Cleanest Way To Organize Tools? Kaizen Foam Storage and Tips

Here is a detailed guide on how I cut out Kaizen foam and why I choose to use it over other storage methods. This video is not intended to tell you which organization method to use since each persons application is different.
Email: [e-mail]
Giveaway Details:
Giveaway has ended. Thank you to all that participated.
Links To Products Used In Video:
Clothing: tilvalhallaproject.com
Mission 22: mission22.com/home
Kaizen Foam: www.fastcap.com/product/kaize...
Kaizen Knives: www.fastcap.com/product/knife
Long Nose Marker: www.fastcap.com/product/long-...
Foam Spinners: www.fastcap.com/product/kaize...
Tekton Tools: www.tekton.com
Husky Tool Chest: www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Hea...
Sunex Impact Set: amzn.to/3Gx4iau

[@dragonrider9051]

I still like spending 4 hours looking through the toolbox for the 10mm socket so I can use it for a couple seconds, then loose it in the engine bay.

[@dillinpicklesworth5698]

you just described my life, my girl has a fucking honda, and im always looking for that 10mm, its the only tool you need for that P.O.S. LMAO

[@northparkanita3152]

Omg thats soooo me!!!!

[@michaelgrodecki4159]

You dont have a 10mm drawer?!

[@northparkanita3152]

@@michaelgrodecki4159 no totally need 1 and a 12mm drawer always use those the most can never find one wheni need it even though i got 6 10mm and 4 12mm lol

[@thomasgill1814]

dedicate a drawer for it and buy hundred of 10mm socket if you have this issue.

[@gear_up_guy]

I work in Aviation and tool accountability is literally life or death. We have a similar shadow box to assist with accountability. Nice job

[@fordman32508]

ATAF for life

[@jasonblaha6169]

I usually walk along the runway to find my tools if they are missing from my box.

[@dougtilaran3496]

@@jasonblaha6169 I do to ! I don't work for the airlines but it makes for good tool hunting ! ;-)

[@joeyporto2461]

Better be ATAF

[@Awavy1]

I watch this every night to fall asleep. I wake up feeling accomplished.

[@MrRedcelica]

hahahaha!!!

[@xanderguldie]

Until you open your toolbox lol

[@johnabney1921]

That only works because you can get a full 8 hours of sleep before this guy finally opens his toolbox to show us his setup.

[@flatlandergarage9764]

I'm a long haul professional truck driver. My tools are my life on the road. I can't always rely solely on mobile mechanics. So when it comes to fixing on the go, having all you tools organized and available makes it that much faster and easier. Thanks for the recommendation. Looking forward to my order.

[@DogRedful]

Eric 0 seconds ago I’m a retired USAF aircraft mechanic…although it uses much more tool box space “foaming” a box will increase productivity and largely eliminate lost tools. Camping foam mattresses (the cheap ones) from Walmart cutout for your tools on top of Harbor Freight tool box draw liners work well and are much more economical.

[@dougtilaran3496]

Getcha a Montezuma tiangle and be done with it.

[@LoftyLazerus123]

Dude, this organization method constitutes a hobby in it's own right. Looks absolutely gorgeous and probably not something I'm going to do 🤪

[@dcpack]

I joined the Coast Guard in 1980. My first Air Station had all their tool boxes organized like this with this layered foam 40 years ago. I have never been happy with any other tool boxes since.

[@johnmilner5485]

Back in the 90s when I was an apprentice I had my box set up with foam ( it was all the rage for hobby / shade tree guys ) I quickly learned what a waste of time and effort it was . Not only is the foam not solvent , oil , gas rated ( eats foam over time ) As a professional you are constantly upgrading your tools and storage capacity . There is always the next best tool to make your job easier and more efficient , then there are always the next tool required for specific make/ model for service . This stuff is ok for a hobby guy who isn't constantly having to upgrade in both tools and storage. Foam is useful for a dedicated diagnostic cart to keep all your leads and transducers organized and to to keep scanners , scopes , etc to protect from shock while moving around the shop. But otherwise in my experience pretty useless .

