New toolboxes
Posted by: PTEN editor
What do you look for when you’re buying a new toolbox? Special graphics packages, amount of storage, quality of construction, brand?
Or are your storage purchases more impulse buys based on what the tool guy has on special? Do you research a new toolbox like you would a new car, or just buy what’s available?
I will single out the best response I get and send the writer a gift:
The CatsPaw CatPack from Mayhew Tools. The CatPack includes the original lighted pick-up tool, lighted pen pick-up tool, pouch with heavy-duty metal belt clip, battery replacements for both pick-up tools and pen refills.
Thanks!
- Brendan, PTEN editor
** Congratulations to Chris Hanrahan, whose comment was picked for recognition. Chris will receive the Mayhew Tools CatsPaw set.**
August 15th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I look for decent quality. The largest cubic inches available and a range of different drawer depths, and widths. Depth should be between 24 and 30 inches. Length is governed by available shop space. And the cost must be less than the cost of the last truck I purchased. Anything more and my wife would require it to have a bed and a bath. Paint should be good quality. I don’t require or like special paint jobs, or limited run specials. Anyone ever see the run of 2 pink Snap On boxes? Even in pink Snap On looks pretty.
August 15th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
durability and prompt repair when a issue arises
August 15th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
A tool box is an investment, so like anything else you care about quality should be 1st priority. Ball bearing drawer slides are a must, and a variance of drawer heights makes it easy to maximize space and keep things organized. I mean really, who needs a 4″ drawer for a set of screw drivers? Each compartment should have a finger lock or detent so unopened drawers stay that way. It should have a nice locking system that doesnt need to be twisted or rattled to work. Unless its stainless, the box should be primed before painted so the paint actually sticks to something and lasts for years. Quality casters with locks are nice, especially if your working in a large shop with other people and need to be mobile.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I look for features, a decent size, with access to high use tools. Paint should be durable, and able to be cleaned easily. Some of today’s boxes have great features, but lack some needed increases in hutch height, accesory availabilty, etc. Cost is a major factor, as my wife doesn’t like the idea of a second mortgage, unless the box features a folding bed, and a fenced area for my dogs. If a second mortgage is required, I’ll be living in the box, not at home.
Limited run specials and custom paint is okay, if you’re into that. I’m looking for a straight up, well-built box, with only the bells and whistles that I will use. NASCAR thems are nice, but only if that particular driver is winning, or not retired.
August 15th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Good quailty craftmanship with strong casters for moveable boxes. a range of drawer height would enable one to arrange tools in a professional and ease of sight inventory. depth of the draws should be at least 24 to 30 inches. while i dont mind paying for quality i should not have to take out a second loan on my house nor work for free for a year to pay the tool truck. choice of colors should be available. drawers with moveable spacers would be nice or possible compartments within the top drawers
August 17th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I usually have more in a drawer than I should have. I work with heavy equipment and trucks so our tools are bigger. Heavy duty construction in a tool box has to carry more than it is designed to. So build them tough for max capacity. It doesn’t have to have many different colors and offer stereo’s or TV’s for a working technician. Just build them big enough with strong drawers and strong security locks. It wouldn’t hurt to start putting theft tracking devices in the frames in some hidden places either. Motion detector sound alarms for people who try to roll away your tool box. Laptops have finger print technology built into the system to where no one can access your laptop but you. The same can be done for locked tool boxes. That to me would be much more important than a stupid stereo system. I have my own radios and TV’s thank you.
