Toolbox for air travel

[Wes J]

I need to set up a toolbox that can survive being checked through an airline. The travel agent says try to keep it under 50 lbs total. I'll try to pair my tools down to 40 lbs or so leaving 10 lbs for some kind of container.

Normally I work out of a Kennedy 1022 cantilever box that weighs around 85 lbs. I can pair down my tools to the absolute minimum. But, I've never carried hand tools on a plane. I work fixing CNC machines and other machine tools.

I'm thinking of starting with something like this http://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-x-6-in-x-13-in-black-aluminum-case-69318.html

I figure I can wrap my tools up in some foam and toss them in that case. Wrap the thing in some duct tape and hope for the best. I'm not worried about organization really, just getting everything there in one piece.

Eventually I want to get something better. I know Pelican is good stuff. Does anyone have a recommendation?

 

[zhaddock]

I used to travel with tools a lot. I used one of these http://www.sears.com/craftsman-military-ready-25inch-master-mechanic-tool-cart/p-00995181000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&gclid=CIH07-Cgy8sCFQkyaQodtikPoQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[bsaint]

I used a Pelican 1510 when I traveled heavily as a field service engineer for machine tools. It survived 500 flights without breaking latches or wheels. My Pratt cases were twice in cost and lasted a fraction of the time. They were also heavier empty.

 

[AnthonyJ124]

I have a suitcase sized pelican case and it's great for traveling to customers. Came with a foam filler that can be modified to accommodate. Wheels and a handle make it easy to lug.

This one:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WAWSR6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[PaintDog1]

Hi Wes,

I've traveled with tools for over thirty years. The airlines are ruthless! They'd eat that HF box for lunch. Check out Pelican for a box that will play their game and win. Here's a link for something that might work for you: http://www.pelican.com/us/en/produc...-hard-cases/medium-case/top-loader-case/1440/. I saw a price on Amazon for $175. It even has wheels! Happy shopping! PaintDog




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[geartow]

That box will last 1 flight. You may want to look at something like this.http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-tool-sets/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html

 

[Ralf99]

Spent 20+ years travelling around Asia commissioning all sorts of equipment using only what I carried in a 6" deep tool case from CH Ellis.




The case and everything inside survived all that third world airlines could throw at it - and it regularly carried 20Kg or more.

 

[Wes J]

I only need it to last one flight. I have to fly out Tuesday so I'm scrambling to get something throw together. I figured I could cocoon it in duct tape and maybe it would make it.

 

[Ralf99]

Plastic tupperware containers inside a stout suitcase - job done.

 

[Wes J]

Looks like I can do 70 lbs if I pay an extra $100. That seems like a reasonable price to know I have what I need. I'm not paying for it anyway