racks, and screwdriver holders are amongst some of my many purchases while in the pursuit of tool box perfection. While I avoid saying "always" and "never" I really like my current setup and changing anything drastically will likely "never" happen. To this end I have purchased duplicates and triplicates as spares for fear of having one of the Hansen tray spokes break. My system is a blend of conventional and "outside of the box" components. Because I am dyed in the wool GJ disciple, tool density has become of top level importance when evaluating tool box organizers as anyone would agree you can't have too many of anything. Some of my organization includes "expensive" hansen trays while many drawers were filled with accessories from the Dollar Store.