Alternatives to Toolboxes

• 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.

• 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 into spilling some of its contents. Tools left outdoors are better protected in a toolbox. For many purposes, however, a bucket organizer may be preferable to a toolbox. Before purchasing a bucket organizer, note that the bucket itself usually is not included.