Replies

1. 
   LEMONJELLO | Jan 01, 2007 03:25pm | #1

   You'll get differing opinions on this.
   Bolted to the floor and make sure you have a door big enough to get it in/out. Do not leave sledgehammer or breaker bars out or nearby. Trust me on this....

   __________________________
   Judo Chop!
1. 
   IMERC | Jan 01, 2007 03:52pm | #2

   or a hot wrench.. 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

1. 
   alwaysoverbudget | Jan 02, 2007 12:10am | #8

   i had a friend that kept all his cabinet's and boxes locked.i can't imagine how much time over the years he had spent locking and unlocking locks. someone breaks in one night,probably says " aw shet everythings locked" then finds his little plumbers type cutting torch. well there isn't a lock or box stopping that. garage was empty next am.plus they had there own cutting torch for next job. 2nd story a little town east of here a guy breaks into a little bank and cuts the top out of top of safe,great plan except.....all the money caught on fire and burned up.lol    larryhand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.

2. 
   mike585 | Jan 01, 2007 05:47pm | #3

   Check out the Ridgid boxes at HD. I think they're made by Greenlee.

1. 
   rasconc | Jan 01, 2007 09:14pm | #6

   Probably would be Knaack since Emerson owns both them and Ridgid brands.

   http://www.knaack.com/

1. 
   mike585 | Jan 04, 2007 03:13pm | #11

   Yeah. I think you're right, Knaack, not Greenlee.

   Edited 1/4/2007 7:14 am by mike585

1. 
   rasconc | Jan 04, 2007 04:25pm | #12

   Greenlee is a Textron Co. by the way.

1. 
   estacado | Jan 14, 2007 01:20am | #13

   thanks for all the replies here. still considering what to get but lots of good info.

2. 
   IdahoDon | Jan 14, 2007 02:52am | #14

   After looking at the various boxes I picked up three of the 2x2x4 Greenlee boxes and one of the smaller Greenlees.  I've never cared for the way other boxes lock up.  After unlocking them every day for two years it's quick and easy to open the locks by feel so the hidden nature of them aren't a big deal.

   Any of the boxes are better than no box so it's pretty much a ford vs. chevy thing. 

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

2. 
   caseyr | Jan 04, 2007 08:07am | #10

   The local HD had both the 2x2x4' Greenlee and the Rigid, so I bought one of each thinking they were the same except for the color (so I would have a better chance of remembering which chest I put the tool in I was looking for). There are a couple of minor differences besides the color (green vs orange). They are both set up for the same size padlocks. The main difference is that the Greenlee hides the lock hanging down in a little cavity so that you have to either get down on your hands and knees and look up to see the end of the padlock or just grope around until you get the key in the padlock. you then have to slide the hasp of the padlock out and remove it completely. The Rigid has has the padlocks sliding in horizontally with the end of the padlock exposed. This makes it easy to just slip the key in the lock and let the padlock spring out a little ways, releasing the lid. The padlock remains captive in the locking mechanism. Thus the Rigid is much easier to use and I tend to put my frequently used tools in it. The problem with the Rigid is that with the lock cylinder easily accessible, some thief could easily drill out the lock cylinders whereas it would be much more difficult with the Greenlee (although probably still possible). While the welding on the Greenlee is not exactly a work of art, the welding ont he Rigid is truely attrocious. One of them has two lid supports (Greenlee?) while the other only has one. The Greenlee has a narrow welded shelf a couple of inches wide a couple of inches below the lid. The Rigid has a wider shelf that is removable. They each cost me $250.

   Edited 1/4/2007 12:08 am ET by CaseyR

3. 
   davidmeiland | Jan 01, 2007 06:44pm | #4

   Knaack?

4. 
   renosteinke | Jan 01, 2007 08:26pm | #5

   Probably not a bad idea....

   I would not dismiss the effectiveness of an alarm system. Heck, with the changes in technology, you could also use your home computer to monitor things, adding a camera and storage of the 'film' on the internet.

   The major difference between the Greenlee, and the rest, is the manner in which you mount the padlocks. Greenlee claims that their method better protects the lock from drilling, but getting locks with hardened steel ends is not a problem. I like the convenience of the Jobox lock mounting.

   Your choice might be made for you, just by what is carried in your area. There are larger 'cabinet' type boxes available. The ones I like best are about 4 ft tall, and have sloped lids. These sloped lids have stops that allow them to serve as ready desks.

   Another option to consider is just buying a "Conex." One of those all-steel shipping containers; they're surprisingly affordable, and quite 'goon resistant.' Make this box your shed; just add a roof, some venting, and line with insulation. I believe that they're available as small as 8' x 20'.

1. 
   toolbear | Jan 04, 2007 07:27am | #9

   I believe that they're available as small as 8' x 20'.

   Smaller.  Just had a 10' bin dropped on a job site.  Minibins. 

   Came with the usual double doors and trailer bars (hasps all cut) and a retrofit insert box lock box that takes a puck lock.  It sets three bars - top, bottom, other door.

   The TCU - 20' Container Unit and the FCU are very standard for ocean shipping.  You can find these used.   Steel beats alum.  Had both.  Had a pair of TCUs on a pad with a roof between (gluelam cantilever beams that were wrong for a job, sold cheap, expensive error - not mine, TG.).The ToolBear

   "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

5. 
   MSA1 | Jan 01, 2007 09:43pm | #7

   About 2 years ago I got (through a promotion) a small dewalt box, it was a greenlee.

   Having said that i'm guessin' the difference between them is paint.

   Like others have said, just make sure whatever you get is bolted down and locked.