Posted: 2/9/2010 6:49:37 PM EDT
|
Hi guys. I am looking to buy one of those onsite tool boxes to store stuff that I want secured.
I don't know much about that stuff as I work in healthcare and am not very handy. Anyone have any opinions on Greenlee vs JOBOX or others. Anything in particular to look for? It will be in the garage. |
|
For the price I think they are all decently made, but I won't pay what they want for a new one. My uncle has one without locks that my cousin is trying to get my uncle to use. The cousin was probably cleaning up at a job site and it was left over with no locks, rest of box looks decent and I think breaking into these things would leave some evidence. My cousin always brings home stuff that needs something. He loves junking and trash picking I guess. Anyway, I would make some calls and do some looking for used stuff. Right now the local pawn shops have decent tools on their shelves instead of junk tools, and they don't have much space for what is going to be coming out in the near future. I picked up a delta across the bed toolbox for a fullsize truck for less than 80 bucks out the door. It is not in the best shape but it looks just fine and latches shut but has no key. Since it is aluminum it is really light and truck boxes are not that hard to break into but I am going to either let someone else have it for a nice price or make a gun locker out of it. I realize a pickup bedbox might be lighter duty than you want to mess with but around here the classifieds have mechanics tool sets for sale and all sorts of stuff for sale so even if you don't have pawn shops in your area I would make some calls. And if you want a new one I would see if someplace wants to move their old stock out the door while giving you a decent deal. I need to look up the locks for the job boxes and talk to my cousin but if my uncle won't use the one sitting at his place I might get it. Since it is smaller it would be good for a trailer or smaller vehicle. Some people have posted about using them for their guns or other valuable stuff and a lot of people keep ammo or chain or reloading bullets or other heavy stuff in the bottom so they can't easily walk off. I like aluminum because of weight for something that will be mobile, like on a trailer or in a pickup truck. For inside and out of the weather I think a job box is overkill and like the idea but I have never found one at a price I would pay. |
| I have a small RIGID box (available at HD) that I have converted to a liscensed explosives storaged magazine. Pretty well made. Had to do some mods to get the proper locks required by ATF to work. It is outside 24/7/365 and keeps stuff dry. They are made to keep tools safe adn drawings dry so I would think you would be GTG with most any of them. I know Knapp has a good rep but I think they are all pretty colse to the same. |
|
I think the best bargain is the Greenlee boxes that are sometimes available at home depot. The HD price on these is actually really good compared to more industrial tool suppliers. The Greenlee boxes are built well and have a durable finish. The Ridgid boxes at HD are nice too and are actually made by Knaack. These are also priced pretty well compared to other suppliers. If you want something besides these standard 2'x2'x4' boxes, a place like Grainger can get about any size you want, but they aren't cheap.
There is a blue or purple box at Lowes that I have no experience with other than looking at one in the store and getting sick to my stomach. They don't compare to the above boxes at comparable prices with reguards to the workmanship in them. I've had several of both the Greenlee and Ridgid and they are pretty much the same quality. I just like the finish on the Greenlee's better. There locking systems are quite different and each have their benefits. Greenlee uses a padlock tucked up in a pocket. Any lock can be used but sometimes it can be a pain to get the key in without getting down on your knees. The Ridgid/Knaack boxes use a fitted sleeve that the body of the lock fits tight in. A certain size of Master lock is required, but these are at HD too. These are easy to open as you can see the lock, but the lock is exposed to things like drills or some a-hole just pounding a nail in the key slot. FYI, these boxes can get heavy when loaded with things like brass and lead. Forklifts rule! |
|
More thoughts...
I have a larger Jobox too that is also pretty nice. They use a similar locking mechanism as the Ridgid's described above. It is 5' long and is nice for hauling guns in the back of a truck when things like kids and cheerios take up your back seat. As for the home dopot boxes, don't be afraid to inspect them before purchasing one and find one that the knuckleheads haven't dented up with the forklift. Getting one there that is scratch/dent free is actually kind of tricky. The scratches and dents are where they will rust after a few years of weather. If leaving them in the back of a truck, I highly recommend getting a good cable and bike lock and securing it to something on the truck like the bumper. It is easy to slide from one truck to another even when they are heavy. If you are getting a new one from HD, keep the cardboard box that covers them. The carboard makes a nice dust cover to keep the box and contents dust free. Not so good out in the rain though... |