Tool Storage
What are my tool storage options?
Whether you are a home repair novice or a professional auto mechanic, you'll need a place to sort, organize and store your tools. And when it comes to tool storage options, you have a wide variety of choices. Tool boxes, chests and cabinets are available in a variety of types, materials, heights, widths and depths. And regardless of your storage needs, there's some sort of box, chest or cabinet for you. Most tool chests and cabinets are classified as one of three available grades:
1. Premium Grade. Typically designed for homeowners and light duty use.
2. Professional Quality Grade. Typically designed for medium duty use at home or at work.
3. Ball-Bearing Professional Quality Grade. Designed for heavy use mostly related to professional and work applications.
How much do tool chests and cabinets cost?
Like many other tools and accessories, tool storage units vary in price. The amount you spend on a tool storage unit will depend greatly on the type of unit you choose and the specific features and benefits it offers.
What are the advantages of ball-bearing slides over traditional compound-action (friction) slides?
There are several advantages including increased load capacity, smooth operating and closing under heavy loads, easy drawer removal (no tools required) and a drawer detent system. A detent system is a built-in drawer catch. The detent keeps the drawer from rolling open accidentally. Because ball-bearing slide drawers open and close so easily, you need this detent to secure the drawers in place.
How much weight can I put in a drawer?
The drawer weight rating depends on the grade of storage, the type of drawer slide and the size of the drawer. Typical load ratings are as follows:
Premium units
25 lbs. per drawer
Standard Ball-Bearing Drawers
50 lbs. per drawer
Professional-quality chests and cabinets
12 and 16 inches wide 35 lbs. per drawer
18 inches wide 50 lbs. per drawer
36 and 46 inches wide 100 lbs. per drawer
56 inches wide, 2-inch tall drawers 120 lbs. per drawer
56 inches wide, all other drawers 200 lbs. per drawer
What is the static load rating of my tool box?
Load rating is determined by the caster (wheel) size and the quality of the chest or cabinet. Here are some typical ratings:
3 x 1-inch casters 300 lbs.
4-1/2 x 1-1/2-inch casters 500 lbs
5 x 2-inch casters and friction slides 750 lbs.
5 x 2-inch casters and ball bearing slides 1,000 lbs.
Professional line with four 6 x 2-inch casters 2,400 lbs.
Professional line with six 6 x 2-inch casters 3,600 lbs.
What is the difference between a "workbench" and a "project centre"?
A workbench typically has a stationary base with some kind of work surface on top. It usually has some drawers with either compound action or ball-bearing drawer slides. A project centre is typically a rollaway cabinet with a plastic moulded top tray for extra storage and organization. It usually allows for small parts storage, provides cup holders, an extension cord wrap, and a sliding work surface. for quick access and organization.
Purchasing Tips
Ask yourself these questions when choosing tool chests and cabinets...
You can narrow down your tool storage choices by asking yourself some basic questions. Your answers can help you choose the model that best meets your needs.
What are my tool storage needs?
Someone who does small fix-it jobs around the house may require a simple but sturdy plastic box to carry a small set of tools. A professional carpenter may require the more heavy-duty steel box to convey and protect his or her work tools on construction sites. The garage mechanic who fixes cars on weekends may not have the same size storage needs as a full-time mechanic working in a professional environment might. A "weekend warrior" may require a professional-quality rollaway that maintains a large, but limited, set of tools and stores easily under a workbench. And a mechanic may need a professional-line cabinet with internal cage construction for strength and a pivot-locking system for security.
What type of tools will I store?
If you have a lot of bulky tools you may want to consider a unit with a couple of large compartments to hold objects that are too big to fit in a drawer. If you have a large number of thin mechanics tools you may want to consider a unit with several thin drawers. If you have a number of longer tools and supplies, consider at least a 40-inch wide unit with optional full-width drawers. The tools you own will determine what type of drawers and compartments you'll need in a storage unit.
How will I use the tool storage unit?
