Pelican Mobile Tools Chest 0450:  Tough Enough for the Military

Pelican Tool Case

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Pelican
Model number: 0450
Price: $499

Pelican Cases have been a standard in the entertainment industry for literally decades, keeping cameras, lens, and other gear safe from damage and dry.  If you don’t know much about Pelican, let me fill you in.  Avid diver, Dave Parker, founded Pelican in 1976 when he was trying to fill a need for divers to have rugged, waterproof flashlights and cases to take on dives.  Since that time the company has expanded, and while still one of the leaders in waterproof cases and lighting, has tackled other products, now including rugged protection for tablets and computers, and tools!  If these cases can protect the tools of military and firefighters, then they ought to protect your tools on the jobsite.

So let’s start there when looking at the Pelican Mobile Tool Case (Model 0450).  This case is built to the same standards as other Pelican products, which means two things for you.  1) Your tools and other items in the case are sure to be protected, and 2) It will last you a very long time, Pelican hopes a lifetime.

Video Overview of the Pelican Mobile Tool Case:

Before we delve too deeply into the specifics, you might want to take a look at the video review:

Pelican Mobile Tool Case Features:

As in most things that Pelican makes, this tool case has plenty of detail in the features.  Starting with the removable 2” polyurethane wheels.  Because these are ultimately used by military, they have to be serviceable in the field.  They are very easy to remove and can be quickly replaced if necessary, although it’s unlikely you’ll encounter this as they are exceptionally durable to begin with.  The wheels are located on the back of the tool case offering a stable track to roll over a variety of surfaces, and making them less obtrusive inside the case to give more space for drawers.

The 2 inch wheels are designed to roll over all types of surfaces and can be removed and replaced if damaged.

Like most mobile cases, they Pelican 0450 has a telescoping handle that is easy to operate.  I’m a fairly tall guy and I found the height to be comfortable and the case pulled easily.  I can’t complain about the handle.

The telescoping handle is easy to operate.

The side handles are designed so that the case can be moved and picked up in a couple of different ways.  Designed for a two-man lift the side handles are wide when carrying in the horizontal orientation, or when picking up with the tool chest upright.

The side handles are wide making it easier to lift the chest.

Latches and Valves:

One of Pelican’s signature features is the secure latching system on all of its cases.  The 0450 is no exception.  There are 2 latches for the lid of the chest and 2 more for the front of the chest.  They are the standard Pelican double-throw configurations, but with the added security of butterfly compression closures.  There’s also a pass-through for a security cable or a padlock.

Dual latch with butterfly compression.

You may not be changing altitudes considerably from one jobsite to the next, but if you do, Pelican has you covered.  There are two pressure equalization valves, one in the top and one for the main tool compartment.

Pelican 0450 Drawer Configuration:

If you want versatility, you’ll get it with this tool case.  Pelican offers two configurations, the first is the 0450 WD, which means “with drawers”.   This version has a top tray, 6 shallow drawers and a deep drawer.  For more versatility, Pelican offers the 0450 ND or “no drawers”.  With this configuration, you can remove the slide panels on either side and set the up however you’d like.  In this case, you’d buy the drawers separately and set them up how you see fit.

Drawer slides can be removed and rearranged for different drawer configuration.

One more nice feature from Pelican: once the lid is open, it can be used as a work surface.  It will support up to 50 pounds as long as the case is balanced.

My Opinion of the Pelican 0450:

Overall, I think this case is a good solution if you travel with your tools a lot or you need the ultimate in case protection.  Because it was built to pass over 70 tests, including drop tests and water submersion tests, and last in the extreme conditions that the military encounter, I found it to be a bit heavy.  Even when empty, it weighs in at about 41 pounds.  But, the tradeoff of the extra protection may be worth a few more pounds.

As usual, Pelican has incorporated features into this case that are both thoughtful and productive.  From the sturdy, yet less-intrusive wheels, to the tray on the top that doubles as a work station, this mobile tool chest has the design and the features to justify the price point.

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Pelican Mobile Tool Chest 0450 Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz