This article contains information about tool cases and their use.
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A tool case is a portable case designed to organize and protect tools and allow easy access and convenient availability. Standard tool cases can be used when working on a project. In addition, specialty and custom-designed tool cases are available for unique and unusual applications. For example, foam inserts that conform to the shape of tools offer extra protection for sensitive instruments and electronic devices.
Many tool cases include ones with a hard outer shell that seals to protect tools from water damage, dirt, damaging liquids, and atmospheric contaminants. Tool cases come in several sizes to accommodate any application, from ones that can be handheld to ones that roll on wheels. Each one is designed to fit the demands and requirements of the user.
A tool case is an essential part of their routine for field technicians, plumbers, truck drivers, and many other professionals. It provides them with efficient and convenient access to the instruments, devices, and equipment they need to complete their work.
Unlike the tool box of many years ago, modern tool cases are designed to specifically meet the needs of the user. Manufacturers produce tool cases to fit every profession, application, and condition from ones designed for computer repair to ones capable of carrying tools to repair well heads on oil rigs. The many applications and conditions require the use of durable and sturdy materials that can withstand the demands of the stressful working conditions.
The idea of the old metal box into which tools were packed and thrown has been transformed into hard-walled plastic cases that have compartments to organize tools for immediate access. As with all aspects of society, modern technology has updated and improved the old toolbox.
Blow-molded tool cases are a rapidly growing form of tool case specially designed to hold electric tools carefully and protectively in place. Several blow-molded tool cases are commonly used to sell a single electric tool or sets of like tools designed for a single application.
The sturdy and durable design of blow-molded tool cases offers excellent protection for tools, especially technical ones. The shaped blow molding securely holds tools in place to prevent them from damaging each other. This form of tool case is ideal for tools with several pieces such as socket sets, screwdriver sets, and testing tools and instruments.
Tool briefcases can be somewhat confusing since they look exactly like a business briefcase. This type of tool case is ideal for technicians when they need to visit a customer site but do not want to disrupt office protocols. In most cases, briefcase tool cases are slightly wider than the average briefcase and made of exceptionally durable material such that they can endure rough treatment.
Much like the average briefcase, tool briefcases come in a variety of styles to fit the user's needs. Tool briefcases have multiple compartments, tool boards, and a partitioned section for documents and manuals.
Foam insert tool cases are commonly used with breakable tools and must be safely held in place to maintain their calibration. This type of tool case can carry any form of tool but is widely used by technicians who use their instruments to take readings and make technical adjustments. Tool case manufacturers can form fit foam inserts to precisely and accurately fit any tool's shape and configuration.
In some cases, there are tool cases that have foam that is colored to make it easier to see the array of tools. This feature can also be used as a means of organization and cataloging of tools.
Of the many varieties of tool cases, pocket tool cases are one of the more convenient. They can hold cell phones, precision tools, very small parts, and items that would normally get lost in a more significant tool case. Additionally, pocket tool cases can be hung on a belt, from a shirt pocket, or strapped to a worker's arm. Tools small enough that fit in a pocket tool case include pliers, lighting instruments, screwdrivers, miniature tools, and sharp-pointed tools.
Pocket pallet tool cases have become increasingly popular due to the amount of storage space they provide. The case's interior can hold any number of pallets to organize tools and separate them according to their use. Pallets are typically attached to the lid and held in place by a latch to unlock the pallet.
The different types of pallet tool cases make it possible to have ones for extensive tools for repairing and working on large projects. Other types are designed for small tools used for delicate and intricate work.
In the case image below, pallets are in the lid and the body of the case. The ones in the body of the case can be lifted out but keep the tools organized.
Protector cases are manufactured to be water-tight, crushproof, impact-resistant, and tightly sealed to protect against dirt and dust. For added protection, protector cases have a solid wall design capable of withstanding extreme conditions and use. The nature of protector cases necessitates that they are solid and lightweight for ease of handling.
Road tool cases are built for travel and are made of rugged, sturdy material that can endure the handling of airline travel. They are made of metal with reinforced corners and tight, secure, durable latches. To be used for air travel, they must meet the standards required by the Air Transport Association.
Travel requires that road tool cases come in various sizes and configurations, from large ones to carry-ons. In addition, many road cases have built-in wheels for added convenience.
Rolling ones can be the most durable of the various types of tool cases. They are generally made of high-density polyethylene, enhancing their durability and longevity. In addition, there are several interiors for rolling tool cases with pockets for tools and part placement to ones that have foam shapes for extra protection for tools.
Rolling tool cases are a convenient way for carrying tools and equipment, especially when the items to be taken are heavy or cumbersome. Most rolling tool cases have ribbing to add extra strength and reinforcement.
Soft-sided tool cases have been gaining popularity for many years due to being unbreakable, tear-resistant, and exceptionally durable. They have several combinations of features such as pockets, pallets, loops, and different sizes of compartments. In addition, the material used to manufacture soft-sided tool cases is treated to be moisture repellent and shock-resistant.
The design of soft-sided tool cases includes various exterior features such as side pockets and carrying straps. Though lightweight, soft side tool cases are highly durable and capable of withstanding the same abuse as their hard-sided counterparts. One of the benefits of soft-sided tool cases is how the material gives under strain but has padding to prevent shock to tools.
Super-sized tool cases are exceptionally sturdy and rugged. Their larger size makes it possible to include added features that enhance the ability to store and protect tools. The enormous size of super-sized tool cases requires a piano hinge to hold the lid. Additional supports are typically added on both sides to support the cover when it is open.