Will your chest or cabinet be placed in a permanent position or will you move it to and from work areas? If you will be rolling the chest or cabinet longer distances, consider the caster size of the unit you choose. Larger casters are typically easier to move, last longer and support more weight.
How much room do I have for tool storage?
Consider where the storage unit will be stored and how much room you will have to work with. Boxes are available in a variety of heights, widths and depths. Be sure to choose one that will best fit the available space you have. If space is limited, you may want to choose a 40-inch or 52-inch wide mobile tool cart with a hardboard work surface. You may also want to consider a workbench with a number or drawers.
How do I plan to expand my tool collection?
Keep your future storage needs in mind. If you are purchasing a larger cabinet or chest, consider the number of tools you will have in the future. Don't buy a box that just fits your tools today because you may run out of space when you get new tools.
What type of security will I need?
Will you need to lock your storage unit on a regular basis? Storage units feature a variety of locking systems that vary in complexity and functionality.
Consider these important tool chest and cabinet features
Full-extension removable drawers. Provide easy access to all your tools.
Compound-action drawer slides. Provide easy opening and closing.
Ball-bearing drawer slides. Provide smooth opening and closing as loads increase.
Full-width aluminum drawers. Provide strength and convenient opening from any angle.
Drawer detents. Help keep drawers closed while moving.
Raise and release drawer latch system. Lets you open the drawer by simply lifting the drawer pull and sliding the drawer open.
Full-width hinges. Help resist prying of top cover.
Heavy gauge external lock bars. Secure the drawers.
I-Frame® construction. Typically withstands more stress than flat sides.
Internal cage construction. Wraps around the entire unit for the ultimate in strength.
Internal locking system. Provides extra security.
Pivot locking system. Provides the strength of a heavy steel handle and the security of a commercial-type tubular lock.
Side handles. For extra strength and convenient mobility.
Cover support. Keeps lid in open position.
Bottom storage area. Holds large, bulky tools.
Don't forget the extras...
When purchasing a tool chest or cabinet, don't forget all the items that you may need.
- Drawer dividers and tool organizers, to help you get the most out of your unit as well as become more organized.
- Drawer liners, to protect your tools and your storage unit from scratches and dings.
- An add-on chest or cabinet, to add more room to your current storage unit.
- A folding side shelf, to provide the extra space you need to place small parts, beverage containers, etc. while you are working.
- A hang-on side cabinet or tool rack, to hold additional tools, extensions or other items that may not fit well in standard compartments.
Product Maintenance and Cleaning
Having your tool storage unit repaired
Check your sales receipt to find the date you purchased the tool storage unit, then look in the owner's manual to see the length and details of the warranty. If you need service, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® (1-800-469-4663) for the Sears Parts and Service nearest you.
General Maintenance
- Use drawer liners in chest and cabinet drawers. Liners will protect your tools and your toolbox from scratches and dings. They will also help to pull moisture and dirt from the tools.
- For ease of operation, lubricate the slide channels and casters periodically with a high-quality bearing grease. Follow the specific lubrication guidelines in your owner's operating manual.
- To help keep your tool storage unit looking new, periodically clean the drawer fronts, drawer trim and other surfaces with mild detergent and water.
- To help protect the tool storage unit's finish, periodically wax your tool storage unit with a standard automotive wax.
Safety
- Before using the tool storage unit, read and understand the owner's operating manual.
- Never stand on tool storage chests or cabinets.
- Never step into the chest or cabinet drawers.
- Use the brakes when not moving the tool storage unit. This will help prevent the unit from rolling.
- Use caution when opening more than one drawer at the same time.
- The unit may become unstable and tip over.
- Use caution when closing the unit's cover.
- Be sure the cover is closed and the drawers and doors are locked before moving the tool storage unit. Open drawers, doors or covers may cause the unit to become unstable and tip over.
- Keep the tool storage unit on a level surface.
- Do not mount a tool storage unit on a truck bed or any other moving object.
- Do not tow a tool storage unit with power equipment.