What do you want in a toolbox?

[ras924]

Hello everyone,
My name is Robin Stromberg and my company PRO2L (pro2l.com...pronounced pro-tool, with the 2 standing for design and function) is in design mode for a new product line with our niche being extreme enthusiasts and motorsports professionals. Our product is a new toolbox and will be unlike any other that is out there. Materials will be drastically different, technology will be part of the design, the appearance will be definitely un-toolbox like, but overall it will be functional.
What I would like to get from all of you is items that you must have, would like to have, or just happen to think about to put into a toolbox? As an example, we are definitely adding a wireless charging station for your cell phone, and maybe an alarm linked directly to your cellphone by app. We are also thinking base coat/ clear coat paint, suspended casters with custom wheel options, carbon fiber options, bluetooth connections, etc.
Thanks for your help in advance...let the comments begin!

 

[JuliusPepperwood]

Hello everyone,
My name is Robin Stromberg and my company PRO2L (pro2l.com...pronounced pro-tool, with the 2 standing for design and function) is in design mode for a new product line with our niche being extreme enthusiasts and motorsports professionals. Our product is a new toolbox and will be unlike any other that is out there. Materials will be drastically different, technology will be part of the design, the appearance will be definitely un-toolbox like, but overall it will be functional.
What I would like to get from all of you is items that you must have, would like to have, or just happen to think about to put into a toolbox? As an example, we are definitely adding a wireless charging station for your cell phone, and maybe an alarm linked directly to your cellphone by app. We are also thinking base coat/ clear coat paint, suspended casters with custom wheel options, carbon fiber options, bluetooth connections, etc.
Thanks for your help in advance...let the comments begin!

30” deep,
as many full length drawers as possible,
a power drawer,
creeper holder,
air hose and extension cord hooks.
Side box add ons,

Now something that will be extremely hard to do but would be a badass option, a tool cart that somehow attaches to the box so u only have to wheel around one box but can detach the cart when needed.

 

[LXCam]

. My tools???

 

[Wamsutta]

I want thick sheet metal that doesn't flex or bend! No 18 gauge please!

Make a box out of all 12 and 14 gauge steel and I'll pay a mint for it!

 

[shanny19]

Mila Kunis

 

[Stuart in MN]

design mode for a new product line with our niche being extreme enthusiasts and motorsports professionals.

To be clear, you're not targeting traditional mechanics working at dealerships or repair shops with this new line?


For a motorsports professional, I'd think about offering a pit cart - something with pneumatic tires that can be used at the track, and is durable enough to stand up to transport in the back of a truck or in a trailer to and from the track.


For an extreme enthusiast (I interpret that as being a gearhead type who is not a professional, but works on his own cars in his home garage) a nice workbench top with provisions for mounting a vise would be good. Also, if it were me and I was looking for a big box I'd like something with an open space in the center to provide legroom where I could sit on a stool.


I'm old school so I don't see the need for Bluetooth or wireless charging or any of that...maybe a couple 120vac outlets built in but that's about it. I'm guessing the people who want those sorts of things already have devices that do it, so they don't need to have them built into a box.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Interesting first and only post...

 

[Air21]

If it's a two bank box I want the small drawers on the right side so when I'm using the top as a work surface I can open them with my dominant hand and not have to step aside or turn!

And six casters, with the fixed ones in the middle and swivels on the end so it maneuvers like a box half it's length.

And Mila Kunis.

 

[notlob]

Margot Robbie.


And Mila Kunis.

 

[Toothaker]

An engine that sounds like the end of the world, tailfins, two domes, and three horns that play La Cucaracha.

and Mila Kunis

Sent from my mobile using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[2ndGearRubber]

No nonsense phone chargers, bluetooth alarms, or speakers or whatever.

30 inch deep drawers, taller drawers for equipment, beefy slides and smooth casters. Stick a power strip on there, maybe a power drawer. If you're trying to get the serious home use market, you need to make a quality statement above the stuff craftsman and the home stores offer. No gimmick just a tool box.

 

[Al Borland]

Margot Robbie.


And Mila Kunis.

...and cue the "Obviously, we need to inspect inside their drawers" line.

