Show your "Mini" Tool Box.

[rharman]

^ Is there anybody on GJ who does NOT own one of those?

Me.
Not yet, anyway.

Don't waffle......

 

[AJHD]

I had 2 of the Kobalt mini boxes. Ended up selling them.

Honestly like many other things the novelty wore off quickly and they just got in the way. I'm not sentimental.

 

[captain14]

Me.
Not yet, anyway.

I haven’t joined that club either. I’ve looked at them at Lowe’s and HF but haven’t felt the urge yet.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Can't find a use for these so I haven't bought into the club, yet.

 

[Jgaz]

No HF, HD, or Lowe’s from me either.

This is the mini tool box that will make reach for my wallet……quickly

A couple random drawers

 

[Michael B.]

On my desk at work.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I was tempted by these a little while ago, but upon looking closed I wasn't too impressed by any of them.

I don't remember exactly, but every one I looked at had at least one or two of the following issues, and often quite a few:

• No slides on the drawers
• Drawers not opening all the way out
• No liners in the drawers
• Nothing to keep the drawers shut
• Very shallow top compartment
• Top lid flips all the way over
• Foldover lid over the whole front, inconvenient unless you leave it open

 

[four.cycle]

^ Now you know why the two I still have here are still sealed up in the unopened box from Lowe's.

 

[PugetDude]

How would one of these mini boxes work for storing loose taps, dies, and handles?

(I really wish Huot would offer a flexible configuration to mate with their drill bit storage cabinets)

 

[XJSuperman]

How would one of these mini boxes work for storing loose taps, dies, and handles?

(I really wish Huot would offer a flexible configuration to mate with their drill bit storage cabinets)

Not well. I am not a huge fan of accessing the small drawers in these mini toolboxes that don't open all the way. The top is another story. I keep 3d printer stuff in one and use the drawers for things less often needed than whats in the top tray.

 

[soloz2]

I have two mini toolboxes and I keep fountain pen cleaning tools and travelers notebook accessories in them.

 

[rick carpenter]

I keep my metric Wise hex keys in the top of my HF mini. The first drawer has my 65mm precision bits/handles and precision drivers. Bottom drawer has mini pry bars, picks, snap-off knives, etc. It lives in the open bottom shelf of my HF cart.

I also wish the drawers would open all the way, but I'm still going to get another one for sure.

 

[mikeinri]

These colors never seem to move, and certainly not at full price. They're calling this a "Clearance" deal if you zoom in on the sticker. Only applies to the "Hot Pink" (on the left)...



They had equally stocked displays with more normal colors.

Milford, MA Lowe's, BTW...

Mike

 

[cody1325]

For those of you like me whose "mini" hammer in an otherwise all Kobalt mini-toolbox (which I've found does 99% of household stuff great) is the Pittsburgh, Lowe's now has a solution under the other store brand--Project Source.

Ordered one alongside some Knipex I spent my rewards money on.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-8oz-Stubby-Claw-Hammer/5015682427

 

[shoggoth80]

I haven't gotten onto the mini box bandwagon either. Tempted. It would be a work desk item. Probably keep a few tools in it that I use at work to fix other tools But unless a sale pops up or something, I'm not gonna take the bait.

Still, they look fun!

 

[Fly Fishing Rick]

I haven't gotten onto the mini box bandwagon either. Tempted. It would be a work desk item. Probably keep a few tools in it that I use at work to fix other tools But unless a sale pops up or something, I'm not gonna take the bait.

Still, they look fun!

I felt the same exact way until I was in HF the other day and saw one for $13. They finally got me...

 

[Aaron_W]

I was tempted by these a little while ago, but upon looking closed I wasn't too impressed by any of them.

I don't remember exactly, but every one I looked at had at least one or two of the following issues, and often quite a few:

• No slides on the drawers
• Drawers not opening all the way out
• No liners in the drawers
• Nothing to keep the drawers shut
• Very shallow top compartment
• Top lid flips all the way over
• Foldover lid over the whole front, inconvenient unless you leave it open

This list is obviously based on the Kobalt boxes

The US General does have drawer slides and liners. There are no drawer locks but there is a detent to help keep the drawers closed and the lid stops at 90 degrees.

Not really sure what you mean on the last point.

I just wish HF offered a bottom box for the USG as they are much nicer than the Kobalt and priced about the same.

 

[Aaron_W]

Has anybody bought one of these PIT mini tool boxes? They offer a 5 drawer lower and a 3 drawer upper, the combo of both is $79 from Amazon.







