Why Metal Portable Toolbox over Plastic, or a Toolbag?

[oldschoolcraft]

50 or 100 years ago, if you wanted a portable toolbox, metal was the best bet. Advances in material technology has made some incredible strong and lightweight polymer based toolboxes and fabric toolbags.

In 2018, other than aesthetics (and I do admit they look cooler), what are the benefits of a portable toolbox being made of metal?

I'm in the market for a new portable tool container and really like the looks of the Kennedy cantilever box, but the fact that it's metal makes me worried.

Downsides of metal, in mind mind:
1- they can and will rust
2- they can and will get permanent dings
3- significantly heavier
4- metal tools will rattle against the metal container

BUT, that said, my struggle to find a high quality tool bag or polymer toolbox that is made in USA/Canada/Europe, that also has nice organization, makes me lean back towards considering the Kennedy cantilever.

Even if I ignore country of origin, I've never seen a nice polymer toolbox that had good organization. It's always one main area and then one sliding top tray that lifts out.

So back on my original topic - who is using a metal portable toolbox today, and how do you deal with the 4 downsides I listed, and what are the upsides that make metal better than polymer or fabric?

 

[Parrothead]

I use plastic/polymer tool boxes, and have for years. One other benefit is no sharp corners to gouge or scratch. I have an old metal Craftsman and an SK box I’ll restore, but they’re purely for storage as they never leave the house/garage shelf anymore. One downside of the plastic/polymer is they can crack by the handle of overloaded. It’s happened to me. They can also crack in extreme cold. Another benefit is the wet weather benefit. When I go to the yard, I never worry too much if the carts are dry. Fairly waterproof.

 

[californiaHank]

I use both metal and plastic, but the plastic ones are used a lot more.

I'm usually needing boxes that I can "one hand carry" onto boats, so most of my portable stuff is in molded boxes. They're lighter and don't mar fiberglass boat decks.
I like Plano (US made) plastic boxes, and my portable tools are divided among a few different boxes.

Wrench rolls and socket rails help with organisation and stopping tools from banging around.

 

[fsae0607]

Plastic for me. Rust and weight are my concerns.

 

[Tynee]

I like the strength and durability of steel. What dents your metal box may shatter your polymer box. Bags tear. More character in steel, too.

 

[65k10]

For me it depends on what it is holding and how it will be used.

I like metal for smaller boxes since they seem to handle weight better (less flex) and are somewhat more space efficient since they don't have mold patterns to stiffen them. I like the trays on metal boxes better as well. The long handle going the full length can sometimes be in the way, but I have a nice open tray to configure how I want. Plastic tool box trays always seem to have dividers that limit how I can use it.

I like plastic more for when the box is going to be riding in a vehicle since they are less apt to damage the vehicle interior. They are also cheaper for their size compared to metal. Cheap stack-on plastic boxes work well for storing power tools and accessories.

I do have a structural foam box by Contico that takes what I like about plastic boxes, while being fairly stiff like metal boxes. Too bad their trays are not configured in a way I like and there are not many size options.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Steel all they way. You can fix rust and dents. Cant fix broken plastic. I just maintain them. Right now I'm painting one box.

 

[Cato]

When I lived in an apartment, I always used plastic tool boxes because they were cheap. They all got parts broken off - corners or sides and I'm not really that tough on them. Granted these were mostly Stanley once I got at Target.

I use metal ones now. They will bend or dent where a plastic one will break.

 

[crewchief888]

i have all 3...
use them all for different reasons...

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I never seem to get plastic ones where both the hinge and the latch hang together.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Steel comes with some baggage for sure, but they're awfully tough; and I really like that.

 

[bcexplorer]

At work I use a leather ideal tote, made in USA I beleive. Expensive, but well proven.

Edit, this one seems to be made in canada!

At home, and junkyard I use metal, tools are in canvas rolls I made.

