Compact organisable general duty toolbox recommendations

[YesIHaveAHammer]

As a DIYer and general fixer favour guy for friends and family, I usually have a general hand tools toolbox in the car, as I'm likely to need it for one thing or another. It's a compact aluminium case style, weighs 13kg (of which 2kg is the box itself), and fits out of the way in the passenger footwell or behind one of the rear seats. So there's always a spot for it regardless of whether I have a few passengers, luggage, or a bike etc. It's absolutely packed out full (13 litres internal), and despite some general areas (no dividers) for different types/shapes of tools, it's mostly a pile of tools that has to be unpicked and repacked.

I'm interested in improving that, while maintaining compactness. Quite open minded, and appreciate that many things are tradeoffs. I've been through many threads on here (lots of good links from this post) but would like some thoughts for my specific needs.

Contents - hammer, fixed and adjustable wrenches, various pliers, socket set (not in own box), screwdrivers, keys, bits and driver, measurement and marking things, cutters and knives, junior hacksaw, multimeter, ...those sorts of things.



Cantilever toolboxes... good access and organisation, but likely to damage my interior.

Tool bags... unstructured ones have no organisation, structured ones are pouch/pocket per tool which seems inefficient.

Tool rolls... likely to be on the small side and space-inefficient. Never thought of it until I saw this Pangolin. I would however like to be able to just open the box and grab something rather quickly, without unrolling and opening pencil case zips etc.

Plastic standard toolboxes... no organisation apart from a tote tray that lies on the top inside.

Plastic Pelican-type cases... the shape works but lack of organisation in most options, often people do foam (I won't), or get tool cards/pallets with elastics on them. There is the Keter 221474 which is just a little bit too long.

Plastic system/stack toolboxes... there's a lot of innovation and competition in this space, but most of the options are very large, heavy (almost 5kg), and space inefficient (50-60% internal volume for the external) due to the interlocking mechanisms and rugged design. The case type (e.g. standard Packout box) opens on the biggest side, giving you a lot of access, however they're too long (>50cm) to fit anywhere I want to put them. The ammo box type (e.g. compact Packout box) might suit; it has good flexible internal organisation, good shape, weighs 3kg, quite efficient (66%; 22 litres inside), and could lock a parts organiser underneath. There's also the various L-BOXX brands for which various internal organisation accessories are available, but the shape/size combos don't suit (that goes for Metabox/Systainer too).

What would you go for? Box/bag/brand etc. I'm in the UK but feel free to share any international options for our general interest.

 

[tyyost]

I have two tool punches that hold the tools vertically and have a variety of internal loops, and don’t find either disorganized. My electrical hand tools are all in a clc square organizer that fits nicely in a 5 gallon bucket for storage/rust prevention. I also have a handyman tool set that is in my trunk in a milwaukee pouch with a shoulder strap. I find both excellent to work out of, and stays as organized as I need for the jobs I do.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Most compacted I go is this three tiered box. I don't even think Plano or who ever was the Original manufacturer makes it any more..

 

[GJreader]

I have the same 3 tiered box except its a gray Craftsman version I got from Sears decades ago. It holds my plumbing tools.

 

[GeoBruin]

This is a pretty small cantilever tool box (HF Mini box for scale) but I was able to stuff a lot in it (owing in part to the custom 3d printed organizers). They get heavy, and I can't imagine lifting one larger than this if it were similarly filled.

 

[GeoBruin]

And here's a Pelican box for something a bit more comprehensive, though you mentioned you don't like foam.

 

[richfinn]

Veto Pro-Pac works for me (I have an OT-MC and various add on pouches)

Expensive but well built, easy to organize, high tool density, comfortable to carry

Tool Bags, Tool Backpacks and Tool Storage That Works - VetoProPac

VetoProPac tool bags are designed to keep your tools vertically organized for tool storage, offer easy access, & easy carrying of tool bags, tool pouch, tool backpacks, etc.

vetopropac.com

 

[N8sToolz]

I do enjoy a tool roll for my Jeep. It's probably the most compact form in tool density. Everything stays in its place though.

