Whether you’re taking on a project at home, helping out the neighbors, or making a quick fix, you deserve a toolbox that gets the job done. While normal people are perfectly fine with choosing a random toolbox and tossing in some random tools, that’s not going to fly with you.
As a craftsman, you see a toolbox as an extension of yourself. It needs to fit into your workflow and compliment your efforts. To help craftsmen assemble the perfect toolbox, let’s take a look at a few essential steps you can take.
Find the ideal size.
As a craftsman, you need the perfect balance between flexibility and functionality. You want the freedom to move around easily to get into tight corners, high up on ladders, and under short barriers. At the same time, you need the right tools at the ready to tackle whatever project comes your way. That’s why it’s critical to find a toolbox that’s small enough to allow for movement but big enough to haul around your toolset.
Choose the best material.
You deserve a toolbox that’s as tough and durable as you to last through the drops, dings, and other damage it will endure on a regular basis. Let’s take a look at a few options to help you make the best decision.
Aluminum
Aluminum toolboxes are among the most popular as they’re durable and lightweight. That way, you can stay mobile during a project without having to worry about your tools getting harmed. These toolboxes are ideal for everyday tasks.
Steel
If you’re looking for the strongest toolboxes out there, steel is your material of choice. These juggernauts are incredibly durable but more difficult to lug around than their aluminum counterparts. They’re a perfect choice for protecting more expensive tools.
Synthetic
Some craftsmen prefer tool bags over toolboxes for their increased mobility and lightweight design. They’re usually made with a durable yet flexible synthetic material. You might want to consider this option if you have to carry your tools around for extended periods of time.
Keep it organized.
Craftsmen take pride in their toolboxes. It might have scuffs, stains, and battle scars on the outside from all the projects you’ve taken on over the years, but the inside is a well-maintained arsenal of tools ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. When assembling the perfect toolbox, it’s imperative to have enough compartments, sleeves, and separators to keep your tools organized and accessible.
Fill it up with the right tools.
Without the right tools, your toolbox is nothing but an expensive accessory. Buying the right tools transforms it into a capable and functional extension of your craftsmen mastery. When putting together your ideal toolbox, make sure you have these essentials:
Hammer
Ah, the quintessential tool! No toolbox is complete without it. If you’re working with wood and nails, there’s nothing that can replace it.
Screwdrivers
Whether you’re tightening hardware, fixing outlets, or popping open a can of paint, you’ll always find a use for a quality range of screwdrivers. Make sure to get both Phillips head and flathead models to cover all your bases.
Tape Measure
An old craftsmen proverb says, “measure twice; cut once”, but you’ll only need one tape measure to get the job done. You can find some impressively compact models, but you don’t want to end up getting something that’s easily damaged.
Utility Knife
It can open boxes, cut tape, sharpen pencils…and the list goes on. You’ll find yourself using this tool time and time again. Keep it sharp so you’re not dealing with a blunt knife.
Put it to work.
As a craftsman, you know just how much you can learn by putting something to the test. You can only spend so much time in the planning phase before you need to put the axe to the grindstone and assess the results. The same is true when assembling the perfect tool box. No amount of brainstorming, research, or guesswork can tell you everything you need to know. So, take your toolbox for a dry run on a minor project to see how it performs. You’ll know exactly what changes need to be made to ensure it fits your workflow seamlessly.
Searching for a rewarding role in the construction industry but not having any luck? You’re in the right place! Madden Craftsmen has been helping talented craftsmen find work with some of the best construction companies in the northwest. Visit IamMadden.com to view the latest job openings. Not qualified yet? Learn more about our apprenticeship program where you can earn the qualifications you need to land a competitive role. You might even get a chance to earn some money along the way. Let’s build something!
