junk toolbox?

[NOMAD]

I ran across these on ebay and was assuming they are junk but it seems like you at least get bb drawer slides and they might be a better deal than the c-man quiet glide or friction versions.

Anyone know about these? Anyone see anything in the photos that might raise flags?

Elite tool box
ebay auction number 220157502429

[Stuey]

$410 after shipping? That's a bit steep if you ask me. Just because they're BB doesn't mean they're quality.

I'd recommend looking at Kobalt's cabinets or even Craftsman's if you're going to be spending that kind of money.

That's just me. I like to try things like cabinets and chests out before I buy 'em. That kind of dough seems a bit steep to me. With a shipping fee of $180, it's not like you can easily ship it back if you don't like it. If you buy locally, sure it'll be a hassle given the weight of roll-aways, but it sure as hell won't break your wallet as much.

[ooman]

They set the "Buy It Now" price at $229.99. And then they state "Retail price is over $219.99." Sounds like someone needs to adjust their ball bearings.

Personally I'd never buy a no-name cab sight unseen. And no, a web picture doesn't count as a sighting. However, I know it's impossible to tell just from the pic, but the side panels look awfully thin around those unfilled handle holes. Speaking of those holes, would it have killed them to either attach the handles or use the angle from the side that has them already attached?

And furthermore, shipping to my zip is $145, and I live less than 30 miles away!

No, I guess I won't be bidding on this one.

[NOMAD]

I noticed the funny buy it now thing too. I'm not considering it right now but I would certainly not pay for shipping on something like that. I'd pick it up. Just wondering if something like this would go on my future idea list.

It'd be nice to have a box for yard and woodworking tools as it is so much more convenient to use a real toolbox rather than my shelves and workbenches.

Good point about the side looking flimsy. I wonder what type of frame is in the inside.

[oldgoat]

I'd buy locally where I could actually look at it and open the drawers and see how they felt. There are some off brands out there that you could get for storage that probably wouldn't be half bad. As far as the friction slide drawers I wouldn't be against them either. I have a roll away box that is over 30 years old that I kept a lot of heavy tools in. Finally wore through one of the rails after about 25 years.

[nissan_crawler]

The international boxes on ebay look much better, IMHO.

[Chris Adams]

I've been in their showroom and I have bought one of their smaller boxes.
They are mostly assembled in the US, but all the pieces came from China.

The ball bearing slides they use are not very heavy, most are pop riveted to the drawers rather than using the heavy hooks like Waterloo, Craftsman, Husky and most others.

The tool boxes are workable, and useable for home owner duty.

The Harbor Freight General branded stuff (that’s the bigger ones) look better and stronger.

Get scratch and ding Craftsman ball bearing or even quiet glide stuff for better bang for the buck.

[ooman]

Sure I'd like ball bearing sliders, but my old Homal chest and Homak base cab have quiet glides. I have them loaded down pretty heavily, but they both seem to be holding up just fine after more than 12 years of moderate use (bought in 6/94, $230 for the pair, Costco). Just as important to me is the panel thickness and the quality of the joints etc. But then I'm a weekend wrencher only.

I recently looked at the new Husky and C-man lines, and they both felt extremely flimsy, especially the Husky. I have Trix cereal boxes that are tougher than the stuff they're now using.