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(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.
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