Everything in its place

Tighten up your tool storage and become more organized and secure.

The variety of tool storage systems on jobsites are as varied as the contractors who use them. Some resemble the black hole of Calcutta, where items that enter are nearly impossible to retrieve again; others are as organized as a surgeon’s tray of instruments just before an operation.

Whatever your tool and supply storage habits, there are ways to make it more accessible during work hours and more secure in the off-hours, say tool storage experts.

Selection
“Starting with the right type of tool storage system makes a difference,” says Chad McDonald, senior marketing manager at Delta Consolidated Industries. “First, you need to understand what you're going to store and what kind of accessibility you need to those items. That will help you choose the organizational and security features. Some storage products range from a regular chest where you can simply pile tools, to a more complex box with shelves and drop-down loading doors that provide easier access to more frequently used tools and equipment.”

“Use organizational features that best fit your needs. Typically, electrical and plumbing contractors do a good job at organization because of the number of tools and parts they use. They often utilize drawer storage products in their trucks and vans to help organize all the various tools and parts they use,” says McDonald. Similar drawer-style storage is available in tool storage cabinets, he adds.

 “We have found that end users are demanding more organizational features so that they can maintain clean and organized storage boxes. Some contractors will build their own storage boxes, which can save money. However, the products you can purchase offer better security and weather protection that can save you money by preventing theft or water damage to your tools and supplies,” says McDonald.

Box types
Generally, there are four types of portable tool storage systems used on jobsites: chests, cabinets, field stations and portable work benches.

“In general, a chest is best suited for mobile users. If wheels are attached, the contractor can easily move equipment from one part of the jobsite to another. If a large amount of storage space is not needed, then a chest is more appropriate,” says Tom Schwalie, product manager at Knaack. “Cabinets are useful when more organization is needed. They allow for easier access because tools are organized on shelves rather than in one open space.

“A field station is ideal for those who require a work area or surface to review drawings and need some tool storage. It is really a portable office that can be located at a strategic point on a large jobsite. They are quite large, so they must be moved with a forklift,” he says.

McDonald concurs. “On large jobsites, contractors need an area where they can review prints and securely store plans, tools and other items near the work area. Some units have features such as skids on the bottom of the storage box that makes them safer and easier to move around a jobsite or in and out of a truck,” he says.

“If you need more portability, a rolling workbench provides tool storage and a work surface. A rolling workbench is ideal for contractors who work indoors or on hard, compacted surfaces,” says Schwalie.

If you plan to manually move your chest or cabinet, make sure it has handles for easy gripping. A recessed handle design helps prevent damage to handles during transport, Schwalie adds.

Built for the job
Both tool storage experts agree that construction of the tool storage product is important to access and security. “Over and above using a quality locking system, certain construction features can help keep thieves at bay,” says Schwalie.

A lid with a hemmed edge prevents a crow bar from being wedged between the lid and the bottom portion of the toolbox to pry it open. “Make sure the hinge is staked and welded because this helps stop thieves from being able to knock out the hinge pin,” he adds.

“A U-shaped metal channel inside the lid helps reinforce lid strength. It also helps prevent thieves from being able to push in the lid and break into the storage equipment,” Schwalie says.

Avoid tool storage equipment that has a riveted hinge because rivets can be pried open. A hinge that is spot-and stitched-welded makes it more difficult to tamper with or remove the lid.

Look for a heavy-duty reinforcing channel in the lid construction. That offers maximum lid strength and prevents anyone from damaging the lid if they attempt to break into the unit.

The overall quality of the unit depends on extra steps the manufacturer takes when constructing the unit – from quality of steel to attention to design details that translate into a higher quality, more secure storage unit.

The legs and skids should be constructed of heavy-gauge steel. If the storage unit houses heavy tools and supplies, the legs must be able to support this weight. They also need to withstand frequent forklift contact.

Look for a storage unit that has either a baked-on enamel finish or a powder-coat paint finish for long product life.

Consider wheels on your storage equipment if you have to transport it from one point to another on the jobsite. “Caster wheels are designed to carry substantial weight and travel on hard, compacted surfaces such as hard dirt and concrete. On softer surfaces, such as mud and newer construction sites, it’s better to transport the tool storage container with a forklift,” Schwalie says.

Prevent jobsite theft
“Thieves take advantage when they know when the contractor isn't on the jobsite, which allows them to spend more time breaking into a storage chests or cabinets. This is why it’s so important to get a storage product with strong security features,” says McDonald.

“As simple as it sounds, make sure your storage products are locked. Forgetting to lock your box after a long day can easily happen. Some storage products come with indicators that you can see from a distance and at night to confirm the box is locked. Keeping your storage product in a well-lit area, chaining it to a large structure or storing it inside a fenced area are also great ways to help deter theft,” he adds.

“Many contractors pride themselves on buying the best and most expensive tools to accomplish their work, yet some contractors make the mistake of purchasing the cheapest storage equipment for those tools. That’s like leaving the garage door open on your house,” says Schwalie.

The experts suggest looking at the storage unit’s lock system. It is the first line of defense against thieves and tool loss.

“For optimum security, choose a strong, deadbolt-style locking mechanism; it is more secure and easier to use than other lock styles,” says Schwalie.

“Contractors can key their jobsite storage boxes differently or all alike. The ‘key-alike’ security option requires one standard lock, so if users need access to different storage units, different keys aren't needed. This is more for convenience, but it also allows a manager to manage loss prevention and save money,” says Schwalie. “Plus, permanently mounted locks that you do not have to remove can save contractors valuable time by eliminating lost or stolen locks. Finally, a recessed lock compartment prevents thieves from using bolt cutters to gain access.”

Published in the January/February 2008 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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