Yay or Nay - Pelican 0450?

[Stuey]

I posted a quick preview of the Pelican 0450 mobile tool chest over at ToolGuyd today - http://toolguyd.com/pelican-0450-mobile-tool-chest/ - and am really itching to order one to test out and put to use.

I suppose I have been in need of a fixed-kit mobile tool chest for off-site ToolGuyd-related testing and projects, but I don't quite need this level of functionality or organization.

If there's enough interest in a review, that might be enough to throw me off the fence and order one.

Is there anything better for less money that I should consider instead? I plan on using it for hand tools and maybe a couple of 12V cordless tools as well in a deep drawer or two.

I was previously considering the Bosch L-Rack (http://toolguyd.com/bosch-l-boxx-rack/), but 1) it has a smaller footprint that I want, and 2) configuring the number of drawers I would want would cost nearly as much as the 0450.

 

[Avgas]

Seems like a great quality engineered case. It's usefulness would directly be related to how the drawers are layed out. Not a fan of the elastic straps, and would definitely need more then 7 tools per drawer to justify it's use.

 

[FJ 432]

I thought about buying one of these when they first came out. I didn't pull the trigger because someone on this forum made a good point, how easy would the drawers pull out if loaded down. The marketing materials always show the foam inserts with a few tools.

I would be interested in reading a review with a heavier load. I have no doubt of Pelican's quality.

 

[Stuey]

Seems like a great quality engineered case. It's usefulness would directly be related to how the drawers are layed out. Not a fan of the elastic straps, and would definitely need more then 7 tools per drawer to justify it's use.

Agreed. I find the vertical tool pallet to be more space-efficient, but it seems that - without going with foam - the horizontal tool pallet is a better solution for those really long tools.

I thought about buying one of these when they first came out. I didn't pull the trigger because someone on this forum made a good point, how easy would the drawers pull out if loaded down. The marketing materials always show the foam inserts with a few tools.

I would be interested in reading a review with a heavier load. I have no doubt of Pelican's quality.

That's a good point; there is no specified load rating.

Even so, there's now a super-deep 4" drawer, designed for "power tools."

The marketing materials always show it with foam inserts kitted with few tools possibly b/c there's a limit as to how closely together tools can be placed before the foam fails.

As it is, the case weighs ~41 lbs with empty drawers. I can't imagine how much heavier and more expensive it would be with ball bearing slides. PLUS that would probably defeat the ability to slide drawers completely out for portability.

 

[sloppy]

I dont really think you can compare a pelican case to a Lboxx at all way different levels of protection. The Dewalt tough box's are probably as close as the the market has and without a drawer setup they are not there yet..

We have some pelican case's on sight at work not this layout but for specialty equipment and I would buy one if cost was not a issue..

 

[Stuey]

I dont really think you can compare a pelican case to a Lboxx at all way different levels of protection. The Dewalt tough box's are probably as close as the the market has and without a drawer setup they are not there yet..

We have some pelican case's on sight at work not this layout but for specialty equipment and I would buy one if cost was not a issue..

It's not apples vs. oranges in terms of protection, but I was thinking more along the lines of storage volume, tool separation, and organizational flexibility.

 

[zkling]

I've look at those a few times (just dreaming). They are very cool and look rugged, but come at a hefty price. Another and possibly cheaper option is one of the snap on FOD tool boxes. The pelican is the ultimate in rugged, waterproof, organization. Do you need that? There are a bunch of portable box options. Hand carry box w/ tray, cantilever box, small carry box with drawers. I too am currently trying to put together a portable box. I ended up deciding on a Kennedy 520 with personal modifications. It to me is a good combo between storage space, weight, overall size, build quality and used purchase price. Would I like one of those pelicans? Sure I just don't think they are worth the $ for what I need. YMMV.

 

[Army_Slacker]

Thats the tool case the Army now uses for its general wheel mechanics, The box i use everyday is the same set up as the picture listed with the 7 drawers and the top tray. I enjoy the box and how it was set up for army use. The box it tough as hell as we through ours off the top of our trucks often and with it weighing about 98 pounds it takes a beating and keeps working. Pulling out the drawers isnt to bad, the bottom is the worst because of how the front cover lays down you have to step on it to pull the bottom draw out and the locks on the front can break if forced or not properly adjusted but i love it and would recommened it to anyone for a good basic tool box.

