talk me out of this box

[scottmlew]

I need to add some storage to my 42" Kobalt top/bottom combo...I'm not sure how much space I really need to add, but I'm trying to make a good estimate. This led me to the Kennedy 3900MP. However, I was a little disappointed to find out that it doesn't have a matching top for future expansion. In continuing to look for other options, I found the 56" Extreme top/bottom combo, shown in the attached photo. This looks like way more space than I need (esp since I was planning to keep my existing setup), but appears to be a great deal with lots of shallow drawers, which is what I need/want for most of my tools. This box will remain stationary in my home garage. Someone talk me out of the Extreme...convince me I should get something else to expand my storage!

[Nealcrenshaw]

Sorry!! no can do!!

That Extreme box looks good.:thumbup:

You got a link to it??

[autoace]

I have my eye on the same box, with all the other business related things i need to buy, I am not willing to shell out 8K for a f'ing box. I have seen that box in the steel, it seemed real good.

[justinmc]

Hmmm how deep is that Extreme unit? I'm a fan of deeper vs. wider.. at some point wider is great.. but doesn't help when you need the extra depth for long tools. Yeah you can stack em sideways but that doesn't always work. A couple of the techs at work have 50ish" wide KRL S/O units that are 30" deep. They just keep pulling and pulling those drawers out.. its like Mary Poppin's purse. 24" is an acceptable depth for a wide box.. I just hate all these "me too" brands who make a 60" wide box thats 18" deep.

[Fedwrench]

What exactly do you need room for? Is it bulky items? specialized tools or test gear in plastic storage boxes? If so, I would skip the monster box and buy a storage locker or two. I would even consider a tool cart in addition to your Kobalt box. I wouldn't buy a monster box until, I had every tool I needed or thought I needed first and then I would try to buy the monster box used.

[krusty the clown]

while it's a nice looking box the country of origin would be the kicker for me. for 8 grand i'd probably throw in a couple more to keep my money here in the states.

[Fast Orange]

The Extreme boxes seem to have a good rep on here for hobby boxes-and there's no such thing as too much room or too well organized-so if the price is right for you,Why Not?
You can either sell the Kobalt or ,since it doesn't eat anything,use it for secondary storage or put it in the attic for future use.

[justinmc]

while it's a nice looking box the country of origin would be the kicker for me. for 8 grand i'd probably throw in a couple more to keep my money here in the states.


For $8K you could "bail out" a starving laid off tech who's selling their monster S/O or Matco box. Heck I've always wanted one of the giant Mac Macsimizer series boxes and they can be found in like new shape for sub $5K these days.

[scottmlew]

Hmmm how deep is that Extreme unit?

The drawers themselves (NOT the unit -- I'm talking usable capacity here) are 17 3/8"

[PhantomEB]

Just go buy yourself another box and chest like your Kobalt, nothing says professionalism than 2 of the same boxes!

[scottmlew]

What exactly do you need room for? Is it bulky items? specialized tools or test gear in plastic storage boxes? If so, I would skip the monster box and buy a storage locker or two. I would even consider a tool cart in addition to your Kobalt box. I wouldn't buy a monster box until, I had every tool I needed or thought I needed first and then I would try to buy the monster box used.

Most of my immediate need is for flat items -- wrenches, ratchets, extensions, screwdrivers, and sockets (which are obviously not flat if I continue with Hansens for storage). My Kobalt boxes are not full in the truest sense, but the low square inches per drawer has left me with a lot of unusable space. If my tool storage systems have space for my stuff in plastic storage, then that's nice, but if they don't, I can happily store them on a regular shelf (that's why I was pointing out that this is for home use -- not everything needs to be locked up).

I agree with your general sentiment re: the monster box -- that's why I'm looking at a (relatively) inexpensive (under $2K to my door) box as opposed to a truck brand (as cool as that would be).

[scottmlew]

Just go buy yourself another box and chest like your Kobalt, nothing says professionalism than 2 of the same boxes!

I'd consider this in principle, but they don't make the exact same box anymore, and I'd like something with deeper drawers (deep as in "increased square inches", not deep as in drawer height).

[scottmlew]

Where are you all getting this $8K number? :headscrat

[autoace]

Where are you all getting this $8K number? :headscrat

Average truck brand tool box is about 8K, top and bottom, I know the box in question is about 1700 for both. I think someone misunderstood me.

