Craftsman tool boxes quality going down hill

[longjonuno]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this community. I found this place while searching reviews on Craftsman boxes. I've been buying Craftsman tools for well over a decade now and noticed the quality on most tools is not what it used to be. So i started buying snap-on and other brands, more expensive, yes, but no longer have as many faulty tools.

For a while now I been working out of a Craftsman home owner compound action box. It has five draws on the cart and 7 on the top. When I purchased that a year ago, to better organize my tools, I had to return the top 3 times and the bottom twice. Very poor quality control; The paint was orange peeled and chipped all over, draws were jamming and over all poor "CRAFTSMANSHIP."

Well, two days ago there was a sears sale, so I decided to see what they got and if their higher end stuff is really better quality. I ended up buying the 6 drawer midnight blue bottom, and the 8 draw midnight blue top. Both items are quiet glide. The original price for top was $189 and the bottom was $309, I got them together for around $330. Great deal, untill I got home and found the paint was pealing and orange peeled all over the top box, and the 2 bottom draws would barely open and shut. I was pissed I returned the top and opened the box in the store, once again this box was damaged and paint was chipped off and orange peel. The draws screached when opening. I told the guy to just give me my money back.

Anyone else have these problems with Crafsman boxes? Both sets of the Quiet Glide boxes were loud as hell and shut worse than my homeowner boxes. Quiet gluide seems no different than the cheaper boxes.

[Hoot]

Actually, my Craftsman boxes have been pretty decent. My wife bought my first one as a present in '92. The top box for it was purchased '04, and my big rollaway was bought last year. Not high quality, or anything. But worth the money if you find them on sale. I'm definitely not impressed with the engineering on that "Grip Latch" thing though.

[Jay H 237]

Sounds like a bad batch. I have the quiet glide in black and they did drag a bit until I was told to drop some 3 in 1 oil on the tracks. Never had any paint problems with them though.

[Uncle Buck]

I have recently noticed that Sears new answer for toolbox constuction is plastic; starting with that piece of crap plastic chest and roll cab they are trying to pass off as the next best thing to a pocket on a shirt and then working their way down to the smaller portable carry boxes. Money says if they are able to sell the customer base on the awful plastic roll cab they will dump steel totally and just turn the tool box division over to Fisher Price! :wtf: :lol_hitti :pimpflash

[MAD]

I bought a Quiet glide intermediate box and a 40" grip latch ball bearing tool cart a little under a year ago. Both are great. No problems with either of them or my older Craftsman boxes.

Recently though, Waterloo industries the main Craftsman toolbox OEM has moved some production to Mexico. I would not be surprised if there are some quality control problems (short term or long term) associated with this move.

If those boxes are really worse than your homeowner series boxes then there is something really wrong. The homeowner Craftsman boxes are junk from what I have seen in the stores.

[Coach James]

I have four of the Craftsman homeowner boxes. First was bought ~14 years ago and the last one last year. No problems for me. The 14 year old still has normal scratches from wear and tear, but no bad paint spots.
Coach

[Jbullfrog]

I have had a Craftsman 40" ball bearing top and bottom for 10 years and have had no problems. I had a 12" deep 8 drawer before I moved up to my current set and my cousin still has it. The standard slides are fine with a little white lithium or 3-1 oil.

[longjonuno]

I ended up returning my top chest back to sears. The manager I dealt with was kind and offered a 30% dissount to keep the sale. He brought up a new box and opened it in front of me and to his surprise this box was orange peeled and the paint was cracking and not evenly sprayed. The draws, on the other hand, worked great. He agreed there is a quality control issue and asked if I would still like to buy it for 50% off. I ended up buying the box for $65.00 with a sale coupon and the 50% off. The box sells for $189.00. Anyway, I took it home, cleaned it up and detailed and blending the bad paint areas with compound and then waxed. It was a good deal, but I won't buy another craftsman box " to much stress."

[jay50]

I have recently noticed that Sears new answer for toolbox constuction is plastic; starting with that piece of crap plastic chest and roll cab they are trying to pass off as the next best thing to a pocket on a shirt and then working their way down to the smaller portable carry boxes. Money says if they are able to sell the customer base on the awful plastic roll cab they will dump steel totally and just turn the tool box division over to Fisher Price! :wtf: :lol_hitti :pimpflash

Yeh, and then they will having problems due to lead paint being used....:pimpflash

[Gmundboy]

My experience was similar but I didn't blame the quality, rather the handling or shipping departments... two chests both bent so far out of shape that I couldn't get the drawers to open. If they would only take a bit more care when moving these things around they's save themselves alot of money!