August 19th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I look for quality as well. I prefer the older boxes. I too work on Heavy Equipment as well as smaller vehicles. I have a total of 5 tools boxes. Top,2 side boxes, 2 roll cabinets. I made a frame for the boxes from 2×2 square tubing with 8 inch casters. I find that the older boxeds were built with stronger steel. I prefer roller bearing slides as well but only a few of my drawers have them. Durible paint that can be easily cleaned is important. I try to clean (polish) my box once a year. A tracking device would be a good idea as well.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:00 am
The box needs to be at least 24″or deeper and 54″or wider. It needs to roll good and have a very good locking system. It should have alot of sq. inches and still have most drawers over 2″ deep. The wider the drawers the better, and they must stay closed without locking. It has to have a locker for diagnostic equiptment and computer. IT HAS TO BE RIGID FRAME CONSTRUCTION, AND NOT FLEX.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:40 am
I just reciently purchased a tool box for the home garage. I must say I am not a trained auto tech, but I am sure I looked at all the things the pros would look at. Name, duriability, construction, materials, where manufactured, extras (cup holder), warranty, and price. I think all these things are important. But on some things you might have to give up on some things to gain on others. Over all it all boils down to if this tool box is right for me and will it do exactly what I want it to not what someone else wants!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:02 pm
quality and future service if a problem arises. price is also a consideration. do you really need a ten thousand dollar box with a race car on it? do i want a box that takes up a whole bay? do i want my wife to talk to me after i buy it? thank you.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
When I first started out, 35 years ago, I started with what my personal experience dictated was the best. Craftsman. As my career and tool selection grew I moved through Mac, Matco, and on to Snap-On. Of course as my experience grew, I was able to see fundamental differences in each manufacturers tool box. I don’t go for special colors, or any of those cheesy stick on graphics, for me it is more important to never have to think about my boxes, or worry about putting a scratch in them. I look for build quality, drawer and bin layout, ease of maintenance, and last but not least, trade in value. Snap-On is my choice in all of those areas. I did break one of my own rules a few years ago when I bought two 75th Anniversary Snap-On tops and bottoms. I made the mistake of promising my Snap-On rep that I would replace my KR-1000’s with nothing until the Anniversary boxes came out. Time flies, and I had to belly up to the bar. While they are rediculously expensive, I haven’t regretted my decision once.
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I look for brand name and someon who will be there if something goes wrong. One box every time a slide goes out the tool man take care of it best tool box i’ve had. Another name brand I bought the box was showing signs of fatigue(cracks) and then cracked. Toolman said lets watch it. Well I watched it crack. Now they won’t take care of it at all. So if you’re looking for a box get a warranty/garantee in writing. Other than that capacity and ease of movement across the shop. Mike
September 5th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I’m surprised that so many missed this point….
Modjular, the ability to add onto a box with side boxes, instead of having to buy an altogether new box when I need more space because of tool additions.
Of course Strength, and Durability, why buy a “tinfoil” toolbox?
Not into tool boxe where I need a ladder to see the top either. Be darned if I’ll climb a ladder every time I need a tool from the top shelf, work is tiring enough.
At least 30″ deep, perhaps a bit deeper would be nice? And 54″ wide is nice too. There are some looong tools out there that need to be stored somewhere!
Hope this helps!
September 5th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
What I look for is an Investment. It must hold up to the rigors of everyday use. It should have a finish that is durable and resistant to a variety of chemicals, dirt and grime, and easily cleaned. The drawers should be configurable as your tool collection grows. It has to be expandible. It definitely has to be functional and readily be serviceable. I have been a service technician for over twenty five years have had many tool boxes and taco wagons of all brands shapes and sizes. I will say this Snap-On is the brand for me. Service has never been an issue. they are built to last and stand the test of time, I’m due for a new one and will not hesitate to buy Snap-On again.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
The features I look for in a tool box are ruggedness, because I am a heavy equipment mechanic, and the ‘box’ gets thrown into the back of a truck with out suffering major damage. I also look for ball bearing slides on the drawers for ease of opening. Another item on my want list is adequate dividers in the drawers or one drawer separated into two or three compartments for those tools you want to keep separate. I also look for a box that will allow me to take out the drawers relatively easy to allow me to load the box from truck to pickup or from work bench to pickup at the beginning or end of shift. I am brand loyal since I have not found a box that will hold up as welol as an American made Snap-On.