It is difficult to load heavy materials as the truck bed may not get fully filled up in a single load. Also, it’s a known fact that DIY truck installation is not a simple task special when it involves drilling. However, if the toolbox comes drilled the installation will require only three hours to fix everything. So, if you want to know how to install a truck tool box without drilling you have come to the right place.
Toolboxes are very important for truck beds as they secure them from damages, rust, and scratches. Moreover, hold the tools and cargo in their place and prevent them from flying out.
How to Install a Truck Tool Box Without Drilling – Essential Tools
You must have these tools before starting the installation of the toolbox:
- Truck Toolbox
- Measuring tape
- Wrench
- Safety gloves
- The ideal screws
- Heavy-duty bolts
- Protective clothing
- Padding materials
- Spanner or screwdriver
- Spanner or screwdriver
- J-hooks made of aluminum
- Nuts especially ones made from aluminum
Check all of these elements and make ensure of them before starting your job.
Choose the Best Tool Box for Your Truck:
After collecting all the essentials tools and materials required for truck toolbox installation search for the best toolbox. Always ensure that the toolbox you select accommodates all the tools and equipment you wish to buy. Lastly, in the market, various types of toolkits are available having different designs and applications.
Normally there are three types of toolboxes:
- Crossover Toolboxes: They are designed to fit inside the cargo bed length ideally used with bigger tools.
- Side Toolboxes: Manufactured to install along the truck bed lengths. If you are planning to have long tools, it’s a good choice.
- Fifth-wheel toolboxes: They are designed to store small sizes of tools.
Choosing the right size and type of toolbox is important. Moreover, Stainless steel toolboxes consider being good toolboxes as they have a guarantee and they are long-lasting.
If you have any issues while covering the truck bed? Read: Modify Tonneau Cover for Tool Box (Tips and Tricks 2021)
Decide the point where you want to install the toolbox
It’s important to select a convenient spot where you want to install the toolbox. Moreover, the installation also depends on the toolkit you choose.
For example, if you go for a crossover toolbox, you will install it across the width of the cargo. In the case of side toolboxes, you have to install them lengthwise to fit the truck bed perfectly. However, if you choose a fifth-wheel toolbox, you have the freedom to install the toolbox according to the location of your own choice.
Its preferable to install the toolbox at a location where the lid can open easily and cross rails don’t create any trouble. Moreover, if you want to increase the speed of your work take measurements of everything after selecting the spot.
Importance of Accurate Measurements:
While installing a truck toolbox without drilling it’s important to have accurate measurements. Carefully take the measurements of the truck bed and toolbox to avoid future fitting issues. Use a measurement tape and measure the length, width, and height of the toolbox.
After carefully taking the measurements of the toolbox now measure the trucked length, width, and height. Measuring the truck bed will allow you to fit all your tools neatly. Moreover, if you don’t take the measurements beforehand it will cause you a huge amount of money.
Neatly Align the toolbox along the drilled holes:
Most cargos have pre-drilled holes inside them near to the bottom. These holes come with rubber plugs. For easy alignment, you can easily remove it when required.
First, remove the rubber plugs and align the box accurately along the pre-drilled holes. Now open the lid to easily align the wholes on the bottom and those on the bed rail of the truck.
Carefully Fit the J-hooks and Bolts:
After aligning the holes of the toolbox and trucked, insert bolts and j-hooks. You are inserting hooks and bolts to link the truck bed with the toolkit strongly. To firmly join them together you will need a total of six j-hooks.
Hooks also come in many types and shapes which one is perfect for you depends upon the toolbox. Always make sure that you accurately align the nuts, bolts, and j-hooks with the toolkit. Furthermore, by doing that you will not face the issue of the irritating voice coming from the poorly fitted toolbox.
Tight the Nuts and Bolts:
After inserting the j-hooks and bolts tighten them fully. To do this properly use a wrench or a spanner. Moreover, don’t use unnecessary strength to tighten the bolt otherwise it will damage it.
But it doesn’t mean you only add a little effort to fix the bolts as it will cause harm to the toolkit. Moreover, in case you don’t tighten the nuts and bolts you may leave the gaps between the bed and toolbox. The gap will cause irritating vibrations when you ride the truck.
Double Check the installation:
Ensure that toolbox is installed properly and tightly with the truck bed. Also, check if the lid if it’s opening smoothly or not. It’s important to check that nothing is shaking and vibrating and everything is in its place.
After the installation clean the truck bed and toolkit as they may be covered with leftover materials.
Additional Information:
- It’s advisable to always select the heavy-duty stainless steel-j-hooks having a width of 5 to 16 inches and 5 inches long length
- While choosing nuts and bolts always select the ones that resemble aluminum block so that it easily hooks with the rail. Also, it’s very important to always make it ensure that the nuts and bolts do not lose, as it can cause a problem in near future.
- Look over the toolbox properly. Keep it clean by removing the dirt, mud, and rubbish.
Conclusion
This article fully explains how to install a truck tool box without drilling. Now if you want to be successful just follow the instructions carefully. By following these tips and tricks you can easily complete the procedure by using a drill.
To increase efficiency, use good quality heavy-duty stainless steel j-hooks and bolts. Moreover, it’s good if you use nuts and bolts made of aluminum as they are more durable and long-lasting.
Always ensure that the aluminum nuts and bolts you use have a long life. Lastly, it is really important to ensure that the bolts and nuts are solid enough that they bear the threats caused by vibrations.
So if you want to successfully install the toolbox without drilling follow this guide and you are set to install the toolbox properly.
1. Are truck tool boxes safe?
Protection and Weather Resistance. The most secure truck tool boxes have the power to lock out extreme weather, including dust and moisture. All the toolboxes we reviewed are high-end options that have extra-thick seals and weather-resistant construction to optimally protect against harsh weather.
2. How do you mount a crossover toolbox?
Enter the rubber j-bolt plugs into the pre-drilled holes, if they’re not already there. Then, place the box on top of the padding or bed liner. Open the toolbox to expose the interior. From underneath the box, insert the hook of the j-bolt under the bed rail and poke the threaded part through the rubber plug.
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