Selecting the right storage solution
When looking to select from the many choices of portable tool storage products the most straightforward piece of advice we can offer is to go for what's most suitable for your profession, but how can you decide this?
There are quite a few questions regarding working environment and practices that need to be answered and, even when the most logical conclusions are reached, personal opinions and preferences can still play a part.
To begin with, consider the size of the hand or power tools (plus the accessories) and how many you are going to need for typical jobs. Your tool storage is going to have to be big enough to hold all commonly used items.
Practical Tool Protection
The practical factors which are most important to you specifically are another key influence on your final decision. For example, your main priority may lie with the transportability of your tools to the work site by your normal method of travel (by van, public transport etc.). Equally you may be more concerned about the actual holding and accessibility of tools when actually working on the job or even to the level of protection offered to the tools themselves.
Consider also the overall size, construction, and materials used. What offers the right resistance to impact damage for your line of work? Is being waterproof or stopping water penetration a vital feature? Undertaking primarily indoor tasks will call for very different features to that of continuous cold and wet outdoor site work. Likewise if you will be using a selection of bulky tools you'll need something that is large and sturdy enough to withstand the extra load.
Ease of use and comfort in handling come into play as well and are influenced by weight, manoeuvrability and shape.
Finally, aesthetics and perhaps more importantly image could be crucial. The right storage solution may be the one that looks the most professional and organised.
Here are some tool storage suggestions based on particular trades:
- Carpenter or General Builder
The mix of both indoor and outdoor working needs to be considered along with the varied tool assortment, but holding saws of 20 or 22" may be vital. A 24" tool bag with strong waterproof and puncture resisting fabric (in case of contact with sharp edged tools like squares) is a good choice. It will be big enough for a decent sized level as well.
- Bricklayer & Tiler
In this line of work the storage will need to be tough enough to face the outdoor weather conditions, mud, mortar and water, plus knocks and abrasion. Consider a simple and easy to carry 16" bag as you may have something else to carry like a long level or perhaps a cased tile cutter. Get a tool bag with a hard injected polypropylene base or a rubber tall lip bottom, possibly with external straps to hold the long level.
- Electrician/Technician
Here both the professional image and organisation (knowing exactly where your tools are every time) could be highly beneficial. We recommend choosing a tool case. These often provide the additional convenience of removable trays and inner dividers, plus elasticated pockets or inner pouches for protecting crucial insulated or VDE tools like screwdrivers and pliers. It may also be worth investing in a rolling version.
- Home Use
For use in and around the home there is plenty to choose from. Hard case tool boxes or even tool chests are popular, but it's worth considering a tote for the easy access and portability that this 'always open' format provides. You do however need to store the filled bag in dry enclosed conditions such as a cupboard to avoid damage through damp.
There are also other important features to consider that may meet individual wishes or situations. This could include more straps, a greater number of pockets or inner straps to hold power tools firmly in place, a rigid carrying handle or even the presence of safety reflectives.