Storage/tool box for chainsaw related items?

[John_Mc]

For years, I've used an old plastic storage bin/tool box for storing the odds and ends of my woodcutting gear. It was a hardware store find, 30"x18"x14". I kept in it: a metal 50 cal ammo can with small tools and supplies (chainsaw sharpening tools, bar rail dresser, various hand tools & ax for driving wedges, spare bar nuts, mix oil, spare chains, stump vise, etc), first aid kit in an orange plastic "fake" ammo can, Felling wedges, Tool belt (with axe, log tongs, mini first aid kid, scabbard for axe), tree protector straps. Basically, it had everything I needed for a day felling and bucking trees in the woods other than the chainsaws, gas, bar oil, peavey and choker chains. I'd just grab it and throw it in my truck or firewood trailer and know that I had everything I needed. Even with the gear inside, it was light enough to easily lift into my truck or trailer or into the back of my Coot (antique UTV)

As you can see if you look closely at the picture, after years of use, the plastic is cracked in a few places. I need to find a replacement, hopefully of a little better quality. This one was never quite weather tight: it kept the worst of the weather out, but things always got a little damp inside if I was out in the rain or snow. It's no longer sold in my local hardware stores. I could look for the same thing, but thought I'd ask for recommendations. I'd love to find something that holds a similar volume, but at least a bit more weatherproof, but still relatively light weight.

Any suggestions?

 

[ArlyA]

We use this one. Its made to hold a little fuel can as well. I found it doesn't need to be waterproof. I can't find the make at this time.

 

[John_Mc]

ArlyA - What's that one called, and where do you find it?

I don't need completely waterproof, but my old one did not have a very well designed lid, so water got in during even a moderate rain, and snow on top would melt down and run inside. Yours looks like a better lid design.

 

[ArlyA]

What's that one called, and where do you find it?

I don't need completely waterproof, but my old one did not have a very well designed lid, so water got in during even a moderate rain, and snow on top would melt down and run inside. Yours looks like a better lid design.

I found it. I drilled holes in the main tube to add internal accessories.

Plano Storage Trunk - 56 Quart (1619) - Hunter Green, Small​

• 
  
  
  
  

 

[DGZRT]

RIDGID PRO Gear Modular Tool Storage System (3-Piece) RIDGIDPRO3PCTSS - The Home Depot

Get a contemporary and essential addition to keep all your tools organized just with the selection of this exclusive RIDGID PRO Tool Storage System.

www.homedepot.com

I have the Ridgid Storage system . Tough lockable , water resistant and the three boxes can be separated. The wheels on the big box are nice if you have hard surfaces to roll them on . Good price also !

 

[Fxfymn413]

If you don't mind the cost Milwaukee has some very nice boxes out now at HD that would work. But they are proud of them.

 

[Beaver Cove Deere]

I'm using a Greenlee Job Box. Fits 3 saws, oil, gas, helmet, straps, choker slings, snatch block and still has room to spare. With wheels it will roll right under my work bench when I get to building it.

 

[John_Mc]

Any comments on how these stand up to cold weather would also be appreciated. If they get very brittle in cold weather, that's a problem for me. It will be stored in an unheated garage and used outdoors 4 seasons of the year here in VT (though I am getting to the point where I don't do much outside work when it's below 15˚F)

 

[ArlyA]

99% of our work in in the field, so the saw box needs to go with us. Saw's don't go in it and if its so large in needs wheels, it doesn't work for us.. Cold doesn't bother it. I should add that I drilled holes in its bottom 4 corners to let water out.

 

[Big_6]

I'm using a Greenlee Job Box. Fits 3 saws, oil, gas, helmet, straps, choker slings, snatch block and still has room to spare. With wheels it will roll right under my work bench when I get to building it.

What wheel set up can you get locally for a job box?

 

[Rebeldad1]

I'm using a Greenlee Job Box. Fits 3 saws, oil, gas, helmet, straps, choker slings, snatch block and still has room to spare. With wheels it will roll right under my work bench when I get to building it.

doesnt sound like its easy to lift in and out.

