Turn your Toolbox into a hotkey bar

Digging through overlapping inventory windows slows down every inspection and water test. To use the Toolbox in Probably Stolen, put a tool in one of its numbered slots, then press that slot's number key to select it. You can keep working with the selected tool instead of repeatedly finding it in your inventory.

The official Probably Stolen demo page lists the Toolbox as a demo addition. The practical controls below come from a player's demo-update walkthrough and the community's Toolbox hotkey discussion.

Put tools in the numbered slots

Open the Toolbox and move a frequently used tool into an available slot. Remember which number you assigned, then use that number key when you need the tool.

In the demo walkthrough, a water scanner placed in slot 2 is selected by pressing 2. Pressing 2 again puts it away. The player also assigns a magnifying glass to slot 1 and uses 1 to enter appraisal mode, then clicks another item to inspect it without hunting for the glass again.

A useful setup is to assign stable positions to tools you reach for throughout the day:

  • A magnifying glass for examining merchandise and berries.
  • A water scanner for checking containers.
  • A labeler for the water-trading routine.
  • A screwdriver for working with modules.
  • A knife or other suitable tool when managing animals.

This is an organization suggestion, not a mandatory loadout. Choose tools that match your current business and keep the numbers consistent so the shortcuts become familiar.

Expand the Toolbox with scrap metal

Community reports say the Toolbox supports up to nine slots, with scrap metal used to add slots. The demo walkthrough describes each scrap metal used on the Toolbox unlocking one additional slot.

You do not need to fill every slot immediately. Add room when another tool would save repeated inventory management, particularly if your shop has expanded from basic appraisal into water trading or farming.

The same walkthrough reports buying the Toolbox from Dr. Jackson after day 14. Treat that as demo-era player experience rather than a guarantee about every scenario or future version's stock schedule.

Use it without confusing your tools

Community reports describe Toolbox hotkeys continuing to work while the Toolbox is inside another container, although the Toolbox will not fit in every container. That can help free up visible space without giving up your usual shortcuts.

A shortcut selects the tool; it does not change what that tool does. For example, the community discussion distinguishes a water scanner from disposable water-testing strips when challenging a seller's water claim. Do not assume every water-related tool performs the same transaction action just because both fit in the Toolbox.

If the wrong action appears, check the selected slot and the tool you placed there before rearranging the rest of your inventory.

FAQ

Which keys activate Toolbox slots?

Use the number assigned to the tool's slot. The demo walkthrough demonstrates slots 1 and 2, and community reports describe up to nine slots.

How do I add another slot?

Use scrap metal on the Toolbox. The demo walkthrough describes one additional slot per scrap metal.

How do I stop holding a selected tool?

The walkthrough demonstrates pressing the same slot's number key again to put its tool away.

Can Toolbox hotkeys work from a container?

Community reports say they can, but the Toolbox does not fit in every container.