Where and How to Keep your Tools/Hardware?

[mikereed100]

I was finally able to minimize my tool collection by simply using a 16oz hammer for SAE and a 400gm hammer for metric.

[ssanzone]

first, and i dont think this necessarily applies to you, dont buy cheap tools. saving a few bucks while tool shopping may well have MAJOR consequences when you underway and stripping a nut or break a flat screwdriver head or your needle nose pliers dont actually 'pinch' or rust etc...

that aside... i have a built in tool chest similar to freedom45 which i fabricate out because i could not find a commercial one to fit the space i had available.

i also have an engine canvas tool bag (in the engine room), a cockpit canvas tool bag, a plumbing canvas tool bag and a wood working canvas tool bag that i keep pre packed with the tools i expect to need to resolve whatever problem crops up. mostly i dont want to be running forward each time i realize i need another tool.

lastly, there are tools i have more than one of which kinda drives me crazy but i regularly use the same wrenches for engine and plumbing (thru hulls) work and dont want to be searching for the single wrench in an emergency.

-steve

[Roy M]

Then, after you have carefully stored and recorded where all of those specialty tools, fasteners, lubes and sealants are stored, you find that your neighbor has discovered this and no longer has to do the same. He just comes over and borrows your stuff. I'm a marine installer, by trade. Too many tools and parts aboard. I should have been an accountant: a sharp pencil, a calculator and a green eyeshade would have been the perfect tools aboard a multihull.

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by mikereed100

I was finally able to minimize my tool collection by simply using a 16oz hammer for SAE and a 400gm hammer for metric.

And fortunately... Every problem is a nail

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Hoohaa

This is a great tool kit for a boat, you can get them at Costco. Or >>> Crescent 170PC Professional Mechanics Tool Set - Tools - Tool Sets - Mechanics Tool Sets.
Got this link from Delmarrey. Bought a set and they are terrific.
Attachment 71484
Metric and imperial.

Yep, I've used lots of schemes over the years; fancy canvas sailors tool bags, drawers in the boat, plastic divide containers. But in the last 5-6 years one of those sets is just easy peasy. Everything aha a place and it stores well. Of course you should still have a grab bag and all those unusual tools somewhere as well as an electical kit. But grabbing that one tool kit and taking to the repair area will get 90% done without rummaging around in lockers and making a bunch of trips etc.

[hd002e]

Thank you all for your contribution, I think we are getting some good ideas here. I have scoured forums and internet for some inspiration and here are some images that I have collected. (They are not mine)

[hd002e]

Chuck, that looks very neat. Are the tool boxes metal or plastic? Do you happen to know the manufacturer? It looks like you have a perfect fir into that cabinet

Originally Posted by Freedom45

I mounted some tool boxes in a cabinet that used to have DVD player etc, The boxes are designed for a vehicle, so have latches to keep them closed when heeling.
Very convenient, since I seem to need tools a lot.

Chuck

[Freedom45]

Originally Posted by hd002e

Chuck, that looks very neat. Are the tool boxes metal or plastic? Do you happen to know the manufacturer? It looks like you have a perfect fir into that cabinet

The boxes are metal, heavy duty, designed for work truck. Manufacturer is 'Weather guard'
They are a perfect fit, became a good utilization of space.

Chuck

[Dutch]

Fabric toolbag,plastic toolbox for spare parts,screws etc.
They will be stored under the V berth as soon as I get the doors cut in the V berth bulkheads.Hate lifting the mattress and struggling with a loose lid.

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by Dutch

Fabric toolbag,plastic toolbox for spare parts,screws etc.
They will be stored under the V berth as soon as I get the doors cut in the V berth bulkheads.Hate lifting the mattress and struggling with a loose lid.

Doors make it tolerable but not optimum... still gotta get on you're knees and wear an LED headlamp. That and weight is why I store rarely used, unruly tubing, and wood scraps etc up there...

[Wattsailing]

Well after reading the post I feel very lucky to have fully equipped work shop on board a whole room dedicate to parts ,tools and bits of stuff ,it has a work bench and it is where all the boats system meet engine is there too and you can stand up in it and when you need to just be alone you can shut the door dream

[Neptune's Gear]

Some of you guys have great systems. Man I'd like a bigger boat where I could have a workshop! I do carry a LOT of tools.....

[HansSolo]

This place has a bunch of cool storage options that could work for tools etc Deep Blue Marine Tackle Storage containers for boats by Deep Blue Marine from Alltackle.com

[zboss]

During the refit this summer, I started several tool rolls. I have separate tool rolls for 'diesel engine', 'dinghy motor', 'rigging', and 'electrical'. Each time I use a tool from my general bags I move it to the specific bag.

Each tool roll has all the tools I need to work on a particular part of the boat. I then tied a string and a carabiner to each tool. In the engine area, the bilge, and on the dinghy, I installed a "hard point" to hook the tool to each time I use it. So far so good, I haven't lost a tool yet.

With that said, I still have a lot of miscellaneous tools, mostly because I have not touched every nut and bolt in the boat so I don't want to get rid of those things. I keep them in Kline tool bags.

Also, I have been getting into the habit of buying the smallest "chemical" size I can reasonably use for the project. I simply had too much and there was no place to store it. So, I use it up and toss it. It is more expensive this way but weighing the possibility of having to store it vs. the cost, the storage cost is higher in my opinion. I have a very limited set of chems for things that require on-going maintenance and for emergencies.

[Kokanee]

I'd love to have the space for a cabinet like Chuck's in post #4, but I'd have to remove my fridge.

I keep mine in in large plastic tackle boxes down low under the cabin sole. One for electrical, one for plumbing, one for mechanical. Also plastic bins for spare parts, glues, epoxies, fibreglass repair kit. Since those are a bit of a PITA to access, I have a canvas grab bag under the pilothouse helm which has all the commonly used screwdrivers, allen keys, adjustable wrenches, pliers etc. This handles most everyday tasks. I often have to reduce this bag down to essentials, as the tools tend to migrate there.