A lot of the techs at our shop freak about there boxes being looked at or leaned on can't back up with a tail pipe facing it they wax them like crazy. I've had my black matco for 6 years it got blend and some scratches but it works all day every day. I've never freaked out about it I respect what it cost and take care of it but don't baby it. Do you guys?
do other techs wax their tool boxes?
- Thread starter joedodge
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PowerGenGuy
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
In our shop you would go stir crazy trying to protect your box. There is no point even buying an expensive box it will get scratched in our shop! Our enviroment though clean and safe just won;t keep box pristine. I got a cheap CT roll cab, had for six years, does the job, and i am not worried about it.
In our shop you would go stir crazy trying to protect your box. There is no point even buying an expensive box it will get scratched in our shop! Our enviroment though clean and safe just won;t keep box pristine. I got a cheap CT roll cab, had for six years, does the job, and i am not worried about it.
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I wax my box. I also work in a hard and mostly dirty environment but I keep my tools and the shop clean. Everything gets cleaned when you come in in the morning, and it gets cleaned again before you leave for the night.
Everything has a place and its put in that place, all garbage is picked up, the floor is swept, and tools are all wiped down and cleaned.
-Via Mobile-
Everything has a place and its put in that place, all garbage is picked up, the floor is swept, and tools are all wiped down and cleaned.
-Via Mobile-
Hammer1963
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
Yep, sure do. Kind of. I use Final Inspection on my boxes and carts every weeks. I figure I paid a great amount of money for them, they are made to look good or why would they be painted in cool colors. In short, I take care of my investment and I am proud of it !
Yep, sure do. Kind of. I use Final Inspection on my boxes and carts every weeks. I figure I paid a great amount of money for them, they are made to look good or why would they be painted in cool colors. In short, I take care of my investment and I am proud of it !
LGMechanical
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
I am one of those "freaks" who likes to keep tool box clean and organized. I haven't gone as far as waxing it, but I do like to organize and clean my tools and box at the end of each day. It saves me time and stress knowing exactly where all my tools are at any given time. Also, I am one of those guys who will be upset if I catch anyone leaning on my box with their dirty uniform. It belongs to me and I demand it be treated with respect.
Edit: My shop is spotless too.
This photo was taken after the floor was done. I was the first to move my box back.
I am one of those "freaks" who likes to keep tool box clean and organized. I haven't gone as far as waxing it, but I do like to organize and clean my tools and box at the end of each day. It saves me time and stress knowing exactly where all my tools are at any given time. Also, I am one of those guys who will be upset if I catch anyone leaning on my box with their dirty uniform. It belongs to me and I demand it be treated with respect.
Edit: My shop is spotless too.
This photo was taken after the floor was done. I was the first to move my box back.
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sdguy55
Well-known member
I just use a spray on wax. Just because it wipes oil of better. But I only clean my box when I'm bored or if it has been a lil while
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Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
I do spray wax mine but it gets scratched and scuffed I spent alot so I do take care of it the guys at my shop are practicly scared to use there's its a tool just like my tools so i take care of it but dont cry if someone is near it or get a nick on it
I do spray wax mine but it gets scratched and scuffed I spent alot so I do take care of it the guys at my shop are practicly scared to use there's its a tool just like my tools so i take care of it but dont cry if someone is near it or get a nick on it
Griff93
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
I wax my box about once a year. I have a SO KRL1022 that looks like new when I clean it up even though I use it everyday I'm at work. Nothing wrong with taking good care of your stuff. The wax also seems to help stuff that gets on the box wipe off easier.
I wax my box about once a year. I have a SO KRL1022 that looks like new when I clean it up even though I use it everyday I'm at work. Nothing wrong with taking good care of your stuff. The wax also seems to help stuff that gets on the box wipe off easier.
ken w.
