Why are American's tool boxes so big?

[Cato]

Why are our tool boxes so big?

It's like the average American mechanic can't get by without a 54 in or bigger box. Foreigners seem to do just fine with little 26" boxes. Do American shops require its mechanics to have more tools? Are foreign shops providing more tools to its mechanics? Could it be we have a greater variety of cars, so our mechanics need more tools? What gives?

 

[Chandos]

We need a place to keep all our guns.

 

[TahitianGreen]

Why are our tool boxes so big?

It's like the average American mechanic can't get by without a 54 in or bigger box. Foreigners seem to do just fine with little 26" boxes. Do American shops require its mechanics to have more tools? Are foreign shops providing more tools to its mechanics? Could it be we have a greater variety of cars, so our mechanics need more tools? What gives?

Because everything is bigger in America.

Our citizens, cars, toolboxes, medical bills, etc.

 

[Packard V8]

Don Garlits toured his top fuel dragster and I once saw him rebuild the engine in the dirt in the pits with a Craftsman box he picked up out of the back of his truck.

For many years back when, I did basic mechanical work with tools I could carry. Am I glad I have way too many tools today. Yes.

jack vines

 

[jd_1138]

It's because we need both SAE and metric tools. Imagine how much all of us could've saved had we gone metric like the rest of the world?

Also, we are a consumer society. We like extra tools to make life more convenient. We could get by on less tools, but we don't want to.

 

[Ign]

That's what she said

?

 

[ddawg16]

There is 'need' and there is 'want'. And then there is space.

Typically, the buildings in Europe are smaller....everything is smaller...

Classic example....look at Fridges. I lived in the UK for quite some time...the typical fridge was about the size of a bar fridge here.

Which reminds me....I need to start looking for a new box.....mine is full.

 

[rtole]

Stupid sae system! Or stupid metric.......I dont care either way..........but why do we have to have both? I like buying tools as much as anyone here......but my ocd wont let me have metric in one thing and not have it in sae........I just hate that no matter what, no vehicle is 100 percent one or the other. Always some small fastener somewhere on it somewhere that is the wrong standard!

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Its called keeping up with the Jones. Its just the availability of many tools cheap and expensive. When people say tools it basically Sockets,Ratchets and Wrenches. But there are lots of specialty tools you need on hand just in case. Hand tools you don't need much just couple of good sets, Since almost all cars are now metric.


I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

 

[Adam.C]

Not sure if this is a serious question or not. Pro mechanics in the UK have large boxes. but shops are generally smaller, and tools are roughly double what they cost in the US. Many mechanics here believe the average US homeowner has a 50" Snap on box in his garage.

 

[noslin]

you should see the ones in texas

 

[stikman56]

Why are our tool boxes so big?

It's like the average American mechanic can't get by without a 54 in or bigger box. Foreigners seem to do just fine with little 26" boxes. Do American shops require its mechanics to have more tools? Are foreign shops providing more tools to its mechanics? Could it be we have a greater variety of cars, so our mechanics need more tools? What gives?

It's genetics...

 

[Cato]

Could it be consumables are always stored in tool boxes in the USA? Seems like guys have brake cleaner and grease and assorted other stuff.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For years I lived with 1 pair of slip joint pliers, 1 arc joint, 1 needle nose, 1 locking, 1 side cutter.

Now I have 2 drawers full of pliers/cutters. Admittedly, I use the 5 listed above most often, but the bent long reach needle nose and hose grip pliers are great in special situations. I admit not remembering when I used my 17" arc joint pliers last. (Damn you GJ !)

 

[redwrench60]

It's not just about hand tools anymore. Probably only 40% of my toolbox is hand tools. The other 60% is specialty tools and equipment, power tools, diagnostic equipment and measurement tools.

Most people have no clue how much stuff it takes to work on whatever comes through the door. They think they do but they don't.

 

[zkling]

Social proof, peer pressure, work environment differences, each person needing a wide selection of tools especially if they work at a shop that may see all different makes, models and classes of vehicles.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

So he gives you credit then.

Americans are the best on double negatives..

 

[theoldwizard1]

It's because we need both SAE and metric tools. Imagine how much all of us could've saved had we gone metric like the rest of the world?

Yep. Most DIYers still need SAE. Most household appliances and lawnmower (at least the ones I have to tinker with) are still SAE.


I seldom use any 1/2" drive stuff except for removing lug nuts and then I use my set of Sunex flip sockets.

 

[Gmonkee]

Two standards, lots of new specialty sockets and tools every few years, demand to be prepared for anything and a general idea that if one set of wrenches is good then 47 sets of wrenches is great.

