Suggestions for Toolbox?

[all_ramped_up]

Just wondering if some of the seasoned AMEs around would be able to give me a suggestion on what sort of toolbox an M apprentice should pick-up? Something portable so I can be sent off to YIO at 0300 to fix a King Air and have all my gear with me? Or something larger for keeping in the Hangar and just a small bag for taking select tools for AOG calls?

(I know it's got to be able to have some sort of tool control like shadow boards etc)

I've been looking at the usual steel red ones with shelves but spied some pretty nice looking ones that the RCAF guys have.



versus



I'm slowly building up my kit now as I'll be graduating in 2015 and want to be all set.

[YYCAME]

You will probably want to hold off on major purchases until you see where you end up working and really need. Veto Pro Pacs and modified pelican cases though tend to be the 'box' of choice though around our place for inside, the ramp, and road trips. Modding up a pelican case with some sheet metal, cam locks, hinges and tool clips can make a highly organized and personal tool case but again I'd probably just stick with some foam until you really get a feel for what tools you consider necessary. http://www.vetopropac.com/products/model-lc is what I use and like but you can certainly get bigger but honestly if I jam it full it is plenty heavy already for me. There are certainly other options though, knipex has hardcases that are nicely divided up but a shoulder strap or wheels is a must in my opinion. Most guys have a cheap box at least though to just store a few of the once a year tools and so forth.

Again it depends where you work, and if you like to wheel a box around to use as a bench to work on. All personal preference though, and worth waiting to buy till you really know what you like. A 42" mastercraft, costco or whatever though for $6-700 will do the job though for most people if you really are committed to dropping a bunch of money while in school but honestly for the amount of stuff you have a $200 pelican hard case or organized semi-soft tool bag should hold most of your stuff and you can throw the few extras one of those cheapie canvas tool bags etc and keep in a locker for rare occasions.

I know you get told the importance of tool control but in practice it is very rare to see it done to the degree to rely on it 100%, in my opinion it is more important to just keep an organized work space and if your going pile tools into crevices on an airplane while you work then do it in an organized way and never in place it could cause trouble like an engine inlet or by cables etc. That nicely foamed shadow board only works if you are the kind of person who won't just pile tools on his box to go do paperwork because the plane needs to get going.

Good luck!
Edit: In regards to the boxes you posted if it is going to be a heavy old beast then definitely the lower one with wheels though I think you'll find that you outgrow it in a few years because the tools you want to bring don't configure very well because the drawers are to shallow, small etc for some tools. Those work well when you have a tightly defined set of tools for jobs, but kind of suck when you are trying to shove in odd ball items, and you don't even have know what tools you will want to keep in it in a few years. But if has removable drawers and can be modified then it certainly has more potential.

[all_ramped_up]

Awesome! Thanks for that!

How rare is it to get exactly what you wanted to hear the first try on the Interwebs?

I figure I'll get some of the basic things that will be used everywhere as I go. A decent bit driver, set of SAE combo wrenches, lock pliers... When I get a first job then I'd be looking at the particulars.

Never thought of the tool control thing like that. We've been getting into some simple tasks (Finally!) and it does seem that I'm pretty OCD about keeping my tools removed from where they're stashed. Having been the Dispatcher waiting for a bird; I can see now that it'd be easy just to ditch your stuff off to the side to get things signed off. lol

I'm definitely leaning towards a Pelican case as I've got similar for my DSLR and glass and love that.

[GyvAir]

Ditto on what YYCAME had to say about the two boxes you posted photos of.. heavy. The Pelican with drawers sure looks cool, but it's over 40lbs before you even put a wrench in it. Plain Pelicans with custom made lift out layers are much more efficient and portable overall. The Veto Pac bags look pretty nice! I have a somewhat similar but clearly inferior Kuny's, but it does the job.

Here's an thread from a year or so ago on tool kits, in case you missed it:
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=87119&start=0

[all_ramped_up]

Perfect! Totally missed that thread. Thank you!

[Valkyrie_XB70]

If my memory serves correct and nothing has changed you should know that tools bought as an apprentice can be written off at tax time. Tools bought after cannot.

[brownbear]

Get a little rolling bench tool box for the hangar.

