Any way to organize toolbox drawers (that works well)?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Any way to organize toolbox drawers (that works well)?

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:02:57 PM EDT

One thing I like about Snap-On tools is the molded-trays. I'm not buying Snap-On tools to get the trays though.

I can live without the molded-trays if I could at least divide the drawers into logical areas. It seems like the drawer dividers, as a rule, get terrible reviews. Just FYI, I use my tools all day as a collision repair mechanic.

Anyone care to share your toolbox organizing secrets?

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:05:11 PM EDT

[#1]

Gave up trying a long time ago..

My wrench drawers are pretty, but everything else has moar of a zone than a place..

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:08:17 PM EDT

[#2]

Sheetmetal bent into an l shape.

Line things up neatly (Think sockets), mark where the dividers need to go for a snug fit and poprivet in place.

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:30:10 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:

Anyone care to share your toolbox organizing secrets?

View Quote

1/2 closed cell foam ( I scored a 100' x5' roll for free) They also sell it at sears

Lay out tools/trace w/ sharpie

cut with utility knife

make sure and put shelf liner underneath-get it cheap at closeout stores

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:38:39 PM EDT

[#4]

You can try a bunch of different things.

The self disciple to put tools back were they came from will be the deciding factor on the neatness of your toolbox.

Sorry.

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:43:29 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
1/2 closed cell foam ( I scored a 100' x5' roll for free) They also sell it at sears

Lay out tools/trace w/ sharpie

cut with utility knife

make sure and put shelf liner underneath-get it cheap at closeout stores

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Anyone care to share your toolbox organizing secrets?

1/2 closed cell foam ( I scored a 100' x5' roll for free) They also sell it at sears

Lay out tools/trace w/ sharpie

cut with utility knife

make sure and put shelf liner underneath-get it cheap at closeout stores

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg

Ahhhh a fellow OCD sufferer. I don't use foam. I carefully stack and row everything.

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:47:40 PM EDT

[#6]

I just use the Zen method and go with the flow...

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:48:09 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
One thing I like about Snap-On tools is the molded-trays. I'm not buying Snap-On tools to get the trays though.

I can live without the molded-trays if I could at least divide the drawers into logical areas. It seems like the drawer dividers, as a rule, get terrible reviews. Just FYI, I use my tools all day as a collision repair mechanic.

Anyone care to share your toolbox organizing secrets?

View Quote

I got some cool rubber matting for the drawers, it keeps the tools from sloshing around

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:49:15 PM EDT

[#8]

tag

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:55:19 PM EDT

[#9]

Take a stiff wire and bend it around a rod like a spring.

Makes a hell of a nice wrench and plier holder.

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:56:27 PM EDT

[#10]

Sockets- pop rivet some cheap socket rails to a drawer, or to separate base if you don't want to drill the drawers.

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:59:05 PM EDT

[#11]

howtogeek post

expanding foam and an old t-shirt. easy and neat.

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:59:42 PM EDT

[#12]

Kaizen Foam from FastCap.
I'm on my phone right now so you will have to Goggle it yourself (I know I mispelt it).

"Shadowing" is what they call the technique.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:02:48 PM EDT

[#13]

Kaizen foam

ETA: Beat by a few minutes, Got it from Custom Service Hardware, better prices than Amazon.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:17:13 PM EDT

[#14]

I have a set of plastic wrench trays. Bought years ago and be damned if I can find them online now.
Not cheap, made in US, wrenches lay flat, each slot has wrench size, IIRC made by a nascar team or something.
Will get to shop and look for name.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:21:12 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:

howtogeek post

expanding foam and an old t-shirt. easy and neat.

View Quote

that's bad ass and way easier than cutting it all out.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:26:16 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
I just use the Zen method and go with the flow...

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg</a>

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Holy shit this is my tool box(es) - bolt bins - nut bins - parts bins - etc. Looks like shit but I generally know what's where. To top it off I NEVER toss anything if there is a chance I may need it - 10 years from now. Everything that does manage to go to the scrap heap gets all usable parts pulled first.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:28:48 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
howtogeek post

expanding foam and an old t-shirt. easy and neat.

View Quote

This looks like it might be a winner with a dark material. Still open to ideas though.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:32:14 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:

I just use the Zen method and go with the flow...

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg

View Quote

These pictures will haunt my dreams for a fortnight.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:34:47 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:

Holy shit this is my tool box(es) - bolt bins - nut bins - parts bins - etc. Looks like shit but I generally know what's where. To top it off I NEVER toss anything if there is a chance I may need it - 10 years from now. Everything that does manage to go to the scrap heap gets all usable parts pulled first.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I just use the Zen method and go with the flow...