But I did get free drawer liner! Whoa!

[NOMAD]

I have ball bearing top and bottom boxes. I have the quiet glide intermediate. I have no issues with paint etc but I bought them from a liquidator who sells the scratch and dent returns. There are slight dimples on the back of some and one small dent in the lid of the top box that you can;t see from the front. I got a good deal and other than the damage someone caused in shipping everything is straight, smooth and works fine.
I don;t care for the quiet glide but it holds the lighter tools so as to not overburden the slides.

It's the lackies they have working in the back at most stores that cause the problems. I saw two guys bringing out a big toolbox to a customer on the dock. The guy carting the box got it crooked, his "helper" didn't lift a finger, and blankly watched as the box fell on the ground next to the guy's truck. The customer told them to get another, they didn't seem to care, and brought another out.

[marktheshark]

Seems as if the quality problem extends to just about everything with the "Craftsman" name on it.

Last week I had a ratchet go south on me. Gear inside went, slammed my knuckles into the mower deck real hard. last spring a buddy of mine bought a Craftsman router, dead right outta the box...

Riding mowers are no better...

[Coach James]

I've bought quite a few C-man branded power tools and have had no problems. One of my friends did have trouble with a Bosch drill and another had problems with a Dewalt circular saw.

Are C-man riding mowers rebranded MTD's or Murrays?

Coach

[danski0224]

In a price driven market where the consumer is always looking for a "deal" and the retailer needs to make a profit to satisfy Wall Street, what do you expect?

[Uncle Buck]

I've bought quite a few C-man branded power tools and have had no problems. One of my friends did have trouble with a Bosch drill and another had problems with a Dewalt circular saw.

Are C-man riding mowers rebranded MTD's or Murrays?

Coach

Yes, Craftsman mowers are notorious for problems in recent years; usually the transmissions are weak in the riding mowers. With that said I have a Craftsman push mower I bought new 7-8 years ago that has never given me a moments problem! (yes they are Murry MTD or other such high quality brand and have been for many years!)

[jay50]

About 6 months ago, bought Cman 15 drawer professional tool box, grip latch ball bearing unit. First intermediate section was bent out of box; took back for replacement. Overall a decent unit for the $s

[wrenchr]

This is not your Dads Crapsman!!

[MarkH]

I look at Waterloo stuff including all names it is marketed under, very carefully recently and only buy what I see is good. The reason is that much of the production is being outsourced. A thing that has brought a number of companies financial ruin because the brainiacs in the C suite could not understand.

1. Tne new plant will always have teething problems so expect CRAP from them for a much longer time than you ever expected.

2. The old plant is beng closed and jobs lost, expect the workers there have gone from good quality to I do not give a DAMM and they produce CRAP.

THe CRAP factor gives the company a quality kiss of death and the chance of getting a premium is gone along with the profits. Seen alot of old companies die this way.

The usual hope becomes some new ground breaking technology, kinda like Sears new tool chest that usually flops. Technology that before a poorly planned outsourcing move would never have been looked at and laughed out of the door.

[Rickster]

This is not your Dads Crapsman!!

My son graduated and got his first "real" job in Tucson Arizona and built a house. The new company paid to move his belongings there. I sent him my original Craftsman roller cabinet and filled it with extra tools I had pick up. My wife bought it for me back in the late 70's. When I look at the new Craftsman boxes they are a level below the older ones in quality & strength. I'm glad its gone to a good home to be cared-for for another generation.

[Vinko]

It's the lackies they have working in the back at most stores that cause the problems. I saw two guys bringing out a big toolbox to a customer on the dock. The guy carting the box got it crooked, his "helper" didn't lift a finger, and blankly watched as the box fell on the ground next to the guy's truck. The customer told them to get another, they didn't seem to care, and brought another out.

I have no doubt that this is part of the problem. A lot of these guys don't give a shit. I've instituted new policies in my workplace. You throw a product (a finished piece of metal with knurling that's been black-oxided), and you get fired on the spot. Before that, guys would bang shit up and I'd have to either scrap it or pay to a subcontractor to have it refinished.

It's crazy the amount you can lose through "material handling." Part of the problem is management, and specifically, not setting the right standard or paying enough. Part of it is, maybe, that some guys just don't give a shit about doing a job right.

I'm starting to think that the old, proud blue collar tradition in this country has gone to shit. All these pussy-ass kids want to hang out at the mall now and fuck off. No one wants to work.

[Vinko]

In a price driven market where the consumer is always looking for a "deal" and the retailer needs to make a profit to satisfy Wall Street, what do you expect?


