I’m not a natural organizer. My work vehicle is chaotic and unprofessional, and it’s time to clean up my act. Part of my motivation is to impress people.
Most of my tools have no boxes/cases. I was thinking of making a bunch of standardized boxes that would stack nicely and help keep things organized: sawzall blades with sawzall, belts with beltsander, and so on.
Wooden boxes tend to get heavy, so I might build a test box out of 3/8 ply and see if I can get it sturdy.
Has anyone done this kind of thing? Suggestions? If I were rich I’d replace everything with Festool and use systainers. 😉
Replies
years ago before I got the trailer I made a set of stackable tool carriers. they worked out nicely, especially when working in confined ares like a bathroom remodel.
I had six boxes that would stack up against any wall, then they doubled as saw horses in a pinch.
they were light and easy to make, 3/4" ends and floor and 1/4" sides. then a wooden closet pole for a handle
make the boxes so they'll sit on a hand truck nicely. Makes it easier to move a whole gang of them.
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
That is very nice, Huck.
Huck, did you put your boxes on a track or they just sliding on the bed floor?
They slide in a carcase, and rest on the tailgate when open, so don't require any hardware. And I put some furniture glides to keep 'em working smooth and easy.
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View ImageView Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Looks to me to be a well thought out system. Very workable. I worked out of a van and it was a constant struggle to keep everything organized. I often thought I would prefer a system like yours. I have seen some commercial systems like yours at trade shows but they were very pricey.
Well done Huck.
Looks to me to be a well thought out system. Very workable.
It is very workable. One disadvantage is that I'm absolutely lost without it. Meaning when my truck is in the shop, I'm about worthless. Or maybe that's just my excuse to get a day off. Of course, lately I don't need an excuse - my phone isn't ringing!!
It started years ago with a system I built for my toyota truck. Then I moved the whole thing into a trailer. And finally, built a new one for my ford truck. I now have a helper who's learning where everything goes. Its a tight fit - I tend to carry a lot of stuff. Had to add some more leaves to my leaf springs.
View Image View ImageView Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
That is discouraging. I never put the truck and you together. How talented can one person be!? Good business skills, good project managment skills, artist, craftsman and a trick truck bed. Really, how do you sleep at night knowing the rest of us would be happy having one skill and part of another skills in your arsenal? DanT
Well, most of us don't have skills that walk together so nicely.
Dan. I'm sure your post was tongue-in-cheek, but thanks for the nice words. I am constantly humbled by the high level of craftsmanship and skills I find displayed here, and I learn every day from guys with way more moxie than me, who also are kind enough to post here!View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Wow, now that's a nice setup!--------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
Hey Huck how does that old girl ride? If she is a little soft in the fanny with all that extra weight I would highly recommend these:http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/helper_springs.html?id=CLtJCBEd
Ever have trouble with the truck "popping a wheelie" when you pull all the drawers out fully? ;-)
No, worse. I had my tailgate fall down in traffic (wasn't latched), and since my boxes slide so slick and easy... Yup, you guessed it. Could'a been a disaster, but everything was OK, got all my tools picked up, boxes needed a little repair work. Now I double check the tailgate all the time, but I need to figure some kind of safety just in case!View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
You need an ignition or fuel pump cut off switch, only gets power or fuel when the tailgate is latched.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
New book alert; Eckhart Tolle "A new earth"
A must read.
that can be done? I'll ask my mechanic about it.View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Sure, you need a switch that is tripped closed when the gate is LATCHED , probably in the upper quarter stake hole area. They are called Limit switchs or micro switch, think fridge door light.
12V to fuel pump is routed and interupted when the gate is open. No live power interuption, just completes the circut when the key is turned and the gate is latched.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
New book alert; Eckhart Tolle "A new earth"
A must read.
Huck
I had my tailgate fall down in traffic (wasn't latched), and since my boxes slide so slick and easy... Yup, you guessed it
I have some similar boxes(pics below) and I've done the "tailgate fall down, boxes roll out" thing three times now! Twice I had someone with me but the other time !!!! Thank god for the nice stranger that stopped to help me pick them up.
