If you own a 3D printer and want to organize your tools, you have probably come across three main approaches: Gridfinity bins, Milwaukee Packout inserts, and standalone custom trays. Each has clear strengths and trade-offs. This guide breaks down when to use each one.
Gridfinity: The Modular Standard
Gridfinity is an open-source modular storage system based on a 42mm grid. You print baseplates that mount in drawers or on shelves, then fill them with standardized bins that click into place. The ecosystem includes divider bins, solid bins, tool-specific cutout bins, and accessories from a massive community.
Strengths
- Modular and reconfigurable. Swap bins around as your tool collection changes.
- Huge community of pre-made designs on Printables, MakerWorld, and Thingiverse.
- Works in any drawer, shelf, or cabinet. Not locked into one toolbox brand.
- Baseplates can accept magnets for extra grip.
Limitations
- 42mm grid means some wasted space for tools that do not align cleanly to the grid.
- Not ideal for transport. Bins can shift if the baseplate is moved around a lot.
- Baseplates add print time and material cost on top of the bins themselves.
Best for
Workshop drawers, desk organization, electronics workbenches, and stationary storage where you want maximum flexibility.
Milwaukee Packout: Built for the Jobsite
The Milwaukee Packout system is a professional-grade modular toolbox platform. The cases interlock and stack securely, with options ranging from small organizers to rolling chests. 3D printed custom inserts drop inside the Packout cases to hold specific tools.
Strengths
- Extremely durable. IP65-rated cases, reinforced corners, metal latches.
- Designed for transport. Tools stay put in a truck bed or van.
- Wide range of case sizes. Everything from a compact organizer to a deep toolbox.
- Growing 3D printing community creating Packout-specific inserts.
Limitations
- Locked into the Packout ecosystem. Cases are not cheap ($30 to $200+ each).
- Interior dimensions are fixed per case model. You work within those constraints.
- Fewer pre-made 3D print files compared to Gridfinity.
Best for
Tradespeople, mobile professionals, van/truck toolbox setups, and anyone who needs their tools to survive being transported daily.
Custom Trays: Maximum Flexibility
A standalone custom tray is a simple rectangular (or oval or custom-shaped) container with tool-shaped cavities cut into it. No baseplate system, no specific case requirements. You design the outer shape and the tool cutouts to fit whatever space you have.
Strengths
- No system lock-in. Works in any drawer, case, bag, or surface.
- Exact dimensions. You set the outer size to match your exact space.
- Simplest to print. No base profiles or stacking geometry.
- Multiple tools with independent depths in a single tray.
Limitations
- Not modular. If your tool collection changes, you reprint the whole tray.
- No standardized mounting. The tray sits loose unless you add mounting features.
Best for
Odd-sized spaces, toolbox drawers from any brand, standalone desktop organization, and situations where you want one single insert that holds everything.
Can You Combine Them?
Absolutely. Many makers use a hybrid approach:
- Gridfinity baseplates in workshop drawers for small parts and hand tools.
- Custom Packout inserts in their mobile toolbox for power tools and job-specific kits.
- Standalone custom trays for workbench surfaces or specialized storage (electronics, 3D printer tools, etc.).
TracetoForge supports all three modes from the same photo. Upload once, switch between Gridfinity, custom tray, or 3D object output. Same tool trace, different output format.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Gridfinity | Packout Insert | Custom Tray |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modular | Yes | Partial | No |
| Transport-safe | Fair | Excellent | Depends |
| Fits any container | With baseplate | Packout only | Yes |
| Community designs | Massive | Growing | DIY |
| Multi-tool per unit | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost per insert | $1-3 filament | $1-5 filament | $1-3 filament |
Which Should You Choose?
If you are a tradesperson who moves tools between job sites daily, Packout inserts are worth the investment. If you have a stationary workshop and love modular flexibility, Gridfinity is the way to go. If you just need one custom insert for a specific drawer or case, a standalone custom tray is the simplest path.
Whichever system you choose, the process starts the same way: photograph your tools and generate a custom insert. Start here.
Related Guides
- Custom Milwaukee Packout Inserts - Step-by-step guide to photo-based Packout inserts
- Gridfinity Inserts from a Photo - Generate custom Gridfinity bins from a smartphone photo
- Photo-to-STL: How It Works - The technology behind turning photos into printable files
- Best 3D Printed Tool Organizer Ideas - Creative ideas for your workshop