tool storage - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

SES Constructio · 10-11-2008, 06:05 PM

I posted this in the remodeling forum but thought it might get more response in general so reposted. Wondering what everyone uses to store/carry tools? I use plastic tool boxes and rubbermaid plastic bins. Tool boxes are nice but small and it takes alot of them to hold all my tools. Plastic bins are nice and big but it's hard to rummage threw them to find a tool without taking everything out. Does anyone have a solution to tool storage like a big bin with multiple trays in it to keep tools organized? Thanks

mdshunk · 10-11-2008, 06:48 PM

As said by a user on another forum:

"...i think i got EXACTLY what you need. its appx. 11"x 13" round high -impact plastic / wire loop comfort grip handle tool caddy!!!! i got lots of em!!!! i'll make you a great deal!!!! $100 +s&h!! you cant beat that!!!! let me know how many you want. ( ask about the "2for 1" special) paul"

SES Constructio · 10-11-2008, 06:55 PM

I have a bunch of those "tool carriers" also but it always seems like the tool you need is on the very bottom or gets damaged from piling all the other tools in the bucket.

MALCO.New.York · 10-11-2008, 07:10 PM

Mud/Paint buckets DO work well!!!!

dkillianjr · 10-11-2008, 07:16 PM

I have a pretty big tool box that stays in the truck, that I keep my hand tools that aren't used all the time. Then I have a couple tool bags that I keep my usually tools organized in. And a 5 gal bucket for the some tools too. Also I have one of those big plano tackle boxes with the drawers for misc fasteners and little stuff I like to keep in stock. Then a couple stanely big plastic cases with the dividers for larger quantities of fasteners. And as for power tools, I have most of them in the cases they came in, except for my cordless drills and impact. I have then in a tool bag along with bits and stuff.

I recomend this tool bag, its just like the Veto bag only without the price tag!
http://www.goclc.com/products/detail002.asp?partNo=1539

Dave

neolitic · 10-11-2008, 07:17 PM

New variant on old trick.
One of my regulars saves her kitty liter buckets.
She's always happy to let me have a couple
when I'm there.
The deal is, they are rectangular so they fit
together without the dead space, and they nestle
with the tool boxes and cases better than round.

dkillianjr · 10-11-2008, 07:34 PM

Good call neo! I forgot about those I have one with all my nail gun finish nails in it and one with shims in it .

Dave

MALCO.New.York · 10-11-2008, 07:57 PM

The Plastic composition of the Tidy Cat and Fresh Step is less than adequate. I have found the same sort of container but a lot beefier at Roofing suppliers. Felt Plastic Cap Nails.

AKA "Simplex Nails"

wellbuilthome · 10-11-2008, 08:49 PM

I use hard plastic screw boxes from home cheepo I take out the nail bins and each box holds different tools . I make plywood boxes that fit the tools and all the junk you need for it. I hate the blown plastic cases that come with the tools now. I like the old amo cans. I drive a dump truck with 2 large Alum Weatherguard side boxes 18x18 96 and 2 large 24x24x48" under body boxes. All the boxes must stack in to the truck with out space so when i dump the tools stay put . I have large job boxes 36" x 60" that i lock on the jobs . I like the husky carry bags with the metal frame . A guy could make a killing if he could come up with a good tool system.

MALCO.New.York · 10-11-2008, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wellbuilthome

I use hard plastic screw boxes from home cheepo I take out the nail bins and each box holds different tools .

Their "Chain Buckets" are tough as hell and the perfect size.

woodworkbykirk · 10-11-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkillianjr

I have a pretty big tool box that stays in the truck, that I keep my hand tools that aren't used all the time. Then I have a couple tool bags that I keep my usually tools organized in. And a 5 gal bucket for the some tools too. Also I have one of those big plano tackle boxes with the drawers for misc fasteners and little stuff I like to keep in stock. Then a couple stanely big plastic cases with the dividers for larger quantities of fasteners. And as for power tools, I have most of them in the cases they came in, except for my cordless drills and impact. I have then in a tool bag along with bits and stuff.

