Reddit mentions: The best bucket tool organizers

Sturdy step stool ($40) - not the rickety tubular kitchen chair ones, I mean one where you can stand on the top. a Buy it for Life item, not inexpensive, but safe. https://www.amazon.com/Louisville-Ladder-AS3002-6966014-2-Foot/dp/B00182TWL2

Leatherman multi tool (around $50), which i keep in the junk bowl because I can never find a screwdriver fast enough. Pricey new, less expensive when you buy it second hand or in a pawn shop. they don't really break, but you do have to clean and oil them once a year. https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Wingman-Multitool-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005DI0XM4/

Cordless drill (under $50), mine basically has the screw driver bit in it 90% of the time. the rest of the time I drill lots of pilot holes. pay attention to the battery... if you can get one with a battery that is shared by other tools in the line, then it is easily replaceable and if you buy another tool in that line you can swap batteries. I like to have 1 battery in the charger and one in the device. https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-Cordless-Driver-BDCDD12C/dp/B0111N8L7I/

Spirit, bubble or torpedo level. (under $10) the Hanging kit usually contains just the wires and hooks, but you need a small spirit level for hanging pictures and shelves evenly. doesn't matter the brand they all work the same https://www.amazon.com/WilFiks-Leveling-Resistant-Different-Visibility/dp/B07M62GJYP/

Small tool boxes vary in quality. I don't know if this is for you or someone else. But don't buy anything unless it's a NAME BRAND, cheap metal tools bend and can break with too much torque. Even the Stanley line that Walmart sells isn't fabulous, but it's better than a nameless brand. I don't like SETS of tools, but you need to start someplace, buy GOOD tools one at a time, I love finding $$$ tools at thrift stores. https://www.amazon.com/STANLEY-94-248-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/(i bought a cheap socket set 4 years ago to replace my stolen ones and they already have rust)

Bucket organizer. (around $15) If you buy a SET of tools, take the plastic blow molded container and put it in the recycling. You will never bother putting the tools back in and when you get more tools they won't fit. Bucket Organizers are pockets that fit around a 5 gallon bucket. You shove your tools into the pockets and everything else in the middle. And keep it in the bottom of your closet and carry it to where you need the tools. https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-10030-Bucketeer-BTO/dp/B00GK4TOWK

Tack Hammer. (under $15) You won't need a big 22 oz hammer, but a smaller 16 oz one with a normal handled and then a Tack hammer, these have a narrow head and sometimes are magnetic and hold the nail in place. Tack hammers are easier to use for hanging things exactly where you want them. https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-54-304-5-Ounce-Magnetic-Hammer/dp/B00002X1XD

Stud finder.(under $20) uses a battery, and lets you know where the studs are behind drywall. BEST PURCHASE EVER. https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Stud-Finder-Wall-Detector/dp/B07VLDTVFQ/ any brand will work fine.

Digital Infared Thermometer (under $20) Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun - ALSO BEST PURCHASE EVER... works in the kitchen for food and oven temp, fridge temp, and for locating drafts and cold spots around doors and windows. https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-1080-Non-Contact-Thermometer/dp/B00DMI632G

Toilet Plunger - the sort with the extra bit on the end. https://www.amazon.com/Get-Bats-Out-Plunger-Bathroom/dp/B00ODD5MD0 you do NOT want to be waiting around for someone to unblock your toilet. It may be disgusting but scoop out some of what's in the toilet before you start plunging, it's less disgusting than having to mop it off the floor. You want the plunger that makes a seal around the bottom.

BUCKET. (under $10) mine is constantly in use, i keep it in the tub and toss wet things into it. I have gone through EVERY TYPE on offer...I was so sick of plastic buckets, that warped and stained, where the handles ripped out. But the BEST and cheapest one I have ever found is a flat back duraflex bucket for watering horses. Not kidding. Made of a hard polyethylene these things are designed to be flung around and stepped on by 2000 lb animals. https://www.amazon.com/LITTLE-GIANT-Flat-Back-Dura-Flex-Plastic/dp/B000HHLHPS/ these are cheap if you buy them in a feed store, but even with the shipping on Amazon it is WELL WORTH the money. You will need a bucket when you empty the back of the toilet tank to change the flushing flapper or gasket, and you will need it when you empty the commode itself, if you have to change out the wax seal underneath.

