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How to Choose the Right Toolbox

Organization is a key to success in many trade fleets. Before picking the first toolbox you see, understand the options and types available on the market today.

by Adrian Steel
July 16, 2015
How to Choose the Right Toolbox

When evaluating toolboxes, review usage needs and vehicle specifications.(PHOTO: Adrian Steel)

2 min to read


Whether you work as a contractor, plumber, HVAC specialist, or electrician, tools are central to most businesses. To have a successful trade business, it is critical to keep these valuable investments safe and organized.

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The key is to choose the right toolbox. But, how can you know for sure which toolbox is right for the fleet’s operations? Here is a handy guide to help make the right decision.

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Looking for Toolbox Options

With so many different types of toolboxes on the market, it can be time-consuming to find the one best suited to the fleet’s work. Certain features will need to be tailored to the specific industry, but there are also some basics that should be included in any quality toolbox, including:

  • Fully welded box and lid. A well-crafted toolbox will be fully welded for strength and rigidity.

  • Low-profile, domed lid. Low-profile lids prevent driver view obstructions.

  • Weather protection. A quality toolbox will have added structural strength and increased lid-seating surface as well as a bulb weather seal to protect the box and its contents from dirt and water damage.

  • Secure closure and ease of opening. Quality boxes both close snugly and open easily.

  • Adequate cargo capacity. The toughest toolbox in the world won’t help much if it’s not large enough to fit all of a technician’s tools.

Considering Size & Style

When evaluating toolbox options, it’s important to consider what size and style that’s needed. The four primary options include:

Single lid cross boxes. Designed to work with most used and new model commercial pickup trucks, the single lid cross box extends the full width of the truck bed and is designed to mount with no-drill brackets. The secure and rugged single lid allows for full access to the whole box at one time and the low profile prevents rear view driver obstruction.

Double lid cross boxes. Similar to the single lid in design and construction, the double lid cross box features two lids to allow separation of tools while still enabling technicians to access what they need from either side of the compartment.

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Side boxes. Constructed with a reinforced “U”-channel edge for added structural strength, side boxes offer more lid-seating surface than the single- and double-lid boxes. A bulb weather seal adds extra protection against the elements.

Underbody boxes. Perfect for anyone who needs additional bed space, an underbody box frees up truck bed space and stores tools safely and securely. Constructed of stainless steel, underbody boxes are durable, sturdy, and roomy enough to hold all of a technician’s necessary tools. 

For more information, visit www.adriansteel.com.

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