DIY Laser Cut Socket Organizer | OCD Tool Organization

Here are all the socket sets I used in my organizer:
1/4" Socket Set: www.tekton.com/1-4-in-dr-skt-...
3/8" Socket Set: www.tekton.com/3-8-in-dr-skt-...
1/2" Socket Set: www.tekton.com/1-2-inch-drive...
Adapters: www.harborfreight.com/high-vi...
Magnets: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Email me at [e-mail] for inquiries on custom laser cut tool organizers. Because everyone has a unique set of tools I won't be making custom sets but if you can prepare the file I can laser cut it and ship it to you.

[@killswitchxci2562]

Out of all the tool organization videos ive watched this one is the best all hands down. Now i have to redo my tool box. Great video

[@gotflute123]

Really like this idea. The magnets, and having a "spot" for each tool I actually have, will encourage that moment of re-organization that I do not have after finishing swearing a a lawnmower or car... it will also force me to go back through my tools and see which sockets haven't made it back after being "borrowed". Thanks for the inspiration.

[@matthewquigley5221]

I appreciate the hell out of the fact you included your first failure and process on coming to a conclusion. A lot of people tend to only show their successes and not the process that went to getting to that final success! Awesome work.

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

Excellent approach. Everyone else is using foam, and no decent labeling of any sort. Your organizer is super. For deep sockets, you could double up the thickness with a strip of additional MDF glued atop the base, just for those tall ones For those doing workbench organizing, no tool box, a multi-tiered ( terraced ) version of this can be made for the tools you use regularly. I have a screwdriver set that came with such an organizer, and it is the best use of space, and everything is visible. A Wooden hip roof box can be made, so it can be both portable and benchtop use. Magnets under are only needed if being used in a van, where a road dip will send the sockets skyward on the rebound! You need to buy very strong magnets, and a thin sheet of material to block the magnetic force being weakened by attraction to the bottom of the drawer.

[@justindwyer3430]

This is a work of art. Well done.

[@SpatialGuy77]

G’day Dr Smith. I’ve seen 100 ways of assorting tools and that is head and shoulders THE BEST I have seen. I have a 9060 100W laser and I’m on it! Thanks mate! Cheers, Michael 🇦🇺

[@Rayzer2368]

Now that is slick, very nice. The only thing I would have done differently was to lightly sand off the ghosting effect around where the laser cut and then put some kind of protective coating on it to keep the grease stains from building up over time. I really like how you doubled up the layers.

[@bigworldparty]

This is one of the nicest socket organizers I've seen, including the labelling. Great work!

[@tima.478]

Looks almost as clean as mine...lol. Pretty good though. 25 year airline mechanic here so mine kinda has to be this way. Helps to keep me from leaving anything inside a plane. 👍

[@markpitts5194]

@@tima.478 Friend of a friend died from a loose screwdriver. Went for a loop, it dropped down the back of the fuz and jammed the elevator. Not god look. Thanks for having a fail safe system, count 'em all out, and back in again.

[@tima.478]

@@markpitts5194 Wow, sorry for the loss of a friend of a friend. You can never be TOO safe, stay good out there! 👍

[@LPCliftonMusic]

I’m actually working on something similar for my socket set. Glad to see a proof of concept so I know it won’t be a complete waste of time. I’m using a scrap piece of 3/4” MDF for the bulk and then a piece of 2x4 to hold my deep well sockets. Nice work.

[@thesmithshop2690]

Do it! I am loving this setup I have

[@SpatialGuy77]

Pretty sure the 4 x 2 will challenge your laser! 🤣😂😂

[@LPCliftonMusic]

@@SpatialGuy77 fortunately the forstner bit in my drill press had no such issue.

[@SpeedySpears]

Man phenomenal idea, I've been trying to figure out how to create an organizer for my 3 drawer trackside tool box and this looks like it might do the trick!

[@davidedwards4125]

Nice, I did a 3D Printed version of this for putting all my sockets and drives in a hand carry tool box. The original plastic box was broken and I have various extras if collected. Designed in Fusion 360 printed on an Ender 3, 2 x20cm square sections per tray. Works brilliantly.

[@sh8zen]

I'm impressed. Very creative. I like out of the box thinking. Good job.

[@jdmxxx38]

What a great design; and very professional looking product when finished. Kudos

[@n1tr0kt]

Nice work! I've done some 3D printed holders on my large-format printer as well as drawer organizers using Kaizen foam. If I get access to a large laser cutter, I might try this next. Being able to engrave labels looks sharp.