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
I waxed it when I first got it. I worked in a filthy shop and it seemed like it would never be clean.I do wipe it down once in a while. I do wipe my tools and keep them lubed tho.I think I'm the only one who keeps my air tools lubed.I see a lot of tech's only lube them when the start to loose power.
I waxed it when I first got it. I worked in a filthy shop and it seemed like it would never be clean.I do wipe it down once in a while. I do wipe my tools and keep them lubed tho.I think I'm the only one who keeps my air tools lubed.I see a lot of tech's only lube them when the start to loose power.
Heavy Metal Doctor
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
I usually just trade mine in when the dirt / paint overspray get bad enough.
Seriously, though, I work with lots of dirt -- start up a machine inside the shop and dirt / soot fills the place.... and it also seems that someone always decides to do a little touch-up on new piece of equipment and I end up getting the brunt of the overspray floating around the shop. Add to that, the grinding dust from fab work and the tool box gets pretty bad.....I clean it all down good a couple times a year and have considered wax, but never actually done it...so I really do trade in the dirt in a way.
I usually just trade mine in when the dirt / paint overspray get bad enough.
Seriously, though, I work with lots of dirt -- start up a machine inside the shop and dirt / soot fills the place.... and it also seems that someone always decides to do a little touch-up on new piece of equipment and I end up getting the brunt of the overspray floating around the shop. Add to that, the grinding dust from fab work and the tool box gets pretty bad.....I clean it all down good a couple times a year and have considered wax, but never actually done it...so I really do trade in the dirt in a way.
Honda guy
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
My 15 year old Mac box gets wiped down with Honda Spray Polish about once a month. I try to keep it looking decent but it's no beauty queen. It has it's fair share of battle scars.
However, I am real particular about wiping down every part, of every tool, every time it goes back in the box. It's a little disorganized, but it's a "clean" disorganized.
My 15 year old Mac box gets wiped down with Honda Spray Polish about once a month. I try to keep it looking decent but it's no beauty queen. It has it's fair share of battle scars.
However, I am real particular about wiping down every part, of every tool, every time it goes back in the box. It's a little disorganized, but it's a "clean" disorganized.
Mastermind
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
i do the same thing, but we use wizards wipe&shine instead of final inspection. every saturday our part time guy cleans the shop and office, takes back bottles, restocks the fridge, pumps the floor drains and wipes down the toolboxes.
i do the same thing, but we use wizards wipe&shine instead of final inspection. every saturday our part time guy cleans the shop and office, takes back bottles, restocks the fridge, pumps the floor drains and wipes down the toolboxes.
Zeke
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
You know, I used to be the guy that washed under the wheel housings on the truck, but I've never waxed a tool box. Now and then I'll take a rag and solvent to the drawer pulls.
You know, I used to be the guy that washed under the wheel housings on the truck, but I've never waxed a tool box. Now and then I'll take a rag and solvent to the drawer pulls.
ptschram
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
I worked with a tech who would quit working every Friday at noon and spend the rest of the day cleaning his tools, cleaning his box and waxing it with Maguire's wax.
His 30+ year-old tool box looked like it had rolled off the tool truck.
I sell boxes to guys who scream that the box didn't come with the care kit.
I see boxes that look worse than mine and I see boxes that are second generation tot heir owner and look BRAND NEW!
It's not for me, but I am certainly impressed by those guys who do that much work to keep their boxes that nice.
I worked with a tech who would quit working every Friday at noon and spend the rest of the day cleaning his tools, cleaning his box and waxing it with Maguire's wax.
His 30+ year-old tool box looked like it had rolled off the tool truck.
I sell boxes to guys who scream that the box didn't come with the care kit.
I see boxes that look worse than mine and I see boxes that are second generation tot heir owner and look BRAND NEW!
It's not for me, but I am certainly impressed by those guys who do that much work to keep their boxes that nice.
