Keeping track of your tools in a busy warehouse or manufacturing operation can be a challenge. Tools that are lost, misplaced or stolen are expensive to replace. Plus, you need your tools to do your job so you are counting on them to be there when you reach for them.
Industrial tool carts and toolboxes can help. These tough, long-lasting storage units can hold hundreds of tools, parts, and equipment and are mobile so you can wheel them to wherever you are working.
Most have sub-dividable drawers to help keep parts and tools organized, as well as locking systems to keep your tools and supplies secure.
Here are 6 simple life hacks you can use to trick out your toolbox to make it even more user-friendly.
1. Use Foam Shadowing Forms
Place a bright yellow backing board on the bottom of a toolbox drawer. Then cut a piece of shadowing foam to fit the same space. Place the tools you want to store in the drawer on the foam, then use an X-Acto knife to cut around the outlines of the foam and place the tools into the customized slots.
Then, every time you remove a tool from the drawer there will be a bright yellow outline to show you instantly that a tool is missing and where it should go.
2. DIY Mini Sander
For sanding very small details that are too delicate for an industrial sander, take an old electric toothbrush, remove the head and replace it with self-stick sandpaper. Keep this handy mini sander in your toolbox for when you need to do detail work on wood and plastic.
3. Removing Stripped Screws
Before you get yourself frustrated trying to drill out a stripped screw, try this easy trick first: Place a wide rubber band of the screw’s head then insert your power drill to unscrew it.
4. Foam Pipe Insulators Do Double Duty
Don’t throw out the ends of foam pipe insulations. Toss them into your toolbox for later use. For example, they can make excellent paint brush holders.
Simply cut a slot along the bottom of the foam pipe insulation then place it on the rim of a paint bucket. Make slits along the length then fit your paint brushes into the slits for a no-drip DIY storage tool.
5. Magnetize Your Hammers
The next time you are at the hardware store or dollar store, pick up a couple of small disc magnets. Then glue these to the bottom of your hammer’s handle. That way you have a place to hold your nails while you work — other than in your mouth.
6. Post-It Notes
Another must-have tool in your toolbox is a packet of Post-It Notes. Not for taking notes, but to catch debris when you are drilling through drywall. Simply stick a Post-It note under the hole you are drilling, fold the bottom to meet the top and catch the dust as it falls to prevent leaving a mess on the floor.