What tools to put in what drawers?

[signcrafter]

I've never had a nice tool box before. From the time I was a teenager and started buying tools I always wanted a nice tool box because I like to be organized but always took the money to buy tools since they are what do the work. So now that I was able to finally get a nice tool box I don't have a clue where to put what tools. I'm so used to working out of a half dozen 26" wide top boxes and a pair of craftsman workbenches with drawers and a bunch of smaller plastic and metal boxes along with stuff piled on shelves in the garage. That I don't know what works best. I've looked in the show us your toolbox thread and got a lot of good ideas but trying to get a plan together so I don't have to redo things 10 times. Normally I would just start loading it up and move around as needed but with this many tools in one box it will be a pain to change things around. So hoping you guys that have boxes similar can give some tips on where to start.

I know everyone is different. For me I want to keep this mostly auto tools. My construction and wood working tools are in their own boxes for the most part. So things like sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and all the other hand tools. Then specialty tools of all kinds both in plastic cases and alone. Air tools I would like to put in there but cordless I'm thinking about just leaving on a shelf because I have so many and they are mostly used for house work. I would say I have a pretty complete of auto tools from diagnostic tools to specialty tools and everything in between. So for the sake of this thread I guess just assume I have the tools of a pretty well equipped pro tech.

My sockets will go in the big drawer in the bottom box and I just bought some new sets that come in plastic cases and for now I'm going to keep them in the cases. It will take up more space but also it will be easy to grab them and go if needed. I also have a few sets of hanson trays for my sockets that aren't in cases. The rest of my tools I don't have a clue where to put. Never having worked out of a box like this I'm hoping to get some ideas on what to put in which drawer and why from those that have had boxes like this for a while.

This is the box set I got and it's huge compared to what I'm used to. Not as nice as a big box from one of the trucks but it's made in Canada and seems like a nice box and got it for a good deal. Got both of them for a little more then just a HF bottom 44" box on sale. This one is 56" wide and a full 24" deep which is a huge plus.

 

[Strouty]

I like the color!

Think of what you use most often, put that in the drawers that are easiest to reach, then based on usage place things further away. Also try and keep like with like, that way you don't have things in random drawers with no order. The only issue is that you will run out of space in the easy to reach drawers quicker than you think.

 

[Mr_B]

your tools the amount of them and drawer size will dictate a lot of it.
I would probably have wrenches in longer drawer under socket drawer and pliers and screwdrivers in smaller drawers . Some sharks teeth wrench racks would help layout wrenches neatly and use space well .
Keep things you use a lot at easy reach drawers, is hard get everything right first time but bit of thought and it won't be far off .
Nice box and you got it at a steal of a price, snapon not that special when consider the huge cost and only a pleasing buy when pick one up as used bargain really .
I would of bought one for what you paid and I don't even need a box lol, too good a deal to miss and easily flipped that box for bit of profit .

 

[Richard Cranium]

nice looking box, I agree with what everyone else has said, start with your sockets and then screwdrivers, wrenches and so one. It will just kind of flow when you get started, Don't over think it.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Here's mine I have the HF 44 temporarily and its so over stuffed I can't fit anything else in it I'm a hoarder
Top drawer
1.Metric and specialty sockets and pry bars and torque wrenches along with 24" snap on ratchet and long extensions
Moving down
2. Sae sockets
3.Ratchets and extensions and adapters
4.1/4 Drive tools and sockets
5.screwdriver drawer #1
6.pliers
7.air tools and diagnostic tools scanner/PowerProbe
Moving over from top
8.misc flash lights multi meters zip ties and other odds and ends
9.Metric wrenches
10.sae wrenches
11.more screwdrivers and nut drivers
12.punches chisels scrapers and other misc specialty tools
13.hammers big c clamps and big pliers
I keep the rest like cordless power tools and specialty stuff elsewhere as there's not enough drawers they're kept in my hall closet if battery powered or under my work bench.
I wish I had the drawer count you have I actually looked at the husky boxes but they only had the black ones and decided to go HF because they are more heavy duty maid from thicker steel to the way the drawers are put together I didn't like the welds on the huskys, yours may be different they didn't have that model. I've got enough tools in my box to fill 3 HF 44" boxes and it's doing well holding strong the drawers stay shut. Good Luck and have fun filling that sucker up I've changed my layout 3 times I'm finally done lol

 

[tapered-pin]

never seen anything but the Husky Red or Black here... I'd buy a blue toolbox in a second!

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Good advise given so far, just be aware that when you start buying organizers (socket, wrench, plier, etc.) the cost adds up fast. Be sure to shoot photos of every drawer when filled. Will help immensely in case of an insurance loss plus you can look at the photos for reorganization ideas that will definitely arise. Don't ask me how I know...

