Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 18-08-2017, 17:28   #1
Registered User
 
hd002e's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Eastern Mediterranean
Boat: 1976 Tradewind 34
Posts: 313
How do you store your tools on the boat?

I have about half of the carrying capacity of my boat allocated for tools. It is a smorgasbord of metric and imperial, old and new, 110 and 12V as well as a collection of spares and old samples. I have been dreaming about building or somewhat retrofitting one of those tool chests that you see mechanics use in garages where weight and space are of little concern but practicality gets in my way.

For the time being I have things categorized as:
- daily tools (favorite drivers, allen wrenches etc) - in soft bag
- going aloft bag (rigging tools) - in soft bag
- other heavy tools (things for the engine, sockets, wrenches, etc..) - in tool bag
- epoxy tools and materials (resin, hardner, tape, mat, filler, syringes, etc) - in a plastic tub
- electrical tools and materials (connector, crimp, multimeter, solder, cable, fuse etc) - soft bag
- painting tools and materials (brush, paint) - soft bag
- adhesives (all tapes and sealents go here) - soft bag
- adrasives (sand paper, wire brushes) - soft bag
- machine screws (by the hundreds) - clear compartment box
- screws (thing that go into wood) - same size compartment box as above
- splicing, sail and canvas repair (needles, thread, zipper, straps etc) - soft bag
- plumbing (hose clamps by the hundreds, valves, connectors, hoses, etc) - clear heavyduty ziplock bag

I store these in cabinets and under settees withthe daily bag being the easiest accessible.

I would live to hear and see how you guys go about storing and organizing.
hd002e is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18-08-2017, 17:46   #2
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Oregon
Boat: Seafarer36c
Posts: 5,563
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

I have one of those 118 piece tool kits in a plastic case at the ready and everything else is deeper.
model 10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18-08-2017, 18:57   #3
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 931
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

We probably all have a most frequent bag - I use a rigger's open top canvas tote.

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_5093.JPG
Views:	757
Size:	218.5 KB
ID:	154364

One suggestion is once a year or so empty it entirely into your secondary tool box. Then let usage dictate which tools migrate back into the primary bag.
SecondBase is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18-08-2017, 19:01   #4
Registered User

Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: W Carib
Boat: Wildcat 35, Hobie 33
Posts: 13,479
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

My system is pretty simple.

A "convenience" kit in a small plastic bin in an easy to access sliding door locker. It has basic tools for simple day to day tasks. This keeps me from having to dig into the bigger kits for something basic like a screw driver. It contains a small crescent wrech, multi bit screw driver, pliers, cheap calipers (I have a better set for more critical measurments in my other tool boxes), and a basic multimeter.

Two bigger tool boxes which contain most of my tools. One is for standard stuff like wrench and screw driver sets etc. The other has become my catch all tool box for everything that, in my mind at least, does not belong in the first box...saws, pullers, torque wrench, etc...things I dont use as often. Both have organizer bins in the top for screws and other small stuff.

A third smaller tool box for electrical. My good multimeter is in here along with soldering gun, wire stirppers, crimpers, etc. It also has an organizer in the top used for electrical supplies.

All other spares and supplies are in plastic bins by category (engine, water maker, rigging, etc...). All stack nicely in a locker.

Out in the cockpit is the designated "toxic locker" for paints, epoxies, fluids, etc.
belizesailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18-08-2017, 19:08   #5
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 931
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

Quote:
Originally Posted by belizesailor View Post

Out in the cockpit is the designated "toxic locker" for paints, epoxies, fluids, etc.


FWIW restaurant supply bus tubs make a good toxic liquid under tray. Significantly more durable than the consumer junk plastic tubs.

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_5094.JPG
Views:	571
Size:	249.9 KB
ID:	154366
SecondBase is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18-08-2017, 19:51   #6
Registered User

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: May 2011
Location: Miami Florida
Boat: Ellis Flybridge 28
Posts: 4,057
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

I have a storage compartment under one of the steps leading down to my forward cabin.
I made a wooden tool box that fits it exactly. I used a nylon strap as the handle so I could maximize the height of the box. Except for a large hammer and a prop puller, I've got all the usual tools I need in it.
__________________
Retired from Hopkins-Carter Marine Supplies
HopCar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18-08-2017, 20:23   #7
Marine Service Provider
 
Scott Berg's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Aboard
Boat: Seaton 60' Ketch
Posts: 1,338
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

