Carpentry Tool Organization, Makita, Festool Systainer Build 

am a cabinet makers apprentice. One big tip I learnt from 1 tradesman. Buy some 50cm x 50cm carpet tiles. In a finished home they come in especially handy but are still very good for general work. 1 carpet tile goes on the floor under the main toolbox protecting the nicely finished timber flooring. 1 tile goes in a top draw/on a cabinet/benchtop, this is your home base, every hand tool you use will either go back in its box or on this smallish 50cmx50cm carpet tile. You won't scratch benchtops and you won't lose tools because theres only 2 places they could be, on the tile or in the box. They look cute, professional and clean.

If someone came over to my place to do an install, and all their tools were organized like this, I would be very impressed. Time well spent.

This is very satisfying, I want to sort out my systainers now!

I would enjoy seeing a then and now video, if these are still in use. I'm impressed with how much thought went into the build.

Really good job. Inspiring. I also like that there are no crude jokes or bad language. So I can watch with my son. Thanks again

You asked whether we thought this was time well spent. Yes. Definitely. Especially if you feel satisfaction and pride in doing it. That makes it just as much entertainment as functional time spent. I would say that from a customer or general contractor point of view, seeing you so organized would increase my respect for you. It would indicate you spent time on your own so that your billable time is more efficient (a win/win for customers) and it would also lead me to believe your attention to detail extends to all you do which again makes me more confident in the billable work you're doing. And as a side note, nice editing on the video. Good pace, nice voice overlay after recording, etc. Thumbs up!

This is great. After 20 years of tool chaos I've finally bitten the bullet and got myself a load of systainers. This tool tote is exactly what i had in mind to start with.

Organization feels soooo good. Nice customization on a bunch of systainers.

You should design those tool boxes, excellent use of space. Great job!

Possibly the most useful and inspiring video I've seen for months. Efficient tool storage solutions is a massive bugbear of mine and this has opened my eyes to a more custom possibility. Thanks Mike

You, my friend, are a baller. I am currently in a similar build and I appreciate your insight and your ambition to expose it. Thank you!

I have Dewalt Toughsystem boxes for my main, brute tools and supplies containers and have started using the Makita units for "function" - when a job will need a specific tool and its accessories. Getting rid of the blown molded cases many of the tools came with and using uniform sized cases made a world of difference. All of my cases have inserts or dividers and your video helped with the critical thinking for this project that improved job/tool planning and workflow for me moving forward.

I love your thinking behind this and can only imagine it will greatly benefit your work and efficiency. :-)

His has satisfied all of my OCD requirements for the day. Thank you.

My favourite video of yours Mike. I have seen many pictures and finished products of these organizers and always thought they had been CNC together. Pleasure to watch. My favourite box is the compressor box. It’s so logical to store such an odd shaped tool. Thanks for sharing.

I would think... Oh YESSSS! Look at his tool boxes... this guy really loves his trade. He is taking such care with his tools... it shows such respect, to himself and his craft. That is accountability my friend, its honorable and efficient & it would make me trust you more and feel good about you being in my home.

Thanks for another great video. I use the Festool tote box and their cantilever tool box, but the custom inserts you’ve made are the way to go as I still find myself just throwing everything into these boxes, So I will definitely be making these! Having your tools organised like this will make a massive difference.

I feel your pain with the disorganization and storage issues we face while trying to efficiently transport tools and materials to and from jobs. I think I walk 2 miles a day moving all of the various tools from the van to the job and back. Systainers are great and having the carts is helpful but still need things like table saws, saw horses, several drop cords, ladders, saw rails, laser pole and the endless list of items. I applaud your effort. I do so many different tasks I couldn't imagine how I could pack it all. Nailers alone: 23, 18, 18 stapler, 16 cordless, 15, framer. I love your videos, your detail and all of the effort it takes for you to share your talent and work with us. Keep up the good work.

After several months, I had to come back and watch it again. Love the attention to detail!

Love it ! I've been doing this 15+ years now, this setup is the solution to quick clean up and on to the next one . Organization is key , awesome job! You've inspired me !

