People usually don’t see the difference between a regular toolbox and an aluminum one, saying they look pretty much the same so how big of a difference could it be? It’s only after you start using them that you can see the difference. Here, we will discuss the surging popularity of aluminum toolboxes and what makes them so good.
First of all, let’s go over the different types of materials used for toolboxes.
• Plastic
Plastic is used as a common material because it is light, reduces the chances of corrosion, costs significantly less, and they are easy to clean. The issue with plastic is that it is less durable than other materials so plastic toolboxes don’t last as long.
Steel is exceptional for its durability, as steel toolboxes last the longest out of any other materials. This also makes them able to carry a lot of weight as they have considerable strength. The downside is that they are far heavier than other types of toolboxes.
• Aluminum
Aluminum toolboxes weigh less, are more resistant to corrosion, and remain durable consistently.
• Stainless Steel
Stainless steel toolboxes are lighter and more resistant to corrosion than regular steel. The downside is that they are considerably more expensive.
As you might have realized, almost all of these options have some form of a considerable downside to them. Plastic is not very durable, steel is heavier, and stainless steel is more expensive. What sets aluminum toolboxes apart from the rest is the fact that they don’t have a clear downside! They have a combination of all of the positive aspects from every other material. They have no obvious downside that makes them unreachable. Of course, if you are specialized and need a case for a particular line of work, you will opt for something more catered to your needs. But this is a rarity and isn’t required for 90% of the work that needs to be done. The common man will look for what’s most flexible and is in his price range. Because of this, aluminum toolboxes remain the top pick for most people. Now, let’s go into the specifics of why they have been so sought after.
They are Lighter
Aluminum is approximately three times lighter than steel. This is a massive difference in weight. And allows you to pack your toolbox with more tools or to have an easier time carrying it. This can really come in handy if you are prone to back problems.
Less Corrosion
Steel has a reputation of being more corrosion-resistant, but this is a myth. It is not resistant to corrosion by itself, what makes it more resistant is when it’s topped by a powder-coated finish to protect it from corrosion. While it is effective, the issue with this is that if it gets one single chip it’s over… Aluminum is more reliable as a material in this regard. While steel requires maintenance in the sense that it needs to be painted or treated for corrosion, aluminum is corrosion resistant resulting in its relatively low upkeep necessity. So going with an aluminum toolbox means that you will spend far less time, money, and effort in maintaining its quality and effectiveness.
The Cost of Aluminum and Price Dynamics
We all want to have the best tools we can get, but it isn’t realistic to spend an absurd amount for just a little more quality. The prices of aluminum and steel fluctuate often. This leads to a constantly shifting price between them. Taking this into consideration you should be aware that some prices might be too pricey at first, so it would be recommendable to wait sometime to pass for the prices to stabilize. Another factor is that steel is generally cheaper, but when factoring in the durability, weight, and corrosion resistance of aluminum, the obvious better choice would be aluminum. It might be more expensive but the math doesn’t lie. Aluminum toolboxes will last longer and thus make the investment completely worth it. Of course, steel is still less breakable than aluminum, so it does have its own factors to consider. It can also withstand harsher winter climates better. So if you are going to be working in a harsher climate, steel might be your preferred choice.
Who Benefits the Most From Aluminum Toolboxes?
The people who benefit the most from owning aluminum toolboxes are truckers. Because these toolboxes weigh so much less than other materials (aside from plastic) make them perfect for trucks and other vehicles. It puts less strain on the vehicle in question and thus reduces the effort needed to carry the tools. This also contributes to the total payload that you can carry. By doing so you save money by reducing gas consumption and gain money by being able to increase your payload capacity.
With all this said, you can see what makes aluminum such a good pick when choosing toolboxes, so check out the prices and get yourself the most flexible toolbox for your needs!