Design

The simple box with tray can be effective but becomes less effective the more tools you add. Some tool boxes even have compartments built into the lid to store parts such as nails or screws. However, many tools still need to be stored in the compartment under the tray. The space capacity in this compartment makes this type of box easy to fill, in terms of weight and volume. But in addition to the problem of finding things, there is a risk of heavier items damaging more delicate ones when the toolbox moves.

A separator tray is a removable tray with divisions used to separate small tools and items from other compartments. Drawers or cantilever trays minimize these problems. However, drawers increase the weight and reduce the mobility of the toolbox.

Brands and distributors

Tool boxes are available from numerous manufacturers. However, during recent years some companies were particularly successful in this area. Of the largest national distributors it is important to mention Bricor, Bricomart, Leroy Merlin, Truper and Tayg.

Popular brands of tool cases include Mannesmann, Famex, Knipex, Parat and Stanley. Above all, the American brand Stanley has many sales in Spain.[2]​.

There are also generic boxes, without any brand, generally coming from the Chinese industry. The resellers of these boxes usually buy large batches of this product which they label in their country. Thus we can find boxes of different brands and the same design.

Sizes and capacities

In countries like Argentina or Spain, there are tool boxes of different sizes. These volumes of tool boxes are usually distinguished by the number of inches: thus we find boxes of 12", 16", 20", 24", 28", etc. The greater the number of inches the box can contain more tools, so it can become heavier, therefore it moves away from being more portable.

Alternatives to tool boxes

There are various alternative systems for storing tools:[3]​.

Material

Metal tool boxes (typically steel) weigh more than plastic ones. A plastic toolbox loaded with tools can weigh the same as a similar steel box when empty. Metal boxes are also prone to rust and their sharp edges can mark the surfaces of things that are knocked against them. Metal ones, however, are known to be stronger than plastic, so one must balance their disadvantages against the need to support the weight of many tools.

Design

The simple box with tray can be effective but becomes less effective the more tools you add. Some tool boxes even have compartments built into the lid to store parts such as nails or screws. However, many tools still need to be stored in the compartment under the tray. The space capacity in this compartment makes this type of box easy to fill, in terms of weight and volume. But in addition to the problem of finding things, there is a risk of heavier items damaging more delicate ones when the toolbox moves.

A separator tray is a removable tray with divisions used to separate small tools and items from other compartments. Drawers or cantilever trays minimize these problems. However, drawers increase the weight and reduce the mobility of the toolbox.

Brands and distributors

Tool boxes are available from numerous manufacturers. However, during recent years some companies were particularly successful in this area. Of the largest national distributors it is important to mention Bricor, Bricomart, Leroy Merlin, Truper and Tayg.

Popular brands of tool cases include Mannesmann, Famex, Knipex, Parat and Stanley. Above all, the American brand Stanley has many sales in Spain.[2]​.

There are also generic boxes, without any brand, generally coming from the Chinese industry. The resellers of these boxes usually buy large batches of this product which they label in their country. Thus we can find boxes of different brands and the same design.

Sizes and capacities

In countries like Argentina or Spain, there are tool boxes of different sizes. These volumes of tool boxes are usually distinguished by the number of inches: thus we find boxes of 12", 16", 20", 24", 28", etc. The greater the number of inches the box can contain more tools, so it can become heavier, therefore it moves away from being more portable.

Alternatives to tool boxes

There are various alternative systems for storing tools:[3]​.