Lista vs. The Truck Tool Boxes

[carder69]

I am considering buying some used Lista (eye level 64" tall) modular cabinets for tool storage. They are in good condition and have up to 17 drawers for about $1K per cabinet. I could buy two for a little less than $2K (hopefully), but I am not certain it is the best purchase.

I have no doubts that a SO/MAC box and the Lista are both high quality, but have concerns about the pros and cons.

If you had $2K would you look for a used toolbox on CL or go for the used cabinets. I know I will get more space per $ on the cabinets, but the trade off for mobility is a concern as well as resale value.

I appreciate any comments or suggestions.

ec

[Merkava_4]

Lista vs. The Truck Tool Boxes

= Armored Bank Truck vs. Hyundai Elantra

[Merkava_4]

=

[irisservice]

i like the comparison lol...

[Eds_tls]

I've worked in manufacturing for the last 12 years of my life. Of the 4 companines I've worked at, they all used Lista cabinets almost 100% of the time.

We routinely have them loaded with heavy tool steel and even heavier carbide bushings and many of them are opened and closed dozens of times a day.

I don't think I've ever seen one being replaced or scrapped. Ever

[Mickey O]

Lista cabinets are excellent, they actually make tool box units with wheels on them (there is a deal on one signed by Tony Pedregon and Cruz Pedregon on the Rockford craig's list that has been tempting me for awhile now, link). Their capacity is 3.5 to 7 times the truck brand boxes. The downside is that they are quite heavy, usually very expensive and a pain to move but if you are keeping it stationary they are top notch.

[jkeyser14]

I would take any used beat up and rusted Lista over a tool truck box with no regrets.

[Thedroid]

As an owner of a snap on krl, I can say that there really is no comparison. A Lista is far more durable than any toolbox. If your just using it as a toolbox, than either option will last a lifetime. If you plan on storing heavy items, than the Lista will blow any toolbox away. We used Lyon cabinets which are similar to Listas, and we loaded the drawers with 100's of lbs of parts. These cabinets were manhandled daily and stood up to the abuse. My Kelly wouldn't have lasted a year in that place.

[Thedroid]

You can also build a frame with some casters if mobility is a concern

[jah304]

The drawers have awesome bearings, we have some in our shop loaded. Some are load with some weight, I believe the drawers have a 400lb rating.

[TheGrooveking]

Originally Posted by Merkava_4

=

Everytime I see that picture of that garage I just, well just, you know....:r ocker:

TheGrooveking

[carder69]

Thanks for the quick replies. I was already leaning toward the Lista so as soon as I strike a deal I will post pics.

[ihredo4]

Lista is what I went with and am very happy I did. I wouldnt even think of a truck brand tool box unless it was an extremely low priced one.

[nissan_crawler]

Lista is the proverbial brick shithouse. They are insanely sturdy, in a way you can't even compare. Are they dolled up? NO. They're designed with getting the job done in mind.

Truck boxes are strong, but can't even be spoken of in the same sense as lista, but they are prettier.

It's all in what you prefer. Lista gets you high end strength with decent looks. Truck boxes get you decent strength with high end looks.

Personally, I believe a tool box is there to hold shit, with looks being secondary, and lista is best at it. Dollar for dollar, I would take a lista every time.

If mobility is a concern, it wouldn't take much time or money to weld up a base with wheels.

[trythis]

Do the lista's / vidmars, etc. have drawer detents that would prevent them from opening if your moving them around? I am always hoping to find some, and would keep a pallet or blocks under them so I could move them with a pallet jack until I put wheels on them.

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted by trythis

Do the lista's / vidmars, etc. have drawer detents that would prevent them from opening if your moving them around?

They have a latch on each drawer and the cabinet will only let you open one drawer at a time.

[bmwpower]

Originally Posted by trythis

Do the lista's / vidmars, etc. have drawer detents that would prevent them from opening if your moving them around? I am always hoping to find some, and would keep a pallet or blocks under them so I could move them with a pallet jack until I put wheels on them.

They make pallet truck bases specifically for this.

[Merkava_4]

Can your toolbox drawer hold a stack of brake rotors?

[bmwpower]

They will take any of Merk's big boobed babes without issues.

[Davefr]

Originally Posted by Merkava_4

Can your toolbox drawer hold a stack of brake rotors?

That is pretty impressive!!!