Help, I’m looking for a toolbox
7.6.2018
Translation: Eva Francis
Toolboxes are practical, have a lot to offer and instantly establish a sense of order. They’re a fixture in many homes. While there is a huge selection to choose from, it can also be massively confusing. You might be wondering if a cheap all-rounder will do or if you need a professional kit. It’s time to find out.
For me, toolboxes are like knights in shining armour. If anything in the flat has to be fixed, they give me hope. The hope that they’ve got the tool to do the job so I don’t need to fire up the heavy gun.
They’re also great at keeping things tidy and organised – something that gets a big thumbs up from a compulsive hoarder like me. Shove the tools back in the box, close the lid and put it away. It even works in my fairly small flat.
I’ve got a fairly budget-priced all-rounder. The main reason I chose it was so I could avoid certain hand tools and power tools. If I wasn’t so hell-bent on doing that, I’d probably have picked a better equipped box. But in our shop alone, there are about 600 tool kits.
Even after just browsing for a few minutes, I can’t see the wood for the trees. And I assume you’re in the same pickle – that’s why you’re here. You need a bit of structure when you’re shopping for these things. That’s why I’ve sorted the toolboxes into categories and based my picks on your reviews and purchases.
Starter sets
If you need tools for everyday use around the home (think minor repairs or assembling furniture), you’re well served with a simple toolbox featuring the most common tools. The large range of tools will almost always get you out of a fix. According to user rahulbud, the Stanley Homeowner’s Tool Kit does just that. The set is mid-range, both in terms of price and contents.
Pro toolboxes
Do you like to do a bit more than just fix a screw in now and again? Are you the type of person that likes to make things with their hands? In that case, you’re better off with a professional toolbox. They pack in almost everything imaginable, from battery-powered screw guns to saws and pliers.
Our community seemed particular taken with the Technocraft Carbon GSR. This 124-part set delivers everything DIY enthusiasts could wish for. And on top of that, it’s all high-quality stuff. But even the other two sets aren’t to be sneezed at.
Empty toolboxes
Picture this. You’ve already got all the individual tools but it’s all just so unorganised. An empty toolbox gives your tools a new home, where everything has its place. The boxes themselves start at 3.95 Swiss francs and go all the way up to 440 francs. The latter is apparently good for taking on flights, as it can be opened by security without getting damaged. So the next time you want to save on the cost of a hotel, you can use your portable tool kit to sort out any damage yourself.
Tool trolleys
Tool trolleys aren’t anything for 1.5-bedroom flats. These things need space and require you to dig deeper into your pocket. But you do get what you pay for. These beasts come with tools galore for every use you can think of. However, they’re only worth it if you’re a DIY enthusiast who isn’t happy with what’s on offer now or if you’re at a loss for what to do with all your money. If that’s you, there’s no better option. In fact, user Rogerbond even fulfilled a boyhood dream with his Technocraft Swiss Team Plus + Pro.
Specialist toolboxes
So far we’ve only covered all-rounder toolboxes. You can also get ones for special use. Say you’re an avid electrician or only interested in cars. You don’t need all the bits and bobs for other kinds of jobs. That’s why it’s worth investing in a specific set.
For hobbyist electricians, we’ve got you covered with belt bags and cases. Our resident petrolheads seemed impressed with Black & Decker’s roll-up bag. Although Swissnetsi reckoned parts could fall out the side so… you’ve been warned.
Verdict
What’s the moral of the story? There’s a toolbox out there for DIY enthusiasts in all their guises. You just need to be clear on what you need before you set about shopping.
There’s no point opting for a cheaper model purely to save money when you’re the sort of person that holes themselves up in their workshop all weekend. Equally, buying a pro set doesn’t make much sense if assembling Ikea furniture brings you out in a cold sweat and has you needing to lie down in a darkened room. As it happens, professional tools don’t transform you from bottom of the class in woodwork to being able to sculpt a modern-day Sagrada Familia.
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My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.
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