I keep saying that I have to create some safety mechanism as well but .............
Doug
Very nice. And nice to know I'm not the only Forrest Gump around! When you get that safety figured out, let me know. Meanwhile, I'm gonna look into the ignition safety idea. When I get a paying job!View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
How about using a couple of eye bolts and a hitch pin to keep the drawers closed?
The "key" to this system would be to put the hitch pin on the drivers seat, on your key chain, on the dashboard, hanging from the ignition switch, etc. (basically, anyplace you can't possibly overlook it) whenever you remove it.
Don
Have to do something. Luckily I haven't caused an accident yet!
I'll have to give your idea some serious thought.
Thanks
Doug
embedded pics of your rig
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View ImageView Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I got the idea to build these from my boss who had a truck with similar boxes. He's from California(moved here about 15 years ago) so maybe this is a west coast thing!
After seeing yours I plan on re-making my boxes so that there are four drawers instead of two, less weight to pull open.
Doug
"...maybe this is a west coast thing!"
hmm, could be. I got the idea from my old boss, Bob Thurman, and his lead carpenter Brent Coffey, both of Ojai California at the time. My first reaction was to think of the old Helm's Bakery panel trucks with pull-out drawers full of doughnuts, that came around the neighborhood when I was a kid. Some very positive memories for me!
Once I worked out of the drawers, I was hooked. I've used drawers for over 20 years now, I'd have a hard time doing it any other way. I'm lost without my tool drawers!View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I have a roll out box with a permanently attached 1/2 inch nylon rope which will only let the box roll out the desired distance before it stops it.
When I push the box in the rope just drops down out of the way.
The rope has saved my box from being on the street several times.
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,Moves on: nor all your Piety nor WitShall lure it back to cancel half a Line,Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it." - Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
I usually put some drawers in my van but only 6" tall, can put a lot of stuff in there that I don't have to rummage through the shelves for.I got the idea from packrats which I was to cheap to buyHey Doug, are you alright over there? Looks like a good sized tornado hit north of you. hope your town came through okay.
Barry E-Remodeler
are you alright over there?
We didnt get much of anything, seams the worst of it was up around Parkersburg, Dunkerton.......along that area. I think I heard that 7 dead in Parkersburg alone, not sure east of there. All the pictures that I saw on the news shows the town pretty bad off.
I was up last night and it started to rain pretty hard but then tappered off and nothing after that.
Doug
You know, if you guys will take the time to make a box of drawers for your truck, have you ever thought of make a hand box of drawers to carry with you on site? You could custom build it so that the drawers would be just big enough for all of your hand tools. I’m thinking about making one for myself one of these days. Perhaps I should call it: The JCToolbox :)<!----><!----><!---->
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Just think: No more digging down into your toolbox for your tools. Just one motion of pulling open a drawer and it would be at your fingertips. Of course, you would have to make a lock to latch all of the drawers shut for when you carried it of site.<!----><!---->-T
I think it would be totally cool to make one of these out of wood, and have it slide in the back of the truck like a drawer at the end of the day. Like a wooden transformer!!
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View ImageView Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Well guys, Canadian Tire has stack-able tool totes for $7 a piece. They're no-nonsense plastic boxes with lids that flip open on either side, so you don't lose the lids. I can carry two and three would stack nice on a dolly.For $7, I can view them as temporary, quasi-sacrifical. :-) I think that's the answer for the moment. There's nothing specific that I do on a daily basis, so I don't need to be super-slick. I was, for example, thinking of taking my circular saw and plunking it in a box along with a plumb-bob, speed square, and hammer - all set for the next partition wall! LOL! I'm going to build some shelves at the back of my Aerostar, and this should also make me less vulnerable to a smash 'n' grab. Wow, sometimes it hits me how low I am on the totem pole! Ah well, you gotta crawl before you can walk.
Let your system evolve as you determine what you spend most of your time doing. It may change many times before stabilizing. I think you're on the right track with "disposable" totes.
Like I mentioned before, be careful how you stack them. You don't want them toppling unexpectedly.
That could be a pretty cool idea - a stair step toolbox!