 

[Richard Cranium]

200 to 400 pound drawer rollers.
modular drawers
color options
Fair priced.

 

[M6erfan]

What's your target market?

 

[Ign]

I want thick sheet metal that doesn't flex or bend! No 18 gauge please!

Make a box out of all 12 and 14 gauge steel and I'll pay a mint for it!

Holy **** that would be heavy!

As for the topic, the best drawer closure mechanism I've seen is GripLatch. I don't like the HF boxes where you have to shove the drawers that final click, I don't like Milwaukee's and Husky's "****" the drawer shut, and I don't like my KRL "slide left" as much as GripLatch.

Properly pivoted and weighted GripLatch can feel QUALITY; later versions cheaped out and got lighter, feeling vague.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

As an example, we are definitely adding a wireless charging station for your cell phone, and maybe an alarm linked directly to your cellphone by app.

I definitely don't want any of that. Make it strong with a nice coating/paint and make it in the USA.

 

[ras924]

You guys are great!!! I will see what I can do about Mila Kunis too. The drawer slides we have spec'ed out are 500lbs per pair, and the carbon fiber will be an option for the drawers. Stuart in MN, you are correct, my market is not the traditional mechanic. It will be racers (road, boat, factory teams, etc.) and guys who care as much about there vehicles as they do their kids! As for the heavier gauge material, Wamsutta you are so spot on!!! I have been in manufacturing for over 30 years so I know exactly what you are all talking about. The cabinet will be thicker gauge aluminum to remove the "tinniness" and the casters will be suspended by polyurethane bumpers. I am also a fan of full width drawers, but the slide quality governs that. As far as made in the USA, that is very important, but what we have found is the best drawer slides we can buy are German (Hettich)...what are everyone's thoughts on that?
We have had a design study done and it's not quite there yet but it looks better than anything else out there, with a signature feature that turned out amazing!!! Thanks for all the feedback, and keep it coming!

 

[ras924]

Here is one of the designs we came up with...what do you think?

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Here is one of the designs we came up with...what do you think?

The interior space between the end of the drawer and the side of the toolbox... is it usable?

 

[ras924]

Yes, that will slide out exposing hanging tool storage.

 

[ras924]

We are not sure about the slide top though, especially with a top box and/or a second bay. That being said, it would be nice to have access to all the most used tools without digging through all the drawers.

 

[ras924]

This picture shows the "drawer" open...

 

[M6erfan]

Looks interesting. Of course we all want to know...what's the target price point?

 

[gdpolk]

I look for something that is strong, sturdy, quality, with good ball bearings, ample room for the tools I own, ample options for organization (wider drawers are better), a durable paint, quality casters that lock, modularity with the options to add sidecars/cabinets/top boxes as desired, and a lock for all the compartments that are keyed alike.

In all honesty, look at SnapOn, MAC, Matco, and US General boxes...All have good designs for their respective users. My current box is a SnapOn KRA2407 with a 24"x36"x6" granite surface plate on top. For my uses as a home DIY guy and a knifemaker it holds all I really need it to including my large and heavy surface plate that I use for layout work on my custom knives.

 

[woody 73]

If you go out of business and I hope not, I want parts that can be found on the web (can your German slides be found 10 years from now if I need them? ).

I want thick gage metal that can take the weight and then some more weight and laugh all day long saying abuse me some more.

I want those big tires so it will laugh at everything in its path and move with ease.

I want it rust proofed inside and out with a quality type paint.

One drawer that is deep maybe from top to bottom or so not wide but able to hang up all cordless tools and have some kind of charger hook up.

Ball bearing slides are a must, along with deep drawers.

Being an old geezer I guess all the youngsters want that blue tooth stuff.

Build it like a tank. No need for any carbon fiber ****, plus give a thick top for working on.

You can make it ay color you want so long as it is RED (sounds like Henry Ford only in BLACK).

Offer a good warranty and don't charge snap on prices.

 

[M6erfan]

Seems like everyone here wants a Lista...

 

[Carquest]

Seems like everyone here wants a Lista...

For half the price with more color options


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[woody 73]

Seems like everyone here wants a Lista...