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg</a>

Holy shit this is my tool box(es) - bolt bins - nut bins - parts bins - etc. Looks like shit but I generally know what's where. To top it off I NEVER toss anything if there is a chance I may need it - 10 years from now. Everything that does manage to go to the scrap heap gets all usable parts pulled first.

Yeah, one never knows when one will need an old, rusty, slotted head wood screw. With a boogered up slot...

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:39:23 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
I just use the Zen method and go with the flow...

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg</a>

View Quote

How in the hell did you get past my dog? And my shop was locked!!!!

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:39:47 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
I just use the Zen method and go with the flow...

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg</a>

View Quote

My wife has a complete rolling tool box that looks exactly like that.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:40:35 PM EDT

[#22]

Yep, all the big tool companies make socket holders, wrench holders and all sorts of things for organization...

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:40:36 PM EDT

[#23]

This is as organized as I get..

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:44:03 PM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:

1/2 closed cell foam ( I scored a 100' x5' roll for free) They also sell it at sears

Lay out tools/trace w/ sharpie

cut with utility knife

make sure and put shelf liner underneath-get it cheap at closeout stores

<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/user/taylorwso/media/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/user/taylorwso/media/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg</a>

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Anyone care to share your toolbox organizing secrets?

1/2 closed cell foam ( I scored a 100' x5' roll for free) They also sell it at sears

Lay out tools/trace w/ sharpie

cut with utility knife

make sure and put shelf liner underneath-get it cheap at closeout stores

<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/user/taylorwso/media/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/user/taylorwso/media/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg</a>

Wonder where you got that idea from?

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:47:33 PM EDT

[#25]

Wrench racks
Hansen socket trays
Harbor Freight drawer inserts.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:48:19 PM EDT

[#26]

Socket trays, either the twist lock kind ($50) holds two rows of 1/2", two rows of 3/8's, and one row of 1/4". This is used for impact sockets only. For chrome sockets I use several of the stem socket stands, gray is metric, red is standard; should be able to find on the tool trucks or at local APS. Plier rack does an okay job of keeping pliers in their actual place, however they're plier's so they just get tossed in the correct drawer. For wrenches, I have always used the carrying device/separator they came in from the trucks; except for the larger wrenches, 26mm or larger, they bang around loose in a separate drawer. The cheapest I have found drawer liners is at Wal-Mart, just used kitchen drawer liners instead of the tool specific rolls, saved a few bucks there as well. Purchase a cheap roll-around cart, no lid, its job is simply to collect tools throughout the day/job; as soon as the job is finished everything gets cleaned and put away for the next job.

Thank you for reminding me just how packed my box is; time to start looking at another larger dust collector. I can understand spending the money on the tools, I use them daily and roughly but the cost of a big box is a small car but it just collects dust!

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:48:42 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
Gave up trying a long time ago..

My wrench drawers are pretty, but everything else has moar of a zone than a place..

View Quote

FPNI for me.

But I don't use mine for a living, just to keep things working so it's never really bothered me all that much.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:05:49 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
I just use the Zen method and go with the flow...

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk2_zps16b0d4ca.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s192.photobucket.com/user/chadwimc/media/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z64/chadwimc/junk3_zpsc0e2ef75.jpg</a>

View Quote

Word.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:07:42 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:

1/2 closed cell foam ( I scored a 100' x5' roll for free) They also sell it at sears

Lay out tools/trace w/ sharpie

cut with utility knife

make sure and put shelf liner underneath-get it cheap at closeout stores

<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/user/taylorwso/media/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/user/taylorwso/media/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg</a>

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Anyone care to share your toolbox organizing secrets?

1/2 closed cell foam ( I scored a 100' x5' roll for free) They also sell it at sears

Lay out tools/trace w/ sharpie

cut with utility knife

make sure and put shelf liner underneath-get it cheap at closeout stores

<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/user/taylorwso/media/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/user/taylorwso/media/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg</a>

This may be an act of OCD, but dude I am in awe of you.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:08:31 PM EDT

[#30]

You need a really, really big toolbox for that to work.
Problem is most homeowners don't have a large enough toolbox and everything just gets shoved in there.

Kharn

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:12:24 PM EDT

[#31]

Here OP, this is 25-30 years old and one of my older boxes don't think I have any pics on here of my last stuff except maybe the box.., but it shows what can be done
Snap-on stick down plastic socket rails....

snap-on stick down plastic wrench holders....

boxes just organized neatly....

this ones not as neat, but not bad for loose items....

