Knaack / piano hinge box

[firemanmike69]

I'm wondering if anyone uses a Knaack box or similar as a tool box? I currently work as a heavy equipment mechanic in a shop so I have a roll around box but this summer I'm going to have the opportunity to go work in the field. The drawback is no shop to work in and will likely be working on a barge so no truck to work off either. I'm familiar with using that gang boxes to store larger tools and parts but I haven't seen any with mechanic tools in them, if anyone has tips for using one this way or pictures of their serious if appreciate it

 

[frankush]

Have you considered a Knaack workbench? They can be configured with drawers of just about any size. I own one and like it. Not cheap though. If you had to, you could easily bolt a top chest to it as well. They are not weatherproof, if that's a concern.

 

[firemanmike69]

Have you considered a Knaack workbench? They can be configured with drawers of just about any size. I own one and like it. Not cheap though. If you had to, you could easily bolt a top chest to it as well. They are not weatherproof, if that's a concern.

No I had not even considered that as an option. I saw the work station ones but they have to be waterproof because it would end up welded to a barge

 

[Koobs]

I am an Industrial Journeyman Electrician, and I use the Knaack war wagon as a rolling toolbox/workbench from site to site. Weighs a ton, so I can't move it myself from site to site. I have to call the shop to send out the stakebody. The work surface is very handy, I have a vise mounted on one corner. Take a look at them.

 

[dumper]

I use a Knaack box for small and large tool storage. I built a series of sliding wooden trays to handle the small stuff, the big stuff goes in the bottom. After removing the Air compressor, the trays slide left/right, or forward/back to access all areas of the box.

 

[firemanmike69]

I use a Knaack box for small and large tool storage. I built a series of sliding wooden trays to handle the small stuff, the big stuff goes in the bottom. After removing the Air compressor, the trays slide left/right, or forward/back to access all areas of the box.

That looks like just what I want, what do the wooden trays set into or rest on?

 

[dumper]

There is a 1x6 running along the front and back of the box, supported at each end and in the middle by other pieces of 1xs. The top trays ride on top of these "rails" and the bottom trays ride on a piece of wood attached to the bottom of the rails. Note, the bottom trays are narrower than the top trays- they actually hold the front and back rails in place, by light friction. There are also spreader pieces to hold the rails apart at both ends. I hope the pics help. Its actually very easy to make the setup, and it works great- I've been using this setup for several years now. The white strips you see are pieces of melamine (except where one broke, and is missing!), to help the trays slide easier.