Sortainers vs Toolboxes

[Dan Clermont]

I am quite enjoying how easy it is to transport my Festools around.

I have never owned a decent toolbox and when I head over to my Mother In Laws to do some work or my "real job" I always forget something whether it is a Robertson screwdriver or what have you. Lately I have been wanting to replace the Bucket Buddy I currently use with a real "Snap On" style toolbox but now am thinking about the Sortainers with drawers as they will be light in weight and easy to transport with my other Festools. The price is also going to go up in a couple of days so I'd like to make a decision before then

Does anybody prefer the Sortainers over the standard toolbox? If so, which ones do you prefer?

I'd like to store some screwdrivers, wire cutters, crimpers, hammers, etc.

Cheers
Dan Clermont

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Dan,

If you haven't already seen it the Tool Organizer Systainer is a good option. http://www.mcfeelys.com/festool/product/491301/

Shane

 

[sroxberg]

Shane,

I've been interested in those, but the picture doesn't really give me a feel for what the insert looks like. Is there a more detailed photo of the insert?

 

[greg mann]

I bought the Tool Organizer and I think I like it. If one believes they can put anything and everything they will ever need in it they will be disappointed but I believe that is true of every toolbox. I played around with different combinations of tools trying to come up with a good mix that would include everything I will ever need and nothing I would never need, again, just like every other toolbox I ever set up. If your expectations are realistic and you can identify how you want to use the selection of tools it offers pretty decent options but you should expect to make adjustments to the mix as you go along. A side benefit is that it is probably hard to overload the thing. If you have a good mix it will probably be just about as heavy as you feel comfortable with.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Here are some more detailed photos.  Sorry for the delay - it's been crazy this morning.  Let me know if you need anything else.  These images have also been added to the product page on our website.

Shane

PS - Another good option is the Sys 1 Box which has 13 compartments. http://www.mcfeelys.com/festool/product/487552.  We also offer it with a screw assortment included. http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/SYS-DIY2

 

[Mirko]

Dan,

I have two sortainers, and never use them, they really do not hold enough, so I think thats why. I am accustomed to bringing my full toolbox to the site. I think they would be handy for an electrician, last time I checked they only need a flat head driver and a pair of wire cutters and there good to go
kidding of course!

Mirko

 

[Paul Franklin]

I would not use a Sortianer to carry hand tools, the drawers are not big enough. I use mine to carry my TDK drill and all its accessories, like the Chucks, drill bits, spare battery etc... I then have a sys1 box on top to hold all the common screws. It works great for me.
I made my own insert for a sys4 case, pictures are attached.

Paul

 

[mysterium]

Dan,

If the pictures of the Tool Organizer that Shane provided are exactly the tools you own... or exactly tool you need....

Than the Tool Organizer is for YOU  !!!

If not.......  How good are you sticking a square peg in a round hole?

Or can you make an apple into an orange?

I bought one of these, and found it was/is very inflexible because the slots are cut for the tools pictured.  I think you'd be farther ahead getting a #4 or #5 Systainer & making your own "Dan Clermont" Tool Organizer.

jim

 

[mysterium]

Paul posted his pictures as I was posting my comments...

His pictures of his Tool Organizer "perfectly" state my case... er ah I mean "Systainer"

"Thanks Paul!!!"  Very nice looking Organizer!!!

jim

 

[Corwin]

Paul,

Very nice job!  And the fold-down handle is a nice touch.  Slick.

 

[Dan Clermont]

HI Guys

I am not in favour of the tool organizer Systainer nor do I want to buy and build my own Sortainer because it means I need to have a place to store the Systainer when I have the tools our in the shop and the tools will get dusty 

I'd like to either use the SOrtainers or welcome other suggestions on good light tool boxes made by other companies

Thanks for the input so far.

Cheers
Dan Clermont

 

[Dan Clark]

Dan,

I don't believe in using any hard case for small hand tools because they tend to come in odd sizes and get shifted around a lot.  If you have a very precise set of tools and your needs are pretty fixed, a fixed format, hard-sided case will work.   In my case, there's always something that sticks out or has an odd angle that's 1/8" too big for a fixed hard case.    My situation doesn't meet those criteria. 

After buying, trying, and throwing away multiple types of tool cabinets, cases, and bags, I finally found the best option for me - the Veto Pro Pac tool bags.   Nothing else I've tried comes even close.   Unlike other tool bags, the are VERY tough and made to encase tools when closed and present them for use when open.   Here's a pic from the Woodcraft website:

Here's a link to the model I use, the Pro Pac XL:http://www.vetopropac.com/veto-pro-pac-model-xl.php and to the same model on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/VETO-PRO-PAC-...09?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1175104615&sr=8-1, and to the Woodcraft site when I bought mine:http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5767.

Upsides: Strong, tough, flexible, and tools are easy to get at.

Downsides: Somewhat heavy (duh) and pricey (Mine is $119.95 at Woodcraft and Amazon.)   

