Tool Chest

Tool Chest

Tool Chests - A History of Function and Art

I am an amateur woodworker and I love tool chests. It's funny, but one of my earliest memories is of watching my Grandfather show up at a work project with his tool chest. It wasn't particularly fancy or even that deluxe. It did, however, capture my imagination. When he opened the wood top there were all these wonderful tools that made it possible for him to fix, adjust, and even create things that he otherwise would not be able to do, and it was the chest that held all that potential. When I got old enough I got a tool box, then another, and then another. I am not sure how many I need, but in the back of my head somewhere I know that someday soon, toolboxes just aren't going to cut it anymore, and I am either going to make a tool chest like my Grandpa's or I am going to have to make something a bit more deluxe; something heavy and solid.

I have looked at a lot of the different types of tool chests and am really amazed at many of the designs that people have come up with. But perhaps the most incredible one I've seen is one that Woodworking magazine featured years ago. It is an absolutely beautiful tool chest to behold. It was the chest made by the 19th century stonemason and master carpenter Henry O. Studley. A bit of research about Studley revealed that he was a piano maker that worked in Quincy, Massachusetts for a company called the Poole Piano Company. He worked to build his tool chest over a long thirty year career, and it is just stunning. I would never presume to be able to build anything like it, but it does get a guy thinking.

As a piano maker, Studley had hundreds of tools to house and use. As he acquired more and more tools, he would work on his chest to make it accommodate those tools. It is believed that he kept the chest on the wall by where his workbench. He made it out of materials used to make pianos - rosewood, mahogany, ebony, ivory, and mother-of-pearl. You owe it to yourself to do an image search and see what this amazing chest looks like. It is one of the world's truly masterful tool chests. It literally fits more tools in it than seems physically possible. Not only is it a work of art, it holds over three hundred tools! And, it isn't really that huge. When shut it measures a modest 39" high x 18" wide x 9" deep. Other tool chests have nothin' on this bad boy. Each tool has a holder fashioned to keep it in its place and to show it off. Now that beats digging in a tool box any day of the week.

Studley retired from piano making when he was in his 80's. He died in 1925, but before he did he gave the chest to a friend. Later, that friend's grandson loaned the chest to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. in the late 1980s. Since then it has been sold several times to private collectors.

So, as I contemplate the tool chests that might inspire my humble version yet to come, I pay homage to, and am inspired by, H.O. Studley, for his masterful example of an amazingly functional and beautiful chest.

About the Author

MJ writes for ClickShops Inc., where you can find a great selection of tool chests at www.garagecabinetsonline.com.

Mobile Tool Chest $56.99 STANLEY 033025R MOBILE TOOL CHEST

Stanley / MOBILE TOOL CHEST / 033025R $76.74 Stanley - MOBILE TOOL CHEST - 033025R

Building the Perfect Tool Chest $24.99 Build the tool chest of your dreams! Why spend money on prepackaged tool boxes when you can make something better from scratch - a tool box tailored to your specific needs? In Building the Perfect Tool Chest, master craftsman Jim Stack provides complete materials lists, plans and step-by-step instructions for building 15 stylish, yet practical, designs. Perfect for hand tools and power tools alike, projects range from elegant rolling cabinets to utilitarian tote boxes - a selection that ensures something for every woodworker, no matter what your level of skill. It's all the guidance you need to craft the tool chest design you've been dreaming of - classic, contemporary or uniquely your own! Projects include: Handy box Small tool chest Tool caddy Ten-drawer chest Jim's toolbox Rolling tool cabinet Cabinetmaker's chest Journeyman's tote box Sliding-door cabinet Plane cabinet & case Pegboard-lover's cabinet Fly-tying box Southwestern chest Curved-front chest 21st-century tool cabinet

Stanley 033025R Pro Mobile Tool Chest $69.99 Pro Mobile Tool Chest - 033025R

Step2 Tool Chest Dresser $96.48 Step2 Tool Chest DresserThe Tool Chest Dresser is a decorative storage option for children's clothing and toys combining design and good looks. This sturdy, plastic dresser makes organization fun for children with its realistic tool chest styling and fixed "wheels" on the bottom. The doors open to reveal a large interior with a molded-in center shelf. With its double wall poly construction, the Tool Chest Dresser is durable and maintenance-free. The surfaces wipe clean easily and includes plenty of real racing decals for customization. Measures 31.5" x 31.5" x 16.25" Type: Dressers Age: Child Gender: Male Material: PLASTIC Color Mapping: Blue

