Lee Valley has started carrying a rather interesting tool storage system that consists of a tool board and repositional adapter pegs.
The tool boards are made from ABS plastic and measure 7-1/2″ x 11″. You can mount them to horizontal or vertical surfaces, such as the wall or your benchtop, and can also place them inside drawers and tool boxes. Each board has 450 1/4″ slots.
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The recesses can fit standard 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits without needing any additional accessories, and optional adapters are made to fit 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ square drive sockets. You can also buy tool clips that are meant for holding tools such as screwdrivers and other small cylindrical hand tools.
There are ribs on the inside of each slot to ensure that screwdriver bits, adapters, and tools won’t wiggle loose as you move tools to and from the board.
Prices: $6.50 for each tool board, $3-4 for 12 socket adapters, $3.50 for 6 pairs of tool clips.
There is also a special 50-piece introductory kit option that comes with 2 tool boards and one pack of each accessory type, for $18.50. The special promo kit is available for purchase until September 1st, 2014 unless supplies run out sooner.
Buy Now(via Lee Valley)
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I have not seen anything like this before, and really appreciate the system’s simplicity and customization options. The tool boards and inserts are also attractively priced.
Jordan
Whatever happened to just throwing everything in a big pile? 🙂
More seriously though, this actually looks like a novel idea. My workbench is a mess and I really do need to look into some kind of organization.
If this wasn’t wall mounted, I can guarantee that the recesses would get filled with crap in my garage.
Andrew
I’m completely sold on this system branded by Kobalt:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_338551-22328-85923_1z11pdh+1z140vv__?productId=3381278
I have 3 trays (1 for SAE, 1 for Metric, 1 for extensions and extras) and the portability makes this one of my better purchases along with a wrench organizer you had mentioned on here a while back. Basically once I know if I’m working with either SAE or metric I grab my wrenches in one hand, and place two trays back to back (The standard tray, and the extension tray) and I have a full arsenal of tools to work on my cars/tractors outside of just my garage. The only thing I would add to them are low profile non-marring rubber edging or feet so they can safely sit on the project you’re working on.
This obviously doesn’t cover the screw bits, but my Wera Advent calendar gave me a belt clip bit holder, and a good screw driver is weasy enough to carry with everything else.
SteveR
While it may offer better organization for some, the system is still all plastic. I came up using the old metal spring-steel clips and rails to attach the sockets or the sized metal or plastic boxes you laid the sockets in. Buying an additional storage set might not be necessary, and the plastic “bumps” (bearings) on each socket clip could abrade or break over time. Metal sockets/plastic clips may cause some wear problems, especially if used frequently. I do like the convenience of being able to mount to a wall, although you’re limited to working in that area instead of taking the tools to the job. Just a caution to evaluate your needs and durability of the product before you make this (or any) purchase.
fred
This is a neat idea – not sure I have use for it though. We used to keep bits in a Huot cabinet that was meant to hold carbide cutting inserts. We also used Huot cabinets for drills, taps, reamers etc.
BTW – Zoro has lots of Huot cabinet styles and is having one of their 25% off sales with coupon code “25FORYOU” entered on the shipping cost page
Kurt
Great idea if you work at a bench. For me, I bring the rails of sockets to the job, or a smaller rubber holder that stores about 30 or so of the hex bits, so the utility varies on how you work.
Mike
I love this idea for one application. I keep a snap on 1” bit holder by the garage door for needing bits around the house. Usually there is a couple sockets that are kept there as well cause of their regular use around the house. This looks perfect to hold all that in one nice package. I agree these don’t seem practical for a whole socket set or anything. But it will hold the few sockets the wife is always looking for.
Jerry
Clever idea. I think it would work well for driver bits and small sockets.
Dave Wittmann
I wonder if they are sturdy enough to put in the truck. With the new utility cap, I am trying to get better organized. At this price, I may have to give them a shot.
Stuart
I don’t think these would be great for use in a vehicle. Maybe in a drawer, but not on a wall or rack, as road vibrations might shake things free.
Dave Wittmann
I have shelving in the utility cap. If things shake out, they wont’ go far. I was planning on putting them in a box or rack of some kind. I ordered them. If they do not work out in the truck, they will come in handy in the shop. I will try them out and let you know.
Wncol
Nice idea but shipping cost more than price of one.
Stuart
Lee Valley has free shipping on $40+ order events several times a year. I waited to buy one of these until the then-nearest free shipping promo.
jack becker
need more info on socket and bit organizer by Lee Valley
Stuart
On their website: “The FreeZone Toolboard is no longer available.”
Sorry. I don’t know where else this product can be purchased.
Dave
It can be purchased from another site here. https://shop.espspares.com/products
Jason
I know this is for an old post but I found an updated location for the product:
https://www.freezone.tw
Their “Where To Buy” links for the USA leads to:
https://www.ascendtools.com/ORGANIZER_GENIE_Tool_Organizer_Pegboards_and_Accessories.html