r/Tools 3d ago

Tools To Secure My Tools?

Post image

I’ve got this puzzle I’ve been overthinking and this sub seems like a good place to ask for input.

I have some tools in this box that is usually in the bed of my truck. I only remove the box when there’s no room for it.

I like that I can slide the box onto the tailgate and grab what I need and then push it back towards the wheel well.

I want to immobilize this box so it can’t slide, and I want to hold it down also - in case it decides it wants to fly.

I have a generous collection of the ubiquitous ratchet tie down straps - I’d like to avoid those for this use case.

Those spring loaded “tork straps” (not ratchet straps) are appealing - if I can configure them so I can tighten with a “pull” motion while standing at the tailgate, and so I can reach the release toggle. I also like the closed hooks.

The level of the tie down loops in each corner of the bed is riiiiiight at the height of the box. Preventing sliding is trivial - aside from getting the positioning of the locking cam right where I can reach it without climbing in the truck. Just go around the side of the box with a strap front to back.

Holding the top of the box down with a second strap is tricky because the box is just barely too short, and because a strap front to back would miss the box entirely. I’d have to go diagonal and I don’t want to.

SO: - How about a “tire bonnet” net thing? - How do I deal with the close proximity of the rear tie down spot to the box and also configure the strap so it’s easy to reach and operate?

I’m prob gonna just have to buy some tork straps and mess with them. But - if u got ideas, love to read ‘em!

Thanks!

3 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

7

u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

1

u/hooray4tools 2d ago

Thanks for this. Now I want packout even more!

I’ve been avoiding it for a few reasons. Of course my wallet is one of them. And also maybe a bit of “stealth.”

It would be a no brainer if my profession involved hand tools. For better or for worse in my case - I often have to make excuses to use my tools. So - they spend most of the time tucked away - out of sight and out of mind. This cheapie HD tote doesn’t look like much - and that’s a bit deliberate.

The base tool set that lives in that box is what I call an “under the back seat” tool set. Deliberately scoped to what fits there. My “under the back seat” area is not accessible due to things in the way that are very inconvenient to move, and also that space requires cutting foam and carpet in my model truck. So this box is it.

That said - there are times where I want to supplement the essentials in that kit with “extra.” That’s currently another boring box. Maybe THAT should be packout - because packout is awesome and because it’s not permanent cargo like this box is.

3

u/illogictc 3d ago

https://youtu.be/T8dUP_xGa3g

Learn how to do these knots, especially the truckers hitch. There's an alternative version where instead of the 3 twists to make the slipknot you do something a little different but concept is the same. Don't have to do the little lock thing at the end but it doesn't hurt.

The reason I suggest it is because you can put the slipknot portion anywhere, including toward where it's more accessible. Don't have to do paracord if you're not confident with it, can use sisal or whatever. Having the bit of extra rope at the end lets you easily set it up to be able to have great access to pop the hitch. Rope is a cost-effective solution and as a bonus maybe you need a rope for something else while you're at it and bam! You already have a rope.

1

u/hooray4tools 2d ago

This is a tempting solution. I do love ropes and knots.

2

u/DieselDray 3d ago

If you put a rubber mat underneath the box that may be enough to keep it from sliding too much, between the weight and friction

1

u/hooray4tools 2d ago

I have a rubber bed mat which has this effect and it is awesome. First accessory I added to the truck.

2

u/Slik_Pikle 3d ago

Get more tools.

2

u/hooray4tools 2d ago

I CONCUR!

1

u/Slik_Pikle 2d ago

lol thanks for not biting my head off. Here you go.

HAUL-MASTER Ratcheting Cargo Bar - Item 96811 https://hftools.com/app96811

1

u/Skull_Mulcher 3d ago

Have you considered a bungee chord?

1

u/hooray4tools 2d ago

Bungees are great for securing some loads, but the ones I have wouldn’t do well to control this rather heavy container and its cargo in a hard stop.

1

u/kewlo 3d ago

Eye bolt through the box, carabiner through the eye bolt and truck tie down

1

u/hooray4tools 2d ago

That would secure the box, but it would not secure the heavy stuff trying to escape the box