TOOL BOXES, CHESTS AND CABINETS
Tool Boxes | Chests | Tool Cabinets | Care | Do's and Dont's

INTRODUCTION
First of all, tool boxes are meant to hold tools, not to stand on, use as an anvil, a saw horse, or to store your lunch. Light weight tool boxes are made of plastic, or steel, but strong, heavy-duty tool boxes are made out of steel. Steel tool boxes can be divided into three classes – hand boxes, chests and cabinets. Cabinets are mounted on casters while the smaller tool boxes (some with drawers and some without) are designed to be hand carried.

Let’s consider the portable type first. These may have up to five drawers, a lift-out tray, and possibly a cantilevered tray that automatically opens out when the cover is lifted. All seams should be welded and smooth with no protruding edges to catch clothing or hands. In addition to the handle on the top of the tool box cover, look for handles at each end for those boxes designed to hold an extra heavy load of tools. A good tool box will have a catch or a hasp at each end and should be able to be locked with either a padlock or its own built-in lock. Look for weatherproof construction that will allow rain to drain away without entering the inside of the tool box.

FIG. 77. Tool box with lift-out tray. Protect tools by lining the bottom of box and tray with felt.


FIG. 78. This tool box has lever-operated trays that open automatically as the cover is lifted.

Tool chests are big brothers to tool boxes. They are usually heavier, stronger, and of course have a much greater capacity than tool boxes. The drawers (as much as ten and even more) on the better models can be secured with their own built-in locks. Some have a tote tray that can be removed for carrying only those tools needed for a particular job. Most tool chests are designed to be placed on top of tool cabinets.

It is always a good idea to line the bottom of the drawers with a soft material such as felt, or scrap carpeting, to protect the tools. This applies especially to drawers holding tools with cutting edges.

FIG. 79. Tool Chests, more substantial than tool boxes, may have from two to ten drawers.

Mobile Tool Cabinets – the kind on wheels – may have ten or more drawers and if they are designed to hold a chest, sometimes as many as twenty or more drawers. Look for a locking arrangement that will lock all drawers automatically and for construction that will allow drawers, no matter how heavily loaded, to roll out freely. Casters should be of ball-bearing construction with two wheels that can be locked by means of a brake to prevent rolling. A good tool cabinet should be adequately braced to prevent any possibility of swaying as the tool cabinet is rolled around.

FIG. 80. Tool cabinets are always mounted on casters; chests can be added to the top of the cabinet.

TAKING CARE OF TOOL BOXES, CHESTS, CABINETS

1. Lightly oil all moving parts such as drawers, trays, and hinges at regular intervals.
2. Use graphite, not oil, on locks and padlocks.
3. Touch up all rusted spots, pay particular attention to the bottom of tool boxes.
4. Make sure that the wheels on tool cabinets are turning freely.
5. Drawers and trays that hold sharp-edged tools such as chisels, screwdrivers, etc. should be lined with cork, felt, or scrap carpeting.
6. Check the handle; is it firmly attached to the tool box?
7. Keep your tool box or chest locked when not in use.

FIG. 81. Harry, we have trouble with you. Never use a tool box for an anvil or a similar purpose.

WRONG

1. Sand, or file down, any sharp edges that may cause damage to clothes or fingers. Such sharp edges are usually caused by dropping the tool box to the floor instead of placing it on the floor.
2. Always replace your tools in the same tray or drawer that you removed them from. Use this system and you will not waste time hunting for a particular tool that you know is "just there."

FIG. 82. What’s the matter, Harry, haven’t you ever heard of a ladder to get hard-to-reach items?

WRONG

1. Wipe away all grease and moisture from tools before storing them in the tool box, chest, or cabinet.

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR TOOL BOXES, CHESTS AND CABINETS

1. Don’t pull a tool cabinet as you won’t see where you are headed. Push it in front of you so you can see where you are going.
2. Do not stack a tool cabinet with too many extra chests or tool trays; it may tip over at the most unexpected time.
3. Do not open up too many loaded drawers at a time; close each drawer before opening up another. Heavily loaded open drawers are an invitation to tipping.
4. Lock all drawers before trying to roll the tool cabinet into a new work area.
5. Do not roll a tool cabinet too quickly; a pot hole in the floor or some hardware on the floor may cause an accident.
6. Don’t use a tool cabinet for a workbench.
7. Don’t overload the drawers; if you haven’t got room for all of your tools, you need a larger tool cabinet or chest.
8. Do not roll a tool cabinet with loose tools or parts on top of the cabinet.
9. Set the brakes on the locking casters after you have rolled the cabinet to your work area. Treat your tool cabinet, chest, or tool box, with respect – it is helping you earn a living.
10. Label your tool box with your name – and it is also a good idea to scratch your initials or name on most of your valuable tools.
11. A tool box loaded with an extra heavy load of tools will be easier to move if you mount small casters at each corner. Use the plate-type caster with rubber wheels. Check the load limit of the casters before installing them.
12. Tool chests with top tills, unless the box is specially designed for heavy-duty road use, are designed for stationary use on work benches or cabinets and not designed to be placed in trucks subject to continual bouncing and impact.

FIG. 83. Careful Cal knows enough to close all drawers before moving his tool cabinet; in addition, he is keeping an eye on where he is headed. Cal, we are with you all the way.

RIGHT

FIG. 84. Now look here, Harry, if you are going to pull that tool cabinet that way, you are sure to lose some of your tools from those open drawers, trip over any obstacles on the floor, and you may even dump the cabinet over on its side. Please, Harry, never pull a tool cabinet. Always push it – and look where you are headed.

WRONG

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