[@dollyhadbraces9361]

tool accountability

[@LWRC]

Exactly!!! In addition, even for the backyard mechanics, there are plenty of cases where you need a special socket or offset box wrench and to buy the entire set just so you'd have it complete for display is nonsense!!! This not only adds to the costs for tools but also takes up vast amounts space where you might have to buy two roll away tool chests!!! Completely impractical!!!

[@phtevenmolz5030]

You blame the failure of the foam to solvents, oils, etc and claim it’s useless. That was your own ignorance. You need closed cell foam, which has been a standard in aviation for decades by all professionals. And using foam doesn’t mean you aren’t able to continue using socket rails or other organizers in conjunction with the closed cell foam. Besides that, you should be planning drawer layout and expandability before you start and every time you add a new tool.

[@johnmilner5485]

@@phtevenmolz5030 Get over yourself F tar- d. A&P guys in comparison require about an 1/8th of the tools/ tool storage compared to an Auto Technician. Personally I've never met a A&P that when working on anything other than an aircraft , that could fix a ham sandwich . Now go play with your harbor freight box and craftsman tools in the corner . ps . . the 90s was four decades ago ...when your magic foam wasn't exactly available and affordable . d head . Side note the chemicals frequently used back then are all outlawed today , and commonly used in aircraft was TCE , it will eat that precious foam too. Wanna ask how I know ?

[@treyvonburg2441]

​@@phtevenmolz5030

[@shooks555]

That looks great and makes me realize my ocd is not nearly as bad as I thought it was.

[@fasfgasdfagadsf]

You give up on OCD when you run out of money for extra space.🙃

[@WildcatWarrior15]

Agreed. There is a fine line between "I use these tools for my hobby and I like to keep them organized" and "Organizing tools is my hobby".

[@allenshubin2272]

WildcatEngineer15 .".... "

[@Mike-we3rb]

Lmao same but I’m considering doing this

[@Mike-we3rb]

@@WildcatWarrior15 yo fr I got nothing against him but I’d bet my ass he only uses 5% of all those sockets. If he’s in a shop he owns that’s fine but if he’s at home then he doesn’t need that huge cabinet for all those sockets. Waste of time and money

[@Scott-hb1xn]

Its called "shadowing" and is an industry standard in aviation, to ensure tools do not get left on aircraft which could cause problems...

[@earnie219]

You can solve the problem of losing a tool by purchasing Snap-on tools from the tool truck.

[@MrHarleyreinke]

@@earnie219 only thing that solves is being debt free. There are way better tools for the money than snap on

[@wrenchpony9735]

"problems"....yep.

[@Shakerhood69]

FOD

[@brois841]

@@earnie219 your humor seems to be a bit high brow for this bunch ;) I've never regretted buying high quality tools. They're working perfectly for me 20-years later and they just fit tighter, cause less problems. The cheapos end up in the bin.

[@Craig_34]

Was just thinking a couple weeks ago about how I wanted to do this in a Milwaukee pack out box. This video was all the encouragement I needed!

[@coreybair9426]

I appreciate the amount of time, effort, and care you put in to your tools. Which if you pay as much as you do for tools then you should take care of them. Yes I know there's more expensive tools but you should take care of what you got regardless of price and always be proud of what you got. I would probably take the fine tip marker and write the socket size or tool type inside the cut out. Just to make things easier if you happen to have a bunch of tools out before you put any back. It happens sometimes. I usually don't put them back until the job is done. That's just me though. Love what you're doing. Keep it up👍

[@projectkarr]

I appreciate it. And for me I treat all my tools as if they were tool truck price. I even have foam cut out for my $15 set of titan screwdrivers and picks I got from Costco. I used a label maker to print out sizes and it’s a fairly clean look. I’m the same as you, once I’m done with a project I clean off my tools and then put them away.

