Tool boxes are a necessity in regards to the organisation and protection of tools, and plastic tool boxes are one of the best choices. There are a number of different types of plastic tool boxes including portable tool boxes or even rolling tool chests for the more serious craftsman. You can find a range of these at RS components.
Whatever type of plastic tool box you possess however, certain steps are necessary to take in order to maintain it. High quality plastic tool boxes can be costly, making it all the more important to take proper care of it and ensure your tools also remain undamaged.
Clean your tools regularly
Wiping away moisture and dust from tools before they are placed back into your plastic tool box after use will help to stop the formation of rust both on your tools and inside your tool box. Dusty tools just need to be wiped off with the use of soft, dry cloth. If your tools are covered with some sort of grease or grime then they may need to be cleaned with some type of degreaser.
Grease that has begun building up inside your plastic tool box should be cleaned with WD-40.
Wiping away wood dust
If dusty tools are not cleaned off before they are returned to the plastic tool box this will cause wood dust to begin gathering inside. This can make your tools dirty and even be responsible for attracting pests including termites.
The interior of your plastic tool box should be wiped down with the use of a soft, dry cloth to remove wood dust. Performing this action on a regular basis will prevent dust from building up inside your plastic tool box.
Organisation of tools
The best plastic tool boxes are organised plastic tool boxes. It is a time consuming nuisance to have to search for a particular tool inside of a messy tool box. Getting your tools organised creates a workplace that is productive and free of clutter.
To begin the organisation of your tools, take them out, have similar tools grouped together and then place each type in a particular area. Some plastic tool boxes even come with organisers already built-in. Tools that are used the most frequently should be kept in an area where they are easy to access.
Lubricating rollers and wheels
All tool boxes come with parts that may need lubricating with oil. Rollers that are regularly lubricated help make it easier to open and close drawers, and wheels that are lubricated frequently make it easier to move rollable plastic tool boxes.
It is not difficult to lubricate your plastic tool box, with all that is required being to spray WD-40 onto all moveable parts. This helps to avoid the rusting of moveable parts, so if wheels or rollers ever start to feel a little stiff, your tool box will need to be lubricated.
Avoid overburdening
Try to avoid storing even more heavy tools on top of your plastic tool box as this can result in dents. Nothing should ever be placed on top of your plastic tool boxes for long periods of time.
The proper maintenance of a tool box and the tools that are stored within will help to ensure the durability of both.
