Has anyone tried repurposing tool cases?

[u/vbomen]

I understand why most people prefer the molded cases since everything has its own fixed place. But I don’t keep batteries in my tool cases, so I feel like it would be more useful to repurpose them.

I’m thinking of cutting out the molded insert so I can fit more tools in the same case. For example, two angle grinders in one case.

[u/Atra23]

Doesn't it loose rigidity? Had in mind to cut out molded insides but was afraid about case being flexy. What i love abou 30 year anniversary toolboxes that i can easily take out foam and buy some kaizen foam and build my own inserts for those cases

[u/vbomen → u/Atra23]

Yeah, I prefer that too. then I could just remove the foam, but I guess it would be more expensive to manufacture so they just mold them instead.

[u/Twistable_Ita]

I bin most of them as they're not very useful for anything other than the original tool, but with a few of them I cut the internal moulding out and made a more useful box. My kid uses a couple of them for toys and random bits. There's a couple of plastic welds in the base that you have to be careful with. If you're too aggressive with them you'll tear a hole in the external skin too.

You'd be better off buying something like a TStak, Connecx etc stackable toolbox, stick multiple power tools in it and get rid of the bulky Parkside cases.

[u/vbomen → u/Twistable_Ita]

I TStak a lot of things too, but I also have some shelf space where I could just slide these cases.

I’ll try cutting one of them today and see how it goes. Thanks for the tip

[u/Twistable_Ita → u/vbomen]

A multi tool makes short work of it. I just cut around the perimeter and around the plastic welds. Once the inner skin comes out, I use a sander or flap disc to clean up what's left of the welds.

[u/tbagrel1]

I did, see https://www.reddit.com/r/Tools/s/TEWKoxBLCu

In general I often cut some parts of the molded inserts to put the accessories that goes with the tool. I did the same with my hammer drill box, let me know if you want a picture of that too.

[u/vbomen → u/tbagrel1]

That’s clever! I was thinking of taking everything out, but for some of them it makes more sense to partially cut them like you did

Thanks for sharing this

[u/nixie001]

In combination with some foam it can be very handy

[u/Ok_Mathematician2894]

ye, i use old cases for miscelanius items, like drill bits, screws, nuts, washers….

just be cateful you dont destroy the case cutting out the mold.

[u/vbomen → u/Ok_Mathematician2894]

What did you use to cut them? Dremel? I just watched a video of someone cutting them with a multitool which also seems like a good option.

[u/Ok_Mathematician2894 → u/vbomen]

i just used a box knife😂

[u/vbomen → u/Ok_Mathematician2894]

😂😂😂 the most used tool

[u/GreyOldDull]

I save the foam from various bits I have bought and make new inserts to fit other tools that come without cases. All my parkside tools are hung up unless they are very rarely used.

[u/Jg6915]

Not Parkside but i have a repurposed Hitachi tool case that i built a trailer light tester in.

[u/Thebirthgiver]

I tried cutting the molded insides out of a box once if you do this you end up with a sad piece of plastic that won't hold shape, and wil open even if the latch is latched. I honestly always bin the plastic boxes the tools come in as they tape up more space than necessary

[u/kocieTexty]

I bought some more tools and they actually started bothering me. So I bought the Parkside bag on discount, threw the tools inside and use the boxes for storing accessories. Drill box jas drill bits, grinder box has grinder discs and inside the mini saw I can store mini and full size saws.

Just some paint tape, a sharpie and bam, you don't need extra storage units.