Making the most of the space

While the size of the box gives Switzer plenty of storage, the hutch and side locker have become two of his favorite parts of the setup.

“I love having a hutch as a personalized workspace,” Switzer says. “But I also really like the way the locker is laid out for maximum storage space.”

Switzer keeps his main box organized by grouping similar tools together and giving each drawer a specific purpose. His top drawer holds sockets and ratchets, followed by a wrench drawer. Another drawer is dedicated to pliers, with the same approach continuing throughout the rest of the box.

Having a system is important, but Switzer says technicians shouldn’t feel locked into the first organization method they try.

“Don’t be afraid to reorganize if you feel like you should,” he says. “Stuff that seems like the right idea when you are first filling it up may change after you’ve been working out of it for a while.”

For Switzer, mentally assigning each drawer a purpose, makes it easier to know exactly where something belongs.

“It’s a lot easier when you know where everything is once you are used to your new box,” he adds.

Buying what you actually need

Switzer takes a similar practical approach to buying tools. Rather than immediately investing in large sets or bundle deals, he recommends technicians build their collections around the work they are actually doing.

“Buy what you need to start, then buy what you borrow, then buy things that you think could make your job easier,” Switzer says.

That doesn’t mean ruling out tools that may initially seem unnecessary. Switzer has found that some of the more specialized or “gimmick” tools can earn their place in the box if they make a particular job faster or easier.

That focus on usefulness also shapes Switzer’s advice for technicians shopping for a toolbox. For him, price should be one of the biggest considerations, rather than the name on the badge.

He also recommends knowing exactly what you are committing to before making such a large purchase.

“Know what you’re getting into before it rolls off the truck,” he says. “Make sure you actually want the box you are purchasing.”

Switzer’s current setup still has some room to grow. When he eventually needs more storage, he plans to add another side locker to the opposite end of the box.

Between the bright green finish, personalized workspace, organized storage, and a few Godzilla figures, Switzer has built a setup that fits both the way he works and what he likes, with room to make it even bigger down the road.