In my other truck I have a larger tool bag that lives in the truck box, the bag is probably too heavy to lug around, but the tools I do need live in zip up pouches that I can grab easy enough.

I think if your looking for a setup that is more aligned like a mechanic shop you may have to just start convert the back of your car into a mobile workstation with drawers.

 

[scooby074]

Cantalever box like above can hold a ton in a compact form as illustrated. Id find a way to make it work

 

[Dave455]

Sorting out a good mobile box is one of the most difficult tasks out there.

There are quite a few threads on the subject.

The problem is, whatever you end up with, it can always be made bigger (and carry more stuff ) or smaller (and be more portable).

The trick is to get it about right and avoid the urge to change it.

My own ”road box” is an ex army .50” ammunition box.

This size -


There are all manner of reasons why it’s unsuitable.

It’s really too small, and I can’t fit in a full size hammer. It’s the wrong shape, things get buried at the bottom and I have to unpack everything to get those tools. And you can’t really pack tools loose or they would damage each other, so tools have to be wrapped somehow.

On the upside, it’s durable. It’s about the right size to carry in a vehicle, it’s got a waterproof seal, and I can fit basically this lot in it (the socket set has to travel separately).



Thing is, what are the options?

Anything with trays needs precisely cut foam to hold everything in place. This is totally impractical in my opinion. It takes too much work to do, it’s a total space waster if you complete it, and it allows no options for change.

I did sit down and work out a pretty near perfect “road box” based on a cantilever box. It’s great, but it seldom gets used as it’s just too heavy. If I was starting again I’d probably go with a small cantilever box such as GeoBruin above and max it out. Nice job there.

There are some very nice mid size boxes, such as this Facom BT6A that could form the basis of a good compact set up, especially if you made your own trays.


Tool rolls work well - I’m gradually switching to those to organise things inside my ammo box. They could organise things inside any box.

Make sure you get proper ones though with individual pockets. Some of these things with a few big pouches don’t give the protection or organisation you need.

 

[Dave455]

If I was to give any further general advice it would be to avoid plastic boxes. Although the milwaukee ones are not bad (they’re made by Keter) most are not rugged enough.

Keter make these “Technicians cases” which are readily available in the U.K. and not a bad “ready to roll” option. They’re often available under other names, sometimes cheaper.



Both Facom and Stahlwille offer a nice selection of metal boxes, including some compact ones, and none are expensive.

Facom also offer some nice heavy leather bags. These could work well with tool rolls and won’t damage a vehicle.

And of course the Toyo / Trusco boxes are readily available.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

This is a pretty small cantilever tool box (HF Mini box for scale) but I was able to stuff a lot in it (owing in part to the custom 3d printed organizers). They get heavy, and I can't imagine lifting one larger than this if it were similarly filled.

Interesting. I see it's an ST-350 which weighs 2.6kg - not much more than my current one. I have room for something bigger, and I work it out to be 8.7L capacity which is a too small. I'd seen the TL-410, the size is good, but it's 4.6kg and the handle doesn't have a pivot so sticks up when closed.

And here's a Pelican box for something a bit more comprehensive, though you mentioned you don't like foam.

I've done it for some of my power tools and I do quite like the finished product (took some time though!), but for this I want more flexibility and space efficiency.

Veto Pro-Pac works for me (I have an OT-MC and various add on pouches)

Expensive but well built, easy to organize, high tool density, comfortable to carry

I'd seen this range, good to hear the density is high. I may well try it out on paper to see what would go where.

I think if your looking for a setup that is more aligned like a mechanic shop you may have to just start convert the back of your car into a mobile workstation with drawers.

Indeed, some things just can't happen within the constraints I wish about how my car should be.

