*
I really must apologize to my online peers, but something has been burning me up since our last job, and that’s the new approach that tool manufacturers have about protecting my tools. Over the past five years or so, it seems that every time our company purchases a new tool, more than likely it comes in one of these vacumn-formed, wafer thin, brittle as filo-dough plastic cases. My question: Whatever happened to Metal?
Now I realize, before I answer my own question, that the world is’a changing, and I must too. I remember, not so many years ago, when lumberyards gave out free yardsticks, nail pouches, and pencils–and now that’s gone. I also remember when I used to spend more time picking out finish trim for shape, rather than spending hours finding a stud that I don’t have to use a special “tweaker” to make straight. And I realize, my friends, that those days have gone. The world is faster, cheaper, and more cost effective. But enough is enough.
I WANT metal cases again! I know that the plastic ones are easier, cheaper, and faster to make than metal, but I cannot stand the confounded things–In the back of the truck, they don’t stack squarely because many of them are fitted to the tool (I feel like someone taking an IQ test trying to stack them along with “real” boxes), instead of sliding, they bounce like an errant football, and there’s nothing like watching a $150 tool bounce end over end to the back of the truck while you’re driving (unless its in comparison to the metal boxes, which either slide or go up maybe an inch). You can’t stand on them (okay, I know you’re not supposed to), you can’t sit on them without interesting, unpleasant feelings in the nether regions, you can barely get the damn cords back into them once you’ve taken them out (I’m sure there’s some machine to put those cords in there with something like 3 tons of prssure), and finally, try putting the accessories that you need with that tool in the same box. Lastly, there’s something about the metal boxes, dirty, scarred, and dented, that seems (to me at least), to show how much time and effort goes into our jobs.
However, before I digress too much, let me tell you my story. On a cold morning, while driving on a two-track to one site, I hit a big bump–all the metal boxes slid around, but the damn plastic one flipped over and shattered. Now the saw rolls around (well, I did fix that).
It seems that from now on, I must add yet another compaison to buying a new tool–which ones come in metal boxes.
Sorry about the tirade, but the cheapness that tool companies have lowered themselves to has infuriated me too much.
Replies
*
GDog - Two pet peeves of mine - portable power tools have short cords and their warranties are too limited! The cords should be at least 12 if not 15 ft long and yes I know some manufacturers will supply longer cords but at $25 (quoted by Porter Cable) that's ridiculous. When I buy a new tool, I go to my electircal supplier, buy a 12 or 14 gauge 15 foot extension cord, clip the female plug off and connect it to the power tool,throwing away the cord they supplied. I can do that for under $10!
Only Milwaukee continues to have warranties without a time limit. Prior to the 1980's, all major power tool manufacturers had unlimited warranties and they all switched to 1 or 2 year warranties because of their costs (translation, poorer quality). To wit, look at all the special deals on "like new, rebuilt" tools offered by the catalogues - newly purchased tools that failed for their original owners and repaired for resale.
Tool manufacturers are no longer in the power tool business - they are mass merchandisers filling the aisles in Home Depots and Lowes!
*
1. Cause the metal doesn't dent the finish trim or scratch the finished floors, when carelessly swung by some low life dimwit, dung for brain apprentice. I love the metal.
2. Tools are getting cheaper cause the new breed generally never wear them out like us old timers. They see something with a few more bells and whistles and are suckers for the latest and greatest. DEWALT is famous for this, that's why I generally stick to Milwaukee or Porter Cable, although PC is going that way.
*
I don't have anything against plastic as opposed to metal, but what I don't like is that all of the plastic boxes are form fitted to the tool. Sometimes it takes a masters degree to fit all of the tools and accessories into the box and be able to close the box fully. Carrying anything extra is completely out of the question. I like to carry extra bits, screws, shields, etc in my cordless drill box. That is why I paid $10 to purchase a metal Porter Cable box to house my Bosch drill.
Hopefully the tool companies pay attention to forums like this. It would really help us get better products.
*Where did you find that $10 box for a drill. I just bought a Milwaukee that came without a box. When I asked if they had one for that drill they said they had one the should fit for "only" $57.00. I love their tools, but they must be making the boxes out of gold.