[@jaykepley5238]

Wow. That's very cool. Nicely done!

[@thesmithshop2690]

Thanks!

[@Lexst1]

I did something similar with my CNC router. I have the big Craftsman set from before Sears went away. 1/4" and 3/8" all in one drawer and the 1/2" in another. Works really well until the kids "borrow" a socket. Thankfully my area has allot of tools at garage sales:) Had a few friends ask me to make them for their tools. I had to make a template that graduated the circles by 1mm because almost all of the tool companies use slightly different ODs. (also on the T and hex bits) The pliers, ratchets, extensions, and accessories all have to be custom like you did. Just a heads up to any that are going to copy your process please note that there is a large amount of clean up before you can use the cut file from the trace profile. Nice job!

[@sperrtechnik]

the Magnets would be really good in a vehicle but off course like you said in the workshop where you only open and close the drawer the magnets are optional, great job... greetings from germany

[@ChrisSchuster]

That's a fine job! Thanks for sharing the idea.

[@wf8933]

That looks amazing, great job.

[@charlesdelajoux4951]

Brilliant idea, you put a lot more in a drawer that way !

[@jamieshea2068]

Beautiful, wish my tools were consistent enough for this. Maybe i can sell off all my old 60's and 70's stuff for a standardized set

[@KianaShalix]

I did this for my wrench's because I want to have 2 of each size in the drawer and well mine is not as nice because it was done with a router by hand I wish I had a CNC machine =) its so freaking nice! Foam was an option but I find the wood look to be much much better looking. Thanks for the video!

[@darkpassenger65]

Thank you. I didn't think about outlining an image for those irregular shapes.

[@drgreenthumb8137]

Awesome job dude

[@bayronalzate5003]

great job and excellent idea mate.

[@MarzNet256]

Awesome. Some of my long chrome sockets won't fit standing in my drawer unless directly on drawer bottom (with about 3mm clearance). This is perfect for that as there is nothing under socket.

[@UncannyAbilities]

Dude...dope. Majorly dope.

[@ShyneflowLC]

This looks great!!!

[@justinoff1]

That's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen

[@officebroomer]

Look's fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

[@KSIXRIDER]

Nice and clean look

[@BH-BH]

Beautiful!

[@paulobraghetto]

A true artist!

[@evanwilliams770]

Well done need to rethink my tools

[@thomascarr1392]

Well thought out mate

[@RonAday]

Nice! I was just looking online for an organizer and found this video. Absolutely awesome. I especially like that, if one forgoes the magnets and extra hdf on the bottom, it doesn't add to the height making the possibility of using a shallower drawer an option. Very cool. But only 3 videos? Son, you have some talent. Share it with the world. :)

[@thesmithshop2690]

Thanks I am hoping to make more videos soon.

[@danasmith5464]

@@thesmithshop2690 hello.. can you make me one … I am just starting out with some tool and the ones I do have my son lost some of my socket. If there a charge. What will me the cost for just the laser template. I can do the rest. I would love have the laser template

[@thesmithshop2690]

​@@danasmith5464 This design I no longer use, check out this new video. There are links on this video to order one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6G4i4igh7ucmpI

[@crazydudetz]

Amazing work.

[@thesmithshop2690]

Thanks a lot!

[@jessea1743]

Awesome man!!

[@johningham1880]

Very impressive

[@martijnjonkers2179]

Great stuff

[@andrewperez5550]

Nice!!!! I need it!

[@greggz7795]

Well done!

[@rickyscz28]

This is awesome

[@marshallcollins8634]

That is probably the best Setup I have seen yet.. love the color choice of the toolbox.

[@thesmithshop2690]

Thanks!

[@garybrown9719]

No it is maybe the best

[@bruceprosser8332]

Very nice!

[@tomthompson7400]

I dont have time to do any of this ,,, it looks sweet when its new , Id love to see it in a year in a working box.

[@Scoper50]

This OCD tool organization looks nice. Theres no arguing that. I'd love to have organization like this. But for mechanics it's just not realistic. I'm always buying new stuff. And when you get new stuff you have to move other tools around to make room for it. Sometimes to make room you end up taking stuff home that barely or never gets used. Sometimes I think the people that do this kind of thing treat the tool organization as a hobby rather than actually using the tools.