Wenger / KNIFE, POCKET TOOL CHEST, / 16658 $58.76 Wenger - KNIFE, POCKET TOOL CHEST, - 16658

Wenger / KNIFE, POCKET TOOL CHEST, RED / 16958 $40.37 Wenger - KNIFE, POCKET TOOL CHEST, RED - 16958

Traxx 10-Drawer Tool Chest $1364.95 ? 51.1''Wide x 17.8''Deep x 19.8''High. ? Comes standard with drawer liners to suspend tools off drawer bottom. ? Full-extension, ball-bearing slides for complete tool access. ? Equipped with Posi-Latch drawer securing system to provide a positive latch for each drawer and reduces accidental opening. ? Waterloo embossed chest stiffener for extra rigidity. ? Angled cover design for increased strength and durability. ? 18-inch (457 mm) deep chest for storage of most-used tools.By Waterloo Industries.

Chest harness - Rachel's tool chest $59.99 Color: Beige, Black; Material: Leather, Rubber; Special Features: Hands free; Length: 6 1/2"; Circumference: 3 1/2"; Weight: 1 lb; Insertable length: 6"; Dildo holder diameter: 2"; Product Type: Chest harness; Manufacturer: Rachel's Pleasures

Portable 3-in-1 Steel Tool Chest $339.01 This tough tool chest will be your new best friend for doing any project at home or on the go. This oversized portable tool chest is made up or 3 individual boxes which easily detach for convenient transport.Three toolboxes in oneSteel construction Reinforced injection-molded polymer locksBoxes easily detach for quick transport Adjustable carrying handle in back Easy glide wheels First box measures: 19.5 inches wide x 9 inches long x 7 inches highSecond box measures: 19.5 inches wide x 9 inches long x 13 inches highThird box measures: 19 inches wide x 9 inches long x 9 inches highComplete chest measures: 19.5 inches wide x 11.5 inches long x 29 inches high

Traxx 11-Drawer Tool Chest - Red $1052.95 ? 40.5''Wide x 17.8''Deep x 19.8''High. ? Sidewall post construction adds strength in design while reducing overall weight. ? Full-extension, ball-bearing slides for complete tool access. ? Equipped with Posi-Latch drawer securing system for each drawer to prevent accidental opening. ? Waterloo embossed chest stiffener for extra rigidity. ? Angled cover design for increased strength and durability. ? Chrome over-molded side handles for ease in lifting. ? Comes standard with drawer liners to suspend tools off drawer bottom. By Waterloo Industries.

Traxx 11-Drawer Tool Chest - Black $1052.95 ? 40.5''Wide x 17.8''Deep x 19.8''High. ? Sidewall post construction adds strength in design while reducing overall weight. ? Full-extension, ball-bearing slides for complete tool access. ? Equipped with Posi-Latch drawer securing system for each drawer to prevent accidental opening. ? Waterloo embossed chest stiffener for extra rigidity. ? Angled cover design for increased strength and durability. ? Chrome over-molded side handles for ease in lifting. ? Comes standard with drawer liners to suspend tools off drawer bottom. By Waterloo Industries.

Traxx 11-Drawer Tool Chest - Blue $1052.95 ? 40.5''Wide x 17.8''Deep x 19.8''High. ? Sidewall post construction adds strength in design while reducing overall weight. ? Full-extension, ball-bearing slides for complete tool access. ? Equipped with Posi-Latch drawer securing system for each drawer to prevent accidental opening. ? Waterloo embossed chest stiffener for extra rigidity. ? Angled cover design for increased strength and durability. ? Chrome over-molded side handles for ease in lifting. ? Comes standard with drawer liners to suspend tools off drawer bottom. By Waterloo Industries.

54308 - Tool Chest $293.64 [409-54308] UPC: 09264454308 37.5 LB

Deflecta-Shield Challenger Truck Tool Chest $264.34 Deflecta-Shield Specialty Toolboxes in stock now! Read Deflecta-Shield Challenger Truck Tool Chest customer reviews. AutoAccessoriesGarage.com has the best selection of Deflecta-Shield Truck Toolboxes at the lowest prices around. Deflecta-Shield Challenger Truck Tool Chest are chosen by auto enthusiasts everywhere to personalize their vehicles. Deflecta-Shield Challenger Truck Tool Chest available now at AutoAccessoriesGarage.