 

[sloppy]

It's not apples vs. oranges in terms of protection, but I was thinking more along the lines of storage volume, tool separation, and organizational flexibility.

I think pelican wins there hands down to..

 

[nicksnothereman]

I posted a quick preview of the Pelican 0450 mobile tool chest over at ToolGuyd today - http://toolguyd.com/pelican-0450-mobile-tool-chest/ - and am really itching to order one to test out and put to use.

I suppose I have been in need of a fixed-kit mobile tool chest for off-site ToolGuyd-related testing and projects, but I don't quite need this level of functionality or organization.

If there's enough interest in a review, that might be enough to throw me off the fence and order one.

Is there anything better for less money that I should consider instead? I plan on using it for hand tools and maybe a couple of 12V cordless tools as well in a deep drawer or two.

I was previously considering the Bosch L-Rack (http://toolguyd.com/bosch-l-boxx-rack/), but 1) it has a smaller footprint that I want, and 2) configuring the number of drawers I would want would cost nearly as much as the 0450.

I'm a cheap hillbilly, I just use sorted bags. Tool weight causes seams to rip I just the bag back together. This is nice though...real nice. If I weren't paying for it, it would be something I'd consider.

Personally, I'll throw all the tools I need in a 5 gallon bucket and be happy with it as long as they don't fall through the bottom. To me, tools are for use as long as they do what they're supposed to I don't care how ugly they get. Mentally, these boxes (all boxes) are no more organized than the "tool store just threw up on the floor" setup I use, that's just the way I am. Plus, I'm not sure any of these have enough room for my use-hammers; I typically use a bunch of hammers.

Why am I even responding to this thread...oh right, you're asking if this is worth buying for you. Well, if you need it you buy it, if you don't need it then maybe you don't buy it. Depends on your use requirements. I'm not going to tell you how to spend your money because it's not my call.

 

[CWP1616L]

It looks like it's made out of Structolene which is an extremely tough type of plastic. Google "structolene continental."

 

[jeremy v]

I can see how a box like this would fill a certain niche market, but there is no way I would ever buy one of those. It seems okay, but to me it is definitely not worth the $500 they are asking for it. I understand that Pelican boxes are good quality, but I could just about fill that whole Pelican chest with an entire set of versatile and good quality tools for the same amount of money they are charging just for the chest.

 

[wmartin]

I've look at those a few times (just dreaming). They are very cool and look rugged, but come at a hefty price. Another and possibly cheaper option is one of the snap on FOD tool boxes.

I've got one of those and it's smaller than people might think. The slides aren't great and since the tendency would be to stuff one full, you'd probably find yourself mad at it.

I would think that the Pelican box would have the same problem...it just wouldn't deal with weight very well. I do like the idea of a plastic case though.

 

[DieselDent]

I have these stacked in a storm or pelican case like 4 deep and really like them. he sells a few different trays and its pretty cheap compaired to other set ups.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-Ratchet-Socket-Tool-Control-Foam-Insert-Tool-Box-16-x-21-1-1-4-/300941964968#ht_4388wt_1091

 

[DieselDent]

Actually even cheaper if you bid instead of BIN
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Ratchet-Socket-Tool-Control-Foam-Insert-For-Tool-Box-16-x-21-1-1-4/300995880023?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D18058%26meid%3D2237103623972253085%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D8304%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D300941964968%26#ht_4400wt_1091

 

[zkling]

I've got one of those and it's smaller than people might think. The slides aren't great and since the tendency would be to stuff one full, you'd probably find yourself mad at it.

I would think that the Pelican box would have the same problem...it just wouldn't deal with weight very well. I do like the idea of a plastic case though.

Really? Hum. Yea I realized they weren't that big, but I thought they had metal drawers, frame and standard metal drawer slides. I THOUGHT it was just a standard type box shoved in a plastic housing? If you could provide feed back and pics I would really appreciate it. I don't see or hear much about those boxes. Would love some 1st hand owner's thoughts

 

[wmartin]

Really? Hum. Yea I realized they weren't that big, but I thought they had metal drawers, frame and standard metal drawer slides. I THOUGHT it was just a standard type box shoved in a plastic housing? If you could provide feed back and pics I would really appreciate it. I don't see or hear much about those boxes. Would love some 1st hand owner's thoughts

The drawers are pretty shallow, between 7.5 and 8 inches. Friction slides I think. Qualitywise, it doesn't seem too different from one of those Craftsman steel ralley boxes with a couple of drawers. I really do like the outer shell, though.