[@thesmithshop2690]

I can totally see that. I agree I find a lot of joy in organizing my tools and it is just a hobby for me. For people who are frequently adding tools this may not work too great.

[@themonsterwithin6495]

As an aircraft mechanic, with tool control being an absolute must (lives depend on it) bleeds into a lot of what I do.

[@andrestnt]

It's realistic, most mechs overbuy. I'm also an a&p mech, and organization like this bleeds through my own vehicle work. I work on us, japanese and German vehicles. Looking at other mechanics, people who tend to buy and buy, I have actually been reducing tools 😅. I made a list of the most used and got rid of the stuff collecting dust. I haven't looked at your other videos, but I would have made it in removable sections. That way, you can easily remove or expand.

[@TheModelmaker123]

Thanks for sharing.

[@umairsyed4927]

nice work buddy..

[@thesmithshop2690]

Thank you!

[@davidstansbury3204]

Ok first I hate you and second could you make me one of those? Lol. So that laser table is pretty cool, wish I had one but I probably couldn’t program it, anyway that’s one of the best socket holders I’ve seen great idea. So glad you voiced over while you worked and not played obnoxious music. Thank you for your time and knowledge.

[@clivingood]

fantastic

[@veelink6345]

Pretty sweet I want to do that but use a nice hardwood

[@gusf8451]

excellent

[@itrynano2048]

Is this the 44 inch box? The layout is amazing and would help a lot with me “losing” sockets... mainly that damn 10mm and 13mm

[@diverrite]

Best unit on u tube

[@biartchnicyndi]

Awesome

[@acohen5267]

Yup definitely a diy job

[@mitchjohnson4714]

I got an ad for OCD therapy before this video.

[@FormWerkstoff]

This looks like good access so that you can quickly find what you need. Will the tool be slightly magnetized? So that chips get stuck faster?

[@AzizAkbiyik]

I am jealous 🙈

[@KevinS3928]

I was really glad to see that you are mentioned producing and selling this sort of thing. Can you give a ball park price range? Of course I realize that complexity of design and materials used would hugely impact any prices, but just a general idea for something similar to what you made here. If you would rather not post publicly I am willing to provide my contact information.

[@user-sh4yo9cb1z]

I like it.

[@arduinoNube]

So little effort involved compared to other solutions! Nice job!

[@GarageofHope]

This is tool crack. Beautiful

[@Spectt84]

Nice job with the laser cutter. Rather than gluing in all those individual magnets, I wonder if you could get a roll of that "magnetic vinyl" material and cut it to the same size as your plywood. Its the material they make those flexible magnetic vehicle signs with. They also use it to make refrigerator magnets, its super cheap. I think a roll is less than $10. I wonder if that would work?... eitherway, again nice job with the laser cutter.

[@thesmithshop2690]

I tried that when I was experimenting but the magnet wasn't very strong. I am working on a new version that will improve on this design after I have been using it for a few months. I will post a video once it's done.

[@adolfohuertas2143]

Nice job! I just wanted to know how you get the sizes of the sockets to fit? Or you just measure them one by one?

[@davehelpline3548]

Why don't you make Organizer for sale this the best i come across I'm struggling right now to find something that look good for a Tekton 212 pieces socket I you made custom socket organizer for sale I'm impress

[@patrickmcdonald8023]

You have to much time on your hands but I absolutely love it. Great lob!

[@RUIZ44]

I need one like now

[@victoryvisiontour]

Looks great! Do you have a plan for when you end up with a duplicate tool? Somehow I have two 10mm sockets and two of the same extension. Are you able to cut another hole or do you have to make the whole board over again. Thanks.

[@mrtrader4628]

Okay when you start to sell them please let me know the best one that I have seen so far.

[@deonholt]

Thanks for this video you made, and as someone mentioned, also included the failure. Question: When taking the photograph of the screwdriver and tracing it in Lightburn, did you have to scale it or was it "automatically" 1:1? Thanks.

[@carsincrisis]

Awesome idea! Hopefully you're still selling them when I build my shop and upgrade my toolboxes. I don't mind the wood lol at all but would it be possible to have a stainless steel, or powder coated top, maybe a carbon fiber wrap? I dunno love the idea and very talented my friend

[@thesmithshop2690]

Thanks! I am limited in what my laser can cut. I am working on a new design since there is a lot of interest in it. The new design will be either wood or acrylic so I can do different colors. I will make a video on it hopefully in the next few weeks.