-T
Edited 5/27/2008 11:37 pm by JourneymanCarpenterT
I have found the plastic, stackable milk crates to be indespensible.
Lightweight, sturdy, stackable......great for the larger items.
I try and recycle all sorts of containers....coffee cans, paint jugs, etc.......for the smaller items. Accessories for each tool go in one of these which is then kept in the corresponding milk crate.
In general though, I do try and use the carriers most power tools come with.
I like many of the plastic tool boxes you'll often find at one of the "big boxes" as well.
I've got an giant "Irwin" toolbox that I use for my tiling tools......various trowels, sponges, spacers, laser level, etc. I have no idea if the box was marketed with a specific purpose....but it is ideal for carrying and storing alot of large lightweight items.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
I'm not sure where one would get milk crates, short of stealing them.
Mine have been handed down to me over the years......don't even recognize the milk brands anymore.
But I believe you can purchase them from various sources.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
You can buy a lighter weight version of milk crates. I got about a dozen in a deal with the milk delivery company in CO for some used ones they were ready to dispose of. I also picked up another half dozen from the dump here.
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Biff, I think you can get the milk crates from u-line (google it). They have some good stuff. Order a catalog
-Lou
go to the tool vendors and get boxes premade to take what ever tools ya have...
next find a line of metal and/or plastic tool boxes to take care of the accessories.. metal will be in service long after the plastic ones have been thrashed...
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In the back of the Toolbox book from Tauton, it has a van with all kinds of task oriented boxes i n it. i.e. A door install box that hold a drill, chisels, shims, and screws. It's a neat setup.
"It is what it is."
I think the organizing system that one uses will depend a lot on what their vehicle is like ( van, truck, trailer, etc.), its size ( full size truck or small truck), and whether or not you carry everything with you all the time, or are packing up each day for the specific tasks at hand ( pulling boxes/ tools in and out from shop or storage).
I definitely like to try and keep all my related stuff together ( saw and blades/wrench/rip guide, drill and all its accessories). But with the tool boxes that you get with most of todays tools, one is lucky if they can even get the tool to fit back in the box. So what I have started doing is keeping the tool in one bag and all the accessories in another tool box ( cordless drill, batteries, and charger in a bag, then a hard toolbox with all the different bits, adaptors, etc.). When I grab the tool bag I also grab the corresponding box with accessories.
Have a friend with a cargo van. He outfitted it with a bunch of cabinets. His plan was to make a lid for each of the drawers and put one tool & accessories in each drawer. He needed his jigsaw, pull out the jigsaw drawer. When he was done, would put it back in the slot it came from. I think that it was a great idea, would make keeping things organized easier. Don't know if he ever followed through with it.
I was browsing at HD today. Stanley makes a series of plastic toolboxes that seem pretty robust, with metal latches. $20 can get me a 24" toolbox. I'd expect them to have a good lifespan. I think I'm more gentle with my tools and equipment than some people. When I think over the costs/benefits, I get the feeling that $20 per, uh, "toolkit" is pretty cheap for looking and feeling more professional.
Edited 5/22/2008 6:55 pm ET by Biff_Loman
I posted some pics on the trailer post yesterday which you may find interesting. They are mostly milk crates. The first thing I did was get rid of nearly every box which came with the tool- including festool. Any restaurant supply store will carry wire racks which the milk crates were designed to fit. In addition most sell a heavy duty dolly also designed for the crates. So in a short time you can stack several crates on the dolly & roll the whole package where you want it to go. I also use a small wire rack on site for tools behind the chopsaw stand.
Here's a link to a post about how I set up my own van:
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=90589.1
It works for me, but of course, there's trade-offs with every set up. For example, it's not easy for me to transport more than 3 door slabs or even 1 pre-hung. I can do it, but it takes time to rig the van for it. I could put it on top, but then there's weather to worry about.
A far as boxes... I have a few plywood boxes with job-specific tools (like my drywall box), but they're not stackable and they don't live in the van. I think you have to be careful about stacking things because they could topple in emergency maneuvers or even become dangerous in an accident.
