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Whether you are a home, pro shop, or event mechanic, managing your tools can be a challenge, and keeping them portable is either essential or desired. Park Tool offers the BX-2 Blue Box Tool Case for all of these users, and virtually any mechanic who values flexibility and organization. While you can buy the Park EK-2 Professional Travel and Event Kit- an ably equipped tool set, which comes in the BX-2 Blue Box, many of you already have a comprehensive set of tools and simply need the best case. The BX-2 is your answer.

Park has built the durable, dent proof molded composite case with three key principles: useful and adequate storage of bike tools, flexibility of use, and overall secure storage. Starting with the last, the BX-2 features an anodized aluminum frame and key-locking latches for general security and stoutness. But secure storage really focuses on keeping your tools stable and safe during transportation. The removable interior tool boards feature an ABS inner panel, which is then covered with with tough 600D ballistic nylon, into which the actual tool organization is built. The panels add structure, but aren't completely rigid, offering variable compressibility and accommodation of tool distribution. Think of the case as a sandwich, with a series of layers. This keeps your case from rattling and potentially damaging tools during storage or travel.

The organization itself is geared towards a combination of specific bike tools and general use, though we have found the BX-2 can be used by any type of mechanic requiring such a case. You get 35 pockets and straps, plus four universal modules for more flexibility. The lower level of the case offers customizable tool or part storage with adjustable/removable partitions that allow for tremendous flexibility in set-up. The case design is oriented as if you were working out out of a briefcase. The lid is held in place, upright, but steel hinges. You get three layers to work with, with a beefy velcro strap that allows a two-sided partition for access from both sides. The front side is best selected to store tools you need more frequently, the opposite of the back side. Under the top of the lid (which is facing you, but behind the partition) there is considerable storage for other less frequently used tools.

A removable organizer is designed to hang off the front of the tool box, a proprietary design that is a favorite of pro mechanics, who keep their most used tools closest to their work stand. When you case is sitting on a table, or other flat surface edge, this front hanging tool board will be you best friend. It acts as a cover of the bottom partition space when your kit is closed up. Those are the essentials, now you just have to decide how best to use the BX-2, and stock it with tools. You have the opportunity to set it up your way. Though Park's tool kits may draw ire from mechanics due to tool selection, remember that events like benefit rides, centuries, or even gran fondo's will feature riders and bikes from all levels and generations, while serious racing generally means the most current frames and components.

If you are building a kit for a benefit ride, yes, you will need your go-to tools for every day use, and you might need to tighten a Campy Super Record Ultra-Torque crankset; minutes after tightening a headset from a 1984 Raleigh steel touring bike with a 1" threaded headset, and oh, by the way, can you see why my rear cantilever brake is rubbing? If you were working a sanctioned road race, it may be safe to leave the 32mm/36mm wrench at home. Just as if you were meeting a bunch of friends in a five-person team for a 24 hour mountain bike race, you would want to have more mountain bike friendly tools. Just check with your teammates beforehand, as Ted may choose to roll up on his classic Fat Chance, and your ultra-modern tool set might require a few dusty old tools from the back of your tool chest at home. The beauty of the BX-2 is that it allows you to handle any and all events with ease, with tools that suit your requirements. If you are reading this, you likely have a comprehensive set of tools, but want a great case for travel, racing, or due to limited storage space. Park Tool sought to create the best such case we have seen, and the Blue Box delivers.