How to Make the Most of Your Aluminium Ute Tool Box

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One of the most important things for tradies is to have all their tools wherever they go. This can be done best with a ute tool box as it provide the most amount of space meaning it allows you to bring everything you need. Especially aluminium ute toolboxes are an excellent choice as they provide great protection from the elements and have superb tensile strength. Aluminium ute tool boxes are also lightweight and more affordable than steel tool boxes whilst resembling their level of strength. Aluminium is a durable material too so you can count on your toolbox to last a long time.

What To Consider

Size & Design

As mentioned above aluminium toolboxes are lightweight but this doesn’t mean you should get the biggest one so you can get the most amount of space. This can actually backfire on you as a bigger toolbox can end up being heavy. The weight of aluminum tool boxes for utes shouldn’t affect your fuel economy which is why you should consider the weight of the tools too.

There are also multiple designs that come with only one door, two doors or even two gullwing doors. You can also choose from a tray toolbox that you just pull out to access your tools or get a more conventional design with features such as stay-open doors and T-lock handles.

Aluminium toolbox

Locks, Seals & Fixings

Aluminum tool boxes for ute that have tight seals and are fully welded provide the best protection not only from the elements but also from prying eyes. This type of construction also means that the tool box will last you a long time. Having locks is a great advantage too but you should look for locks that are securely mounted on the box casing – flimsy and loose locks are a big no-no.

Securing A Ute Toolbox

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1. With the corresponding toolbox and location figured out you should start by locating the mount points under the toolbox. Mark those mounting points and make sure that these points are safe to drill through both the tray top and toolbox. Both the points on the toolbox and tray top need to match, so take your time.

2. Having your toolbox placed in the correct position, drill a pilot hole through one point at a time. For each hole place a 4 mm screw or a rivet into it so that the toolbox doesn’t move as you drill the rest of the holes. When you’re finished drilling your pilot holes put the toolbox on its back and open up those pilot holes to the necessary size. Do this for all holes and clean up the debris.

3. Next, align the holes on the tray top with the ones on the toolbox and put the fasteners on. Install the fasteners by feeding the bolt first from under the tray and then to the box. Make sure to use a washer on both the nut and bolt side. Also ensure that you place a nyloc nut on the inside of the box for a more secure fit. You can also apply some sealant around the nut on the inside of the box before you tighten it one last time. This will provide additional weather protection.

Cleaning an Aluminium Ute Toolbox

Dish Soap

A bucket full of hot water mixed with liquid dish soap can help take off the grease on your ute tool box. Make sure to stir the soap until you have the water blended with it. First, wet the aluminium body with water only and then use a soft nylon bristle brush dipped into the soapy water to scrub the surface of the toolbox. Afterwards, rinse the body with water to get rid of the soap and dry the toolbox with a microfiber rag.

Phosphoric Acid

When using phosphoric acid you also need to wet the surface of the toolbox first before you apply it. Alongside the acid itself you’ll also need metal polish and nylon scrubbing pads. Make sure to wear latex gloves to keep your hands safe from the acid and safety glasses too. Start by working in the compound with the pads until you have the residue dried out. Then, spray some water on the toolbox and dry it with towels. This then should be followed by applying metal polish and cleaning it off afterwards with a soft cloth.

Vinegar

When it comes to using vinegar to clean an aluminium ute toolbox you’ll need a spray bottle. Fill that bottle with white vinegar and spray it going one section at a time to prevent it from drying. Next, dip a soft bristle nylon brush in white vinegar and scrub the diamond-plated surface. For better results you can use a toothbrush as it will allow you to get to hard to reach spots. After this is done apply a coat of wax meant for aluminium using a soft rag, then let it dry and buff it out until you get a high shine.

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