Need a decent carry tool box with...

[WR250F]

strong hinges on the lid that's built well enough to withstand being hauled around in the bed of a truck all day long.

I need it to be big enough to hold a few wrenches, a couple of screwdrivers, socket set, vise grips, couple of hammers etc.. basic stuff for dirt bike maintenance or an emergency repair.

Main issues are the lock, buckle or ? to keep it closed up good, heavy enough wall/bottom construction that it won't flex when carried full of tools and a good carry handle.

I've never seen a plastic one hold up, but, I'm not against one if it's decent.

I'm on a budget for this, but I'd rather pay a few bucks more and get a good box that will last rather than have to replace it because it bent and won't close squarely due to the weight, or something equally disappointing... like the handle coming off.

I looked at the Cman offerings at the local store today and (at least) what they had on hand looked mighty light duty and flimsy.

Which carry tool box do you guys use and like/dislike ?

Sorry for all the questions lately, I've been doing my best resurrect my meager tool stable into something usable/workable.

Years ago, all of these things would have been simple to figure out with a trip to Sears, the hardware store or maybe a Graingers.

The web is great, but it doesn't replace hands on and as you all know stuff isn't always what it appears to be.

Thanks for the help... again

 

[archirelic]

http://www.vetopropac.com/

Look into these, you won't be disappointed. I know it's not a box in the sense of what you were asking for/inquiring about, but I've seen so many of these in many different work fields and they've always held up extremely well and can accommodate a large assortment of tools.

 

[RobertMo1988]

i dont know what your budget is but i have a pretty nice s/o box kra24 for $100 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116033

 

[Outlawmws]

Kennedy's always seem to hold up well, but aren't cheap:

http://www.toolboxesdirect.com/tool-boxes/kennedy/4364+4366+4294588174.cfm

I'm assuming you already have the tools? if not, I bought a 99 pc "road box" of Craftsman metric wrenches and ratchet sockets for about a buck a tool on sale; added a second combination set of wrenches, and some spare pliers, wire strippers, screwdrivers and the like, and called it good. All fit inside the "Shadowed" plastic box.

I worked primarily out of that box for an engine transplant (Not replacement, full transplant) for my Suzuki SJ410 (Similar to a Samurai), and was completely satisfied. It's been my road box for about 8-9 years or so, and the box has held up well.

 

[ibedayank]

i started with something like this set from sears over 15 years ago...still use it and still toss it in the back of a truck

for tools that stay in the truck 100% of the time i prefer a box that fits under the seat or behind it

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936260000P

 

[earlthegoat2]

Those Veto bags seem VERY nice however I have never been able to visualize how you can get mechanics tools in them like wrenches and sockets and such. It looks great for screwdrivers and pliers.

 

[plierwire]

I use one of these, from Sears:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00965119000P

I really really like it. Its lightweight, cheap to buy, won't rust or get scratched up. It seems sturdy enough. It holds a pretty basic set of tools that I carry with me everywhere I go. Plus, keeping it in the cab under the seat really cuts down on the abuse it has to take. Its even made in the USA!

It currently has a pry bar, a battery wrench, some adjustables, channellock pliers, needle nose pliers, breaker bar w/ socket for my lug nuts, tape, 6-in-1 screwdriver, SAE and Metric sockets and a test light. Normally there are rolls with SAE and Metric wrenches, but they are currently on loan....here's hoping they come back!

 

[Rezarf]

I have used a metal craftsman box in the back of my off road truck for years. It has held up just fine. I have since switched to soft sided bags so they don't rattle as much.

A few other options to look at are the small Action Packer boxes from rubbermaid. They are fantastic, I have had one in my open top FJ40 Land Cruiser for over 10 years and aside from the red handles fading, it is rock solid, I have it loaded up with tools, straps, jumper cables, tape, rope, bailing wire and just leave it in the back of the rig strapped down.

If you want to go bomb proof, look into Pelican cases, they are the bee's knee's for all things portable if you ask me.

 

[anodyne33]

I had a three drawer plastic Kobalt chest from Lowes that had a hasp and held up for years being beat around in the back of the Jeep. It was super light and really roomy. I crammed a ton of stuff in that box. I can't find it on their website, or I'd give you a link.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

started a post like thios on here years ago

how much weight are you toting and do you need drawers ???