 

[engineman]

I've got one of those. I actually have the set pictured (Armstrong) and I have to say that I like it. It is pretty much bulletproof, however I would say nay. Unless you are in the kind of industry where you have to travel with your tools, I would say that it isn't better than a standard chest. The trays are removable, which is convenient, but sliding them in and out is a little clumsy.

I think it is a well thought out case, but the one thing that turns me off is how well the trays slide in and out. It pisses me off enough that i don't even bother using it and it sits in the corner. Seriously. I have a crazy tool set that the US taxpayers paid about $3k for, and i would rather use my KD, Stanley, or other mix-matched tools because of the inconvenience.

I also have to add that unless you plan on adding foam to the trays, you will be even more disappointed. The set pictured is a GMTK, essentially designed for the Army and USMC to take into the field with them, and to be able to quickly find tools, and identify which ones are missing. I am an engineer in the navy, I have the luxury of my workshop traveling around my task force's area of responsibility with me, so this tool box is essentially useless to me. It sits in a corner in my engine room, and the only time I really go in it is if I need something obscure, or if all of my 9/16" wrenches disappear on me, which they have a nasty habit of doing.

In summary, unless you need your tools to travel with you, need a box that will sustain impacts and weather, can deal with trays that are a pain to slide in and out, will be installing foam, and don't plan on using this box every day, don't buy it. All that said, I still want one of my own

Sorry for the long winded response.
Matt

 

[arturo7]

If that case suit your needs, buy it. Pelican products are tip top. They stand behind them as well.

They are an outstanding company that takes good care of the employees as well as their customers. I've been in their lobby on more than one occasion when a fireman has walked in looking to replace a broken latch or burned out bulb and walked out with a brand new product at no charge.

 

[gagreen]

I used them in the air force. Great tool box on the flight line. Rolls nice drawers are nice because they pull all the way out, this means set up drawers accordingly with foam and separate drawers by type of tool/job and you have a mobile tray. It is made to go and move so slides and other features that come with a metal box are just not there. Tool foam is a requirement, the strap systems just don't hold well enough. These boxes can take a beating,a fall out of a truck at 45 may give it a little rash but won't break it. It is watertight keeping your tools dry in the rain.

It's not a toolbox for everyone. But it is a gnarly little box when you work outside and away from everything. It's purpose built for the 1 percent of tool users who do their work across oceans, in sand, and in places where you may be required to lob your toolbox in the back of a vehicle in a hurry.

It held a ton of tools. On the f-16's it held every general hand tool required to perform 90 percent of flightline maintenance.while still being light enough to pickup, a feat you cannot get from a metal box with nice bearing slides.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

For me, the pelican case is the ultimate for traveling (plane trips) to remote job sites and for places where you can't bring the kitchen sink (interior buildings in complexes where service truck needs to be parked far away in the lot) and where you might freight your tools to the Jobsite ahead of time (product manager or service trainer).

For the average technician or mechanic working on equipment, it would be easier to have a dolly, a few stacking cases, and some straps. Maybe a tool box or bag combo to go with that.

For me, the Pelican is perfect! I ship or check my tools and travel a LOT! I use many Pelican cases now, and a crate for my tools. The Pelican box is quite intriguing, despite the heavy price tag.

If you do purchase, please give a more review info!


___________________

Posted via tappy tap taparoo.

 

[copterdoctor]

I have had one since they hit the civi market. I use it every day. LOVE IT. great customer service if you have any problems. My lid hinge broke. I sent it in, they sent me a brand new one. almost 5 years after I bought it. Can't say enough good things about it... I'll go dig up some pics.

 

[sdguy55]

Ever looked into the montezuma portable toolboxes? Those are pretty darn nice. Cost around 800 for the biggest one I believer

 

[zkling]

I have had one since they hit the civi market. I use it every day. LOVE IT. great customer service if you have any problems. My lid hinge broke. I sent it in, they sent me a brand new one. almost 5 years after I bought it. Can't say enough good things about it... I'll go dig up some pics.