Cantalever box like above can hold a ton in a compact form as illustrated. Id find a way to make it work

Worth another thought. There are 40cm and even 30cm boxes from Bahco, but the handles stick up rigid. Then options from Facom, Beta, Unior, Stahlwille around the 45cm mark. Perhaps I could affix some molded plastic to the corners to protect the car interior.

Make sure you get proper ones though with individual pockets. Some of these things with a few big pouches don’t give the protection or organisation you need.

Indeed, after the initial awe, that's what I thought about that Pangolin.

 

[richfinn]

Interesting. I see it's an ST-350 which weighs 2.6kg - not much more than my current one. I have room for something bigger, and I work it out to be 8.7L capacity which is a too small. I'd seen the TL-410, the size is good, but it's 4.6kg and the handle doesn't have a pivot so sticks up when closed.


I've done it for some of my power tools and I do quite like the finished product (took some time though!), but for this I want more flexibility and space efficiency.


I'd seen this range, good to hear the density is high. I may well try it out on paper to see what would go where.


Indeed, some things just can't happen within the constraints I wish about how my car should be.


Worth another thought. There are 40cm and even 30cm boxes from Bahco, but the handles stick up rigid. Then options from Facom, Beta, Unior, Stahlwille around the 45cm mark. Perhaps I could affix some molded plastic to the corners to protect the car interior.


Indeed, after the initial awe, that's what I thought about that Pangolin.

Veto actually have a new tool roll style organizer coming out very soon, includes socket and wrench organization.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Veto actually have a new tool roll style organizer coming out very soon, includes socket and wrench organization.

Wow, 4.4kg empty. That's 2-tray metal cantilever toolbox territory. They forgot to convert lb to kg.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

A design analysis of midsize cantilever toolboxes, 2-level with 2 fold-out compartments unless stated otherwise, weighing 3-3.5kg.

Beta C19

• Single non-linkage fold-flat handle
• Open by pulling compartments apart by their lids
• Lids hinge on a pivot at each end, face outward at an angle when open

Facom BT.6A

• Single full-size upper compartment
• Small molded fold-flat handle attached to lid (max 15kg; plenty)
• Open by pulling handle which opens lid and operates linkage to move upper compartment
• Lid hinges on full-length sheet metal hinge, lays flat on ground when open
• Closing hasp/staple is weight bearing, so may be wise to secure for transport
  • Update: the lower edge of the staple is actually tapered, so the under weight the staple is held shut.
• Foam pre-fitted
• Smaller capacity (10L), narrower (17cm)

Facom BT.9

• Two fold-flat handles, connected to simple linkage
• Flat metal handles, but tube-shaped in middle for hand comfort
• Open by pulling handles apart
• Lids hinge on pivot at each end as well as full-length sheet metal linge, lay horizontal when open
• Foam pre-fitted

Stahlwille 83/010

• Single fold-flat handle, connected to complex linkage
• Open by pressing handle down. Handle in down position may obstruct access to lower compartment.
• Lids hinge on full-length sheet metal hinge, lays down vertically when open (not as in above photo)
• Fixed metal divisions at 2/3rds position in upper compartments

Unior 914/3

• Two folding handles, attached to upper compartment sheet (so is weight bearing), fold down but not flat
• Open by pulling handles apart
• Lids hinge on pivot at each end, face vertically up when open
• Handle design may put an expanding force on your hand while carrying

Bahco 9601

• Disqualified due to fixed handle that sits straight upright when closed

 

[IndyGarage]

I've had exactly what the OP wants in my Veto Pro Pac for about 12 years. It has worked perfectly for that task. They are expensive, but worth every penny - I haven't lost a single tool in that time, and I've got it filled with fairly pricey tools. I added it up one time and it's almost $2,000 in tools.