Right on the Money.

 

[Tynee]

Not to be too negative, but that whole design just screams "gimmick to catch high income, low use buyers". Not a design for high end home use or race use. Does look pretty "modern" and cutting edge. Be just the thing for those that have to have the latest and greatest to keep ahead of everybody else, in a hobby or interest they're currently "in to".

What would negative have sounded like?

 

[dr_clyde]

Seems like everyone here wants a Lista...

Haha yep. There are several companies making top end boxes that fit the descriptions here, you just can't buy them at Home Depot.

No way you can manufacture industrial quality boxes at box store prices and expect to beat names like Lista, Vidmar, Stronghold, and Equipto. They've been at it awhile, they know what to charge to stay in business.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Here is one of the designs we came up with...what do you think?

Top area under the slide top is far too shallow and that slide out side panel doesn’t look truly useful

I don’t know many people who want a radical design compared to what toolboxes are today other than color and trim options. One of the attractive points of tool truck boxes is the customization options as far as color, configuration, and trim goes plus add one like big lockers. Competitors like Extreme make good boxes but you get a couple of color choices and only a couple different configurations. You want pro mechanics and non pro mechanics with lots of disposable income then you need an Epiq killer, not a weird design

 

[woody 73]

Mila Kunis

You got me on that one, I had to do a web search, not bad what ever happened to centerfolds did that go by the wayside in this new day and age?

 

[crf450x]

For me it would have to be snap on quality with snap on warranty for well under snap on price. Honestly I don't think you could make a snap on quality box at a price that would be enticing. And without a low price it would be hard to put a lot of trust in a brand new name. I like to "know" I'm buying a high quality product. That's just my take on it.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Something with drawers that are stout enough to stand on, deep enough to store my working tools, and slides that work. Casters that don't fail, and will hold the ton or 2 of tools I have. A finish that will look good, and yes, utility. The end caps worry me as it looks like it will take space from the drawer storage. Durability - I'm tired of flimsy boxes that torque when I try to move them, which throws off the alignment of all the drawers etc., and make the box a hemorrhoid to use.

Want my idea of ideal? A pit box, similar to like the one SO does. I don't need gimmicks, I need utility If you can do that and come in at a reasonable price (and looks good as well) then we're in business.

 

[rick carpenter]

I suggest a two-unit stackable box available for separate purchase or together. A sliding wooden benchtop accessory would convert the lower box into a workbench. Making it removable turns the bench back into a regular lower box. The benchtop would slide out and lock with about 2" of front overhang to make the bench more ergo to work at plus it would allow for clamping. It would slide back for easier view of drawer contents. Speaking of which, an accessory positionable high mount light on a flexy metal arm mounted on the back would allow for better viewing of drawer contents when the user is standing between the shop's overhead light and an open drawer.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

You got me on that one, I had to do a web search, not bad what ever happened to centerfolds did that go by the wayside in this new day and age?

They've been replaced by Instagram.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

One thing not mentioned, easy to remove drawers like list or the new vidmars.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Stuey]

The wheel-span looks a bit narrow.

Caster design doesn't inspire much confidence. What happens if it's being loaded/unloaded off a ramp and drops an inch onto asphalt. Will a rock permanently dent or deform the wheels?

 

[seber]

Definitely ditch that skirt at the bottom. Nothing is worse than trying to work on top of anything and can't get close because there is no place for your feet. Look at kitchen cabinets.

 

[ultgar]

Seems like everyone here wants a Lista...

You can do a lot with Lista........ custom skirt to hide the casters (clean look), heavy duty full swivel casters at all 4 corners so you can push the cart straight back to the wall in tight spots, anti-tip feature standard, 440 lb drawer capacity at full extension (std), any color you want, custom configured drawers, etc. Drawer depths from 2-13". You can also order without the casters and skirt for fixed installations (order with a fork truck base if you want the clearance for your toes).

2 other things with Lista...........made in USA and lifetime warranty. With all the impending tariffs on imported good, I may go back to selling Lista. European tool boxes haven't been affected yet but the typical Chinese imported ones have. I think Beta has already increased their pricing on their storage products made in China.