Show your "Mini" Tool Box.

[kyrbz]

How durable are those Toyo boxes? I saw that HJE has them and they piqued my interest.

I would say they’re durable, but that’s a pretty subjective question based on how you treat your stuff. One thing I would say is even reading the dimensions online, I was kinda surprised how small the smallest $16 one HJE sells is. It’s barely bigger than a pack of cigarettes.

 

[Stubby1743]

I have 2 of the T-190 Toyo (Trusco branded) boxes. I'm very pleased with them and one of the big plus points is that the bottom and lid are both pressed out. There are therefore no folded overlaps to trap moisture and rust.

 

[mikeinri]

I used to carry a similar box for my wallet, smokes and lighter when fishing. Does the job.

For the shear pins, my Ariens pins also snap if you look sideways at 'em. They cost $4 each at the local stores. I've taken to replacing them with Grade 5 bolts. The take a bit more of a beating before shearing but still protect the machine--and they cost $0.30 each.

Buying these shear pins (bolts) individually wrapped from a Honda dealer is crazy. I usually buy 10 at a time (I've had 3 or more break in a single session before).

I've seen them sold in bulk on Amazon, for much less money. I'm sure they're not Honda-branded (not like Honda is actually producing these themselves), but I want to be careful that they're not too hard.

Mike

 

[Beerhippie]

Buying these shear pins (bolts) individually wrapped from a Honda dealer is crazy. I usually buy 10 at a time (I've had 3 or more break in a single session before).

I've seen them sold in bulk on Amazon, for much less money. I'm sure they're not Honda-branded (not like Honda is actually producing these themselves), but I want to be careful that they're not too hard.

Mike

I bought a bunch of shear pins at bulk prices last year--then I got into the giant shop cleaning/organizing trip and now have no idea where I put them away. I'm sure it made sense at the time....

 

[mikeinri]

That's why I keep the mini box for the shear pins. I lose stuff in the garage all the time. I generally keep this box in one place (or two). I think I'd originally planned to mount it on the blower somehow, to increase my odds of finding it when needed.

Mike

 

[Beerhippie]

That's why I keep the mini box for the shear pins. I lose stuff in the garage all the time. I generally keep this box in one place (or two). I think I'd originally planned to mount it on the blower somehow, to increase my odds of finding it when needed.

Mike

But I have everything organized! Three machinist's boxes, a couple of mechanic's chests, portable boxes, shelves, etc--a place for everything and everything in its place! I'm not sure where the place for Ariens shear pins was, but I'm sure it made sense.

If I had a mini box like that, it would be in the same place as the pins....

 

[mikeinri]

If I had a mini box like that, it would be in the same place as the pins....

I hear THAT!!! That's why I'm thinking about getting a metal red mini box (Kobalt or US General), to mount to the wall in the garage or shed, so I'll have a place for the Plano.

Of course, if I don't put it back in there after using it, I'll have no one but myself to "thank."

Mike

 

[Beerhippie]

I hear THAT!!! That's why I'm thinking about getting a metal red mini box (Kobalt or US General), to mount to the wall in the garage or shed, so I'll have a place for the Plano.

Of course, if I don't put it back in there after using it, I'll have no one but myself to "thank."

Mike

One of the advantages to coworkers having free access to the shop is that I can simply blame them if I forget to put something away!

Let's just keep that between us....

 

[jetlag]

Slightly bigger than the typical "micro" box from Snap on (and others). Not quite big enough for a full size sheet of paper, but big enough to hold small tools and some ready references. It's on a cart next to my Bridgeport.

 

[jetlag]

That Snap On mini box in the above post was part of a set. I bought the top box from someone who only wanted the bottom box, which, as I recall, had five drawers, and is slightly taller and on casters. It's probably mid to late 90s vintage.

 

[hobie18]

I hear THAT!!! That's why I'm thinking about getting a metal red mini box (Kobalt or US General), to mount to the wall in the garage or shed, so I'll have a place for the Plano.

Of course, if I don't put it back in there after using it, I'll have no one but myself to "thank."