Please do. Did you purchase it with the tools they offer or cut your own to fit your specific, preexisting tools?

 

[Toolgarage]

i have one like it yes its heavy empty willing to sell it 160 plus shipping

 

[zkling]

i have one like it yes its heavy empty willing to sell it 160 plus shipping

You might want to give more details. Location, condition, pics? for starters

 

[Stuey]

Ever looked into the montezuma portable toolboxes? Those are pretty darn nice. Cost around 800 for the biggest one I believer

I've considered one of those for workshop use, but it seems a little inflexible.

 

[Toolgarage]

You might want to give more details. Location, condition, pics? for starters

its used but in good shape has all the drawers no tools i am located in north bay california

 

[Toolgarage]

 

[bcradio]

Nay... Wouldn't be useful to me. Looks nice though.

 

[Toolgarage]

its a nice box but i dont have much use for it

 

[Stuey]

Received it today.

Drawers slide in and out more easily than I anticipated, but you can hear and feel some of the friction.

The main compartment is sealed well against elements, but the top seal isn't as good in the area between the two latches. I might send Pelican an email, but I won't be returning the case. If this is the only issue/potential issue, I'll be a happy camper.

It's heavy - ~ 45 lbs. I can carry it up and down 3 flights of stairs, but when it's full, I'll be dragging and lowering it via the wheels. Or maybe I'll be able to carry it up and down - I'll have to see.

This is definitely the most durable-feeling mobile tool chest I have ever seen, and I expect years and years of use out of it.

 

[zkling]

Awesome, please post a full review when you feel comfortable with it. What are your plans for tool storage to prevent rolling? Are you going to shadow the box for your tools like they offer or

 

[Stuey]

Awesome, please post a full review when you feel comfortable with it. What are your plans for tool storage to prevent rolling? Are you going to shadow the box for your tools like they offer or

I plan to order one of the elastic-band tool pallet to see how I like it, but ideally I plan to shadow box it once I determine what will be kept in it.

One of Pelican's affiliate suppliers offers a pre-cut kit for $101 or so, but I'm going to try to source 1/4" and 3/4" foam myself. Right now, it looks like it will be difficult to find that, so I might consider layering 1/2" and 1/2" together. Or maybe 1/2" sandwiched between two layers of 1/4".

 

[Farmall450]

I can see how a box like this would fill a certain niche market, but there is no way I would ever buy one of those. It seems okay, but to me it is definitely not worth the $500 they are asking for it. I understand that Pelican boxes are good quality, but I could just about fill that whole Pelican chest with an entire set of versatile and good quality tools for the same amount of money they are charging just for the chest.

Exactly, it's way to pricey...

 

[Stuey]

Seems to be a defect in the lid.

In the attached image, the area between the red lines is bowed upwards a bit, so much so that the entire gasket span between blue lines is very shallowly engaged.

The question is whether I want to ship everything back and forth for repair or exchange. I'm not going to take this case to the desert, salty air areas, or high splash zones, so the shallow seal engagement should be good enough. But then again, for $500 I expected a perfect product.

 

[Exceller8]

Seems to be a defect in the lid.

In the attached image, the area between the red lines is bowed upwards a bit, so much so that the entire gasket span between blue lines is very shallowly engaged.

The question is whether I want to ship everything back and forth for repair or exchange. I'm not going to take this case to the desert, salty air areas, or high splash zones, so the shallow seal engagement should be good enough. But then again, for $500 I expected a perfect product.

Are you going to do a Youtube review on it? I always enjoy watching your videos.

 

[Stuey]

Are you going to do a Youtube review on it? I always enjoy watching your videos.

Possibly, but in anticipation of the 0450 I turned EVERYTHING upside down in attempts at a good Fall cleaning. It will be maybe a week at the earliest before I get a presentable surface anywhere.

I can't take photos of anything at the moment, let alone a video of something as large as the 0450.

 

[jeffmoss26]

A buddy of mine from HS who works for a theater lighting company has one. It basically lives in the back of his SUV...he has the drawers and elastic panels to hold all of his tools.

 

[zkling]

Are you going to do a Youtube review on it? I always enjoy watching your videos.

Make sure to do some through, drop and water testing. Maybe even a little ballistics testing thrown in.