"80%" bag under navsta seat; power tools in dry locker in bags
Mechanical tools in Snap On box in engine room
__________________
Scott Berg
WAĜLSS
SV CHARDONNAY
Scott Berg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-08-2017, 09:35   #8
Registered User

Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: PNW
Boat: J/42
Posts: 938
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

I like having my tools in organizers - I can reach for the right tool in the dark and tell at a glance if something is missing.
Started out with a pre-made plastic drawer set, but that really didn't stow well anyplace on board and it wasted a lot of space for the amount of tools it held. And replacement tools don't always fit the pre-made nest.
Currently using a series of tool rolls. These are very efficient as far as space, but to get one tool, I have to dig out and open the whole roll. Most jobs end up requiring tools from two or more different rolls. They end up taking over a whole settee.
Next plan is a custom-made tool chest built into a settee back. Winter project. We'll see...
toddster8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-08-2017, 10:41   #9
Registered User

Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Green cove springs
Boat: Freedom 45
Posts: 77
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

a tool bag because they are flexible easier to store and secure
seaman-lew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-08-2017, 10:42   #10
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Live in Boise, boat is in the Rio Dulce
Boat: 56' CNSO Mikado Cutter Ketch
Posts: 367
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

I have a workshop that used to be a stateroom. I have a workbench and there is a 5 slide out drawer tool cabinet (Craftsman plastic) built into the front of one side, and under the workbench on the other side the top hinges up exposing a large storage area.

Inside I keep all of the misc specialty sets like compression tester, multitool, electrical repair kit, sail repair kit, plumbing, etc in canvas tool bags purchased at Harbor Freight for about $5.00 ea on sale.

Since all the bags look the same (12 or so) I had some "sailing" business cards printed up with my logo. On the back of the card I use a label maker to define the contents and laminated the card with a $25 luggage tag laminator. The card is attached to the bag handle with the clear lanyard.

This is working out great because I can quickly identify the tool I need and all the misc accessories for each tool are always with the tool.
Mikado is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-08-2017, 11:04   #11
Registered User
 
Safari38LH's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Marion, Ma
Boat: Little Harbor 38
Posts: 301
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

Riggers open top bag for everyday tools. It goes wherever I work so I don't have run below to get another tool. Hammers and bigger tools have their own draw. Hose clamps, screws, cotterpins, fuses, bulbs, electric connectors, all have their own plastic bins with separators.
Safari38LH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-08-2017, 11:22   #12
Registered User
 
Cheechako's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Skagit City, WA
Posts: 25,453
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

Riggers bag for the ones I use daily, including a few very common wrenches etc.. Sealed plastic cases for the others, wrenches, sockets etc.
__________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Broads and Boats. The rest I wasted" - Elmore Leonard











Cheechako is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-08-2017, 11:28   #13
S/V rubber ducky
 
sailorboy1's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

Every few months I have to go through my "everyday" bag and move tools back to the big tool boa that is stored under a settee in a locker. I don't how they came getting there, but each time I move the socket wrench the phillips screwdriver seems sad.

On the other hand the electrical tools don't seem to like to hang out with the knuckle dragger tools.
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
sailorboy1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-08-2017, 12:15   #14
Marine Service Provider

Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Fairlie Scotland UK
Boat: Southern Cross 31
Posts: 160
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

I store all my tools in waterproof plastic boxes, the click lock type. I spray them with oil after use. I try to keep everything waterproof. I even have a waterproof laptop. Touchbook cf 30 some tools such as a saw, I cant fit in a box, but even power tools I put in washing powder buckets I have dry sacks too for my clothes. Dampness gets everywhere, things go rusty just with the salt air.
atlantical is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-08-2017, 16:37   #15
cat herder, extreme blacksheep

Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: furycame alley , tropics, mexico for now
Boat: 1976 FORMOSA yankee clipper 41
Posts: 18,967
Images: 56
Re: How do you store your tools on the boat?

emergency engine items in a bright pink 3 gallon feed bucket, all else in a toolbox for each of three specialties, mechanical , woodworking, and electrical. still working on the plumbing one.
zeehag is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
boat

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cordless tools vs. Corded Tools + Generator sully75 Construction, Maintenance & Refit 45 13-07-2014 05:16
How Do You Store Your Jewelry ? Red Charlotte Families, Kids and Pets Afloat 186 28-03-2014 13:10
So what do you store in your bilge? Colorado Dreamer General Sailing Forum 15 04-05-2008 05:30

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:09.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.