[@stevo450ify]

@@thesmithshop2690 please do this in white acrylic!

[@thesmithshop2690]

@@stevo450ify I just ordered in some red acrylic which I will be using for my new design. I will post a video on it by the end of March so stay tuned. I will also be selling those ones.

[@stevo450ify]

@@thesmithshop2690 awesome! Do you ship internationally?

[@smiley32s]

Great

[@fernandoavelino8053]

Its nice, One question... what's the program you have used for image trace ???

[@bobit8742]

nice

[@1010tesla]

how did you make sure the image trace was the right size? obviously the shape was correct but with an image being zoomed or taken far away will not maintain the length/width dimensions. great video. keep them coming.

[@thesmithshop2690]

I just measured with calipers and then adjusted the trace to match the actual dimensions taken off the tool.

[@gurutrips9440]

I would definitely purchase one of those if you had them for sale ! Is that a 44 inch us general toolbox?

[@thesmithshop2690]

Yes it is! I am selling them now. email me at [e-mail] if you're interested.

[@tbpom1003]

buddy I am doing research on tool organizer and you have the best set up I've ever seen! are you still taking order?

[@thesmithshop2690]

I am close to being able to take orders again. Email me in two weeks at [e-mail] and I should be ready.

[@coonass732]

I would like to get a copy of that plan .

[@marktechsci]

Organizer is OK, I'm really interested in your labeling system. What would you charge to fly out and label my drawers? 😄. Naw, pretty awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@johnjasinski6145]

You mentioned going to your local "Maker Shop" to have the laser work done. What is a Maker Shop? What brand of Laser is used?

[@lallen968]

where can I get this laser cut?

[@ludok1551]

I know nothing about laser engraving, but REALLY want to do this. How do I get started? Which software should I use?

[@andreykichuk]

Can I order this from you? Where do you live? This is beyond awesome.

[@stlpro2a386]

wELL DONE!!!!

[@kenallen7795]

I have the same toolbox can you make me one just like the 1 you have except the screwdriver holder

[@rickcockcroft7590]

Any chance you could share your cutting file. Our maker space has the same laser cutter I’m in the process of trying to organize my tools. Appreciate any help.

[@mikeandrews1508]

Good video, but can I ask why not just use the case that the sockets etc come out of they are made specifically for them?

[@gtcam723]

Hmmm can this be done with foam?

[@BeeHiverson]

Yea those would sell like hot cakes!!

[@carlos33193]

Can you post your file? I can modify it for my own layout.

[@rickcovarrubias352]

Are you still willing to cut tool organization pads? I have Husky tool box and tools. Thanks in advance

[@Pitchpullin5]

Very impressive. By chance could you send me that file? I'm looking to get that toolbox tomorrow actually and also have tekton tools!

[@Pitchpullin5]

Just read your drop down. Ill send you an email.

[@DonovanDavila]

@@Pitchpullin5 great vid, I’m also interested in having a copy of the file if you wouldn’t mind. Thanks again and awesome tutorial.

[@SpatialGuy77]

G’day again Dr Smith. How was the long thin neo magnet through 1/2” MDF? Could you still feel the sockets grab on?? Cheers Michael 🇦🇺

[@thesmithshop2690]

Ya the magnets held good, only issue is they magnetize the sockets so the small tall sockets sometimes stick to each other. I made a new design you can check out its on my channel.

[@Omardottcom]

Broooooo I would be interested in buying just the wood cut out. 😮

[@thesmithshop2690]

Email me at [e-mail] if interested.

[@drake27637]

Make me one I’ll buy it lol

[@florincrisan4797]

what program are you using?

[@damgood9652]

Huge waste of space, using twist lock rails the sockets are a lot closer together and what I've done is bought several of the Snap-On versions that have the sizes labeled then put my deep, semi deep, regular and shallow on either side of the marked one and they all line up. A lot more efficient use of space. My Snap-On dealer makes foam similar to what he has here but a lot cleaner looking and its multi layered in black and red so when he cuts the markings for the sizes they end up being red on a black surface. Really nice. If you're going to go through the trouble of paying for any kind of CNC work this is a much better option.

[@vincentlawrence677]

Obviously it's only a waste of space in YOUR opinion. But then it isn't YOR chest, so who cares. But good job keeping Snap-On in business. This guy obviously prefers doing his own work.

[@terristrawn3110]

Do you sell the svg