 

[fordkid88]

Cold weather and plastic equal broken boxes, I prefer metal or cloth

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

My favorite type for portable, rugged and organized has been around for years.
https://www.google.com/search?q=too...0dPYAhWF64MKHeKqAqYQ_AUICygC&biw=1226&bih=590

Don't seen to have the "issues" mentioned with either metal or plastic tool boxes.

 

[catron44]

What tools are you carrying?

I've got all 3. A veto xxl-f is my main bag. Yes it is made in China, but it's a fantastic bag.

I like the plastic ones like the ridgid and dealt tough cases because I can stand on them as a step stool.

My metal box is a craftsman carpenters box that I keep specialty trim tools in, but I rarely take it anywhere since I have room in my veto to add what I need for the task at hand.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[JeepFan]

I use a toolbag to carry along. It is smaller and easier to handle. They do wear out every few years, but you can pick up Craftsman on sale. I just bought some over Xmas for $3.99.

 

[honcho]

I really like that plastic doesn't rust / corrode. Plus, plastic doesn't cause as much damage when place to other items like steel sometimes does. That said, my most used portable container is a military surplus canvas zipper tool bag. Tried a Kennedy Cantilever box and enjoyed the space and organization ability but I put so much in it I had trouble carrying it around.

 

[ganymede]

For an in vehicle kit I like cloth. Tools don't rust in them as easily. They are easier to stuff under the seat too.
The only downside is in an emergency if you put it down in snow or rain the thing gets soaked.
For work tools where things get knocked around I like metal.
The only part that gets rusty is the bottom and sliding it in and out of the truck or van sands the rust away.

 

[Bluejoe]

I’ve been using the Ridgid polymer tool box from Home Depot. It’s taken a beating in the rain, snow and cold weather. There waterproof from the rain once you close them. You can even sit on it when the tops closed. In my opinion it’s heavy duty. They come one or you can stack them. I have one for 1/4”,3/8” sockets and smaller tools such as pliers and another for 1/2” sockets and impacts.

 

[gregpack]

I’ve been using the Ridgid polymer tool box from Home Depot. It’s taken a beating in the rain, snow and cold weather. There waterproof from the rain once you close them. You can even sit on it when the tops closed. In my opinion it’s heavy duty. They come one or you can stack them. I have one for 1/4”,3/8” sockets and smaller tools such as pliers and another for 1/2” sockets and impacts.

I'm using both the ridgid and dewalt polymer toolboxes. The dewalt stays in my truck bed and has been 100% waterproof.

 

[Ray-CA]

My BIL showed up with this system: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Storage-Solutions/PACKOUT/PACKOUT-Tool-Boxes/48-22-8426 along with a couple of stack on boxes on top. They all locked together nicely and, except for the tools inside, where fairly light weight.

Ray

 

[davethorik]

My BIL showed up with this system: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Storage-Solutions/PACKOUT/PACKOUT-Tool-Boxes/48-22-8426 along with a couple of stack on boxes on top. They all locked together nicely and, except for the tools inside, where fairly light weight.

Ray

Those are nice but $$$. I have the smaller Milwaukee plastic box that is basically made to carry cordless tools in. It is pretty rugged, but not 100% waterproof which kinda bums me out, but is my only gripe with the box. It is made in the USA, which is surprising.

I carry the rest of my contractor tools in one of the 5 gallon bucket organizers. Cheap and useful, but no security, and if it dumps, a lot of tools fall out. Mostly handy, though.

I use an old Craftsman metal carpenter's tool box for mobile car repairs, as it is long enough to hold my extra long 1/2 ratchets and breaker bar. If it does get overloaded, it at least has side handles.

