page_title: Toolbox
section_title: Alternatives to toolboxes
hierarchical_section_title: Toolbox / Alternatives to toolboxes
caption_attribution_description: English: A toolbox, from Biltema)
context_page_description: A toolbox is a box to organize, carry, and protect the owner's tools. They could be used for trade, a hobby or DIY, and their contents vary with the craft of the owner.
context_section_description: Toolsets: These are molded plastic cases typically containing a variety of household or automotive tools.  Each item snaps into a designated spot in the case, which makes organizing tools much easier than with a conventional toolbox.  They are very compact, lightweight, and inexpensive relative to purchasing tools and a toolbox separately.  There are two major disadvantages: no ability to customize the selection of tools (sometimes the tools are of lower quality than what one might purchase individually); and little or no space to add new tools and supplies.  Thus one still might need a toolbox in addition to the toolset.
  Toolbelts and aprons: Though at the far extreme of portability, they are insufficient for storing a large number of tools.  One might use a toolbox for permanent storage and a toolbelt or apron to take just what is needed for a job.  They are used in locations where a worker needs access to more tools than he can carry with just his hands while working in a location with no place to set tools down, such as working on a ladder or hanging from a utility pole.
  Tool chest: A large single, or stacked metal cabinet with multiple doors that can accommodate large amounts of assorted light and heavy tools, as well as other repair equipment.
  Tool Bag: Tool bags are often made of heavy canvas and leather. Some tool bags have a hinged steel frame around the opening. This allows the bag to stay open when in use. Many tool bags have pockets on the inside and or outside. They usually include handles and sometimes shoulder straps. Tool bags often have a firm, reinforced bottom panel. Tool bags may have a zipper or leather strap closure. Tool bags closely resemble medical bags.
  Bucket organizers: These consist of rugged fabric or polyester bags draped into and around a 5-gallon bucket. They are lightweight, inexpensive, and can rival the toolbox as a means of storing and moving tools to a job site. Their dozens of pockets permit better organization, yet nearly everything is visible at first glance.  That, however, could be a disadvantage as well, since one may have privacy or security concerns if the bucket has to be left in a public area. By contrast, toolboxes are often lockable and, obviously, opaque. In a vehicle, the bucket may be jostled and spill some of its contents. Tools left outdoors are also better protected from the elements in a toolbox.
  "Autocarts": These are utility carts having a pivoting base for storage in vehicles. They are used by tradespersons to carry tools, equipment or supplies. They combine the advantages of toolboxes and toolbelts and are essentially portable truckboxes or transportable shopping carts.
  "Workshop trolley": This is a tool cabinet with wheels, and, because of that, the tools can be easily moved from A to B. Usually you will find these mobile cabinets in workshops of mechanics.
caption: A toolset in a plastic cover.
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