Tool tracking and management systems/options?

[jmp49]

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.

I've used this in the past https://www.toolkaiser.com/
Take pictures of the things you want in the drawer, move them around on the screen, and load the file into a CO2 k40/etc laser cutter and cut the foam from generic foam you can buy in bulk cheaper than fancy tool inserts.
Here's the outcome with a set of screwdrivers to fit my generic cheap topbox.

 

[Shox Dr]

I've used this in the past https://www.toolkaiser.com/
Take pictures of the things you want in the drawer, move them around on the screen, and load the file into a CO2 k40/etc laser cutter and cut the foam from generic foam you can buy in bulk cheaper than fancy tool inserts.
Here's the outcome with a set of screwdrivers to fit my generic cheap topbox.

View attachment 428321

The app looks very interesting.

 

[8ob]

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

Parmster after many years of struggling I came up with a solution, no matter what I am doing I round up all the tools I am using, wipe them down and put them away. It seems daft if you are going back to (or intend to go back to) the same task the next day but in the long term you don't find yourself wasting hours looking for tools.

Bob

 

[Robotstar5]

Parmster after many years of struggling I came up with a solution, no matter what I am doing I round up all the tools I am using, wipe them down and put them away. It seems daft if you are going back to (or intend to go back to) the same task the next day but in the long term you don't find yourself wasting hours looking for tools.

Bob

I used a variation of that, the first 15 minutes of the day I would clear up the mess created the previous day, round up all the tools etc. ready for a fresh start.

 

[angellonewolf]

agree ive even known to tidy up in the middle of a job once your half way through half of the tools your not going to need again anyway a declutter helps me some times its because if lost a screw on the bench etc but putting stuff you dont need away and gives you a moment of thought time when your doing something

 

[premmington]

Parmster after many years of struggling I came up with a solution, no matter what I am doing I round up all the tools I am using, wipe them down and put them away. It seems daft if you are going back to (or intend to go back to) the same task the next day but in the long term you don't find yourself wasting hours looking for tools.

Bob

I tidy tools up after one job is finished before I start the next job - and always at the end of the day.

Also if I leave a car part stripped - I box everything up - in loads of separate cardboard boxes and load them into the boot of the car they came from.

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What spoils my system is when someone else is helping me and puts the wrong tool back into the wrong drawer - then the search is on!