This seems to happen every now and then, and I love it:  A gentleman walked in to our office today, coffee mug in hand, clearly killing time between meetings or projects.  He drives one of those mobile welding trucks with the huge generator in the box.  Turns out he wants to build a toolbox, and wants to know what we have that he might like.

-PAUSE-

This type of thing happens ALL THE TIME, and has the potential to be very frustrating for both parties: A customer walks in with NO IDEA what they want, and no matter what I show them, it’s close but not quite right.  What often happens is that the customer has already built their enclosure, and is now looking for a latch that will work within some very specific constraints.  We do our best to work around these things, and sometimes we’re successful in matching up a lock or latch to a specific design.  I’ve learned to ask all of the questions I can before the shopping begins.  What material?  How heavy?  Indoor or outdoor use?  Lockable?  Flush-mounted?  Sometimes this helps.  Sometimes, sadly… it doesn’t.

-RESUME-

So here’s a guy standing in my door.  He tells me something that NO ONE ever tells me when they come in”

“I want to make a toolbox that looks awesome.  I haven’t started yet, and I don’t even know what it’s going to look like yet… I just want to know what’s available for hinges and latches so I know what I have to work with.  What have you got?”

Well.  I’m not sure if he noticed the tears welling up in my eyes from the sheer joy of those words, but man, was that great to hear. I’ve said it before:  PICK THE LATCHES FIRST.  You’ll reap the benefits when it’s time to order:  lower cost, better availability of parts, and best of all, installation will be a breeze because you won’t have to modify your enclosure to make something fit.

If you’re starting a project, or designing a new product for your customers, call us or use our handy Contact Form.  Even if you’re not completely sure of the kinds of hardware you need, give us a call anyway.  We can send you samples, make arrangements to come visit your facility or even give you the guided tour of our warehouse so you can see first-hand the kind of selection that’s at your disposal. 

And there’s free coffee too!

I’m looking forward to meeting you!

Brian