Tools of the Trade: SB&D continues to go heavily into tool boxes and storage products. The Stanley FatMax Rolling Tool Case was one of the more interesting ones they brought to the recent STAFDA tradeshow. It’s the tool box version of a carry-on size rolling suitcase. The shell is made from glass fiber reinforced polypropylene and is attached to a telescoping handle and ball bearing skate wheels.
4 comments:
It's interesting to see another tool case solution. Looking at this one is interesting in comparison to the backpack solutions we've seen in other articles. I don't know how I would like having a hard case for storage of tools. It would mean that you can't overload the case like the backpack solutions but that might not be a problem. It's nice to have the wheeled option since weight has been an issue with all the other cases we've looked at. The top tool bin that pulls out is something that I'd be interested in looking at it more. I'd be concerned about it breaking or not working correctly since it appears to be made of plastic. Which when stressed can warp and break. So this could be an interesting solution to tool transportation but I still don't think it would meet the needs of our day to day job which is what we're after.
Tyler does voice an interesting point about being able to over pack the case. In my experience not being able to over pack is a good thing, not being able to pack too much into your case is a benefit because it forces me to consolidate appropriately. This is utilizing the tool case for tools and not for various expendable supplies so a case this small might not be as great for an SM kit. I am a big fan of the hard case because I don't have to worry about expensive power tools if I am shipping the bag or checking it in on a flight. This case seems to be too small thought for the slightly larger power tools that I am thinking of so it may not be worth the money. I still have yet to find a smaller rolling hardcase that I like more then the Pelican tool case.
I personally really like the idea of a rolling tool case, and not having to carry huge cases with heavy tools all over the place with you. It looks like it has enough space for a variety of small hand tools and one or two power tools at the most. If you are on a job that requires bigger more powerful tools then this probably isn't the case for you. I like that you can open it up and see all of your tools and not have to dig around a bag jammed with stuff. It would be a nice way to keep your tools organized while on the job. Tyler makes a good point about the plastic inserts and how they could be broken easily especially if you are using this while traveling it could get damaged along the way.
I have recently become a big fan of tool boxes and tool cases and this one looks like a winner to me! And for this to come from such a reliable company like Stanley is even better. Their Fat Max line is something that I have been extremely fond of for quite some time now. The 16' and 30' Tape measures are something that every carpenter should have in their tool belt. A truly sturdy and reliable tool for all scenarios.
The accordion filing system really caught my eye in this tool box. What a unique and novel concept. I have found that tool boxes that try and store things in their lid with similar double sided plates that they have resorted to some sort of hinge and clasp system and that the clasp is never really able to stand up to the weight. The accordion system seems like it would hold up really nice and not fall out unexpectedly like others do.
Post a Comment