[Merkava_4]

This looks like way more space than I need

It looks big from the front view, but looking at it from a side view might yield a different perspective. :D

[momswgn]

Don't get the 56" box. Get the 72" with stainless top to be used as an additional work bench for about $300 more delivered. Drawers are 27.5 inches deep. That is what I am considering.

[scottmlew]

Don't get the 56" box. Get the 72" with stainless top to be used as an additional work bench for about $300 more delivered. Drawers are 27.5 inches deep. That is what I am considering.

Yeah, I looked at those, but the one that's in my price range would actually give me narrower drawers (although they would be deeper).

[pjcforpres2020]

Ok, just put one leg over the edge, then the other, and hop down! You can do it! It's alright, it isn't that far to the floor, I will catch you if you fall! Come on! That's it, good job! That wasn't so bad now?

[momswgn]

I like deeper rather than wider drawers. Shannon at STB quoted me about $1910 with residential delivery for this box for GJ members:
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/roller-cabinets-tool-boxes/extreme-tool-boxes-7218-professional-roller-cabinet.html

[forceyoda]

For $8K you could "bail out" a starving laid off tech who's selling their monster S/O or Matco box. Heck I've always wanted one of the giant Mac Macsimizer series boxes and they can be found in like new shape for sub $5K these days.

Well its not 8k but still at 2k for the bottom I think justinmc has a good point. You can easily find a used box from the truck brands for that much. Another thing to consider- 5 or 10 years from now if you have to sell it how much do you think that would be worth compared to a used snap on?

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I think you'll always do better buying a good used Snap on/Mac/Matco type box in really good condition used, than you would in buying most things new.

Though some guys prefer to buy new. :headscrat :spit:

[Merkava_4]

It's definitely a good looking box with a sensible drawer arrangement........don't know how well built it is though. :dunno:

[back2class]

I think you'll always do better buying a good used Snap on/Mac/Matco type box in really good condition used, than you would in buying most things new.

Though some guys prefer to buy new. :headscrat :spit:



Could not agree more

[scottmlew]

Appreciate the continued thoughts. This is a big purchase and I want to "do it right".

I should be able to get the top AND bottom for $2K, delivered...can I really get this much box used from SO, Matco, etc.? I've been checking our local Craigslist and eBay postings, and haven't found anything that made sense so far. I also find that a lot of the stuff I have seen listed hasn't had the nicest drawer configurations.

[momswgn]

Around here we do not get a good selection to used truck boxes; it meay be different where you are.

[mhulbrock]

Have you pulled the trigger on it? Just curious your opinion.

[scottmlew]

Have you pulled the trigger on it? Just curious your opinion.

Not yet...my decision-making process is very (too?) slow and deliberate, and I'm still unsure what my best option really is :(

[norry]

I should be able to get the top AND bottom for $2K, delivered...can I really get this much box used from SO, Matco, etc.?

IMHO you can, if you're patient. I also think a used $2000 SO box will hold its value better than a new $2000 Kobalt box. I don't have figures to prove that, but it's a matter of the SO box already having depreciated (you're getting the "it's not new anymore" price) whereas the Kobalt box goes from new to used as soon as you unpack it.

And, anytime I hear people talking about getting a nice used box for that kind of price, I think Vidmar...

[mhulbrock]

one example of a cheap box

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42889&highlight=tool+chest

looks pretty good...

[VMaxman]

I like tools and tool boxes like any other red blooded american heterosexual.
I recently went shopping for a new tool box as my 18 year old Vulcan tool box
was beginning to show its age and wear.
I was a bit dissappointed with the quality our major big box stores and main stream brands, but I surely wasnt about to spend $5K - $8K for a tool box.
I began looking for functionality and quality and decided on that 53" Kobalt tool box at Lowes. I just about gave myself and my friend a hernia trying to unload into my garage off my trailer, but its in the garage now safe and sound. Since I am not a mechanic on the line anymore, I am not worried about getting it dirty, dented or laughed at :) I can enjoy for what its for working in my garage with friends or on my own vehicles.
Get what you want and dont worry about having what the Snap-On or Mac tool fans like--Enjoy what ever you decide on and use it!!!

[bry@n]

don't do it, really don't do it. Just walk away....really....

[quneur]

Looks well built. Specs are on their website: http://www.extremetools.net/index.html

[american lockpicker]

I think you'll always do better buying a good used Snap on/Mac/Matco type box in really good condition used, than you would in buying most things new.

Though some guys prefer to buy new. :headscrat :spit:


I prefer to buy new but I usually shop around to find the best price.