A good craftsman does not spend precious time searching for the right tool, fixtures, parts or fasteners. He stores or transports all this wealth in appropriate tool boxes, where each thing has its place. If you belong to the category of such masters, it will be useful for you to know what kind of tool boxes are and what model is best for you.
Boxes for and tools can be classified according to several parameters: by purpose, by design features, by the material of manufacture.
Varieties of boxes depending on the destination are as follows:
Structurally, containers for storing and transporting tools are divided into:
Speaking about the difference between the boxes depending on the material used, it can be noted that metal and plastic are most often used for the manufacture of the above tool storages, however, in rare cases, you can also find wood from which trays or individual sections of the organizer can be made.
Consider each constructive variety separately.
Usually this is a box of a rectangular configuration made of durable rigid material (metal or hardened plastic). The frame is formed from the bottom and walls, and the hinged or removable cover is fixed with locks. There are models where retractable sections can act as a cover. Boxes are intended mainly for stationary storage of the tool or its movement over small distances. Despite the presence of handles, the boxes are not very suitable for manual transportation. But they have a large capacity and are well protected from environmental influences.
Traditional tool box.
It is made in the form of a small flat case with folding halves and a handle on one of the ends. Thanks to this design, carrying the case in your hands is very convenient than using the masters, whose work is associated with frequent movements. The only drawback of this model is its small capacity, which does not allow using it under a large tool.
Tool case.
In most cases, it looks like a case, although it can sometimes look like a bedside table with sliding sections. It is distinguished by the presence of many internal compartments designed to store small-sized parts (fasteners, interchangeable nozzles for a drill, etc.). Partitions between compartments are usually made removable - this allows you to change the configuration of the sections, adapting them to a particular tool or to small accessories (socket heads, bits, bolts, screws, etc.). The organizer can be useful not only to the master, but also to those who deal with small objects (in particular, fishermen).
Options for organizers for tooling and fasteners.
This is an open container, very similar to a drawer without a lid or a flat pallet with shallow recesses.Its main advantage is the ability to sort the tool in the desired sequence so that it is convenient to get to it. The tray is convenient to carry from place to place (with a handle) for a short distance, but it is still more suitable for stationary storage.
Tool tray.
It is a wheeled platform with a set of standard boxes in which you can put a large number of a wide variety of tools. This rather bulky and heavy construction is advisable to use when the nature of the work performed requires a wide range of parts, accessories and accessories. It is assumed that such a "whatnot" will be delivered to the object by car, and not by public transport.
Tool trolley.
Next, we consider the criteria that must be followed when choosing a tool container.
Box size - this parameter allows you to pre-evaluate the "weight category" and the suitability of the product for a tool of a certain length. The dimensions of the boxes are indicated in inches, but the length is an indicator of the main size. General dimensions are indicated, as a rule, in millimeters on three sides. To select the size of the box, you must know in advance the dimensions of the tools that are supposed to be stored in it and their total number. To assess the size of the future box, you can collect all the tools and make the necessary measurements.
On the one hand, the more branches there are, the better: you can sort out a lot of small things. On the other hand, a large number of compartments means their small size (with the same product size). When choosing for this indicator, the type of container should be taken into account. Traditional boxes usually consist of up to 20 compartments, and in organizers there can be all 30 or more.
Toolbox compartments.
The drawer sections are a movable unit divided into several compartments. Their purpose is to make the container as compact as possible when folded, and when unfolded - to provide convenient access to its contents. Sections can be extendable (located at the top and recline in different directions) or extendable (extendable from the inside like kitchen drawers). The former are more commonly found in boxes of the traditional type, the latter in carts and organizers.
Drawer with sliding sections.
Drawer with drawers.
It is convenient when the box has a built-in organizer, as a rule it is built into the box lid. This allows you to store smaller parts, accessories and fasteners together with a large tool. In this case, the lid of the box with the organizer will contain a set of cells of various sizes. The number of organizer cells varies depending on the number of installed partitions. It is worth remembering the inverse proportion between the number of cells and their volume.
Organizer built into the box lid.