[@JohnDoe-se9co]

Would love to see a tool box tour. Love the setup and how organized you have it all. Great job

[@postingid3214]

That is definitely a labor of love. It looks really nice. I'm very impressed with your craft and patience in doing this.

[@Fish6699]

Great Video. I was unaware of the Layered Foam and I’m pretty sure that the Rubber Mats in my drawers will be replaced with Foam very soon. I’m also thrilled to see a young Man that’s chosen to be a Tradesman. You obviously take care of your Tools and taking the time to organize them probably means you will put the same attention to detail in your Work.

[@historyhisstory6289]

Nice setup! I don't need to lock mine up since I only do personal, friends, and family. I still own as many tools as a mechanic because I'm a nerd like that. I have setup a whole wall with peg board and it's simply amazing. Looks like a store and it's super easy for me or any helper to find everything without fumbling through drawers. I mean socket rails wrenches you name it. Makes it so much faster to find and put up

[@michaelschmitz4023]

Best explanation and how-to I have found. Your explanation of lay out and then time-lapse showed the proof that you have a successful technique. I appreciate you sharing this.

[@stevehermosillo3746]

I’ve had a product like this installed in my toolbox since the early 90s because I used to travel all over the United States and it always kept my tools organized

[@TrellieBallz7668]

You could use some red nail polish and paint where the size of the socket is engraved into the metal then wipe off the excess leaving only the engraved part with the polish in it so it stands out.

[@Libertas_Primus]

enamel model paint works great.

[@Elheffay-r1s]

Dykem red for standricral, blue for metrical

[@nickleung6240]

Ive been wanting to do this for a long time but the task just seemed so daunting...not from a difficulty perspective, as its clearly not difficult. Just knowing that its going to be very time consuming has prevented me from doing it. That said, watching this video has inspired to me do it, and maybe just take my time to do one drawer at a time. The final result looks like it will be absolutely worth it!!

[@bighouse1695]

Whoa! I didn't even know this Kaizen foam existed. This would satisfy my OCD. Everyone always wants to borrow my tools because they are always organized and easy to find. This may exacerbate that situation but I don't care. It looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing the video!

[@lyleg.9192]

Keep in mind that if you have a bunch of tools and a tool drawer or whatever the case may be that someone wants to borrow take photos always take photos if someone wants to borrow $6 biddies or Blu-Rays turn them on their spine, stacked and take a photo. If someone wants to borrow a dolly take photo it's acts as a reminder and proof as well as it usually time and date stamps it so you'll know if it's been gone too long and they might be planning on stealing it AKA borrow keep

[@williamrodriguezmswlcsw8119]

Great breakdown. I'm looking forward to using this foam to help organize my toolbox. Its desperately in need and overdue. Also, I am a Combat Veteran, so I used the link you provided to learn about and ultimately sign up for Project 22. Thanks for including that.

[@projectkarr]

First off thank you for your service. Glad you liked the breakdown and found Project 22.

[@volkr55]

Impressive dedication to making the organization clean. Work well spent.

[@lukelonghenry5728]

Great set up, I’m definitely going to look into the foam for my 56” husky box.

[@theodoremorgan5826]

This is real nice. I don't remember you saying how many hours you spent on this. I just bought a Husky 41 inch. Thank you for the video, this can really help someone that has time to fit each piece.

[@rarejem100]

I have been looking for a way to organize my tool boxes for all of my sockets and ratchets , I have 1/4 ,3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 inch sets and I spend more time looking for the right sockets to work on the project.... simply crazy... using the Kaizen foam is simply the best way to organize your tools... easily organized...and looks awesome

[@backtoback2215]

Thanks for sharing! Lots of great tips, and helpful, very detailed information. This is exactly what I've been looking to do with my new tool chest (and want to buy some new Tekton tools to fill it, instead of my mishmash of random ones I've acquired over the years). I've looked into the Rockler foam, but I think I might like this Kaizen stuff better with the red interior. Great look!

