Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Tool Boxes

This is topic Tool Boxes in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001702

Posted by Daniel J. Durtschi (Member # 212) on 12-05-2000, 09:45 AM:

I need some help. My old electricians tool box has had it and is about to fall apart. Does anyone know of any great web sites I can pick up a nice sturdy new one. I've had this one for years, and it has been through many theaters. Price is no object. I'm looking for a quality box. Thanks for helping out a fellow projectionist.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-05-2000, 10:14 AM:

Here's just a few:
http://www.jensentools.com/
http://www.sears.com
http://www.testequity.com
http://www.jameco.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/Jameco/home.d2w/report?cgrf nbr=505&ctgys=505;
http://www.future-active.com/

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-05-2000, 01:52 PM:

I like these guys myself...
www.specialized.net

Posted by Jon Bartow (Member # 241) on 12-05-2000, 04:13 PM:

These guys Guaranty the case for life. a bit pricey, but well worth it www.tecratools.com

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 12-05-2000, 05:52 PM:

I usually get my tool and road cases from
Clydsdale Case in Pickering Ontario or Anvil case http://www.clydesdalecases.com/cabledsn.htm

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 12-05-2000, 08:14 PM:

One thing I forgot to mention is that preloaded cases usually are either inferior tools or good tools and an inferior case or a outrageous price
i usually use Wera tools for my screwdrivers and Xcelite interchangeables of all the nutdrivers, allens and torx blades
I found the xcelite screwdrives were not as good as the wera ones http://www.wera.de/indexe.html

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-06-2000, 06:37 AM:

A complete set of high quality tools is a good investment for any theatre. It's always upsetting to see damage (stripped threads, damaged nuts and screw heads) from someone not using the right tool for the job.

BTW, test films also are important tools. You can purchase them from the Society of Motion Picture Engineers:
http://www.smpte.org/testmat/index.html

Schneider Optics also has a projector alignment test film:
http://www.schneideroptics.com/projection/testfilm.htm

Digital sound test films/disks are available from the sound vendors:
http://www.dolby.com/
http://www.sdds.com/
http://www.dtsonline.com

And don't forget to have (or share with other theatres in your city) a good screen luminance meter to set the proper screen luminance of 16 footlamberts!

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 12-06-2000, 08:14 AM:

Daniel:

I see that you're in Spokane, why not stop in at Graingers on E. 5706 Broadway (phone: 509-535-9882).
They should have a nice stock of tool boxes you can actually touch and try out.

Posted by Rory Burke (Member # 512) on 12-06-2000, 10:29 AM:

Did someone mention Pelican? up there...anyways in case you need to house/protect any RTA's or O-scopes etc. I have seen an R2 unit get dropped in its case 3 flights of stairs in those super inclined Canadian non-handicapped conforming stair cases they build there. jees....to my surprise that R2 unit tested theaters that night and the following week without problems. Now that was a UL caliber test!!
I stand by that Case and are realatively priced.

Rory

Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 12-06-2000, 10:54 AM:

If the tools are for "leaving around the booth," I like the cheapest tools I can find. I've never seen a screwdriver or pliers last more than a few months around here... then it disappears. Gone to that great tool bin in the sky, I guess, because it's sure not in the booth anymore. More likely, a forgetful usher's pocket, after he fixed a seat or something.

If that's your situation, I suggest places with "Cheap tools cheap." Try:
http://www.harborfreight.com

or
http://www.use-enco.com/

Posted by Matthew Bailey (Member # 601) on 12-06-2000, 07:27 PM:

Try Tessco.