 

[Odes]

I like the plastic box for vehicle kits and I have crasftman bag for taking to the pick and pull I find the metal are to heavy and the plastic get get cracked at the yard but I now have a blue point cantilever box that I really like for mobile repairs and an old beach cantilever box that I'm going to bring into the mix as well

 

[ryan20021982]

I love these bags and they are cheap too

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-17-in-Open-Tool-Tote-with-Rotating-Handle-GP-44118AN13/204703616

 

[ca90ss]

https://www.festoolusa.com/products/systainer,-sortainer-and-systainer-port/systainer/499901---sys-sb#Functions

 

[racingtadpole]

I got rid of my cantilever toolbox at work in favour of the tool bag linked to below
http://www.beehivevinyl.com.au/shop-online/beehive-toolbags/fully-lockable.html

 

[seber]

My boat box is plastic but they rarely survive more than a year. My truck box is metal and has been repainted and even straightened a few times over the last 20 years. I have also added and replaced the home made gasket a couple of times. It is waterproof and tough as hell.

 

[Farleyfan]

For my keep in the vehicles, they are the bags.
When I head out to do something specific I have a 3 drawer
metal box I grab.

 

[wrench3047]

To me it would depend on end use, how durable apossed to being organized. The Army switched over to plastic Kipper tool boxes. Drawers with foam for each piece.
http://www.offshore-technology.com/...-equipment/kippertool/attachment/kippertool1/

They ended up being almost a heavy as metal boxes holding same tools and much larger. If they were abused they became useless quickly.

The only advantages were to inventory you knew immediately your 10mm was missing and the had a handle and wheels like luggage. Wheels only worked well on shop floor, asphalt in motorpool was too rough. Had to slow down or it would flip and something would scuff or break.

I wouldn't go with plastic unless its going live in a corner and be taken out to hang picture or fix a faucet. Metal boxes can ding and rust but can sanded, hammered, welded and repainted.

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[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

The question needs to be answered, what is going to be the main purpose of the toolbox? Is it going to spend most of its life in a vehicle? Are you going to be carrying it frequently? Once that's known, you'll get better advice.

I have a Kennedy cantilever, it's a really nice box, but even with it semi loaded with tools it's heavy as sh/t. It sits on the bottom shelf of my work bench most of the time.

 

[KnurledNut]

Klein Tools heavy duty canvas tool bags.
Anyone who uses one knows.

For added organization, their small canvas pouches are top notch.
Tool rolls, small boxed socket sets.
So many options with an "empty canvas".

These will take punishment that would dent or twist a metal box or destroy a cheap nylon bag.

 

[crewchief888]

I have a Kennedy cantilever, it's a really nice box, but even with it semi loaded with tools it's heavy as sh/t. It sits on the bottom shelf of my work bench most of the time.

my kennedy is full of (small) spare parts for my toy/mud truck.. at my age, it's getting to the point i dont want to hoist it into the bed of my sierra...

 

[Bessy]

I've used them all in some shape or form, though my current preference is a Kuny's branded "electrician's" tool bag, 11" square bottom. It's my 80:20 bag. It can handle 80% of household/day to day jobs, using (far less than) 20% of my tools.
Pros: Harder (but not impossible) to overload, easy accessibility and sightlines for most all tools it contains, half decent organization, small parts tray integrated into side pouch.
Cons: Get's dirty/dusty, can be awkward to carry due to tools sticking up from pouches around the sides of the bag,

I've used metal boxes, plastic, tool bags, five gallon buckets, you name it, and here are my impressions of all of the above.

Plastic Toolbox - Owned two:
The first, I was given when i was quite young, so naturally it was abused to some degree. It had the flip lid that stood straight up with a tray inside, two plastic latches, and flip top "parts" trays molded into the lid. Like I said, I used and abused it, ultimately leading to it's demise via broken latch and possible broken hinges.

The second was a second hand (barely used) Stanley box that my cousin wanted out of his basement. I didn't really need it at the time, but the price (free) was right, so I gave it a shot. It had wheels, the top box locked to the bottom via two fair sized metal latches, and the top had the integrated trays (again kindof useless, but I tossed nail sets and a few other odds and ends tools in them).
Pros: fair amount of space, modularity, tool tray.
Cons: Awkward to move around on the wheels, plastic, not wide enough (even my small handsaw didn't fit in there well), bottom bowed out (forward/backward) slightly if you loaded it, meaning the top was only supported at the sides. This just meant you had to be careful when you set the top down that you hit all four sides worth of ledges.

