Vacuum Formed Tool Organization

[aas5f6]

So I wanted a way to organize my tools box. I tried tool shadowing but didn't produce results that were up to par. I came up with the idea of vacuum forming my tools to produce custom mold that I can put any where in my tool box.

There are tons of resources online that show you how to create you own vacuum former cheaply.
http://www.tk560.com/vactable4.html

Here are some pictures of the results I had. It sure beats tool shadowing foam and its easy to do!

Tell me what you think.

 

[BWright]

Thats awesome. I'm going to have to look into that. I was just thinking I need something like this for my screwdrivers. You know we are all going to expect a how to write up now.

 

[blue dog]

Great idea and recources, thanks for sharing that.

 

[BWright]

Another question. Where do you get your plastic and can you get it in black?

 

[aas5f6]

The plastic used in .080 polystyrene or HIPS (High impact polystyrene). You can get it from any local plastic supplier. I would recommend .060 or .080.

 

[BWright]

You think this would work?

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23013&catid=715

 

[bmrisko]

Here is a vacuum forming machine we made for our senior design project a few years ago...maybe it will help someone out. Maybe a little overkill for just a few pieces though, the mechanical engineering department kept it around in the shop and teams used it to make chain guards and body panels for the SAE vehicles.

http://www.tntech.edu/me/vacformwork/
http://www.tntech.edu/me/vaccuumformingworkstationphotos/

 

[superautobacs]

Looking at the pics of those pliers and adj. wrenches, they appear to be imbedded into the plastic, sitting more or less flush with the plastic. That could make it difficult to pull the tool out unless you create a separate depression to allow for ease of removal with your fingers, no? And depending on how you arrange your tools, the bottom side could end up being unstable because of different depression heights....

 

[aas5f6]

The plastic ABS will work just fine. People either use ABS or HIPS.

The pictures don't tell the whole story. The tools are very easy to get out.

Arranging the tools is critical for a good mold. Some people use borders to solve the problem with the varying heights of tools

 

[superautobacs]

The plastic ABS will work just fine. People either use ABS or HIPS.

The pictures don't tell the whole story. The tools are very easy to get out.

Arranging the tools is critical for a good mold. Some people use borders to solve the problem with the varying heights of tools

Yeah, the pictures aren't very clear.

I guess using a border would work, but depending on how large of a board/weight of tools, the plastic could sag, I'd imagine? I guess all one needs to do is place some spacers underneath to control the sag.

 

[BWright]

Hmmm......This is giving me all sorts of ideas.

Does it leave any sort of residue on the tools?

 

[aas5f6]

Please share

 

[mrholeshot]

Thats pretty cool

 

[Monte]

nice !!!!!!

 

[Ditchdigger]

I think it would drive me nuts having to adjust the crescent wrenches to the same midway open position any time I put them back in the box.

 

[BWright]

Please share

I'm thinking screwdriver trays, wrench trays that hold wrenches on edge, and socket trays that hold the sockets upright. So many possibilities.

 

[aas5f6]

You can fill the middle of the crescent wrenches in with clay so you can put them away at any position.

 

[superautobacs]

I'm thinking screwdriver trays, wrench trays that hold wrenches on edge, and socket trays that hold the sockets upright. So many possibilities.

I like how you think.

 

[Papawswrench]

Pretty neat!
We are discussing this over at Tool Talk.

 

[Solid Lifters]

The plastic used in .080 polystyrene or HIPS (High impact polystyrene). You can get it from any local plastic supplier. I would recommend .060 or .080.

Is that stuff food grade? I can see myself molding some of my tools for homemade chocolate bars!

Jello Wrenches, anyone?

 

[Cliff McNeill]

Is that stuff food grade? I can see myself molding some of my tools for homemade chocolate bars!

Jello Wrenches, anyone?

excellent Idea!!!

 

[wreckercologist]

Thats awesome. I'm going to have to look into that. I was just thinking I need something like this for my screwdrivers. You know we are all going to expect a how to write up now.

I second the write-up.

Thanks for posting.

 

[aas5f6]

PS (polystyrene), in its crystalline form, is a colorless plastic that can be clear and hard. It can also be foamed to provide exceptional insulation properties. Foamed or expanded polystyrene (EPS) is used for products such as meat trays, egg cartons and coffee cups. It is also used for packaging and protecting appliances, electronics and other sensitive products.
Examples: Plastic foam, packing peanuts, coat hangers

http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/plastics.html#foodgrade