Agreed. But I'd like to think they're will always be a market for quality, so if you can hold out, make a good product, charge a fair price for it, you'll get that "niche" market.

[nissan_crawler]

Agreed. But I'd like to think they're will always be a market for quality, so if you can hold out, make a good product, charge a fair price for it, you'll get that "niche" market.

Hence the professional line.

[nismomans13]

Hence the professional line.

the only thing I don't like about the professional line, is all the drawers are the same size. I just bought a 40in BB Griplatch 13 Draw bottom, 7 Draw top, and the quality seems to be there. I wouldn't put it on the same level as Snappy, or Matco or anything, but its good enough for the weekend warrior.

[nissan_crawler]

the only thing I don't like about the professional line, is all the drawers are the same size.

Since when?

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f56/chevyman_57/toolbox/DSC00834.jpg

[nismomans13]

Since when?

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f56/chevyman_57/toolbox/DSC00834.jpg

The ones at the local sears and even on their website don't look like that. If they did, I would of bought the pro-cabinet. The local one, is about 7ft tall, which is to tall if you ask me, and all the drawers are the same width and depth, just some deep and some shallow.

I'll be honest, I saw youre box is the other thread, and its f'n badass.

[nissan_crawler]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00965552000P?vName=Tools&cName=Garage+%26+Tool+Storage&sName=Chests+%26+Cabinets

[madman]

I have had Craftsman Boxes for many years and yeah they seem to bend all by themselves. I also bought all kennedy and replaced all the Slides with Ball Bearing type slides. NOW when its on uneven ground like in some shops ive worked in the drawers silently slide open and suddenly CRASH it just tips over. Now im not cusin this Product but how dumb ass does a tool bx manufacturer have to be to make such crap. I have modified my box with a butcher type wooden top and fold out xtra storage but my homemade roller table seems to get more use in shops i work in.

[olds88]

noticed the quality on most tools is not what it used to be.

Because the tools are made by DANAHER now. I never liked anything from DANAHER, including MATCO, Gearwrench, K-D, and now Craftsman.

[nissan_crawler]

I have had Craftsman Boxes for many years and yeah they seem to bend all by themselves. I also bought all kennedy and replaced all the Slides with Ball Bearing type slides. NOW when its on uneven ground like in some shops ive worked in the drawers silently slide open and suddenly CRASH it just tips over. Now im not cusin this Product but how dumb ass does a tool bx manufacturer have to be to make such crap. I have modified my box with a butcher type wooden top and fold out xtra storage but my homemade roller table seems to get more use in shops i work in.

Apparently you don't read warnings very well about what type of ground not to put your box in. I watched a guy taco a snap on box the same way. It's not the box, the drawers are supposed to open like butter, and they do. It's the guy that parks the toolbox on a slant so all the drawers will roll open.

[speed bump]

I bought two Ball Bearing boxes, the 6 drawer platinum top chest (BTW its on sale for $120 right now) and a 2 drawer full depth red mid chest this summer. Both were as perfect as I expected them to be and have held up just fine. The mid chest has just sat with little in it for the time being but the top chest has logged over a 1000 miles in the back of pickups with over 200 lbs of tools in it this summer and held up just fine.

In the spirit of balance I will tell you some of my dislikes about craftsman boxes though.
1.) The locks on the boxes I bought were kind of cheesy feeling but they seem to do the job okay.
2.) The detents on the Ball bearing boxes are to stiff for smaller drawers even when loaded up, so if you don't move your box around a shop or something this can be annoying.
3.) I tried a Griplatch box (I think it was a scratch and dent box that they were using to move stuff around the store) and I was unimpressed with the griplatch mechanisms on it.

[nissan_crawler]

*shrug* I love my griplatches. I won't buy a Snap-On box solely due to that lock and roll crap they have.

[nismomans13]

*shrug* I love my griplatches. I won't buy a Snap-On box solely due to that lock and roll crap they have.


I love my grip latch box too, I take it for what it is, though, i' ma weekend wrencher, I don't need a 8000 dollar snap on box, despite how much i'd like one.

[VersionS13]

Saw this today in Sears $699 for top and bottom. Good deal?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?vName=Tools&cName=Garage+%26+Tool+Storage&keyword=59623&sLevel=1&sLevel=0

[RbrtAWhyt]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00965552000P?vName=Tools&cName=Garage+%26+Tool+Storage&sName=Chests+%26+Cabinets

I am a big fan of Craftsman tools, but that is crazy money for that toolbox. If someone is going to spend that kind of cash, they would be better off buying a Snap-On box. That’s about the only thing from Snap-On where I personally can justify paying the premium price. Set them side by side and there is no comparison...

