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Types of ToolboxesModern toolboxes are predominantly metal or plastic. Wooden boxes built today are primarily intended for children's toolsets, although some wooden boxes are homebuilt creations of their owners. Many wooden toolboxes were created in the early 1800's but were discontinued in the last 20 years. A modern carpenters' toolbox is composed of a base, a pivotally-mounted top cover, and usually a rack-mounted inside for convenient access. The generic toolbox is usually red. Many toolboxes, and chests from a variety of trades can be seen at the Smithsonian Museum of American History A common modern design comprises a rectangular box with a hinged cover on top, a handle for carrying, and one or more latches securing the lid to the box. Smaller boxes may be open inside, but larger ones will often have a removable tote tray sitting on a flange inside the lip of the box, with a larger compartment below. A second popular design, commonly labeled a tool chest, uses slide out drawers in lieu of the voluminous open space of the prior design. It is less common for these toolboxes to have the tote tray, although usually they still have a storage compartment above the drawers. Tool chests are primarily made of metal, though some expensive models are made of hardwoods. Often they are sold as a set of a rolling bottom cabinet with a second, smaller chest on the top.
MaterialMetal toolboxes (typically steel) weigh more than plastic ones. A plastic toolbox laden with tools can weigh the same that a comparable steel box does when empty. Metal boxes are also subject to rusting and their sharp edges can mar the surfaces of things they are banged against. Metal is, however, known for being stronger than plastic, so one should balance its disadvantages against the need to withstand abuse and support the weight of many tools.
DesignThe simple box with tote tray can be effective, but becomes less so as more tools are added. The tote tray helps in organizing, and some totes have dividers for segregating small tools. Some toolboxes even have compartments built into the lid for storing supplies such as nails and screws. Yet many tools still must be stored in the compartment below the tote. The large volume of space in this compartment makes this type of box easy to overfill, in terms of both weight and clutter. In addition to the trouble of finding things, there is a risk of heavier items damaging more delicate ones as the toolbox is moved around.
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