If you have lots of little parts or screws and enjoy organising things you might like some Sortimo boxes for them, I use those a lot and I think they're great

I liked the video so much that I subscribed. Your attention to detail is amazing. One little suggestion for the sustainer with the compressor in - I noticed there was about 4"-6" space left between the top of the compressor and the closed lid. Make a few small feet to raise the compressor up so air can circulate all around, including underneath. Also, computer fans are extremely thin. You could add one in that small space to help draw heat away and get cooler air around, using the existing power supply from your compressor. Just a few wires and a little work and no more worries about the box getting overheated. I've made it sound easy, but for a professional like you, I'm sure it will be a piece of cake !

As always, a joy to watch you making stuff. Quality work, great ideas, love the one with 50 tools in 😁

I renovate houses, and use each house's garage as my workshop while doing the project. I struggle with staying portable enough to move from house to house, but permanent enough to "move in" to the shop and establish a fast, efficient workflow, and organized enough in a periodically changing environment to find everything . Thanks for a good thought-provoking video on this issue which all of us have.

I struggle with ocd myself and loved this video. I think these little kits are good for the home hobbiest. I’d like to see you design a little cart you can use to move these around the job site, etc. you could probably incorporate a few more useful items into the cart (work surface, vice, etc.

I think you could market the Number 5 box insert. Very well designed.

Tool storage is something that constantly evolves, it's an obsession of mine. They turned out looking very sharp and organized...well done.

This is so satisfying. Really makes me want to empty my entire garage and start from scratch and get organized.

Good work... my only tip would be to put removable lids on all the screws compartments, and all other small parts, that would spill if the systainer was knocked on its side

its amazing how your voice sounds like Anthony Jeselnik voice

I literally hadn't thought about this, sooo going to be out organising my carry boxes this weekend! great job

Love this. Recently organized things myself. It has definitely increased productivity, but also given me a "zen" state of mind while working. Nice to know where everything is. Just put stuff back at end of day and keep other peoples hands off. Lol

Your OCD is paying off, I like what you've done.

Damn Impressive. But you forgot to make room to always keep a pint glass with you for that “I’m finished beer”!

This was amazing too watch!!! Organization to the max!! I love it great job keep the videos comin!!

Also, thanks for the video footage of your weather on a bike particular day, your yard and you enjoying your kids. Family wood and saw dust, it doesn’t get better.

I'm heavily invested into the dewalt tstaks. Even my track saw rides in a tstak. Only thing in a different box is bosch jig saw in an Lboxx. Still love these vids though 😀

Great stuff Mike, a modern day HO Studley tool chest. My only comment is maybe splurge and get some engraved name plates made. Not saying your handwriting is bad... ; )

Definitely time well spent. When tools have their place and your work area is clear it's a lot easier to get around and concentrate on the work. A big plus is that you know where your things are so you don't waste time looking for them. I use the DeWalt T-Stak drawers and boxes to do the same. It's such a treat to have a neat and organized work area. Nice work.

Any attempt to organise workflow is a great idea. You have obviously put a great deal of thought and effort into this.

I also want to organise my tools but I dont know which systainer i should buy. What du you think? which is better the Makita macpac systainer the Festool systainer the bosch l boxx or the dewalt t-stak systainer? By the way nice video your tool holders look really nice! Greetings from Austria

I really should flag this video for child labor. Otherwise a great video. Thanks

WoW! That tells a lot what kind of pro you are. Precise and clean. great job!

Finally something useful - every box arrangement depends of individual choice and usage of tools and it is varying by specific works one is doing . My job is inside arrangement of the boats, and I'm building in whatever is necessary, i also make some internal repairing and rearrangements in the hulls depending of owners wishes. To do it i i need a waste variety of tools. I already did something similar to keep my tools grouped by type of job I'm doing so wiring tools are in separate box, piping tools in another, woodwork tools as wood drills saws chisels and that group of tools in another metalwork tools in another and tools which i use in all of groups of work as pliers screwdrivers drills hammers etc in another. in that way i cary just a common toolbox and specific toolbox - wireless drilling machine and impact driver with batteries and charger has its own toolbox other mainly wireless 18V Makita tools as router, lamell joiner, angle grinder, etc comes in its own boxes and i chose them by actual necessity regarding ongoing job. but boxing the compressor is so ingenious that Makita itself should consider production of that unit built in the box - my compressor has little bigger air tank and i use the biggest box to arrange compressor in vertical mode - anyway this great idea is your - massive thank you and salutes from Croatia - sorry for my English ...

