What would your "90% box" look like?

[Mecha]

This setup is pretty good for general purpose work. It'd be a good base and then change it for whatever work that your doing.

 

[kaymccampbell]

My 90% is box small. About 31x25x8. It has most of what I need to KJR. The other 10%, I rent or get friends to help out, cause they've got the tool.

 

[dr_clyde]

I've never seen Wes have machinist videos. I thought he was a mechanic, mostly working on farm equipment.

Wes used to actually be a full time machine shop owner, specializing in tooling and fixtures for the foundry world. I miss his excellent posts and content over on practicalmachinist.com

When he shut down his shop and moved he sold all his CNCs and went into the repair world full time, and he used to do a lot of work on machine tools and shop equipment. I think in his new area there's more farm repair work than CNCs tho.

He's also a degreed mechanical engineer. Seems to be he just enjoys the self employed life more than owning a shop with employees or working at a big company. Sharp dude, I think he and I would be friends if he lived closer.

 

[Mecha]

My work box, I'm just a factory engineer but I use this for equipment installs. Box has changed over the years but it works great for helping neighbors or hitting pick and pull. When I do installs the maintenance guys borrow out of my box . Recent changes is including drill bits, impact adapters for sockets, and adding some 3/8 Standard impact sockets. I can usually find a cordless drill or impact to borrow as I travel, but never can find any bits. Still use lots of Standard bolts in the factories I'm at.

5 new items by Matt Dunkin

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[AJHD]

Seems to be he just enjoys the self employed life more than owning a shop with employees or working at a big company.

I don't blame him. I know there are pro's and con's to every job, but I've always wanted my own business... I've always hated working for other people, working on other people's schedules, working to make other people rich while living paycheck to paycheck, and being just another expendable employee to be chewed up and spit out. It's not called "human resources" for nothing. That's all we are as employees, a resource to be used and abused to the extent any applicable laws allow.


Anyway... Back on topic. With a new job, this project has been side lined for me. My 90% box will be an actual tool box in the shop. The other 10% will be company owned tools in the tool room when/if I should need them.

 

[victor252]

This guy has a couple of customized steel tool totes that fit the theme of a 90% box.
I like that he put magnets on the side for larger wrenches, ratchets and breaker bars.

 

[65k10]

I'd say my true 90% box when it comes to hand tools that is portable would be the 36" Montezuma tool box in my pickup. It has enough to cover most common in the field repairs, adjustments, and pulling stuff off to be repaired at home.

Multiple times I've worked on a "90% box" that is still able to be carried by hand. The trouble is with maintaining farm equipment that spans many years is both inch and metric are needed along with 1/2 drive. That makes it hard to keep the weight down. I've come up with a general set to keep in pickups that can cover most simple tasks while not being too heavy or occupy too much space that has some variation of the following.
3/8 sockets 3/8-3/4, 8mm-19mm
1/2 sockets 1/2 - 1-1/8, 13mm-24mm+30mm
standard 3/8 ratchet, 15" long 1/2 ratchet, 18" 1/2 breaker bar along with extensions
3/8-1" and 8mm-19mm combo wrenches
multi bit screwdriver plus a #2 phillips
24oz ball pein
several pliers
fold up hex and torx keys

I'm currently working on a set that has most of that plus some others things I like having like a 25 inch pry bar and a similar length 1/2 ratchet which of course adds more bulk. I guess the trouble I run into with my 90% box is that it starts out as something that is small and easy to carry while being backed up by a larger set of tools close by. Eventually it grows into more of set of tools that can be used as a stand alone set due to often dealing with issues in the field where you have to make due with whatever you brought along for tools.

 

[sparton]

My 90% HVAC Bag Contents:
Misplaced my favorite snap on needle nose talons and the local driver won’t return my call so I’m trying out the new Milwaukee pair of pliers on special for Black Friday.

I’m currently on my umpteenth veto bag which is working great for all I’m asking for it.

 

[rancherbill]

I love the program ROADKILL

They are tool minimalists. I keep seeing that they are using blow molded tool kits for their sockets. They do a ton of stuff with simple hand tools.

I'd start with on off the shelf kit and then get a hand box for the other necessary things.,

 

[victor252]

My 90% HVAC Bag Contents:
Misplaced my favorite snap on needle nose talons and the local driver won’t return my call so I’m trying out the new Milwaukee pair of pliers on special for Black Friday.

