Tool box recommendations for future A&P mechanic

[A&Pgirl]

I am new here and wanted to reach out and get some recommendations on tool boxes. I am going to school to get my A&P (airframe & powerplant) certificate.

Obviously, wrenching on expensive machines means a need for using quality tools with tight tolerances to avoid making expensive mistakes.

I have almost exclusively SK and Klein tools for my collection, however, as I get ready to head off to school, I want to invest in a box for school that I can also use once I get into employment. I spoke with an instructor and currently, due to the large size of their tool cages and the smaller class sizes, there is no restriction on box size.

I want to begin building my collection to prepare myself for working in the trade, part of which means having a well put together, sorted box. I plan on shadowing all of my tools in foam cutouts for ease of tool inventory, but the downsize of doing so means a love of tool box real estate.

I want to invest the majority of what money I have on building my collection and keeping with my current choice in brands.

My question is this... does your choice in a tool box reflect on you as a mechanic. Obviously I need to prove myself through the quality of my work and my attention to detail, however, I have heard from some that employers also tend to make judgements to some extent, on the quality of the tools of the employee (fact or fiction for those in the trades?) and I was wondering if this extends to choices in tool storage.

Currently, I have an older stainless CSPS box from Costco which I love, however, they are no longer available and the ones that Costco does sell don't seem to be of the quality which they once were. The one I have is filled with all my off brand tools which are reserved for the home shop.

I have heard a lot of good things about Harbor Freight's larger chests and they are definitely much more reasonably priced than a SK, Matco or Snapon box... but obviously question how others in the workspace might judge me if I go that route.

Am I just being crazy here and worrying about nothing? Should I go with a name brand box and shell out the extra cash (which I don't really have much of being a student) or should I go for my price range and get a big Harbor Freight, Titan box or something similar?

I know I'm probably worrying over nothing, but still have worked in enough fields to know that sexism, homophobia and transphobia are alive and well in the trades where I'm from and want to reduce the number of points of potential judgement and limit them to what truly matters - my abilities as a mechanic...

Thoughts? Would love some input.

 

[racinfarmer]

I am new here and wanted to reach out and get some recommendations on tool boxes. I am going to school to get my A&P (airframe & powerplant) certificate.

Obviously, wrenching on expensive machines means a need for using quality tools with tight tolerances to avoid making expensive mistakes.

I have almost exclusively SK and Klein tools for my collection, however, as I get ready to head off to school, I want to invest in a box for school that I can also use once I get into employment. I spoke with an instructor and currently, due to the large size of their tool cages and the smaller class sizes, there is no restriction on box size.

I want to begin building my collection to prepare myself for working in the trade, part of which means having a well put together, sorted box. I plan on shadowing all of my tools in foam cutouts for ease of tool inventory, but the downsize of doing so means a love of tool box real estate.

I want to invest the majority of what money I have on building my collection and keeping with my current choice in brands.

My question is this... does your choice in a tool box reflect on you as a mechanic. Obviously I need to prove myself through the quality of my work and my attention to detail, however, I have heard from some that employers also tend to make judgements to some extent, on the quality of the tools of the employee (fact or fiction for those in the trades?) and I was wondering if this extends to choices in tool storage.

Currently, I have an older stainless CSPS box from Costco which I love, however, they are no longer available and the ones that Costco does sell don't seem to be of the quality which they once were. The one I have is filled with all my off brand tools which are reserved for the home shop.

I have heard a lot of good things about Harbor Freight's larger chests and they are definitely much more reasonably priced than a SK, Matco or Snapon box... but obviously question how others in the workspace might judge me if I go that route.

Am I just being crazy here and worrying about nothing? Should I go with a name brand box and shell out the extra cash (which I don't really have much of being a student) or should I go for my price range and get a big Harbor Freight, Titan box or something similar?

I know I'm probably worrying over nothing, but still have worked in enough fields to know that sexism, homophobia and transphobia are alive and well in the trades where I'm from and want to reduce the number of points of potential judgement and limit them to what truly matters - my abilities as a mechanic...

Thoughts? Would love some input.

WTF does this have to do with your choice of toolbox?

 

[swedish_chef]

I am going to school to get my A&P (airframe & powerplant) certificate.
...
My question is this... does your choice in a tool box reflect on you as a mechanic. Obviously I need to prove myself through the quality of my work and my attention to detail, however, I have heard from some that employers also tend to make judgements to some extent, on the quality of the tools of the employee (fact or fiction for those in the trades?) and I was wondering if this extends to choices in tool storage.
...
obviously question how others in the workspace might judge me if I go that route.

