The crew at Chux Trux has been selling truck accessories in Kansas City for over 20 years, and we know a thing or two about truck toolboxes. Whether you're a full-time contractor or a weekend project guy, a good toolbox for your truck is something that will work properly, store your items securely, and hopefully look cool while doing it.
Selecting the right toolbox means picking on based on what you plan to use it for. If you’re planning on using the toolbox to take your golf clubs out on weekends and not much else, you probably don’t need a top of the line box. On the other hand, if you plan on regularly keeping your tools in it or keep anything of value in it overnight, a higher end box is a much better fit. These boxes are constructed of higher quality materials that make them well suited for daily use.
Toolbox Qualities to Consider:
Security: A truck toolbox should have a decent, tamper-resistant lock so you can secure your possessions and not have to worry about anyone getting in. Top-end toolboxes have heavier latches and locks. This makes it much harder for thieves to open the box, as well as makes the lock more durable and longer lasting.
Material: Most toolboxes are made out of aluminum or steel. Many Chux customers prefer aluminum boxes because they're lighter, won't rust, and tend to look better. A well-made toolbox is made out of heavier gage materials than lower-end products, and won't dent when you set something on it. They also generally last a whole lot longer than a lower-end model. Also, because top-quality truck toolboxes are designed for heavy, daily use, they tend to open and close easier. They also have protective panels around the lid lifts, protecting the lifts from damage by stuff that's sliding around in the box.
Adjustability. Some toolboxes are just metal bins that you throw your stuff into. Others are more customizable, with moveable tool trays and sections that please even the biggest neat freaks. If you know you're going to fill it with a lot of stuff that needs to be kept separate, you'll probably want boxes with individual trays or compartments.
Protection. A good toolbox should be able to keep the weather out. Some lower-end boxes have thin seals that aren't really weather-proof. That's fine if you don't plan on using the box to hold stuff when it rains or don't care if dust gets in. But if you want to make sure your stuff will stay dry, clean, and safe from the elements, a better quality box is the only way to go.
Size. You can choose how wide or deep a box you want, and should pick one that will hold what you plan on putting in it. Low-end boxes tend to come in uniform sizes that fit the most widely produced trucks, while high-end boxes can be customized for hard-to-fit models.
Cost. No one is made of money, and budget is a big factor when picking a box. (If you are made of money, please feel free stop by and buy everything we tell you to buy.) Like anything else, you tend to get what you pay for with toolboxes. Lower-end boxes are less well made, less durable, and have fewer options than higher-end toolboxes. If you don't plan on using your toolbox for much more than toting your golf clubs around on the weekends or using it to take your groceries back home, you're probably better off with a cheaper box. On the other hand, if you keep your tools back there, use your truck for a lot of heavy-duty jobs, or want a toolbox that will last as long as possible, higher-quality toolboxes are not only the best choice, but they’re also cheaper in the long run.
Making the Right Choice
A lot of customers that come into Chux don't know where to start when picking out a toolbox. Based on our experience, we almost always recommend that a customer buy a mid or high-end box, such as WeatherGuard, Delta, or Dee Zee Pro toolbox. Entry and mid-level boxes, like the ProMax series, are great if you're on a tight budget and don't need the box to do much. Higher-end products will stand up to heavy daily use, are tougher for thieves to break into, and can last for ten years or more. A lighter-duty box is great for people who don’t plan on using the box as much and who don’t need it to last as long.
In the end, your toolbox choice is up to you, and the Chux crew is just here to tell you what you need to know. We're not going to pressure you to buy something you don't need, so all you need to do is come in and talk to us. We'll make sure you get the right box, one that you'll be happy with for years. Stop by and talk to use today so we can make sure you're satisfied with your choice of toolbox.By: Chris Ripper