Metal:
20" Metal Hand Carry box, with removable tray.
I used the **** out of this box and it's still going strong today, albeit currently used to house a few odds and ends as well as trailering gear like spare light wires/extensions, and the likes.
Used this box daily on my mowing rig, and in traditional metal toolbox styling, it got heavy. Not because the box was particularly heavy, but because you weren't afraid to load it up. If you needed a tool or just thought "just in case", it got tossed in there.
Pros: Basically indestructible, good latches, comfortable handle. I glued two sections of carpet to the base of it, so that you could set it down on a wood floor or table and not worry about it dinging something up.

Cons: Heavy, disorganized.

Tool Bag.
My first was a widemouth bag I won on a fishing trip. it worked great, had a few internal pockets to stick stuff, and a zippered top that you could keep the dust out. Held lots of stuff, but eventually you put in too much to zip the top, so it became an open top bag.
Pros: Fairly decent organization, Light (when not overloaded), closeable top (again when not overloaded), good bags if you get smaller sizes.
Cons: Easy to overload (though that might be a personality trait on my part), the foam within the handles deteriorated somewhat, making it uncomfortable to carry, particularly if it was heavy.

Bottom line, my electricians tool bag is my current go to and favourite.

 

[Finky198]

It’s garagejournal you need at least 2 of each... lol

I have on my big cart
1 metal box (brake tools )
3 plastic boxes ( hand tools, tire repair , grease)
2 bags ( electrical and an empty )
I also use a ton of the HD document bags as well.


There is Plenty of good advice in here.

In all reality they all have their use. I keep most of my tools in a pelican case similar to what Wrench3047 posted. But I still constantly use tool bags, metal boxes and even a few cheap plastic ones. It just depends on what I’m carrying and where I’m working...

In other instances I have used reg gang box’s but on some jobs due to less risk of theft, or bad access. I’ve used pelican 1660 cases as tool chest. They are much lighter and easier to move by your self...
Sometimes a big benefit... each application has a different solution...

 

[cesski]

It really depends on where it's being used and what type of tools are thrown into it. I have a Pelican type tool box to house my essentials (pliers, sockets, ratcheting screwdriver, a stubby and flex ratchet, flushcuts, zip ties, screw gun, electric ratchet), I also have a Milwaukee tool bag for overflow and/or if I need any small parts with me. Then, at the end of the day, they are all returned to my main tool box (tool cart). In my instance, the smaller the box, the better, especially working in small spaces or at higher heights.

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[metaldad]

most of my boxes are steel. purposely look for them, on ebay, garage sales, tool forums.
the few plastic cases i have are small for light (in weight) tools.
i have kept just a few of the blow molded cases that comes with the tool. most i have tossed.
i use klein zipper canvas bags for the trucks.
btw, i have 1 large cantilever steel box, ex military. need ALOT of space to open it. i use it for brass fitting storage
tool bags, i do not use. can't stack them.

 

[Finky198]

Hey Cesski. If you don’t mind I’d like to see your pelican stetup.
I’m always looking for ideas...

 

[kctyphoon]

Buy what you think is best for your particular work environment and organization needs.

 

[ambenz]

I like having a backpack bag for a toolbox.
Put it on your back and still got two hands free for a travel mug of coffee.
I can even take my laptop or a scanner tool....for today's modern computer based mechanics and technology, a bag is versatile and gets you to places without actually carrying it in your hands.

Dewalts DGC530 is pretty cool and give you an idea on what I am talking about.

 

[77Mini]

I like plastic boxes as they are lighter and generally have more options available. Metal are good too. Can't say I am a fan of the tool bags though.