What kind of toolbox do you have?

[turbov21]

In the last few months, since I started collecting multitools, I've started trying to be a bit more responsible in regards to my other tools.  Most of my other tools have been various screwdrivers, since 90% of computer hardware work can be done with a screwdriver.  Recently, though, I've added to my collection to the point that I felt my collection warranted a toolbox, both as a means to keep my tools in a known location and to make moving them easier when needed.  Right now, I have a little, red toolbox:



An off-brand but sturdy thing I found at a local hardware store.  However, it's starting to get kind of cramped in there, and there's virtually no room to add bigger, electric tools.  I'm thinking of getting a slightly bigger box next month or so, but I wanted to ask here before I did anything:

1. What's a good brand?  Do brands matter?

2. Is plastic as good as metal when it comes to toolboxes?

3. Should I try to get a box that will hold everything, or is having as "always use" and a "sometimes use" box recommended?

Thanks in advance!  

[Pacu]

I use a Craftsman two drawer.

[turbov21]

Pacu, thanks!  Do you line the drawers with anything or use it as-is?

[Pacu]

it came with some rubber mats i cut to size.

[jzmtl]

You guys are way too organized.   

[turbov21]

Toaster oven box is #2 on my list now.

[max6166]

I have a wood toolbox that my grandfather built during WWII. He used to make most of his own tools himself as well. The tool box is a vertical case with small wooden drawers and a metal handle. The thing must way 10lbs by itself, and he loaded it with hammers, files, etc. We always just left it on our workbench, but he used to actually carry it by hand everyday to work! 

I am not quite so rugged as he was, so I keep my everyday commonly-used hand tools in a tool bag instead of a tool box. I find a tool bag much handier and easier to lug around.



If the tools are staying in one location, I like to use an electrician's tool bag. The ones I prefer are shorter and more rectangular than the one below, but you get the idea. It is very easy to find what you need in them and they have lots of pockets to organize things

[DaveK]

These are pretty good, although I'm needing an extra layer soon:

[Chako]

Ummm...I have a big garage full of tools. I have a 2 door steel locker with 4 shelves that contain all my electrical tools. I have a tool box very similar to what Pacu posted full of tools on each of my workbenches. I also have a large rolling mechanics 2 part tool chest that I have for my air tools and other stuff.

As for the MT collection and SAK collection, I would have went with a toolbox if it fit the decor a bit better. What DaveK has fits the tools better, and you can store more tools per floor space with all those shelves. It just doesn't fit anywhere though. Instead, I have a 3 shelf corner curio cabinet in the living room. I am quickly growing out of it though I still have some room on the bottom shelf.



Originally, the SAKs resided on the bottom shelf, but I was forced to buy a small curio cabinet early on. This has worked out for me so far.

[PyroJames]

Very nice, Chako. 

[Benner]

I assumed we weren't talking about collection storage here, but tool boxes.  My tool box is just a medium sized, blue Draper fold out thingy that holds pretty much everything I need it to for 90% of the tasks I am ever going to come up against.  For the other 10% I just have a drawer in my kitchen and a large, tough fabric bag stuffed full of odds and sods, so my recommendation would be to make up a smaller box load with essentials and then keep all the less frequently used tools elsewhere.  It saves you carting them all around that way.

[Whoey]

Grant has my old lab toolbox from when I studied Electronics at UNI. I believe its the home of some of his SAK collection.

I don't have enough SAKs/multis/knives to need a toolbox yet... however, I have some recycled wine boxes where my normal tools are housed

will snap some pics later.

[Chako]

True Benner, but he was tying a tool box with MT storage. I was just showing him what happens if you have too many to store them in a tool box. It fits I swear! 

To answer a few questions...

1. Yes, brands to matter as you get what you pay for. Better brands equate to better quality. Thicker steel, better ball bearing drawer rails, deeper and longer drawers, etc.

2. Depends. If you plan on beating the heck out of your toolbox, then yes, metal is better than plastic. If you only need a place for storage, then plastic will do equally well.

3. If we are speaking of tool storage as opposed to MT storage, then that is entirely up to you. You have to decide which method works for you. As I previously mentioned, I have a place for everything in my garage. I have two workbenches. Each has a top chest for handy tool selection.

You know, this just gave me an idea for a new thread...off to the garage with a camera. 

[PyroJames]

For my toolbox, I'm just using a 26" Mastercraft Maximum toolbox.  I picked one up last year at CT when it was half price.  It's great for tool storage and big for a toolbox but I'm already running out of space and need to upgrade to something larger. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Grant has my old lab toolbox from when I studied Electronics at UNI. I believe its the home of some of his SAK collection.

I don't have enough SAKs/multis/knives to need a toolbox yet... however, I have some recycled wine boxes where my normal tools are housed

will snap some pics later.

Look familiar? 




It's a pretty famous tackle box these days- most folks here and in SOSAK are pretty familiar with it by now!

Def

[turbov21]

Thanks for all the excellent advice!  I don't think I'm quite ready for something like DaveK's big boxes, but those bags max6166 posted look neat.  Thanks!

[Styerman]

I'm a big fan of tool bags , De Walt makes pretty good quality ones . I have a Pelican case with Platt pallets for hard core assignments , involving air travel and associated hazards ,

Chris

[Whoey]

Grant has my old lab toolbox from when I studied Electronics at UNI. I believe its the home of some of his SAK collection.

I don't have enough SAKs/multis/knives to need a toolbox yet... however, I have some recycled wine boxes where my normal tools are housed

will snap some pics later.

Look familiar? 

(Image removed from quote.)


It's a pretty famous tackle box these days- most folks here and in SOSAK are pretty familiar with it by now!

Def

Does it still have my name in the top part