[@johngibson3594]

Do a tour on that box when your done so we can all see how it’s done in the end. Thanks for sharing

[@dougtaylor5533]

Great video, I will be looking at your others. The most important part for me was the end where you showed a drawer you had not done yet because you were still working out the organization. I have the same tool chest arriving (in blue) next week. Looking forward to reaching the point where I even know what tools I have!

[@byronstephen2044]

You're deduction to organization is admirable , I personally am the same at home but in the workplace it would have been a little impractical;( retired BMW/Audi). Snap On does have custom inserts for dowers but it comes with the cost. Very informative and well planned out,I for one really enjoyed it and I think you're going to have a successful carrier , if you don't already. Take Care and keep twisting them wrenchs!

[@purdeemc]

I really like how you can just glance in each drawer and see quickly if you haven’t put something back after you use them.

[@ericunderhill7390]

30 years ago I used the same technique you are using for my tool box . One would have thought someone would have come up with an easier solution.

[@bwint7234]

awesome tip. I want to see more of the shop and organizing tips. they're always oddly satisfying

[@_eXraided_]

Can't believe I sat thru the entire video great job on the foam cut-out looks real clean I like it a lot gonna have to order me some of those foam pieces and follow your method down to a tee!

[@fat_biker]

Thanks! I've been using the British equivalent 'Shadow-foam Easy-Peel', with a medical grade scalpel, but your approach is both easier & gives better results than my 'hand cutting round misc tools using a rapidly blunting scalpel without a depth gauge' has, so I've ordered a couple of those snap-off blade knives & some spare blades & a suitable marker, & I'm going to try it your way :-) I found this very useful....

[@peytoniglehart2729]

I'm :45 seconds in, and had to stop to compliment that socket drawer. Bravo, sir! Beautiful setup. Ive never seen your channel before, but always like to see a different setup.

[@user-hi5dd8lp3n]

I learned a lot from the Keiser foam you installed looks like a great product and looking forward to your next review in 6 months to decide to buy it

[@jacobolmeda6237]

I appreciate the idea of using AAA batteries as spacers and the use of tape to keep all the sockets lined-up. You had a great presentation.

[@lyleg.9192]

Just left a comment comment check it out about batteries

[@zalllon]

Really good approach to keep things straight and professional!

[@Tom-bo2wj]

Awesome video. This is definitely best set up video I have seen using the tape and batteries works out perfectly. Well though out and gives me a few great ideas on how to do my mobile box. Thanks for putting in the time.

[@jaywylde7566]

Thanks for sharing your process. Although it's time consuming, the result looks amazing, nice job!

[@narcoosseefl]

I'd never heard of Kaizen foam before this. Thank you.

[@alanpules4105]

Absolutely sweet organization! I agree with you, that cutting finger pulls for all the tools kinda messes up the whole look of the truly organized tools, but that's how I do it. Cool video. 👍😎

[@regionalhand]

Excellent precision in the tool box. It will save hundreds of hours.

[@rudydelossantos7487]

Great organization toolbox and tour. You can try painting over the engraved numbers on sockets with your favorite acrylic enamel paint. I would suggest a bright neon color.

[@wtmclaurin]

I know you mentioned using the black marker because it hides better. You can also take alcohol wipes when you're done and wipe the excess marker off of your foam to really get things cleaned up nicely.

[@porthose2002]

Very nice method for planning and cutting this stuff out. Nicely done!

[@congreet_universa]

I totally agree with you. Buying a complete set is investment for years to come and saves lots of money.

[@mattaoespencer5339]

Wow that’s super clean! I Just picked up some Tekton long flex head ratcheting box end wrench set in metric , soooo worth it. I’m going to be switching my craftsman to Tekton slowly.