Or you can use pegboard and hooks on some of the new boxes or on a wall like used on my brake lathe....

Ok I do have a pic of my last tool box....it was pretty much 90% full...

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:14:36 PM EDT

[#32]

I came three times in this thread...

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:16:16 PM EDT

[#33]

Good anti skid drawer liners and not slamming the drawers in and out does wonders.

But I'm a sucker for the stupid shipping trays too, works well if you have the space.

I don't wrench for a living anymore but disorganized dirty tools pissed me off.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:23:04 PM EDT

[#34]

Get some socket trays and wrench racks.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:24:25 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
You need a really, really big toolbox for that to work.
Problem is most homeowners don't have a large enough toolbox and everything just gets shoved in there.

Kharn

View Quote

Or you are like me and keep buying tools.

Started at 18 with a 3 drawer Craftsman box, now have 2 top-middle-bottom Craftsman boxes and one top and bottom Harbor Freight box that are all full.
And one of the huge Gladiator cabinets stuffed full of cased power tools,
Have never turned a wrench for a living.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:27:24 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:

Or you are like me and keep buying tools.

Started at 18 with a 3 drawer Craftsman box, now have 2 top-middle-bottom Craftsman boxes and one top and bottom Harbor Freight box that are all full.
And one of the huge Gladiator cabinets stuffed full of cased power tools,
Have never turned a wrench for a living.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
You need a really, really big toolbox for that to work.
Problem is most homeowners don't have a large enough toolbox and everything just gets shoved in there.

Kharn

Or you are like me and keep buying tools.

Started at 18 with a 3 drawer Craftsman box, now have 2 top-middle-bottom Craftsman boxes and one top and bottom Harbor Freight box that are all full.
And one of the huge Gladiator cabinets stuffed full of cased power tools,
Have never turned a wrench for a living.

Well yeah, thats how its supposed to work isn't it? you can never have too many tools...

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:29:47 PM EDT

[#37]

vacuum forming is relatively easy to do and all the tools are cheap, would give you something like those snap-on trays.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:42:43 PM EDT

[#38]

This helped my pliers drawer immensely.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:49:14 PM EDT

[#39]

If he were alive, H.O. Studley could probably give good advice.

It may not answer your question exactly, but it is pretty cool how he stored his tools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cGNT-RSkEU

Do a google search for images and be amazed.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:55:45 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
If he were alive, H.O. Studley could probably give good advice.

It may not answer your question exactly, but it is pretty cool how he stored his tools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cGNT-RSkEU

Do a google search for images and be amazed.

View Quote

Thank you, guy made some beautiful stuff...

Posted: 2/13/2016 11:22:22 PM EDT

[#41]

Ernst manufacturing makes some pretty cool tool organization options.

Here

Posted: 2/13/2016 11:33:18 PM EDT

[#42]

Generic "silverware trays" from the dollar store work well. They are not the traditional knife/fork/spoon thing,; more like a flat, shallow tray. Draw liner to keep them from rolling around.

I don't have the patience for the cut foam (even though it's nice) so I just hit up the thrift stores for misc. bins that are wide, flat and shallow.

Posted: 2/14/2016 10:11:41 AM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:

Wonder where you got that idea from?

View Quote

wonder where I got that roll of foam

may or may not be red to match sq colors

Posted: 2/14/2016 10:19:15 AM EDT

[#44]

Drawer dividers can be made from a strip of reasonably soft insulation foam along two edges of a drawer, with a piece of trim or lathe sprung in between.

My solution is to buy more tool boxes of one sort or another.

Posted: 2/14/2016 10:27:24 AM EDT

[#45]

the only problem is if you add a new tool, the foam blocks are almost useless, unless you were smart enough to leave room for expansion. the expanding foam wont happen.

Posted: 2/14/2016 10:30:27 AM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ahhhh a fellow OCD sufferer. I don't use foam. I carefully stack and row everything.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Anyone care to share your toolbox organizing secrets?

1/2 closed cell foam ( I scored a 100' x5' roll for free) They also sell it at sears

Lay out tools/trace w/ sharpie

cut with utility knife

make sure and put shelf liner underneath-get it cheap at closeout stores

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0056_zpsmsiqrebq.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/taylorwso/IMAG0055_zps3o5y3jtk.jpg

Ahhhh a fellow OCD sufferer. I don't use foam. I carefully stack and row everything.

Not ocd. Many aviation jobs require you have your tools shadowed.

I use the blue .5 in foam camping mats. It works great!

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Any way to organize toolbox drawers (that works well)?

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