 

[mbshop]

I think you are going to find yourself reorganizing several times before getting it right for you.

 

[larry_g]

My philosophy on tool storage is that most used tools go in drawers between waist and mid chest high. The smaller go higher and the really small hard to see stuff goes up near eye height. For us old fat guys that have poor eyesight this works. Why in the heck do you want to bend over to frequently tools as well as stretch up to see what is in the top drawer.

So form follows function, most used easiest to get to.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Mr_B]

This box is normally around 1200bucks, it same box as international tech series besides international do more colors and have bigger price tag.
pretty good boxes and you should have loads of room and a smile while loading this one up .

 

[signcrafter]

I like the color!

Think of what you use most often, put that in the drawers that are easiest to reach, then based on usage place things further away. Also try and keep like with like, that way you don't have things in random drawers with no order. The only issue is that you will run out of space in the easy to reach drawers quicker than you think.

Nice box and you got it at a steal of a price, snapon not that special when consider the huge cost and only a pleasing buy when pick one up as used bargain really .
I would of bought one for what you paid and I don't even need a box lol, too good a deal to miss and easily flipped that box for bit of profit .

nice looking box, I agree with what everyone else has said, start with your sockets and then screwdrivers, wrenches and so one. It will just kind of flow when you get started, Don't over think it.

Thanks guys.

I wish I had the drawer count you have I actually looked at the husky boxes but they only had the black ones and decided to go HF because they are more heavy duty maid from thicker steel to the way the drawers are put together I didn't like the welds on the huskys, yours may be different they didn't have that model. I've got enough tools in my box to fill 3 HF 44" boxes and it's doing well holding strong the drawers stay shut. Good Luck and have fun filling that sucker up I've changed my layout 3 times I'm finally done lol

The blue ones are rebadged international boxes and a lot better built then the black husky ones. They're 18 gauge steel which I believe is the same as the HF boxes. I agree the black husky boxes aren't that good but this one seems very nice. And it's the only 24" deep box I've ever seen without a huge price tag. Home depot is closing all these out. I know there are a few in other stores I've seen.

Good advise given so far, just be aware that when you start buying organizers (socket, wrench, plier, etc.) the cost adds up fast. Be sure to shoot photos of every drawer when filled. Will help immensely in case of an insurance loss plus you can look at the photos for reorganization ideas that will definitely arise. Don't ask me how I know...

Ya I have some organizers already. But you're right they do add up quick. Still want to get a pliers rack or two and maybe some wrench racks. But I have some things and have been buying other. Bought another hanson tray set and some kitchen utensil organizers and desk organizer and a bunch of smaller bins for stuff. I'm sure I'll add a ton more as I figure things out.

I think you are going to find yourself reorganizing several times before getting it right for you.

Most likely but trying to do some homework so I can at least have a good start and prevent a few errors.

My philosophy on tool storage is that most used tools go in drawers between waist and mid chest high. The smaller go righter and the really small hard to see stuff goes up near eye height. For us old fat guys that have poor eyesight this works. Why in the heck do you want to bend over to frequently tools as well as stretch up to see what is in the top drawer.

So form follows function, most used easiest to get to.

lg
no neat sig line

Seems like a good plan.

 

[signcrafter]

This box is normally around 1200bucks, it same box as international tech series besides international do more colors and have bigger price tag.
pretty good boxes and you should have loads of room and a smile while loading this one up .

Yep I debated on getting it or not but in the end it was too good of a deal to pass up and something I always wanted. So far it is the best built box I've found locally for the money.

HD is closing them out so if you can find one in your store they have them marked down and I spent enough there in the last year that they gave me some more off. They aren't listed as in stock when you check online but I know I went to a few other stores and they had one or two in stock. Thought about trying to get another bottom box because I'm sure I have more then enough tools to easily fill this one but I just can't justify spending that much on storage. Only problem is if I decide I want another one in the future I'm not going to be able to get the same thing. I probably could order an international but it will be for a lot more money.

http://www.homedepot.com/s/husky%20blue%20chest?NCNI-5

 

[HanShotFirst]

Nice box dude (Am I the only one who feels weird saying that to another dude?)

Anyhow...

I would recommend putting all your sockets/ratchets in the top drawer of the bottom box.

After that, just have at it!

I would probably put wrenches in the drawer under the sockets.

Just try to keep the heavy stuff down low.

Watch a few videos on youtube, play around with it and have fun.

 

[APS2000]

Check out forum member 1foxracing toolbox for ideas. He has the same box.