Blanket hangers. (6 for $27) yeah this is obscure, but when I moved I lost a LOT of storage space. These saved my sanity. I use them to hang up quilts and sleeping bags in the back of the closet OFF SEASON. I also use them to hang blankets, sheets curtains and stuff once they come out of the laundry aren't quite dry. I didn't even know there was such a thing before now I wouldn't give them up. https://www.amazon.com/Stock-Your-Home-Comforter-Organization/dp/B00EUG51JU

Flashlight. ($30-50) I've written about these before. Until I bought a GOOD one, I had no idea how bad the others were. Cheap flashlights are great to have scattered about in the cellar, or in the junk drawer. but if you really want TO SEE, get a great flashlight. I gifted myself one for christmas one year and I love it. It hangs by the door and if I am going to be out very late or the weather is bad, I shove it in my bag. It will also illuminate Well past the end of the porch and into the yard if I hear a noise. https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Carded-SabreLite-Flashlight-Yellow/dp/B01CKAIYV4 any very good brand will do, but I found Maglites to be dangerously useless.

Every local has its own tool list, but I can say with a high degree of certainty that you will never being your own power tools. I'm not 100% that Canadian locals are all like this, but I have a hard time imagining it's much different.

I can carry all my tools in something like this:

All Purpose Work Bucket Klein Tools 5109SLR https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HLUFMI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nQoDCb7M7FCGJ

And I keep most of my tools in these:

Utility Bag, Zipper Tool Bags in Olive, Orange, Blue, Yellow, 12.5-Inch Canvas, 4 Piece Klein Tools 5140 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MKDUKU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lToDCb9T1W0TB

Which keep my tools dry and protects them if my bucket tips. If I want to use it as a hoist, I can just dump my tools into a box.

Welcome to the Brotherhood 😀

Those look pretty cool. Not sure that I have enough to need that much storage yet, but hopefully one day!

Edit: Found some small ones that would work pretty well
http://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-8212-Stacking-AkroBins-Hardware/dp/B00002NB5I

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0105W818U

something like that isn't a bad idea either. I like that I'd have the ability to move my stuff out for easy access or to clean the cargo area if need be.

I have an inside tackle box with some simple things in it- a large EMT style box works really well.
I have bags as well but things get too jumbled up to suit me.

A also have a five gallon bucket with a slip on organizing pouch thing and I really love it. That would be my suggestion.
Example.

I use a Bucket Boss with a few of the stackable internal trays for a "house tool kit" It's been SUPER handy. Even holds my electric drill/driver. It lives in a standard orange Homer bucket. cheap, effective, and survivable.

I'm renovating my house so I don't have any pictures but my brass goes in clear plastic storage boxes after they have been decapped and cleaned. I also include anti-tarnish paper to keep them nice. Bullets get thrown in bags with an anti-tarnish strip then placed in these http://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-8212-Stacking-AkroBins-Hardware/dp/B00002NB5I . They are the same thing you get with the hornady lnl ap. I then label them and hang them on the wall.

Seems like a good idea. I ask this not to be a troll, but more out of curiosity, why not just get a 5 gallon bucket tool holder like this one?

https://www.amazon.com/Custom-LeatherCraft-4122-Pocket-Pockets/dp/B0000DYVAJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484844277&sr=8-1&keywords=5+gallon+bucket+tool+holder

Was this because you just wanted DIY? Or you wanted somethign smaller than a 5 gal bucket? Or somethign else?

I use plastic bins from "akro-mils" on amazon. Here's an example. They have in like 328473 different sizes. They also sale a rail that you can screw onto your bench so they hand from it. Super handy. Have all my bullets and smaller parts separated out and when I use them I place it on the rail.

Something like this is probably your best bet if you're not looking at a proper tool box. They typically have a bunch of tool-sized pockets on the outside, and may have some on the inside. There's also a bunch of extra space that could be used to store tubes, any smaller (1 litre/quart or less) containers of lubricants and cleaners, and any other odds and ends. Just go to your local hardware store and ask for a bucket tool organizer and a 5 gallon bucket.

Thanks! I'm guessing I'll be able to find a similar style bin that's cheaper over here :)

Edit in case anyone else had the same question:

https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-8212-Stacking-AkroBins-Hardware/dp/B00002NB5I

These are pretty handy: Bucket Boss

Not totally sure that's what you are looking for, but it holds a ton of tools, and hammers, catspaws, wedge bars and such stand vertical in the center bucket part so they are easy to see and grab.

Something like this most big box stores should have something like it as well.

I like having case gauges, sample rounds (to verify seating depth), and the case feeder parts in caliber-specific bins; it makes life easier. The [30210 bins] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002NB5I/) do this wonderfully.

