A tool trolley is a cart-like device that helps categorize, carry, and safeguard various tools. Tool trolleys are particularly useful for professional craftsmen, such as builders, carpenters, and machinists, who have a large amount of equipment to organize and tote around. Tool trolleys can also be used by hobbyists. For example, someone who enjoys woodworking may use a trolley to help store and arrange his or her tools. A tool trolley may also be referred to as a tool cart.
In essence, a tool trolley is a larger version of a tool case, tool chest, or tool box. Tool cases, chests, and boxes usually have a box shape with a base and a hinged cover. Generally, they also have a handle on top as well as latches that attach the cover to the base. Typically, they can be carried by hand from one location to another.
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Tool trolleys, on the other hand, are generally larger in size. On average, they are about the size of a small desk. They are usually waist-high and have wheels on the bottom that allow them to be rolled from one area to another. Historically, tool trolleys were made from wood. In modern times, however, a tool trolley is typically made from either metal or plastic.
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Many tool trolleys function as portable tool shelving and work stations, allowing craftsmen to easily access a large variety of different tools. Most trolleys have a series of drawers designed to provide owners with an easy method for sorting tools. A tool trolley may also contain a cabinet or two that allows for storage of larger items, such as buckets, paint cans, or power-operated carpentry equipment. A few tool trolleys are even power-operated.
Some craftsmen use tool belts or aprons in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, a tool trolley or tool box. These devices can be tied around the waist and allow for easy portability, although they can only hold a limited amount of tools. A bucket organizer is another tool storage device. Made from a fabric bag draped inside a bucket, these gadgets work like a small toolbox. They generally have a dozen or more pockets in which tools can be placed for easy access and viewing.
Tool sets can be a substitute for a tool trolley. They are lightweight and normally come in plastic cases. The tools usually snap into a particular area of the case, making them easy to organize. Generally, they hold only a few tools. As a result, professional craftsmen usually also need a tool trolley or tool box when working on a large project.