For the road you have to have a light tool box. I have a Pelican type box and its not light. It's a challenge to pack it and stay uner 70 lbs. Which is the limit most of the time.

I've shown up in airports at check in and had them refuse to take my tool box based on the weight. So I had to unload my wrenches etc into my suitcase.

If you travel by truck, no worries. But that red box above would be too heavy for flight travel when loaded. I did 99% of my out of the hangar travel on commercial flights heading out on contract.

But an apprentice first needs a little work bench tool box to start. Either modify a little cupboard or buy something that is a work bench. Don't buy a double decker high tool box. That's for automotive where floor space is a premium. In aviation we need low to go under wings and a good wide stance to do lots of floor travel. And having a portable work bench with a vise mounted on it is the way to go. Here is a good one http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/maste ... rufl_Z5jx5

Just get the bottom half and the wood top for it. If the wood top is expensive extra, just use plywood. Half price this is a good deal.

I had one similar from C tire for about 5-6 years then got a bigger snap on one used. Same idea. Just a long bench.

[Cranium]

I have seen guys travel with a rifle case - your tools are all laid out neatly in the foam & no need to lift out trays - everything is visible. I'm tempted to go the same way - it's half the cost of a pelican case and about the same weight. (Plus, they're sturdy and have good strong lock attachments).

[flatface]

Deleted

[Greg87]

I had a rolling crappy tire tool box that I bought when I started college, and used at my first job, Jazz, both in heavy and when I worked in line. As a low seniority non-ACA I went on 2 road trips. It really depends what job you get when you graduate. My opinion would be something on wheels in most cases. I have a small plastic tool box that I can fit wrenches, ratcheting screw driver with several bits, knipex (highly recommend getting at least one pair of these no matter where you go), lockwire pliers, and whatever you might need specific to the job you're going out for.

As I say, that's coming from the perspective of someone working at Jazz, where you're only on the road when a plane is broken down with a specific issue so you have a good idea what you'll need. At my current job all tools are provided, and while I bring along a few of my own just because they are better than what's provided, you are not required to have any tools of your own.

If you're gearing towards something like a helicopter job where I imagine you'd be on the road a lot more, then you can probably disregard most of what I said!

[all_ramped_up]

I had a rolling crappy tire tool box that I bought when I started college, and used at my first job, Jazz, both in heavy and when I worked in line. As a low seniority non-ACA I went on 2 road trips. It really depends what job you get when you graduate. My opinion would be something on wheels in most cases. I have a small plastic tool box that I can fit wrenches, ratcheting screw driver with several bits, knipex (highly recommend getting at least one pair of these no matter where you go), lockwire pliers, and whatever you might need specific to the job you're going out for.

As I say, that's coming from the perspective of someone working at Jazz, where you're only on the road when a plane is broken down with a specific issue so you have a good idea what you'll need. At my current job all tools are provided, and while I bring along a few of my own just because they are better than what's provided, you are not required to have any tools of your own.

If you're gearing towards something like a helicopter job where I imagine you'd be on the road a lot more, then you can probably disregard most of what I said!

Glad to get all this input! It's all helpful stuff and appreciated.

Unlike the majority of my class I've been keeping tabs on the Industry to see where the hiring trends are and my goal would be something rotary or maybe returning to PAL but with wrenches instead of a desk this time.

[Fling Wing]

If you do end up going rotary, hold off on any sort of tool box. Show up with some sockets, wire twisters, pliers, screwdriver ect, and you are well on your way. I know where I work very few engineers have a tool box, just a small tool bag with the most commonly used tools. Tool boxes aren't much use when you're only in the hangar a few times each year. Large/special tools stay with each machine where I work, other rotary companies are different though, so wait until you have the job and see what is the norm.

[dashx]

http://www.homedepot.ca/catalog/tool-chests/171399

http://www.homedepot.ca/catalog/tool-boxes/179862

http://www.costco.ca/tool-chests.html

http://www.nanukcase.com/productdetails.asp?node=205 This is a carry on case (much like the Pelican 1510).

And some of the items above are even made in Canada........

Eh!

