For You Tool Geeks.

[ChrisPuget]

Clear Sterilite boxes from Walmart work great for most things including tools. All plastic, see through, large variety of sizes, stackable......and cheap!

[betwys1]

Originally Posted by Exctyengr

My wife made me several tool rolls out of canvas. They work well and very inexpensive. I only recommend that the tools are oiled after use as they are put away.

Anybody willing to make their own canvas tool roll deserves to have it water-repellent. Sure you can buy silicone spray BUT there is another way.

Take a quart of lamp oil (nicely deodorized) and several chunky white candles.

Heat carefully in an old saucepan (or unwanted slow cooker) until the candle wax dissolves. Paint it on the canvas.
Or the luxury version. Use bees wax. (I hear WC sealing rings are made of bees wax)

[rreid01]

The soft sided tool bags, while easier to stow than hard sided toolboxes, don’t address the real problem—organization. You still have to drag everything out to get to something at the bottom of the bag. However I agree the cost of the tool roll is simply ridiculous.

Multiple canvas bags for different types of tools is an interesting idea that I believe I’ll try.

[sailcrazy]

When Sears was going out of business, I bought several of their 10" tool bags. I use one for sockets, one for elect tools and one for wire, one for first response tools, one for wood toolds, etc. The only problem is finding an easy and visible way to ID what's in each bag. They are reletively small, store easily, and are handy....Unfortunately, they are bags, so diving for tools is a way of life.

[dfelsent]

Originally Posted by Fortytwo

Attachment 225051

Hmm. I sense a fellow McMaster-Carr addict.

[sailorladd]

Firstly that's a great ad, no frills, to the point and clearly outshines the conventional tool box. Secondly love the fact that it is made in USA, so it will be around for a lifetime rather than three months... and thirdly, it is quiet, when boats roll down wind there is usually a great cacophony of noisy rolling objects down below, and fourthly, it han breath, as it is cloth and metal needs to be aerated to prevent rust, it gets my vote. thanks for sharing

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by Fortytwo

Having a bag with separate pockets is priceless.

Source?

[DeValency]

Looking for the right tool is a continuous pain. I was able to reduce it a little few years ago by buying 5 small Husky tool bags during a sale at Home Depot:
1. Large heavy general hand tools
2. Smaller, regular everyday tolls
3. Electrical tools
4. Multitool (Makita 18V) with all blades, accessories etc.
5. 3mm Dremel and cordless 3mm tool with large number of accessories and tools

Each bag has a large tag outside with the content - as they are all look the same, so no need to unzip each one every time I need to run a certain job somewhere in the boat.

Yet, wish they had more and deeper pockets.

Also each of the power tools has its own bag with all the accessories: Drill, Sander, Grinder etc.

[Fortytwo]

Pics man... we want the tool porn!

[Fortytwo]

Originally Posted by dfelsent

Hmm. I sense a fellow McMaster-Carr addict.

You are correct!

[Fuss]

If you maintain your boat properly , you don’t need any tools onboard.

Once everything is working reliably you can remove the tools.

In the unlikely event that something fails, I have a hammer, wd40 and some tape.

[Fortytwo]

Originally Posted by Fuss

If you maintain your boat properly , you don’t need any tools onboard.

Once everything is working reliably you can remove the tools.

In the unlikely event that something fails, I have a hammer, wd40 and some tape.

And I thought I was sarcastic...

[capn ken]

Originally Posted by er9

I came across this today searching for something completely unrelated. Tool storage and organization has been such a huge challenge and pain in the butt. think im gonna order a couple of these.

i had to share...i know a few cruisers who carry their workshops aboard might appreciate.

interesting !

[er9]

Originally Posted by hpeer

I have a LOT of tools. I have a Small Bag and a Big bag, which are just a start. Because we sail in remote areas at times I try to be pretty self sufficient.

The small bag has what I need most of the time Including a small SAE/Metric socket set, a cheap SAE 5 piece wrench kit, and other common tools. The Big bag has hammers, prybars, big screw drivers, punches. Then there is a smaller yet bag for tiny tools like what you use for electronics.

There are also plastic zip lock bags, one each for pliers, vice grips, hemostats.

I have a largish SAE/Metric socket set in its hard case. This comes out rarely but is nice to have everything organized. This is supplemented by a locking tote with extensions, swivels, adaptors, and deep well socket sets. I have a very convenient space just over the engine compartment to contain this.

Grinders, sanders, oscillating tools, jig say, taps and dies, rivet nut kit, hand saws, and accessories are under a Stb setee.

Electrical tools, wire and stuff have a Port seat back locker.

The welder is under the bed. Other misc. tools and supplies are variously in the forepeak or port seat back lockers.

Wood and metal mostly in the quarter berth long cabinet.

I’ve got too much stuff. But still spare room.

curious what welder do you carry? thinking of buying one.

[er9]

Originally Posted by betwys1

Anybody willing to make their own canvas tool roll deserves to have it water-repellent. Sure you can buy silicone spray BUT there is another way.

Take a quart of lamp oil (nicely deodorized) and several chunky white candles.

Heat carefully in an old saucepan (or unwanted slow cooker) until the candle wax dissolves. Paint it on the canvas.
Or the luxury version. Use bees wax. (I hear WC sealing rings are made of bees wax)

do you think that would soak into synthetic cordura?