Professional Tool Storage Systems

It's a successful trend, co-branding toolboxes with manufacturers, with which many companies like to partner, including red-hot Harley-Davidson as well as Ford and Chevrolet. Even such companies as Polaris are jumping into the mix in an effort to reach other markets outside the automotive spectrum.


Snap-On, for example, has offered a series of automotive-oriented toolboxes over the years including one called the "Chevy Bel-Air" box, which was introduced on the 40th anniversary of the famed '50s cruiser. Fully licensed through General Motors, the limited edition toolbox matched the famous turquoise blue paint found on the original Bel-Air and sold new for approximately $8,000.00. That's just the box, mind you. Tools are extra.

The Sharpest Tools
Acquiring one of these unique boxes for yourself, however, can prove to be a bit difficult. Once announced, or when word does get out on some of these special, limited edition tool boxes, they are snapped up fairly quickly by those "in the know." Word-of-mouth plays a critical role in this regard. And typically, these types of toolboxes rarely change hands. Mechanics can handle only so many changes, and giving up their toolboxes is not one of them. Many become personal shrines, or rather, scrapbooks, with family pictures, or decals, identifying their many achievements and associations affixed throughout.


Nevertheless, a true collector may be able to purchase one from willing crewmembers, particularly if they move to a new team that has some sort of exclusive deal with a tool manufacturer, or at the end of the season, when it may be time to "clean house." And there is a steadily growing number of online auction houses that will offer the enthusiastic bidder a wealth of options, assuming the price is right.


Another company that caters to both professional and amateur mechanics is Kennedy Manufacturing. Well respected for its renowned machinist chests, Kennedy prides itself as the "toolbox of choice" in professional equipment storage. These boxes, first introduced in 1911 as compact storage units for precision tools, continue to retain their high quality manufacturing. They feature thick, wool felt drawer liners, and solid steel, brown "wrinkle-finish" chests.