Let’s talk tool storage

[dspracing]

So the “harbor freight deal” thread got me started down a rabbit hole.

Although a lifelong avoider of harbor freight I was set to combine my mismatched craftsman boxes into an array of us general boxes, end cabs, hutch, etc for a clean look in my new garage after reading through the thread.

I went into the store and viewed the options. Unfortunately, they had the icon box right next to the USG. With the USG, I just couldn’t deal with the 1” gap between the end cabinet and the hutch. I’m also pretty picky about drawers and the icons were way nicer.

So I ended up ordering the 73” roll cab to make sure I love it before diving too deep into this deal. Along the way I then got hooked into the harbor freight coupon/discount deals and ended up with a bunch more tools. The goal being to consolidate my mismatched tools into a several brands of quality, complete sets as I spend too much time wading through a ton of random duplicated tools without finding what I need. Secondary goal being organization and easy identification.

So with getting way off topic- what do you all use for tool organization? I went to buy the HF socket organizers but realized the legs are not the same as the icon socket ranges which would drive me nuts, we can’t have empty slots. I did a quick search in the store for an alternative and found Reddit thread that then referenced these dual tier organizers tailored to the icon sockets that were perfect. Vertical storage, magnetic base. I can’t find the damn link again. Tempted to return these icon sockets and go another route.

Next best seem to be the olsa socket storage system. Holds three rows of sockets, you can label each one and remove each row like the old rail style. Ultimately I just want to see the socket and grab it, I don’t want to twist it first.

Any thoughts most uniform and aesthetically pleasing organization for wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers and pliers?

Side note: got my box came today and I’m super happy with it. I got a call Thursday from the delivery company. They said they only come to havasu every 3-4 weeks and they were just in havasu the day before. Turns out the box was at the Bullhead store so I just drove up to the store instead of waiting until next month. It was a sketchy unload at 900+lbs with only the assistance of my 100lb wife and 5 year old son but it worked out.

Ps: I’ve got a bucket and box full of tools I’m getting rid of. Would love to donate to a kid getting started.

 

[oldman]

I'm using the Olsa stuff for my sockets, color coded SEA and Metric. I've had good luck. but I like socket bars over the HF organizers
I posted in the other thread.

 

[Backlash]

For socket trays, I've been ecstatic with my Westling Machine billet trays. They may not work for everyone, but they work perfectly for me and my storage needs.

 

[bilz]

Man, I'm happy if the 10mm makes it back to the metric drawer

But i do dig a cool box

 

[evantwheeler]

Ernst makes some nice tool organizers.

Ernst Manufacturing - The Leader in Tool Organization

Ernst tool organizers let the tool user immediately go to and find the tool of choice, saving valuable time. Tool Organization with a good tool storage system helps save time and money for all tool users.

www.ernstmfg.com

 

[monkeyswrench]

I'm pretty cheap, but use my stuff a lot. I run 4 of these, black for metrics, red for standards:

I added some holders from the cheap sticks that they sell individually. They are just the right size to throw in a jump/travel box. They'll hold deep, shallow, swivel and straights 3/8 and 1/4 drives on one rack, and I ditch the 1/2 holders for more 3/8. 1/2 and 3/4 drive stuff is it's own animal, and they almost need to be in a cutout or something to stay organized...bastards are heavy, and slamming the drawer tosses them.

 

[dspracing]

For socket trays, I've been ecstatic with my Westling Machine billet trays. They may not work for everyone, but they work perfectly for me and my storage needs.

The issue I have with those is the 1-2 empty slots at the beginning and end of each row. I’ll look into them, if it’s a uniform problem throughout the rack I can just cut those rows off.

 

[ChrisV]

Kinda pricy but they make form inserts for majority of tool
Kits. Check it out.

Foam Tool Organizers by FoamFit Tools

Organize your tools in a toolbox drawer using two-layer foam inserts cut to shadow your tools.

foamfittools.com

 

[Xring01]

Donate the tools to the people who lost their homes???

My really good friend lost over $20,000 worth of tools.

Just food for thought, because some of them where contractors and mechanics.

 

[zhandfull]

I'm pretty cheap, but use my stuff a lot. I run 4 of these, black for metrics, red for standards: View attachment 1470897
I added some holders from the cheap sticks that they sell individually. They are just the right size to throw in a jump/travel box. They'll hold deep, shallow, swivel and straights 3/8 and 1/4 drives on one rack, and I ditch the 1/2 holders for more 3/8. 1/2 and 3/4 drive stuff is it's own animal, and they almost need to be in a cutout or something to stay organized...bastards are heavy, and slamming the drawer tosses them.

I’ve had one of those in my main tool box at home forever and really like it.

Have the old spring steel individual racks in Havasu. Recently started buying the individual HF racks with magnetic bases. It’s nice not having them flopping around in the drawer. Also nice to grab a full rack to take to a project location. Sucks to be under a car or in a boat only to realize you grabbed the wrong size.

Definitely don’t like extra unused spots on the racks. They should be full so that I know nothing is missing when finished. Can’t remember if you can add or remove spaces on the HF individual magnetic racks. I would add a swivel or adapter to fill the rack if needed. The old spring steel racks were easy to add/remove spaces.