Stainless Steel Tool Box from Japan: TRUSCO SU3D-370 vs Steel Boxes
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Quick answer
If you want a stainless steel tool box from Japan, the TRUSCO SU3D-370 is the one to look at. It is made entirely of SUS304 stainless steel, has 2 tiers that open on both sides, and is 370 × 185 × 215 mm. TRUSCO's product data describes it as resistant to rust and suitable for keeping outdoors or using near seawater. If you need a blue steel box instead, choose by size and tier count: the ST-350-B is the smallest and lightest, the GL-350-B and GL-410-B are deeper 2-tier boxes, and the GT-470-B is the largest, with 3 tiers.
The 5 TRUSCO tool boxes compared
All five boxes open on both sides, so the trays fold out to the left and right and you can see every level at once. The main differences are the material, the number of tiers, the size and the lock.
| Model | Material | Tiers / layout | Outside size (W × D × H) | Inside size | Weight (empty) | Lock | Made in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SU3D-370 | Stainless steel (SUS304), silver | 2 tiers, opens on both sides | 370 × 185 × 215 mm (14.6 × 7.3 × 8.5 in) | Top trays: 343 × 78 × 49 mm each (left and right); bottom box: 340 × 172 × 105 mm | 3.9 kg | Padlock hole, 7 mm (padlock sold separately) | Japan |
| ST-350-B | Steel, blue | 2 tiers, cantilever, opens on both sides | 350 × 160 × 215 mm (13.8 × 6.3 × 8.5 in) | Not confirmed | 2.6 kg | Cylinder lock (sold separately) | Japan |
| GL-350-B | Steel, blue | 2 tiers, cantilever, opens on both sides | 357 × 227 × 289 mm (14.1 × 8.9 × 11.4 in) | Not confirmed | 3.9 kg | Padlock (4.8 mm hole) | Not confirmed |
| GL-410-B | Steel, blue | 2 tiers, cantilever, opens on both sides | 417 × 227 × 289 mm (16.4 × 8.9 × 11.4 in) | Not confirmed | 4.3 kg | Padlock (4.8 mm hole) | Not confirmed |
| GT-470-B | Steel, blue | 3 tiers, cantilever, opens on both sides | 472 × 220 × 343 mm (18.6 × 8.7 × 13.5 in) | Main box: 470 × 218 mm (W × D) | 7.3 kg | Cylinder lock (sold separately) or 30 mm padlock | Japan |
For a closer look at the size differences between the ST, GL and GT steel boxes, see TRUSCO Toolboxes Compared: ST, GL and GT Steel Boxes by Size.
How the double-opening layout works
On a box that opens on both sides, the top trays split to the left and right when you open the lid. This gives you access to the trays and the bottom box at the same time.
- SU3D-370: two top trays (left and right, each 343 × 78 × 49 mm inside) and a bottom box (340 × 172 × 105 mm inside), for three storage spaces in total. The dividers in the top trays can be moved or removed.
- ST-350-B: the middle tray slides out, and the dividers in the top tray can be moved or removed.
- GL-350-B and GL-410-B: all corners are rounded, and the middle tray dividers can be removed.
- GT-470-B: three levels open out. The dividers in the top and middle levels can be removed; the middle tray itself is fixed.
Stainless steel or blue steel?
These are the stated differences between the SU3D-370 and the four blue steel boxes:
- Material: the SU3D-370 is all stainless steel, grade SUS304, in a silver finish. The ST, GL and GT boxes are steel in blue.
- Use outdoors and near the sea: TRUSCO's product data for the SU3D-370 says that, because it is all stainless steel, it resists rust and can be kept outdoors or used near seawater. No comparable statement is made in the product data for the blue steel boxes.
- Weight: at 3.9 kg empty, the SU3D-370 weighs the same as the GL-350-B and is 1.3 kg heavier than the similar-height ST-350-B (2.6 kg).
- Lock: the SU3D-370 has a 7 mm padlock hole. The GL boxes have a 4.8 mm padlock hole, the ST-350-B takes a cylinder lock, and the GT-470-B takes either a cylinder lock or a 30 mm padlock.
If the box will be kept outdoors, in a vehicle or near the sea, the SU3D-370 is the one whose product data covers that use. For indoor storage or carrying in a workshop, choose by size from the blue steel boxes.
Which box suits which tool load?
- A small hand-tool kit you carry often: the ST-350-B is the lightest (2.6 kg) and shallowest (160 mm deep) of the five.
- A kit kept outdoors, in a vehicle or near the sea: the SU3D-370 is compact (370 × 185 × 215 mm) and its bottom box is 105 mm deep inside.
- Taller tools in a 2-tier box: the GL-350-B is 227 mm deep and 289 mm high. The GL-410-B has the same depth and height but is 417 mm wide, for longer tools.
- A large kit that needs three levels: the GT-470-B is the largest (472 × 220 × 343 mm) and heaviest (7.3 kg empty), with a main box of 470 × 218 mm inside.
FAQ
What grade of stainless steel is the TRUSCO SU3D-370 made of?
SUS304. The box is all stainless steel, in a silver finish.
Does the SU3D-370 come with a padlock?
No. It has a 7 mm padlock hole, and the padlock is sold separately.
Which of these tool boxes are made in Japan?
The product data lists Japan for the SU3D-370, ST-350-B and GT-470-B. The country of origin of the GL-350-B and GL-410-B is not confirmed.
