Just like commonly used tools in the shop, a toolbox gets put through the daily grind day in and day out. For Josh Leasure, owner of Edgewood Automotive in Trenton, Ohio, he knew early in his career that he was going to need a quality toolbox — one that could handle long, grueling days of continuous wear and tear for years to come.
For this reason, Leasure purchased a Mac Tools Macsimizer M-Class III Super Station with a side cabinet. Now, 19 years later, the toolbox is still the technician’s main tool storage unit and has traveled with him throughout his career.
“It’s crazy how well built it is,” he says. “Some people may not understand the differences between toolboxes, but when you put them through years of daily use, there is definitely a big difference.”
Not to mention, “there’s also a big difference in the cost though, too,” he laughs.
In June 2014, Leasure opened his own shop, Edgewood Automotive, a full-service preventive maintenance and automotive repair center located in Trenton, Ohio. The shop specializes in engine and electrical diagnostics.
Since diagnostics is a main focus for his shop, he keeps all the diagnostic tools in one centralized location — in the side cabinet — for safe keeping and to stay organized.
“We like to keep our diagnostic tools in the blow molded case they come in,” Leasure says. “And then keep the cases in the side cabinet.”
Included in the cabinet is his favorite tool, his Launch Tech X-431 Pad II scan tool.
“I have a lot of other diagnostic tools such as dealer-specific diagnostic tools like HDS for Honda and GDS for GM, an Autel scan tool, and OE stuff too, but my everyday go-to is the Launch Tech scan tool,” Leasure notes.
In addition to the strength and quality of his box, Leasure also likes its large size, measuring 156” in total length. He also likes its most notable feature: A butchers block worktop.
“Most people comment on its size and the top, saying that it’s neat and that they’ve never seen [the wooden top] before,” he says.
When Leasure purchased the box back in 2002, or as he notes “before the USB days”, the butchers block worktop was for “the serious guys”.
Organizing the toolbox
As far as organization, Leasure keeps it pretty simple. The two big drawers across the top are for his sockets and air tools. Then there is a drawer for his wrenches, another for his screwdrivers, and so on.
Although the box is full, Leasure continues to buy new tools and finds a place for them in the box. Running out of space is not much of a concern for this seasoned technician, but he does admit that he will need to add on at some point.
“Things are pretty packed in there,” he says. “I’m always buying stuff.”
One option he’s considering is adding a side cabinet for the left side. But ultimately, he concludes, “It’ll probably be bigger eventually.”
