Core77 has recently posted about several styles of modular tool boxes and storage products, including Systainers. Yesterday’s segment was about modular German-made Mobil Marie tool storage components, and while the system is probably hugely cost-prohibitive for anyone but industrial customers, the idea looks very DIYer-copyable.
This configuration consists of a dolly unit with four casters, a bottom drawer unit with 2 full-width drawers, two half-width units each with two small drawers, and a top unit with a full-width drawer and flip-open top.
Advertisement
Each drawer section has a cover that folds down and tucks away in a space beneath the bottom drawers.
The sections all connect and clamp together, and the larger units have fold-down handles for easier transport.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXjY8YgTqGI
Discussion(Core77)
More Info(Mobil Marie)
Reminder: Never ever open all the drawers of a tool chest or cabinet at the same time, especially drawers that use ball bearing slides. A little nudge forward and all the drawers could slam forward, sending the entire chest, cabinet, or combo crashing to the floor on top of you.
Advertisement
SteveR
An interesting-looking portable tool storage for, say, elevator techs, HVAC mechanics, photocopier repairmen, etc. However, it’s kinda big and bulky to push around. Storage units like this can tip over; once they go, there’s no stopping them. I suspect that’s why we see most repair techs with a shoulder bag, or a wheeled luggage cart to transport their tools. This seems more suited to a “park it and leave it” arrangement. Just my opinion.
Stuart
Your comment about how they could tip over reminded me to add a reminder to the post. With all the drawers open as shown in the photo, the entire setup could very easily crash to the ground, spilling everything everywhere and causing damage to the tools, tool storage, or environment.
I don’t think this would substitute for one or two small technician bags, but it’s better than say a tool bag, tool box, and two over-flowing 5-gallon buckets. Seems to me that this would be a great installer’s cart.
Scottthetec
“but it’s better than say a tool bag, tool box, and two over-flowing 5-gallon buckets”
This is me. All. Day. Long.
Dave L.
Very nicely done, probably costs a fortune. Why don’t they make rolling boxes with outrigger arms to stabilize them?
Stuart
Added size and weight and reduced mobility and storage space? Many drawered cabinets pose tip-over hazards if multiple drawers are opened at the same time.
fred
Thanks for showing this to us. I’m passing it on to a German buddy who loves this sort of thing – no matter the price.
On file cabinets and some other storage solutions the tip-over issue is sometimes handled by interlocking the drawers so that only 1 can be open at a time.
I am reminded of the dangers of rolling cabinets by the cautionary tale I received that went along with the acquisition of a shop. It seems that a prior owner was seriously injured (smashed pelvis that nearly killed him) when a large cabinet full of tools fell on him. I heard this when I remarked that all of the cabinets not in use were double-tethered to anchor points along walls or to structural steel in the shop.
Dave L.
They could be made (out of aluminum) to swing out and extend, maybe like tripod legs, or like the kickstands on bicycles. You could even make them yourself.
Pete
That “tool box” is a flight case. Roadies, stage hands, special event people would know what they are. Almost always custom made for a specific piece of equipment.
If built right they can be really tough but other than being a stage hand or roadie I don’t know if I would use that. The boxes are usually pretty heavy because the panels are made of wood.
Matthew Fant
I can definitely see the potential! I’m tempted to build one myself. Pretty easy using road case hardware.
joe
I made myself something like this back when I was 21 just as a project. I think I spent like 100 dollars in materials. Casters, handles, wood, sealer, screws..etc…
I can put a lot of tools in it and I can see how it can be improved further.
Was not very hard to build…the back of it is a precut 2×4′ sheet of MDF from homedepot. The sides are a 2×4′ cut in half length wise. Etc…
I took the cheapest route though due to lack of budget…but it is my favorite toolbox right now….but is mostly made to stay in the garage…here is a picture where I roll it in my room because I have not made a locking mechanism to prevent tools from growing legs…and excuse the clutter….
http://i.imgur.com/m2w6JvL.jpg
I would like to make myself one that can be portable with bearing railing and ability to stack….these looks like they are out of my prize range for me. They look nice though.
I’ve seen those plastic heavy duty containers…could picture myself building one with a couple of these…salvaging the rails from furniture or file cabinets…buying casters a HF….etc.
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/804/207/495/495207804_639.jpg
andrew huber
Would like to get more into on the specifications and where can purchase and cost in USA dollars. Thank you
Stuart
You and me both.
Your best bet is to contact the company directly for a quote. http://www.mobilmarie.de/
Hubert
Where to order that?