The key to the Veto is there is a specific place for every tool. You can easily look quickly at the end of a job to make sure you have repacked everything. You also don't spend any time digging around looking for stuff. It saves a ton of time when you do dozens of quick fix jobs every month. It also has a rubber molded bottom so nothing gets wet when you set it down in the mud or a puddle.

And it's built to last. Mine is a dozen years old - has been in and out of my truck hundreds of times, has been in the rain, in the snow and all around my house and all my tools are clean, all the zippers and handles still work fine.

My larger DIY set is a Milwaukee Packout setup. It's a little less portable, but a little more capable.

Veto actually have a new tool roll style organizer coming out very soon, includes socket and wrench organization.

I also like the idea of that roll style, but I don't think it would beat the original pro pac.

 

[dr_clyde]

This is my small box I carry in the back seat of my truck. It can handle almost all the “hey can you…” jobs that I run into at my moms or in-laws house or out traveling.





I also carry a larger cantilever box in the bed (I have a tonneau cover) that holds a pretty complete set of hand tools for mobile work.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I have the same 3 tiered box except its a gray Craftsman version I got from Sears decades ago. It holds my plumbing tools.

Was going to say I recall Sears Craftsman making this one, and possibly in a few different sizes as well.

 

[gleman]

Was going to say I recall Sears Craftsman making this one, and possibly in a few different sizes as well.

I have this one.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Was going to say I recall Sears Craftsman making this one, and possibly in a few different sizes as well.

Klein also had the same box. After more thinking about it I think it was Flambeau that made them. I have a plastic Snap On carry tote with a single drawer that was made by them also.
The Snap On plastic 5 drawer boxes are also Flambeau.

They had a bigger EMS line of boxes in High visibility colors

https://www.flambeaucases.com/collections/medical-storage

You can see the Snap On plastic 5 drawer box in this link
https://www.flambeaucases.com/collections/first-aid

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Went for the Facom BT.9 above, really pleased with it upon initial observations. It's certainly better thought out and constructed than the others I considered. Thanks all for your inputs.

The internal size is the same as my previous at 13 litres, which suits me as I do a lot out of this, rather than a more basic just in case toolset. The total floor area of the compartments is 1.8x of previous, so tool accessibility is much improved - almost anything can be grabbed with one hand while the other lifts/moves something else out of the way.

There are extruded feet on the bottom, with a 6.5mm hole in each. I expect they are so large to allow fitment of rubber feet (which I will), rather than being solely for drainage.

External dimensions check:

• Length 475mm listed. Box body measured at 450mm, with mechanism 465mm, with handles 473mm.
• Width 220mm listed. Box body measured at 210mm, with lid and hinges 220mm.
• Height 185mm listed. Box including lid measured at 162mm (edges) or 170mm (center lips), 180mm with handles folded down, 263mm with handles up.

Cantilever toolboxes... good access and organisation, but likely to damage my interior.

This is actually unlikely to be a problem. At its size and loaded weight of just under 15kg, it's very manouverable and controllable. The edges are fairly rounded.

Flat metal handles, but tube-shaped in middle for hand comfort

Two tubes are less comfortable than the molded handle I had before, as expected. I might look for something to fit around each of the handle tubes (12.5mm diameter).

Open by pulling handles apart

This works nicely and very controlled in both directions. Smooth, quiet, not stiff.

Lids hinge on pivot at each end as well as full-length sheet metal linge, lay horizontal when open

Actually only a sheet metal hinge, riveted on. Smooth and no play. The "pivots" I saw are actually to secure the sides together.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

There are extruded feet on the bottom, with a 6.5mm hole in each. I expect they are so large to allow fitment of rubber feet (which I will), rather than being solely for drainage.

They must be for feet, because every compartment's lower corners has a small drainage gap.

Pretty pleased with this solution, let's see how they hold up. I wanted something which would be safe on tiled and wooden floors. Maybe 1mm internal protrusion vertical, so effectively nothing.

