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OldCarGuy
12-20-2007, 11:04 PM
Look what just rolled off my trailer, a 23 drawer Waterloo Traxx 5200 combo roller tool cabinet.. I’m finding all kinds of tasks for my new trailer...

It’s one of the additions to my garage make-over. So why did I purchase this Waterloo? I considered Lista and Snap-On; but didn’t want to invest that kind of money. After all I’m a lot older than BMWpower, and I’m sure it will last the rest of my life. Waterloo seamed to be a good value. I own one older Craftsman roller cabinet made by Waterloo that I purchased new 40 years ago. However at first glance it is built better than my new one.

Here are my out of the box observations:

The dealer I ordered them from had these words on their website “Waterloo tool boxes and tool storage cabinets are proudly made in the USA!” With an American flag blowing in the breeze. Well that’s a lot of hog wash! A label on the back of the roller cabinet says it’s made in Mexico!! I guess they need to update their Website some. Well at least it’s not China! I’m traveling to Mexico over the holidays, I’ll see if I can take a plant tour..

The lid has no handle on it. Makes it impossible to open. And you have to be careful that you don’t crush your fingers when closing. Though there is a nice label on the side warning about the pinch-point and to keep finger out. Fortunately I will leave the lid in the open position.

The verdict is still out on their Posi_Latch system. So far I’m not impressed and think the money to make it would be better put somewhere else in their product.

All the drawers have smooth operating ball bearing slides and fully open. And come with precut drawer liners.

Nice big 2" wide 6" diameter wheels and a hefty handle that makes the cabinet easily maneuverable, at least without loaded with tools.

The cabinet is overall well made with a terrific paint job.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/OldCarGuy_1955/DSCF1621.jpg

Uncle Buck
12-20-2007, 11:11 PM
Very nice looking setup indeed! I do not think you will be disappointed with that.

GDA
12-21-2007, 09:25 AM
Thats a good looking set. With all your tools I'll bet you can mod that lid and install a nice glovebox/trunk type shock and avoid those nasty pinched fingers.

l_bilyk
12-21-2007, 09:37 AM
Hmmm I have an older mastercraft box (made by waterloo) and mine is stamped Made in USA. Also I am a fan of the latching draws... they seem flimsy at first but once everything is loaded in their usefulness becomes apparent because this way you don't have to push too hard to have the draws close, and they don't open by themselves if you didn't fully close them the last time you used them.

l_bilyk
12-21-2007, 09:39 AM
Oh and as for the lid, you could just put a handle on there. Probably will not cost you more than 2 dollars to do. I don't think more expensive boxes some with handles on the lids, but they do have those gas charged shocks that raise them.

brianpgriset
12-21-2007, 12:02 PM
I have a 26" Craftsman/Waterloo ball-bearing & griplatch set and I really like the griplatch, especially compared to some of the other drawer lacking mechanisms on the market, like the snap on "lock n' roll". Griplatch is much more intuitive to open unlike the SO counterpart.

MrDigital
12-21-2007, 12:40 PM
I have a waterloo traxx box also.
I was wondering if it is possible to put some gas struts
on the top chest. It is a pain to close some times.

SpiderGearsMan
12-21-2007, 06:06 PM
my 1988 snap on is made in USA

Uncle Buck
12-21-2007, 07:10 PM
I have a 40" combination set and my lid is just like that, it never occurred to me that the lid would be a problem; of course I guess it would not bother me at all as I think about it. The lid on my top box has not been closed twice in ten years. My box sets in a secured garage and I am the only person working out of it so I never bother closing it. I am sure it will get closed and locked a lot as my boy gets older and grabby hands think they are going to wander through my box!

Deafautotech
12-21-2007, 08:40 PM
my 1988 snap on is made in USA

my KRL1001B and KR1201 are made in usa (stamped) on it and i still love it and never want trade for bigger box for no reason!!! :thumbup:

SpiderGearsMan
12-22-2007, 04:53 PM
my box has traveled from ny to boston to florida , to connecticut , to new jersey
still not happy

l_bilyk
12-22-2007, 05:16 PM
my KRL1001B and KR1201 are made in usa (stamped) on it and i still love it and never want trade for bigger box for no reason!!! :thumbup:

Yeah but those boxes are plenty big