Seeing the difference in quality between the US General and Kobalt really makes me wish these were available in a brick and mortar store so I could physically put my hands on one. If they are like the USG (or even better) I could find a use for one. If they are roughly equal to the Kobalt in quality then they don't offer enough to entice me.

Unfortunately based on the photos I think they are closer to the Kobalt. Also I think I see what Yes I have a Hammer was refering too with the weird front cover for the top box.

I'm mostly just using a couple of USG boxes and Kobalt stacks for office supplies and small hobby tools, but if there were something as good (or better) than the USG boxes but with 5+ drawers my art and drafting supplies could find themselves in a new home and the existing Kobalt stack they are in would be looking for a new job.

 

[RTM]

Has anybody bought one of these PIT mini tool boxes? They offer a 5 drawer lower

See here

Show your "Mini" Tool Box.

Stopped in the old Harbor freight for a few consumables over the weekend and finally got a chance to see and put hands on one of these little guys. There was a sign posted near it stating sales were limited to two. Fellas, I just don't get it. It is a horrible utilization of space. Something...

www.garagejournal.com

Too tired to go look at mine right now.

 

[Fly Fishing Rick]

This list is obviously based on the Kobalt boxes

The US General does have drawer slides and liners. There are no drawer locks but there is a detent to help keep the drawers closed and the lid stops at 90 degrees.

Not really sure what you mean on the last point.

I just wish HF offered a bottom box for the USG as they are much nicer than the Kobalt and priced about the same.

No detent, they're actually pretty powerful magnetic stops. Extremely well made for the price, esp when on sale.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

This list is obviously based on the Kobalt boxes

Also the USG and PIT. All of them have multiple of these weaknesses.

 

[snorvet]

I like to make little wood tool totes.

 

[Qualitytools]

I like to make little wood tool totes.

Beautiful, thanks for sharing

 

[terrific]

It looks like the Kobalt boxes were revised to include drawer slides. Lowes

 

[cody1325]

Lowes had the bottom boxes today, but only in weird colors.

My top is blue, but there wasn't a single blue bottom in the store. Originally selected pink, but settled for lavender as it was closer.



These seem better quality than the top boxes--heavier and ball bearing slides all around.

Doubled the space on the dresser (and gave me more room to NOT try to lose my glasses and wallet)

The collection so far:

Black Jobsmart by Tractor Supply (Leatherman Tool collection). Personally, the worst out of the bunch. The trim slides off easily, the drawers are tiny for the size, and it just feels flimsy. Poor quality paint, too.

Red US General (EDC stuff). The one I always recommend--great quality. I'm hoping Harbor Freight makes a bottom chest for these.

Blue Kobalt (assorted small hand tools I keep for "around the house" stuff). Decent, but still kind of cheaply made. I think these were the ones that started the craze.

Lavender Kobalt (my current and spare glasses, deodorant, measuring tools, stapler, more knives and such).

Really tempted to get a full fluorescent pink set from Lowe's for the shop--mostly to tick off a guy who tends to ask to borrow my stuff way too much. Also, it looks kind of cool compared to plain old pink.

Also, if they ever do have black or red bottoms--I'll get them for the other two boxes.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Has anybody bought one of these PIT mini tool boxes? They offer a 5 drawer lower and a 3 drawer upper, the combo of both is $79 from Amazon.







Seeing the difference in quality between the US General and Kobalt really makes me wish these were available in a brick and mortar store so I could physically put my hands on one. If they are like the USG (or even better) I could find a use for one. If they are roughly equal to the Kobalt in quality then they don't offer enough to entice me.

Unfortunately based on the photos I think they are closer to the Kobalt. Also I think I see what Yes I have a Hammer was refering too with the weird front cover for the top box.

I'm mostly just using a couple of USG boxes and Kobalt stacks for office supplies and small hobby tools, but if there were something as good (or better) than the USG boxes but with 5+ drawers my art and drafting supplies could find themselves in a new home and the existing Kobalt stack they are in would be looking for a new job.

I believe whoever makes the PIT are the OEM for the Snap-on boxes, and yes, I have both Snap-on and PIT. They seem identical to me with the exception of the name badge and one is half the cost of the other.

I have pix posted in post #18 of this thread of both.

 

[Monte]

Has anybody bought one of these PIT mini tool boxes? They offer a 5 drawer lower and a 3 drawer upper, the combo of both is $79 from Amazon.







Seeing the difference in quality between the US General and Kobalt really makes me wish these were available in a brick and mortar store so I could physically put my hands on one. If they are like the USG (or even better) I could find a use for one. If they are roughly equal to the Kobalt in quality then they don't offer enough to entice me.

Unfortunately based on the photos I think they are closer to the Kobalt. Also I think I see what Yes I have a Hammer was refering too with the weird front cover for the top box.

