Tool boxes and Cabinets
Choosing a tool box or cabinet that fits your needs requires a certain amount of care. It should be large enough to hold all of your tools neatly but small enough to fit in the space available. You should be able to find the right one for your needs with ease because there are many manufacturers of toolboxes, tool carts, and tool storage cabinets.
What should you look for in a tool box?
- Size: How many tools do you have now? How many do you plan to have in the future? Pick a tool box or cabinet that has enough tool storage room for all of them.
- Portability: If you plan on a large, stationary tool cabinet or chest for storage, will you also need a tool box for those times when you have to take your tools on the road?
- Organization: Is organization built into the tool box, or are the tools just jumbled together? Are there separate compartments for storage of things like nuts, bolts, tape, and other supplies?
What kinds of tool boxes are available?
There are a number of different kinds of tool boxes and cabinets. These include:
- Large Stationary Tool Cabinets: Sets of metal drawers for tools
- Large Tool Cabinets with Wheels: The same sets of metal drawers but on roller wheels to facilitate movement
- Hand-Carry Tool boxes: Small, carry-on-type suitcases for tools
- Portable Rolling Tool boxes: Same as the carry-ons but with wheels and a telescoping handle to make transport easier
What are the choices of materials?
- Steel: Tool chests made of steel were designed to be tough and durable. If you are looking for heavy duty, steel is it.
- Aluminum: This is a good choice because it is strong, durable, and lightweight. As a bonus, aluminum tool boxes do not rust.
- Plastic: Lightweight, high-impact plastic allows you to transport your tools without breaking the bank.
- Canvas: Tool bags made of canvas are inexpensive, lightweight, collapsible, and convenient.
Who needs a handheld tool box?
Even if you already own a large tool cabinet, you will need a smaller box for those times when you have to take tools out.
What should you look for in a handheld tool box?
- Size: It is large enough to carry whatever tools you may have to take out to a job.
- Storage: A handheld tool box should have inner trays or containers to keep small items separate but still within reach.
- Drawer liners: keep tools from rolling around and getting damaged.