It would probably take some prodding for most tradies, DIY’ers, and even hobbyists to acknowledge it, but at some point they’ve all experienced a moment of tool box envy. And to be fair, it’s not the “bad” kind of envy – nor are there any assumptions that a bigger box is an inherently better box. Instead, it has everything to do with sturdiness, practicality, and utility.
The hallmark of an exceptional box (or boxes) is how suitable they are for transporting and protecting their contents. It’s about how much easier it is transport your tools using a group of simple, yet reasonably sized ute toolboxes than if you had to hoist a single, super-sized tool chest onto the rear of the vehicle every time you go somewhere.
Or, about how a foam-lined and hermetically sealed trade case will protect a piece of sensitive electronic gear from the elements even better than the snazzily convenient carrying case that the manufacturer supplied with it. So, with that kind of suitability in mind, let’s look at what makes a tool box really worth choosing.
Good boxes are great solutions
When you’re shopping for the ideal tool or storage box, you’re guaranteed to encounter a seemingly endless selection of tool boxes for sale to suit every purpose and to match any capacity. That should be your cue to step back and ask yourself just what exactly you need that box to accomplish and don’t be surprised if you conclude that a single, all-in-one box simply isn’t sufficient.
For small, fiddly, and compact items, there’s always a need for multi-compartmented bags, trays and accessory containers. The opposite end of the spectrum, however, is where you’ll encounter everything from lockable, heavy-duty transit cases and ute boxes to reinforced site storage boxes and multi-drawered rolling workstations all designed for any kind of tool or instrument imaginable.
It’s only after looking at these heavier duty boxes, however, that you’ll realize that what qualifies as a great solution, the worthwhile choice, is most likely going to boil down to what material the box is made of. After all, not only does material address all the issues of sturdiness, practicality, and utility, but also the hallmark traits of transport and security as well. And these factors are assessed in ways now that wouldn’t have been considered only a generation ago.
· Polymer toolboxes
Once unthinkable for storing or transporting heavy tools, advancements in plastic technologies have led to the development of ultra-high impact polymer boxes that can withstand crushing external impacts just as well as they can from shifting contents.
Boasting strengthened hinge and locking mechanisms to complement their reinforced designs, most polymer boxes now exhibit most of the same characteristics of strength as metal boxes without the sharp edges, or concerns about rust or rattling.
Their range of sizes and capacities (up to 232 litres) and complete water, dust and UV resistance also makes them suitable for environments and tasks that other standard boxes simply aren’t prepared for. With the added benefit of being significantly lighter and infinitely portable and stackable, polymer toolboxes have become the standard solution for most needs.
· Aluminium toolboxes
When it comes to tool and storage boxes whose strength and durability are most likely to be compared to steel, aluminium alloy boxes are at the top of the pile. Available in either polished flat plate, checker plate or powder coated finishes, aluminium tool boxes for sale are completely resistant to rust or corrosion. Their full seam welding, weather resistant seals and keyed T-locks means they’re also optimally suited for outdoor use.
Their main benefit, however, is their light weight. Weighing significantly less than steel, aluminium boxes are ideal either for mounting directly to ute trays or as deployable elements. They can also be easy combined and integrated with other aluminium components like shelves, racks and drawers too; making them perfectly scalable solutions that happen to make sense regardless of whether they’re bolted to the deck or riding in the boot.
· Steel toolboxes
When it comes to toolboxes, there’s simply no getting past the fact that steel boxes have been the benchmark that all others have been measured by for a long time. There’s also no mistaking that although technology has covered a lot of ground along the way to creating alternatives to steel, its strength and durability are still the dominant solution for heavyweight storage.
The heaviest of heavy-duty toolboxes, workbenches, and industrial storage boxes are made from no less than 25-guage steel. And with premium-ended boxes boasting features like cantilever or pullout shelving, caster wheels, and even powerstripping, many are called upon to perform a host of tasks that extend far beyond just equipment keeping. Powder-coated, fully welded and weatherstripped steel boxes are also manufactured to fit above and below ute trays, providing unparalleled protection in mobile storage.
Steel’s advantages do, however, come at a heavy price literally. Weighing up to three times more than aluminium alloy (and roughly 2.5 times denser), there’re no illusions about where steel’s durability comes from and you’ll have to decide whether the added durability is really worth the trade-off.
The conclusion
At the end of the day, choosing the right toolbox is about picking out a box that provides you with the best solution. The advantage of contacting a retailer that has a wide range of tool boxes for sale is that they’ll undoubtedly have a box that’ll perfectly match any solution you’re looking for.
Just remember: if you’re in the market for a new storage or tool box, as impressive as looks may be, it’s your choice in material that’ll ultimately determine just how practical your selection is, and there’s nothing envious about it. With a box, or a group of boxes, that fit the bill for how you work, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be the one with the boxes that everyone’s going to envy.