The truth is most of us only use one set of wrenches regularly and the rest are mostly drawer decor. In Europe a handbox with a decent set of metric tools will cover most car owners well. Toss in some Whitworth if he's driving an old British car maybe.
The pro mechanic might need a stack of boxes if he has the fancy specialty stuff but I'm told most shops that is supplied by the boss.

They don't have nor desire three drive sizes of sockets in three depths plus all the oddball specialty sockets under the sun in those three drive sizes. A basic set of standard depth metrics in one drive size in more the norm.

Try this:
Grab a handbox from the corner of the garage and dump out the bent nails and the spiders. Then place in it the things you use the most, the things you grab first for any given job leaving all the duplicate 'just in case' stuff out. One hammer, one boxed set of sockets, two wrench sets for SAE and metric. Normal sizes of allen and torx, two screwdrivers, just the common stuff. No big stuff, no rarely used specialty stuff.

I got mine to fit entirely into an old 1970's single level 1/2" socket set box. And I took it out on a few jobs, completed them with no problems.
Sure, I have more than that set back in case of the job that requires something different but its not more than another medium handbox full.

 

[Ruger_556]

Why are our tool boxes so big?

It's like the average American mechanic can't get by without a 54 in or bigger box. Foreigners seem to do just fine with little 26" boxes. Do American shops require its mechanics to have more tools? Are foreign shops providing more tools to its mechanics? Could it be we have a greater variety of cars, so our mechanics need more tools? What gives?

Because I have to fit SAE and metric in 3/8-3/4 drive. Also my 36" pry bar and 42" torque wrench don't fit well in a 26" box... There's some projects that I have more tools laying out in use than would fit in a 26" Several drawers dedicated to special and modified tools specific to trucks/models/engines etc...

There are those people that just collect tools, I don't see anything wrong with that There's worse hobbies to have.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I need a big box because there are a lot of tools required for work, from the standard 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drive SAE and metric sockets, metric and SAE standard combination ratchets, etc to big wrenches and 3/4 drive sockets. Then add pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, prybars, chisels, taps and dies, punches, etc to the mix. And then you have several air tools and the tooling to go with them (sockets, bits, abrasives, etc) and power tools. And then I also have to have my welding gear (jacket, gloves, helmet, respirator, chipping hammer, wire brushes, side grinder, etc).

And that doesn't even begin to cover specialty tools. Fortunately I am not required to have most of the specialty stuff but many mechanics do. While auto mechanics may not need the larger sizes of tools I use, they do wind up buying other tools that take up the space, too.

It's a lot of tools and the need for a bigger box should be obvious. Right now my 40" Snap On single bay is slap full and I need to get another box pretty badly.

Now my home box is much more basic, but then again I'm not doing the same stuff I do at work.

 

[spoon671]

I've seen guys with monster tool boxes, and all they do is PDI Chevy Cruze's all day.

American tool boxes are more often just storage containers for tools, and are otherwise useless. Just my opinion of course.

Take the box below for example...what the hell do you do with this? Lol

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

If I could get rid of all my SAE tools and 1/2" drive tools, then all of my stuff would fit in one HF 44" without a problem. The fact of the matter is Americans end up needing SAE tools, especially those of us that work on older vehicles. Combine that with the fact Europeans don't have the same love of full size cars and pickups, they don't typically need 1/2 or 3/4" tools.

You also have to keep in mind the members of this site don't have "typical" tool collections. I'm willing to bet 95% of Americans can fit all of their tools in a kitchen drawer or a hand box.

 

[HairMetal]

Europeans don't buy tools for show.

 

[Ruger_556]

Perhaps their shops are more make oriented? I work in a truck dealership that offers all make/all model full service repair. If I worked in a boutique or brand specific shop I could get by with far less. Just a thought

 

[cchracer77]

1. SAE + Metric
2. Time - Here, everything is expected instantly. If its a Big Mac or an engine R&R. All of the specialty tools designed to save 5 minutes here and there add up. That's why a "home box" usually has half as much as a "shop box." Can it be done with basic combination wrenches, yes. Can it be done in half the time with these 45 other sets of wrenches, if you can find the right one.

 

[tbaggz]

Because we can.duh.

 

[SASORacing]

It's nice to have a big box to stay organized. When your lifes works at a shop you need to lock it all up.

 

[owenst7]

you should see the ones in texas

You should see the ones in Alaska.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Europeans don't buy tools for show.

No offense meant or taken, but I don't either. I will agree that I see many doing that however.