Am I just being crazy here and worrying about nothing? Should I go with a name brand box and shell out the extra cash (which I don't really have much of being a student) or should I go for my price range and get a big Harbor Freight, Titan box or something similar?

I can't speak as an employer or the guy running the shop, but I can as a customer of bunches of aircraft maintenance shops and someone who likes to sit around and shoot the s*** with the A&Ps. I could not care less what brand of box is in the hangar. Obviously if some guy has shelled out for one of the $15k super duper snap-on monsters I'll notice it and simultaneously think it is neat while also worrying about the labor rate I'm paying. Far more important is whether or not the shop is clean and organized and whether or not someone has the right tool for the job. My understanding is you can get a serious discount on the name brand boxes as a student and if it floats your boat, great, but I don't think it makes any difference whatsoever in how serious people will take you. I've seen guys that really *really* know what they are doing happily rolling their harbor freight boxes around. I would think the multiple $$$$ spent on the fancy toolbox would be much better spent on more training or factory schools after you are licensed. Much more likely to have a direct impact on your salary, how appealing you are to employers, and your options.

 

[Bronson]

When I was in A&P school way way back in 1981, the School recommended Craftsman brand. We only carried hand tool boxes in School. The Tool Crib had most of the tools we needed for Annuals, etc.
My first real Aviation job was at Bell Helicopter in Amarillo, and I began building a decent Snap-On collection, as We got a discount and I had a nice paycheck coming weekly.
Years later, after working in General Aviation and a little contract work for NASA, I went back to work for Bell to build the V-22 Osprey.
I was surprised to learn that all tools were supplied by Bell, big Snap-On boxes shadowboxed with Snap-On tools. No personal boxes or tools are allowed.

Don't obsess over what brand of tool box You show up with, Your attention to detail, natural abilities and integrity will show the Employer what kind of a person You are, not a logo on a box.

 

[ibedayank]

just starting out in school better to have $400 box filled with $4000 of tools then a $4000 box filled with $400 of tools

 

[Shiftless]

This might be an over simplification, but ask yourself this...

Would you rather have a SO $5000 toolbox filled with $500 worth of tools or a HF $500 toolbox filled with $5000 worth of tools?

 

[crewchief888]

buy a HF or SO..

it's your money, spend it as you choose, and choose wisely.

i'm still using the SO boxes i bought in '86

 

[anndel]

This might be an over simplification, but ask yourself this...

Would you rather have a SO $5000 toolbox filled with $500 worth of tools or a HF $500 toolbox filled with $5000 worth of tools?

The latter but that's just me. I have a kobalt and husky box filled with Snap On, SK, Sunex, Tekton, Knipex and old US Made Craftsman tools.

 

[T45]

This might be an over simplification, but ask yourself this...

Would you rather have a SO $5000 toolbox filled with $500 worth of tools or a HF $500 toolbox filled with $5000 worth of tools?

I'd rather have a $350 box filed with $10,250 of snap on tools I bought at 50% thanks to the school and not having messed up credit

 

[Air21]

I enjoyed reading THIS blog post about toolboxes for A&P's and the hangars I've been inside seem to follow his advise, 52ish inch rollers, anything bigger is against a wall and hasn't moved.

If you're in A&P school there is a Craftsman Student Technician program worth 50% off one tool box, 50% off any tool set, 50% off anything else Craftsman and 20% off anything else they carry.

Snap On will give you 50% off on SOME boxes, KRA's mostly. Mac and Marco also limit the boxes you can get on discount.

Generally your tools are going to be smaller, lighter, and less diverse than a lot of other trades. You also don't know if you'll end up at a part 145 station doing component work or assemblies, verses an air carrier with ten of one kind of airplane, or a GA shop that provides all the specialty tools and really just needs you to bring screwdrivers and wrenches. There are a lot of places an A&P license can get you and they don't necessarily have much in common. Lots of big places like Lockheed and Bell provide tools anyway.

If it was me, I'd do just like the blog says and buy a box that I wouldn't mind having at home and upgrade once I'm making money, that is if I even needed to.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

WTF does this have to do with your choice of toolbox?

The username may be a hint. Personally I think it's great to see women getting into mechanical fields, especially if they love the work.