 

[porphyre]

NJHandy is right. You need to decide if you want drawers or not.

For a track-day box, I MUCH prefer a rally-box. Carry box w/ 3 drawers. Small parts (zip ties, fuses, relays, splices) go in one drawer, 3/8" in another, 1/2" in a third, then wrenches, hammers, pliers in the top compartment.

For an around the house box (basically any task that will require a power drill) I like the old school 20" Craftsman boxes. The old ones with the padlock clasps:
http://www.gregsalerts.com/detail/?http://savannah.craigslist.org/tls/2579837763.html

My local Craigslist has one of those come up about every 2-3 weeks. Most have the lift-out tray. I bought a nearly perfect one filled with '60's Cman tools for $50 and a beat-up, empty one for $15.

I don't like the style of tray in the pictured box. The older ones have a 4 compartment tray. Center compartment, two sides, then one of those angled socket compartments running across the top of the tray.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

this does it every day for me
kobalt 3 drawer plastic bouces around all day while stripping cars but gets the job done weights close to 85 lbs loaded

 

[WR250F]

I think for the amount of tools I will carry the weight should be under 40-50 lbs. Drawers would be great if I can find a box that is made well.

Tools:

1/2" socket set
5-6 t-handles
breaker bar
pry bar
swivel sockets
ball peen
3 lb dead blow
3-4 screwdrivers (one multi bit)
couple of vise grips
5-6 wrenches
various picks/scrapers
spoke wrench
80 lb/ft torque wrench
electrical test meter
brake bleeder kit
soldering iron and solder
small thread chaser kit
small tap and die kit
few needle files
dykes
channel locks
needle nose
snap ring pliers (inside and outside)
tire irons

A few soft supplies:

teflon tape
tie wraps
tire tube repair kit
tube of RTV
small bottle of loctite
misc electrical stake ons/splices
small array of hose clamps
short length of fuel line, vacuum tube and radiator hose
multi pack of fuses
assorted o-rings

and whatever else I can think of in the way of misc supplies, but not too much more than this.

The Veto bags are incredibly nice. I'll have to see if there is somewhere reasonably local that sells those so I can check them out in person.

I like the idea of a box fitting under the seat a lot, and if I have to carry two smaller boxes I will.

My main concern is that the box(es) will hold up and it would be great if it could be stowed under a seat or in the cab. I know this won't prevent theft, but, every bit of precaution helps.

Being able to withstand a heavy spring rain would be great, but the plastic boxes I've used in the past either don't hold up to the weight, or split/crack in the Texas heat. Maybe I haven't been looking at the right plastic boxes

I went and looked at a couple of Kennedy boxes this morning. They are nice in every respect but two of the sales guys selling them made comments about how they aren't what they used to be. Maybe not, but they are still nice...

A small tray would be useful, one with a divider for sockets would be most convenient. I'm not sure about what else would be useful vs gimmick like the cantilever boxes or top storage for small parts. Some of those look like they would be great indoors, but warp in the heat.

I'm going to head over to Lowes and Home Depot and see what they have, but most of the stuff I've noticed there in plastic has been pretty flimsy looking. It is entirely possible I have simply decided all of the offerings from HD and Lowes are junk and not been 100% unbiased.

Not sure where else to look, but I will see if I can go to a different Sears to see if they may have a better assortment of tool boxes on display than my local store. Their floor stock is minimal and I'm sure they sell more cheapo tool boxes by far than good quality ones.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I use a KRW48 at work and I have found I can throw a large assortment of stuff in it when I need to. I got a good deal on it from a friend in a fire sale, but I know that waterloo makes a similar one for around $100. I think the current blue point equivilent is a krw48A.

 

[crewchief888]

i'd say look for a used kennedy cantilever, or an older ('70's) CM 3 or 4 drawer top box.

i picked up a CM top a couple years ago at a flea mkt for $25, and a kennedy cantilever at the flea mkt for $9 last year.

ive crammed more sh*t in the kennedy than i can carry.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

wr250f i've used that box for almost 2 years and i am HARD on it won't fit under a seat but it's been slammed into the front wall of my truck @ 80 miles an hour more times than i can count not 1 failure. honestly i heard the cantilever suggestion there okay as long as they NEVER see a drop of water

 

[Outlawmws]

I like the idea of a box fitting under the seat a lot, and if I have to carry two smaller boxes I will.