WHEELS and paint them and remove brand name. Less of a target to thieves

Is there any update videos?

This is a great idea. Nothing shows your customer your level of professionalism and attention to detail more than how you leave your workspace. Many of my friends comment on whether or not an installer left the workspace clean or not after a job was done and anything to reduce clutter, improve efficiency is a plus. Always appreciate the ideas. Now I'm off to find some systainers to convert to keep my hobby shop organized.

I thought it was really well thought out - love the tidy nature of it. I think it says a lot about your card and attention to your tools which will translate into your work. Great video 👍

Wow, just wow! Inspiring video. Love the boxes all stacked neatly.

I think this may be your best/most informative video. As someone that's staring into the abyss of setting up and kitting out my own workshop, this kind of content is next level. I can only imagine the chaos that ensues when you take tools to site for installation without adequate storage. I've only had to contend with climbing equipment and chainsaws for the past ten years, so the thought of many small, sharp, precious and expensive tools getting lobbed into a bullet box won't be good enough.

Great stuff. It's so satisfying having everything neatly organised 👍

This was a very satisfying watch! Thanks for sharing your process.

Outstanding! Especially love the compressor; great idea!

"its hard to be effective if you arent being efficient." Great video and another example of effectiveness!

Awesome idea mike, loved watching it come together. Loved it when you cut up your compressor it was awesome how well it fit in that sustainer though. Good laugh and educational all in one. You da man!

I am just coming to the end of my career of 21 years installing custom plantation shutters and window treatments in high end homes here in Chicagoland. The time I have spent organizing and presenting my tools professionally is , in my opinion , a big part of my success. ( 21 years with an unlisted phone number , zero advertising and work 6 days a week year round ). Your work is beautiful and I am happy to subscribe. Best of luck moving forward

Great stuff, Mike. Always enjoy your videos. You're the best.

This is incredible! I stumbled upon your channel and am so glad I did! Definitely my favorite video so far and thanks for sharing your craft to those of us who want to learn!

Always enjoy your videos. All shops whether large, small or movable are continuous works in progress...hopefully always getting better. I confess my favorite projects are shop projects. Thanks.

Hi Mike, I really appreciate your videos particularly through this tough time. I hope you and your family are well and hope you continue the great work you do. ps love your sense of humour.

It's a continual upgrade process for me. I have a very small (6x12) hobby wood shop, and having every tool easily at hand is a must for my fussy, I want it my way, mentality. I really like what you've done.

Some really smart ideas here. Love the compressor in a container idea. Makes it a lot more stackable and protects it from damage.

I love your videos. You are informative, professional and funny as hell. Great job and thank you!

I've watched this many times. I've got it on my to-do list to make the senco in sys box and the nail gun box with pin storage. The first time I saw this, I knew I had to make those two boxes.

All looks great Mike. Its Given me some inspiration to organize my tools. Thanks again and keep the videos coming👍

I've been racking my brains for years on how to organise my tools, and this is genius. I think as we get older, keeping organised on site helps us focus more and keeps the ocd in check! Thanks for sharing!

Great video again. I watched a couple years ago and remembered how I liked your thought process. Two weeks ago I purchased a Milwaukee Packout kit and love it . I however just watched your video again for some sorting ideas. I have three adult sons and some good friends that keep me busy making or repairing things and I want my packing organized so I know what case to look into and also have my trips to my truck and from my truck be as few as possible. Thanks

Thoroughly impressed - jealous of your organization.

Great job Mike, looks very professional turning up to a job in such an organised way, and as my dad always says "a place for everything, and everything in it's place!"

