Working with shipping containers, there is no doubt that we require big tools to get the job done. While we do use smaller household tools like wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers, the most interesting and useful tools will appear in a short list below.
– Let’s start with some of the larger pieces of equipment that we use, like our Hyster and forklifts. Though technically not tools, these big machines are essential at each of our Canadian container depots. Each location will have two Hyster container handlers and a forklift. The Hysters have extendable arms that can adapt to load and unload 20’ storage containers and 40’ shipping containers. The forklifts are used on the smaller 10ft shipping and mini storage containers.
– The first small scale tool that we use is our welder. Again, each location has several welders on hand for our trained technicians to use as needed. We use them for various container modifications and repairs but generally, they are used to weld in frames for roll-up doors and garage doors, window frames, and to repair cuts and panel replacements. The welders use a 600 volt MIG welder, argon gas and steel wire.
– Although only seasonally used, we have propane heaters that we place inside shipping containers to heat up their walls from inside. These are especially useful in the winter months because the majority of our containers are stored outside. When we customize a container for a client, we want the steel to be within a certain temperature range to ensure best results.
– Grinders and cutting discs are our weapon of choice when cutting out container walls to customize shipping container roll-up doors and storage container windows or man doors. There isn’t a particular brand that we use, but because shipping containers use CORTEN steel, a very tough steel, there are not many manufacturers out there who make heavy duty discs and grinding wheels.
– Moving onto some of the smaller tools that we use, there are drills of various sizes that help us tighten up bolts and screws. Many of the container mods that we do require assembly of opening and closing mechanisms and handles, for example our industrial man doors and shipping container roll-up doors. We also use these tools any time we repair container floors to drill into and secure floor boards to the cross members of the container.
You can probably imagine there are many other tools that we use in our day-to-day operations, but the ones listed above make our job significantly easier and also more fun. Aside from tools, there are also many pieces of safety equipment and precautions we take to keep our team safe. This includes items like welding gloves, suits and masks, eye protection and dust masks, and more.