Any ideas to improve storage use of my truck bed toolbox?

[D&D]

I bought a used truck bed toolbox because I could use it to secure chains, binders, tools and such when I go to auctions. I've never owned one before. It's great but is just a big box with no sliding shelf or anything to make it more useful. As it

There's a lip I am thinking of building a sliding shelf so I can store small tools and yet slide it out of the way but that's all I can figure out so far. Any ideas helpful.

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When I had one I used milk crates to store chains and binders, tote bins on top for smaller stuff

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[woody]

When I had one I used milk crates to store chains and binders, tote bins on top for smaller stuff

That's what I use now, I have a couple in there.

 

[Topzide]

You have to insert the sliding tray in the middle of the box. That way, there's enough flex in it to insert the tray. I had a box like that and used the mounting bolt to hold a bent strap hinge to hold tray from sliding. On the bottom of the sliding tray, you may want to add some plastic "silders" to help it slide.
I use ammo boxes to help keep things organized. The plastic ones worked better. Use a paint marker to label the top of them. Then, I use zipper tool bags for other items.
Also used rivet nuts to add broom hangers (the clamping type) to the lid that held aluminum pole with hook. That allowed me to get things in the truck bed without climbing into it.

 

[sixdogs]

If I understand correctly, a fully completed box won't fit in due to clearance issues.

Cut the plywood to the width. Drop it in place. Make a narrower open bottom "box" to a width that will fit. Secure it to the plywood with Kreg screws or angle brackets. I would put a few dividers in the sliding box to keep things organized.

Doug in SW IA

That ws my original plan. But the minimum lip width that things slide on is greater than the maximum width of the opening of the box. I can try to put the bottom in by itself but then can't lay it flat because the edges of the board being turn flat exceed the maximum with of the box.

I know I have to make the box narrower to fit in and could then use angle iron to make the box slide.

 

[EddieWalker]

I put a plastic USPS squarish mail carrying box in mine. It fits perfectly and it holds my straps, spray bottles, and brushes in there. The rest of the space has tools that have storage boxes to carry them around, extension cords, tarps, and long tools that I don't have room for in my truck.

 

[oosik]

When you figure out what type of shelf - store delicate items in your Crown Royal purple sacks. They provide excellent containment and protection.

 

[D&D]

When I had one I used milk crates to store chains and binders, tote bins on top for smaller stuff

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Milk crates DIRECT from the factory ✅ From one milk crate to a full trailer ✅ HEAVY DUTY ✅ PERSONALIZED with your logo ✅ 100 000 in stock ✅

www.milkcratesdirect.com

This guy has another

 

[WinterDeere]

This guy has another

I know it's not your video D&D, and it's a good idea. But to whoever actually took the time to make and name that video, I'd say the word "Amazing" seems to have less value today, than in the past.

I there anyone on this forum who hasn't already thought up a similar solution on their own? Mine go in a milk crate, with the chain hooks hanging on the edge. Always easier to withdraw, and holds more chains (and length per chain) than any detergent jug.

 

[bigtiller]

I've been doing that "Amazing" chain thing for decades.
I should have made a video.

 

[2manyrocks]

I don't have a slider in my truck tool box. It would just get in the way of reaching for what I want. Plus, the more stuff you put in the box, having an organized tool box is almost a myth in reality.