Long time readers have probably noted that I’m a fan (or sucker for) cheap mass produced stuff. For example, without Costco’s $8 100 liter stack-able and nest-able molded plastic storage boxes my life would be totally disorganized instead of merely disorganized. Thanks to Costco and the plastic molding industry, my car and bike parts are neatly separated into their own exclusive 100 liter boxes and stacked 5 high in the back room awaiting the call. But I wanted more… For $8 total waterproofing was probably too much to expect, and they will take on a warp if you unevenly load a hundred kilos of whatever in ’em.
So I been on the lookout for some sturdier tool boxes with gasketed gates for water proofness and easy lockability. I’ve found a too small 10 liter or so box on closeout at Lowes and 20 and 25 or so liter boxes in Stanley and Dewalt brands, same company. But I really had my eye on their DeWalt “Tough System” boxes, a neat little system of interchangeable boxes, carriers,etc.. FFI: Click here for link. So comes black friday and Home Despot has a 3 box set with integral 2 wheeler for a hundred bucks, and they even had them in stock so I pounced. Been busy neatening up the house until I realized I should be getting packed for my annual migration to Florida, which provided a convenient excuse to quit cleaning. So today I finally got around to load’n ’em up with tools, here’s the “little” 15~ liter box…
This is a remix of the “quick service” toolboxes I put together back in the 70s, problem was that my old cars needed tools aboard but the ‘hood I lived in meant I dared not leave them in the car. So I filled one of them then new fangled plastic tackle boxes with rachets and sockets up to around 3/4″, wrenches in the same sizes, screwdrivers, and assorted useful odds and ends. The whole package weighed under 10 kilos and was thus easy to tote in and outa the car for safekeeping. This remix is even more commodious, and holds a few more of my last 4 decades accumulation of tools… Heck, with everything I got in this “little box, I may never need to open the “bigger” box…
I apologize, I haven’t managed to fill this box yet either… Maybe I “need” to buy more tools! Paper towel roll provided to help ya gauge the size and because I was too lazy to pick it up. Got a screw jack, big wrenches, pry bar, tire kit, and some spare ‘lectric bits in there and still room to spare. Don’t know what I’m gonna find to fill the “big” box…
What the heck am I gonna do with all this space? Did a test fit and found I can fit a 2 person tent, 2″ thick ThermaRest, and 3 season synthetic bag in their without even having to slam the lid closed, never mind sit on it. Gonna hafta buy more “stuff”…
Here’s the whole assemblage together, the bottom box has wheels and the handle folds down to clear low hatchbacks and such. All the boxes lock together for stability, or unlock and rearrange them for tight fits. For a gearhead with a half dozen cars and bikes and hacks in regular use, the versatility of these boxes is a dream come true… I can grab just the top box for short trips on the newer bikes or cars, or the whole arsenal of tools when wandering farther from home with the “historic” vehicles. And please note that the ST in the background is now pretty much completely assembled and even runs, and please don’t ask what’s up with the pillow on the couch… I’m cheap!
They’re back to regular price today, but the way the retailer’s promotions work we’ll probably see them on sale again soon. I’ll certainly grab more boxes or another set, could put my whole camping “house” in the bottom box, a week’s clothes in the middle box, and makeup (who am I kidding, us ol’ ladies fill our makeup bags with lotions, pills, cough drops, etc…) in the top box. 80+ liters of secure waterproof storage for a hundred bucks… can’t beat a deal like that. Good readers, please use to comment feature to let us know if you see these on sale. And DeWalt, if you think I’m a good “influencer”, send me a free set and I’ll be happy to tell the world that you tried to bribe me!
GearheadGrrrl 