Purchasing a toolbox, whether it’s your first one or the last you’ll have before retiring, is a big commitment. There are many factors to take into consideration, as well as many conversations you’ll want to have with the mobile tool dealers who visit your shop.
Price
It’s no secret that buying a toolbox can be an expensive endeavor. However, there are a few options to consider that can help bring that price down a bit.
Option one – Look at used toolboxes. Places like Facebook Marketplace or eBay could potentially have exactly what you need for a fraction of the cost. Also, try talking with your mobile tool dealers. It’s possible they could have a box that was traded in by someone else that they’re able to give you a good deal on.
Option two – Speaking of trading in toolboxes, if you have a toolbox that you’ll no longer need once purchasing your new one, you may as well get rid of it. Talk with your tool dealer about trading it in for some credit off your new purchase.
Option three – If a new toolbox is a must and trading in your old box isn’t an option, then one of the best things you can do is speak with your tool dealer about financing. In this way, you’ll be able to come up with a payment plan that works for you.
Quality
A toolbox is meant to be a safe haven for all your tools, but if your box can’t handle the weight of your tool collection, it won’t be doing you much good. Issues like buckling drawers, or worse, could lead to you being unable to open parts of your toolbox. A technician who can’t access their tools is unable to do their job.
Additionally, with the price you’re paying for your toolbox, it’s expected that it should last a long time, regardless of the abuse it will likely receive in the shop – the wheels should keep turning, the drawers should keep opening, and the lock shouldn’t stick.
Size
Be sure that whatever toolbox you’re considering buying can hold all the tools you currently own and either already has the space or has the ability to be expanded to fit any future tool purchases. There’s nothing worse than making a purchase and realizing after the fact, that you’ve got the wrong size.
If you’re in the market for a new toolbox, make sure to check out this month’s Category Spotlight to see some of the latest toolboxes that have been released.