The external cup in the toolbox body where the hole is has a diameter of 13mm, hence the use of a thumb nut to get past that and make 16mm diameter feet. You could also use some washers and a hex nut, although they'd have smaller foot diameter. The gap (visible shoulder of the thumb nut) is 2mm, it'd be possible to shorten the screws and file down the shoulders to reduce this.

From Accu:
M6 x 8mm Slotted Mushroom Screws - Black Stainless Steel (A2)
M6 (6mm) x 8mm x 16mm Thin Thumb Nuts - Nylon
6.3mm x 14mm x 1mm Flat Washers - Polyamide

 

[dlwilson]

I do it a different way, since I usually have some advance notice of a requested repair, and it's not just "oh hey could you fix this?". I just have an open toolbox, and I wander around the garage grabbing what I'll need, like wrenches, or plumbing stuff, or electric, or drywall, or whatever. I go the site, do that repair, then come home and unpack the toolbox. I've thought about keeping boxes ready for various tasks, but that would be a lot of duplication of tools, and a lot of toolboxes to store.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, The handiest all around Tool Box i recall owning was a Kennedy Kit, cantilevered tool box i bought used in the late 1950's. I paid $10 for it, the seller probably had stolen it from the Air Force.

That box held all my tools, except for my hand saw. I didn't own any power tools until 1970. That box served me well until i stupidly left it behind when i moved. It was replaced in 1969 by a Waterloo Chest, if i remember correctly

 

[rust in the eye]

I have this one.

Pretty sure Waterloo made these for a lot of others.
I have two in a slightly different version, one branded Snap-On, the other by the maker, Waterloo.
Long discontinued. "sit, stand, tote" they were called. Sears Craftsman offered one with a wheeled caddy.
They are big and can be loaded with a LOT, one of mine is near 100#.

 

[dr_clyde]

Pretty sure Waterloo made these for a lot of others.
I have two in a slightly different version, one branded Snap-On, the other by the maker, Waterloo.
Long discontinued. "sit, stand, tote" they were called. Sears Craftsman offered one with a wheeled caddy.
They are big and can be loaded with a LOT, one of mine is near 100#.

I have one of these branded from Snap On. FANTASTIC box. I use it for my leads and accessories for my Miller Maxstar when I'm on the road.

 

[The Metric System]

IMO the problem with tool boxes for something you travel with is that they are not deformable, and always take up more room than needed no matter how full or empty they are.

I travel extensively for work, and over the years have tried just about every option for how to transport tools in a way that is light and compact while still being organized and easy to work out of when needed.

My solution is a soft-sided tool bag, something like this but with the rigid insert removed: https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-G-I-Style-Mechanics-Tool/dp/B000BFNJEI?tag=atomicindus08-20

Inside of that I pack my tools in clear zipper bags organized by function/size etc: https://www.amazon.com/SUNEE-Multis...rganizing/dp/B07RGHT11D/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Bigger items like multimeters just go in the outer bag loose.

This gives me a useful lightweight pack that only takes up slightly more space than the tools inside of it, and when I use the tools I just pull the bags out and the transparent sides make it very easy to find everything when needed.

 

[madison069]

I have just about anything for most repairs in these tool rolls and bags. If I can’t fix it with these tools then I will just call AAA.
These are in my wife’s car.

Keeps it nice and clean in the back.

 

[Samuel D]

They must be for feet, because every compartment's lower corners has a small drainage gap.

I wondered about that too but never found any Facom documentation confirming it or Facom rubber feet for sale (and why would they not sell feet?).

So in the end I thought maybe the hole was an artefact of the manufacturing of the existing embossed feet. Possibly the hole allows a punch press to form the feet with thicker material (less stretch) than would occur with unpunched sheet? Guessing. I’m not knowledgeable about manufacturing.

Pretty pleased with this solution, let's see how they hold up. I wanted something which would be safe on tiled and wooden floors. Maybe 1mm internal protrusion vertical, so effectively nothing.

