Adam Savage "first order retrievability":

[kmealy]

(semi-) Long story

 

20 some years ago, when I went out on my own as on-site service repair on furniture, I needed a tool kit for the van.

 

First try: I got a tool box with a lidded top, a couple of drawers and a tilt-out bin.  I estimated what tools I'd need for the job described, pull them out and carry them in.  I found in 5 minutes, I was back for something else, then another 5 minutes, for yet another tool.  Not very efficient.

 

Second try: I gave up and decided that if I just needed a screwdriver and maybe some pliers, I'd take the whole kit in.  That worked well.  Initially a 5 gal bucket with a wrap.  I decided that did not look very professional, so quickly got a nylon, open top tool tote with lots of pockets around the outside and a row along one inside edge.  That worked very well, and as my experience grew, my kit got well tuned.  I carried a few other tools in the van but only needed them once in a while.  I did have a second bag with my drill, drill bits, Kreg jig, small box of wood and Kreg screw assortments, driver bits, 90 degree hickey, nut drivers, etc.   I liked that I could see every tool, as they were either in pockets of the bag or in one of the several PVC tubes that kept them upright.  Easy to find and every tool had its fixed position, so I knew where to look for it.  If I needed my multi-tip screwdriver, it was in the right side, end, next to my utility knife and 35 piece ratchet driver set.

 

Third try: When I retired and COVID hit, I made an on-site tool box a la Frank Klausz.  I made one for me and one for my twin grandsons, seniors in high school and helpers to their dad that did a lot of home remodeling on their house.  (And provided current and future gifts as tools.)

 

 

 

 

Although it has drawers and pockets around the perimeter, I found that bigger stuff just got piled in the middle, so I'd need to dig for things like hammers, flashlights, large pliers, clamps, etc.  Not very fun.  And, it was heavy as all get out and difficult to carry on steps, thru doors, etc.

 

 

Fourth try AKA Second try, version 2.0

Back to the nylon bag it was.  Use it for repairs at the furniture bank and for set building at the theater shop.

Somehow Pinterest noted my interest in tool boxes and keeps sending me stuff.  This week I saw a post about making an insert that would replace the PVC tubes, that despite my best effort, kept falling over.  And another about Adam Savage (myth busters) first order retrievability":  The rule being "you can get any tool without having to move another."   Aha!  That's what I discovered 20 years ago.  It works well.  I made the insert one day this week (hint, build a prototype of cardboard to make sure stuff fits and it fits into your box before committing to wood.  It took me a couple tries to get one that fit under the handle to insert.)  I am happy

 

 

 

I still have three other kits, one for the drill and accessories, one for upholstery repair, and one for fabric cleaning supplies,  All are first order retrievability.

 

 

Edited October 15, 2022 by kmealy

[BillyJack]

You carried more than I use at the furniture company...

[kmealy]

3 minutes ago, BillyJack said:

You carried more than I use at the furniture company...

Well, I do use it all.  If I find I don't use it often, it comes out.  Doors, drawers, tables, beds, upholstered frames, motion furniture, springs, and now some general carpentry at the theater shop.

 

I think I have about 10% of what Adam Savage has.

 

https://www.wired.com/2012/08/adam-savages-tools/

[kmealy]

Initial spark: https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Toolbag-Organizer/?utm_content=buffer7b42c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer

[kmealy]

https://www.instructables.com/First-Order-Retrievability-Toolbag/

[Gerald]

Those are some nice boxes, and the tip on the PVC is great idea. I don't carry many tools anywhere but it has to be in the same spot in the shop or I am lost when I look for it.

[Danl]

Nice wooden boxes.  I have to keep many of my tools in boxes so that I can go help someone.  One box has plumbing tools and supplies, 2nd box has carpentry and electrical, 3rd box has mechanic tools, and the 4th box has everything you usually need.  I'm working at my son's home now remodeling his bathroom using tools and supplies from all four boxed.  You are very organized.  Thanks for sharing.   Danl

[kmealy]

Found another neat one.  If you scroll through the photos, you'll see the details and contents.  Though I think he could have added some more spots on the outside of the ends and sides for narrow stuff.