By the way, what kind of work vehicle?
My box on wheels is a '94 Ford Aerostar. I wouldn't have got an Aerostar, except I knew the vehicle's history: it was my former company ride.I should add that I sorely need a trailer, which I don't have. Like, right now I'm smaller than small-time, currently sub'ing for a guy.Edited 5/22/2008 6:47 pm ET by Biff_Loman
Edited 5/22/2008 6:47 pm ET by Biff_Loman
Take a look here:
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=69658.24
Basswood seems to manage with a VW minivan, which I'm assuming is similar in size to an Aerostar. He sure seems to get an awful lot done without a full size van.
Maybe you can implement a shelf system similar to his.
Egg crates, Milk crates, and Rubbermaid bins
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Biff,JD beat me to it, Piffin, too. Milk crates are hard too beat for cheap, consistent, stackable organization. I happened to pull an entire truckload out of the dumpster one day when dropping my daughter at swimming lessons. Went to throw an apple core away and there they were, brand new and clean. I'm a finish carpenter and I've always been expected to have every tool I might need, all the time. Because I have a little Mazda pickup, I have no use for the tool cases that come with any tools besides my Festools. I have two very simple open drawers in my truck with compartments that hold nail guns, routers, drills, skilsaw, cords and hoses, grinder, belt and finger sanders, etc. I've never even goten around to building a cover over the drawers. I do have a number of Systainers in there as well, but it's hard to justify their cost, especially all at once. It's amazing how many tools you can fit in a small space without cases. I have my grinder and my trim router in small metal boxes made by Bosch. I got them from 7 Corners Hardware. They were about 15 bucks and have held up extremely well (6 years old). They would hold a jigsaw or a couple smaller nailers as well.After I clean out the truck this weekend I'll try to snap a couple pics. Wow, that got rambley in a hurry!Being organized goes a long way to making you look more professional, which means you'll be treated that way, which mens you'll fell that way. My old boss, a really talented stair builder, always had all his stuff piled in cardboard boxes. Yuck! It just always rubbed me the wrong way and I felt like if people saw his stuff after what they were paying him, it just didn't look good. I think a good argument can be made for Systainers just because they look really kick #### when you wheel a stack into someone's house. They kind of look at you like, Wow! this dude has his poo seriously together...*EDit: If you're looking for plastic boxes, I can recommend the Contico's. My daughters tools have been sitting outside in one for a couple years. No leaks, strong as hell.- KitTechnique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace StevensEdited 5/22/2008 6:59 pm by vanderpoochEdited 5/22/2008 7:00 pm by vanderpooch
Edited 5/22/2008 7:00 pm by vanderpooch
I have three milk crates right now that I use, and they're just not quite. . . I dunno. Maybe it's one of those preference things.If I came across a bunch in the trash, well, duh. I should really see how much they cost, though, because my cheap side might win out.It's funny that you mentioned cardboard boxes. I snapped, today, when I was hunting for something in my van (always a bad thing) and pizzed off, and realized about 1/3 of my tools were sitting in cardboard mud boxes. I hadn't meant to do that - they were sitting on the floor and seemed to collect my stuff all on their own, and I'd been using them as toolboxes for a few months now. I had a moment of clarity.
Edited 5/22/2008 7:07 pm ET by Biff_Loman
Yeah,I don't use them day to day for tools. They are screwed to the walls of my shop for cubbies and I have a couple stacked in there with caulks and glues, plumbing stuff, and electrical stuff.One of the guys I worked with had built a really cool insert into one that held his PC 690, edge guide, template collars, wrenches, and a lift out tray for bits. BTW, the ones I use are the larger, rectangular type. Here's a link to those metal boxes, I really highly recommend them.http://www.7corners.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=422_423&products_id=45295-KitTechnique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
Edited 5/22/2008 7:23 pm by vanderpooch
Crates for me too, and I love the Mil Surplus rocket boxes, the 102mm(?) about 30'' long, 8'' deep and 15" wide ( give or take) holds a framing gun and hose and nails, Plus a trim gun AND a stapler.
