Compartmentalizing

Festool Systainers

The ArtBin pencil box that I used in high school might have helped me to fall in love with having purposefully designed storage containers. There's something wonderful about having a particular place for everything. I'm looking at my bookshelf, and I see Jim Tolpin's The Toolbox Book, which offers great examples of beautifully designed tool chests and cabinets -- each one having particular places for particular tools. Most of these cabinets are made of wood, and they're all superbly crafted.

Recently, I've come to appreciate the value of not just a well-designed toolbox, but a well-designed tool storage system. The German company TANOS GmbH has a patented case system based on units called systainers. Systainers often include tailored interiors specifically fitted for particular tools or supplies. The units stack together for easy transport and storage.

Festool uses systainer systems to encase most of their handheld tools. They also offer a few toolbox and general storage designs which can be configured with dividers and modular, removable interior containers. The image here is of the combination I often have coupled. It has a toolbox top which is connected to a bank of removable drawers. The cart, which has exceptionally smooth-running locking casters, helps for moving the unit around the shop or wherever I need it to travel. Since the system is modular, it can grow and adapt as my needs change. There are lots of options available on Festool's website. These systems are an investment for sure, but return is in excellent organization and efficiency. Absolutely worth it.