I recomend this tool bag, its just like the Veto bag only without the price tag!
http://www.goclc.com/products/detail002.asp?partNo=1539

Dave

i just recently picked up that bag, love it its awesome for my finish tools i can carry all my trim hand tools and i keep my finish guns and access. in the middle section. only mistake i made was trying to see how much i could fit in it and man is it heavy now

SLSTech · 10-11-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SES Constructio

Does anyone have a solution to tool storage like a big bin with multiple trays in it to keep tools organized? Thanks

Check this setup out http://www.mobile-shop.com/ expensive but sweet looking

Me, I go with the 5 gal buckets or old milk crates separated out by what I am working on. (Doors & Trim, Painting, Concrete, Tile, etc...) I have some Stanley carrying bins for holding groups of fasteners (Decking Fasteners, Interior, Siding)

MALCO.New.York · 10-11-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLSTech

Check this setup out http://www.mobile-shop.com/ expensive but sweet looking

Me, I go with the 5 gal buckets or old milk crates separated out by what I am working on. (Doors & Trim, Painting, Concrete, Tile, etc...) I have some Stanley carrying bins for holding groups of fasteners (Decking Fasteners, Interior, Siding)

WOW! Now that is nearly Pornographic to my eyes!!!! Ooooh! What I could do with one of those!!!

TempestV · 10-11-2008, 10:03 PM

I have three plastic boxes for tool storage- they are about 36x24x24. One is the Stanely box that is on wheels, and it contains most of my hand tools. I can roll it most anywhere pretty easily so I always have my handtools ready. If I can't roll the box there, inside the box, most of the tools are in 2 buckets with the bucket boss things on them. I can take those most anywhere. I have been considering getting a rolling cart like this:

I'd close in the lower part and put my most used hand and power tools there.

SES Constructio · 10-12-2008, 08:51 AM

Thanks tempestv. I have 4 of those stanley bins your talking about but things are just kinda thrown in there and you have to dig threw everything in order to find the tool you need. I love them cause they hold alot and are on wheels but it would be nice to have someway to organize everything. Maybe make some wood trays that stack on top of each other?

neolitic · 10-12-2008, 09:02 AM

Do you run a van or pick-up?

PA woodbutcher · 10-12-2008, 09:15 AM

I have 3 of the rubbermaid totes that I use for all the cordless tools. I sort them in the totes according to how much they get used. Circular saw, sawzall, trim guns and anything else that came with a case stays that way. I use buckets with "bucket buddy" liners for the small hand tools and again they are seperated..this time, by wood working (chisels, stair guides, flush cut saw, block plane, etc) and mechanical (wrenches, hacksaw screwdrivers, etc) and seldom used tools. Different colored "buddies" so that when you send someone for something you can tell them the red, blue or black bucket.

SES Constructio · 10-12-2008, 11:25 AM

I have a truck so i don't keep the tools in there all the time, i only have a tonneau cover. So the big bins are nice cause they hold more and can just grab the bins you need and throw them in the truck. Just need to find some way to organize the bins so i don't have to empty them out just to get the tool i want. And also there have been times when tools have got broken from piling otheres on top of them. Nothing worse than buying a nice tool and going to use it and finding out it was crushed or bent from piling other tools on top of it.

neolitic · 10-12-2008, 11:35 AM

Hmmm, I'm no help. Haven't worked out of
anything other than a shell or van since 1974.

SES Constructio · 10-12-2008, 12:38 PM

I've been looking at trailers but i would still think big bins would be good for carrying tools from the trailer to the job site since it would take less trips to bring tools in and clean up? I think i'm going to try and come up with some kind of dividers or trays for the stanley bins to keep the tools organized in them unless somebody shares a better idea.