Back to the point, Snap On seems to be the universal "high end" brand in a lot of trades, but the reality is that it's just a box that holds tools. To an extent, the same could be said about tools, they're just a means to do the work. As long as you have gear that works properly (doesn't round off/damage fasteners, etc), and doesn't look like a huge pile of garbage, the real defining factor will be that you know how to use them properly. My advice is to get whatever fits the job and the budget, and spend the extra money on training and certs, and let your work speak for itself.

 

[Bruce57]

I would bet that someone in this thread will make the point that tools don’t make the mechanic and that there are many good mechanics that don’t need to buy top of the line tools to be good at their job. This is true. However, you do make a good point about some tools fitting better than others. In my opinion that shows a level of pride in workmanship and job performance. The quality of the tool is important, but the brand name is not everything.

You seemed concerned about judgements from co-workers. This is understandable because people do make judgements. However, some people may judge you negatively for buying Snap-On because they think it’s overpriced and a waste of money. And some may judge you negatively for buying Harbor Freight because it is made in China and they don’t like Chinese tools. You can’t please everyone, but that’s not all bad. If we were all the same the world would be a very boring place.
I agree with your comments on quality tools and would stay with that direction. If it were me I would buy a quality box but would look for a used one to reduce the expense. I like my Snap-On boxes but have also heard good things about the Harbor Freight boxes. Choose what you feel is quality and durable and will serve you best, and don’t worry about other’s opinions - but respect their right to have a differing opinion.

I wish you the best with your A&P schooling. You have chosen an excellent career field. I would like to make a suggestion for when you start your new career. Based on your comments in the last paragraph of your post, I recommend leaving ********* at the door when you enter the workplace. Do your work to the best of your ability, be willing to learn, have a good attitude, and expect there will be people with differing opinions than yours. Respect their right to their opinion even if you disagree with it. If you do you will find you will receive mutual respect from most if not all of your co-workers.

 

[bobcatdan]

I'm no airplane mechanic so I can only guess on what I think I know about the trade. I would look for something up to the riggers of moving around the hanger. In school you can probably start with a cheappreciate box like an HF until you find employment and see what fits your job. A Kennedy maintenance pro or Versacart set seems to me what would work best.

 

[LSU]

Not an A&P mechanic or a professional wrench turner but I've got my share of really nice tools that I've acquired through the years.

My only school advice is do not, repeat NOT, incur a whole bunch of student debts to buy tools, or for that matter - pay for school.

I've had lots of friends' children rack up student loans to buy tools, "work" clothes and other things to "fit in" at their new jobs.

Not always the best idea. Student loans are non dischargeable in US Bankruptcy - keep in mind you borrow the money and you owe it until you pay it back or you die. If you die, before your heirs get any of your money - the debts will be paid.

Just my two cents.

Good luck on your new career, don't borrow money to buy tools or pay for school unless you really need it and, perhaps most important - worry about doing quality work instead of worrying about fitting in with your "new" coworkers.

I've hired and fired a lot of folks in my 40 year career and I can tell you that I'm a lot more worried about the quality of someone's work product and attention to detail than what kind of toolbox they have.

 

[A&Pgirl]

Don't obsess over what brand of tool box You show up with, Your attention to detail, natural abilities and integrity will show the Employer what kind of a person You are, not a logo on a box.

I definitely agree that talent, attention to detail, ability and willingness to listen are going to go a lot further than what kind of tools or tool box I have. I don't expect to get along with all my coworkers and I definitely understand that there will be a variety of varying opinions when it comes to tool brands, but at the same time, don't want to be judged on my work by others based on what I wrench with.

I guess that was kind of my thinking and I appreciate your insight.

 

[A&Pgirl]

just starting out in school better to have $400 box filled with $4000 of tools then a $4000 box filled with $400 of tools

Agreed! I have done a bit of work in the trades in the past and consider myself to a have a strong mechanical background. Over the years, I have come to appreciate good tools and have noticed a significant difference between cheap brands and good brands, especially when it comes to sockets, wrenches, etc. where the cheaper the tool, the more the tolerances go out the window.

Really appreciate the insight.

 

[TheSasquatch]

Are you wanting to do small aircraft or airline work?

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[P51Boilermaker]

As an A&P myself I recommend:

1) A ~50-60" long rollaway with NO top chest. Often times you'll need to maneuver your box around and underneath airplanes. Plus you'll use your box as a workbench more often than you think.