[@custer175]

Looks great! This is an industry standard in Aviation used for FOD control. The company I work for owns an industrial CNC. We cut all of our foam in house on the CNC.

[@TheBlaert]

We've done that with this foam and with nylon sheeting as well depending on the tools

[@chadking2222]

I love the way the foam looks and your cuts are very precise. I just don't know if I have the patience to do it. Especially the sockets since most people have including me probably have a hundred or more separate ones.

[@BBQJOE]

This is a great idea to organize your box. Thanks for the details on how to do this.

[@ricardosandoval1470]

I have the same box, I really like how you set your up!

[@samuellanciani7808]

I prefer using the longest/largest drawer for all of my sockets (chrome and impact 1/4, 3/8, 1/2) because I work in automotive, but this was a great tutorial, definitely keeping it in mind!

[@projectkarr]

That was my original plan too, but I wasn’t very confident my socket drawer would be sturdy enough to hold everything I had. It’s definitely a design flaw on my toolbox.

[@A.J.1656]

I bought the foam sleeping pads from a military surplus store for cheap. Cut one layer all the way through and glued it to the bottom layer. It was a quick solution, but I'll probably do something more official down the road. Good work.

[@tonytully4943]

I'm loving that tool box. All the drawers are great

[@Magicinstalls]

Looks cool don't get me wrong. I personally don't have that much time on my hands. And it takes too much room in the drawer. You can fit 4 times the sockets in that drawer by using vertical magnetic socket organizers. I love the kaizen foam for hand tools in a case like drills and such. Great video...

[@caddyzig]

This is fantastic! Thanks so much for putting together such a nice tutorial. I’m definitely going to do this.

[@davidbrown-55]

Amazing. Great idea, should only take 4 months to get mine finished!

[@johnathankelley1037]

This video was really helpful. I’d love to see a full tour of your tools

[@BloodySoup74]

Wow great work! I'll be considering this once I buy my tool box and new tools.

[@aaronmelson2887]

man this was awesome. I saw another video of these foam inserts but forgot all about them. Glad I found this video.

[@oleroy4749]

Looks Awesome. I might do this for my wrench’s and ratchet’s. But I used the tekton 18 inch trays for my 1/2 tekton set, and wouldn’t want any other way.

[@desertfox3860]

Nice video. I saw one where the guy painted the numbers on his sockets. Made them very easy to see.

[@josiahswanson5518]

I used this foam while in the military inside my gun case to hold my m4, 1911, mags, and spare batteries and misc stuff. The foam material held up well.

[@GeorgeLapachi]

As always, informative and explained very well. I appreciate that you always include all the tiny details and nuances in your videos. That's why I subscribed and will stay subscribed. 👍

[@gregdalton2003]

I really like this setup it is a step in the right direction to help me get organized

[@user-ec9my3lr7z]

I never get tired of looking at tool organizing it’s my asmr and great idaes

[@Sanchez_trdtoy]

Awesome and clean set up. Definitely going to try doing this!

[@paulsanner7922]

I have been looking at different tool sets with foam from Kobalt to full blown Sonic tool eva sets. I am definitely going with Tekton and Kaizen setup. Thank you for this video it definitely sold me.

[@centuryhelix8727]

When it comes to wrenches and ratchets, you really can’t do better for the money than Tekton. They may not feel as move in the hands as snap on does but they are way stronger and have a stellar warranty and customer service

[@VideoMyLifeLLC]

My brother! At 4:40 you blew my mind with the way you keep the knife packaging so you can store the knifes! I never even thought of that! Never to old to learn. PS - Great video!

[@visargent1366]

Thank u for the great ideas. I wasbkillimg myself trying to figuer out to keep my tools nice and clean

[@PeterGabanyRGD]

Thanks so much for your demo, I am about to start. Got my batteries and other tools. Woot!

[@curtiscopeland7975]

Great video. My wife will appreciate the organization. Please continue to do more workshop organizing videos.

[@jamarallen08]

Great presentation fam. Will be my go to video when I get it all together.