My main concern is that the box(es) will hold up and it would be great if it could be stowed under a seat or in the cab. I know this won't prevent theft, but, every bit of precaution helps.

This is a key question, and I agree; out of sight, out of mind. My road box fits behind the rear seat in my rig, along with the parts box which is a plastic version of a .50 cal Ammo box. (Weight is important also in my small rig)

So what are the height restrictions you have to deal with for under the seat, and how is your cab situated for behind a seat? Then the suggestions can be focused on what works...

 

[csargents1546]

Here is a good one, made by rubbermaid, tought as hell and for people who are eco minded, they are made from scape plastic.

 

[WR250F]

This is going into a crew cab GMC.

I ran around looking at tool boxes this afternoon.

Lowes, Home Depot and Sears may all offer some decent boxes from their website and catalog, but I only saw one (yep, one) metal tool box in the whole trip. Sears plastic on the shelf looked really bad, but Lowes and Home Depot didn't have anything on hand that looked better.

I stopped in Northern Tool to pick up some marine grease to repack linkage bearings on one of the bikes this week and noticed this one

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200381691_200381691

Ball bearing slides on the drawers, good powder coat on it and while it isn't a Kennedy by a long shot, it didn't flex when opening and closing. The handle looks OK, but the rivets holding it on look like they will last maybe 15 minutes.

I can drill the rivets and use some bolts and washers to fix that little issue though, should this be the box I end up with.

I always thought Excel stuff was junky, but either they have picked up their quality a little or are buying this out from someone else.

I really want to see the Kobalt NJHandyGuy referenced, but evidently Lowes in this area doesn't (and never will ?) carry it.

Definitely still looking and any suggestions are most welcome. I still like the idea of a weatherproof box but until I can lay my hands on a plastic one that looks like it will hold up, I'm still searching.

The fellow I spoke with at Home Depot said he could show me the best tool box made, I said OK, let's see it. Paper clip hinge thru thin plastic and it wouldn't open and close with a good fit sitting empty.

Here's a pic of the Excel at Northern, on sale for $49

Not the best ever made, but not bad, and it looks like it might fit the bill if I can't find a better option

 

[NJHandyGuy]

trust me your gonna hate that box had one the latches on it **** mine opened and spilled contents EVERYWHeRE

 

[blue dog]

I have found nothing stronger the the one and only pelican case.

 

[mofo62]

.


Armstrong or Wright

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1710189&postcount=70


V!

 

[countrytech]

http://www.stanleytools.com/default...;+28"+Structural+Foam+Water+Resistant+Toolbox

I got one of these at Lowes. Waterproof and tough, you can kick it around all day and it'll be fine. The latches are pretty solid, I don't see how they'd fail, short of intentional destruction. It's biig, and has a lot of space but it doesn't have secured organizational trays, so if you do roll it upside down the tools will get all mixed up, but plano organizers stack in there nice and will fix that problem. I'd be fine with it in the elements on the back of my truck bed all year long if I wasn't afraid of someone walking off with it. I'd think it would easily hold up to 65+ lbs of tools too.

 

[WR250F]

Here's the best one I've seen so far, but it costs a little more than I'm hoping to spend

http://www.pelican.com/media/videos/flv/0450.ph

I'm going to drop in a Graingers and McMaster Carr tomorrow, and a Pelican dealer Wednesday morning.

 

[Outlawmws]

Wow, well over 5 bills for that Pelican! It's cool, but definitely an "After Lottery" consideration!

 

[WR250F]

I agree.

If I ever win the lottery, I will definitely have to buy one of those.

I can see using one for harsh environment applications or sensitive/delicate equipment.

I've been doing a little searching and see Pelican has a couple of competitors that offer a few boxes in my price range. Nothing like the above mind you, but worth checking into a little more for now.

I had to post the pelican box link though.

After I cleaned up all the drool on my keyboard and tears from looking in my wallet

 

[ibedayank]

theres always the good old surplus ammo box...

 

[tunnelengineer]

That pelican box is NICE!