 

 

https://www.instructables.com/Wood-Toolbox/

 

 

 

 

More on the sides option, but then you have to worry about knocking things out and scraping your legs or doors.

 

 

Edited October 25, 2022 by kmealy

[kmealy]

On 10/16/2022 at 7:55 PM, Gerald said:

Those are some nice boxes, and the tip on the PVC is great idea. I don't carry many tools anywhere but it has to be in the same spot in the shop or I am lost when I look for it.

I think all the same principles apply to workshop storage of tools.

 

Get any tool without having to move others

Corollaries

• Everything is visible
• A place for everything and everything has its place
• Don’t waste time, as time is money.  If you are looking for that tool that you need and can't find it...

 

Small tools held in mechanic’s chest with shallow drawers, labeled

Larger tools held in deeper drawers under assembly table or on shelves

Hardware in storage boxes with dividers, by type and size

 

I am not a big fan of pegboard (personal opinion) because I don't think it's very space efficient.

[aaronc]

Nice work on the boxes. Homemade tool storage and especially chest are flat cool. I always enjoy the look.

[HandyDan]

On 10/25/2022 at 4:16 PM, kmealy said:

Found another neat one.

 

Very neat and orderly.  I have those same tools in a tool bucket with the canvas insert.  Mine are harder to find.

[Gene Howe]

I often thank the Lord that the only repair work I'm asked to do is in our own house. It's just 50' or so, from the shop. We have most of those types of tools in the house, anyway.

As to tool storage and organization.... there's always the bench and/or the floor.

[BillyJack]

On 10/15/2022 at 2:30 PM, kmealy said:

Well, I do use it all.  If I find I don't use it often, it comes out.  Doors, drawers, tables, beds, upholstered frames, motion furniture, springs, and now some general carpentry at the theater shop.

 

I think I have about 10% of what Adam Savage has.

 

https://www.wired.com/2012/08/adam-savages-tools/

Are you trying to be  Adam Savage

[BillyJack]

Honestly I’m not trying to be an A-hole. There are those that followed David Marks, Norm Abram, etc  if I do as , I become as..

[StaticLV2]

I am a huge fan of this concept.  I lay out all the tools I have used in the past two weeks on every available flat surface in my shop.
Am I doing it right?  

[Grandpadave52]

17 minutes ago, StaticLV2 said:

I am a huge fan of this concept.  I lay out all the tools I have used in the past two weeks on every available flat surface in my shop.
Am I doing it right?  

Good start grasshopper. Im pretty sure...ah who am I kidding...I have some laying on flat surfaces that I used in the last two years.

[kmealy]

1 hour ago, StaticLV2 said:

I am a huge fan of this concept.  I lay out all the tools I have used in the past two weeks on every available flat surface in my shop.
Am I doing it right?  

The work at the theater shop drives me nuts.  We get 4-8 volunteers in on a Saturday, some for a few hours and once in a while all day.  I built two 4x8 work tables for assembly and/or outfeed from the table saw.  They are ALWAYS piled with junk -- cutoffs, work in progress but stalled, hardware, tools dropped where last used.  It drives me nuts and I spend time several times a day picking up tools and returning to the tool shelf, clearing them off, etc.  We got a second table saw that I built a 48" side extension on -- it's also piled with junk.

[StaticLV2]

I joke but there is a reason my next project is going to be a tool wall with places for everything

[StaticLV2]

A couple of weeks and the holidays later… The tool wall is pretty much done.

 

Everything has it’s place now and the shop is starting to look a lot more organized.

The top of my workbench is actually clear for a change which is really nice, but even better is that everything now has a home.

[Grandpadave52]

15 minutes ago, StaticLV2 said:

A couple of weeks and the holidays later… The tool wall is pretty much done.

Sweet. Nicely done Michael!