Tool Box vs. Tool Chest Organization

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MotionMan

Lifer
Jan 11, 2006
17,312
12
81
I have usually only had a tool box similar to this one:



I recently acquired an old tool chest not unlike this one (without the flip top, but with an extra shelf in the bottom section):



I just set up the chest this weekend and now the box is empty. But I am thinking that the box should have some things in it, ready to go.

I mostly use tools for fixing minor stuff around the house and at family members' houses. I have a pretty wide collection of screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, etc. (but not two of everything). Nothing too exotic.

What would you keep in the chest (i.e. mostly at the house) vs. in the box (i.e. ready to go mobile)?

MotionMan
 
Last edited:

BigJ

Lifer
Nov 18, 2001
21,335
1
81
My universal toolbox (actually a Veto OT-XL) consists of the following plus whatever I forgot to mention:

Framing Hammer
Mallet
"Channellocks" aka Pump Pliers (Knipex Alligator and Cobra Pliers)
Slipjoint Pliers
Needlenose Pliers
Linesman Pliers
Dikes (Angled)
Multipurpose Crimp Tool
Visegrips
Tin Snips
Scissors
Hand Held Bolt Cutter
Solid/Stranded Wire Stripper
11-in-1 Screwdriver
Precision Screwdrivers
Varying screwdrivers (slotted, philips, square, stubby)
Hacksaw
Hand saw
Drywall Saw
Utility Knife
Wiggy
NCVT (Non Contact Voltage Tester)
Cheapie DMM (Digital Multimeter)
25' Tape
Crescent Wrenches
Small Prybar
Allen Key Sets
SAE and Metric Sockets
Torpedo Level
Chisel Set
File Set
Duct/Electrical/Teflon Tape
Studfinder
Square
Punch
Pens/Pencils/Sharpies


Keep separate boxes/bags for specific things like electrical and plumbing.
 
Last edited:

grrl

Diamond Member
Jun 21, 2001
6,204
1
0
I have four tool boxes. A tool chest is a nice idea, but you reminded me of how convenient it is to have 'mobile' tools. Maybe I'll just stick with the boxes.

Box 1 - general tools - screwdrivers, hammers, pry bar, utility knife, tape measure (one of several), pliers, combination square, etc.
Box 2 - wrenches
Box 3 - electrical tools / soldering stuff
Box 4 - specialized engine tools
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
63,390
11,742
136
I've got a small roll-away as well as mobile tools. I sold most of my heavy duty tools when I quit mechanicing on heavy equipment, and my garage was burgled in 98, and most of my specialty tools were stolen along with all my other hand and power tools. I replaced some of the tools, but didn't replace those things that get used once every 10 years...

Just some of the tools in the roll-away are:
Screwdrivers
Nutdrivers
1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" socket sets...SAE and metric...and a few misc. 1" drive sockets and one 1" ratchet that's older than me. oh...2-pc. cheater pipe set for the 1/2" S&K ratchet. (I've broken a few ratchets with that 4' cheater on the end)
Pliers of many different types and sizes. (slip-joint, channellocks, dikes, needle-nose, lineman, vice-grips etc.
Wrenches...combination end wrenches...SAE and metric, crescent wrenches, a few specialty wrenches that weren't stolen, pipe wrenches, etc. Even a few wrenches that were heated and bent for just one job that I couldn't get a regular wrench into.
Digital multimeter that no longer works, (cheap Craftsman unit) tape measures, torpedo levels, air chucks and tire gauges, Dremel tool and accessories, soldering gun, more wrenches, drill bits, files of several types, several hammers of different types and sizes, pry-bars, chisels, punches, alignment tools................
All kinds of miscellaneous tools that I've picked up over the years...there are so many odds and ends that I can't remember off the top of my head what's in there.

My mobile boxes are somewhat specialized. I have one for cars with SAE fasteners that include 1/4" and 3/8" drive socket sets, end wrenches to 1-1/4", crescent wrenches, ball peen hammer, pliers of several kinds, screwdrivers, nutdrivers, electrical tester, battery terminal cleaning tool, wire crimpers and connectors, etc.

My other mobile box is for cars with metric fasteners...but the overall content is about the same as the one above.

I have one box just for electrical work. Screwdrivers, nutdrivers, wire crimpers and connectors, shrink tubing, soldering iron and accessories, tape, misc.junk...screws, fuses, fuse holders, oddball stuff from one auto installation or another.

My plumbing box contains 3-4 smaller pipe wrenches, hacksaw, thread tape and thread compound, crescent wrenches, 4 lb. short-handled sledge, basin wrench, small pipe cutter, copper tubing tool set. (cutters and flare tools for soft copper)

I know there's a bunch more, but <shrug>

Occasionally, I'll reach for something that I KNOW I have in the toolbox...and it's not there. It was stolen and never replaced. :|

A man can never have enough tools. Once you have them...you find uses for them...or learn new techniques, learn to repair cars, learn to fix something else...and you're glad you have those tools.
 

MotionMan

Lifer
Jan 11, 2006
17,312
12
81
I think I may just start out by taking a little more time this weekend to see what I have two of (mostly screwdrivers, wrenches and hammers at this point), and put one in the box.

Then I will look to see what is left in the chest that makes me think I really need one of those in the box, if anything. Then I may go buy another one

Tim Allen said:
"What's Thaaat! "

"It's a conduit bender"

"Eaaugh! What's it do?"

"Bends Conduit..."

"Oooohhhh. I'll take two."

MotionMan
 
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