2) Get what you can afford and fill it with top of the line tools. Snap On, Matco, and Mac offer student discounts. I bought a SO box with my discount at a killer deal. It was still expensive, but worth the extra security and build quality. Here's the link's

https://www1.snapon.com/SEP
https://www.matcotools.com/tech-ed/discounts/
http://www.mactools.com/en-us/buy-now/student-tech-programs

Many of the discounts from SO and Matco can be as high as 50-60%. Take advantage of it while you can.

3) FOAM- Here's what I have in my box. Black and white and cut it out myself

http://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/Kaizen-Foam-p13435.htm

 

[ZRX61]

Unless you're going to be inviting people to look into your toolbox all the time it's no business of anyones what brand you use. The first time someone reaches into your toolbox uninvited, just kick the drawer shut before they can move their hand. That cures that issue right away.
As for brand of box (or tools)...it doesn't matter. & like you said, shadowing boxes wastes a HUGE amount of space, so buy some 72incher from Strictly Toolboxes.com. I've worked on aircraft for decades & none of my boxes are shadowed.
You won't be using very many tools in A&P school, so just get something smaller. Most students seem to operate out of tool carts, or even hand boxes....which you'll need anyway. I've gone weeks operating out of a hand box without touching any of my bigger boxes.... & as I've got 7 rollaways, shadowing them would involve me buying a 40ft Conex & fitting it with wheels.

Also a lot depends on what you plan to do after you get your certs: GA, Old ****/resto (what I do), bizjets, helicopters or some godawful horror working for an airline etc? .. engines, avionics or tin bashing?

 

[A&Pgirl]

Are you wanting to do small aircraft or airline work?

The company I am hoping to go to work for once I'm done with school does maintenance work on others planes (mostly smaller planes) and also owns a handful of prop and jet air tankers.

More than likely, there will be a little more variety in what I'm wrenching on, once I get the proper training and certs.

 

[TheSasquatch]

I worked for an mro working on mostly 737's and when I did I found that having a smaller box you can roll out to the aircraft was alot more beneficial than a larger box that stays mostly stationary. Alot of guys had the 2 bay snap on boxes.

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[A&Pgirl]

As an A&P myself I recommend:

1) A ~50-60" long rollaway with NO top chest. Often times you'll need to maneuver your box around and underneath airplanes. Plus you'll use your box as a workbench more often than you think.

2) Get what you can afford and fill it with top of the line tools. Snap On, Matco, and Mac offer student discounts. I bought a SO box with my discount at a killer deal. It was still expensive, but worth the extra security and build quality. Here's the link's

https://www1.snapon.com/SEP
https://www.matcotools.com/tech-ed/discounts/
http://www.mactools.com/en-us/buy-now/student-tech-programs

Many of the discounts from SO and Matco can be as high as 50-60%. Take advantage of it while you can.

3) FOAM- Here's what I have in my box. Black and white and cut it out myself

http://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/Kaizen-Foam-p13435.htm

Thanks for the insight. I definitely love tool discounts. I never had any good deals with Snap On, Matco, Mac, SK or others, but when I was working in the electrical and datacom fields, I used to get insane discounts on Greenlee and Klein as an apprentice. Will definitely use the discounts to my advantage.

Thanks for the insight on having a longer rollaway without a top chest, definitely makes sense and working on aircraft, the box definitely has to come to the plane, not the other way around. Your insight is very appreciated.

 

[ZRX61]

Most of the time I use one of these with a hand box on top if I need to move **** around & the big tool boxes stay where they are parked. (If I'm away from the hangar then the hand box is on the tailgate of truck):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVZN6N8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Also, a cart like that is handy is you're doing oil changes or swapping out batteries etc

 

[ZRX61]

The company I am hoping to go to work for once I'm done with school does maintenance work on others planes (mostly smaller planes) and also owns a handful of prop and jet air tankers.

More than likely, there will be a little more variety in what I'm wrenching on, once I get the proper training and certs.

Location?

 

[MFolks]

When building the General Dynamics AGM-129A missile ($4.75 Million Dollars each,in 1993),all of the hand tools were serialized,for tool control,and to find and hang someone,if their tools were found causing F.O.D. (Foreign Object Damage),in fuel cavities,engine parts,or the flight control/guidance systems.

 

[1950mercury]

If you can get snap on for 50% of list do that. You will be able to sell the tools for what you paid for them.

 

[L.Cheapo]

In our company hangar, we employ about 25 A&Ps. Of them, about there are 22 Snap On KRLs, 1 Snap On Epiq, 1 Craftsman 40", and 1 HF 44". Our hangar is about 400' from end to end. I see the guys pushing them that far on a daily basis. Then having to move them when another plane has to come out. Most have SS or wood tops, as they're always working, writing, or setting parts on them.