New International 56" Tech Series Tool Box:

 

[crewchief888]

I think you are going to find yourself reorganizing several times before getting it right for you.

when i upgraded from 26" wide boxes into a 36" wide, it took several times shuffling stuff around, before i was "satisfied"
more tools came along, (i ran out of room much faster than i expected), and added more boxes, again moving stuff around.


in the garage, even after i had stuff somewhat in the same drawers, (for 7 or 8 years), i still find myself rummaging through drawers trying to figure out where i put something..

my work boxes and storage "system" is much different than what i have at home.

 

[Mr_B]

Yep I debated on getting it or not but in the end it was too good of a deal to pass up and something I always wanted. So far it is the best built box I've found locally for the money.

HD is closing them out so if you can find one in your store they have them marked down and I spent enough there in the last year that they gave me some more off. They aren't listed as in stock when you check online but I know I went to a few other stores and they had one or two in stock. Thought about trying to get another bottom box because I'm sure I have more then enough tools to easily fill this one but I just can't justify spending that much on storage. Only problem is if I decide I want another one in the future I'm not going to be able to get the same thing. I probably could order an international but it will be for a lot more money.

http://www.homedepot.com/s/husky%20blue%20chest?NCNI-5

Try and get another one, would be cool to add a stainless top and be a great set, you never likely do it again this cheap and to be fair they will hold value if kept tidy.
International bottom is 900bucks and I think some colors more by 100+
If I find any bottom cabinets in any close HD's and prices real good I'll be having at least 1
Indeed the 18 gauge on drawers and decent trimming and dimensions for price.
Absolute steal and blue with polished trim is classic elegance ... enjoy it and seriously consider another bottom unit .

 

[Cope]

when i upgraded from 26" wide boxes into a 36" wide, it took several times shuffling stuff around, before i was "satisfied"
more tools came along, (i ran out of room much faster than i expected), and added more boxes, again moving stuff around.


in the garage, even after i had stuff somewhat in the same drawers, (for 7 or 8 years), i still find myself rummaging through drawers trying to figure out where i put something..

my work boxes and storage "system" is much different than what i have at home.

I have a 36" wide with two 20" side boxes. I've arranged and rearranged many of the drawers. When I bought it in 1988-89 I told myself I'd never outgrow it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I had the same dilemma about 10 years ago when I got my first real chest and roll away. The quantity and size of the tools dictated which drawer was used. Screw drivers wnet in the bottom drawer of the chest because they were the bulkiest and it was the deepest drawer. Slotted handles on the left, Phillip handles on the right. Since then I have added some picks and 1/4" hex bits (Phillips and Torx).

One drawer for SAE combination wrenches.
One drawer for metric combination wrenches.
One drawer for non-locking pliers and cutters.
One drawer for locking pliers and other "special"pliers lkie snap ring pliers.
Top is all socket.

I added a middle chest about 3 years ago. (Hand sandpaper and emery cloth, odds and ends, hammers and files.) Being only 5'9" this caused a problem. I could no longer see into the top of the chest. So I made a 1 step stool out of 2x4s.

 

[regguy1]

My toolbox is similar to yours, watch my organization video here:

The large drawer in bottom cabinet with sockets /ratchets /extensions: For the area below the sockets I cut a piece of 1/2" MDF, painted it gray and used a 1" alum. angle (in the front) to create separation for the long extensions. The socket rails are the $1.00 Harbor freight specials screwed to the MDF. It was low cost and you can design the layout to your preferences.

 

[Olafur]

Congratulations - really nice size of box you got there!

Personally I don't like having to shift through many drawers to complete a simple task. I also adhere to what larry_g said above. And I try to combine these ideas.

I have similar box, albeit smaller. Two things to consider:
1) The top is always open when you are working, but it's not easy to access or view since it's too high. There I put larger frequently used tools. Pry bars, Impact guns, box of nitrile gloves, 1/2" drive impact sockets in Hansen tray I use every day etc.

2) The "best" drawer in this setup is the top drawer in the bottom cabinet. Big, good height, good access. And I keep it open all the time when I am working. There I have assembled my most frequently used smaller tools. 1/4+3/8 drive metric sockets, extensions, few ratchets, hex and torx bit socket sets, set of metric allen keys, set of combination wrenches from 8-24mm, few screw drivers, few pliers, diagonal cutter, my favorite hammer, utility knife, etc. You get the idea, majority of my work is done from this drawer and the top.

This reduces drawer shifting dramatically versus the typical setup you see where people organize their drawers purely on tool type.

I cram my SAE stuff into drawer close to the bottom of my box in a ugly pile. Quick access is not an issue with something you grab only few times a year.