*The DeWalt steel boxes are pretty expensive too. I guess its like Gilette or Schick. Sell the tool inexpensively and get your margins on accessories and consumables. Sell a circular saw for $89 at HD. Go to the B&D store and pay $50 for the steel box. Buy blades forever and ever and ever (well almost ever, until you wear it out or buy the new pretty one).I try to watch for the special promotions on "kits" that include the steel box. Did that with my "anniversary edition" PC 690 Router. I've come to feel, though, that the box is worth the investment as soon as there is an extra blade, a guard, a handle, a wrench, a manual, a fence, a guide, a dust collector or anything that belongs with the tool and will wind up still at home if it's not all packed up together. And sometimes it's better to buy an oversized box than the perfect fit model that comes with the tool anyway.Worst thing about the plastic boxes is that the plastic hinges and latches only flex so many times before they fatigue and break. For really bulky accessories I've been buying plastic boxes with separate hinges and latches. They are relatively inexpensive and are servicable.More people also seem to be using the 'soft sided' canvas or cordura tool bags. Any fedback on these?Scott
*
Only a 15' cord? :-)
The first thing to go on tools I use a lot is the cord. Why should I have to lay an extension cord to use the tool?
The framing saw now has a 25' cord, 12g. The sawsall has a 50' cord (which fits in the metal box). I increase the wire size if possible to fit it in the tool.
*The DeWalt plastic box for the 18v 1/2" drill is a true wonder. It has only one stable position - flat on its side. It can barely stand up unaided. A gust of wind --- bang!
*DScott, I have one of those soft-sided bags, and am switching back to metal; although it looks cool and is easy to carry, I still run into the same problems--tools crashing into each other. And now stuff from outside crash into it, and along with GDog, you can't stack these for beans. Oh well--I guess its back to Sears, since they seem to be the only ones who sell a decent metal tool box anymore. Now if I could only find an old metal fishing tackle box instead of...
*I'm all for metal! All the best I own are from the 50's & 60's. I love the weight. The only downside to these beauties is that they're not double insulated.Wouldn't it be great if Porter Cable started development of a professional line of all-metal power tools? I sell the older ones if they did!
*
Hey Gdog,
Apparently you've never had one of those tempertantrum days where you grabbed and slung the nearest thing you could find. I ruined my metal Bosch jig saw case this way. THe saw was fine, but the case never quite shut the same.
I always heard the difference between a "pro" tool and a cheapy is that you can drop a "pro" tool from a second story roof and run downstairs and grab it and get back to work.
I do live in a moderate climate, but as for hitting a bump and hearing things break or slide around, I've been there. My worst was probably buying those stackers that fit in a Drywall bucket. I was so happy to have my fasteners orginized until I was going around a corner and hit a bump that made them one giant mess. I think the lesson I got was a truck was no place for anything loose. I do tend to be a bit slow in learning my lessons though.
I may be alone, but plastic is fine with me, especially high impact plastic.
*I have started to appreciate tool cases as I work more out of the shop. The metal Sawzall box is great. There is even room for spare tools, glasses, saw blades in there. I have started using the rubbermaid action packer boxes. They seem real durable and you can put all kind of odd stuff in them. They are very durable also.Based on the weight of the new Skil HD-77 I bought, I'm glad it didn't come with a metal case!!-Rob
*I have one DeWalt cordless drill with a metal case and one that came with a plastic case. I like the plastic case better. It is much stringer but I can see room for improvment. It is too rounded and has wasted space that could have been moulded to hold accys.
*
Out of all the tools I own the metal case for my Super Sawzall is my favorite.I really have,nt had any problems with the plastic cases that house the assorted nailers,and cordless guns but they are too light and make me feel as if the tool is less quality.I really like my Makita 12v and Dewalt 14v but they deserve a well made case. I know that would up the ante, but at least give us the choice.
*o.k. here's my gripe.i wish that companies who make electric drills could settle on one direction for reversing switch in front of the trigger.some of them go right for forward,some go left,...what kind of cruel joke is this?
