Truck Tool Box - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

streetracer · 11-18-2006, 04:34 PM

I am so fed up with needing tools that are either at home, or at my rental unit I'm upgrading. I need everything to be in the truck so that whether I'm on the job, at home or at the rental, I have what I need.

Kobalt truck tool boxes run about $300 at Lowe's and Huskey brand is about $250 at Home Cheapo. I get the feeling that the hinges and latches are the most important part of the box - even a Chimp can make diamamondplate metal sides that will hold up.

Come to think of it, I would really prefer black plastic to cheesy diamond plate. After all, I don't exactly plan to WALK on it, or drive a forklift across it.

Any suggestions for a good truck tool box for $350 or less?

Murphy · 11-18-2006, 07:18 PM

Spend the money and get a deep weatherguard you wont complain after 10 years of having it. Murph

**Leo G** · 11-18-2006, 07:45 PM

I've got a pair of 21 cu.ft. Weathergaurds. 8'L x 2'H x 16"D. I built shelves for various tools and now everything has a home. My normal stocking is a Sawzall, Rt angle drill, jig saw, socket wrench/drivers, Biscuit joiner, 5" RO sander, DeWalt drill and saw, Dremel, 8 1/2" slide saw, full size router, 3000 watt power inverter/12 volt battery, three drawer craftsman tool box, circular saw, plumbing kit, 20lbs of air nails, electric hand planer, 2- 2' 1-4' 1-6' level, 2 parachute bags- screws/nails, 1 HP 3 Gal compressor, Paslode framer, Paslode trimmer, Bosch pin nailer, caulk and guns, 4 quick clamps, 1-3' bar clamp, lots of fasteners and a bunch more smaller tools. A small shop on wheels. When I need a tablesaw it can go in the back or on the front seat. I have built a rack system to carry stock. I have had 20' clapboard and 16' 2x12 on it. Very nice to have all the space. I got them about 8 years ago for $500 each. Worth every penny. I would go crazy with one of the front and center boxes. You always need whatever is on the bottom, forever digging out. With my system everything is front and center, good for picking up too. If there is an open spot you ain't done pickin' up yet.

RobertCDF · 11-18-2006, 10:15 PM

Look into the square gang boxes... Much bigger less money. 48" L X 24" W X 28" D. I had 2 of these before I went to the trailer... MUCH better. If you can get a trailer. Gang Box

**Teetorbilt** · 11-18-2006, 10:25 PM

My Chevy Express is pretty much loaded the same as Leo's. I also carry an equal amount of stuff for my marine business. All of the space is utilzed.

11-18-2006, 10:56 PM

Get weathergard, the best. And spend the moeny now so this way you wont have to spend it again a few years from now.

And Leo I mgiht have to stop by and say hi to your truck lol.

P construction · 11-19-2006, 04:15 PM

you want to hall everything arond with you get a trailer been using one for 7 years i'll never go back to just a truck

**Leo G** · 11-19-2006, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OsNap

Get weathergard, the best. And spend the moeny now so this way you wont have to spend it again a few years from now.

And Leo I mgiht have to stop by and say hi to your truck lol.

Careful, my truck bites.

doubleaction · 11-19-2006, 06:50 PM

Another vote for weathergaurd. I have seen reps come out to a jobsite we were on to fix a box for a guy. I was sold then and there.

dougchips · 11-19-2006, 07:28 PM

I got the home creapo ones 3 years ago, both work like crap and one leaks. They look really nice! Nice and shiney, with nice rusty tools inside. Since they are in my warehouse and not one my truck:

2- diamond plate truck boxes for sale $150 each or best offer, pick up in MA , rusty tools not included.

mdshunk · 11-19-2006, 07:31 PM

Would you consider just getting a cap for your truck? At car dealships and used car dealers, they often take these off trucks and stack them out back, so they can detail the truck and put it on the used lineup. The caps stacked up out back often only fetch 100-150 bucks. I'm betting you could find one to fit your truck.

11-19-2006, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo G

Careful, my truck bites.

**Leo G** · 11-19-2006, 08:33 PM

Here's a picture of those big boys, not all tools are present.

streetracer · 11-19-2006, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdshunk

Would you consider just getting a cap for your truck? At car dealships and used car dealers, they often take these off trucks and stack them out back, so they can detail the truck and put it on the used lineup. The caps stacked up out back often only fetch 100-150 bucks. I'm betting you could find one to fit your truck.

I have thought about getting a cap, but never thought there was a good market for used caps. Will make some phone calls next week. Thanks.

gtdail · 11-20-2006, 07:21 PM

Don't even waste your money on those cheapo's. Go ahead and put up the dough to buy a weather guard, and remember a man is no better than his tools.

North Star · 11-23-2006, 08:46 PM

Tractor Supply Company has the Weatherguard or the Delta. Either way you can't go wrong compared to the junk at Home Depot.

Eric K · 11-24-2006, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetracer

I have thought about getting a cap, but never thought there was a good market for used caps. Will make some phone calls next week. Thanks.

I bought one from ebay a few months back. Has the tool boxes on the sides, extended hieght about 15", made by reading for 500 bucks. Great deal. When I can get a pic I will post. I have that on my 3500 dually. And I have a 42" Knaak box in the back of my ranger with a ladder rack. I usually drive that due to gas milage and diesel being 60 cents more a gallon than gas!

Chris G · 11-25-2006, 07:30 PM

How secure are those weathergaurds? As in sledgehammer, axe, pry bar, attachment to truck, (frame?). Could a few guys high on crack or meth get into one? I'm being serious. That's what I'm up against. I'm reluctant to get a van, even without windows, because I think they could still rip open the metal sides.

Murphy · 11-26-2006, 10:31 AM

Well if they are cutting open the sides of vans to steal tools what stops them from cutting through siding to get into homes. I wouldn't worry about that if crack heads are that creative then you need a fence around your property anyway.

**Leo G** · 11-26-2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris G

How secure are those weathergaurds? As in sledgehammer, axe, pry bar, attachment to truck, (frame?). Could a few guys high on crack or meth get into one? I'm being serious. That's what I'm up against. I'm reluctant to get a van, even without windows, because I think they could still rip open the metal sides.

If you are afraid that they are going to come in through the metal sides of the van then you need to move

.

The (Weatherguard) Steel boxes I believe are 14ga (could be 16ga) and the doors are 1/16" thick aluminum with a welded 2" x 3" boxed support beam across the door to prevent bending of the door if prying is used to gain entrance. The door edge is folded on itself so the outer edge is 1/8" thick. I suppose if they had a drill and a set of nibblers they could gain entrance through the backside or top of the box. There is nothing that can be considered totally secured, someone will always figure out a way to defeat the security.