I know next to nothing about toolboxes but I saw this at Home Depot today and thought that it looked decent. I checked my dimensions and it would definitely fit my bed. It then occurred to me that I might benefit from knowing what other people know from their experiences with toolboxes. So what can you tell me?

 

I've used several different styles and sizes on my truck over the years. And from my experience most of them all hold up pretty much the same these days, unless you get something expensive like the ones made by Weatherguard.

I have not used that brand before, but if it's aluminum be careful throwing stuff in the bed, because the backside of these will dent easily. And if it's steel you may just need to inspect it once a year or so to make sure no rust has started anywhere.

And unless you really need the bed space, don't hesitate on getting a larger box. I started out with a small one (I think it was 12" deep). And quickly had to upgrade to a bigger one.

 

A couple suggestions: immediately make copies of the key and put one somewhere you won't loose it like your sock drawer; secure it properly as they can cause havoc otherwise; I use the rubber toolbox liner padding to stop things from banging around too much and making a kind of dust; don't be afraid to look on Craigslist as I have always found any size/style/color for around $100 if your patient.

 

I have always ran Delta and weather guard tool boxes on my trucks. I once had some weird off brand and it broke the part that over hangs the bed rails. The Delta in my Chevy I bought and rebuilt and painted black and it works way better now then when I got it. Being husky I am not sure how much I would trust it I have never had luck with husky products.
Trav

 

I had one about 15 yrs ago and it was pretty nice. I think the newer versions are very, very flimsy. Don't bang it with anything as it will make a dent real easily.

Ditto on the craigslist. Might save a buck and find a nicer model.

 

I'd avoid aluminum one of the search and rescue vehicles lost a few tools when the welds on the bottom broke it ended up being an easy enough fix but that's only if you can weld aluminum

That being said now the ideas popped into my head about getting one

 

Husky is the Home Cheapo house brand. Sort of like buying Ryobi. It will do the job, but great it like GOLD. They don't take everyday abuse that well.

 

Well, after reading ya'lls replies, I have decided to keep an eye out on craigslist and facebook groups. The Home Depot Husky toolbox I posted is $350; definitely overpriced and probably delicate.

 

Find a a Used weather guard it it will do 10x better than any other brand out there

 

ProTech also makes a real nice toolbox.

 

YEs and easy to obtain for you northwesters

 

WeatherGuard is the only Aluminum box I will ever buy, And if you want a quality steel box you should look at WeatherGuard, RWI, Delta.

My reasoning is based on my personal experience, I work in the Oilfields of Texas and most of our roads are made of dirt, caliche, or rock. These roads are long and rough, rough enough to break the top of the truck beds. I operate Heavy Equipment so I am always fully loaded with tools and spare parts. I have only bought one WeatherGuard tool box new ( I needed a lowprofile box that would fit an ex-short Gmc bed) all of my other WeatherGuards are used. One I bought came out of a wreaked pickup, I had to get creative and beat the passenger side of the box back out to normal (This box is in my personal truck). In past company trucks I have run RWI and this was a heavy steel box, but never had a problem with it. Also in my current company work truck i have a delta that was purchased in 2004 and is still going strong.

If you dont plan on using the box very much or hard, most boxes will hold up in a daily driver. We had a UWI aluminum box in a saleman's truck and it lasted great, he would mainly keep his boots, and protective gear/equipment in it. That way when he would have clients ride with him, his truck was always clean inside. Hope this helps.