Color coding different size sanders

[Walk On Wood]

Im thinking of swapping out the t-loc catches so that same size sanders have the same color t-loss.

I have (3) 6" systainers (RO, ETS/5, sandpaper)
(3) 5" Sys (RO, ETS, sandpaper)
(2) 3 1/2 (RO, sandpaper)
(3) 80x133 (RTS, LS, sandpaper)
(1) large delta (DTS) (thinking of matching it up w the 80x133, they currently share a sandpaper Sys)
(3) 115mm (2 RAS, sandpaper)

This is in addition to a couple of routers, couple of tracksaws, and about 20 other systainers that serve various purposes.

Currently all have the original green latches, except the 115 and 80x133 sandpaper systainers are anthracite with sandpaper boxes thrown in.

Is there a logical way to organize by color or just whatever i think works best?  Organization is not my strongest suit, any advice is appreciated.

 

[rst]

Instead of switching out the latches, switch out the center covers.

 

[rst]

Too quick on the trigger...Tanos should have then as replacement parts.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Is there a logical way to organize by color or just whatever i think works best?

There is no logic in colours.

What seems more useful to me is to put stickers/labels on the systainers that indicate which tool is in it. 

 

[Kev]

Is there a logical way to organize by color or just whatever i think works best?

There is no logic in colours.

What seems more useful to me is to put stickers/labels on the systainers that indicate which tool is in it.

Even if I had coloured latches, I'd be looking at the labels ... labels and logical placement work for me!

... not saying I would mind some coloured latches, but I'm not certain my OCD would cope [eek] [sad]

 

[leakyroof]

I see Alex's point. Your first 2 groups could be all the reason not to go with colors, and instead, stick with labels.  You have 3 each of 5" and 6", a tool or two, then Abrasives.  So, a colored latch gets you in the ballpark for the tool size if you can remember your color system, but then you still need a label to state what of that size is in the systainer.  seems like a bit of a dead end in the long run since you're right back at needing a label to clarify things.  Just my opinion though... [unsure]

 

[semenza]

Instead of switching out the latches, switch out the center covers.

That is a good idea to expand the color options. By swapping center covers between two colors the combinations double. EX- using orange and yellow you get ...... orange, yellow,  yellow / orange, and orange / yellow. Obviously there are more swap combos by involving more colors. If you do straight swaps between two colors , you can order complete latches and you won't end up with extra parts.

Seth

 

[rst]

Another option would be to number the latch to each tool so that corresponding papers would have the same numbers.

 

[Wenyce]

If ur simply looking for a guide

WHITE = (3) 6" systainers (RO, ETS/5, sandpaper)

YELLOW =(3) 5" Sys (RO, ETS, sandpaper)

ORANGE = (2) 3 1/2 (RO, sandpaper)

RED = (3) 80x133 (RTS, LS, sandpaper)

Burgundy = (1) large delta (DTS)

BLACK = (3) 115mm (2 RAS, sandpaper)

U can go with a green to black color scheme if u wanna keep it more festoolish. Not sure if that helped but that's what I understood u were looking for.

If u go with a color scheme setup like u were thinking, soon enough you will start to associate the colors with the paper sizes, maybe a nice big picture/letters of the corresponding sander on the left or right of the systainer to help identify what ur looking for even faster would be a good move as well as some others have said.

 

[Walk On Wood]

Thanks for all of the ideas.  To clarify, I didnt know if there was a standardized color code for different size paper.  All of the tools have the original labels to identify what is inside, but I would like a way to identify the sizes/type of tools more quickly. I like the idea of swapping out center covers for the sanders, that way all sanders could have the same size t-loc, but different center cover colors to denote size.  I forgot to mention I also have 2 drills and a centrotec set, and 2 jigsaws, so they could get their own colors as well. 

My company primarily installs, sands, and finishes hardwood floors.  I have a shop, a long bed chevy w cap, and a 12' enclosed trailer.  Most Festool stuff either stays at shop or travels around in the back of my truck.  A color coded stack of say 6" sanders/paper would be easier to find in the truck than my current setup where they all look the same except for labels.  I have 3 guys that work for me and color coding seems like an easy way for them to put things back in their proper spot rather than 'piled' in the truck.

Again, thanks for the ideas and I welcome any other input you guys might have.

 

[rst]

Using colors & #s is a much more intuitive method.  My first job was is a large custom cabinetry factory, Wood Mode.  All pieces had a numbered-colored tag which let us know which week and month the piece was due to be shipped.  Anyone knowing the code could walk thru the lines and immediately know which items were critical to be finished.