What tools do you keep at your fingertips?

Gee, I personally wouldn't limit myself to such a small tool storage area!   Hard to imagine working within those constraints.

I agree.

No screw drivers? No tweezers? No long nose pliers? No lubricants? 

Gee John, thanks for the help. 

I'm not limited in tool storage space, just trying to get ideas on how to best to use such a drawer in proximity to my work area.

George

I am trying to help, you just don't recognize it.  The help?  Get a larger toolbox, because you're hopelessly limiting yourself! 

No way I could fit all the tools I use in one typical bench session into that area.  In addition, when you're working on something, you never know when a call for some other tool might come up.

DUCT TAPE

There is no way I could keep everything I might use right next to me. Sometimes I have to get up and get something.

I do most of my train stuff working at a surplus steel office desk that I purchased specifically for that purpose many years ago. But when I need to use a press, or hammer something out, I move to my workbench.

X-Acto knike with #11 blade, razor saw, needlenose pliers, and a pin vice with a #72 drillbit.

If I was limited to a five drawer tool source within those confines, hummm.....

In drawer #1   I would keep a tablet of my tool inventory for  installing roadbed, track and wiring.

In drawer #2   I would have a small note book listing my tools for working on models.

In drawer #3   I would have a list of my carpentry tools including blades and drill bit inventory.

Drawer #4 would be full of M&M  peanuts and antacids.

Drawer #5 would have a contact list of all my buds who own tools I still need.

Drawer #6  (Hey, this is make believe right?)   I would have  a list of anyone who would do my electronic and paint work!

Glue(s); scissors; tweezers; dental pick(s); eye-dropper(s); fine file(s); fine saw(s); sable paint brush; chopstick.

(No kiddin' ) FrankM.

P.S. If you scrutinize this li'l scene, which is another one I finished-up this past week, you will, no doubt, see why these are the tools usually closest to me in my workshop...

FrankM

quote:

What tools do you keep at your fingertips?

Fingernails, of course!

Tool belt 

8" needle nose pliers

8" lineman's pliers

8" diagonal side cutters.

#2 phillips screw driver

#2 straight blade screw driver

#2 wedge tip straight blade holding screw driver.

30' retractable tape measure

Buchanon C24 crimp connector tool

Klein tool Combination stripper/crimper/cutter  1010

Fluke tick tester.  Light indication tool that shows wire is energized.

utility knife with change-able blades

pencil

12 oz claw hammer

two pocket nail apron. 

small (2) double A cell flash light that can be carried in the tool belt.

I keep a fully loaded tool kit in my train room. Aside from the common tools, I also have a few really small tools like mini jewelers screw drivers and I am about to get a set of micro wrenches so I can change traction tires on my steamers. I often use a needle nose pliers for a variety of projects. Recently, I found a set of small picks at Lowes that look like dental tools. Very helpful when working with wire harnesses.

I picked up a nifty foam cradle (got it off ebay about two years ago). I plop my rolling stock upside down into a groove in the foam to work on them. I use this item frequently.

Track cleaning supplies are also at my finger tips (along with Doritos and merlot).

Hammer

Bigger Hammer

Biggest Hammer

Sledge Hammer

Jack Hammer

Because when all else fails all you need is a ....

Wow!  You don't see those in most tools shops.

Ben, where did you get them?  Are they off a New Jersey Devil? 

George

I have never had a tool chest that small but if I had to...Bottle opener,cork screw,pill bottles,dog biscuits,I pod,band aids,etc.Nick

Reading glasses & magnifying glasses

James

...........and a very bright light.

It's HAMMER TIME! 

It does not seem to matter what tool I have at my fingertips, I will always need another one that is two floors down in my workshop!

Good luck having the right tool when you need it.

Happy railroading,

Don

My thanks to you all for jogging my mind.

The real answer as to what will go into this little 5 drawer stand is - it depends on what I am doing at this particular workbench. Given that structure building and some telephone pole fix-up work is currently underway there, it will be stocked with 3.5" craft picks (for working with squadron putty), pin vise & bits, emery boards & files, small clamps, and squadron putty tubes.

As the task changes, so to will the contents of the stand change.

George

I use a 24 drawer Machinists Roll-Away next to my workbench. There are times when I think it's too small. I've been building my tool selection over 50-years.

A hammer and duct tape---what else could you Really need.