How to Find that Perfect Tool Chest

There are many things that go into finding that great container for your beloved tools. We will help you to identify these issues, and come up with some ideas on how to resolve them. These issues are:

1) Consider the Size & Mobility of the Tool Chest – “Bigger is not always better”, especially in the world of toolboxes. If you have only a wrench, a couple of screwdrivers, and a hammer, what do you need a gigantic toolbox for? It would just take up a lot of space, and be a burden to get to the location you want to work at. It's a much better idea to fit the toolbox around the tools that you own.

2) The Size of the Drawers – Tools come in various shapes and sizes. One of the main considerations in choosing a toolbox is, "Will my tools fit inside the drawers"? Some tools, such as levels, crowbars, and rulers, tend to be narrow, but rather long. You will need to keep this in mind when you are searching for that perfect toolbox. Other tools, like jacks, can be quite heavy. Be sure to keep the drawer weight ratings in mind when you consider what tools you plan to keep in them.

3) The Drawer Slides – Drawer slides are what the drawer slides upon when you pull it out and in. They must be appropriate for the drawer, or there will be problems. If the drawer is shallow, you will need only two drawer slides. For deep drawers, on the other hand, you will need four. Once again, for a nice smooth drawer, the weight rating is something to consider. It’s not necessary that these drawer slides be ball bearing slides, but they are definitely the best you can get.

4) The Casters – Are you planning on moving your tool chest around the shop? If this is the case, you will need to have it set on casters. These casters need to be of the appropriate size. If the casters are too small, they will catch (especially on uneven surfaces), and a chest tipping over and can cause major injuries. Our suggestion: 4″ casters are a bare minimum, with 5″ or 6″ casters being preferred. You will also need to ensure that two of these casters are of the locking variety, or the tool chest will roll all over the place.

5) The Material It's Made From – Is the toolbox you are considering made from "stainless steel" or "mild steel"? These two materials are the primary choice. Here are some additional points to consider:

a) Stainless steel chests are impressive looking indeed, but they can be difficult to clean. They are constructed with a mild steel frame and drawer inners. Remember, stainless steel is not magnetic, so if you like to stick your magnetic accessories to the side of your toolbox, don’t buy one of these chests. Also, smudges and fingerprints tend to show up easily on stainless steel, so think what your toolbox will look like after you’ve done a messy job (such as changing your oil).

b) All stainless steel is very similar to the stainless steel chests mentioned above, but the frame and drawer inners are also made of stainless steel. If you work in either a sterile, salt water, or high humidity setting you will need one of these.

c) Powder Coated Mild Steel. If you plan to store magnetic tools and accessories, or are concerned about all the smudges that show up on stainless steel toolboxes, you should consider a toolbox made with this material. Note that the powder coating is a “baked-on finish”…so it is much tougher and longer lasting than a mere paint finish. You should consider the “wrinkle-finish powder coat”…it resists scratches, is tougher, and just looks “professional”.

d) Painted Mild Steel. If the toolbox is relatively inexpensive, it’s probably made with this material. Not really built to last, they will scratch and fade a lot easier than the “powder coated” variety (mentioned above). If you want a chest built to last, keep looking.

6) The Warranty – You must have a company stands behind their product, and their warranty will reflect this fact. A lifetime warranty is a wonderful thing, and you should definitely look for one on the toolbox you are buying.

So there you have it…the things to consider while shopping for your ” Great Tool Chest “. For some more indepth ideas, and our "Top Pick" selection of toolboxes, follow us over to our blog at www.GreatToolChest.com