Truck toolbox setup/pics?
- Thread starter bursty
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MoToys
Well-known member
Sorry no picture but here is my experience.
I lay everything out and pack it nice and neat. I end up needing something that is in the bottom of the box. I dig it all out for what I need then throw everything in nice and messy until I get the itch to clean through it again.
I lay everything out and pack it nice and neat. I end up needing something that is in the bottom of the box. I dig it all out for what I need then throw everything in nice and messy until I get the itch to clean through it again.
metal1313
Well-known member
i keep things in seperate bags so i can grab the bag and leave the other stuff. i also keep another extinguisher, shackles, a few tow straps and hook ends, shovel, prybar and cheater pipe in the box, but i have a pork-chop/wheel well box
like http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200405538_200405538 , but my box is different, there is no top opening, only slide out drawers.
like http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200405538_200405538 , but my box is different, there is no top opening, only slide out drawers.
Sorry no picture but here is my experience.
I lay everything out and pack it nice and neat. I end up needing something that is in the bottom of the box. I dig it all out for what I need then throw everything in nice and messy until I get the itch to clean through it again.
Thats kinda where I'm at now. I'm thinking there has to be a better way to store sockets and small handtools.
AZ_Catskinner
Well-known member
I've got a tool bag, a little plastic handbox for sockets and such, and a couple of large canvas bags for jumper cables/tow strap/etc.
NJHandyGuy
Well-known member
i store everything behind the seat of my truck and on the passenger floor boards being a short bed a box kills the bed
dwm
Well-known member
I recently saw a contractor lift 2 stacks of Festool Systainers and one stack of Maxi Systainers out of his truck box. I was very envious. And of course then thought, "Those 3 stacks of Systainers cost more than the truck box." But he was very organized and I'm sure it saves him a good chunk of time each week.
jtfc
Well-known member
I have a small pickup and a metal side box since space is at a premium I use wrench rolls to hold my my wrenches. I use either mechanic time savers( magnetic socket holders) that I have stacked on the side of the box. Except for my 1/4 sockets I got a great deal on a snap on general service set it all comes in a case i put all my pliers and screwdrivers on thethe side compartments that come in the tool box and I have some cheap storage trays to hold my ratchets and extensions. Its not perfect especially since I usually have to pull out a whole wrench roll or a case out for small sockets but unless you have a service truck I wouldn't expect to carry every tool you own with you I carry the basics so I can do small stuff in the field
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speed bump
Well-known member
Here are my tool boxes:
The first is my work truck and its pretty messy. I have a big Napa socket set for 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2, A hf 3/4" drive set up to 2", a floor jack, couple of hard hats, coveralls, misc tools, and about 30 pairs of gloves in there.
Next 2 are my personal truck. Unless I am going somewhere special I don't generally carry a lot of hand tools in here just my little hand box. Other than that it has blocks, rope, rigging stuff, a hilift, and a spare set of boots for the just in case scenario.
The first is my work truck and its pretty messy. I have a big Napa socket set for 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2, A hf 3/4" drive set up to 2", a floor jack, couple of hard hats, coveralls, misc tools, and about 30 pairs of gloves in there.
Next 2 are my personal truck. Unless I am going somewhere special I don't generally carry a lot of hand tools in here just my little hand box. Other than that it has blocks, rope, rigging stuff, a hilift, and a spare set of boots for the just in case scenario.
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MoToys
Well-known member
I don't think the magnets on the lid will hold to daily driving and surely not to a dirt path.
Depending on the vehicle one of those big drawers from tuffy or Adrian steel is nice. You can pull it out grab what you need and push it back in and then you still have storage space on top of it.
