The Ultimate Tool Box

Sadly, the ultimate tool box may be a five gallon plastic bucket. Hardly what one considers a timeless classic, but then again, I doubt future archeologists will consider them a rare find.

The main downside, is also an upside. There is no great appeal to the old pickle bucket. Just as the Japanese wooden tool box is a purely utilitarian crate, this is purely utilitarian. The plastic bucket does not attract attention and hardly announces that valuable tools are kept inside it. Another downside, is that in a hundred years, I doubt the plastic will be in great shape. Additionally the aesthetic does not really speak of refined tool work.   With a bit of grunge ground into the outside the aesthetic goes even further downhill.

On the upside however, these are tough, available, secure storage. They will survive a canoe trip, flood, or whatever and still keep tools in good shape. They keep weather and insects at bay, while making a pretty good stool.   Additionally there are slews of organizers available for them.   So for planning for emergencies, these may be the ultimate TEOTWAWKI tool box.

Personally I think I like the six or seven gallon better, a few tools are a bit longer and need the room.   In any case they should be equipped with a Gamma Seal, the best most secure and easy to use lid.

I will still be making and using wooden tool boxes.  Art matters.  Maybe I should make a wooden tool box that fits in a seven gallon bucket.

Bob

2 comments to The Ultimate Tool Box

  • Jim Dudley

    Bob
    one of my other interests is re-enactment, 1740-70’s time period. Everything needs to look authentic. Am thinking a wooden keg would be a good and attractive container for your toolbox design.

  • Bob Strawn

    If you do a few searches on my tool box designs you will find that I rethink the process quite often. If I were doing re-enactment actively, I would try to produce something that was timeless in feel, while providing the most convenience and function possible. I would also want the tool box to intrigue and entrance those that viewed it.

    I would probably go back to my original vagabonds tool box, http://toolmakingart.com/2008/05/07/the-vagabonds-tool-box/ but modify it in two ways. I would want it to hold tools in place carried as shown,
    Vagabonds Tool Box
    and to function when opened up and set on it’s end so that it takes up less space on a workbench. Additionally I would add French cleats to it so that it could be securely placed on a wall, workbench side or saw horse. This would require the box to be able to open more completely, so I would have detachable fasteners holding two of the bottom sections to the ends. With a few spare cleats carried in the box, it would be ready to go wherever I could drive a few screws or nails.

    Bob

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