I'm mostly just using a couple of USG boxes and Kobalt stacks for office supplies and small hobby tools, but if there were something as good (or better) than the USG boxes but with 5+ drawers my art and drafting supplies could find themselves in a new home and the existing Kobalt stack they are in would be looking for a new job.

VEVOR Metal Tool Box, 8.6-inch, Portable Metal Tool Box with 3 Drawers, Small Tool Chest with EVA Liners and PP Feet Pads, Heavy-Duty Steel With Ball Bearing Opening and Powder Coated Finish, Red | VEVOR US

Shop VEVOR Metal Tool Box, 8.6-inch, Portable Metal Tool Box with 3 Drawers, Small Tool Chest with EVA Liners and PP Feet Pads, Heavy-Duty Steel With Ball Bearing Opening and Powder Coated Finish, Red at lowest price, 2-day delivery, 30-day returns. Shop now at VEVOR.

www.vevor.com

Looks like Vevor brand. 29 and 34 bucks

 

[Aaron_W]

Lowes had the bottom boxes today, but only in weird colors.

My top is blue, but there wasn't a single blue bottom in the store. Originally selected pink, but settled for lavender as it was closer.



These seem better quality than the top boxes--heavier and ball bearing slides all around.

Doubled the space on the dresser (and gave me more room to NOT try to lose my glasses and wallet)

The collection so far:

Black Jobsmart by Tractor Supply (Leatherman Tool collection). Personally, the worst out of the bunch. The trim slides off easily, the drawers are tiny for the size, and it just feels flimsy. Poor quality paint, too.

Red US General (EDC stuff). The one I always recommend--great quality. I'm hoping Harbor Freight makes a bottom chest for these.

Blue Kobalt (assorted small hand tools I keep for "around the house" stuff). Decent, but still kind of cheaply made. I think these were the ones that started the craze.

Lavender Kobalt (my current and spare glasses, deodorant, measuring tools, stapler, more knives and such).

Really tempted to get a full fluorescent pink set from Lowe's for the shop--mostly to tick off a guy who tends to ask to borrow my stuff way too much. Also, it looks kind of cool compared to plain old pink.

Also, if they ever do have black or red bottoms--I'll get them for the other two boxes.

Well at least it isn't just my Lowes. I had to order the bottom boxes online as they never had them in stock in the store. They almost never had the top boxes either.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I believe whoever makes the PIT are the OEM for the Snap-on boxes, and yes, I have both Snap-on and PIT. They seem identical to me with the exception of the name badge and one is half the cost of the other.

Possibly, but they have a few significant differences. I saw a YouTube video a while back comparing them.

 

[KnurledNut]

Anyone have the Walmart HyperTough mini cabinet and top box combination yet?

 

[david3921]

Anyone have the Walmart HyperTough mini cabinet and top box combination yet?

I don't but they look pretty nice. 7 different colors.

Robot or human?

Robot or human?

 

[captain14]

Home Depot has entered the mini toolbox game also. The top compartment has a latch and handle in the lid. I found a stack of them in the Holiday Gift area this week.
$15.88

 

[finn]

Menards had them for, I think, $5.84 after the 11% rebate last week. It might have been $6.84, but was certainly less than what HF had them on sale for in the same general timeframe, and lower than Lowe’s during last years frenzy.

I succumbed and bought one, but despite seven pages of suggestions here, I haven’t decided on a practical use for it.

I’m leaning towards gathering up the loose markers scattered across the shop, usually left where I used them last, and giving them a home.

I’ll probably regret being no farther than 10’ from a marker anywhere in the shop, though.

 

[captain14]

Double post

 

[cody1325]

Home Depot has entered the mini toolbox game also. The top compartment has a latch and handle in the lid. I found a stack of them in the Holiday Gift area this week.
$15.88

Looks a lot like the one Sam's Club had a few years back. Wondering if it's the same?

 

[Monte]

From the "Obi" store. Regular 19,99 - now 9,99 €

 

[Callelle]

Been waiting for Purple to come out.

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

I actually picked one up at Canadian Tire when they were on sale a few months back, before I even knew they were a recent “trend”. I didn’t have a purpose in mind I just had to have it when I saw it.
Now thanks to this thread and @KFBR392’s post I have a new place for my vintage razors:

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

Somebody is making roll carts for these now:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/4350817101/roll-cart-bottom-for-us-general-mini?ref=elp_anchor_listing&bes=1

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Spot weld cutter + spare blades for it, double ended 1/8" drill bits, die grind burs bits, drill chuck keys, cut off wheels, grinder wrenches and air saw blades.