Tool tracking and management systems/options?

[rich_c]

With recent threads here about the misplacing/searching for tools and buying duplicates, I think I'm not alone in having more tools than brain space so I'm wondering if anyone uses lists, apps or other systems to stay on top of these things (either as a hobbyist or a professional)?

I'm considering bringing all my tools into a pile, making a digital inventory, and then assigning each tool to a location. It's tool migration between locations which causes most chaos for me (e.g home; workshop 20 miles away; toolbox for race weekends etc.). Having a master list of what should be at which location feels like it should stop the 'just in case' tool migration and help stock-take each location once in a while.

 

[Parm]

All this lists and apps are probably quite awesome

But, if your anything like me it’s critical to remember where you last put it

I’ll invest in any one that can come up with that

 

[angellonewolf]

buys the ones you most need in each place then keep the not offten used in your garage at home for the rare stuff works for me at work you just got to remeber where you left them

 

[Onoff]

Shadow board. The end.

If it's not there it's somewhere else.

 

[indy4x]

Shadow board. The end.

If it's not there it's somewhere else.

Nowhere near enough wall space for everything to go on 1 of them

 

[indy4x]

I've often thought about creating an inventory of my tools and equipment, even if only for insurance purposes

Not enough hours in the day to do that with all of my other commitments

Had seen a suggestion to just video it all but not even got round to that

 

[Onoff]

Nowhere near enough wall space for everything to go on 1 of them

To use a two post lift I have to make a short drive. I try and use my own tools when I do so. I always end up decanting my tools from the couple of tool boxes and laying them out, spanners in size order etc.

I've been considering a sandwich board to hang tools on as a portable thing.

 

[CaptainPugwash]

Some tool control systems use foam inserts in drawers, with shaped cut outs routed for tools.

Means you can't cram as much in though. So depends on efficiency vs cost of space and having more equipment to hand. (job/ activity dependent) .
And very time consuming and expensive to set up.

 

[voipio]

I've found the database approach to be extremely useful. Only yesterday, I needed a manometer for measuring vacuum cleaner suction, for another thread on this forum, as it happens. The database helped me find it in seconds, from over 200 possible storage locations (boxes, cupboards, drawers, under benches etc). See previous postings e.g:

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/mental-side-of-decluttering.124599/page-7#post-2147122

If you want to give the IdeaList database program a go, let me know.

 

[rich_c]

To use a two post lift I have to make a short drive. I try and use my own tools when I do so. I always end up decanting my tools from the couple of tool boxes and laying them out, spanners in size order etc.

I've been considering a sandwich board to hang tools on as a portable thing.

My solution to that travelling spanner problem has always been the good old-fashioned fabric tool roll, always in size order when unrolled and takes up minimal extra space in a toolbox.

My preference would be a luggable tool chest over the sandwich board in your situation**, but each to their own - I don't think I'll ever favour hanging tools over organised drawers it's just the way my brain is wired

** This opinion is from me still enjoying the honeymoon period after buying luggable 3 drawer tool chests in the halfords sale to move tools between house and driveway. This is working out much better than deep unorganised toolboxes ever did, although I've yet to test them on a car ride up to the workshop.

 

[rich_c]

I've found the database approach to be extremely useful. Only yesterday, I needed a manometer for measuring vacuum cleaner suction, for another thread on this forum, as it happens. The database helped me find it in seconds, from over 200 possible storage locations (boxes, cupboards, drawers, under benches etc). See previous postings e.g:

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/mental-side-of-decluttering.124599/page-7#post-2147122

If you want to give the IdeaList database program a go, let me know.

Nice thread link, thanks, I certainly identify with many of the posts in there

I can see how IdealList works for you (I did the same thing with a text file when most of my possessions were in storage for a couple of years, and the joy of being able to find stuff from a digital search was amazing!) But... if I'm to build something from scratch then I'll probably look for modern alternatives that are mobile app friendly.

I did find an online service catering to IT hardware and software assets, only $4 a month per user - Ideal, I'd be prepared to pay that for at least a year to get organised but then spotted the not so small print: "minimum charge $200 per month"

 

[winchman]

All these systems have one basic flaw, you have to put them back with is what we all struggle with.I once saw a 40ft long shadow board its was awesome

 

[skotl]

With recent threads here about the misplacing/searching for tools and buying duplicates, I think I'm not alone in having more tools than brain space so I'm wondering if anyone uses lists, apps or other systems to stay on top of these things (either as a hobbyist or a professional)?

I'm considering bringing all my tools into a pile, making a digital inventory, and then assigning each tool to a location. It's tool migration between locations which causes most chaos for me (e.g home; workshop 20 miles away; toolbox for race weekends etc.). Having a master list of what should be at which location feels like it should stop the 'just in case' tool migration and help stock-take each location once in a while.

If it was me I'd just use Excel (as I already have a licence) or Google Sheets, if I needed to do it for free.

Both tools easily let you manage large lists and the structure (e.g. what you have in which columns) is infinitely flexible by you.

 

[Onoff]

that travelling spanner problem

I shall put the sandwich board on castors! As the lift lives outside it's a pita having to collect all the tools up if I'm say jet washing under the arches etc.

 

[ATGNI]

I know there are some free online systems used for locating parts in stores. I have thousands of electronic component in stock and have been thinking of a database to manage the numbers and location. A lot of work shops have vending machines for controlling tools and consumerables. no more free cans of WD40 for me! I can also provide RFID system for tracking but very expensive so only for industry.

 

[500e]

Sit down and have the brandy at hand

Automated Tool Control - Tool Tracking - Snap-on Level 5 Tool Control

With Snap-on advanced digital imaging technology, our Automated Tool Control systems track each tool and user. Audible voice confirmation of tool removal and replacement.

snaponlevel5.com

 

[rich_c]

I was toying with the idea of just labelling all my tools with QR codes... but now I've seen a roll cab with its own vision system and 30 minute UPS makes me think I've been setting my sights waaay too low; anyone want to invest in my new startup, Tool Butler, a robot that not only watches where you left the 10mm spanner, but hands it back to you when you ask for it

 

[Shox Dr]

A Home for everything. Everything in its Home. Is a good place to start.

I put tools into categories. Cutting, Hitting, Moving, Holding, Electrical, Measurement etc. Then have an area [tool box/es, corner of w/shop] where all the tools in xyz category live (home).

eg Cutting includes drills, chisels, blades, scrapers, hacksaw blades, cutting discs, hole saws tin snips etc etc.

When I take anything away from the workshop I lay the tools out and take a picture, as well as count them.

 

[Munkul]

Shadow boards and the like are great, but it relies on people putting stuff back still, and let's be honest some of you lot aren't exactly good at tidying up
I've maybe got a slight amount of OCD but everything i own has a place where it lives, and i get slightly stressed if its not there and I don't know where I put it.

 

[500e]

Never had private tools in wshops
Shadow boards for most.
Last 15 min of day to clean and put away no one went home till boards were full or explanation