Toolboxes

Tackle Boxes, A Cheap Solution

After a while you seem to accumulate so many RC items that you need a good place to store them. Throwing spare parts in a cardboard box isn't the best way to be organized, especially after you've been in the hobby a few months. A fishing tackle box works well, and the better ones come with plastic trays that allow you to customize the sizes of the different compartments.

I've been through several toolboxes over the years, as I constantly need to store a larger amount of spare parts and RC related items. So I'm always on the lookout for a better toolbox.

What I'm currently using is a Plano 7771 tackle box. It's nice and roomy with 4 large trays in the lower half of the box. It also came with a couple of smaller trays for the upper compartment, to which I added another for even more compartmented storage. The left-hand side of the box works well for larger tools, while smaller tools such as screwdrivers can be stored under the clear lid itself.

The coolest feature of this box is the deep pocket on the right-hand side. This can have several uses, but in my case it's used to store items such as suspension arms. If that wasn't enough, there's a deep plastic container underneath that pocket as well, that's easily accessible. It's perfect for storing items such as shock oil.

The only downside to using a tackle box to store small parts, such as washers and e-clips, is that these items like to slide under the removable plastic dividers these boxes come with. A simple solution is to use a hot glue gun and place a bead of glue on the bottom edge of each divider. That way it seals the bottom and no small parts can slide under the divider. Hot glue is also easily peeled off later should you want to reconfigure your trays.

Another box that works well is the Flambeau Products 8040 Quikdraw tackle box. It's nice and roomy with 5 small parts trays, and 4 large ones. Two of the small trays mount on top of the box near another tray that's actually part of the lid. I found this small tray, in the middle, is ideal for holding body clips and washers so you can get to them quickly.

Upon opening the lid you'll see that the other three small trays fit inside here. There's also room for other items, such as screwdrivers and pliers as well. There was also another plastic bin included with the tackle box that I didn't use. It fit right beside the 3 small parts trays.

The bottom half of the toolbox holds the 4 large trays which, when you open the bottom door, slide out on rails molded onto their sides. These bins work well for the larger parts you might have lying around, such as motors, shock springs, and camber links.

My old toolbox is a Keter. It has two swingout trays on the front, and came with 3 plastic parts trays inside. I have no use for the plastic trays, as this one is only used for batteries and chargers now.

All of these boxes should be easily found at most outdoor shops, and possibly Wal-Mart.

If you're looking for a good storage/work table solution, check out the solutions offered by Sears. I use a Craftsman 5-Drawer Cabinet to store items that don't normally go in the field, and it also serves as a small work bench as well. Underneath the top, you'll find several storage compartments that are perfect for storing loose items while awaiting replacement parts. The side of the cart serves as a small pegboard, making it easy to hang larger items as well. The included power strip on model comes in handy for charging batteries and powering a soldering iron.

I also like the fact that it includes a bar to lock the drawers shut. While I'm not necessarily worried about protecting the items inside of the chest, it is handy for keeping out any younger kids. A removable zip tie works well for this, but if more security was desired, a lock would work as well.