The best advice I can give you, is find something that rolls easily when loaded.

 

[Thumper]

Snap-On Taco Wagon....

 

[Avplayer]

I'm an a&p for United airlines in ewr. Been here for 16 years...depending on what u do, line maintenance vs hangar, u might not even need a complete toolbox...i have a big tool bag and a smaller line bag thats gets me through the majority of jobs. Invest in quality tools but that doesnt mean having to buy brand new off the truck. A lot of my tools are from the late 90's craftsman when they were still good ol usa. I've upgrade over the years and bought snap on, s&k and proto. Just shop wisely on CL, ebay or wait for 30% off at zoro. Theres no need to buy everyhting all at once.

 

[yhprum]

I go with P51 Boilermakers suggestion. A nice rolling toolbox/bench that isn't too hard to move around the hangar.
Also think about if you are going to specialise in a particular part of the business, like sheetmetal or avionics ect.
I know you just getting started but something to think about.

 

[Murphy4570]

I was an auto mechanic, not Aviation myself. I'd imagine you would want something that's easy enough to roll around. The old Snap-On taco cart comes to mind, as that was made for aviation mechanics.

In all honesty it is a prestige thing with the expensive toolboxes. Mechanics do judge each other a bit, but it is more for ball busting than anything else. Your attention to detail, workmanship, and pride of work will be the telling factors more than what toolbox you have.

One of the best electrical diag Ford master techs I knew worked out of a Craftsman Professsional toolbox - nobody ever gave him ****.

Grow thick skin, and be able to banter back and forth. Don't blush if you hear cursing, as mechanics generally cuss like sailors and bust each others balls all day long.

 

[zkling]

HF44-cheap upfront, decent quality and MINIMAL $ loss over service life of box.

Used truck brand - step up in quality, longer service life due to warranty*

New truck brand - great warranty, pay a premium for the warranty, brand name and custom options.

Industrial cabinet (lista, vidmar, bott, storloc, etc) - Best of the best, throw on a set of GOOD casters and nothing will be close in quality. Downside is price new is pretty high and aren't as plentiful used, nor near as flashy as a truck brand box.

*Legally warranty does not apply to used tool boxes.

From my experience the most scrutinizing trade for toolboxes is the machinist and those damn little kennedy top chests. In my opinion they are cute and delicate next to an industrial cabinet, but it seems to be a rule if you are >~35 and in the machinist trade you must have one.

Friend of mine is an A&P and works out of a craftsman box and a HF cart. Has a mix of tools, mostly industrial brands. What he has spent on air tools is staggering. Works on planes that go beyond the 7 figure mark.

 

[ZRX61]

I see a couple of suggestions for taco wagons & while 1 or 2 of those would be great, they are getting a bit hard to find. Probably going to be another 10 years before they start showing up at estate sales around the airports.

 

[Farmall450]

This might be an over simplification, but ask yourself this...

Would you rather have a SO $5000 toolbox filled with $500 worth of tools or a HF $500 toolbox filled with $5000 worth of tools?

Exactly although the 2 A&P techs in my family use (d) craftsman.

Additionally, your box does reflect and won't attribute to/from any "judgement" from you being gay/trans/a girl.

 

[Adam.C]

Thanks for the insight. I definitely love tool discounts. I never had any good deals with Snap On, Matco, Mac, SK or others, but when I was working in the electrical and datacom fields, I used to get insane discounts on Greenlee and Klein as an apprentice. Will definitely use the discounts to my advantage.

Thanks for the insight on having a longer rollaway without a top chest, definitely makes sense and working on aircraft, the box definitely has to come to the plane, not the other way around. Your insight is very appreciated.

I have a couple thoughts. First, as an aircraft designer, I design for the tools our shop has. That's Snap On. We have Snap On catalogs on our desks and I have 3d models of some specific Snap On tools we use to help us design maintainable a/c. You might want to reconsider your choice of tools, especially box wrenches, and particularly Snap Ons high performance series.

Next, while the factories all use team boxes with Snap On tools (sometimes the boxes are Lista, but mostly Snap On KRLS) I've seen every sort of box in mod shop hangars. I think it's wise to concern yourself with criticism, especially as a female, but, and I apologize for this, you may get hassled no matter what you choose. So pick function over anything else and give the fat old men the finger.

