Introduction

 

Tool boxes are a means of storing working equipments and tools in one compact place, so they can be accessed easily and can be kept safe from contaminants of any sort. These boxes can be made of a variety of materials such as wood, steel, metals of different kinds and even synthetic materials like plastics. But out of all these, Aluminum is preferred as the chief material for making tool boxes. The main reasons for this being it’s Durability, Ease of Fabrication, Protection against Corrosion and other environmental hazards, and of course, it’s light-weight and long-lasting potential. Other materials used for tool boxes include Steel, Plastic and Wood.

Aluminum Tool boxes are used widely for storing tools and are specially used by machinists, tool and die makers, jewelers and other specialized craftsmen. They can be either installed on vehicles like Trailers, RV’s, ATV’s, Trucks; or they can just simply be used in the Garage.

Available Sizes

These tool boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, to cater the need of every customer.

Following is a detailed analysis of the various types available in the market:

 

• Small:

This category includes sizes from 24 inch to 30 inch.

• Large:

This category includes sizes from above 40 inch.

 

Other than the sizes, there are various types of toolboxes available on the basis of their construction. Majority of the following are “Crossover Toolboxes”, named so because they cover the whole width of your vehicle.

• Single lid
• Low profile Single lid
• Gullwing double lid
• Fifth wheel style
• Underbody Box
• Double Barn Door Box
• Side Open Box
• Lift Door Box

And the list can go on and on. It depends on the manufacturer’s availability and in some special cases, boxes can be “custom made” according to the demand of the customer.

 

Most Popular:

Among all of these different sizes and types, the most commonly, or in other words, the most useful toolboxes are the following:

• Single Lid: This is the most common crossover type of tool box used. It basically consists of a single sheet hood that is supported by a single strut. Simple, easy construction and overall cheaper as compared to other types.
• Double Lid: This is just like the single lid version, except that it comes with twin struts to support the lid. Greater durability and protection of tools against damage.
• Gullwing: This is yet another popular type of toolbox. It has two lids that open towards each other at the centre of the box, kind of like the wings of a seagull, hence the similarity in name.
• Low Profile: This type of toolbox varies from other crossover toolboxes in the sense that its lid is quite slim, which allows the driver to have a better rear view.

 

Colors

 

When it comes to choosing a color, there are a variety of options. The various manufacturers of toolboxes keep in mind the needs of their customers and have different varieties of colors for aesthetic purposes, there’s also an option for getting a toolbox with your own custom color choice. But majority of the manufacturers have standard choices to choose from. They are as follows:

• Black: This powder black coating not only offers a glossy-like finish to your toolbox, but also provides adequate protection against corrosion.
• Bright: This type of finish has no powder coating; instead the aluminum body is buffed further to bring out a sparkly shining surface that lasts a long time.

 

Product Reviews

 

• Northern Tool + Equipment Lo-Pro Slimline Aluminum Crossbed Truck Box – Black, 70in. Box

This state-of-the-art tool box from the manufacturer “Northern Tools” comes with a rigid aluminum diamond plated body, powder-coated with a black gloss-like finish, gas struts for ease in opening and closing, big storage space (12 inch deep), Low profile crossover with a single lid style providing excellent rear view, and best of all two stainless steel locks to ensure extra security of your tools.

Highlights:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 60 x 69 x 13 inches

Material: Aluminum Diamond plate

Weight: 24 pounds

Color: Matte Black with a semi-gloss finish

 

 

• Better Built 67011386 ATV Tool Box

This toolbox from the manufacturer “Better Built” comes with a rigid aluminum diamond plated body, with study side handles and a key lock to ensure that your tools remain protected. The body has a bright finish and the relatively small size of the box makes it easy to carry around and fit into practically any space, from trailers to trucks; or you can even keep it in your garage.

Highlights:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 20 x 12 x 9 ½ inches

Material: Aluminum Diamond plate

Weight: 9.6 pounds

Color: Bright Finish

 

• Giantex 49″x15″Aluminum Tool Box Tote Storage for Truck Pickup Bed Trailer Tongue W/Lock

This toolbox from the house of “Giantex” comes with a heavy duty aluminum tread plate body, equipped with a heavy duty hinge to provide rigid support to the door. Also has a built in lock and 2 keys for the optimum security that you desire. Can be used in a variety of vehicles like Trucks, ATV’s, RV’s, Trailers; or you can just keep it in your garage.

Highlights:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 49 x 15 x 15 inches

Material: Heavy Duty Aluminum Tread plate

Weight: 20 pounds (approx.)

Color: Bright Finish

Weather Guard 127502 Black Aluminum Saddle Box

This state-of-the-art toolbox from the manufacturer “Weather Guard” comes with an aluminum diamond plate body, with a shiny black powder coat and a tight weather seal to protect it from various environmental effects all year long, big storage space (48 inch deep), a 12-V built-in access point for easy charging of electrical equipments, rotary latches for easy opening and Weather Guard’s “Extreme Protection” lock system provides impossible to penetrate security. Can be used with almost all full-sized pickup trucks.

Highlights:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 71 ½ x 20 ¼ x 18 ½ inches

Material: Aluminum Diamond plate

Weight: 56 pounds

Color: ARMOR-TUFÂ black powder coat