Professional tradesmen take great pride in the condition of their tools … and their tool boxes. And, according to the Hand Tools Institute, the association of American and Canadian hand tool manufacturers, tool box safety is important to keep tools in good working order.
First of all, a tool box is meant to hold tools, not to be stood on, nor used an as anvil or saw horse. Strong, heavy-duty tool boxes are made out of steel and can be classified into three types: hand boxes, chests and cabinets. Cabinets, which usually would only be owned by professionals, are mounted on casters, while the smaller tool boxes are designed to be hand carried.
The portable type of tool box may have up to five drawers, a lift-out tray, and possibly a cantilevered tray that automatically opens out when the cover is lifted. All seams should be welded and smooth with no protruding edges to catch clothing or hands.
In addition to the handle on top of the tool box cover, look for handles at each end for those boxes designed to hold an extra heavy load of tools. A good tool box will have a catch or hasp at each end and should be able to be locked with either a padlock or its own built-in lock.
Tool chests are usually heavier and stronger and have a much greater capacity than tool boxes. The drawers – as many as ten or even more – on the better models can be secured with their own built-in locks. Some have a tote tray that can be removed for carrying only those tools needed for a particular job.
As with any tool there are dos and don’ts, as well as helpful hints, regarding the safe and most efficient use of tool boxes and chests:
• Lightly oil all moving parts such as drawers, trays and hinges at regular intervals.
• Use graphite, not oil, on locks and padlocks.
• Touch up all rusted spots, paying particular attention to the bottom of tool boxes.
• Line the bottom of drawers or trays with felt or scrap carpeting to protect the tools. This applies especially to drawers holding tools with sharp or cutting edges.
• Check the handle; is it firmly attached to the tool box?
• Sand or file down any sharp edges that may damage clothes or cause injuries. Sharp edges or corners usually are caused by dropping the tool box to the floor, instead of placing it down.
• Wipe all grease and moisture from tools before storing them in the tool box or chest.
Finally, so it doesn’t turn into a Pandora’s Box, always replace your tools in the same tray or drawer they were removed from. This system will save time when looking for a particular tool.
