Creative uses for portable toolboxes

[bbrennan]

I have several portable toolboxes...the kind you get when you first start out. The boxes rarely get used ever since I moved up to roll-away boxes however I've been reluctant to sell them. Have any of you come up with interesting/creative uses for portable toolboxes? Post pictures if you can.

 

[FJ 432]

Welcome. You are quite the chatty member. 4 year member and first post!

No pictures. Mine are currently collecting dust....

 

[lotsoftools]

I keep one of my extra tool boxes (that I can't bear to sell) filled with my extra sockets (that I also can't bear to sell).

 

[mikeburris]

I have a tow strap and all my tie down straps in one.

 

[slip knot]

I use mine as specialty boxes. One is full of plumbing supplies, interior. One is for PEX supplies and tools. One is dedicated to CATV with tools and terminations. One has my 3/4 socket set in it. One is set up for auto/trailer lighting with bulbs and lens' for all my equipment. You can find all kind of uses for smaller tool boxes.

 

[28HopUp]

I use mine as specialty boxes. One is full of plumbing supplies, interior. One is for PEX supplies and tools. One is dedicated to CATV with tools and terminations. One has my 3/4 socket set in it. One is set up for auto/trailer lighting with bulbs and lens' for all my equipment. You can find all kind of uses for smaller tool boxes.

Same here. It's easy to set up each box for a specific job, and handy too...

 

[Chaznsc]

I keep one as a GO box. For vacation, etc where I won't need a full shop but carry my backup stuff.

 

[crewchief888]

i use them as "road" boxes.

i can put whatever tools i need/want in one,
use others for spare parts, supplies, ect for my trail truck.

i also have several tool bags that i can load up for fab/welding jobs at a friends place or to take to work when needed.

 

[tractordude]

I made a "Hot box" for welding rods out of a little tool box. I took a heating element from a walk-in cooler. Mounted it in the bottom, put the t-stat on the lid. put the rods in the tray. It hasn't been used in years though

 

[Haveblue]

I use mine for service calls. I know that a lot of musicians like to use them for housing electronic devices. I think it would be cool to turn one into a boombox, or make a computer tower out of one! Ok, off to search ideas now...I think I need another (a few) more! LOL!!

 

[Mooniac]

Just keep buying more tools until you can fill them up!

 

[mcmlvif100]

Recently, I took an extra one and filled it with some of my duplicate (or triplicate) tools suitable for a starter set, and gave it to a colleague from work. Young guy just starting to do basic home repairs and DIY projects. He was surprised and pleased.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have one specifically for my chainsaw stuff. I take it with me when I cut wood, not into the woods but in the back seat of the truck.

 

[jeff000]

I used to use mine for getting my handguns in and out of the building when I lived in a Condo. But later used a dewalt drill case.

 

[bbrennan]

Welcome. You are quite the chatty member. 4 year member and first post!

Thanks. Yes, I haven't had much free time over the past 4 years.

 

[Modern Jess]

I use one to keep all of my Dremel stuff together, plus the Dremel tool itself. Keeps things tidy.

 

[bad_idea]

I use one for spare sockets and wrenches. The spares are for welding up "special" tools and replacing lost wrenches. Other than that, I loaded up my 3 drawer C-man steel box w/ spare tool sets and gave it to my BIL when he bought his house. For use around the house, I like the open top tool tote.

 

[J.A.Varela]

First aid kit.

 

[Scout Driver]

One gets used for my Dremel and accessories. Another holds nothing but drill bits. I've got one that holds my body tools. A couple others get used for road-boxes.

Overall, they make great boxes for specialized tools or tasks.

I'm currently looking for a portable box to use as a cabinet for a shop radio. It will have an inverter, an automotive stereo/cd player, a couple speakers and an MP3 hookup.

Scott

 

[n8n]

I have one that is dedicated to bicycle specific tools and parts (ball bearings, cable ferrules, etc.) and my "second" set of metric combo wrenches

I have another one that is basic home repair stuff mostly from my grandfather

Third one, which needs to be replaced as it is falling apart, is overflow/extras from my "real" mechanic's box (duplicate sockets, extra ratchets, wrenches, etc.)

 

[bczygan]

Great thread.
How about a cosmetics case.
Or lunchbox.
Or for craft or jewelry making supplies.
A girl beat me to a Kennedy box she wanted for a jewelry case.
A small one could be used on a nightstand for all the pocket and electronics stuff and glasses and watch.
Or in lieu of a briefcase.
Use one to store cat and dog treats or toys or leashes or medications.
Use one for a breadbox.
Store office supplies.
Gym bag.

 

[Zeke]

For mobility I prefer many small boxes over bigger ones. Tool or project specific.

 

[KariFS]

I have one that kinda looks like a Trusco box. Big, bulky and sharp edges, so not very handy around the house. I keep tools that have "sentimental value" in it. Like my dad's tools I used when I was 12 and trying to learn how to wrench, some stuff I got from a friend who died shortly afterwards, and some old worn-out stuff I just can't toss. Basically just crappy old stuff that has no value to anyone but me. Just like the box itself. When I die, somebody will most likely throw that box to recycling, wondering what the old fart kept it for anyway

I too have some open totes, one I carry for in-house stuff, hammer, level, pencils, boxes of screws etc, one is for gardening (little spade, some wire, cutters, knife etc) and one is full of pipe fittings.