[all_ramped_up]

If you do end up going rotary, hold off on any sort of tool box. Show up with some sockets, wire twisters, pliers, screwdriver ect, and you are well on your way. I know where I work very few engineers have a tool box, just a small tool bag with the most commonly used tools. Tool boxes aren't much use when you're only in the hangar a few times each year. Large/special tools stay with each machine where I work, other rotary companies are different though, so wait until you have the job and see what is the norm.

That's what I'm figuring on doing, bringing essential basic tools and a warm body to use them. Good thing I'm not averse to lockwiring... Other than sore fingers after doing it all day, it's not too horrendous... yet. We haven't done a ton in the Turbine Shop yet though. lol

All my Airline experience has been mainly in 703/704/705 fixed wing and we had our Engineers on the move a fair bit so portability has been a focus.

dashx - That last Nanuk case looks to be the best one to me!

[GyvAir]

The Nanuk case looks quite interesting to me too. I've been looking at putting together a new road box and was going to go with the Hardigg Stormcase, but may try a Nanuk. I see they're even made in Canada of all places! You'd think they'd have that stamped all over their website, wouldn't you?
They have a "bezel" molded into both the base and the lid. Could be handy for cleanly fastening a tool board to the inside of the lid.
Nanuk online distributor: http://www.hardcases.ca/products/nanuk-950

Does anyone have a good source for proper toolbox foam sheets?
I found these guys who ship from Windsor: http://canada.foambymail.com/
Anyone found better?

[dashx]

There are lots of cases out there. My basement has a small collection of boxes/cases I have gone through (and can't bear to part with).

If you prefer an Italian brand check out HPRC at http://www.plaber.com/

The Pelican case shown (O450) is a little too much $$$ for me but I have seen one being used in the "civilian" world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thtD921EZDI

Empty weight I was not able to find. Let's say it is always going as cargo. I doubt you could fill this box with tools and keep it under 50 lbs (23kg).

[GyvAir]

Pelican 0450:
Weight without Drawers 33 lbs. (14.97 kg)
Weight with Drawers 41.5 lbs. (18.82 kg)
$719.00 with drawers.
Pricey and too heavy if you ever plan to check it as luggage.
Pretty nice if weight is not an issue. One could likely even justify the price as it's nearly a turn-key system; there is typically considerable time investment in doing a nice job of making trays from scratch for a regular case, if you want them to look professional and work well.

[all_ramped_up]

Good points about the airline weight limit. I hadn't really thought of it as we'd always had company a/c about to send the maintenance folks out to the issue.

[arcticheliwrench]

I have a soft sided tool bag made by Custom Leather Craft (CLC) http://www.goclc.com/products/Work-Gear ... -Backpacks I found mine at KMS tools. Get one that keeps everything secure and zipped up. Obviously avoid the electrician style open top ones

I bought a cheap $40 four wheeled, two shelf cart to throw my bag on while in the hangar.

As an apprentice, showing up with a decently stocked tool bag is more than adequate. Every job will be different and until you know what the more experienced guys are using, you will likely waste money getting a big tool box or tools that you may never use. I know when I was an apprentice, the licensed guys were happy to lend me the more odd-ball or expensive/large tools the first few times one was needed. If it is a tool that you will be commonly using, you can then go out and buy your own.

As for buying tools, you will hear all sorts of advice. I personally bought Snap-on pliers, screw drivers, picks, and ratchets, Craftsman USA (buy from sears in the USA) wrenches, sockets and extensions, and everything else from places like Canadian Tire, KMS Tools, and even Princess Auto. Second hand is also a great option. Buying off an older or retiring AME or keeping an eye on craigslist and kijiji has saved me a bunch. I got a nice Fluke multi-meter for $40 of kijiji!

Weight is definitely a very important factor when getting tool storage. Besides the commercial airline weight limits, company aircraft will frequently be bursting at the seams with ops gear, oil, tools and parts when sent out in the field.

For airline travel, the best thing I have found is to take out things like hammers and large wenches and move them to your clothing suitcase, then putting the tool bag in a Rubbermaid action packer tote with light gear like coveralls and jackets for airline travel. If you travel with three bags, when paying the third bag fee, you are allowed to have that third bag be up to 70lbs with no additional overweight charge (Air Canada). Also, a personal baggage scale is a great investment!