I’m currently on my umpteenth veto bag which is working great for all I’m asking for it.

When you say you're on your umpteenth bag, do you mean you're wearing them out or you've bought a lot of them?

Did you try other models? Please share your experience.

 

[Boogerman]

My 90% box is 4 separate items:

1) Mechanical tools:
1/2" drive SAE sockets from 1/4" through 1 1/2", regular and deep, plus some metric larger sockets
3/8" drive SAE and Metric, regular and deep plus swivel to 3/4" and 19mm
1/4" drive SAE and Metric, regular and deep plus swivel
Torx sockets, various drives, full range to T55
Hex sockets, various drives, regular and metric to about 3/4"
Combo wrenches, SAE and Metric to 1 1/4" and 30mm
Small SK socket box full of mini wrenches
Sets of "L" Hex keys
Regular and flex ratchets plus 1/2" breaker bar
range of extensions 1" through 10", all drives
Full range screwdrivers
Half dozen pliers and wire cutters
Hand Impact driver
Deadblow hammer
Ball Peen
set pin punches and chisels
Small and medium pry bars
Chain Wrench
Couple Vise Grips
6" Pipe Wrench
6", 8", 12" Adjustables
Hacksaw blades and holder
Tie Wire
File
Thread locker
Anti-sieze
Small tube Grease
light Oil

2) Electrical tools:
9" Klein lineman pliers
light and heavy Klein needle nose
Snap-on Talons
standard 2 position slip joint pliers
Small Klein flat driver
Big Klein flat driver
Snap-on phillips #2 driver
Klein universal stripper/cutter, etc tool
Utility knife
Clone of Fluke multitester
Fluke and another brand inductive circuit tester
Vinyl tape
Handfull of wire nuts

3) Misc essential tools
Mitutoyo dial caliper
Tape Measure
Insert bit kit with 120+ different bits, bit ratchet, Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver
Fluke Infrared temp gun
20V brushless 1/4" impact
20V brushless drill
Spare batteries and charger
Metric and SAE tap/die sets
Drill Bit Set
Box with 100+ nut drivers, power drive bits, and 1/4 to socket drive mandrels for the 1/4" impact
Inverter in my truck to charge batteries as needed
Shovel

4) PPE
Full Face Respirator
Hardhat
Tower climber hardhat.
Fall arrest/rescue harness, lanyards, retractable, ropes, catch, caribiners, etc.
Benchmark one hand thumb open knife, half serrated
LED Maglite
Pack of Wipes
Box Nitrile Gloves
Leather gloves
ear plugs
safety glasses
First Aid Kit
Spare batteries, AAA, AA, C, 9 volt for all powered stuff.

All hand tools are Snap-on, Proto, Ridgid, Vise-grip old USA, maybe a few SK and USA Williams. Electrical are primarily Klein and Fluke. Bits are top quality USA Cobalt, tap/dies are Snap-on, insert bits Zephyr.

All together, maybe $10K in tools in this stuff. I work a lot of odd, very remote jobs. A broken tool and down time day costs $1500 to $3500. At those odds, $10K investment in having right stuff is prudent.

Can't fathom mentality guys that fill 90% kit with HF/other cheap stuff. When it really matters, it best invest in high probability of success. In shop, in town, can get backups or go buy, not so critical, if it make you happy, no real downside to going cheap.


On top of this, I grab individual tools, supplies, and expendables based on what I anticipate for the individual job when I take it on. This stuff is truly just the 90%. Other 10% gets chosen on per job basis.

 

[mogandave]

Our field service guys liked these.

 

[mogandave]

I love the program ROADKILL

They are tool minimalists. I keep seeing that they are using blow molded tool kits for their sockets. They do a ton of stuff with simple hand tools.

I'd start with on off the shelf kit and then get a hand box for the other necessary things.,

I have four of these in the Cresent version, they're great.

 

[Tool Using Animal]

How about this 1980s Heyco toolkit?

 

[sparton]

When you say you're on your umpteenth bag, do you mean you're wearing them out or you've bought a lot of them?

Did you try other models? Please share your experience.

I’ve been doing hvac for coming up on 15 years. I started out at the very bottom of this industry being the guy who retrofitted duct in existing houses to now being a business owner of a residential/light commercial company trying to expand and build a customer base. Through this time my needs have constantly evolved as well as their product catalog. I’ve yet to wear out one of their tool bags but I’ve really never used one solely over two years before the itch to upgrade has hit me. I’ve probably owned a dozen veto’s in the last decade. Some I still have most I’ve sold or given away to people in the industry.