Depending on the vehicle one of those big drawers from tuffy or Adrian steel is nice. You can pull it out grab what you need and push it back in and then you still have storage space on top of it.
jtfc
Well-known member
The magnetic socket holders will hold up to driving around the only time they fall off is when I close the door real hard. But as far as driving goes it holds up surprisingly well. I usually put the holders on the side of the box while driving around and put them on the open door when using them
chadster1
Well-known member
Here is some pics of mine from when I set it up a couple of years ago
http://s823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/chadster1/Dodge truck tools/
http://s823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/chadster1/Dodge truck tools/
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I have a small six drawer craftsman chest packed. I can fit pretty much everything I need in it, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 sockets. Sae wrenches up to 1 5/16 and metric up to 32mm. Hammers, prybar, hack saw, cheapy multimeter, ect. I alway have enough to get by and the nice thing is, no matter how full its, I can lift and move it. One time, other then a torque wrench, die grinder and a compressor, I had eveything to do a 3.1 head gasket at the in law house out the back of my truck.
jtfc
Well-known member
What would be nice is to get some magnets like the one on the snap on trucks those guys drive around all day and they seem to hang on all right
MoToys
Well-known member
Yes they drive around in a panel truck. ie slower speeds and taking it easy on corners.
I don't know how you keep stuff on magnets but nothing stays put in my e250 work truck.
jtfc
Well-known member
Well the ones I have seen are pretty serious magnets they seem a lot stronger than the magnets used in my socket holders. If I put the sockets holders on the side of the tool boxrather then the lid
jtfc
Well-known member
Perhaps magnets are not for you but given that my local snapon dealer relies heavily on magnets to hold sockets and ratchets and regardless of the speed they may drive they are on the road all day and I don't see him picking up sockets when he pulls up I figured it would work for me and it does
hey guys heres another thought i had. just a rough idea and i dont know if it would work, but tell me what you think....
Saddle box for the big **** with a single craftsman drawer underneath the box for sockets, ratchets, wrenches, etc. I figure I can come up with a way to mount the cman drawer to the bed, lock it and it'd be good to go. Keep the small tools seperate from the bigger stuff completely. Thoughts?
Saddle box for the big **** with a single craftsman drawer underneath the box for sockets, ratchets, wrenches, etc. I figure I can come up with a way to mount the cman drawer to the bed, lock it and it'd be good to go. Keep the small tools seperate from the bigger stuff completely. Thoughts?
MoToys
Well-known member
Not sure the crafstman will hold up to the elements.
tool whore
Banned
Pretty sure the CMan is an intermediate box to stack on a roller for indoor use only. The Weatherguard is TOL and very nice. I prefer the ones with the button on the sides. If your truck is lifted at all, the handles in the bed are a PITA. I have this one. I got it off of CL from a storage place. No auction, just go and pick up. Had it listed for $85, but he didnt have change when I got there so I gave him $100. The guy was all tore up (offered to mail it) but I was stoked. They are $499. Had to order keys from TSC for $26. They (TSC) also have one for $799 but it is deeper front to back. I got a medium bed. Not alot of tools in it, but it has a sliding tray. I keep gloves in the tray, 2cycle premix container and a plastic jar of bungies. In the box, I keep a 5gallon bucket with a HF truckers chain. Bucket makes it easy to lift out without scratching everything and the noise reduction is worth it.
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Weatherguard is all we use for our work trucks and i love em. I realize the cman is not an outdoor box but ****, it wont just crumble. I'm sure over time the drawer slides will get gummed up and turn to **** but I like having a decent amount of sockets.
I guess I'll just get the weatherguard and see how everything falls into place. If I run out of room, I might just give the Cman a try. I think its only like ~$100
I guess I'll just get the weatherguard and see how everything falls into place. If I run out of room, I might just give the Cman a try. I think its only like ~$100
MoToys
Well-known member
I would take a look at this stuff, would do better than the cman.
http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-290-tactical-gear-security-drawer-custom-size.aspx
http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-290-tactical-gear-security-drawer-custom-size.aspx
dwm
Well-known member
The Craftsman drawer isn't going to survive very long. It's just not made for the elements nor the constant bouncing. It's also a long way from weatherproof; your tools are going to get wet in it.
I'd use Systainer Maxi boxes if you want that much space.
I'd use Systainer Maxi boxes if you want that much space.
I took a look at the site, do you have any ideas on a price? I imagine they are pricey
MoToys
Well-known member
If I had to guess I would say around $350.00
Call 4wd hardware, they are a tuffy dealer.
Call 4wd hardware, they are a tuffy dealer.
mdbeck1
Well-known member
Hey guys, just looking for ideas on how to get my pickups toolbox more organized.
Show me pics of your setups!
