What's a case worth?

[davidtu]

Just curious, how do you evaluate the value of a power tool with or without the case? How much does the case add? Pick your favorite handheld too: biscuit joiner, angle grinder, nail gun, etc.

Your thoughts?

[BigguyZ]

I had a poll about what people did with the cases. I found a lot of people kept them only if there were a lot of accessories for the tool. I was surprised to see how many people just chuck 'em.

[Warren]

If it's going to be a "travelling tool" I prefer to have the case for it and the accessories. If it's for in the shop use I usually store the tools in cabinets or drawers for quick access and use I'm not interested in a case.

[davidtu]

Below is a link to BigGuz's thread, which I didn't see if before posting this. Its interesting.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...273#post271273

But if you still care to respond here with a $$$ amount, I'd be interested.

[LarryG]

David, a gentle reminder ... this section of the forum is supposed to be strictly for Bargain ALERTS, not for discussions about how much something is worth, where can I get a coupon, etc etc etc:

Bargain Alerts
Use this forum to post info about a great bargain you have found on any woodworking related item. Please be aware that posts in this forum will be deleted once they expire or if they are found to be unworthy. Please, no "gloats" unless it is a deal that others can get. The items posted should be new and/or refurbished merchandise, and must be available to more that just the posting individual. Also, suffecient information should be included that would allow an individual to find the item, preferably on the web or through a local store.

Questions like yours should go in either Tool Talk or Coffee Pot, I'd guess. People tend to look here only for items they're shopping for.

[crokett]

This thread has been moved to Tool Talk. It is not offering anything for sale.

[Black wallnut]

In terms of a purchasing decision for me a case or lack thereof is not an issue. Personally I wish more of my tools would have come in cardboard boxes but I've not thrown away any of my cases.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Case adds zero value to the tool IMHO unless you are a contractor and need to tote your tools around. Otherwise they are much better suited in a cabinet, out of the case ready for use.

[drumpriest]

I find cases usually helpful, but it depends upon how often I use the tool, and how often off site. My biscuit joiner has a case, but I never use it, probably should throw it away. I never take it anywhere, so it sits on my shelf, out of the case, just in "case" I need it.

My drill has a case, and I use it from time to time when going elsewhere to do things, again though, 80% of the time, the case is pointless. My nailers, I keep in my cases all of the time, keeps them cleaner, so they are quite useful.

So it's case by case for me. I'd rather a tool had a case than not, but after that, the usefulness is arguable.

[JSCOOK]

Your typical plastic cases add zero value IMO ... I wish most tools would come in cases like the Festools use ... the only cases I have kept have been for cordless drills as I typically take them to various projects and are handle for storing the charger and spare battery.

Otherwise I put the cases out in the RECYCLE bin ... not in the garbage.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Oh, I do have all my nail guns that came with cases still in the case. Once I revamp shop this summer they will likely get their own dedicated cabinet. In my mind they are particularly suspect to dust.

As far as Festool Systainers go, I think I would pass as it would add $80 to the price of the tool. I mean those cases are worth the $80. Right?

[LCHIEN]

The problem with most cases is that they are blow molded with compartments to fit everything that comes with the tool and nothing else.

So if you have some additional accessories or even "ammunition" for the tool they will not fit and you end up having yet another box for storage. If the point of a box is keeping everything used together, together, then the fact that you have to have another box is defeating.

[JSCOOK]

As far as Festool Systainers go, I think I would pass as it would add $80 to the price of the tool.

And then some ... but they are nice!

[LinuxRandal]

While I agree with LCHIEN, that the cases should allow you to put more in them, a lot of my stuff has to travel. Between helping family, bosses, work, and friends who ARE contractors, I use them like they are.

That said, However, they also add value as a crime fighting tool. My bil takes what I don't want, and any others he can come across, and uses them in theft sting operations. For those of you who dispose of them, have you considered offering them to your local law enforcement?

[bthere]

While I agree with LCHIEN, that the cases should allow you to put more in them, a lot of my stuff has to travel. Between helping family, bosses, work, and friends who ARE contractors, I use them like they are.

That said, However, they also add value as a crime fighting tool. My bil takes what I don't want, and any others he can come across, and uses them in theft sting operations. For those of you who dispose of them, have you considered offering them to your local law enforcement?

That's a good idea. I had my PC circular saw at a friend's house helping with a deck. I left the case in his garage, and, while we around back working, someone stole the case. All I lost with the case was the edge guide and my good humor. If supplying cases to law enforcement would help catch these types of people, I'm all for it.