Mike

I would have the box or so mounted on the machine. Along with hammer, punch and various other tools and supplies. Flashlights, hand and earwarmers, and anti plow xxxxx

 

[RTM]

But I have everything organized! Three machinist's boxes, a couple of mechanic's chests, portable boxes, shelves, etc--a place for everything and everything in its place! I'm not sure where the place for Ariens shear pins was, but I'm sure it made sense.

If I had a mini box like that, it would be in the same place as the pins....

Look in the freezer.

 

[captain14]

This is the most mini box I have, and probably the most valuable...



It's a small, watertight Plano box (probably meant to keep fishing gear), with three latches. I mostly picked it because of the latches, doesn't really need to be waterproof for my usage. And, made in USA!

It's dedicated to spare pins for my Honda walk-behind snowblower, and got used (again) tonight. Also houses a dedicated Kobalt 10 mm reversible ratcheting wrench (I keep that plastic tag on there to help me find it if dropped in the snow, especially at night, OK I'm weird...).



The Honda shear pins are crazy soft, I rarely know what I hit to break them. Better than bending / breaking more critical components, of course.

Mike

Everything you need in one container when you want to get finished with the snow.

 

[mikeinri]

Exactly.

Mike

 

[Kaervak]

I had the blue Kobalt box a while ago, as seen here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/lets-see-your-toolbox.466/post-10485572

I have since sold it off and replaced it with the green Kobalt box. Exact same layout, the only reason I switched was for the obnoxious green color. My US General cart at work is the same obnoxious green. Gotta have a toolbox that stands out.

Lowes finally has the three drawer base in green!

 

[jeffmoss26]

Sweeeet

 

[terrific]

Those have friction slides, right? How do they feel?

 

[Kaervak]

Those have friction slides, right? How do they feel?

Yes, friction slides on the Kobalt mini boxes compared to actual drawer slides on the US General mini boxes. They're ok, not terrible, not great. Actual drawer slides would be really nice, but I'm not too bothered by the friction slides. At first when I got the top box, they did stick a little, but have been fine since using the drawers a good bit. The top box has actual tools in it, each drawer is full. The top flip open lid is where the frequently used tools are for sake of convenience. The three drawer base has my multimeter in the bottom drawer and then the other drawers have vehicle keys and my wallet in them. I quite like the setup, still have to get some drawer liners for the bottom box though. Overall very happy with the Kobalt boxes. If HF would expand their color selection and have the full color line up, I'd definitely get one of the US General mini boxes..........in green of course!

 

[craftsman creep]

Got one today for my room. Got some small screwdrivers in the top and smother knickknacks in the lid. The drawers don’t have anything in them yet. So far I love the quality, they close nice.
-Preston

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Don’t remember if I posted my mini toolbox at work. Got this mainly for all my spare nuts and bolts and maybe some other smaller stuff too. The bottom drawer is full of nuts, bolts, washers, slide pins, brake hardware, etc. It sits on my stationary cart then I have an identical cart that I push around too. This was way too much but I liked the size compared to the US General or other brands. I think i posted my at home mini Kobalt box already. I went to Lowe’s looking for the bottom section but they didn’t have any and no mini buckets either lol.

 

[mikeinri]

Got one today for my room. Got some small screwdrivers in the top and smother knickknacks in the lid. The drawers don’t have anything in them yet. So far I love the quality, they close nice.
-Preston

Wow, I think i had that exact same gooseneck desk lamp back in the 80s! Knowing me, it's in a box in my basement (unless my parents purged it during one of their moves).

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

Don’t remember if I posted my mini toolbox at work. Got this mainly for all my spare nuts and bolts and maybe some other smaller stuff too. The bottom drawer is full of nuts, bolts, washers, slide pins, brake hardware, etc. It sits on my stationary cart then I have an identical cart that I push around too. This was way too much but I liked the size compared to the US General or other brands. I think i posted my at home mini Kobalt box already. I went to Lowe’s looking for the bottom section but they didn’t have any and no mini buckets either lol.

That looks great Blake, and I love the size!

Good luck finding a bottom section in a Lowe's store. And, all I see available online are the lime green ones, which *****. They should make them in all colors, and put them on sale during the holidays. Even with a smaller discount than the top mini boxes, I'd bet they'd sell a bunch.

