Comparison Stanley FatMax FMST1-75531 vs Intertool HT-5045

The main size of the container for tools. Inches are traditionally used for this designation, and the length is usually indicated as the main size. This information allows you to evaluate the "weight category" of the product as a whole, as well as to determine whether it is suitable for a particular instrument of large sizes. At the same time, the characteristics usually indicate the overall dimensions on all three main sides (in millimetres), however, it is more convenient for many craftsmen to use the size designation in inches.

For kits (see below), this paragraph indicates the dimensions of all containers supplied in the kit.

The number of compartments and/or pockets provided in the design of the tool container (with the exception of organizers, including those built into the lid — for them the number of cells is indicated separately, see below).

The more compartments or pockets, the easier it is to keep numerous items in the container at the same time. On the other hand, more compartments (for the same product size) usually means smaller individual compartments. The most modest models have up to 10 compartments / pockets, in the most capacious this number can exceed 30. Of course, when choosing by this parameter, you should take into account the type of container (see above). So, for traditional boxes, the maximum value is actually 20 compartments, and among backpacks there are models with 20 – 30 compartments.

Design of movable sections mounted in a tool box or other container. A section is a separate movable unit, usually divided into several compartments (see above). The meaning of such blocks is to ensure the compactness of the container when folded and the convenience of access to the contents when unfolded. The types of sections can be as follows:

— Sliding. Sections located at the top of the container and also playing the role of a cover for its lower part. Typically, such sections are made in pairs or quadruples, 2 pairs each, and when opened, in accordance with the name, they diverge in different directions, allowing you to get to the space below them. This variety is found mainly in boxes (see "Type").

— Retractable. Sections that slide out of the inner volume of the container are like drawers in a desk or kitchen table. This design is used in organizers and trolleys(see "Type").

The presence of a recessed carrying handle in the design of the container.

Such a handle, as the name implies, when folded, is recessed into a special nest on the body, so that it does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the container and does not create unnecessary problems during storage and transportation. Note that in cases (see "Type") the handle is a harmonious continuation of the case, and this function is not used there (in fact, in such models, the handles themselves are clumsy). But in boxes where the handle is installed on the lid, a recessed design can be useful not only to reduce the size, but also so that another item can be placed on top of the box — for example, another box from the same set.

The presence of wheels for transportation in the design of the container.

This feature is, by definition, provided in trolleys (see "Type"), however, other types of containers can be equipped with wheels — boxes, cases and even backpacks and bags. Anyway, the presence of wheels means that we have a capacious product designed for an extensive set of tools — it would be difficult to carry such an “arsenal” by weight. Also note that the design of the wheels may vary — again, depending on the type. So, boxes and bags are equipped with a handle and a pair of wheels of a "suitcase" design — you need to roll such a product in an inclined position. Many trolleys have a similar device, but among them there are also models with four full-fledged wheels.

The main material from which the tool box is made. Nowadays, products made of plastic and fabric are most widely used, metal options are less common, extremely rare — from wood and leather. Here are the features of each of these options:

— Plastic. Plastic is lightweight, easy to process, inexpensive and well suited for creating complex shapes. This makes it easy to manufacture containers that require a rigid body — mainly boxes, cases and organizers (see "Type"). In the latter case, plastic is also convenient because it can be transparent — this allows organizers to be equipped with lids through which you can see the contents of the cells. The strength of plastic, however, is somewhat lower than that of metal, but in this case this moment is not decisive — especially since very thick and durable plastic is usually used in tool containers (while the weight remains within reasonable limits due to the mentioned lightness of the material) . It is also worth mentioning the low thermal conductivity of this material (which makes it easier to carry the container at low temperatures — it does not cool hands as much as metal) and the absolute resistance to corrosion. All this has led to the significant popularity of plastic containers for tools.

— Metal. Another material used in solid tool containers. The main advantage of metal an...d its advantage over plastic can be called high strength; in addition, metal products look quite solid and give the impression of solidity and reliability. On the other hand, they weigh more than plastic ones, are more expensive, and as they are used, the metal can corrode (especially in conditions of high humidity). To protect against corrosion, the surface is often coated with paint or other special compound, but in the conditions in which tool boxes are usually used, such a coating is damaged quite easily. Therefore, metal containers are much less common than plastic ones.

— Textile. Soft material used in products of the corresponding type, in particular bags, vests and cases (see "Type"). However this softness is rather arbitrary — the fabric is thick and rather stiff. This material is presented on the market in many varieties that differ in characteristics, but its properties can be assessed by the price category of the product: the higher the price, the more high-quality and durable fabric, usually, the manufacturer uses.

— Wood. For a long time, wood was a very popular material for tool boxes, but with the advent of inexpensive and high-quality plastics, this option has practically disappeared from the scene. This is due to the fact that wood is somewhat more expensive than plastic, while it is less practical, more difficult to process, requires the use of special coatings to protect against moisture and other negative influences, and can crack from a strong impact (whereas a plastic case has a chance get rid of a dent or even a scratch). As a result, today this material is used mainly for aesthetic reasons — in expensive "designer" products of the premium class, created based not only on ease of use, but also on the traditional appearance.

— Skin. A rather specific material used mainly in bags — including waist bags (see "Type"). At the same time, both natural leather and one or another type of substitute can be used in the design; these details should be clarified separately, but here we note that in the case of leatherette, the more expensive the product, the better the material, usually. In addition, only part of the product can be made of leather — for example, a waist belt, complemented by fabric bags. Anyway, the skin as a whole is quite strong and reliable, but natural varieties are not cheap, and substitutes, again, can be of different quality. Therefore, nowadays, this option is rare — manufacturers often prefer relatively inexpensive and at the same time practical fabrics.

The material from which the container locks are made. Most often we are talking about fasteners that close a case or drawer, but sometimes this information is indicated for fasteners in bags, backpacks, etc. The main materials for their manufacture are:

- Plastic. Plastic is inexpensive, but in general it is inferior to metal in terms of strength and reliability. However, often these moments do not play a decisive role (or are compensated by design features - for example, the large thickness of individual parts).

- Metal. Metal locks are very durable and reliable, but they are more expensive than plastic ones. Tool boxes and containers made of almost any material can be equipped with such locks.

— Plastic with metal. This combination is not uncommon in the design of tool boxes and containers. As a rule, the locking bracket of the lock is made of metal, which bears the main load in the locking mechanism, and the “tongue” is made of plastic.