While I don't have a specific recommendation for you, I'll give you a couple things to think about:

1) A&Ps have a pretty varied tool kit. Maybe fewer tools than auto mechanics but lots of different sorts of tools. I'd consider multiple boxes. Maybe one for engine work. One for sheet metal. One for composite repair etc etc. Even something like a hazet assistant, which is easily accessed from a creeper or a HF roll cart might make sense.

2) Unlike auto mechanics and guys here, A&Ps in smaller hangars move their tools A LOT. Most hangar floors are pretty nice, but inevitably you may be bumping over thresholds or even out to a field. While I've seen HF boxes in hangars, they very well may not be strong enough to withstand the regular moves A&P's boxes see. Also, A&Ps I know hoard hardware and parts. Even AD rivets weigh a lot when you fill a drawer with them. I see 2 good options:

Employ a cart whether its a Hazet or a HF roll cart (which should survive bumps fine if you don't overload it and consider upgrading the casters).

Get some sort of industrial box like a Lista. The advantage of these boxes is that in the future these can be converted to fastener storage or whatever. It will never be useless. They are super strong and can withstand frequent moves over uneven terrain. Whatever you choose, make sure you have the spring loaded casters.

Okay, I guess my recommendation is to go with a smaller Lista of some sort. Couple that with a tool cart of some type, preferably one with a split top to give you a work surface. I'd get a wood top for the Lista and mount a little vise to it. Eventually, you'll get a huge roll cab and the Lista will just hold hardware and specialty tools. This should be a cheaper alternative to a KRL.

I would focus your foam liners on the basic hand tools in the smaller cart, screwdrivers, box wrenches, 12pt sockets, inspection tools.

Oh and just a shout out: I use my iphone as an inspection mirror all the time. I'd consider putting a selfy stick on an old ipod touch with a front camera and using it as a dedicated inspection cam. Nice thing is if you see a crack somewhere, you can quickly snap a picture and show your colleagues or engineering.

Did some cockpit work a month back. Showed up with a headlight and somebody laughed at me. I'm 52 and need a bit of extra light to see clearly (little far sighted). That fellow ended up borrowing my light, then asking where I got it.... So, a good headlight is nice to have, but also- guys who pick on you will almost always come around when you stay professional.

good luck with your career.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

From my experience the most scrutinizing trade for toolboxes is the machinist and those damn little kennedy top chests. In my opinion they are cute and delicate next to an industrial cabinet, but it seems to be a rule if you are >~35 and in the machinist trade you must have one.

I think that is definitely going by the wayside anymore. I don't know anyone in the trade with a little kennedy, unless they bought it from a retired machinist/toolmaker.

My advice for the OP is not to go crazy on a new box. Get something like a used truck box or a new mid range box. I bought an SPG International pro series box, 42" wide box, delivered to my job for $1100. No none has hassled me about not having a special box. If anything I'm the one with more specialty tools in my box that people come asking to borrow.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have worked in six shop settings and never once heard of a fellow tech being picked on for having a "crappy" box. I have seen guys with a $6000 box and $200 of craftsman tools in it get ragged on. That's more under the category of a tech who won't buy tools and borrows everything. Generally the people who get pick on are the **** head techs who are too dumb or stubborn to better their skill set.

 

[regguy1]

I have a Tool Vault from Strictly Tool Boxes. The top and bottom set is $1695.00 delivered, if you add the side locker the 3 pieces are $1985.00 delivered. Great Tool boxes at reasonable prices.

Here are video reviews of them:

Review before putting in any tools:

Closer view:

How I organized my tools:

Top and Bottom set: http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/toolbox-sets/56-tool-vault-21-drawer-tool-cabinet-top-chest.html

With side cabinet: http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/to...er-tool-cabinet-w-top-chest-side-cabinet.html

 

[Greg85mcss]

I would recommend getting something that's reasonably priced & will meet your needs for now. I have a couple 5 drawer hf carts & they're great. I'm not sure how the place you're hoping to work is about space you're allowed... but I would probably get that cart & add a stationary box later or get the 44" bottom & use it till you need more room. At worst you can sell it after you finish school & only be out $100 or so or have a decent box for home use. The other alternative is to watch craigslist for a cheap classic 78 or similar. Those go quickly though so you have to be ready to jump when the right one comes along (cash, trailer etc). I guess the point is to get the job & have what you need to start then pay attention to what your coworkers have & how they use them. Something might look really cool but not fit the way you work.


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[Sugarfryz]

WTF does this have to do with your choice of toolbox?

I guess don't suggest a butterfly shaped rainbow toolbox.