Akro-bins (NOT the clear ones) are probably the best bet BUT do you NEED to keep the stuff or is it more of an in case of.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000189CSM or https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-8212-Stacking-AkroBins-Hardware/dp/B00002NB5I

A home depot bucket and one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Custom-Leathercraft-EasySeat-Lightweight-Plastic/dp/B00023S8JA

Its a great shower seat, it also can be used for myriad other things without looking... weird. Also, if you have someone unstable, you can fill the bucket with water to make it almost tip-proof.

Lol, go buy a bucket from Home Depot. They're $5.

Or get one of these.

5 Gallon Bucket. You can pack things in it, you can sit on it, you can poop it in, you can put trash in it, you can buy one of these and store even more. I like to keep it outside my tent and keep my shoes in it, doubles as a seat to take them off and on.

Like [this](Bucket Boss The Bucketeer Bucket Tool Organizer in Brown, 10030 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GK4TOWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fcOEDbVXJ1HXS).

You can buy them on Amazon.

Quelle: dein Brudi hat dich, Brudi.

You joke but reminds me of this:

Bucket Boss The Bucketeer Bucket Tool Organizer in Brown, 10030 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GK4TOWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VsMOCbN22ZBEJ

Invest in basic tools.
You don't have to get fancy, just get stuff that will do the job. Personally I think the tool buckets are handy:
Custom LeatherCraft 4122 61 Pocket-In & Out Bucket Pockets
http://amzn.com/B0000DYVAJ

Simpsons did it.

https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Band-It-Magnetic-Arm-Band/product-reviews/B000ICT8OY

As I tradesmen who climes a lot o ladders and scaffolds would never be able to use the product you're describing.

Or you could spend $4 and get this http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Band-It-Adjustable-Magnetic-077-1025/dp/B000ICT8OY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348758874&sr=8-2&keywords=magnetic+wrist+band

I recently took a page out of my electrician friend's book and upgraded to the tool bucket. It's cheap, fits inside a standard 5 gal bucket, and keeps all my shit organized and visible. Plus, if the bucket itself isn't full, you can add a lid and make a seat which saves your back. The small metal tray tool boxes are for amateurs and old ladies who need somewhere to put their crafting tools.

Edit: I would also like to point out that there is a Hello Kitty sticker on the side of that dudes tool box.

If anyone is wondering why a pvc bucket instead of a backpack. Waterproof, floats, its a chair, step stool to get the right hang, fanning fires, I strapped it on by a epoxying a few triglides to it, easy to hang in a tree, I improved it by adding a organizer (not the same one, but you get the picture), And my frame is designed to handle a couple hundred pounds so I know it isn't UL, but I like everything that I pack to be as versatile as possible and weight isn't that much of a problem

The problem with arm bands, is that they are harder to access, because unlike a toolbelt, raising your arm above your head inverts the pocket, so you either need to add an extra step of sealing the pocket/unsealing it everytime you want something, or the risk of having stuff fall into your eye when reaching above your head, not to mention these things are small sharp tools. Elastics are not that forgiving, especially as an exterior layer when exposed to the cold.

That's why billy mays went with magnets

https://www.amazon.ca/Tool-Band-Adjustable-Magnetic-077-1025/dp/B000ICT8OY

All I can say is if you're not willing to undertake the Herculean task of accurately and completely labeling everything, don't put stuff in boxes. Open-faced bins can work for some things, but generally, if you can't see it then you won't use it, and if you won't use it then why are you storing it?

Granted, there's a few things you might actually want to store long-term with no intention to use, but that should be a vanishingly small percentage of your stuff. Put those in some sort of hard-sided water resistant bin/box, and not cardboard. Less bug infiltration, and less chance of being ruined if something happens. These things should also be as awkward to get at as possible, such as on high shelves nearly at the ceiling. The less of often you need to access it, the more annoying access can be, such as requiring a ladder.

Your goal here is to maximize vertical space utilization and at the same time minimize the amount of "I have to move this thing to get to that thing." If you have to actually pick up and put something else down elsewhere before you can pick up the thing you wanted to get in the first place, you're doing it wrong.

If you have some woodworking tools, nows the time to break them out. Even if you don't want to build the shelves in the first place, that's fine. Those big garage shelves you can buy at the store are a great start, but the shelves tend to be way too tall for most things. So building smaller cubbyhole-like shelves won't take a lot of material but you can put them on the pre-made garage shelves and let you use up all that extra vertical space while not just stacking things in piles or shoving them in boxes.

Your ultimate goal here should be that you can stand in the middle of the garage and identify every single thing currently stored in the garage without taking a step. You probably won't reach the goal of 100% identification, and that's fine. Just shoot for as much as you possibly can.