Thanks for reporting your method. I considered something along those lines but ultimately did nothing. I wondered if a simple IKEA FIXA-like sticky pad of sufficient diameter to sit on the raised circle might work fine. What do you think of that? I’m not thrilled with the height of your method.

I have several Facom BT.11 and BT.9 boxes as permanent storage for most of my hand tools in a flat. I kept buying them for years because after seeing the first one I found it hard to imagine other companies improving on them for the 60-odd euros I paid for each of them. They have many good design details, as you note, and the build quality is consistently excellent.

Be aware that the paint easily chips from a starting scratch and the underlying metal then quickly rusts.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I wondered about that too but never found any Facom documentation confirming it or Facom rubber feet for sale (and why would they not sell feet?).

I asked them about this and received back a suspiciously AI-like response explaining what push-in rubber feet are, and directing me to find a retailer.

I wasn't really expecting they'd sell them as I'd probably have already found them if they did. I guess most people don't care enough, or might stick a steel bolt in there (saw a photo of that somewhere), and it wouldn't be a profitable item to sell. Perhaps once upon a time such feet were included with sold boxes, but later omitted to reduce costs.

So in the end I thought maybe the hole was an artefact of the manufacturing of the existing embossed feet. Possibly the hole allows a punch press to form the feet with thicker material (less stretch) than would occur with unpunched sheet? Guessing. I’m not knowledgeable about manufacturing.

I also got a BT.6A. This has similar stamped feet but with a flat base and no hole.

I considered something along those lines but ultimately did nothing.

I was looking on Leboncoin (French eBay-like site) for some better photos before buying, and found some photos of used ones. Seeing the condition of the bottoms of some of them was enough to make me do something!

I wondered if a simple IKEA FIXA-like sticky pad of sufficient diameter to sit on the raised circle might work fine.

I think only if the box is placed on perfectly flat surfaces with no raised stones, away from any edges to catch the pad, and not getting damp through e.g. grass.

I’m not thrilled with the height of your method.

I may file down the shoulder of the nut to remove the gap, then it would be perfect I think. I measure the effective heights as: box stamped feet at 2.5mm, nut shoulder 2.5mm, nut base 4mm, total 9mm. I browsed everything Accu and general internet had available, and this was the best possible using unmodified parts - I just got them today and fitted them quickly to see.

I kept buying them for years because after seeing the first one I found it hard to imagine other companies improving on them for the 60-odd euros I paid for each of them. They have many good design details, as you note, and the build quality is consistently excellent.

Indeed. When I did my comparison analysis it revealed they are a cut above the competitors.

Be aware that the paint easily chips from a starting scratch and the underlying metal then quickly rusts.

It is pretty "nice" enough that I'll take care of it, and it's not for work use, so should have a relatively easy life. Thanks for the tip, I'll try and address any scratches in good time. I seem to remember the paint RAL codes are widely known online. But in the end it is a toolbox rather than an ornament!

 

[Samuel D]

I also got a BT.6A. This has similar stamped feet but with a flat base and no hole.

Interesting. Maybe the lighter expected weight of that one does not demand methods to strengthen the feet to prevent their collapse under rough treatment.

I would be surprised if Facom thought the other boxes needed the option of home-made feet but not this BT.6. So I still think the hole might be manufacturing related. (But enough of my guesswork.)

Did you figure out what the A suffix means?

And any signs of country of origin, usually difficult with Facom?

I bought some of my BT.9 and BT.11 boxes from a Dutch site called Klium.nl. Their shipping note includes country of origin (revealing a lot of non-German Gedore, but that’s another story). The BT.9A CoO was France. The BT.11GPB (another suffix) CoO was Belgium. Construction and quality of the two were practically identical. At the time, Klium charged more for the smaller BT.9 (BT.11 prices have since gone up).

I was looking on Leboncoin (French eBay-like site) for some better photos before buying, and found some photos of used ones. Seeing the condition of the bottoms of some of them was enough to make me do something!