*
I have the 18v DeWalt combo (1/2 drill and trim saw) with plastic box. I initially thought the same about the plastic box but have been pleasantly surprised. Used it for 2 years now. It holds everything nicely. I wanted to carry extra magnetic bit holders, a hex driver, etc. I found that the hollow box (back along the hinge) was perfect for stashing these bits. I got 1/2 Sched 4 CPVC and figured out a way to plug the bottom, flare the top with a heat gun, and then drilled holes into the hollow section, inserted my bit holders and when the box is closed the bits can't fall out or roll around. Why didn't DeWalt do this for me? Beats me! I have all kinds of metal boxes. I can MAKE metal boxes. I can and have MADE wood boxes. I can't make plastic boxes.
I noticed just about all PC stuff is in plastic but the latches keep breaking. Surprise (for me) they have replacement latches (.55 ea). A local lumberyard is selling Porter Cable steel boxes with the lumberyard logo added to it. Nice box, and about $15.00. Are they phased out PC boxes?
I figure the box is part of the tool. If you mistreat the tool (pick up your lunch bucket on the way out) maybe you are mistreating the box.
I have some great metal boxes (mostly surplus GI stuff) that you can stand on, stack, toss in the truck and they are aluminum. Now about those tool cords that feel like #10 Romex (warm or cold)....
Thor
*How about rubber covered switches that won't stay on or off in freezing weather!How about quick blade realease calmps that immediately mean blades are available with 1/2 the selection and 3 times the price! Can you still buy the super sawzall with the old style clamp.There's also the quick release levers on circular saw bases that with only the slightest pressure applied when locking, require painful pressure with your sore, chapped, smashed thumbs to get back open.Just a current list.-Rob
*Scott, I have found that the new soft-sided bags are akin to the new plastic boxes--good if you're going fishing or have a small amount of tools, but again, they don't stack, protrect, or make tools any more accessible. I have one that I'm going to retire in favor of my old metal box.
*
I really must apologize to my online peers, but something has been burning me up since our last job, and that's the new approach that tool manufacturers have about protecting my tools. Over the past five years or so, it seems that every time our company purchases a new tool, more than likely it comes in one of these vacumn-formed, wafer thin, brittle as filo-dough plastic cases. My question: Whatever happened to Metal?
Now I realize, before I answer my own question, that the world is'a changing, and I must too. I remember, not so many years ago, when lumberyards gave out free yardsticks, nail pouches, and pencils--and now that's gone. I also remember when I used to spend more time picking out finish trim for shape, rather than spending hours finding a stud that I don't have to use a special "tweaker" to make straight. And I realize, my friends, that those days have gone. The world is faster, cheaper, and more cost effective. But enough is enough.
I WANT metal cases again! I know that the plastic ones are easier, cheaper, and faster to make than metal, but I cannot stand the confounded things--In the back of the truck, they don't stack squarely because many of them are fitted to the tool (I feel like someone taking an IQ test trying to stack them along with "real" boxes), instead of sliding, they bounce like an errant football, and there's nothing like watching a $150 tool bounce end over end to the back of the truck while you're driving (unless its in comparison to the metal boxes, which either slide or go up maybe an inch). You can't stand on them (okay, I know you're not supposed to), you can't sit on them without interesting, unpleasant feelings in the nether regions, you can barely get the damn cords back into them once you've taken them out (I'm sure there's some machine to put those cords in there with something like 3 tons of prssure), and finally, try putting the accessories that you need with that tool in the same box. Lastly, there's something about the metal boxes, dirty, scarred, and dented, that seems (to me at least), to show how much time and effort goes into our jobs.
However, before I digress too much, let me tell you my story. On a cold morning, while driving on a two-track to one site, I hit a big bump--all the metal boxes slid around, but the damn plastic one flipped over and shattered. Now the saw rolls around (well, I did fix that).
It seems that from now on, I must add yet another compaison to buying a new tool--which ones come in metal boxes.
Sorry about the tirade, but the cheapness that tool companies have lowered themselves to has infuriated me too much.