I think I've posted my truck box before but I'll do it again...
The box:
The boxes inside keep everything organized enough that I can find everything but there's plenty of space to add more stuff. You can buy the boxes at HD or cheap out and get them at HF.
Driver's side:
The boxes hold most of the hand tools as follows:
- Red, large one: Propane torch, small one burner lantern, solder
- Large flat one: 3/8 drive socket sets (SAE and Metric)
- Large flat one: electrical parts, multimeter, jump wires,....
- Smaller boxes: Ratchet straps
- Smaller boxes: Nails (various sizes)
- Smaller boxes: Drywall/decking screws (various sizes)
- Smaller boxes: smaller hand tools (extra pliers, automatic center punches, ...)
- Smaller boxes: 1/4 socket set (SAE and Metric)
- Smaller boxes: electric screwdriver and tips
On top of these boxes I have two wrench rolls:
- Metric (there's two of each in this roll)
- SAE (there's two of each in this roll)
Passenger side:
Boxes contain:
- tow chain, tow strap, different balls
- Misc small stuff that always accumulates
Loose in the bottom:
- duct tape
- Berryman b-12
- zip ties
- chainsaw oil
- extra fluids for the truck
- Hammers
- Jumper cables (decent ones, not the ones from WalMart)
- cheap 12 VDC air pump
there's a tray in the top that holds stuff I use ALL of the time (sorry no pic):
- tape measure
- multi-tip screwdriver
- pliers
- allen wrenches
The contents always vary since some things break or wear out but mainly because if I know that I have a certain job I'll add stuff specifically for that job.
One final fact: Swap the lock out with one from a locksmith. There are about four different locks that come out standard so you can rest assured that your key will open several other boxes... ...and theirs will open yours.
jtfc
Well-known member
If your looking for loads of space and don't have a fifth wheel hitch then check out this thing from weather guard its called a packrat if im not mistaken. it is the same concept of putting that cman. Middle drawer under your saddle box but they are actually built to be in a truck bed and can handle anything short of abuse and I believe the drawer system is customizable as well. Totally forgot about this as an option
speed bump
Well-known member
Unless you buy a Weather guard which uses a GM door style key and not a standard dinky lock. My Knaack topper also uses a non standard type key as well but I dont know what they use for the toolboxes.
Bikes&Bowties
Well-known member
You guys have thrown out some big money ideas... Y'all mostly love snap on.. I should throw out there that a snap on road chest can be had used (but looking perfect) for $500 all day long. If you look for awhile I have seen a handful for $350 or so
mdbeck1
Well-known member
That's what I like about this forum. I'm always learning something.
Now if I can find a car insurance company that will insure the tool box in the back of my truck. According to mine they are considered "loose items" and are not covered (even if the box is locked).
MoToys
Well-known member
I'd love a road chest, wish I saw one around here. Not the case as I have been looking for a year now.
Again downside to road chest is that it will not hold up to outside elements.
Bikes&Bowties
Well-known member
Search eBay and craigslist. And every tool truck you find. Trade ins can be found cheap.
The roadchest won't hold up to outside elements? That's what they are made for. I have a montezuma but two of my friends have road boxes in there bed for farm service work.. They are water tight and hold up to daily abuse fine! Same goes for mine and everybody else's montezuma... But they never come up used and new is $500+
The roadchest won't hold up to outside elements? That's what they are made for. I have a montezuma but two of my friends have road boxes in there bed for farm service work.. They are water tight and hold up to daily abuse fine! Same goes for mine and everybody else's montezuma... But they never come up used and new is $500+
MoToys
Well-known member
Knew they were made for bouncing around in the truck but didn't know they were water tight.
I have looked for used everywhere, they usually end up being a kr58. New forget it, they are over $1500.00.
I have looked for used everywhere, they usually end up being a kr58. New forget it, they are over $1500.00.
I like the looks of those but damn they're expensive. I wonder if they would fit underneath a weatherguard crossover box
jtfc
Well-known member
I have seen a lot of farmers with both a crossover or saddle box a packrat and also a transfer tank all from weatherguard. Now that doesn't mean they didn't have to fab up some spacers or shims to make it perfect but I've seen them all in truck bed multiple times