I got my first BT.11, used, while living in Paris for €15 on Leboncoin from a lady in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. I might have a picture of it from then to compare to the same box today to show the paint flaking / rust growth. If so I’ll get back to this thread.

I think only if the box is placed on perfectly flat surfaces with no raised stones, away from any edges to catch the pad, and not getting damp through e.g. grass.

Good points. On the other hand, if you set yours on carpet, including car carpet, it will sit on the feet. Without the feet (or with very shallow feet), the middle of the box will be better supported by carpet.

But in the end it is a toolbox rather than an ornament!

Of course. And not even particularly expensive. Still, eventually broad areas of rust become a structural problem.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Did you figure out what the A suffix means?

No, well not until now. I knew there's a discontinued BT.4A (photo below), which has some lid/handle aspects in common. There are other current models with "A" in the suffix, but I couldn't spot any pattern.



A Google Images search for "BT.6" brings the below up on Leboncoin (actual ad is gone), so it appears the A is added to distinguish from older versions. BT.6A is pictured earlier in this thread.

And any signs of country of origin, usually difficult with Facom?

Didn't notice, will have a look another day.

The BT.9A

Typo I presume - BT.9, no suffix.

if you set yours on carpet, including car carpet, it will sit on the feet. Without the feet (or with very shallow feet), the middle of the box will be better supported by carpet.

True. I'm not worried from the box's perspective; mine is 15kg total of which 3.4kg is the box itself, and the spec is a 20kg "useful load". But perhaps something to keep in mind for any indoors house use in case of sinking marks.

 

[908Jim]

Most compacted I go is this three tiered box. I don't even think Plano or who ever was the Original manufacturer makes it any more..

I have this one.

I have a craftsman (Waterloo) version from the early 2000s and I love it. Slim and easy to carry with tons of space. Would buy another one in a heartbeat if they were still made.

 

[ohhimark]

My USAG 646 has the same/similar feet on the bottom with a punched hole. I put stick on feet on them, one came off very soon after. USAG didn't respond to when I inquired about matching feet for them. It sits in the spare tire well, which is carpet lined, so no worry about scratches. Still, push in rubber feet or something would be nice.

 

[Samuel D]

My BT.11 as purchased secondhand in 2015 (wow, that’s been a while). Note rust spot near right-most Facom sticker:


Crop of the same 10-year-old photo:


And here’s the same box photographed today, albeit from the side with the old rust spot:


So don’t be as lazy as me about rust, I guess.

The rust around the padlock hole is probably from paint chips started by … a padlock. I used to take this toolbox across France in the luggage compartment of a coach (long-distance bus) with a few grand of fancy bicycle tools inside. No-one was likely to walk away with the heavy box at stops (though I still stared out the window), but they might have lifted the lids and chosen something to their liking. So that’s another benefit of this Facom design: easy locking.

 

[Samuel D]

Typo I presume - BT.9, no suffix.

Correct. No A suffix (or any other suffix). Sorry for more confusion.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

And any signs of country of origin, usually difficult with Facom?

Nothing on either box, and I'm afraid I've already disposed of the cardboard pieces and plastic shrinkwrap the BT.9 came in.

BT.6A came in an exactly sized cardboard box with generic recycling information printed on it on French. Sticker on it "CE BL FD le 06/02/2025" (maybe a manufacture date), address of Facom in France (could just be head office) and my country's importer.

 

[Dave455]

The last two Facom tool boxes I bought, one a BT.6A, the other a cantilever box, were both marked as made in Italy.

Both are still shown as such on the RS Components website.

 

[fishwatcher]

Very interesting thread. I’d love to see the new box with your tools in it. I often take tools to my dad or in-laws’ house to fix things. I don’t have enough duplicate tools for a dedicated set, so I gather what I think I’ll need and throw them in a Craftsman nylon bag. Not ideal.