Resizing compartments is not provided for in all types of containers, but most often this function is found in organizers and cases. With the help of rearrangement of partitions, you can change the size and even the configuration of the compartment, which will allow you to make the desired size of each cell for existing tools.
Drawer with sliding sections.
The presence of a removable tray eliminates the need to delve inside the drawer in search of the right thing. You can place the most frequently used tool in the tray and quickly use it in the process.
Drawer with removable tray.
The recessed handle is relevant in boxes and carts - this function allows you to reduce the dimensions of the container, which is very convenient during storage and transportation.Such a box is convenient in that you can place another box on top, for example with a power tool. In cases, the handle is a structural element and is rigidly fixed to the case.
Wheels for transportation are intended primarily for carts, but they can be equipped with a large box. The presence of wheels indicates that in front of us is a capacious container designed to move heavy overall cargo. The wheels can be one or two pairs. In the first case, inclined transportation is supposed, in the second - horizontal.
The meaning of the modular system is that it allows you to put several containers on top of each other, connecting them with special latches, and thus turn into one common storage. This feature is not available in all drawers, most often it is found in organizers and drawers. If you need to constantly store and transport a large number of tools, it will be rational to purchase boxes that can be combined into a common system.
The material for the manufacture of drawer locks is the choice between plastic and metal. The first is cheaper, but less durable. However, this has little effect on the total price of the container, and high-quality plastic, although durable material, is inferior to the metal counterpart.
Stanley 1-95-617 has overall dimensions of 662x293x295 mm. Made of durable plastic, a tray for small accessories is located at the top. It has a comfortable handle with soft inserts and two metal latches. It is possible to install a padlock.
Pros of Stanley 1-95-617 (26 ")
Cons Stanley 1-95-617 (26 ")
Conclusion. Due to its large capacity and ability to withstand heavy loads, the box is well suited for professionals (masons, plumbers, electricians, etc.). It should not be put in a puddle or snow, because water may enter the container. When fully loaded, the box is very heavy, far from being carried away by hand.
The box has overall dimensions of 560x310x285 mm and a capacity of 31 liters. The case is made of high strength polypropylene, the lid is fixed with metal locks. Three organizers are built into the box lid, and a special stop locks it in a raised position.
Pros Keter GEAR TOOL BOX 17200382 22 "
Cons Keter GEAR TOOL BOX 17200382 22 "
Conclusion. The box provides reliable storage of a large number of various tools and easy access to the contents, which makes it possible to perfectly organize the workplace. For small amounts of work, it is better to choose a less capacious, but cheaper analogue.
A high-quality 16-inch box made of thick and at the same time soft plastic has dimensions of 394x220x162 mm and weighs about 1 kg. Equipped with a rubberized grip handle. Easy to open with one hand thanks to the original design of the locks.
Pros of Stanley Basic Toolbox 1-79-216 16 "
Cons Stanley Basic Toolbox 1-79-216 16 "
Conclusion. The box is suitable for a small set of tools. The removable tray covers the workspace only partially, due to which good ergonomics are achieved. Due to its compactness, the box takes up little space, which is especially felt when it is in the trunk of a car. The lid requires careful handling, especially when its compartments are filled with heavy objects.
Strong, reliable 26-inch drawer with a large capacity of 662x293x222 mm in size with metal locks. Ergonomic handle with soft inserts for comfortable transport.The box provides space for a large-sized tool, at the same time there is a tray for all sorts of little things.
Pros of Stanley 1-95-614 26 "
Cons Stanley 1-95-614 26 "
Conclusion. The box is so capacious that enough dimensional tools are placed there, such as angle grinders, punchers, tile cutters, jigsaws, etc. Wearing it, of course, is difficult, but even a well-fed man weighing under 100 kg, or even more, can use it as a stand. For those who are engaged in large-scale works (for example, apartment renovation), this container will be very useful.
The SystemBox tool case can be safely described as a solid, durable, compact product for storage and transportation of hand tools. The case is made of high-quality polypropylene and has dimensions of 390x343x121 mm. With a weight of 1.5 kg withstands a load of 15 kg. The presence of two handles allows you to carry the case in both vertical and horizontal position.
