[SML] Travel toolbox suggestion

[Stuart Wheaton]

On 10/8/2014 7:03 PM, Michael Sauder via Stagecraft wrote:
> In a couple months I'll be going on my first international 
> installation gig, to Brazil. Anyone have suggestions for a 
> Pelican-style box they use to transport hand tools? I'm looking for 
> something with wheels that I can take directly on the flight.
>
> At the moment the options I know of that interest me are:
> Pelican 1510M - http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1510M
> Pelican 1560 - http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1560
> And their "luggage" line looks interesting.. 
> http://www.pelican.com/case_category_luggage.php
>

I've been traveling with Pelican cases for several years.  they are 
fantastic!  I'd tell you which number it is, but Delta has it (hopefully 
within a few hundred yards of where I sit) IIRC 1510  My advice, gather 
the tools you want to carry, and see how small a case would fit them.  
The biggest issues I have are that as the case grows, the weight of the 
empty box begins to factor more heavily in the amount of stuff you can 
carry.  And all advertising to the contrary, they can be broken,  
usually the latches, but also the wheel bearings can wear out too.  But 
they send repair parts no questions asked, and fast.    I usually put a 
zip tie through the padlock holes, and leave a few taped to the inside 
of the lid so security can put them on if (when) they open the case.  
Biggest cause of latch failure is when something gets left in the hinge 
or between the body and lid and the TSA or equivalent just mashes it 
shut anyhow.  Handles are quite sturdy and make a great back rest when 
you use the case as an improv chair at airports and while waiting in 
line.  I wouldn't bother with the M variant.

International tool travel is usually easy, but sometimes the locals get 
upset that you might be coming to take work from their own, I usually 
avoid this because I am going to and from ships.  Lately had some issues 
with people wanting to check that batteries were not lithium.  Be sure 
to tape over the terminals on batteries, if you are carrying a blade, 
make sure it is legal where you are going. Tape a piece of paper with an 
inventory to the lid of the box, and every time you wish you had 
something, add it to the list so you have it the next time.


Stuart

Bringing my pelican home from it's second trip to Korea this year, 
looked fine when I took it through customs an hour ago.