Cheap Tool Box Organization : 6 Steps

For years I had to work out of scattered tool boxes housing all of my accumulated tools. I would end up buying duplicates because i thought I had lost a tool only to find it in the wrong tool box- silly me. This last winter I bought a Husky roll around tool box and started to round up all my way ward tools. I would like to share with you my storage solution. Please bear with me as I try to make this understandable.

Step 1:

Step 2: Base Idea

I bought several 1/2 inch MDF boards from the local Home depot to use as a starting point. My biggest problem was having to dig thru a drawer to find that one tool. So, it was only fitting that I organize my drawers for different tools. I could have bought an organizer set from Sears for one drawer for 19.00, but, being the cheapskate that i am, I decided to go the cheap route. I laid out my pliers, needle nose and other in order from smallest to largest and figured out how many slots i needed. then I drilled some 1/4 inch diameter holes to insert wooden dowels. I found that 3/4 inch was a good starting point for tool spread. this is what I came up with.

Step 3: Easy Socket Drawer

I then went to my sockets and laid them in order on my work bench and figured out how many spots i needed and again took the 1/2 MDF and drilled several lines of 1/4 inch holes, 3/8 inch holes/ and 1/2 inch holes to segregate all of my sockets into metric, standard, and specialty. After a couple of different arrangements, I am still not happy with the layout. Played with it again today. I will post pictures when I get it finished.

Step 4: Wrenches

The next problem was my vast assortment of open end, box end, and specialty wrenches. Again I laid them out in order and figured out how many holes to drill. I found that 5/8 of an inch was good spacing for wrenches down to 5/8 inch and anything smaller 1/2 inch spacing. The pegs I made 1 1/2 inch for the larger wrenches and 1 inch for the smaller. Turned out pretty good and i only have 12.00 invested to do all 7 drawers. I use a black enamel spray can and coat the MDF with at least 2 caots to keep water from swelling the boards. Makes for a nice finish and easy to patch when needed. You will notice the split in the middle of this board. I had to make it in 2 pieces because my drill press would not go in far enough for the middle rows. These holders can be made in sections to allow for removal.

Step 5: Sheet Metal Drawer

I am a Heating and cooling contractor and have a good sized assortmemt of sheet metal tools. Again I took a small sheet of MDF cut to fit my assigned drawer and laid out my hand tools. I drilled 1/4 inch holes where I needed them and got the drawer made in 15 minutes.

Step 6: Be Creative

You are limited only by your imagination as to what else to do with your own tool box. I have made some improvements to my socket holders so that I can take them to my work instead of always returning to my tool box. I put them on a board that has a handle just high enough that is allows my drawer to close, but allows me to take the whole set to my work. I love how I did it because there was a space made for all my tools. If I go to close my tool box and find that there is an open slot or open peg, I go looking for that wayward tool. I am old and I forget sometimes, this is a good way to keep ME organized. Comments? I am missing a couple of pictures and some text- I will upgrade it soon. Thanks for looking and i hope this helps you to also get your box house trained....If you use any of my ideas and improve on them, please post your idea or project for us to use, thanks. Buzz