But I have several drawers dedicated to tool type: screwdrivers, punches and chisels, electrical stuff, "specialty" sockets, pliers of all kind, circlip/retaining ring pliers, etc..

 

[joel63]

My toolbox is similar to yours, watch my organization video here:

The large drawer in bottom cabinet with sockets /ratchets /extensions: For the area below the sockets I cut a piece of 1/2" MDF, painted it gray and used a 1" alum. angle (in the front) to create separation for the long extensions. The socket rails are the $1.00 Harbor freight specials screwed to the MDF. It was low cost and you can design the layout to your preferences.

Nice, nice layout and organization.

The blue color is awesome.

I just bought a blue 68" Epic top and bottom set up.

Now learning how to use all the drawers.

 

[bczygan]

I put all my metric and automotive stuff in the 5 drawer red HF service cart.

SAE and bulky and misc things in the 44" HF roller.

But I've just run out of room and may need more space.

I would rather have multiple carts rather than one big one.

Bill

 

[crf450x]

I've found that being organized takes up A LOT more room than just throwing **** in. Sockets will need to be in the longest, deepest drawer. After the sockets in the big drawer, start filling the smaller drawers with the categories that will fit in those drawers and work your way to the bigger ones. Big wrenches make things interesting. You'll wind up redoing several drawers due to adding tools. It takes time to find what works for you. Personally I enjoy reorganizing my tool box but it can turn into a 2+ hour job real quick.

 

[Mr_B]

Congratulations - really nice size of box you got there!

Personally I don't like having to shift through many drawers to complete a simple task. I also adhere to what larry_g said above. And I try to combine these ideas.

I have similar box, albeit smaller. Two things to consider:
1) The top is always open when you are working, but it's not easy to access or view since it's too high. There I put larger frequently used tools. Pry bars, Impact guns, box of nitrile gloves, 1/2" drive impact sockets in Hansen tray I use every day etc.

2) The "best" drawer in this setup is the top drawer in the bottom cabinet. Big, good height, good access. And I keep it open all the time when I am working. There I have assembled my most frequently used smaller tools. 1/4+3/8 drive metric sockets, extensions, few ratchets, hex and torx bit socket sets, set of metric allen keys, set of combination wrenches from 8-24mm, few screw drivers, few pliers, diagonal cutter, my favorite hammer, utility knife, etc. You get the idea, majority of my work is done from this drawer and the top.

This reduces drawer shifting dramatically versus the typical setup you see where people organize their drawers purely on tool type.

I cram my SAE stuff into drawer close to the bottom of my box in a ugly pile. Quick access is not an issue with something you grab only few times a year.

But I have several drawers dedicated to tool type: screwdrivers, punches and chisels, electrical stuff, "specialty" sockets, pliers of all kind, circlip/retaining ring pliers, etc..

This is good idea with all basics covered in the 1 big drawer.
Never done this as all my basics are out on a trolley but have seen a guy with a triple bank who basically worked from 3 top drawers, is pretty efficient in right work setting .

 

[jgromada]

Great suggestions from everyone. I have a current situation with 3 boxes but none of them are overly large. So i want a new box but even then I think there will be overflow.

Loved the comment about organization causing less space! Maybe true but there are a few places organization helps you store MORE. I bought a wire pliers rack to store pliers vertically in a drawer. Handles are in and i can clearly see the pliers i want more quickly.
Secondly with wrenches , this is a pet peeve of mine. I hate sorting through piles of wrenches to find the right one. Getting wrench organizers which can lay flat or carried out the the car without them falling out of their holder.
Screwdriver organization is important too. A place for everything...

My box is mostly auto mechanics tools so once i get my new box i have other areas of my shop that will be organized along the lines of
-metal work
-wood work
-electronics & electrical
-plumbing
-paint

Make up some lists it will help you organize

 

[dr_clyde]

Its difficult to give you a "correct" way, because everyone's tool use and box are different. What box configuration you have will be the biggest determining factor.

Here is an old thread of mine, has my personal shop box and my work box in it and how they are configured. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=226252

Pretty basic layout, screwdrivers in their own drawer, sockets and drive tools together, pliers together, ect.

Your own solution will present itself by working with it and changing things around until you find what you like.

 

[Olafur]

This is good idea with all basics covered in the 1 big drawer.
Never done this as all my basics are out on a trolley but have seen a guy with a triple bank who basically worked from 3 top drawers, is pretty efficient in right work setting .

Thank you.
Actually I try to cover the basics in the big drawer + the top that is always open as well.

