Tool control foam...

[coldandwet]

I dont know if its my old age or the fact with more C checks and such but I seem to have tools with wings...So I am curious if anybody knows if there is a place to order bulk foam for making your own tool control???..I know about the brand names but was wondering if anyone has found a decent alternative besides the basic packing foam...any ideas??? thanks in advance.

[bombardierfixer]

Good and cheap: The foam you stand on or the stuff that goes together like a puzzle that small kids bounce off.

[ourkid2000]

I found the best & cheapest solution online for this......

Camping mats......that blue stuff that's rolled up. It goes on sale for 5 bucks a roll and you can almost do a full toolbox with one roll. I bought 3 rolls of it for 15 bucks and it worked out great.

Lay it out for a few days to get the "roll" out of it and then cut it to fit your drawers. Lay your tools in the way you want and then use a utility knife to score around the shapes (don't cut all the way through). Take the foam out and start cutting the shapes. Now cut a bunch of little pieces of double sided tape and put them where you need em and put the mat back in the drawer (it helps to have drawer liners underneath). Now start on one side, put a couple tools in and then peel and stick the tape. Keep going starting from one side working your way across (doing it this way keeps the shape from getting too large on you).

[SeptRepair]

I have used carpet underlay in the past. It can be a bit thick when using it in smaller drawers.

[Ballsssssss]

All the above solutions will work, but if you want the best stuff that is designed exclusively for tool control check this out: http://www.toolfoam.com/

I have made a couple travel kits with this stuff. It's phenomenal. It cuts easy and laminates together with a heat gun. If you want more info or tips/pictures PM me.

[coldandwet]

all great ideas....thanks alot..just curious on the tool foam site how much to do full long snap-on box...approx 12 drawers??? thanks alot

[LD-4]

all great ideas....thanks alot..just curious on the tool foam site how much to do full long snap-on box...approx 12 drawers??? thanks alot

I just got a quote back from that site, for 3 sheets of 1/4 black and 3 sheets of 1/4 in red. (4x8 sheets just do the math for your own drawers for how many sheets you will need.

Quote For Closed-Cell Foam SHEETS (6-lb Density)
Part Number Quantity Color Thickness For Each Price
1402 3 Black ¼" Thick $62.11 $186.33
1403 3 Red ¼" Thick $62.11 $186.33
Shipping: $120.00 ( To Alberta )
Total: $492.66

Also they stock 1/2" material in 6-lb density if you need more material surrounding your tools. 1/2" sheets are $97.61ea.
Cost increase expected 1/1/11.

[Ballsssssss]

I found that I used much more 1/2" than 1/4", but I did use the stuff to make travel kits where you don't want tools moving around.