tool box organization

[Flash Gordon]

wondering if anyone has any ideas on what works best for tool box organizing.
ie.materials like rigid foam etc etc.? ....any other ideas you may have come up with and want to share

..... even better if anyone has pictures of how they have their tools laid out for quick access and inventory feel free to post them

thx

[tiggermoth]

Those plastic socket holders from canadian tire that have the 2 rows of posts for deep and shallow sockets work really good for me. As for the rest of my toolbox, DON'T ASK

[brownbear]

In reality once you have worked a number of years those foam cut outs won't work. I would need 4 tool boxes then. I just have too many tools to do that method.

My controlling factor is close inspection. I always inspect the area I have been working extremely diligently, for misplaced tools. I don't like the idea of looking in my toolbox to see if they are all there to prove to myself I closed out the area correctly. Whoever the person was who dreamed up that system had to work at a school or is one of those "know it all" ex military types.

I used angled aluminum for tray dividers and MAC was selling inserts that also divided up a box.

Cheers, BB

[tiggermoth]

I agree brownbear, except that for a few things foam can be handy. For example, my 1/4" and 3/8" socket extensions I used a piece of blue styrofoam insulation 1/2 inch thick. Then I heated up each extension with a heat gun and set it where I wanted it to be on the styrofoam and let it melt in. Now I have a custom made extension holder that has been keeping them from rolling around for about 3 years so far. Actually, it is even more durable than Snap-offs plastic ones. But like you say, after a while you get to know if something is missing in even a disorganized drawer because you use your toolbox so much, and ALWAYS have a look around your workspace. I not only have found my own tools, but I have also found someone else's tools that had been "flying" around in the belly for who knows how long.

[ybp]

Snap-on sells a screwdriver holder that is about 18" long and holds about 20 or so screwdrivers. I think it would also work for wrenches but wouldn't be very space efficient for them. The are only about $20.

They also sell "soft" plastic wrench holders. I custom cut mine to fit just right into my crash-box, but I also use them in my toolbox for some of my wrenches that I don't use as much. You can also modify them to hold stubby wrenches and they are only about $20 too.

For my wrenches that I use all the time, I made a set of aluminum holders that are easier to get the wrenches out of. But I made them when I was still in school so I had a lot of time on my hands.

Or, if you are like Tiggermoth, you just need a REALLY big table....(Cause you just keep all your tools on top) That way you don't have to search through all those drawers to find the right tool.

.....Just make sure that the table is low enough so you can pile all your tools REALLY high on it .

Sorry Tiggermoth!

[tiggermoth]

Like I said, as for the rest of my box DON'T ASK!!

[brownbear]

Yah don't get me wrong I like socket holders and wrench racks etc. It the foam cut to the shape of a pair of pliers that makes me groan. I have probably 50 different types of pliers in one drawer. The foam cut outs are not reality. It is a military or training school fantasy.

[itismedd]

My controlling factor is close inspection. I always inspect the area I have been working extremely diligently, for misplaced tools. I don't like the idea of looking in my toolbox to see if they are all there to prove to myself I closed out the area correctly. Whoever the person was who dreamed up that system had to work at a school or is one of those "know it all" ex military types.

I agree that a closing inspection is great. I always do one when working. But what happens when there are 3-4 guys doing an engine change and tools are everywhere. Your controlling inspection will work for the aircraft your working on. But it is easy for someone to grab your ratcheting gear wrench and put it in his box by mistake, and in the end could wind up in another aircraft. I think that is where a tool box inspection comes in handy after each closing inspection.

[bombardierfixer]

Just don't use the foam that comes in the pelican box. Its good for taking up spaceand thats about it. Four guys doing a engine change though...well generally you'll know if your missing somthing pretty quick so you ask. Someone else leaving your tool on a aircraft is pretty unlikely if anyone is gonna do it its you. Take a good look around its part of the job and if your worried get someone else too look cause fresh eyes are the best.

[dashx]

A teacher I had used to mark his tools with spray paint. A quick spray and the tool was marked. This way he knew right away if someone had his tools. It wasn't pretty but it worked for him.

As far as organizing tools in the cabinet. I just use the slip resistant liner to keep tools in general order. Some tools go into plastic see through boxes with dividers - wal mart has (had) a good selection from Plano in the fishing dept. This way I just grab the most commonly used wrenches (and whatever else you use).

If you really want to show off try using wood instead of foam / styrofoam. Use a router to make cutouts for all your tools......
Then when you finish it will be time to retire....

[twotter]

For wrenches, I use the old red snap on plastic wrench racks that you can glue into your box at whatever angle works for the set. For most sockets, I like the magnetic holders because when you go on a road trip it's easy to have the whole set in a hurry. Tool organization is more personal preference than anything. You just do what works for you.

Cheers

[qa guy]

I put the foam stuff. It has been very durable, been 5 years now. Every screwdriver, plier, wrench, socket, extension and ratchet is in foam. One quick glance and I can see if something is missing. I heated each piece in the oven,(except for pliers and screwdrivers of course) and placed it with a magnet. Looks awesome!
Downside............Takes up an awful lotta space.

[gill]

Foam works great to me, and easy to see if something missing

[gill]

viva princess auto