Toolboxes

[Theo]

I have an increasing collection of random tools. Usually a tool is bought for a specific job, which then languishes somewhere until the next time - when I forget I had it or can't find it, and end up buying another one.

I'd like to sort this out into collections of tools for specific purposes, like a car toolbox or a woodwork toolbox that I can pick up and take wherever needed (I don't have a workshop, or a van). The trouble is, lots of tools are awkward shapes. Not necessarily the tool itself, but the way they are packaged. For instance the socket set comes in a rectangular blow mould case, the spanners in a fabric roll, the saw in a long sheath, the torque wrench in a long thin blow-mould case. I'd like to not have to carry a dozen awkwardly-sized containers about - the packaging of all these cases is much larger than the tools themselves.

The plastic toolbox seems to be the thing these days, but I've always found the hinges go, stuff gets buried at the bottom, the lid compartments aren't big enough, and it's hard to see what you actually have. In theory the trays help, but it only takes one awkwardly shaped tool and the lid won't go on and then you can't use the handle and the tools go everywhere.

Is there a better way?

Theo

[Adrian Caspersz]

In line with the current OCD threads on cables management, maybe a google image search on "OCD toolbox" might (not) help.

[cl]

I've battled with this problem for many years. I have a *sort* of solution:-

Very small plastic cantilever tool box for electronics and small electrical tools, this also doubles as a 'handy aboout the house' tool box for odd small jobs.

Toolboxes with drawers (i.e. biggish compartment at the top with drawers underneath) for specific specialised tools. I have one full of crimps and crimp tools for example.

Rolling toolboxes for the rest. I have a big FatMax one that I now use for outside work and a stacking one that is my 'main' toolbox that is the one that goes in the car.

[The Natural Philosopher]

visit a fishing tackle shop...

[Mike Tomlinson]

En el artículo , Theo escribió:

It won't work, trust me. You'll always end up needing a tool which is in the box you've left at home. BTDTGTTS.

Now I just chuck everything in the back of the car - 2 plastic toolboxes, a large, hefty toolbag and various sundry items so I be sure I have everything I need.

[newshound]

I have two solutions. These are good as a general mixed hardware carrier

And then I have a number of the "metal briefcase" type boxes for specific tools and accessories like angle grinders, cordless drills, carpentry stuff, etc. These have the merit that they stack well either on their sides or on edge, on shelves under a workbench. They are very durable, and easy to get out and sling in a car.

And I have a number of the thinner plastic "compartment trays", again a good idea if you more or less standardise on size, so that they can stack or shelve. I tend to buy screws in the big metal boxes and refill as required. This is a large, two layer one and is quite flexible.

[Theo Markettos]

Hmm. I don't tend to need to carry much in the way of screws etc, and when I do I can bring a box/tray/bag of them, so I don't tend to need 'small bits' storage. But the briefcase idea sounds interesting - maybe some briefcases kitted out with magnetic strips like these:

to hold collections of tools? Or maybe the soft case version (but not at this price):

I also wonder about some of the 'tool bag' things. How do they tend to stand up under wear? One problem with spanner rolls and similar is the pockets tearing off, which means things all fall out.

Theo

[damduck-egg]

Where are the tools stored?

In my shed I have some wire baskets and plastic bins supported in frames . They were a range from Ikea and though the style I used has been discontinued the present ALGOT range seems to be the replacement. The baskets which slide out like drawers are large enough to hold some big tools without spending ages trying to get the flex and plug back in the original box. Being baskets things can be seen clearly when the memory fails on where a tool or some fitting was last put away. Some things like screws and other sundries are kept in things like Stanley fat max compartment boxes and they sit flat in the baskets. if I need to do a task away from the shed the relevant tools are carried in a canvas bag which when empty can be rolled up and stored easily while the sundries come along in the appropriate compartment boxes, smaller tools like a selection of screwdrivers,measure ,stanley knife etc have their own tool box and that is also stored in a wire basket when not in use. I put my frames on castors so they can be wheeled out for sweeping but that is a personal preference. You can stack the frames but tools can be heavy, it works in the other halfs shed for light things to with gardening such as plant ties and boxes of feed.

G.Harman

[Theo]

In the shed, under the stairs, in the car, on a shelf. There is no One Place Tools Live, it's just wherever happens to be convenient between jobs. That's why a system for 'tools at home' and 'tools away' doesn't work: there is no 'home' location that would provide easy access. That's why I was asking about moving whole collections of tools, rather than loading up for specific jobs.

Theo

[tabbypurr]

There is no solution. All the suggestions fail. The most hopeless of all is the toolbox, which is far too small to carry enough tools.

NT

[John Rumm]

You can do that, but you will need some duplication of tools I find to make it work.

I have one large Wickes toolbox on wheels that I lob in anything I think I will need for a job, plus it has some basic odds and ends in it all the time. Then I have specific boxes for the task (another rolling toolbox for plumbing, one for data comms / networking / phone, one for electrical, one for aerial rigging. Then individually cased power tools as required. Still often requires loading a shed load of tools, but at least you can pile boxes on the rolling toolbox and use it as a trolly.

Work out which ones you can dump into a general case, and which benefit from their own.

No way is perfect alas.

[Theo]

Forgive my ignorance, but what kind of tools to fisherpeople have? I assume they have boxes for small things (hooks, weights, bait, etc) and long, thin and light things (rods etc), and maybe things you can sit on. But is there much in between? It seems hammers, spanners, saws etc fit in the middle ground between those groups.

Or maybe there is, but I don't know what it's called?

Theo

[whisky-dave]

Mark one box big tools the other little tools and you're sorted ;-) I did this for screwdrivers first attempt was slotted in one box and pozi-p hillips in another. Almost worked OK until I couldn't find my torx set.

So now its' small hand tools, large hand tools and computer related tools, which includes screwdrivers that at small < 3mm blade an less than phlipps No 0pt. But I still; seems to have far too many unlabled boxes of stuff. So I've yet to fidn a solution.

a large, hefty toolbag and various sundry items so I be sure

[Brian Gaff]

Tool belts maybe? Brian

[newshound]

As you say, they have lots of little stuff so if you do electronics, sewing, R/C cars or planes and that sort of thing they are worth a look. My main electronics box was an eBay cheapie tagged for fishermen.

Also they do robust and semi-waterproof stuff, boxes with wheels which double as seats, etc, but these tend to come at a price.

But you can never have too many tools or toolboxes.....

[Mike Barnes]

My practice is to store slotted and cross-head in the same compartment but opposite ways round. More efficient use of space.

[Jonno]

The Natural Philosopher scribbled

And pay though the nose. Tackle boxes are very expensive. Sensible anglers use toolboxes.