[nissan_crawler]

I am a big fan of Craftsman tools, but that is crazy money for that toolbox. If someone is going to spend that kind of cash, they would be better off buying a Snap-On box. That’s about the only thing from Snap-On where I personally can justify paying the premium price. Set them side by side and there is no comparison...

Oh?
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=storage&item_ID=79508&group_ID=17804&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I dunno, I think $3400 vs. $9015 is a bit of a difference. OH, and the Craftsman still has 2,000 more cubic inches. I've never seen a difference between the toolboxes myself, other than the lock and roll system which pisses me the hell off.

[Vinko]

Oh?
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=storage&item_ID=79508&group_ID=17804&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I dunno, I think $3400 vs. $9015 is a bit of a difference. OH, and the Craftsman still has 2,000 more cubic inches. I've never seen a difference between the toolboxes myself, other than the lock and roll system which pisses me the hell off.


I wonder if Sears offered 0% interest payments for 1 year on their really expensive boxes (say 3000+), if they wouldn't get more business.

I'd be more likely to consider a box purchase with those type of terms. Kinda like I bought my washer/dryer on Sears 0% for 12 months.

[whackywaxer]

Has anybody ever seen the Stainless Steel VIPER 72" cabinet which is in he Sears catalog...........it is a very nice design...looks just lke a Montazuma cabinet which a buddy of mine has.......Tom

[mcdtommy23]

I was once a fan of the Craftsman boxes due to the frequent sale prices, but has anyone looked at the Kobalt stainless boxes at Lowes? Correct me if I'm wrong but they just feel soooooo much better. The build quality seems far better than Sears. Who makes these boxes anyway?

[RbrtAWhyt]

Oh?
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=storage&item_ID=79508&group_ID=17804&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I dunno, I think $3400 vs. $9015 is a bit of a difference. OH, and the Craftsman still has 2,000 more cubic inches. I've never seen a difference between the toolboxes myself, other than the lock and roll system which pisses me the hell off.

If you want a brand spankin new box, yeah. I guess I should have said I would rather buy a good used snap-on box instead of a lesser quality new Craftsman box..

Like this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Automotive-Tools__SNAPON-3-BAY-TOOLBOX_W0QQitemZ270280032423QQadnZAutomotiveQ20To olsQQadiZ2871QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270280032423&_trkparms=72%3A543%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245). Add says asking $4000 or even this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Automotive-Tools__snap-on-box-krl-7003-b-red_W0QQitemZ280272132938QQadnZAutomotiveQ20ToolsQ QadiZ2871QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280272132938&_trkparms=72%3A543%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245). As of now, $2000 and no reserve.

I saw the guy on the truck pull out the bottom drawer of a snap-on box and stand in it. I wouldn't want to try that at Sears...

[ZRX61]

I was once a fan of the Craftsman boxes due to the frequent sale prices, but has anyone looked at the Kobalt stainless boxes at Lowes? Correct me if I'm wrong but they just feel soooooo much better. The build quality seems far better than Sears. Who makes these boxes anyway?

Sticker on the ones in the store say 'China"

[nissan_crawler]

If you want a brand spankin new box, yeah. I guess I should have said I would rather buy a good used snap-on box instead of a lesser quality new Craftsman box..

Like this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Automotive-Tools__SNAPON-3-BAY-TOOLBOX_W0QQitemZ270280032423QQadnZAutomotiveQ20To olsQQadiZ2871QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270280032423&_trkparms=72%3A543%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245). Add says asking $4000 or even this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Automotive-Tools__snap-on-box-krl-7003-b-red_W0QQitemZ280272132938QQadnZAutomotiveQ20ToolsQ QadiZ2871QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280272132938&_trkparms=72%3A543%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245). As of now, $2000 and no reserve.

I saw the guy on the truck pull out the bottom drawer of a snap-on box and stand in it. I wouldn't want to try that at Sears...

Apples and oranges. Now compare used Craftsman and used Snap-On, the price gap opens up even more. I would bet dollars to dimes that those toolboxes will go much higher than that when the auction ends.

Oh, and I've stood in my box before. It's had at least 5 people sitting on it at once, too.

[speed bump]

If you want a brand spankin new box, yeah. I guess I should have said I would rather buy a good used snap-on box instead of a lesser quality new Craftsman box..

Like this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Automotive-Tools__SNAPON-3-BAY-TOOLBOX_W0QQitemZ270280032423QQadnZAutomotiveQ20To olsQQadiZ2871QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270280032423&_trkparms=72%3A543%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245). Add says asking $4000 or even this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Automotive-Tools__snap-on-box-krl-7003-b-red_W0QQitemZ280272132938QQadnZAutomotiveQ20ToolsQ QadiZ2871QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280272132938&_trkparms=72%3A543%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245). As of now, $2000 and no reserve.