Thankfully I work on great variety of stuff, so organizing my "go to" tools is a challenge. Still a basic set has emerged after I started doing this that I am quite happy with. However writing this post reminds me I have to change few things. I think generally speaking I should move more sockets, extensions and ratchets out of the "go to" section to make room for other things I use more frequently; Gasket scrapers, few punches, digital caliper.

It's a work in progress.

 

[rharman]

I think you are going to find yourself reorganizing several times before getting it right for you.

^ This ^

It's an iterative process. Just do a first shot with your best guess. You'll refine it as you go.

 

[signcrafter]

So I thought 40,000 cubic inches of tool box would have easily replaced my mix matched boxes I have now. Guess I have collected more tools then I thought over the years because it's filling up fast. And I've been making the most of the room by using all the storage tricks I can like wrench racks and hanson trays and anything else.

I have a lot of specialty tools in cases like A/C gauges, fuel pressure tester, mityvac, oil pressure tester, coolant tester, power probe, terminal release kit, wire adapter test kit, and a million other boxes. Thinking I will leave these on a shelf next to the tool box.

I should have the rough draft done sometime next week so will post pics after I get it all loaded up and the new tools I ordered are all here.

 

[Mr_B]

^
You need another bottom cabinet mr signcrafter, get down your nearest stocking HD and grab it while still less than half price, checked all local enough to me and missed one by couple of days, wanted it for guy who helps in my shop.
special tools in cases do eat space, I ended up with 2 used bottom cabinets mainly due to that but took almost 2 years find matching second one and had paint it .
Hope you get more in than hoping lol, have fun .

 

[crewchief888]

So I thought 40,000 cubic inches of tool box would have easily replaced my mix matched boxes I have now. Guess I have collected more tools then I thought over the years because it's filling up fast. And I've been making the most of the room by using all the storage tricks I can like wrench racks and hanson trays and anything else.

I have a lot of specialty tools in cases like A/C gauges, fuel pressure tester, mityvac, oil pressure tester, coolant tester, power probe, terminal release kit, wire adapter test kit, and a million other boxes. Thinking I will leave these on a shelf next to the tool box.

I should have the rough draft done sometime next week so will post pics after I get it all loaded up and the new tools I ordered are all here.

i work out of a service truck, i found a lot of "special" tools i really dont need to have with me on a day to day basis.
pullers, bearing splitters, BJP, vacuum bleeder, compression gauge, timing light, vacuum guage, welding gear (clamps, ect)
i leave the stuff in my home garage, i'm home with my service truck every night. my boss knows i have 99% of the tools i need in my truck, if an oddball service call comes along, it gets scheduled for the next day.

most of my larger blow molded boxes sit on an out of the way shelf in the garage. i have more than enough tools to try to store in the truck, making permanent storage space for more mostly unused tools just doesnt make sense.
if i have room for little used "working tools" it's not a problem, trying to cram a more blow molded boxes in a compartment just dont work sometimes

 

[Al Borland]

So I thought 40,000 cubic inches of tool box would have easily replaced my mix matched boxes I have now. Guess I have collected more tools then I thought over the years because it's filling up fast. .

Amazing how that happens. I try to keep the tools I actually use in my main box. The "Weird" tools go in my old boxes, or, if they are duplicates of duplicates, I take them to work and let my laborers lose them.

 

[signcrafter]

^
You need another bottom cabinet mr signcrafter, get down your nearest stocking HD and grab it while still less than half price, checked all local enough to me and missed one by couple of days, wanted it for guy who helps in my shop.
special tools in cases do eat space, I ended up with 2 used bottom cabinets mainly due to that but took almost 2 years find matching second one and had paint it .
Hope you get more in than hoping lol, have fun .

I would love a second one but while it's a great deal I still have a hard time spending this much money on a tool box. I just have a hard time spending money on something that just sits there and isn't really needed, more of a luxury in my mind. Even though I like to be organized and have wanted a nice box for 20 plus years now. Although I do have probably 250 dollars in 11% rebates from HD now. Was going to use it on m18 or m12 stuff but maybe will see next week if I can still find one and pick up another bottom. Only problem is that may turn into a 30,000 dollar tool box when I have to add on to the already over stuffed garage!

 

[Mr_B]

^ lol
Yeh I know what you mean on boxes as I prefer spending on tools over the box but that HD clearance was that cheap it hard to miss or make most of it plus if things changed it sell on covering your initial cost pretty easily .
One cabinet lined with ply or butcher block would be nice matching rolling bench and hold more specialist and occasion use tool stuff etc . I had boxed stuff out on small racking shelf for few years and it gets scruffy, extra box and the work space made a massive difference to my work practice .