This kind of project is so satisfying. Order out of chaos. ❤️

Fantastic video Mike. Thank you for taking to time to make it. You are an inspiration.

Never thought of putting my little senco nailer in one of my many Makita boxes! Brilliant.

Ok, I can't just say DITTO on someone else's comment. I kept watching because it amazed me. You were excellent in every box you built. I could feel you thinking on the fly and designing in your head, then building it. Box after box. You deserve about 10 smiling Emoji right here but I don't know how to do that in here, but I'm smiling writing it lol. One of my very favorite videos ever!!! Thank You, Rodney

Satisfying! Love tool organization! It definitely helps my work flow Having both my job site and shop tools organized. It's always changing though.

It’s a thing of beauty! I’m inspired. Thank you

Excellent job Mike. You answered so many questions I was having.

I'm in the making of organizing my first ever semi pro shop and you sir gave me TONS of ideas! I can't shell out systainers just yet, but the inner organizer helped me a lot to figure out some parts.

Great video alot of thought went into it . Love these type of videos could watch them all day .

This is a very nice execution of systainer organization. I think my favorite though has to be the pin gun and pin storage one. I think that one has to be my favorite. I've bought three times as many pins as I need since every time I go try to find them, they are scattered, broken, missing, or I can't locate the ones I need. That system you put together is rather perfect. I also love the compressor in the box. I had the same reaction to that senco compressor and like you, it's been one of my hardest working and favorite tools over the many years. I work out of a van and the idea to set up a pigeon hole set up with ALL tools in sys boxes makes getting tools in and out of a job so much nicer. Now, to set aside the time to make that organization happen. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome, awesome work Mike. Great job as always.

Awesome. That compressor stash is super slick. Nice job.

As a fabricator/ installer myself this satisfies my OCD so well. Looks very professional and you will always know if there is a missing tool, keep up the good work!

Time well spent! Will earn back more than you spent on it. Please keep us up to date wether it's sustainable.

I have just binged watched a bunch of your videos after the RU-vid algorithm introduced me to you. I love your dedication to detail, and I like your style of presentation. This level of organisation while making your work easier would give a client a lot of confidence too. Lots of ideas for sorting my own little hobby work area. It is interesting watching a lot of videos on RU-vid that the most popular ones always seem to be the ones for shop organisation, I guess regardless of your trade or hobby an organised shop is at the core to helping you be efficient and want to be out there making something. It keeps the mind and hands active. Keep up the good work Mike.

This was immensely satisfying to watch. It would be awesome to see an update on how well it worked out over time.

Its a good idea to customize for your most used tools. Looks like they won't be falling out all over the place and all the tools have their place which makes for great efficiency. That is what I need to do, great idea, thanks for sharing.

Very ingenious. I think we are kindred spirits in regards to keeping tools organized for efficiency.

Awww!! Your apprentice is such a hard worker and too cute for words.

Best use of someone's time I've seen in a long time , love your shop , a bit OCD but that will be a benefit in other parts of your day to day . Worked in Connecticut in the 90's so know how good American carpenters are , your controlling your quality working alone which is an admirable Trate ,

Well done. I love being organized. I think the good feeling helps increasing productivity, too.

this is one of the best kind of videos to make your own work more efficent

The tool storage in a Systainer is smart. The compressor in a Systainer is genius.

Really great work Mike. I'm just in the process of re-organising my workshop and this will be the next thing I need to tackle

... absolutely a great job, nice way to tell the story to , finding time to do the organisers tells about you a lot. ... all the best for you M8 !

Great build Mike!!! Organization makes everything better in life! One idea for version 3 in ten years: if all of the drawers where in a tower (elevator shaft) you could pull them all out from the top without removing the insert. Keep the videos coming!

Dude. You saved the best for last with the general use systainer. great concept and execution.

Great video, really admire your cabinet work. I love the make it up as you go along approach, that’s how I like to work!

Potentially the most satisfying video on RU-vid

Dang that was satisfying to watch. Nice job Mike.

Awesome stuff. I'm really digging your videos.