[all_ramped_up]

I have a soft sided tool bag made by Custom Leather Craft (CLC) http://www.goclc.com/products/Work-Gear ... -Backpacks I found mine at KMS tools. Get one that keeps everything secure and zipped up. Obviously avoid the electrician style open top ones

I bought a cheap $40 four wheeled, two shelf cart to throw my bag on while in the hangar.

As an apprentice, showing up with a decently stocked tool bag is more than adequate. Every job will be different and until you know what the more experienced guys are using, you will likely waste money getting a big tool box or tools that you may never use. I know when I was an apprentice, the licensed guys were happy to lend me the more odd-ball or expensive/large tools the first few times one was needed. If it is a tool that you will be commonly using, you can then go out and buy your own.

As for buying tools, you will hear all sorts of advice. I personally bought Snap-on pliers, screw drivers, picks, and ratchets, Craftsman USA (buy from sears in the USA) wrenches, sockets and extensions, and everything else from places like Canadian Tire, KMS Tools, and even Princess Auto. Second hand is also a great option. Buying off an older or retiring AME or keeping an eye on craigslist and kijiji has saved me a bunch. I got a nice Fluke multi-meter for $40 of kijiji!

Weight is definitely a very important factor when getting tool storage. Besides the commercial airline weight limits, company aircraft will frequently be bursting at the seams with ops gear, oil, tools and parts when sent out in the field.

For airline travel, the best thing I have found is to take out things like hammers and large wenches and move them to your clothing suitcase, then putting the tool bag in a Rubbermaid action packer tote with light gear like coveralls and jackets for airline travel. If you travel with three bags, when paying the third bag fee, you are allowed to have that third bag be up to 70lbs with no additional overweight charge (Air Canada). Also, a personal baggage scale is a great investment!

I was looking at some of the Tool Backpacks too. So many options! lol

So far I've got some tools (Pliers, Screwdrivers etc) from my time when I wrenched on my Mustang and have been upgrading or adding to them with mostly Mastercraft stuff. Been looking on eBay and kijiji as you mentioned and it looks like I'll save a bunch there and have enough basics to be somewhat useful by the Spring time.

Didn't know about that third bag rule from Air Canada! Going to stick that back of the noggin for future reference.

Reaping all sorts of useful info from this thread! Thanks guys!

[rolly117]

I build custom tool boxes for aviation maintenance Techs. min-able space for maxi tool placement of tools in a uniform way of seeing what is missing at the end of the day. It's a no brainer. These boxes are built with 2024 aluminum with A/C standards.Baggage handlers admire, rather than trash your run of the mill go away boxes. My boxes turn heads with the most seasoned professionals Mail me for specs and price

[brownbear]

my other biggie that I learned over the years was to get a portable tool box with wheels. When you packem to 70lbs. they get pretty crazy to walk all over the airport with. Switching arms every couple feet..

Whether it is a bag, a bin or a pelican style case it needs wheels and a handle that expands.

Travel is not easy for us with tools. If it was just for the back of a truck no biggie, you can do whatever.

[Colonel Sanders]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ5G8Gtpo-g


Best toolbox I've ever seen.

[747-875]

I would recommend something similar to my setup, for plain old M2 airline work it seems to be working pretty well...

For your main work get a good sized roll around tool box (Snap On and the like are nice but to be honest the Canadian Tire ones work perfectly fine, I bought one and I have no complaints at all) for around the hangar and I'd highly recommend going with the long style and just get the main box (bottom half) and do not get the top half, instead put a good sheet of plywood down as a top. This way you get your own workbench that you can roll around with you, it's much more stable when going 4x4ing across the yard to the other hangar, and it fits under a lot of airplanes making getting it to the other side of a full hangar much easier.

Next for rescue missions get a smallish carry around box (I've also seem some bags that work good too). Make sure it's something you can load up and still hike around with. There will be times where you have to carry it out to the good airplane, and then when you arrive carry it across the ramp to the broken airplane. Don't worry too much about getting your entire tool collection in there, I've gone on probably a dozen "rescue missions" now and each time we talked to the stuck pilots on the phone before we left so we had a pretty good idea of what to expect and thus packed accordingly. You usually don't need your multimeter to go up and change a tire, and the odd time where you are going on a longer trip (a fuel haul or something) where you're not packing for a specific thing, just fill your travel box and put the rest in another box or bag.