Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
Organize your tool-chest drawers with foam inserts cut to fit specific tools.
Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
You should be able to locate every tool in your shop in 30 seconds or less, but think of how much time you've wasted by not being organized. When you're ready to commit to putting everything in its place, you'll really enjoy setting up your tool drawers just the way you like them. We'll show you 15 ways to organize or improve your drawers.
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Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
Measure the drawer. To the dimensions, add 1⁄4" in both directions to the 1⁄2"-thick top sheet (blue). Repeat for 1⁄4"-thick yellow bottom sheet.
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Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
Mark cutlines with a fine-tipped marker or ballpoint pen.
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Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
Cut the foam to drawer size with a hacksaw or utility knife.
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Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
To avoid stray outline marks on the top side of the foam, lay out tools on the bottom of the foam.
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Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
Cut outlines with a utility knife or rotary tool. For detail cuts, Trevor recommends a Dremel tool with a straight grout bit with knurled teeth.
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Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
For easy tool removal, add finger holes (completed cutout shown left) on the profile of one handle of each tool.
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Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
To smooth contours, select a 1⁄2" or 1⁄4" sanding drum with a Dremel tool. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from fine particles.
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Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
Spray the sheets with 3M 77 Adhesive, then laminate (fuse) the sheets with a heat gun. Roll and press the thin sheet to the thick sheet.
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Custom Tool Organization with Foam Inserts
About three hours cutting out this drawer liner. The end result is a cabinet drawer for 18 pliers, each with a finger hole for quick removal.