Barn Tool Boxes

About Barn Tool Boxes

Barn tool boxes are a time-tested storage solution favoured by British tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts for their distinctive double-lid design and practical functionality. Characterised by their metal construction and barn-style opening mechanism, where both lids swing outward from the centre, these tool boxes provide excellent visibility and easy access to your entire tool collection. Most models feature cantilever trays that automatically lift when opened, creating multiple storage levels for organising everything from small fixings and drill bits to larger hand tools like hammers and spanners.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks quality barn tool boxes from trusted brands including Draper and Faithfull, constructed from robust sheet metal with sturdy carrying handles. These classic storage solutions offer exceptional value for money and remain a workshop staple across the UK, combining durability with straightforward portability for site work and home garage organisation.

Applications

Barn tool boxes serve numerous trades and applications:

• General Builders - transporting essential hand tools between domestic and commercial sites
• Electricians - storing screwdrivers, wire strippers, testing equipment, and cable accessories
• Plumbers - organising spanners, pipe cutters, wrenches, and small fittings
• Joiners and Carpenters - keeping chisels, hand saws, measuring tools, and fixings organised
• Mechanics - storing socket sets, spanners, and garage tools
• Maintenance Engineers - carrying comprehensive tool selections for facility work
• DIY Enthusiasts - home workshop organisation and weekend projects
• Agricultural Workers - farm maintenance and field repairs

Choosing The Right Barn Tool Boxes

Size and Capacity: Measure your largest tools to ensure they fit comfortably. Barn tool boxes typically range from compact 400mm models for basic hand tools to larger 550mm versions for extensive collections.

Construction Quality: Look for substantial gauge sheet metal rather than thin steel. Check welds, joints, and hinges for solid construction that withstands daily trade use. Brands like Draper and Faithfull are known for quality metal tool storage.

Internal Organisation: Consider whether multiple cantilever trays suit your needs for small components, or if a simpler single-tray design suffices for larger hand tools. Some models offer removable dividers for customisation.

Portability: Assess handle design and empty weight if you'll be carrying tools up ladders or between floors regularly. Remember that loaded boxes become considerably heavier.

Security and Finish: Check for padlock provisions if leaving tools on site. Powder-coated or painted finishes resist rust better than bare metal, particularly important in damp British conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between barn and cantilever tool boxes?

Barn tool boxes specifically feature a double-lid opening from the centre, whilst cantilever describes the tray mechanism. Most barn tool boxes include cantilever trays, but not all cantilever boxes have barn-style openings—some use traditional single-lid designs.

Can barn tool boxes be secured in a van?

Whilst not typically designed with integrated mounting points, barn tool boxes can be secured using ratchet straps or by placing them in purpose-built van racking systems. Proper securing is essential to meet health and safety requirements during transport.

How much weight can a barn tool box hold?

Most metal barn tool boxes available from MyToolShed.co.uk can safely hold between 15-25kg of tools when fully loaded. However, the practical limit is often determined by comfortable carrying capacity rather than structural limits. Always check handles and joints are in good condition before loading heavily.