I saw the guy on the truck pull out the bottom drawer of a snap-on box and stand in it. I wouldn't want to try that at Sears...

I don't know I can buy a brand new Waterloo Magnum for $2800 (same thing as a Cman pro without the badging) with free shipping and a lifetime warrenty and a higher load capacity than any SO box other than the KRLs. Looking for a used box in Snap on with comparable specs in my area I found a KLR1023 for $8000. As far as used stuff goes I haven't seen a Craftsman Pro-box for awhile but when I did see a 41" it went for $800 for both the top and bottom cabs.

I will say that I do see one reason to buy the Snap-ons though. You can get them in purple.

[Matt M, PA]

I suppose this isn't the best way to make a first post...but I too have been less than satisfied with Craftsman of late.

About a year ago, my wife and I bought one of the newer style cabinets...I think the "Professional Floor Cabinet". I was impressed in the store as to how the doors seem to almost close themselves, the shelves on the doors, etc. I thought it was perfect for my detailing supplies. If memory serves, it was about $300.

We took my car trailer over to Sears and bought one. The box was a bit damaged, but nothing serious. I asked the guy that brought it out to us if the box damaged should be of concern. He said that he knew this one was no damaged.

Well, we got it home, and opened the box to find a dent in the cabinet. We stood the cabinet up and both doors literally fell off! We put the pieces back in the trailer and got a replacement. This one is fine....although I think, a bit delicate.

I suppose it is possible that these things simply get damaged by poor handling, but what are the odds that I got the only bad one?

[nissan_crawler]

I suppose this isn't the best way to make a first post...but I too have been less than satisfied with Craftsman of late.

About a year ago, my wife and I bought one of the newer style cabinets...I think the "Professional Floor Cabinet". I was impressed in the store as to how the doors seem to almost close themselves, the shelves on the doors, etc. I thought it was perfect for my detailing supplies. If memory serves, it was about $300.

We took my car trailer over to Sears and bought one. The box was a bit damaged, but nothing serious. I asked the guy that brought it out to us if the box damaged should be of concern. He said that he knew this one was no damaged.

Well, we got it home, and opened the box to find a dent in the cabinet. We stood the cabinet up and both doors literally fell off! We put the pieces back in the trailer and got a replacement. This one is fine....although I think, a bit delicate.

I suppose it is possible that these things simply get damaged by poor handling, but what are the odds that I got the only bad one?

That has nothing to do with Sears, except for the idiot saying it wasn't damaged. I have the wall cabinets, bought 3, one was damaged, got it swapped. I had a toolbox show up to sears speared by a forklift. How in the hell can you blame the product for that?

[bomber]

my base and top box were Christmas presenst from all of the women in my family in the late 80s (I LOVE the women in my family!)

Not up to Snap-On standards, by any means, but they look as good as they did the day I unwrapped em (when I bother to clean them) and work identically, too -- they've gotten some tough love over the years . . . . .

the new stuff feels a bit lighter (not a scientific measure, by any means) -- but I gotta add, a number of oflks I know are in businesses that ship and/or receive large items often -- they have ALL commented on the amount of shipping damage rising a great deal over the course of the last decade or so . . . . . .

[Matt M, PA]

nissancrawler...the damage to the box was very slight indeed...or I would have requested another one. I was amazed that this much damage was incurred by the way the box looked

I should have commented in my last post that when I contacted the store for a replacement...they didn't have one. The folks at that store directed me to another Sears Hardware Store who would not take the first one back. Something about credit to their store, etc, etc. I would have had to take the first one back...and buy the next one at the now "off-sale" price.

I called yet another local Sears...who had a cabinet...and they made the exchange with no hassle. This one has been fine...and I am pleased with it. I will say that they cheaped out by not giving enough of the little bungees for each shelf.

[Sniper55]

I Don'T feel there quality is going down hill i just feel you pay for what you get weather it's a $120 box or $4000 box from craftsman i had a $250 Dollar Box from them for a year and sold in the same condition i bought it in yeah it didnt have the useless option like being able to stand or sit on a draw but i will tell you i loaded that BAD LARRY UP and it had no problems now i cant speak for moving it with all that weight because any time i had to work in another bay i had my service cart and my box was stationary for 99% of the time i had it & i would of bought another one but i got a really good deal on a New CornWell Box and it was Delivered free of charge

And as far as the Dents And bends that's not Craftsman Quality that's Shipping Quality