 

[mogandave]

I’ve been doing hvac for coming up on 15 years. I started out at the very bottom of this industry being the guy who retrofitted duct in existing houses to now being a business owner of a residential/light commercial company trying to expand and build a customer base. Through this time my needs have constantly evolved as well as their product catalog. I’ve yet to wear out one of their tool bags but I’ve really never used one solely over two years before the itch to upgrade has hit me. I’ve probably owned a dozen veto’s in the last decade. Some I still have most I’ve sold or given away to people in the industry.

It's amazing how great HVAC can be for guys that can show up and aren't morons.

 

[richfinn]

I’ve been doing hvac for coming up on 15 years. I started out at the very bottom of this industry being the guy who retrofitted duct in existing houses to now being a business owner of a residential/light commercial company trying to expand and build a customer base. Through this time my needs have constantly evolved as well as their product catalog. I’ve yet to wear out one of their tool bags but I’ve really never used one solely over two years before the itch to upgrade has hit me. I’ve probably owned a dozen veto’s in the last decade. Some I still have most I’ve sold or given away to people in the industry.

I've just bought my first Veto (OT-MC tote and an MB meter bag) for my essential tools/diag equipment (auto mechanic) and have to say I'm really impressed with the quality and ability to organise tools, have ended up watching a lot of HVAC guys reviewing various bags on YouTube.

It's addictive setting these bags up

Pics to follow (it's an ongoing project)

 

[subroc]

I have never been successful with any effort to downsize. Hell, some the time I was going through the downsizing effort I ended up buying more stuff.

If I had a storage, I would just tool up as needed.

Anyway, basic mechanics stuff up to 15/16. Including wreches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, bit drivers. A carpeters belt with all the usual stuff hammer, tape, wrecking bar, etc. A drill and circular saw.

From this minimal list, every time I went to the storage because I needed something, i would just leave it with the rest.

 

[BarrelRoll]

Anyway... Back on topic. With a new job, this project has been side lined for me. My 90% box will be an actual tool box in the shop. The other 10% will be company owned tools in the tool room when/if I should need them.

Any plans to get into a service truck? That's a whole different animal of figuring out what you need.

I'm curious how they work company specialty tools. 4 out of the 5 places I've worked with all or some company provided tools the company tools have been a headache. I feel like I'm better off with my personal tools most places.

 

[richfinn]

Maybe a 25% bag

 

[KnurledNut]

@Boogerman
Just came across your post.
Runs parallel to one I left recently in another thread.
Great info and agree on all accounts.

 

[AJHD]

Any plans to get into a service truck? That's a whole different animal of figuring out what you need.

I'm curious how they work company specialty tools. 4 out of the 5 places I've worked with all or some company provided tools the company tools have been a headache. I feel like I'm better off with my personal tools most places.

No, not right now at least. I will see what opportunities the future holds. Happy being in the shop for now.

I've not had to use any tools from the tool room yet, but I was able to get some 3/8" air fittings, my 1/4" were too small for the shop air.

Although I too prefer to buy my own tools, I've already learned there are a lot of tools that don't make any sense for me to buy, or simply refuse to...

The company provides shop equipment, most consumables and supplies, and cribbing/rigging hardware, etc. We also have on-site parts which is a nice change. Although we don't have everything.

Anyway... Back on topic, I plan to buy a 4 or 5 drawer US General cart in the next week or two. Fully loaded my 44" US General box is a bit cumbersome to move around the shop. I'm working in different bays and outside everyday. I could easily get away with an easier to move cart with less tools for 90% of the work.

 

[jgme]

How about this 1980s Heyco toolkit?

Well, not a tool kit but here's a Heyco hex bit socket from the same era. Made in West Germany.

 

[Jim greengo]

My 90% box is a van,electrical/hvac/plumbing and boiler repairs mostly.
I looked at a new 16' recently,but it was too damned big to park in most places,and I'm too damned close to saying to hell with it to start over with a brand new va

 

[logical]

I have two 56" units in the garage with everything I ever need, but could do most things with these little rally boxes in the basement. 1/4 & 3/8 sockets, screwdrivers, combo wrenches, a few hammers and punches/chisels, various pliers, Allen and torx sets and tin snips.
But it's nice to have shorty, ratcheting, 6 point, standard, line and ignition versions (the metric have a drawer too)

 

[oldschoolcraft]

A few posters listed out their sub kits. Job-specific and I’m still working on mine but here‘s the ones I have planned:

General Purpose has basic stuff that is required for nearly everything or for non-specific things. Screwdrivers / bit sets, streamlined socket set, impact driver with some 1/4 hex drill bits. Flashlight / mini worklight, hex keys, pliers, basic stuff.