I'm seriously thinking about getting the long, skinny one for longer tools like hand saws and hammers.   Here's a link to that one:http://www.vetopropac.com/veto-pro-pac-model-xxlf.php.

Here's a link to the "Reviews" page on their site:http://www.vetopropac.com/veto-tool-bag-reviews.php.  They are pretty well rated.  Finally, here's a link on their site that jumps to promo video:http://www.vetopropac.com/tool-bag-demo-video.php.  The video looks like it was shot at a trade show and is a demo of the bags by the company owner.   It's a bit hypey, but you get a better idea of the bag than you would from the static pics.

Am I a fan?  Duh!

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Mirko]

Paul,
well done on the tool box, I will now steal your idea

IMO The most ideal tool box would have to be the one you design and build yourself, the reason... you can make all the previsions for the tools you own, and because each tool has there own spot in the tool box nothing will be forgoten on the job.
A quik scan of your custom made tool box is all it takes to insure you have all you need, for example if you make an "intalation" tool box and you don't want to buy a second set of tools, just for the job site. It will be simple to load this box up befor your trip to the site.

Mirko

 

[Jon3]

Didn't the shopnotes before last have a rather simple BB plywood puzzle style toolbox? 

Looked interesting to me.

 

[James Metcalf]

Mirko

Paul,
well done on the tool box, I will now steal your idea

In the Engineering department they would say I will now harvest your idea 

Mirko

 

[Per Swenson]

Hi all,

I wrote a post before and the computer ate it.

Too bad, I thought it was well done, guess we will never know.

It sorta went like this.....

In 30 years of on the job aggravation with tool storage, from

buckets to milkcrates to tool boxs and truck tool box's they

all suck greatly. For single specific tools the systainer can't be beat.

Not for hand tools and all the rest.

It is because at the end of a 8/10 hour day, nobody puts there tools away

in a meticulous and well ordered way. No they don't.

They toss em in the bucket, box, milk, crate whatever, with the only thought's

of the hour being, Oh lordy the traffic or it's miller time.

All sense of order and decorum is lost in that last twenty minute's.

Come the next morning, its dump the receptacle on the floor to find the compass.

Now, it's twenty minutes to clean up the mess and repeat this vicious cycle.

Above, Dan posted the only answer to this dilemma, the same

one I now advocate, screaming from the roof tops.

Veto pro pac baby!  And soft man purse style bags for small boxed items.

Thanks Dan.

Per    (hopefully this time when I hit enter....)

 

[Dan Clark]

...
And soft man purse style bags for small boxed items.
...

Per,

I was doin' fine until I got to the "soft man purse...".  Could you explain this one?

Regards,

Dan.

P.s., you really hit on one of the things that I love about my Veto Pro Pac for storing small hand tools.  (My bigger tools live in single-tool portable storage boxes - one tool per box.    When I'm loading the tools, I just quickly stick 'em in a convenient slot.   Yes, the screwdrivers sorta go in the small slots and the pliers go in the bigger slots, but I don't give much thought to it.   I know that I can grab the right tool in a matter of seconds anyway, so it's not a big deal exactly which slot they go in.   I'm not saying that it's for everyone, but it is the only bag I've found that works for me.

 

[Dan Uhlir]

I like the tool organizer from festool help to break things down pretty good, that's where i keep the good stuff. I use a sortainer 3 for my spray guns works good. I believe I use a #4 for paper and tape guns. I also like those bucket organizers you put around a paint bucket.Those others that Dan and Per were talking about looked good as well damn it. Thanks Dan... there is a painter in the house

 

[Barry]

Another option to the veto packs is a CLC product that I bought at the local HD and works really well for my electrical tools, better than a veto bag actually. http://www.amazon.com/Custom-LeatherCraft-1539-Multi-Compartment-Carrier/dp/B000EDTSZG/ref=sr_1_62/002-0365449-5324810?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1175120505&sr=1-62

 

[Dan Clark]

Dan,

Hi.   I should clarify a bit...  

I use the Veto's for storing and using smaller, general purpose hand tools.

I have a lot of tools and materials that are specific to a particular function.  Most of them I keep in large plastic storage containers that are labled by function...  One for plumbing stuff, one for drywall, one for painting, etc.  

For the electrical stuff, the materials (wire, switches, boxes, etc) are kept in large storage containers as well.   For the tools, I have a small Bucket Boss electrician's bag that is easy to drag around wherever it's needed.  Originally I kept them in my Veto, but it worked better having them in smaller, specialized container.

My nail guns are stored in their original cases except for the Hitachi framing nailer, which didn't come with one.   Last week, I finally found a decent, relatively inexpensive case for the framer from Bucket Boss.   This works nicely.

My Festools live in their systainers and get carted around to wherever I need them.

Finally, I have a carpenters tool belt with several pouches.   When I'm working on something that requires moving around and keeping lots of tools at hand, I grab a couple of pouches, add them to the belt, load them with tools from the Veto, and off I go.

Regards,

Dan.