Wenger Pocket Tool Chest Swiss Army Knife $42.99 1.70 oz 16658 2.50" Length 7 Implements / 12 Functions: Stainless Steel Handles 1.75" Pen Blade Micro Screwdriver 1.8" Springless Scissors With Serrated, Self Sharpening Design Screwdriver, Cap Lifter, Wire Crimper Nail File, Nail Cleaner Reamer, Awl With Sewing Eye, Cuticle Pusher Key Ring Lifetime Limited Pocket Tool Chest Pocket Tool Chest Swiss Army Knife Stainless Steel Handle Swiss Army Knife Wenger Wenger, North America www.wengerna.com

Magnum 5-Drawer Tool Chest - Red $1421.95 ? 36.004''Wide x 21''Deep x 23.8''High. ? Roll-cage, continuous beam construction doubles the average unit life by reducing racking and decreasing overall unit weight. ? Extra heavy-duty ball-bearing slides for smooth operation. ? Posi-Latch drawer securing system to keep drawers closed during moving. ? Industrial-quality gas struts assist in opening and closing chest lid. ? Drawer liners and dividers included. ? Ships on custom-fit pallet. By Waterloo Industries.

Magnum 5-Drawer Tool Chest - Black $1421.95 ? 36.004''Wide x 21''Deep x 23.8''High. ? Roll-cage, continuous beam construction doubles the average unit life by reducing racking and decreasing overall unit weight. ? Extra heavy-duty ball-bearing slides for smooth operation. ? Posi-Latch drawer securing system to keep drawers closed during moving. ? Industrial-quality gas struts assist in opening and closing chest lid. ? Drawer liners and dividers included. ? Ships on custom-fit pallet. By Waterloo Industries.

Magnum 5-Drawer Tool Chest -Blue $1421.95 ? 36.004''Wide x 21''Deep x 23.8''High. ? Roll-cage, continuous beam construction doubles the average unit life by reducing racking and decreasing overall unit weight. ? Extra heavy-duty ball-bearing slides for smooth operation. ? Posi-Latch drawer securing system to keep drawers closed during moving. ? Industrial-quality gas struts assist in opening and closing chest lid. ? Drawer liners and dividers included. ? Ships on custom-fit pallet. By Waterloo Industries.

Oversized Portable Tool Chest Three Tool boxes in One $195.47 This tough and easily movable tool chest will be your new best friend for doing any project at home or on the go. Easily pack up and take your tools wherever you go or roll them along next to you while working. This oversized portable tool chest is made up or 3 individual boxes which easily detach for convenient transport. Sturdy steel construction with reinforced injection molded polymer and a spot on each box for a lock make this the must have for any line of work. Features include:. 3 toolboxes in one. Boxes measure: 19.5 x 9 x 7 19.5 x 9 x 13 and 19 x 9 x 9 inches. Boxes easily detach for quick transport. Adjustable carrying handle in back. Easy glide wheels. Complete chest measures 28 x 19.5 x 11.5 inches

Anglo American Anglo American Treasure Chest tool Kit RTB6100 $17.13 Treasure chest/tool kit Kit includes wood treasure chest project, hammer, and 2 screwdrivers (slotted and Phillips) Level 1 carpentry level, for ages 8 and up Brand #: Anglo American RTB6100 UPC: 878834000363 Keywords: treasure chest tool cmbo kids kit screwdriver combo sltd phillips

Swiss Army 33-piece Tool Chest Plus $183.85 Stay prepared with this 33-tool Swiss Army tool chest plusPocket knife boasts a 2.5-inch blade and a 2.75-inch double-cut wood saw Knife features adjustable pliers with a wire crimper and cutterFish scaler, hook disgorger and line guideMineral crystal magnifier with precision screwdriverMetal file and metal sawCompass, straight edge and ruler

Wi-1210 - 12 Drawer Tool Chest $488.08 [797-WI-1210] Truck Delivery UPC: 721615303361

Snap-On Tool Chest 1/18 Flame $19.99 Made by TrueScale Miniatures

STANLEY 033025R Mobile Tool Chest $78.94 Lid includes Vgroove and 2 Small parts compartments with transparent. Highimpact lids Extra Large RubberCoated Wheels. Fullsize tote tray for storage of Small tools. Lid organizers hold capacity for 24 level.