Plumbing will be a box with specific tools like pipe wrenches, basin wrench, etc. I wouldn’t solely grab the plumbing box, I’d also grab the general purpose kit so no need to duplicate screwdrivers in here. I may need a pipe wrench for a non-plumbing task and this helps me know exactly where it is. Easy to remember.

Dry Wall and Light Carpentry has specific tools like drywall knifes and a mud pan. I’m tentatively planning to put my M12 fuel oscillating multi purpose tool in this kit since that’s the only thing I ever used it for so far. Cutting some small 2x4 pieces to lattice behind drywall, and to do sanding of small areas of drywall. And to cut out an outlet in drywall. Should be called a multi purpose drywall tool. I don’t do woodworking but count it as part of this because i can cut wood with the oscillating tool, I don’t own a circular saw and don’t want one at the moment.

Mechanical would be my wrenches and sockets. I have a 3/8” intermediate length socket set in the general purpose kit. This has my 1/4 and 1/2 drive plus speciality sockets, extensions, and the like. Also I don’t feel that combination wrenches are “general purpose” to me, at least not for a 90% kit, so only adjustable wrenches are in the GP kit and the full set of combo wrenches is here. This kit is not mobile. It would be too hard to make it mobile and I don’t plan on doing advanced work on other peoples cars due to liability and me being an amateur.

Electrical and Telecom are paired together and for my purposes I’ll lump car electrical work in here. A digital multimeter, a non contact test tool, a test light, a fox / hound, a GFCI tester plus breaker tracer, cat5 Ethernet crimpers, coaxial cable tool, etc. I’m sure this will hurt the feelings of a lot of people here but when I think electrical, I think electrical. I don’t differentiate between car and house and telecom. I also think to pair telecom in.

Drill Box will hold my cordless drill plus drill bits of varying types. Regular mechanics drill bits, spade bits, keyhole bits, glass cutting bits, etc. my general purpose kit will have an impact driver with 3 to 5 1/4” hex shank drill bits so for standard basic “drill a hole” I have that covered in the GP kit.

Sawzall Box has sawzall and blades. I fit a blade handle as well as a mini hacksaw blade handle. I figure I’m cutting stuff and maybe need to do detail work by hand. It miget make sense to add some metal files to this box too, though I have one in my GP kit that should always be there.

Angle grinder box to cut and sand metal.

I have never done HVAC work but I’m guessing if I did, I’d use the electrical/telecom kit plus my general purpose kit. I think HVAC is mostly wires and then some stuff to charge the unit and check pressures. I dont like going on roofs so I avoid this.

Whats most interesting about these planned kits is how I plan to store each kit.


The power tool boxes are packout system. And a good argument can be made that I should use packout for everything since it can then stack. But here;s what I plan:

GP kit in a soft bag, maybe Veto Pro pack, maybe open top square style setup With handle in the middle. Impact driver and socket rail in the middle and all of the tools on the perimeter around it.

Plumbing kit in a plastic tool box like the 23” fatmax structural foam.

Drywall kit in a longer 28” fatmax plastic toolbox.

Elecitrical and telecom in a soft sided bag With closed zipper top. Don’t want water getting into the electronics.

The chosen types of containers for each kit resembles what I think of when I see a plumber or electrician or handyman carrying For their respective tools. Handyman has some open top quick access rig. Electrician has the zipperd bag. Drywall and plumbers have hard plastic long toolboxes that would be too big to store mechanics tools but store their large lighter tools just fine.

Since each kit looks visually distinct, I dont need to label them. The packout setups do need to be labeled since they are the same.

All of this seems to make sense to me. And will be a life long work in progress as my skill set and tools evolve. The main goals are to be able to grab 2 kits for any job and not need to scrounge tools. GP plus job-specific box and add in a power tool box if I know the job will require that.

Second benefit is to be able to find individual tools. If I need just one pipe wrench for a random reason, I know it’s in the plumbing box. Because where else would it be? In the absence of this system the pipe wrench could be in any number of drawers or places.