4 Ways to do Cordless Tool Storage in a Service Truck

With the quantity of cordless tools required by mechanics, HVAC technicians, electricians and other professional service men and women, they’re definitely not something you want flying around the back of your service truck at every bump in the road, turn or hard stop. 

Luckily, you’ve got some options. Here are 4 industry-tested ways to do cordless tool storage in a service truck that will help you breathe easier around the next turn. 

1. Hook & Hang

Hooks are another pragmatic way to do cordless tool storage in a service truck because they can go almost anywhere – on doors, walls, sides of cabinets and even the ceiling. 

When choosing a hook, you’ll want to look for ones that provide plenty of grip so that you don’t lose any cordless tools around the next turn. There are individual hooks that you can space strategically or racks that give you the best of both hanging and shelving worlds. 

Pro Tip: If you’re using magnets to hang any of your hand tools on the doors or walls, make sure the cordless power tools are far outside the magnetic field, as they can damage electronic equipment. 

2. Shelving

Shelves are ideal in enclosed body trucks, as they keep the floor clear and the workspace usable. When it comes to storing cordless tools, however, you shouldn’t keep the bare tool on shelves unless they’re secured in a box, drawer or on a hook.

Types of Shelving for Work Trucks 

• Racks – Since racks are sold in a diverse range of shapes and sizes, they’re an ideal organizational tool for service trucks. Hang them and stack them for partial or wall-to-ceiling coverage. Bolted or tension set, they’re stable, durable and cater to a multitude of organizational methods.

• Cabinets – Cabinets are another tool organization idea for trucks, but keep in mind that the doors open outward, which can eat up valuable floor and wall storage space. On the other hand, if you install shelves with exterior-facing doors, well, that’s a different story.

3. Drawers

To prevent your precious tools from starring in a bad rock band during the next drive, stow them away. You can set up your drawers in the same way as outlined in the boxes section: with custom styrofoam cutouts or dividers and inserts. 

When it comes down to it, installing drawers is better than stacking boxes because you’ll never need to dismantle your tower of tools. They’re always easy to access and ready to go. Buy or custom order storage drawers from companies like Uline and Elite Truck.

Pro tip: Use labels to mark which tools go where. That way, if you’re sharing your truck with one or multiple technicians, you’ll never have to whip out your tool tracker to find a “lost” tool again.

4. Custom or DIY Storage Boxes 

You might have already heard from other seasoned service technicians that using factory boxes is no bueno. Not only do they come in a ragtag assortment of different shaped and sized boxes that make them harder to store, but it also ends up taking up more of that priceless real estate. The solution: buy a custom box or DIY your own.

There are a couple of ways to do cordless tool storage with boxes. Check out these DIY truck toolbox organizer ideas: 

Dividers & Inserts 

Another way to increase the storage capacity of your truck box is to buy or make your own toolbox dividers. Fortunately, plenty of name brands have ready-made boxes equipped with adjustable inserts.

Yet, a downside to store-bought inserts is they’re not always spaced to the appropriate dimensions, so there might be too much give or not enough. 

You can get around this by building your own out of scrap materials, such as wood, although this material is heavier and will make transporting tools trickier. Another DIY truck box organizer idea is to fashion a latch out of anchor hooks and bungee cords.

Finding the best cordless storage method is only a fraction of what it takes to create a seamless work truck operation. Check out this article for more service van organization ideas.

Styrofoam cutouts 

You have the tools, so why not use them to make custom Styrofoam cutouts? In a couple easy steps, you can have a toolbox fitted with a special-made foam insert for tool organization:

You’ll need:

• Styrofoam block 
• Measuring tape
• Paper 
• Scissors 
• Tape 
• Pencil 
• Box cutter, serrated knife or electric knife

Instructions

• Step 1. Buy a large Styrofoam block – You can find Styrofoam or foam blocks on Amazon, your local hardware store or even a craft store. 
• Step 2. Size the block to your toolbox – The next thing you’ll want to do is measure the interior dimensions of your toolbox. 
• Step 3. Place a sheet of paper over the foam block – Get a piece of paper large enough to fully cover the surface. Next, trim off the excess and tape down the edges.
• Step 4. Trace your tools with a pencil – Line up your tools in a way that maximizes the use of space. Once happy with the layout, trace their outline with a pencil. 
• Step 5. Cut out the foam – Using a box cutter, carve around the outer edge of your tool shapes. Finally, punch out the foam. And there you go! You now have a custom-made toolbox that fits your exact service truck storage needs! 
  • Note: Before beginning this step, place the foam on a worktable, cutting board or any surface you don’t mind getting scratched.