Storage solutions what works?

Lost Girlfriend · Nov 28, 2023

Hi All, this forum was incredibly helpful when I last posted. I'm a girlfriend (hoping to level up soon) to a man who is just starting his electricians training. I posted before about gift ideas for him and you guys pulled it out the bag for me and gave me ideas that covered me for a few things.

Still on the same theme though, I'm now looking at Xmas and as part of his Xmas I wanted to look at tool storage.

Now he does already have generic tool box/bag for his general DIY tools but I was thinking of getting him something practical for when he's working.

The whole thing confuses me and I have no idea what is actually useful or practical. I see everything from wheeled workstation things to belts.

What do you use and what do you like about it/or not?

Thanks in advance you lovely helpful bunch.

nicebutdim · Nov 28, 2023

You're going to regret this thread!

There are unlimited options for tool storage, but much would depend on the sort of work he's likely to be involved in and the sort of vehicle he needs to fit everything into.

I use a packout trolley and several boxes. It's probably the most robust system on the market, but is big, heavy and cumbersome, which might not suit someone working from a small vehicle or working primarily on small domestic jobs.

I guess we could tell you what's good value or sturdy (as well as what isn't) and leave it for you to determine which might fit best.

timhoward · Nov 28, 2023

There's a guy in Liverpool that might provide some consulting, for small fee ;-)

Mike Johnson · Nov 28, 2023

I use the DeWalt Tstak system, the drawers are very good, but the box's underneath are a pain to access as being top opening you have to remove whatever is above them to access what's inside, saying that they all seem to work that way, this will give you an idea: DeWalt TSTAK 2.0 Tool Storage with 2 Shallow Drawers - Screwfix - once you get to this number of stacking units you do need a trolly to transport it all.

Lost Girlfriend · Nov 28, 2023

nicebutdim said:
You're going to regret this thread!

There are unlimited options for tool storage, but much would depend on the sort of work he's likely to be involved in and the sort of vehicle he needs to fit everything into.

I use a packout trolley and several boxes. It's probably the most robust system on the market, but is big, heavy and cumbersome, which might not suit someone working from a small vehicle or working primarily on small domestic jobs.

I guess we could tell you what's good value or sturdy (as well as what isn't) and leave it for you to determine which might fit best.

Judging from my last post I was fully expecting the 'surely you give him places to store his tool' type comments so I'm prepared

.

I'm guessing if we go with something 'grab and go', small vehicle friendly as that will be less limiting to its use maybe? And can always be a daily use piece of equipment I guess? With bigger/bulkier bits in future?

Although even typing this I just feel clueless.

Lost Girlfriend · Nov 28, 2023

Mike Johnson said:
I use the DeWalt Tstak system, the drawers are very good, but the box's underneath are a pain to access as being top opening you have to remove whatever is above them to access what's inside, saying that they all seem to work that way, this will give you an idea: DeWalt TSTAK 2.0 Tool Storage with 2 Shallow Drawers - Screwfix - once you get to this number of stacking units you do need a trolly to transport it all.

Hi Mike, with this unit do you have multiple that stack on top of each other? So like 1 is OK to start and then you can buy a 2nd that you then pop onto of the 1st on a trolley?

James · Nov 28, 2023

Something like this could be a good start.

DeWalt TSTAK Multi-Purpose Tool Bag 16 1/4" - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Completely compatible with TSTAK modules and PTA kits. Thick and sturdy with a rigid construction for maximum strength and resistance to wear and tear. Adjustable closing buckles and removable dividers to customise to specific needs. See-through zippered pocket for...

www.screwfix.com

it will clip onto other tstak units from the range but will always sit on the top with your most used hand tools.

buzzlightyear · Nov 28, 2023

For carrying my tools, I use a good old bucket and a picnic basket, why the bucket you might ask well you could not use a basket. Just in case I got caught short.
I would not recommend a open tool box
Some persons with long fingers might be tempted to steel you sandwichs.

Lost Girlfriend · Nov 28, 2023

James said:
Something like this could be a good start.

DeWalt TSTAK Multi-Purpose Tool Bag 16 1/4" - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Completely compatible with TSTAK modules and PTA kits. Thick and sturdy with a rigid construction for maximum strength and resistance to wear and tear. Adjustable closing buckles and removable dividers to customise to specific needs. See-through zippered pocket for...

www.screwfix.com

it will clip onto other tstak units from the range but will always sit on the top with your most used hand tools.

This looks like just the job. Along with Mike's recommendation for this range too and having gone down the rabbit Hole looking at all the options in this range I think this is a great shout we can build on.

Thanks all.

Hopefully this will also help me level up lol.

Mike Johnson · Nov 28, 2023

Lost Girlfriend said:
Hi Mike, with this unit do you have multiple that stack on top of each other? So like 1 is OK to start and then you can buy a 2nd that you then pop onto of the 1st on a trolley?

They all clip together from the side yellow clips.

nicebutdim · Nov 28, 2023

Lost Girlfriend said:
Judging from my last post I was fully expecting the 'surely you give him places to store his tool' type comments so I'm prepared .

That's going to be much less of concern than the range of different answers and opinions.

Backpacks are good for grab & go. I bought a packout one as it's well made, holds loads and clips onto packout boxes. While it's a great backpack and built to last, I wouldn't recommend it as a standalone bag as the packout base would be unnecessary weight and bulk.

ferg · Nov 28, 2023

Anything Veto Pro-pac.
I've had a tp6-b and a Tech XL for a good few years now and they are still going strong.
The TP6-b is absolutely brilliant and bomb proof.
TP6b a newer version of the one I have.

IMHO a good gift as it's perhaps more than he would spend himself but worth every penny and will outlast most other brands.

ferg · Nov 28, 2023

This is what mine looks like after several years of daily use / Abuse.
The parts bags attached to it are also great and very handy as an addition

[ElectriciansForums.net] Storage solutions what works?

Mike Johnson · Nov 29, 2023

If I put that lot on my belt I would not be able to walk.

not only that at my age I can't find a belt be enough to go around my waist and support it without slipping down to my knees.

littlespark · Nov 30, 2023

the beauty of the tstak system is that the dewalt drills and other powertools come in the same kind of boxes as empty tool boxes.... so everything can be clipped together.

Dewalt have tstak, and i think Toughsystem... which is a physically bigger box... but they also sell adaptor plates so that the tstak can be fitted onto the top of a toughsystem.

I should say that its the Tstak2 now... Tstak was their older model, but i dont know if they are interconnectable.

Screwfix have the empty boxes on reduced price quite regularly

Storage solutions what works?

Lost Girlfriend

nicebutdim

timhoward

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Mike Johnson

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Lost Girlfriend

Lost Girlfriend

James

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DeWalt TSTAK Multi-Purpose Tool Bag 16 1/4" - Screwfix

buzzlightyear

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Lost Girlfriend

DeWalt TSTAK Multi-Purpose Tool Bag 16 1/4" - Screwfix

Mike Johnson

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nicebutdim

ferg

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ferg

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Mike Johnson

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littlespark

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