Poker 757523 Tough Tool Chest Stainless Steel $105.3 This PremiumGrade tool box is good for tradesmen and serious doityourselfers.Its construction is a combination of 22gauge stainless steel and impactresistant ABS plastic allowing for rugged durability. The oversized handle allows it to be carried with ease and inside there is a removable carry tray which is great for storing small parts.Features: 22gauge stainless steel plate with impactresistant ABS for rugged durability. Oversized comfortgrip handle. Dual front latches.Small tool tray fits inside.

Micro Tool Chest from Wenger® $199.95 12 Implements / 19 FunctionsWeight: 3.2 OuncesSize: 3.25"2.5" BladeWatch case back opening toolLocking Flathead screwdriverCap lifterWire benderMineral crystal magnifier with precision screwdriverMinathor toolsReamerAwlCorkscrewToothpickTweezersKey ring

Promaxx Tool Chest - 4 Drawer; 26'' Wide $233.95 ? Tri-channel construction provides extra strength and durability. ? Full-extension ball-bearing slides on all drawers for complete tool access. ? Keyed locks with internal lock bars to secure tools. ? Divided top tray to store most needed hand tools. ? 26.1'' Wide x 12.1'' Deep x 15.4'' High ? 3,507 Cubic In. CapacityBy Waterloo Industries.

Promaxx Tool Chest - 9 Drawer; 41'' Wide $736.95 ? Tri-channel construction provides extra strength and durability. ? Full-extension ball-bearing slides on all drawers for complete tool access. ? Keyed locks with internal lock bars to secure tools. ? Divided top tray to store most needed hand tools. ? 40.5'' Wide x 16'' Deep x 19.8'' High ? 6,621 Cubic In.By Waterloo Industries.

Craft & Tool Organizer Chest - 16 Drawer - by Akro-mils $28.18 This plastic tool chest has 16 unbreakable drawers with clear view fronts for the ultimate tool and craft supply storage solution! Organize nails, screws, bolts, nuts, beads, appliques, needles, and much, much more in the drawers of this hardware organizer. Great for garage and craft room use, this versatile chest has a rugged, high-impact polystyrene frame that resists damage and holds up to the test of time! The frame back interlocks with the face to endure abuse and extreme temperatures. This drawer tool organizer is stackable, and can be wall mounted for added versatility! Individual drawers measure 5 3/8"D x 2 1/8"W. Type: Tool and Utensil Organizers Color: Grey

Lifes Tool Chest by Jerkins, Mark [Paperback] $28.59 There are many things, feelings, emotions, situations and qualities in a persons life that help to determine the kind of person that they will be and the way that they will choose to live their lives. Some are good and some are bad but each is a very important tool that can be used in that process and should not be discounted by anyone. So, please read on and I hope that you will find the information in this book to be of some usefulness in your own life. Keep in mind as you read that we are all human beings and as such, not one of us is capable of perfection. We must strive for that goal however if we wish to be successful in this life. That is what this book is really all about, my own attempts, successes and failures as I have tried to reach that goal myself. I hope that you enjoy the read. Author: Jerkins, Mark Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 116 Publication Date: 2010/04/08 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.28 inches

Lifes Tool Chest by Jerkins, Mark [Hardcover] $45.49 There are many things, feelings, emotions, situations and qualities in a persons life that help to determine the kind of person that they will be and the way that they will choose to live their lives. Some are good and some are bad but each is a very important tool that can be used in that process and should not be discounted by anyone. So, please read on and I hope that you will find the information in this book to be of some usefulness in your own life. Keep in mind as you read that we are all human beings and as such, not one of us is capable of perfection. We must strive for that goal however if we wish to be successful in this life. That is what this book is really all about, my own attempts, successes and failures as I have tried to reach that goal myself. I hope that you enjoy the read. Author: Jerkins, Mark Binding Type: Hardcover Number of Pages: 116 Publication Date: 2010/04/08 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.44 inches

Excel 26-inch Tool Chest with Six Ball Bearing Slide Drawers $252.38 This 26-inch steel tool chest has six ball bearing slide drawers, internal locking mechanism, recessed side handles, EVA drawer liners, full length aluminum drawer pulls , and an industrial powdercoat paint finish.Title: Excel 26 inch steel tool chest Dimensions: 26 inches wide x 12.7 inches deep x 15 inches highMaterials: Cold rolled steelTop-open/side open: Top open / side openModel No: TB2040BBSA-BlackColor: Black