 

[kbs2244]

After I gave a full one to each grandson I use the rest as specialty boxs.
One for electric, plumbing, HVAC, etc.

I use the urban camouflage for carrying weapons idea.
I think the DeWalt boxes are a bit big.
But I do keep a 1911 in an old Black & Decker case on the saw shelf in the garage.

 

[EarlyBroncoGuy]

Depends on the size.

Over the years, as I acquire more tools, I keep moving to larger, newer, better quality tollboxes, and have several old ones that I inheirited from my Dad. I kept them all, and use them for different purposes.

Small, tackle-box size one for R/C tools and parts.
Slightly larger one for electrical tools and supplies.
Old one for track/racing/autocrossing tools and stuff.
Another one about that size I mounted a 12v air compressor and hose in.
I have one I use to store all my painting/masking/caulking supplies and tools in
Plastic one with lift out tray I keep in the travel trailer for repairs.
Larger heavy duty plastic one I use for ATV trips and as a stool/stand.
I have several old Craftsman roll around cabinets that I use in the shop as rolling workbenches.

In my job, I work on many different types of equipment. I have a toolbag that has the things I use most of the time, but I have several old laptop bags I use to keep specific tools for certain types of machines in - one for working on large format printers, etc. GoodWill and Salvation Army stores are great places to find perfectly good (sometimes brand new) laptop bags, duffel bags, and backpacks for almost nothing. I have a backpack I use as a bugout bag, another one I use when I go to swap meets/car shows/races, etc.

 

[wafer]

I have a number of cheap 17" boxes and I use them hold small tools commonly needed for specific tasks around the house:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Painting
- ...

The 17" boxes stack and fit well next to 18" deep bottom boxes.

 

[bad_idea]

That step/ledge looks like a pain, literally. How many times have you tripped over that w/ your hands full?

 

[243]

I have two boxes similar to the size below, one was my stepdads and the other a gift from my kids. I am in a similar situation and don't want to sell them and would rather put them to better use.

My first thought is to mount them under my welding table although that would require some major modifications.

 

[ctgoodman]

If they are good and serviceable I agree making some specific use boxes are great, I have one I keep empty and when I have a project where I have to run across the property to handle, I load it up with whatever I need. I'll throw in pliers, snips, sockets, screwdrivers, etc... that I feel I might need to get the job done. Then when I get back I'll sort it all back into the big tool chest. Then I have another I've dedicated to electrical/electronics, and then another to chainsaws and lawn power equipment. This frees up room in my big box for stuff that I pretty much exclusively use out in the garage.

 

[PanelDeland]

I use one for model supplies.My wife uses one for jewelry stuff. I have some set up for various jobs.I have one with picture hanging stuff.One for nails screws etc.Wood same for steel.

 

[softailgarage]

Thanks. Yes, I haven't had much free time over the past 4 years.

What were you in for & when did you get out?





Ah, come on, you know you guys were thinking the same thing

 

[bbrennan]

What were you in for & when did you get out?





Ah, come on, you know you guys were thinking the same thing

Ha! I guess that's one idea.

My first and only child was born 4 years ago. Wife + kid + (50 to 60 hours/week) = very little free time.

 

[orca8589]

I use mine as specialty boxes. One is full of plumbing supplies, interior. One is for PEX supplies and tools. One is dedicated to CATV with tools and terminations. One has my 3/4 socket set in it. One is set up for auto/trailer lighting with bulbs and lens' for all my equipment. You can find all kind of uses for smaller tool boxes.

This is what I do. I occasionally find really nice old U.S.-made toolboxes at garage sales and flea markets, so I'm expanding my collection constantly.

I have a nice Craftsman drawered box, and all of my most-used tools go there. I have a smaller Kennedy handbox, and my 1/2" ratchets & sockets are in that one, because I use them so rarely.

I have boxes dedicated to plumbing/irrigation, electrical & lighting, woodworking & cabinetry, machining & drilling, and a rather large box for maintaining my table saw.

~Chris

 

[243]

To be honest, one of the boxes could be quite useful for my shooting/reloading gear that I keep in the house. I have multiple Plano organizers on the shelf filled with small parts, tools and other specialty items on the bench and in the drawers that would fit in the Craftsman box.

 

[78scotts]

I have two of them in the back of the truck. One has a cheap set of wrenches/sockets/screwdrivers/ect. The other one is a bit bigger and i have a tow strap/jumper cables/receiver hitches/balls in it. I can't have an actual truck tool box in the bed because of the 5th wheel camper. Man I miss my long box.

 

[chiz1180]

I have a few small boxes that serve various purposes. I have an old union box that basically serves as overflow of stuff that doesn't quite belong anywhere else (old pocket knifes, lots of hobby knife blades, misc bits, screwdrivers, ect.). I also have a craftsman 3 drawer box that I keep in my office that has soldering stuff, and measurement tools. I also have a box for my RC car stuff too. I find that small boxes are great as general purpose organizers.

chiz1180