When Robby Layton, technician and owner of Layton Autobody and Paint in Ephraim, Utah, found out about Milwaukee Tool’s PACKOUT wall storage system he knew it was an obvious solution for him.
Although he already has four Snap-on toolboxes — two 72”, one 54”, and a side locker — he still found most of his tools lying around the shop, whether sitting on top of a toolbox or on the ground under cars.
“I’m organized but not very good at figuring out organization,” he says. “Milwaukee makes it super simple with their PACKOUT cabinets and drawers. I mean basically, they give you the solution for putting stuff away and keeping it organized.”
Custom-fit
Spanning 7’ high and 7’ across, Layton was able to create his own “toolbox” by utilizing a modular system to fit his needs.
“It’s like a toolbox but it’s connected to the wall,” he notes. “It’s pretty sleek and it actually takes up less space than a [typical] toolbox. It goes higher on the wall but it’s not as deep as a toolbox.”
Everything from his cordless tools and batteries to bits, sockets, and tap and die sets has a dedicated spot on the wall, keeping both him and his team ready for anything.
“Everything has a place; everything has a holder,” he says. “Everything is just so efficient. [Milwaukee] really thought it through and made it very user-friendly to organize.”
Aside from functionality, Layton’s favorite part is how it looks.
“It looks pretty cool,” he states. “Having an entire wall that is nothing but tools is very aesthetically pleasing,” he adds.
Tool obsession
There’s just one rule when it comes to Layton’s wall of modular storage solution: It’s only to house Milwaukee tools. All other tools go in his Snap-on boxes — which are 90 percent Snap-on tools anyway, he claims.
He not only admits that the PACKOUT wall is “a little bit obsessive” but he also confesses that he’s fixated on having good tools. “I go a little overboard when it comes to tools because you have to have the correct tool for the job.”
He started his Milwaukee collection in 2012 and since 2013 he completely switched to using Milwaukee cordless tools.
The main reason is due to compatibility.
“The cool thing about Milwaukee is they don’t break compatibility,” he says. “I can clip on their new M18 Redlithium Forge XC6.0 battery into a tool that I have from 2012 and it will run just like a brand-new tool from 2023.”
Just the beginning
In addition to owning a collision repair shop as well as a tow company, Layton is also a full-time YouTube content creator (@RobbyLayton). Having the right tools is essential and staying organized is just as important.
When asked if he’ll be adding to his ‘wall of storage’, he responded, “Definitely.”
“This is my start,” he says. “I’ll probably end up getting the entire PACKOUT wall system.”