 

[Rebeldad1]

If you arnt storing your saw in the box as well... the Dewalt TSTAK boxes are very strong and waterproof. Stackable as well

 

[MF RED in MT]

This is what I purchased a few years back (for about $80 slightly damaged) to install on top of my box blade to store chain saw accessories.

Amazon.com: Lund 288271BK 32-Inch Aluminum ATV Storage Box, Diamond Plated, Black : Automotive

Buy Lund 288271BK 32-Inch Aluminum ATV Storage Box, Diamond Plated, Black: Truck Bed Toolboxes - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

KC

Attachments

• 
  20190902_163722 (1).jpg

  4.9 MB · Views: 358

 

[John_Mc]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

The Dewalt, Milwaukee and Rigid boxes all seem sturdy and well made, but not large enough for my needs. My saws don't ride in the box, but I've amassed a fair amount of other gear. I seldom need all of it, but the idea is that I don't even have to think about what to take with me: saws, fuel, bar oil and throw in my box and I'm ready to go. If I need to travel lighter, I can pick a few things out of the box, but I seldom do that. (It seems as though every time I do, that's the time I wish I had something else with me.)

I do need something that is still easy to lift and move around, however, since this isn't going to ride permanently in my truck or be left locked up on a work site. The Greenlee seems like more of a lockable jobsite box that could be left on site, if needed, but a little big and heavy for my current needs. The aluminum ATV storage box is something I might consider adding to the tongue of my woods trailer (another future project).

So far, the leading contenders are the Pano Storage Trunk (probably in the next size up from what ArlyA suggested: Plano 68 quart Storage Trunk), or the IRIS 87.4 Quart Weathertight Storage Box

 

[ArlyA]

I kind of wish I'd got the next size larger Plano Trunk but we don't have all that much room in the Boss's back....

 

[ArlyA]

Be sure these containers have lids that are tough enough to sit on. Me, I'd go with the Plano built one.

---------------------------------you say--------------------------------
So far, the leading contenders are the Pano Storage Trunk (probably in the next size up from what ArlyA suggested: Plano 68 quart Storage Trunk), or the IRIS 87.4 Quart Weathertight Storage Box

 

[s219]

I got one of the big hinged Plano sportsman trunks about 10 years ago when they were under $30 -- it's about 40" long with wheels on one end. Two latches in front, a latch on each end, and full piano-style hinge along the back. I should have bought several because it's been great and I sort of felt like it was a bargain in retrospect. I keep all my forestry gear in there when not in use, and can toss it in the back of my truck or RTV if needed. I think they are around $50 now.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I know there are some great plastic boxes out there and Plano is one of them. But for me plastic, sun, and 0 degree temps don't mix long term. I use a Knaack tool box on my tractor which stays out doors. Mine may not be big enough for what you want John but they make larger ones too. My stuff stays dry. It is not gasketed but there are no open seems and the lid has a healthy lip.

gg

 

[dlctcg]

So part of it is because I'm cheap & part of it is because what they get for a plastic tub / trunk is crazy to me, especially based on the quality on some of them. Don't get me wrong for specific tools & storage there are some real nice storage solutions, but for general catch-all boxes / trunks. I've been using coolers that I pick up used (tag sales / FB marketplace / etc), I can usually get a basic cooler in great shape (some look almost new) for like $5 - $15 for a 48 - 60qt (which is a pretty good size) & they have handles (some have wheels) are watertight, keep the mice out & are pretty rugged depending on the cooler... Bonus is most have drain plugs so if need be I just hose them out. I have one set up for my chainsaw stuff, one I keep the winch recovery gear in, etc.

 

[John_Mc]

I got one of the big hinged Plano sportsman trunks about 10 years ago when they were under $30 -- it's about 40" long with wheels on one end. Two latches in front, a latch on each end, and full piano-style hinge along the back. I should have bought several because it's been great and I sort of felt like it was a bargain in retrospect. I keep all my forestry gear in there when not in use, and can toss it in the back of my truck or RTV if needed. I think they are around $50 now.

Are they still weatherproof with that hinge? I was looking at those, but wondered of the hing compromised the weather proofing (seems like it would be tough to make a lip that formed the "seal".

If you get a chance, can you tell me the inside dimensions at the bottom of the box?
... and the outside longest dimension. I can't seem to find info on that online.