♦If your power tool collection consists of just a few basics, such as
a drill and a rechargeable screwdriver, then you can get by with a basic tote
for storing these items. For example, this 25 gallon plastic
Tote Box
 from Stacks and Stacks
lets you easily see what's in it because it's translucent. And the lid latch
makes it simple to open and retrieve your drill or other tool. Also, because
it's see through you don't run the risk of grabbing a sharp blade or point
because you can see exactly where you're reaching. Tote boxes like these come in
larger sizes too.
♦Or you can use an ordinary
portable tool box
that has
depth enough in the bottom compartment to hold these items. Sizes of these
portable tool boxes might range typically from 16 inches to 26 inches. Tool
boxes usually are made of metal or plastic. You might find metal more durable
for holding heavyweight tools but heavier to carry around the house. On the
other hand, plastic also can be quite durable for ordinary usage, wipes clean
easy and doesn't rust. Buy whichever one you find aesthetically appealing if
those pros and cons don't sway you one way or another.
♦If
you have more power tools, you'll want to use something that lets you spread out
more, like a drawer tool chest & roller cabinet.
When shopping for these note that some are "tool
chests
" on top sold separately from the "roller cabinet" the tool chest is
stacked on. But it's not a portable tool chest -- it's a heavy, metal one that's
sturdy. The roller cabinet beneath it has deep and shallow drawers but also cabinet space underneath
too for the most awkward shaped and larger size power tools.
You could use the drawers for small hand tools such as hammers and pliers. You
can find these where I found mine: at Sears. I'm sure lots of other places sell
them too like Home Depot or Lowes though I've never looked for them there.
♦If you
want to put even smaller items into the drawers (e.g. nails, nuts, bolts, hooks,
etc.), you'll probably want to compartmentalize and contain these very small
items in shallow plastic containers inside the drawer. That way they stay
visible, stay together and don't fall through any holes in the tool box (such as
ones made to slide your lock bar through if you choose to lock the cabinet with
its key). Look for plastic containers at your local Wal-mart in the kitchen
organizer section. Even a cutlery tray can be useful for this purpose.
♦Most stores, including some major walk-in
retail chains, sell these mobile tool storage chests with cabinets from $200 and up
(for the combos). Some are
better quality than others but even the least expensive ones do a good job for
the ordinary household power/hand tool owner. And most are made of durable
steel. (I have seen some strong plastic too.) The tool cabinets are usually on casters. The matching steel tool chests
fit on top of the cabinet. You'll usually find them in basic painted colors like blue, red
or black. But they're worth every penny because they'll last a long time, if not
forever.
♦I own one similar
in appearance and price to the one pictured above but in blue; it holds all of
our hand tools, our electric and battery rechargeable tools and lots of other
related tool stuff like tape measures and sandpaper. Usually these combo tool
chest/roller cabinets take up no more room than the width of a doorway. The
storage space goes vertical. Put one right inside your interior garage door so
it's handy, but in a well-lit spot so that you can see what's in the dark
drawers and spaces. They are also slim enough to fit inside an interior closet
if you don't have garage space. Or you might be able to slide one (probably
without the tool chest on top) underneath a work table.
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