Ther are many alternatives to traditional toolboxes: •
Toolset: 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 often 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. •
Toolbelt and apron: 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 attaché case or briefcase: This tool carrier is used to carry tools and specialized equipment when working in offices and similar locations. The case often is furnished with foldout or removable flat pallets lined with multiple small pockets to help organize the tools. •
Backpack toolcase: This tool carrier can resemble an ordinary backpack, but often is fitted with foldout or removable tool pallets or other ways of organizing the contents. •
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 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 organizer: This consists of rugged fabric or polyester bags draped into and around a sturdy 5-gallon plastic 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 conceal their contents. In a moving 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. •
Autocart: 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 one location to another. These mobile cabinets are often found in workplaces of mechanics, who may own and take responsibility for their own sets of tools. ==Gallery==