One thing I see a lot of is WASTED SPACE. Seems like a lot of people want three inches between every tool. I know they want it to look orderly and not junky. I know they want to be able to identify THE tool they need right away without digging (time is money for the pros). But many people waste huge amounts of space and then complain that they need to step up in box size.

For me I need bigger boxes, but I also need my older 26 inch stacks as well.

I've got two 40" top and bottoms and two 26" 3-layer stacks. I've also got 6 2-drawer mid chests for misc. stuff and a huge older Snappy top box.

I just work on my own stuff, not on anyone else's stuff.

The first 40" holds the normal mechanical tools I use most often. Next to it is the larger of the 26" stacks. That holds all the smaller specialty tools, files, inspection mirrors, brake tools, punches etc. The next 40" holds any bulk (extra) tools, i.e. the other 50+ adjustable wrenches. It also holds my carpentry, plumbing, household electrical, automotive electrical, and diagnostic tools.

The other mid boxes and 26" stack have various uses.

 

[monomach]

Why are our tool boxes so big?

It's like the average American mechanic can't get by without a 54 in or bigger box. Foreigners seem to do just fine with little 26" boxes. Do American shops require its mechanics to have more tools? Are foreign shops providing more tools to its mechanics? Could it be we have a greater variety of cars, so our mechanics need more tools? What gives?

I'd say the single largest factor is that we need to have full SAE sets in three drive sizes while most of the world doesn't need any SAE tools at all.

Another factor, at least from what a German MB tech told me, is that a bunch of the powered stuff we buy ourselves and keep locked up in our boxes here are provided by the shop over there. He said all of their cordless and air tools were given to them by the dealership, so they were just left laying around instead of being stored securely like ours.

Yet another factor is that for most of the world cars are smaller, and so are their fasteners. Some guys in other countries don't even need 1/2" drive. We're loaded with SUVs and pickups, though...so they're necessary.

I still wouldn't use a 26" stack, though. Even if we were all metric, I'd still have my 56" bottom box and use the top as a work surface. Same for the 44" at home...though if I didn't need any SAE, some of the home box space would probably be taken up with woodworking tools that are hanging from walls now.

 

[hdhogman]

I think the big tool box need is generated by the tool manufacturer. For example, the plastic boxes that a tool kit comes in, it is engineered too tall to fit in the drawer by approx. 1/2 inch, thus the necessity to put it in a drawer that is nearly twice as deep, there by wasting space.

 

[steed andersen]

Just when I thought I had all of the SAE hammers and cresent wrenches, I had to start buying them in metric too. Darned Snap On guy...

 

[bczygan]

To compensate for .....you know.

 

[Murphy4570]

Because time is money, and when your trying to beat the flat rate clock, specialty tools make you money.

 

[NUTTSGT]

What they other members said and we also have more room over here in the US. Take a look at the size of the garages in the UK. They are generally quite small compared to what we have over here. When you have less space, you generally make do with what you have or what you can fit.

 

[creativecars]

It wasn't always this way, but much more so in the last 20 years. It seems that new tools can not touch another tool. A metric wrench can't be in the same drawer as a SAE wrench and it is a major **** if you don't have a special drawer for your wallet, sunglasses and phone.

 

[cgv69]

Because everything is bigger in America.

Our citizens, cars, toolboxes, medical bills, etc.

That really is the answer right there. Bigger shops, bigger pay checks, bigger debt, bigger egos.

IMO, there is no reason why the average mechanic, regardless of country couldn't get along just fine with something like the KRSC46 but in a lot of US shops, the size of a mechanics tool box is somewhat proportional with the size of that mechanic's ego.

 

[Davefr]

Automotive techs can get by with small boxes. It's us DIY homeowners that need big boxes and lots of them. We have to deal with:
- Automotive
- Woodworking/Carpentry
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Electronics
- Painting
- Machining/fabrication
- Various hobbies
- Welding
- Outdoor Power Equipment
- and the list goes on and on

I've never understood why techs have big boxes and homeowners have little boxes.

 

[n8n]

1. SAE + Metric
2. Time - Here, everything is expected instantly. If its a Big Mac or an engine R&R. All of the specialty tools designed to save 5 minutes here and there add up. That's why a "home box" usually has half as much as a "shop box." Can it be done with basic combination wrenches, yes. Can it be done in half the time with these 45 other sets of wrenches, if you can find the right one.

And "wasted" space in a tool box may be due to needing to lay everything out in an organized manner to find the right tool faster. e.g. in my own box the wrenches are all piled into organizer bins to save space because I have so little but if I were a pro I would need 3x the space for wrench racks because finding the right wrench quickly is important, esp. when you need to look for a wrench 10x or more a day.