Hi Guys,
This is my first post in a long time.
I just sold my box truck and I am downsizing to an extended GMC Van. The box truck carried everything – which was the problem. I want this van to be more streamlined and efficient. What are the tools you carry most in your van ? Thanks in advance for your answers.
Its good to be back,
D
Replies
It probably depends on what type of work you do. <g>
In a full sized Chevy Van.
1-jig saw, Hilti Rotary hammer in a big #### 'd box, Kreg jig kit, laminate trimmer kit, 3/4 hp router, 2-battery drill kits and impact driver, Multimaster, Circular saw, 10 ton jack, 3-40'' bar clamps, crowbar, 2- dbl sided step ladder, 4-ladder, 12/24 on racks, 4 runner drops, 4-10x12 drops, 8'' table saw, door finish box, 6 levels, 12 quick-clamps, 4-short bar clamps, 6 adj deep throat clamps, 5 air nailers, pancake compressor, bisquit joiner, ROSander, asstd discs, belt sander, asstd belts, air ratchet, tap/die kit, a whole lot of assorted hand tools, shim bucket, good selection of deck, drywall, panhead screws, tapcons, several different types of anchors, 200 ft air hose, box of painters plastic, corded drill box, hole saw kit, whole lot of different caulks and usually 4 qt tubes adhesive...............then there's the dashbd, under the front seats, and the second hand ram charger console between the seats.........thermos, cabinet box with all the various replacement pts, screws, door bumps, mounting hdwr in case of need for repair, various nail filler, titebond, guerilla.............hilti powdered act. gun kit, ...........horses, SCMS, box cont. trash bags, cords-4-25's, 4-50's.......and whatever else I forgot. Drywall and finishing tools, brick/block/concrete tools, cab hanging tools, laminate tools, some heavier demo tools in buckets/crates as needed.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
You forgot the most important thing...your Star Diner Card!!!!
yes, didn't want to give the entire contents.
Nor did I mention my art gallery located along the headliner/trim on the ceiling.
Some things are private.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
What'd you do, put wheels on your garage?...never matters what I've got, what I need is at home...dang good thing I work close to it<G> "But to be honest some folks here have been pushing the envelope quite a bit with their unnecessary use if swear words. They just put a character in to replace a letter. But everyone knows what they're saying." Sancho
Some times I think I carry too much, but then I need what's in there and pretty glad I didn't take it out. Keep it ordered and fit it like a glove...........pc. of cake.
god help me and anyone in the way if for some reason that van needs to come to a quick and abrupt stop.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Doesnt matter......every time I try to "downsize" the amount of tools or supplies on my rig, Notoriously and annoyingly the next day I need what I took out. Doesn't matter if I havent used said tool or supply in a year....everytime.......So, good luck .
Build cabinets with deep drawers that are in modular boxes. One drawer, one box =X Sq. inches = a standardized unit you chose. I've owned every sort and have a box truck now. From experience, your first configuration won't be your last. Downsizing as you are, be prepared to get frustrated with the inward curve of the vans sides. A lot of capacity is lost that way vs. the vertical sides of what you have now. The drawer boxes help changing stuff around easier.
In if I placed myself in your shoes I'd start the lay-out with the larges and heaviest tool for easy access, (Table saw) that I use on a regular basis. For the occasional stuff I'd store in wall lockers in the garage w/ strong hinges and padlock.
Best to you and yours, Chris.
Some say I know too much? Can you ever?
My van has all the standard carpentry tools and supplies plus basic electrical, patching/painting, drywall and plumbing. I keep the majority of my electrical, painting, drywall and plumbing stuff in designated heavy duty plastic tubs. Store them in my shop and grab whatever sets needed for the jobs I'm doing. Chevy "gave" me metal shelving and drawers since I bought the van for the business. Since the shelves only have a 1" lip on the bottom I made restraints for the openings with cargo netting and pvc. That way I can put the plastic tubs on the shelves and not have to worry about s*** flying off.
Here are a few pics of my GMC from the back… I have to get some views from the side so you can see the tablesaw and miter and tools bags and stuff.
The totes carry painting tools and DW tools.
Office stuff is in the front with me.
Dan
Thats not a Ryobi battery on the floor is it? Please man, say it aint so! Not that blue.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Don't knock those blue tools. If you look at them they are extremely cost effective tools to use for most jobs. The four or five tool combos from the big names (Bosch, Makita, DW, Milwalkee which is owned by the same company as Ryobi) range in price from $400-700. Ryobi combo goes for $170. People say the sawzall isn't stromg enough. If it aint strong enough you need a coorded tool. And as far as I am concerned the drill/driver has the most comfortable grip of any maker. Are they the best tools you can buy, of course not. Do they offer value, yes they do.
I'm with you on the Ryobi cordless drills.
Still have a 8 YO 12v "Jobsite" model that needs a new battery. Have 4 YO 14.4v - going strong; also have 18v drill and an impact driver - too new to judge fully - bought the 18v drill, impact driver, 2 batteries, 1 hour charger, and a carry bag for all for $95.(post Christmas clearance sale - reduced from $135.).
I have the luxury (generally) of working in basically finished homes which almost always have AC power readily available, if I didn't, I might have a different opinion.
If I need to drive a thousand DW screws, I go for the Senco DuraSpin or the Milwaukee DW screw gun. If I'm drilling steel, it's either a corded DeWalt or Makita 1/2".
I also have the Ryobi table saw with the built in wheels and stand (the surprising performer in FHB contractor saw test a year or so back Model BTS20 maybe?) - not a cabinet saw but does everything I need. Supplied blade was junk, a Freud Avanti fixed that quick. So I guess that drove the "real" price up to about $250.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Did you notice the Bessey Clamp?
Yup. Bessy makes some good clamps.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
I've got to second the vote on the Ryobi drill. I bought the 18v 5-6 years ago before I "knew better", and finally wore it out recently. One of the batteries is toast and the chuck will occasionally rattle loose. But I have abused that thing for years. I replaced it with the new version that has the hammer drill function and couldn't be happier with it. Like someone else said, it has an excellent feel in the hand compared to others without spending a lot more money.I'm not a fan of Ryobi tools in general, but I guess they make a decent drill. Some of the other tools seem much lighter duty.-Rich
I was deeded one of my grandfathers Chevy 1500 series vans last year with shelving already installed. I think GM offers the most advantages as far as customizing goes. One of my grandfathers carpenters set this one up a few years before. He used the factory pillars as fastening points for 3/4 ply, and squared up from the floor withing wheelwell distance leaving the floor open for sheet goods, etc. I modified this slightly over the last year by adjusting shelves to fit single items (recip, powder set, hammer drill) within their individual cases. I have never liked the method of setting multiple cases side by side with their handles facing the ceiling as it is ergonomically awkward to retrieve items. I try to stack or lay cases to have handles facing out for quicker access. I also installed a platform on the floor of my van to handle approx. 6 sheets x1/2", while allowing for total access above, no moving of t-saw or comp. I am well below average height for most carpenters so I am not cramped with this set up.