Ross saw the Trusco cantilever tool box and sent over a tip, thinking we’d find it appealing. And he was right! The Trusco is one sharp-looping tool box! It even drew a wow from my wife, who at this point is rarely moved by anything tool related.
The Trusco Deluxe tool box was designed by Keiyu Hisashi and measures 14″ L x 8.75″ D x 11.5″ H. It’s made in Japan and is available via the MOMA store for just $110 ($99 for MOMA members).
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$110 for a enamel-coated steel Japanese-made tool box seems pretty good, and is approximately what you could expect to pay for modern European-branded cantilever tool boxes, such as from Facom and Hazet.
The tool box folds out on both sides and features two handles that fold together when it’s time to move everything around. There are removable dividers for the two upper level compartments. Looks pretty sturdy too, with reinforced edges and structural components all around.
Buy Now(via MOMA)
If you want something a little smaller or less expensive, Hand-Eye Supply is carrying a slightly different and more compact Trusco cantilever tool box for $84.
Thank you Ross for the tip!
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If you’re looking for something a lot less expensive, we’ve had good experiences with our Excel 14″ cantilever tool box, which is $20 via Amazon. The Excel is cheaply made, but it’s held up well these past 3-12 years.
Dennis
I’ve never shopped for tools at the Museum of Modern Art….
Stuart
Me neither, but Trusco is a legit tool brand.
Charles E Flynn
The Museum of Modern Art was among the first places to offer the Bahco Ergo screwdrivers. See https://veryday.com/case/bahco/ ,
The outstanding screwdrivers were later made even better, and the Bahco division that made them was acquired by Snap-On.
L. Field
I thought you might reference this product to one of our (?formerly…I don’t currently know) American made equivalent cantilever tool boxes, the Kennedy Machinist four tray cantilever box? (I haven’t looked but sears & others had similar boxes, and yes, I know, Kennedy made these for sears also).
I managed several US state prison maintenance departments for 18 + (too long…) years, and we did, until eight years ago (my retirement date) buy the a-fore mentioned Kennedy boxes (aprox. $55 then), attach our own set of two fixed/two swivel casters and an aircraft cable “leash” to the swivel caster end of the box..(hence the term “dog box”…look to find other references to this term on this site) , which in our case, meant a total of $18 added to the purchase price. Is that Kennedy box no longer available? Not price competitive, or (probably) no longer of US origin?
Stuart
Kennedy doesn’t make flat-topped cantilever tool boxes like this, and I don’t know any other current USA manufacturers either, at least none that make <$150 boxes.
L. Field
Only because I’m curious, but what use is a flat topped box if the handles won’t fold down or otherwise out of the way?
Stuart
Flat-tops are easier to fit in shelves and drawers, house-shaped ones are more spacious but can be harder to stow away. Personal preference.
cb
This site is selling them for $84. Shipping is very reasonable. Plus they have the bigger 18″ size which is better suited for some tools.
http://www.handeyesupply.com/collections/trusco-toolboxes/products/trusco-st-tool-box-with-cantilever-tray
Stuart
Yes, that’s the one I linked to at the end of the post. That version has smaller handles, and according to the tech specs it’s also smaller overall.
cb
You are correct and good eye, my bad.
I do have to say the Moma version is very sexy compared to other boxes but the spec size they quote is a bit suspect 11.5h x 14w x 8.75″d. I’m suspecting they are including the total height of the handle rather than the actual box size. It would be a little too small to fit some of my very common and daily tools.
The larger version 18″ L would be very practical but visually it looks very typical to other clamshell chest and not a cantilever. The tray is hard plastic
http://www.handeyesupply.com/collections/trusco-toolboxes/products/trusco-hip-roof-2-way-cover-tool-box-with-tote-tray
I was given a new old stock Park (green) tool box that is 18″ L which has been perfect as a “to go” tool box and can fit a normal size framing hammer and other tools.
If the Trusco is too pricey but you would like a similar metal tool box try looking for a PARK tool box in good shape on eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Tool-Boxes-Chests-/39731/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=park&rt=nc
Chad klump
That thing is pure beauty. I dont have 110 to waste on a small tool box i have no use for but that thing is beutiful.
Toolfreak
Geez, that’s actually a decent price for something like that. Designed by an artist, made in Japan by a reputable company. Construction is probably a notch or two above the quality of even regular Trusco boxes if it’s being sold as (functional) art by MoMA.
Would be nice to see more well-designed tool items making it to the (functional) art realm.
UVNH
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/yamakishi/item/11767107/
Stuart
Good price, but international shipping fees are painful. In my experience, metal tool boxes shipped internationally tend to pick up a few dents or dings in transit if not masterfully padded and boxed.
Leonski
I see Griot’s Garage has a similar product at a competitive price: https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/5+compartment+tool+box.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn
I bought their tools before and they were of good quality. Trusco box is on the small size, and Griot’s product is larger. I am reluctant to order it, because it is difficult to tell whether it is flimsy or not till you can physically examine it.