Good Toolbox for H/S Kids - Robotics

[tomwmn]

Guys
I'm a mechanical mentor with the local high school robotics team. For tools and supplies, we currently use an old Craftsman chest and roller cabinet. It's falling apart and needs to be replaced. The replacement can be only 27 inches wide (to fit in our storage closet) so no Harbor Freight 44 incher! And cost is an issue so Snapon is NOT an option. We're looking new since used is so variable and not that cheap.

The primary concern is organization. Our fasteners are #8, #10 and 1/4 inch. So no big wrenches or sockets. Think small, real small hand tools. We do have a few power hand tools (drill, jigsaw) and several plastic boxes of fasteners so we do need a few larger drawers.

We're looking for practical suggestions and ideas. We need organization more than volume. Anyone out there still making boxes with lots of small drawers. Have something that works well for you.
Thanks for all your input.

Tom

 

[Cap'nJake]

Harbor freight also makes a 26 in tool box top and bottom chest are sold together. 16 drawers total if I remember right. Friend of mine has one and it isn't too bad.

 

[CNGsaves]

Clamshell Kennedy box that opens up both sides. Whole slew of small compartments to hold all your do-dads.

Or more common style would be Kennedy machinist box that has very many small drawers in front and cover that slides down over them.

Make custom trays to drop into open space in bottom of toolbox for your particular wrench sizes or robot parts.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

For the price, the HF 26" stack is probably your best bet. The Husky boxes from Home Depot are decent as well. If you speak to a manager and tell them what you're doing, they might give you a price break or even donate a box to the school. Heck, call Snap On, Mac, and Matco just to see if they might be willing to help you out.

 

[upndown]

^^this! It doesn't cost anything to inquire. It's amazing what some companies give to some of these You Tube knotheads. Considering most people are aware of school budgets and cutbacks, I'm sure you'll find someone to help out..Good PR! And don't forget your local businesses! Good luck.

 

[gte718p]

^^this! It doesn't cost anything to inquire. It's amazing what some companies give to some of these You Tube knotheads. Considering most people are aware of school budgets and cutbacks, I'm sure you'll find someone to help out..Good PR! And don't forget your local businesses! Good luck.

I ran solar car teams in high school and college. I concur it is amazing what people will give you. I had an entire shop of factory seconds that worked great. Waterloo was kind enough to send us a beautiful 56 in tool chest. Thing was amazing. It was a second, but to this day I couldn't tell you why. We searched for any defect for a year, no scratches, no dents, drawers worked perfectly, rolled great.

The hardest part is generally getting past a switchboard and finding the right person to talk too.

I worked with FIRST kids in college and I still work with high school solar cars. Whatever you get, I highly recommend shadowing it. Significantly helps tool control and keeps you from always searching for the 12 mm wrench and the Allen keys.

 

[jd_1138]

Maybe install a pegboard over the closet door (hanging over it in case they frown on screwing it into the door). You can put a lot of tools on the pegboard.

A 26" box with some wrench/socket holders will keep the sizes organized and easy to find.

 

[Ghost11]

Couldn't hurt to ask. I like the pegboard idea. I remember my high school and college having tool rooms with everything on the wall.. That way at end of the day, you would know what wasnt put away. Cant go wrong with a HF box. I took robotics in college, had alot fun. Its definitely better learning when you can apply the math and science to something useful.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

HF sells trays for your tool box drawers that are a huge help organizing your small stuff.