Are you always digging around for the right tool? Hammers abound, but why are the flat-edge screwdrivers always missing? Wouldn’t it be great to have everything in an easy-to-find space? Here are some steps and tips to get you on your way.
Step 1: Inventory.
First, start by gathering all your tools. Make a list of the locations where you found your tools. Garage, kitchen, basement, car, truck? Lay them all out on a bedsheet or blanket. Sort them by type to get an idea of how many different kinds of tools you have.
Next, examine each tool and decide what to keep.
• Is it a duplicate? If so, how many of this tool do I need?
• Have I ever used it? Some tools passed down thru the family should be kept for sentimental reasons, but others that you’ve never used can surely go.
• Is it broken? If it isn’t usable and can’t be repaired then discard it.
• Have I replaced it with a multi-purpose tool that does the job more efficiently?
• Does a neighbor have a better version that I usually borrow?
Toss out the broken tools, sell the good ones on eBay, get a tax break by donating to a local charitable organization, have a “yard sale for men” or help a favorite college grad begin their first tool box. Only keep the tools you are sure to use in the future.
Step 2: Make a Plan.
Using your list of locations from step 1, think about how and where you use your tools. You may decide to centralize your tools in the garage or basement. Begin sorting your tool collection into groups according to their desired location. This will help you to determine the storage space requirements for each area.
Step 3: Choose your Tool Storage System.
The internet is a great tool for finding the latest tool storage solutions. Portable tool boxes are great for on-the-go types to keep in their car or truck. Behind-the-wheel tool boxes for pickup trucks are a great way to take advantage of unused truck bed space. If you have a ton of small parts, you may consider some plastic storage cabinets with sliding drawers. Pegboards work nicely in the garage or basement workspace to keep tools handy and off the countertops. Maybe you need some new shelving to store larger-sized tools.
Step 4: Implement your new Tool Storage System.
If you’ve ordered a new tool box or some other item, then when it arrives begin to place your tools in order. Once you’ve got everything in its place, remember to always take the extra time to put items away when they are done being used. If you’ve added a pegboard, consider drawing an outline around each tool as it hangs on the pegboard to make it easier to know where to return the tool.
Get motivated—you’ll be glad you did. Once you’re organized, maybe you’ll even have space to buy some new tools!
You’re working on your car out in the garage. You need a wrench and a Phillips screwdriver. You start to dig through the tools lying on the counter. You browse through the tools scattered on the floor. You wish your tools were organized like a well-oiled machine, but they’re not. You add them to your shopping list of things to buy. Sound familiar?
It may be time to invest in a new tool box. Tool boxes come in such a wide variety and price range that it is best to estimate your needs before you shop around.
Using Your Tool Box
How often will you use your tool box? If you will be using it sparingly, a small plastic box may be all you need to keep your tool clean and all in one spot. If you are an amateur mechanic, however, and will be frequently using your tools, purchasing a large steel tool box or case may be necessary.
Number of Tools
How many tools will you needs to house in your tool box? For a basic set of hammer, nails and screwdrivers, you won’t need much space. On the other hand, if you have air tools, meters, timing lights, screwdrivers, sockets and wrenches, you will definitely need a tool box large enough to separate and organize all of the different tools.
By using a larger tool box with multiple roller bearing drawers and removable trays, you will be able to spend more time working on your repairs than looking for the appropriate tool for the job.
Key Locking Tool Box
What type of security measures do you require on your tool box? Whether you have small children you need to keep away from your potentially dangerous tools or worry about losing an expensive tool, you should consider how you would keep your tools safe. Older or less expensive tool boxes may require a pad lock. Most small tool boxes, however, come with a lock and key. More expensive tool boxes have self-locking drawers for maximum security.
Tool Box Storage
Where will you keep your tool box? Will it be in the basement or a safe corner of your garage? Will you need to transport it often or keep it in the bed of your truck? Answering these questions will help you decide what type of material your tool box should be mad of. Steel construction is heavy duty and long-lasting, but it is going to be exposed to hot and cold temperatures and other weather conditions, polypropylene may be a better choice because it is durable, tough and won’t rust.
Once you have answered these simple questions its time to start looking at various tool boxes to decide which would best fit your needs. Deciding factors may include what accessories you would like included with your tool box, the color and style of the tool box and the tiered designs available. Do you prefer a baked enamel finish, polished steel or a rugged tough plastic? Do you need your tool box on coaster so you can move it as needed?
Ultimately it comes down to buying the tool box that meets the majority of your needs for the least amount of money. Shop around for the best prices and you will enjoy your investment for years to come.
Truck tool boxes keep your gear from getting thrown around in your truck bed. The tool box is a reliable storage area to store the gear you don’t want to get damaged. You can also lock it to protect your valuable items.
It seems some of the more sought after boxes are the ones made from diamond aluminum tread plate and those made from stainless steel. These are usually polished or powder coat finishes. Others on the market are made from molded plastic products, and steel. There are a lot of these truck tool boxes on the back of pickup trucks all over United States and Canada.
Truck tool boxes come in all different shapes and sizes to suit your needs as well as specialty boxes, storage boxes and chests you can even use at home. There are some made to sit along the side of your truck, up under your truck and even models made to fit on the tongue of trailers. If you do any type of hunting that requires a dog, there are dog boxes available that are like a kennel underneath and a place to store your rifles, guns and other gear above. You can get single lid, double lid, shallow well, deep well, low profile and more. The trailer tongue storage boxes are very convenient allowing you to store items in an easy to get at place, protected from weather and thieves.
If you have a truck tool box or want to purchase one but also want a tonneau cover don’t despair because they make tonneau covers to suit truck tool boxes. This allows you the best of both worlds.
If you buy power tools or other electronic tools and carry them in your pickup truck, I don’t have to tell you how important it is to keep them dry and locked up. A truck tool box is the perfect answer. Not only is your gear locked up but just as important it is out of sight. Most of the time thieves don’t bother with what they can’t see.
For a great investment for your valuable gear, to keep it protected from the weather, thieves or to just keep it from rolling around in your truck bed, get yourself a truck tool box. You won’t be sorry you did.