Pros Bosch SystemBox size S
Cons Bosch SystemBox size S
Conclusion. The case is perfect for the cordless tool complete with accessories. Ergonomics can be strengthened by installing lining on the lid and adding additional organizer boxes for various trifles to the internal space. The case design provides for the possibility of combining two or even three boxes, that is, as a result, get a compact modular system.
A plastic box with wheels consists of three sections: the upper (with a sliding compartment), the middle (with two sliding compartments) and the lower (with a back pocket for long tools like a level or a hacksaw). The box is equipped with a convenient folding handle and wheels, which makes it easy to move it on a flat surface. Overall dimensions 488x348x866 mm, weight - 10.2 kg.
Pros of STANLEY Modular Rolling Workshop 1-79-206
Cons STANLEY Modular Rolling Workshop 1-79-206
Conclusion. The box can be called a universal solution for storing and moving a wide variety of tools, parts, fixtures and accessories. For minor repairs, it is enough to disconnect the box, but if large-scale work is carried out, you can roll up the entire rack assembly and enjoy the fact that the necessary tools are at hand and there is no need to spend time searching for them.
The box is equipped with two wheels and a handle for transportation. Due to its impressive dimensions (616x378x415 mm) it accommodates a large number of large and small objects. The organizer located on the cover has removable compartments of two sizes, and the guide rollers provide free access to the main compartment.
Pros of the Keter Sliding Tool Chest 18 17191709 24 "
Cons Keter Sliding Tool Chest 18 17191709 24 "
Conclusion. The box is put on wheels in the case when it is obviously clear that it will be difficult to move it manually due to the large weight of its contents.That is, the container is designed so that you can put a large number of tools into it, provide easy access to it and, if necessary, transport it to the right place.
The box is thoughtfully designed to store and safely move a wide range of tools and accessories. This is an open type container that is especially good for accommodating oversized tools. Equipped with a convenient telescopic handle. It weighs 7.8 kg with dimensions of 465x564x815 mm.
Pros Keter GEAR MOBILE CART 17200383 22 "
Cons Keter GEAR MOBILE CART 17200383 22 "
Conclusion. This model is a loyal assistant to professionals who are forced to take with them a heavy, dimensional and diverse tool (for example, door installers, plumbers, etc.). With heavy weight, the box can be transported together, using the locking latches as handles.
The professional organizer in the form of a case measuring 446x357x116 mm is designed for the orderly storage of various fasteners. It consists of 10 compartments that are clearly visible through a transparent cover. The movable partitions allow you to adjust the size and capacity of the cells and effectively use the internal space.
Metal latches hold the lid tightly, preventing spontaneous opening. A water-repellent coating applied around the perimeter protects the case from moisture.
Pros of FatMax Deep Pro Metal Latch Stanley 1-97-518
Cons FatMax Deep Pro Metal Latch Stanley 1-97-518
Conclusion. Users note the high functionality, reliability and ergonomics of this product. Professionals often buy two cases of this model at once: deep and shallow. This is enough to organize almost all the fasteners that may be required when performing a diverse type of work.
The vertical organizer in the form of a box measuring 365 x 155 x 225 mm, has 30 retractable removable compartments. Made of high strength plastic. Designed mainly for stationary storage of a wide range of fasteners. It weighs 1.3 kg.
Pros of Stanley 1-93-980
Cons Stanley 1-93-980
Conclusion. A very useful thing for a home workshop. If you put several boxes on one rack, you get a huge repository for all the little things that are only in the house, including sewing and fishing tavern. It’s not suitable for transportation - a compact case is more suitable for this purpose.
A professional organizer in the form of a case with a size of 422x334x52 mm has 25 compartments and is designed to store small fixtures, equipment and accessories. Strong latches securely hold the transparent cover, and a convenient handle facilitates manual transportation over a long distance.
Pros of Stanley 1-92-748
Cons Stanley 1-92-748
Conclusion. Case is twice thinner than its counterpart Stanley 1-97-518, respectively, and its capacity is significantly less. But if you need to place a relatively small amount of different stuff and often transport it back and forth, this organizer is a very good choice.