Deafautotech
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
I just wipe the dirty, oil, or dust off... My snap on krl1203 and krl1003 are older model as krl1003 had a stamped not label. It is over 20 years old... It had hit and little dent and color fade away before I bought it and keep it... No way I am going buy new box for that problem!!! I am rather to buy good one but don't worry about it!
That why I has wrinkle Marco jsc750 so I don't care about wax because it is rough surface... But work good for me!
I just wipe the dirty, oil, or dust off... My snap on krl1203 and krl1003 are older model as krl1003 had a stamped not label. It is over 20 years old... It had hit and little dent and color fade away before I bought it and keep it... No way I am going buy new box for that problem!!! I am rather to buy good one but don't worry about it!
That why I has wrinkle Marco jsc750 so I don't care about wax because it is rough surface... But work good for me!
carterbeauford
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
nothing wrong with taking care of your stuff. I polish the stainless top on my roll cab weekly and it's strictly for homeowner use. wax it once a year with this stuff my buddy makes:
http://www.migliorewax.com/waxes.html
nothing wrong with taking care of your stuff. I polish the stainless top on my roll cab weekly and it's strictly for homeowner use. wax it once a year with this stuff my buddy makes:
http://www.migliorewax.com/waxes.html
DesertRatAutomotive
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
Spent a small fortune on the box might as well take care of it as if it was a sports car.
Spent a small fortune on the box might as well take care of it as if it was a sports car.
ianguilly
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
I wax mine every Friday, and have SS cleaner for the top. When we are really dead I'll vacuum out the drawers, and polish the wrenches. I spend big bucks on my tools and I like them looking nice.
I wax mine every Friday, and have SS cleaner for the top. When we are really dead I'll vacuum out the drawers, and polish the wrenches. I spend big bucks on my tools and I like them looking nice.
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
It'd be pointless where I work. A nice box would be money down the drain. Not sure if this is the norm in US textile mills, but at the one I work at there are sprinklers that shoot mist for a few minutes every hour or two. The moisture clings to the dust, to help it settle on the floor so it can be collected and removed. Our boxes stay covered in wet dust and grease. I blow mine off with the airhose the last day or every week, but that's the extent of the maintenance I do on the outside. Gotta keep the slides relatively clean; almost wish I had friction slides instead of ball bearing for this reason.
It'd be pointless where I work. A nice box would be money down the drain. Not sure if this is the norm in US textile mills, but at the one I work at there are sprinklers that shoot mist for a few minutes every hour or two. The moisture clings to the dust, to help it settle on the floor so it can be collected and removed. Our boxes stay covered in wet dust and grease. I blow mine off with the airhose the last day or every week, but that's the extent of the maintenance I do on the outside. Gotta keep the slides relatively clean; almost wish I had friction slides instead of ball bearing for this reason.
Scuderia-F1
Well-known member
Box and shop is spotless, ALWAYS!
greasemonkey44
Well-known member
Re: do other techs wax there tool boxes?
i use armorall wipes about once every two weeks
i use armorall wipes about once every two weeks
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
It's like a car or any other large purchase. Ok, maybe not that large. I also use the spray wax route, and clean the finger prints of of the drawers etc. It's an investment, why not care for it. Granted I'm not talking about public diplays of affection or worship here, nor would I go crazy if a car's exhaust was hitting it. A clean box is a happy box and makes you feel better as you start your day fixing those wonderful cars people bring to you.
MattPersman
Well-known member
I do my Matco box and cart about 1-2 times a week use a quick detailer on them they are dirty and greasy the next day. Sigh. Lots of hand prints all over the drawer fronts and pulls. I gotta re wax it or seal it coming up then just maintain it wth the quick detailer.
Spray wax mine on saturday mornings. Gets all the smudges and **** off of the drawers.
The way I look at it, it only takes five minutes of my time to wax the box and it looks damn good after I am done.
I don't mind people leaning on it though. So far no one has scratched it except for my *******.
The way I look at it, it only takes five minutes of my time to wax the box and it looks damn good after I am done.
