Toy Chest - Toys - Hope chest

It is easy to walk into a discount store and buy a plastic or metal toolbox to store the basic tools used regularly around the house. But what if you are serious about your tools, you use them regularly for hobbies or work. Then you need to be able to store them somewhere that is organized and which you have quick access. You need more than a box, you need to consider the tool chests available on the market today. Unlike a basic tool box, a tool chest can be a serious investment. There are basic chests that can be set on your workbench, all the way up to large tool chests on wheels. For a quality chest, the price can range from $100 to over $2000. But tools are expensive, so taking care of them and storing them properly is important. Lets take a look at some of the top tool chests manufacturers.

Remline specializes only in tool chests, ranging from the usual 26" small tool chests all the way up to large, 56" wide tool carts. They have a large variety of sizes and configuration of drawers so that anyone is bound to find one to suit their needs. Remline builds all of their chests with the same high standards throughout the entire manufacturing process. Their products are designed for maximum utility and longevity.

Excel Hardware boasts being the industry's leading manufacturer of metal storage systems. With a service center located in California, and a large overseas factory, their goal is to provide the best quality tool chests and boxes at the most competitive prices. With Excel, you can start with the base tool chest on wheels, and then add a removable tool box on top. Though Excel has only been around since 2003, their motto of "Total customer satisfaction", high quality and competitive prices have paid off to make them a major contender in the field.

Craftline products are manufactured by the Platt & LaBonia Company, which has been around for over 50 years. Their Craftline products allow an individual or business to customize their ideal workshop, so besides small and large tool chests, they also offer heavy duty work benches and carts, cabinets, wall panels, racks etc. The Platt & LaBonia Company pledge is that Craftline products are "engineered to withstand everyday use". Coming from a company that has been around since 1945, you can bet that you can trust them, and that they know what they are doing.

Garage-Toys design their stainless steel tool chests, boxes and garage storage systems in Minnesota. They use high quality materials and workmanship, with laser cuts and TIG welds. They are a family owned business that takes pride in their work and in being known for high customer satisfaction. They are also a great company to go with if you want to support USA manufactured products.

There are other tool chest manufacturer's, but these are four well known in the industry today. WIth any of them you are getting a quality product that is designed to last. They are companies that recognize your investment in tools, and strive to help you to organize and protect that investment. Regardless of the types of tools you use, or why you use them, somewhere among these four companies, you should be able to find some tool chests that will work best for you.

MJ writes for ClickShops Inc., where you can find a great selection of tool chests at www.garagecabinetsonline.com.

What do you do when your stepkids are disrespectful towards you and their mom?

I have been with my lady going on 10 years and I love her kids like they were my own, although I do not feel bonded to them as I do my daughter with her. In large part because they are very spoiled and disrespectful towards their mom even though she does everything for them! My question is how do you handle a situation like this when you aren't their father but you want to open a can of whoopass for them. I have stressed to my lady for years that treating your kids like your their friend is a mistake and not to even attempt to do it with our daughter, she will have plenty of friends I told her and thank God she has listened but the other two are horrible, she could be sick with chest pains and they agitate her further. I am at my wits end because they aren't mine and I feel that her tactics of screaming and yelling are not productive at all, I would take their tv time away, videogames, toys, priveleges in general untill they respect but she says that is extreme, anyone agree?

Answer
Ask your lady if she will allow you to take the lead regarding discipline for a month. See if the behaviors change. Agree that it will be your judgement call when to step in and what discipline will be put in place.

I couldn't do it either. My man disciplines my son while I stand behind him and watch. It sounds weird, but he takes the lead, and I am within my son's eyesight so that he sees that I agreee. (No hands. He does not lay hands on my child.) Progress is slow. I battle guilt, and the love of my child. I am learning to reinforce the discipline.

Ask your lady to stop raising her voice to the children. She should be able to make a reasonable request. If they do not comply, then make your call.

I think the only reason this works for us is because he is always right. He has a son a year younger who does not have my son's behaviors. I trust his judgement. Make sure this trust is in place. It's a tough call, but can be done. Kudos to you for making the effort.