Looking for toolbox organization ideas

[ARC-170]

I've been asked to organize the tool chests at the college where I work. I'd like to know from those with time in the industry how you place items such as calipers and micrometers in there; do you leave them in the case and make the person who wants to use them open the drawer, take the case out, open it, get the tool, use it, then reverse the process when done? OR, do you leave the case open or cut the top part off and allow them to grab the tool from the case when they open the drawer?

At home, I do it the 2nd way because I can just grab them when I need them. I'd like to teach the students best practices, so let me know what is the "standard" way of doing this, or if it doesn't really matter.

These are really nice Mitutoyo calipers and mics, BTW. I'm guessing the Lead Instructor (I'm a new Adjunct) will freak out if I cut the tops off the cases. I'll probably opt to leave them open, but that takes up room.

 

[coolidge]

I return all my measuring tools to their case after use.

 

[benmychree]

In my shop class, all tools were kept hung on dedicated hooks or brackets on a tool board or board(s) that were mostly lockable; at the end of the class, the instructor checked out all the boards for the tools being present and class was dismissed when all tools were present and accounted for, I bought tools for myself and kept them in a box in my locker.

 

[Canus]

You stated "I'd like to teach the students best practices". Best practice is to clean, lubricate if needed, and return all tools to their proper location. Inform instructor of any damaged instruments. Precision measuring instruments should always be kept in their cases.

 

[GrifterGuru]

I'll probably opt to leave them open, but that takes up room.

Never, I repeat never leave a precision tool in an open case, be that in a drawer or otherwise. The cases are designed to protect the tool from damage and leaving the cases open defeats that purpose.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

I return all my measuring tools to their case after use.

This, cleaned if necessary.

While it may seem like a chore, it gets to be somewhat comforting. If I just plop a tool down after use I tend to think I left it out where it will get pilfered or mishandled and it bugs me.

If I carefully put it away its an extra step I'm likely to remember when this sort of thing is going through my mind on the way home or while Im trying to fall asleep.

Plus its an extra step against dirt and moisture.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

In my shop class, all tools were kept hung on dedicated hooks or brackets on a tool board or board(s) that were mostly lockable; at the end of the class, the instructor checked out all the boards for the tools being present and class was dismissed when all tools were present and accounted for, I bought tools for myself and kept them in a box in my locker.

In tech school (Auto mechanics, but other trades had this too) We were assigned 6 chits and a ring for our belt. The tools were stored in a "Crib" and to get a tool you had to give the attendant (Everyone rotated) a chit. You could only lose a max of 6 tools this way and at the end of the day if your chit was on the hook of the missing tool, you were "On the hook" for it.

No one left until it was found, and everyone knew who to blame for getting out late.

 

[ChazzC]

As said by a majority (I think) of the others, I replace my instruments in their cases after cleaning them and making certain that the measuring surfaces are not touching.

Following this process is why the tools I purchased new (or in new condition) still look new decades later. The tools I have purchased used were cleaned and adjusted when received and if they didn’t come with a usable case (which was also cleaned) I would find a suitable replacement case.

 

[coolidge]

As said by a majority (I think) of the others, I replace my instruments in their cases after cleaning them and making certain that the measuring surfaces are not touching.

Following this process is why the tools I purchased new (or in new condition) still look new decades later. The tools I have purchased used were cleaned and adjusted when received and if they didn’t come with a usable case (which was also cleaned) I would find a suitable replacement case.

My Mitutoyo 6" digital caliper still going strong after 18 years. I use the heck out of it but always store in its case.

 

[GrifterGuru]

As an aside to my prior post, I will say this... group tools by type and label the drawers to list contents. It is a huge timesaver.