Why Don't They Sell Tool Cases by Themselves?

[JimTheToolmanTaylor]

I have thought of a way tool companies can increase their profits: sell tool cases by themselves without the tools to go in them.

I have Craftsman Allen wrenches, but not a good case for them, just a flimsy pocket case. I would like to buy an empty folding holder for them to keep them organized and in order, but can't find it anywhere sold just by itself.

Also, say if for example a plastic socket or drill bit tool case is destroyed, wouldn't you like to be able to order just that case to keep everything organized and together.

The tool case materials include plastic, vinyl, fabric and metal.

Storage and organization is a big deal for me, and I don't like to see everything just thrown into a pile and I like being able to quickly find the tool I am looking for.

Does anyone agree with me on this?

 

[premierplayer]

They do sell these things toolman.
There are plenty of options, types and styles for everything you have asked for.
Google is your friend.
Here's a start...
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/EKLIND-Universal-Hex-Key-Stand-3JA12

 

[mauro]

I've looked at the universal hex key stand, but it's metric/standard mixed together, which is hideous. I'm currently using a magnet strip to hold them in order but i'd love something with labels for each size. Has anyone found a solution?

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I like the pouch for the fact it can be grabbed and tossed in a tool box, if I know I need it. I have some old hex wrenches that are in a tool roll, from my fathers early IBM days. Good idea, but not really organized enough.
Those holders are great with T style wrenches, and I prefer them for the shop, but don't use them enough to have a full set.
There are wrench/tool rolls and have been for a long time, used and new cases, or drill bit holders that you could modify, etc. The thing is, the GENERAL population, doesn't want them, and won't pay enough for them to be a profitable endeavor, IMHO.

 

[larry_g]

I know that Bondus sells its holders separately.

http://www.bondhus.com/products/custom/body71.htm

lg
no neat sig line

 

[EOC_Jason]

They might not sell them in stores, but if you call up customer service 99% of the time you can order replacements like you mentioned.

 

[BionicSniper]

Wiha sells all of their cases open stock.
DeWalt hard/soft cases can be ordered through their parts department.

 

[RECox286]

I have a set of allen wrenches in the truck that looks like a Swiss Army Pocket Knife.

Doesn't have all the sizes, but it seems to have the most popular sizes, so far.

Uncle Bob

 

[Northstar]

try surplus stores too. I hit up mine every month or so since thier stuff always changes. I almost bought a (made safe) WWII bomb to have in the corner of the shop, but they also have all kinds of other stuff from closed busniesses or manufacturers. this is my local place: http://ax-man.com

 

[fitz11]

I think individual cases are harder to find because lots of people buy a product that comes in a blow molded case and realize how much space it takes up and the case gets tossed. Probably not a real big market for them.

 

[brownbagg]

first thing we do it toss the cases to all the power tools, take up too much room in the gang box, and you dont know the tools in the box, somebody could walk with the tool or leave it out and you never know if you didnt open ever box

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Tool polishers & collectors worry about not having the nice clean tool cases to display in their unused tool boxes in order to try to impress their friends when they come over on Saturdays.

Professionals know that the cases takes up room in the tool box/cabinet and are quickly discarded.

 

[Burn1]

No not really. Some of us just bought additional cabinet space so all powertools w/cases fit. When friends want to borrow a tool, they all come back in the same condition as when they left my shop.

 

[kbs2244]

I just got an unused DeWalt box off e-bay for $8.00
It cost that much for shipping.

 

[crewchief888]

i see quite a few new blow molded boxes on CL locally.

at flea mkts/garage sales, anytime i see the smaller ones (like socket sets, ect originally came in) i grab them, usually $1 or so.

helps with organization in my service truck.

 

[Dustin Echoes]

This is one of the reasons I buy mastercraft (Canadian Tire) tools. Lifetime warranty, even on the cases. If needs be, the cases have a part number, and can be ordered in. Sometimes, the parts guy will order a case in, but give me an empty replacement off the shelf, and use the replacement for his own stock. THAT'S service.

 

[Zeke]

Once upon a time cases were minimal in size and advantages to keep the tool in. Nowadays, I think the cases are too large and not efficient. I wonder if the marketing people think bigger is better.

I pine for the days of the metal cases. In fact, I repackage what I can and carry the rest loose. Nice to have all the wrenches and accessories in the same place, though.