What toolbox is best for taking on a job with you?

[Engineer]

I came across this page:

http://planet.farnell.com/email/cpc/WebOffers/jan_0809clp.htm

and found myself thinking I want one of them! Incase the page is taken down soon, you could try searching for item SG3288165 on http://www.cpc.co.uk Alternatively it is the Duratool D00403 Rolling Workshop.

Now it is a standing joke that I tend to take the kitchen sink to jobs with me and so that might be why this toolbox appeals to me. It is like airport luggage with an extending handle and wheels on two corners, so it can be rolled to the actual site of the job.

I wondered what others use and is this overkill, or could I indulge myself with a new toy do you think?

[mr_chris79]

Now there is a phrase for people like you and me Engineer, were called Tackle Tarts because we like to have all the nice shiny tools we might never possibly need just because the best way is to be prepared for any lockout situation, id say grab one while you can or try Screwfix direct for an alternative toolbox

[Engineer]

I can't deny it!

Now there is a phrase for people like you and me Engineer, were called Tackle Tarts because we like to have all the nice shiny tools we might never possibly need just because the best way is to be prepared for any lockout situation, id say grab one while you can or try Screwfix direct for an alternative toolbox

[lunchb0x]

The only tool boxes I use now stay in the van because they are way too big to carry around, I much prefer using a tool bag to carry the stuff I need for each job, I have a couple of bags, one with the basic hand tools and another for the power tools, a couple of advantages i found for the bags is that they have a shoulder strap to make it easier to carry the tools, and most importantly when you smash your leg into the side of the tool bag it hurts nowhere near as much as a tool box

this is like the ones I use.

[Manong]

http://www.stanleytools.com/catalog_ima ... id_res.jpg

I have used this rolling workstation and been very pleased with it. Everything is easily accessible,
and easy to move.

[Sven]

the very first toolbox i bought for locksmithing was a little plastic deal with about a zillion small compartments. really, it was more of a fishing tackle box, but i never seemed to be able to find the right spot for anything new i acquired. eventually i settled on a very small, single compartment metal box i found at the local "el cheapo" tool store. just long enough for my 12" crescent wrench, it worked well untill the clasp wore out. after that i suppose i became lazy- nowadays it all fits in my pockets. many coworkers like the belt holsters designed for carpenters (on the smaller side) but depending on the job i rarely need to carry more than 3 or 4 items. my work van is my toolbox, and i always make it a point to park as close as possible.

probably boring you to tears, but some typical load outs-

rekey building- screwdriver with reversible phillip/ slot bit, kwikset knob tool (the fork) and my key ring with schlage poker attached. also one clean as possible shop rag. i bring the lube with me when i reinstall.

building lockout/ key extraction- pickset, spinner, lube and rag. a great time to talk about higher security locks.

make key cabinet/ older car- 2 files, locking pliers, pickset, rag. also appropriate ring of blanks (5 each of the most common for file cabs) dont forget to fill out a proper release just like a lock out.

estimate/ walk through- tape measure, permanent marker, clipboard and reversible bit screwdriver. never hand out just one business card.

fwiw an old auto mechanic once told me the guys where he worked who knew the most had the fewest tools. of course this was way before computer diagnostics.

-best wishes

[jimb]

I have a very small tool box that has all the tools I might need on a lockout. Picks, plug spinner, electric pick, etc... Then I have a tool bag that contains my most used tools. Then I have 1 tool box that contain tools I need but don't use that much. I even have another tool box that has all the tools that I will never need but I have just in case.

[exspook]

I use the CK tools rucksack

http://www.ck-tools.com/Key_Ranges/storage.htm

usefull as often have to park a distance from the job

Dave

[mattman]

I also like to use tool bags. I have a different bag for each type of job. For example, I have two bags for lockouts that have all of my lockout tools in them. Then I have a bag for rekeying, that has all of my pins and rekeying tools in it.

I do have one box, which is where I put the the old locks that I have replaced. I keep those because many times these old locks will have parts on them that are be perfectly good, and you can use them to fix other locks for customers, especially if it is a part that you don't have on hand at the time. (Note: If you do this, be sure you tell the customer that you are using used parts, and make sure it's okay with them. Otherwise, it could really make you look very bad if you didn't tell them and they find out. I personally never charge the customer for parts when they allow me to use used parts.)

-Matt

[MarkC]

I'll have to side with those that like tool bags. They are extremely convenient and versatile. And when you bang a wall (or yourself) with one, there usually isn't any damage. That's great feature in itself!

Mark

[LocksmithArmy]

Id have to go with a good quality backpack. Since Im in the army good backpacks are easy to find (although on the civilian side there harder to find).

Id suggest BugOut Gear but I suppose any good hiking backpack will work.

The backpack saves the strain on your arms if you have to go up many flights of stairs to get to your job, say in a large hotel or somthing.

[Masterman]

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