They can take a beating, and can be had cheap from Army surplus places. I also have other ammo boxes for stuff like paint scrapers and 5 in ones , another holds a pinner and pins, etc.
Toughest boxes I have ever found, and water tight for the most part.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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Oh, good idea on the army surplus. I should also scope out Princess Auto (Canada's answer to Harbor Freight). I no longer shop PA for anything with moving parts, but I get all my 'miscellany' from there, if you catch my drift. $2 for a mini-prybar, can't go wrong.
Look you can get dividers and organizers too
View ImageSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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Lots of places sell plastic milk crates, I know you can get them at Target. Wal-Mart probably has them as well. They aren't as good as the old heavy duty metal ones the dairys used to use.
Here is a source in the US.http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZAA074-552-1375.html?pcs=ZAA074.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I usually stop in "The Old Grouch's" in Canton, NC when I pass thru, they have a LOT of surplus everything or can get it. I had actually found the bayonet for my old Enfield MKIV .303 British.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
New book alert; Eckhart Tolle "A new earth"
A must read.
When it comes to toolbox efficiency, it's hard to beat drawers. How about one of these?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00995558000P
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/CLN097-68308-857.html-T
It depends.I have the Sears except not in ORANGE.But it has limited space for larger tools.What I find is that most boxes are either one big "hole" with maybe a single tray or many small compartments.I am thinking of going with a tote and then putting in divierders and and then maybe a small container for small parts.What I have been using for electric and plumbling is a plastic box from search. It has a large open bottom. Then 2 trays, then a top with 2 lids over small bins.The plumbing one has torch, 2 pipe wrenches, 2 piers, 2 adj wrenches in it.The the 2 trays have tubbing cutter, pipe cleaning brushes, pipe dope, screw driver, a couple of Delta kits, etc. The bins in the top have flux, solder, compress nuts and furles, etc.If they where slightly bigger and they where stackable and square edges to that the nested they would be ideal..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I think Huck’s idea is the best. I intend to make similar truck drawers one of these days. He’s inspired me. Of course, that project would require a lot of work from you.<!----><!----><!---->
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As far as stackable boxes for power tools, I don’t quite understand why you don’t want to use the cases they came in. If you didn’t buy them with their cases, perhaps you can order the cases separately. If not, then maybe you can find the cases on e-bay.<!----><!---->
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If you want boxes that are all the same shape and size, I’d recommend suitcase toolboxes. $20 at The Home Depot. Here’s a link:<!----><!---->
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<!---->http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BDISDW?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=nextag-tools-tier4-20&linkCode=asn<!---->
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The dividers come uninstalled. You insert them yourself where, and only if, you want to.<!----><!---->
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After that, my next choice would probably be 5 gallon buckets with homemade criss-cross dividers. <!----><!---->
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-T
I bought most of my tools when I was renovating our first house. I never expected to do work as a contractor, so I threw out the cases and had them all on shelves in the basement. A few of my other tools never had cases. But those that do have cases, well, I'm not necessarily satisfied with them.
You don't allow your daughter to bring her tools inside ?
Politics: the blind insulting the blind.
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Luka,It's San Diego, what can I say... They sit out under her little work bench, ready to go any time.- KitTechnique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
LOLI'm surprised they don't get stolen.
Politics: the blind insulting the blind.
Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern
Well, they probably would be if it weren't for the balls, bikes, trikes, wagons, roller skates hobby horses and everything else piled in front of and around them.- KitTechnique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
I'm kind of leaning towards those Stanley boxes I saw, probably with a set of shelves much like Basswood's VW minivan. A large part of this, for me, is appearing professional and neat. Huck's setup is pretty cool, but right now I don't have any shop space to call my own, and I have some family projects that are eating up all my "free" time. So I'd probably procrastinate on that indefinitely.
How do you have your van setup for storage now? Just empty floor space or do you have shelves and what not? Make sure that your tool boxes fit in your storage system.
Im working out of a similiar vehicle as you. I've got an '89 Toyota Van. Its packed to the hilt with everything. Will try and take some pictures of it later.
Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
Empty floor space, bro.