Mike

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

That looks great Blake, and I love the size!

Good luck finding a bottom section in a Lowe's store. And, all I see available online are the lime green ones, which *****. They should make them in all colors, and put them on sale during the holidays. Even with a smaller discount than the top mini boxes, I'd bet they'd sell a bunch.

Mike

I agree. I am not a fan of green so I hope they release blue soon. I am really happy with the size of this one and the flat top compared to the lid.

 

[Shocker]

I have one of every color of the Kobalt boxes. Couldn't help myself when they were on sale.

 

[Radio Flyer]

I have one of every color of the Kobalt boxes. Couldn't help myself when they were on sale.

 

[Shocker]

Allllriiiight! I will get some pics shortly. They are mostly still in the boxes waiting for homes!

 

[Aaron_W]

That looks great Blake, and I love the size!

Good luck finding a bottom section in a Lowe's store. And, all I see available online are the lime green ones, which *****. They should make them in all colors, and put them on sale during the holidays. Even with a smaller discount than the top mini boxes, I'd bet they'd sell a bunch.

Mike

I was able to get one blue top a couple months ago, and they only had about 5 total. A couple of blue and some pink.

I haven't seen them in stock at my closest Lowes since then.

They finally have them available online so I ordered 2 bottom boxes and another top.

My local HF never seems to have them.


The popularity of these little boxes seems to have been a real surprise. I'm wondering how long until HD has a Husky version.

 

[mikeinri]

I see that Lowe's now has green, blue and purple bottom boxes available online. Black is listed as out of stock. No mention of red.

I currently have blue, black and red top boxes (as if you couldn't guess from the paragraph above, LOL).

Mike

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

Lowes also has PINK 3 drawer bottom cabinets in stock for delivery so we added to Mrs_No_Garage's stack in the craft room.


I finally moved my Kobalt into place on my dresser. I added purple felt for padding and moved my personal memory bits into it. My HS ring, my college fraternity pledge pin (failed out and never picked up my brother pin), prayer cards and other flotsam.



The slides are pretty low quality but usable for little things. I haven't seen a USG mini box in person yet to compare.

Cheers

Jim

 

[KFBR392]

I keep one in the bathroom on my side of the sink, and I have one in my 3D printing station that is mostly being used as a book end, but also holds stationary/writing implements.

 

[gregplv]

got these together from 3 separate Ebay purchases

 

[csp]

 

[cody1325]

Looks a lot like the Snap On casting Crown Premiums originally made for Snap-On. They also used the casting for a few NAPA releases as well.

 

[LXCam]

Found my mini snappy.

 

[hobie18]

CSP
Need more pics!
Hilarious!
Please tell me the casters roll

 

[csp]

hobie18 it's a coin bank. The casters do roll and two of them swivel as well. The three drawers that are open are the only ones that open. The two buttons in the top opening pop the two drawers in the lower open. The one in the side box isn't spring loaded or have a catch of any kind.

It's made to mimic an International box.

 

[cody1325]

hobie18 it's a coin bank. The casters do roll and two of them swivel as well. The three drawers that are open are the only ones that open. The two buttons in the top opening pop the two drawers in the lower open. The one in the side box isn't spring loaded or have a catch of any kind.

It's made to mimic an International box.

I'm curious--is the key a ratchet with socket like the SO/NAPA issues?

 

[csp]

I'm curious--is the key a ratchet with socket like the SO/NAPA issues?

Nope, there's no key. Just a slot to insert a screwdriver in to open the bottom panel.

 

[rust in the eye]

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 the size of a breadbox that could hold only a small fraction of that volume. Ball bearing slides for a drawer, that if filled with lead might weigh five pounds.
Maybe a "cute" display piece for those who collect miniture tools but beyond that............

 

[Beerhippie]

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 the size of a breadbox that could hold only a small fraction of that volume. Ball bearing slides for a drawer, that if filled with lead might weigh five pounds.
Maybe a "cute" display piece for those who collect miniture tools but beyond that............

There you go again, trying to bring reason to an emotional subject....

Personally, I'd think one of those would do wonders for organizing the tubs of stuff on my desk... but they won't ship to here at the low price point and the nearest HF is hours away.