Does anyone else miss...

[JoeyMitch]

Does anyone else miss the tools that come in metal boxes? I miss them and they seem to be getting harder and harder to find. My dad had an old SK set and everything is there but my plastic case is already cracked for one of my sets.

 

[flathead74]

I do. The blow molded cases take up a lot of room.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Not only that but the quality is gone.

 

[sselander]

There are companies that still make them.
Proto also has a bunch in their catalog.
Last time I looked Mcmaster-Carr had them also.

 

[A_Pmech]

I like tools that come in wooden boxes.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Reall? Can't find them on Mcmaster Carr. I also like wooden boxes but I like stuff that I can get wet and it won't soak it up.

 

[sselander]

Reall? Can't find them on Mcmaster Carr. I also like wooden boxes but I like stuff that I can get wet and it won't soak it up.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#screw-storage-boxes/=ht3oax

go to storage boxes
then go to
single compartment storage boxes - steel

 

[Monte]

Gedore - metal inside and outside...

 

[JoeyMitch]

Thanks!

 

[Steevo]

I like tools that come in wooden boxes.

Now THAT's a level!

 

[csargents1546]

I get grief from the wife because I hold on to any metal tool case. Does not understand that they are not easy to find. I have a small moving box of various metal cases that I have aquired over the years.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I dunno, I remember having a REALLY crappy socket set when I was a kid that came in a metal case...but my dad's 2 Tru-Test socket sets are from the 1970s and are in plastic cases, I still use them regularly.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Yeah I know some tools are put in metal boxes and they almost look professional even if they aren't too good. But then if you get like a good SK set, that will last you a lifetime.

 

[Engineered]

Wright still sells their tools in metal cases. Even their Cougar line comes in a metal case. I've got a brand new SK 3/8 drive socket set in a plastic case . . . . . . very nice. That ratchet is nicer than some of my Snap-Ons

 

[nyrapscalion]

I guess since I have no tools that came in metal..I can't miss them. Some of the SK sets have a thin plastic case, not too much space. Craftsman seems to have the really thick blow molded sets, like lugging a pillow with tools inside.

 

[darkk]

I do, but I also still have some of the SK sets I bought years ago that were recovered from a garage theft. I don't have them all, but some.

 

[MoToys]

I do and I tend to collect all I can find.

 

[lowbucktruck]

I do! I miss metal cases for power tools too. Those blow-molded plastic cases take up alot of space.
I keep an eye open for those metal file/card boxes at the thrift store... picked up a couple of them for tool storage. A metal file card box works great for storing drill bit indexes and power tool accessories.

 

[PowerDubs]

I bought the full sets of Triangle 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 when they were on clearance last year, partially because of the metal cases.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Ok so I am not the only one that has a thing for metal boxes. They just seem like they're disappearing. Saw two at a garage sale yesterday for $0.25 each! They were about the size of an ammo can but for tools. Guy bought them before me though...

 

[Monte]

Stahlwille tool cases from 1/4" up to 1" are made from metal.
The tool cases are also available empty.

and Hazet still has a couple too but very few:

 

[Big Gus]

I miss the metal cases Milwaukee power tools came in. Come to think of it, I miss the fact that Milwaukee power tools used to be made in the USA.

 

[justafurnaceman]

I have my grandfather's SK socket set that came in a metal case. I hope to pass it down to my daughter. It does give it a nostalgic look.

 

[Monte]

power tool cases are still available in metal. Just buy from the right company

 

[JoeyMitch]

I have my grandfather's SK socket set that came in a metal case. I hope to pass it down to my daughter. It does give it a nostalgic look.

My dad had one that was his grandfather's. It has a green metal case with a 3/8 ratchet and sockets. It's a great set!

 

[Big Gus]

power tool cases are still available in metal. Just buy from the right company

I did buy this ol' girl back in January.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002246R/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It didn't come in a metal box, but the case it did come in seems to be rather robust. Also, it's made in Germany, which was one of the deciding factors for me. I've used it a few times now and it's awesome.

 

[metaldad]

I moved all my olde cman socket sets with metal trays out of the truck, replaced with current stock.
I see others hate the plastic cases that power tools now come in. I hate the fact that those wont close unless you stress the strain relief (mostly P/C), and then wrap the cord in the way it came from the factory, carefully, and slam the case shut before the cord untwists itself. A royal PIA.
I acquire old Milwaukee boxes to store electrics.

 

[crewchief888]

what i miss even more than the metal boxes is the metal socket trays that sets used to come in.

luckily i bought several extras back in the day, and been finding them at flea mkts for a buck or 2.

 

[bobemmerich]

Thats part of the reason I bought these Allen sets...And I'm finding that the new sets are coming in plastic cases. Plastic is probably cheaper than the metal these days....

 

[JoeyMitch]

Thats part of the reason I bought these Allen sets...And I'm finding that the new sets are coming in plastic cases. Plastic is probably cheaper than the metal these days....

Nice sets! I like those!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Many years ago, Sears would put some of their socket sets in metal trays, especially the add-on sets.

 

[jeffmoss26]

bob, I like the letters (magnetic?) on the drawer!

 

[srmofo]

that was one of the reasons I bought the triangle socket sets from Sears. I do like the dewalt plastic cases. they are prettynice as far as plastic cases go

 

[bobemmerich]

bob, I like the letters (magnetic?) on the drawer!

Jeff, you nailed it. They were throwing away a small pedestal message board at work, and I thought to my self "Why don't I get the letters, they may be useful for something". I was going to put them on ebay, but I think they look better on my boxes

Joey, thanks. My SAE drawer is almost the same. I'm still looking for an affordable 1/2" drive set in the box.

 

[FlyingWardrobe]

I have a lot of tools from Proxxon, very strong and almost always in a metal box:

 

[Outlawmws]

that was one of the reasons I bought the triangle socket sets from Sears. I do like the dewalt plastic cases. they are prettynice as far as plastic cases go

I converted a Dewalt Plastic case into a pistol case for my Contender. I have to use a padlock on it, but it is a "lockable case"

 

[JoeyMitch]

I have a lot of tools from Proxxon, very strong and almost always in a metal box:

Also like that very much too!!

 

[WVBrady]

One of my first tool sets (cheap) came in a metal case, but with a black, plastic inside. I was working outside in the sun and when I went to put away my tools, saw that the plastic had melted.

My Sears plastic tool cases worked ok until the plastic snap closers broke. I have to keep them closed with bungee cords.

 

[twincam00]

I buy up old metal cases when I find them in good shape