Tool storage and care

[jham]

My tool collection has tripled since finishing college, and my dinky Craftsman chest from high school is overrun and is on it's last leg. I've found myself obsessed with keeping everything clean, well-maintained, and organized. Half the fun of a project is going out and buying a tool I don't have to finish the job correctly.

A lot of my tools are Kobalt, so I've been looking at their line of chests. But, I'm not extremely impressed. I'm tired of this POS Craftsman with no ball-bearing slides, but I'm not interested in spending my life-savings on a Snap-on, either. I'd like to have a respectable, functional, quality place to store my tools without depleting my actual tool budget for the next two years. I don't think I'm being a cheap ass and asking for the world and not wanting to pay for it. I'm on a budget and looking for a balance in price/quality so I can still afford to actually add to my tool collection as needed.

Second, I'm open to tips on maintaing them as well. I'd like to think wiping everything down after every use would be sufficient to help them last for years. I think my biggest enemy is going to be moisture in the garage contributing to rust. Still trying to figure out how to address this. But, I'm guessing a quality box will help keep out the moisture.

Enlighten me.

 

[Nervo19]

With Craftsman and Kobalt stuff I doubt that you are really in Africa. You might check out The Garage Journal . There are tons of discussions about different tool cabinets, carts and boxes. Kobalt does not get very good reviews for the money. What I've taken away is to look for ball bearing slides. There are good reviews of several inexpensive tool carts from Harbor Freight. You might save yourself a lot of money.

 

[Acidmeld]

You definitely want the ball bearing slides. Do your research and look at the weight capacity of the drawers. Higher load capacity means theyll hold up longer to everyday use.

Just for reference tho im very biased towards snapon. You dont want to know what i paid... Mine is my career, not a hobby. Do whats right for you.

 

[bolantej]

there are different things you can use for rust prevention. silica, some electric dehumidifiers, and stuff like that.

 

[jham]

With Craftsman and Kobalt stuff I doubt that you are really in Africa. You might check out The Garage Journal . There are tons of discussions about different tool cabinets, carts and boxes. Kobalt does not get very good reviews for the money. What I've taken away is to look for ball bearing slides. There are good reviews of several inexpensive tool carts from Harbor Freight.

You doubt I'm really in Africa? I can't tell if you're calling me a liar, or just assuming that the "east coast" portion of that location is true at the current time. Regardless, I can't bring myself to buy a HF tool box. Most of the reviews are probably written by high school students storing their HF tools.

Ball bearings are a given, and Craigslist is a bust. Just looking for some firsthand reviews from guys who actually use their tools and store them properly. Surely there are guys in this board fitting that category.

 

[jham]

there are different things you can use for rust prevention. silica, some electric dehumidifiers, and stuff like that.

Silica, hadn't thought about that. I had looked into Damp Rid. I'll buy a case of those silica packets to stuff in the drawers. Thanks.

 

[jham]

You definitely want the ball bearing slides. Do your research and look at the weight capacity of the drawers. Higher load capacity means theyll hold up longer to everyday use.

Just for reference tho im very biased towards snapon. You dont want to know what i paid... Mine is my career, not a hobby. Do whats right for you.

I wish I could afford Snap-On, nice stuff. I've combed craigslist - nothing. Thanks for the tip, I'll add that to the list.

 

[Acidmeld]

I wish I could afford Snap-On, nice stuff. I've combed craigslist - nothing. Thanks for the tip, I'll add that to the list.

Check ebaymotors, found some good deals on there. Lots of techs leaving the business and selling boxes.

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

my in-laws bought me a HF US general roll around, i cringed when i first saw it but have found it to be an awesome box. everything works on it, the bearings are smooth and stout, the locks work, the brakes work, has storage underneath, its been great for me. Working in aviation inspired me to take WAY too much time and shadow the drawers, works awesome for making sure you didnt leave a tool under the hood and keeps them in place when rolling over crap on your floor or when you get mad and slam the drawers lol. this one has another drawer under the wrenches, 5 total

 

[VA07]

I am curious to what it is that you don't like about the Kobalt boxes.

Both my grandfather and father are career mechanics and they have made the switch from Craftsman to Kobalt. IMO the Craftsman line has become junk on anything other than their professional line. And by the time you spend the money on that line, you might as well buy a SnapOn. Kobalt seems to be the best bet for the hobbyist or backyard mechanic.

 

[BigRogers]

Not sure what kind of shopping you have in Africa, but I did find some REALLY GOOD BUYS at the Sears outlet store this holiday season. I was really blown away by some of the prices that were out there for their large stacked sets. I wasn't even in the market for one at the time and considered buying one.

Secondly the Kobalt brand seems to be a decent tool manufacturer. I have a limited amount of there tools but overall am satisfied with what I have.

Regarding the Silica, I use those in my camera bag (DSLR), and general work well from keeping moisture from building up.

 

[jham]

I like my Kobalt tools, other than the fact that they have "China" engraved on them. A nice, daily reminder the money I spent on them went to our friends across the pond.

I am not impressed with Kobalt tool boxes. At least, all the ones in the stores seem low quality. The drawers don't slide smooth, they stick, and don't line up when closed.