The number of tools and equipment stored in super-sized tool cases requires a locking mechanism, which varies between manufacturers. In addition, super-sized tool cases are made of various materials, from heavy-duty plastics to aluminum and steel.
The few tool cases described here are only a sampling of the available wide selection of tool cases. There is a tool case to fit every industry and profession with specially designed features to meet the needs of specialized applications. Manufacturers also offer customers the opportunity to develop their specialty tool cases for personal use.
An essential part of tool cases is the types of materials from which they are made. The choice of tool case materials depends on the tools it will carry and the variety of projects or applications where it will be needed. As a result, materials for tool cases vary from ones for DIY tool cases used for projects around the home to ones designed for heavy-duty use on production and manufacturing equipment.
For many years, toolboxes were made from wood and later transitioned into steel and aluminum. With advancements in technology, plastic tool cases became available and have taken over a significant portion of the market. Regardless of the dominance of plastic, modern tool cases are made from many varieties of materials and combinations of materials.
Heavy-duty polypropylene makes a wide range of tool cases due to its durability, sturdiness, and resilience. PP has high fatigue resistance, which makes it ideal for manufacturing tool cases. Polypropylene serves as a strong barrier but has an excellent surface finish that lends to a good appearance and enhances its strength and endurance.
Polypropylene has to be handled carefully despite its many exceptional properties, especially in very high and low-temperature conditions.
Aluminum's lightness, strength, and durability make it an ideal metal for manufacturing tool cases. It is combined with other materials to increase its natural properties and endurance in most instances. There are several varieties of aluminum tool cases. The majority have some form of inner linings such as foam, cloth, or molded plastic.
There are many uses for aluminum tool cases for computer technicians and others for heavy-duty machinery. The design of aluminum tool cases is to keep tools organized and protected.
Nylon is a common material for the manufacture of soft-sided tool cases. It has superior strength compared to some plastics and is far better than other fabrics. Nylon is a synthetic flexible plastic fiber that has been drawn into fibers for the manufacture of clothing and household use. It is used to make tool cases due to its strength, elasticity, resilience, and resistance to water.
Soft-sided tool bags have gained great popularity due to their appearance and ability to be configured in various sizes, from ones that can fit in your pocket to ones large enough to carry multiple types of heavy equipment.
The main selling feature of nylon tool bags is the number of pockets they have, which manufacturers emphasize. The versatility of nylon fabric makes it possible to include several pockets for easy organization of tools, especially small precision ones.
Foam inserts can be fitted into any style of tool case and are designed to surround precision tools to protect them perfectly. Waterjet cutting is used to form and shape the foam to fit the tool's dimensions being protected. Foam for foam inserts is made from polyurethane, polyethylene, velour, and polyethylene anti-static foam, which are highly resilient materials and capable of withstanding impact.
An essential part of any repair job is having the right tools for the job. An efficient method for ensuring having what you need when you need it is tool pallets that offer more storage space and exceptional organization. Tools can be easily categorized by use and type.
Tool pallets allow technicians to organize their tools according to the tools' job. Pallets have flat, sturdy surfaces with pockets or slots for placing any tool, from delicate precision instruments to standard screwdrivers and pliers. Tool pallets are made of materials with a sturdy core covered with fabric and sewn in pockets or slots.
Critical to the performance of a tool case is how it is manufactured. There are different methods to determine the performance of a tool case and its many uses. Though strength and resilience are critical factors for tool cases, they are not always part of the requirements or specifications. What is critical is the protection and safekeeping of tools and instruments.
Several methods are used to produce tool cases, which vary by manufacturer, materials, and designs. Every hardware and home improvement store has cases available for DIY users and professionals. In addition, for more complex and specialized applications, there are custom-made tool cases produced to the customer's exact requirements.
One of the most exciting aspects of tool cases is design. Unfortunately, what may be presumed to be an easy task where an engineer creates a compartment to load tools is a complex and challenging process. There are multiple factors and conditions that engineers have to consider when planning a new tool case.
With the rapid growth of technology, it has become necessary for designers to be creative in their approach to designing tool cases since every situation, application, and circumstance requires a tool case adapted to fit the conditions. The process includes selecting the right materials, fabrics, and other factors.
The assortment of materials used to make tool cases include nylon, various plastics, aluminum, steel, and vinyl. Of the many choices of materials, fabric cases have become the most popular due to their lightweight, flexibility, and adaptability. However, metal tool cases are usually chosen for more robust repair applications due to the nature of the tools used.
Though not commonly used, leather and rubber are sometimes used to manufacture specialty bags. Included in the characteristics of rubber and leather is their non-conductivity, which makes them ideal for carrying electrical devices and instruments.
The most common method for making modern tool cases is molding, including blow molding, injection molding, thermoforming, and compression molding. These processes are used to create plastic or polymer tool cases using exceptionally resilient and reliable materials. In addition, the plastic molding process allows manufacturers to include forms, storage bins, and slots in tool cases for organization and convenience.
Tool cases made from fabrics are hand sewn using heavy-duty threads that do not tear or separate. Stitches are double and triple sewn to ensure a secure and tight material connection.
The assembly of metal tool cases is accomplished in several different ways. The key is to ensure the corners are tightly sealed and that the interior has some form of padding.
Most tool cases are constructed using fabric, metal, and plastic combinations. The processes are combined to create exceptionally sturdy tool cases. In one example, the shell or core of the tool case is made of plastic. Next, the interior is lined with foam cut to the shape of the tools. Finally, the corners of the tool case are reinforced with aluminum.
The example below includes:
It demonstrates the many factors that are included in a tool case.
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