I don't mind people leaning on it though. So far no one has scratched it except for my *******.
ptschram
Well-known member
I'd love to say the same thing but my new year's resolution is to tell the truth on line
My shop is a pit, but not as bad as one I was in recently where I was afraid I couldn't walk out without tripping over something.
My toolbox OTOH, while not spotless by any stretch is pretty damn well organized.
csargents1546
Well-known member
About once a month, I clean and wax my box and rollcart. I don't freak out if I scatch my toolbox or cart. It is meant for work. I can see how some techs are really protective of their investment. With the prices of a new truck box cost. They can cost as much as a car. Each to their own. My toolbox is a place where my tools rest. I do keep it organized to a degree.
I use a spray wax by Lucas. It is great stuff.
I use a spray wax by Lucas. It is great stuff.
kiatech
Well-known member
Cant really wax rust..... so no. I have an OLD handmedown craftsman box thats had a few coats of paint on it.
Toolhorder
Well-known member
I clean mine and it gets a wax once in a while. Nothing wrong with that. I worked in a shop where guys would lean on it and it pissed me off enough to tell a few guys to go lean on something else.
I'm not a tech but I do put a little wax on the top every now and then. It's a old box and needs all the help I can give it. Color comes off on my rag. I got a 2010 gmc bought new,I have never waxed it. Something's just need it more than others. I don't wax for fun.
jcbarry
Well-known member
I usually use wax or spray detailer on my box. Only when it gets overly dusty or dirty though.
1953mercury
Well-known member
Here on the island I have a 42" ISKO Pro stainless combo. It got waxed when it was new and gets cleaned occasionally. It's a harsh environment (salt) and it holds up well. Back home in CO they (several sets of Craftsman) get cleaned once or twice a year, no wax. They still look pretty good, one set is almost 30yrs old. Mike
softailgarage
Well-known member
I have a total of 9 boxes (not including 3 under the benchs), once or twice a year I use Meguires paste , then once a week spray on Eagle One. Girlfriend thinks I'm nuts, but hey, the stuff's expensive, take care of it.
jeb42
Active member
I wipe my Snap-On box down with WD-40 once or twice a year and blow the dust off monthly. I used it in some dusty environments for 15 years but now it's retired to home use. It still looks good and was a quick clean.
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DoubleA
Well-known member
I'm in the same boat. My tool box is the most expensive painted item I own. So of course I'm going to clean and wax it! I keep microfiber cloths in my box for cleaning and the shop has a tin of mothers wax for the guys to use.
cgv69
Well-known member
Who cares? I don't know why so many people here worry so much about what others do with their stuff?
I'm not talking about legit questions with the goal of learning something. I'm talking about these quasi insults were one person thinks what the other person does is silly or a waste of time or whatever.
My guess is these guys spent a lot of money for their tools and boxes and considering these guys need these tools to make a living, they want to keep those tools in as perfect condition as possible?
While I have never waxed my own tool box, I have no issues with those that do. To each their own. Live and let live and all of that.
I'm not talking about legit questions with the goal of learning something. I'm talking about these quasi insults were one person thinks what the other person does is silly or a waste of time or whatever.
My guess is these guys spent a lot of money for their tools and boxes and considering these guys need these tools to make a living, they want to keep those tools in as perfect condition as possible?
While I have never waxed my own tool box, I have no issues with those that do. To each their own. Live and let live and all of that.
tjmonsen5
Well-known member
Have not waxed my box but i wipe it with a wet rag about 2-4 times a year. Basically only when the grease starts to bother me.
Firestarter Fred
Well-known member
Never have waxed, but I do clean up bout once per project which equates to bout once per month. A simple effective job with a damp rag is good enough for me.
Sent from Fred's iPad, now whether or not it was Fred, is up for debate.
Sent from Fred's iPad, now whether or not it was Fred, is up for debate.