[@jackjordan7691]

This is a very nice way to organize a box, thank you for posting well done.

[@davidhaskins7548]

Very cool, you seem honest and down to earth. Good content, God bless your future endeavors.

[@sabre2112]

FYI a magnet on a stick , oven gloves and a oven works great on wrenches and sockets melt it into the foam and then pull out at your depth and let cool you can peel off the melted foam and its a lot quicker than cutting around all the metal sockets i have several tool boxes and its worked great for me

[@davidanderson6385]

Great how to. I've been looking at kaizen for a while. Many thanks

[@atomicslam1589]

Sonic is doing some absolutely beautiful things with foam organization......if you can afford it. You did a great job with this, young man.

[@projectkarr]

Sonic was my first choice because of that but I just couldn’t justify to cost. Pretty amazing setups though.

[@deshawnbonner7720]

Thank you for showing us I was looking for foam for my tool box .

[@heyb6268]

I have black harbor freight sockets that were very hard to read, I took a yellow lumber crayon and rubbed it into the stamps on the sockets. Worked really well. Not sure how well it would work on polished sockets but you could give it a shot

[@SnD340]

On the tekton sockets, fill the engraved numbers with a oil based paint like red white or blue. Then use a rag that's wet with alcohol. And ever so slightly wipe over the oil paint. Thus cleaning it up and leaving a painted engraved numbering. I do this with a lot of my wrenches and sockets. Even my ratchet to make it pop more

[@billiejokaatz7484]

Thank you for all your help. That looks nice.

[@notta3d]

I have tried to like systems such as ToolGrid, but something about it I don't like. Now this is exactly what I think it should look like. It's so clean looking. What would look good is the size written in white under each socket. That would look so good.

[@tjmarckese7366]

Supper clean look. I don’t have near the time it would take to do this to all my box drawers. Be fantastic if someone sold precut sections for standard socket sets!

[@supernovaxiv3637]

You're capable of doing that. Actually. Ill do the research again.

[@stevengysin1392]

Picking up the same box soon. Would love to see your layout in a video.

[@44Mag]

Great video - Thanks for taking the time to show this. (i think you could have a side-hustle of cutting these panels for people. Basically a set of pads for whatever tool brand you use personally, so you have the tools on hand. You cut the panels, and sell them to anyone that has (or would buy) your same tool set. (They would let you know their drawer sizes) - I would be a customer.....

[@bnaudio7813]

very clean installation and finish product. nicely done!

[@ScroatBagGarage]

Awesome video; thanks for the tip on using the AA/AAA batteries for spacing of sockets, I don't think this could have been demo'd any better! As others have said, yes do a video on your tools so we can see your set up (and ideas).

[@Timo_3545]

You could edge the numbers on the sockets it looks sooooo good and nice with it edged and so easy to use

[@smannut]

Looks awesome. I'm re-organizing my tools now and will give Kaizen foam some thought.

[@xaphan8581]

Omg I never knew this stuff existed. Your the best for showing this

[@Whatisthis94]

Gonna do same thing over weekend. Thanks for this!!

[@blackbearddave]

Awesome video. One thing to do to be able to see the sizes better is to grab some nail polish and paint the numbers.

[@jacoblewis21]

Love the videos of the tekton tools. Keep up the great content!

[@est189]

A true labor of love - well done 👍🏽

[@diegoluna455]

Heck yeah man, I appreciate your effort and everything love the vid!!🙏 I would definitely try this out but after noticing what people have said about solvents and all that j might look into rated material that can withstand certain chemicals to prevent it from degrading, but heck yeah I will try this with stuff that doesn't come into contact with liquids and stuff

[@michaelanthony3216]

Man I gotta take these tips to my garage! Thanks

[@bobgox]

excellent tips & quite an education, thanks so much for the great vid !

[@TheLawStudentUT]

Great video. I like what you did with the foam. Very cool.