Buying a fresh set of drill bits can often lead to frustration. There they sits, a hefty plastic box containing precision steel waiting to make your project come together. The problem is that you can’t get into that box.
These are tough cases from a job site. Designed to protect expensive hardware, these case from Warrior are built like tanks. They’re annoying; the latch are hard to get into.
It’s secure, not convenient; but that security is meant to protect your hardware. And it resist when we attempt to open them up. Pull harder, you say?
No problem. The case remain closed. Maybe crack the plastic or break the latch?
How To Open A Warrior Drill Bit Case
Understanding the Mechanical Latch Mechanism
A lot of people who get these for the first time believe that they’re doing something incorrecty when it comes to gripping the case. They fail to realize this device have a mechanical latch and force their grip in an incorrect way. But after witnessing how those latches engage and make sense off the resistance, you begin working with the case instead of against it.
Correct Technique for Opening the Case
Now, the most common mistake people make is pulling up on the main latch lever. You see that thing that looks like a handle, but it’s not, it’s a locking cam. Pulling up tightens the lock which drives the hook further into the retention slot.
The result is increased friction and the case feel like it is welded shut. First thing is to push down on that lever. That disengage the cam from the slot.
It releases the tension. When the cam are down, the case is free and you can lift the lid. The key is the reversal of instinct: You push before you pull and it pops right open with virtually no effort.
Cleaning Debris from the Hinge Mechanism
It works every time. Debris and dust also will collect inside the hinge mechanism of the latch and prevent it from operating freely. This is especially true if you keep your case on shop floor or in a toolbox at times.
The grit work like a wedge and will actualy keep the cam from sliding freely into the open position. Take a second and take a peek; If you’ll notice the opening between the body and the latch area, it may be clogged with packed-in dirt. Use a bit of compressed air or even a small brush to clear it out.
Fixing Stiff Latches Caused by Shrinkage
Oil is a bad idea here as it will attract additional dust over time which worsen the issue. Simply clean out the travel route for the plastic to glide easy once again and give the push down another attempt. The latch is stiff.
Now if the plastic has shrunk a bit because you left your box out in the sun or stored it in a hot area, it will be smaller then when new. The hook might sit too tight in the slot because of the shrinkage. It resist and feels like the latch is stiff.
Don’t try prying it open with a tool, a screwdriver snaps the latch off while a knife cuts into the housing. Rather, firmly but gently press on the latch lever and hold it in place for a second. Let the plastic flex before lifting.
Releasing Vacuum Seals on Gasketed Cases
Some Warrior case are also sealed with a rubber gasket around the case. When you attempt to open the case, the rubber seals makes the case suck closed; another added resistance to opening. Holding the lid down with one hand, listen to see if you hear a hiss (air equalizing).
If you don’t then the seal is still holding and you need to break the seal first before trying to lift it. Pressing the latch and waiting a second should of done the trick, or simply tilt the lid up just a bit at one corner. Then the lid will lift easy.
This makes life easier on your tool box, your temper and even your wallet. The next time you try to open a Warrior case, just keep in mind this order. Release the latch, remove the debris, allow the seal to disengage.
It’s not a riddle; it’s a process, and once you get it down, your tools will be waiting for you every time.