Best Made Toolbox – The Garage Journal

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hifi_hokie

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#2

I think this one already got taken apart here

I like the aesthetics, but not sure how well the implementation would work...

K

This toolbox is $89.00. Thats not that expensive considering how much a tool truck box would cost.I wish that they would have showed the box with the front open and a pic of the inside. Maybe if I have some extra cash in my Paypal accout I'll order one.

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pmiranda

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#4

That caliper pen of theirs seems like a good idea, but I wouldn't call it a Vernier... doesn't look much better than just using a ruler.

OP

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Ryan

Administrator

Staff member

May 31, 2013

#5

ken w. said:
This toolbox is $89.00. Thats not that expensive considering how much a tool truck box would cost.I wish that they would have showed the box with the front open and a pic of the inside. Maybe if I have some extra cash in my Paypal accout I'll order one.

I'm thinking about it too... I use small boxes like this for this kind of thing:

http://www.garagejournal.com/2007/10/organization-for-smaller-shops/

In any case, I'll contact them and see if they are interested in us doing a review.

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9GUY9

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#6

Looks like best made is a yuppie mens supplier. All their stuff looks pretty neat, but the prices are ridiculous.

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Perrorojo

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#7

Maybe it's just me, and I'm certainly often wrong, but I feel like it's a marketing ploy to capitilize on the whole hipster rich guy who pretends to be a blue coller type. I could be totaly wrong but I don't have the same warm and fuzzy about them as I do about these guys:

http://vimeo.com/vbf/professional

It feels to me like I would be paying for the logo instead of giving the money to craftsman.

OP

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Ryan

Administrator

Staff member

May 31, 2013

#8

Perrorojo said:
Maybe it's just me, and I'm certainly often wrong, but I feel like it's a marketing ploy to capitilize on the whole hipster rich guy who pretends to be a blue coller type. I could be totaly wrong but I don't have the same warm and fuzzy about them as I do about these guys:

http://vimeo.com/vbf/professional

It feels to me like I would be paying for the logo instead of giving the money to craftsman.

Well yeah... That much is obvious.

But I love good design as much or more than the average hipster. And I love the fact that the hipster movement we speak of promotes craftsmanship and the art of making. To me, that's a really positive thing.

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Joe Reed

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#9

OK, maybe I'm missing something.....

From the pics, it looks as if as soon as you open the lid the front of the box opens. I don't see anything in the pics or the description to indicate that there is any kind of separate latch for the front cover.

It would be a PITA for the front to drop down every time you opened the lid to get something out of the top tray. I suppose you could put a magnetic catch on it - or maybe it has one and they didn't mention it...

OP

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Ryan

Administrator

Staff member

May 31, 2013

#10

Joe Reed said:
OK, maybe I'm missing something.....

From the pics, it looks as if as soon as you open the lid the front of the box opens. I don't see anything in the pics or the description to indicate that there is any kind of separate latch for the front cover.

It would be a PITA for the front to drop down every time you opened the lid to get something out of the top tray. I suppose you could put a magnetic catch on it - or maybe it has one and they didn't mention it...

I think you are right... The idea being that it makes the bottom compartment more accessible than a traditional design. So essentially... the side of the box opens as the first action. I actually like this when I think about accessing my mobile tool kit in my hot rod.

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Perrorojo

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#11

Ryan said:
Well yeah... That much is obvious.

But I love good design as much or more than the average hipster. And I love the fact that the hipster movement we speak of promotes craftsmanship and the art of making. To me, that's a really positive thing.

I love good design and craftsmanship but it scares me that we'll start seeing a bunch of similar sites that exploit while they promote.

I'm getting to cynical in my old age.

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DrivewayDave

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#12

I like it. It's very nice. I like the door access. I guess one could put hinges on the tray the pic(s) at ebay:

ebay -Vintage-Wards-Master-Quality-Tool-Box-16-x7-25-x7-deep-item2577f5863a

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ArmyVW_GuyInTX

ALLIANCE MEMBER

May 31, 2013

#13

That looks like a nice box, and made in the USA is nice too.

I have an old Hazet #190 and isn't front opening, but very dependable, plus it matches my Hazet Assistent tool cart.

http://tools-from-germany.com/index.php?page=product&info=2815

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Tweeker

Banned

May 31, 2013

#14

Looks like the Ralph Lauren tool and accessory catalog.

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Bruce Lancaster

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#15

Hmmm...design looks vaguely familiar...http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2050024&postcount=15

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PinkLinc

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#16

A few cool things on that site that's all WAY over-priced. But mostly a bunch of hipster ******** if you ask me. 2 and 3 hundred dollar blankets? Really???

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Scout Driver

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#17

PinkLinc said:
A few cool things on that site that's all WAY over-priced. But mostly a bunch of hipster ******** if you ask me. 2 and 3 hundred dollar blankets? Really???

My feelings too.

And, I don't see where having tools "accessible" through that front door of the tool box is handy.

Scott

OP

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Ryan

Administrator

Staff member

May 31, 2013

#18

Perrorojo said:
I love good design and craftsmanship but it scares me that we'll start seeing a bunch of similar sites that exploit while they promote.

I'm getting to cynical in my old age.

Yeah... I hear ya... And there is a lot of that going around. However, I don't see it as a bad thing. See, the "hipster" movement is mostly about a younger generation that is into premium goods... only made premium because they are marketed with buzz words like "made in the USA," "Hand Crafted," "since 1894," etc...

Now, the typical fella here at TGJ is not gonna pay a serious premium for such buzz words. I get that. But there is a market that will.

What I like the idea of though is that there is some guy out there making stuff by hand, sourcing stuff from the USA, etc... And getting really large margins because of the hipster movement.

We ***** a lot about how mfg. in the US has lost it's way, how things aren't made how they used to be, and on... and on... Those hipsters and their stupid *** sun glasses are actually supporting craftsman. And to me, that's really positive.

As far as movements go, it could be a whole lot worse.

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Perrorojo

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#19

^^^ Good point.

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03bluesilver

Active member

May 31, 2013

#20

I've never thought of it that way Ryan. Really good point. Those guys in selvedge $300 jeans and really clean Redwings are so easy to make fun of though!

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Ryan

Administrator

Staff member

May 31, 2013

#21

03bluesilver said:
I've never thought of it that way Ryan. Really good point. Those guys in selvedge $300 jeans and really clean Redwings are so easy to make fun of though!

When I was 16, my dad took me out to buy a ubiquitous pair of Redwing 1178 Boots. They had (and might still have?) two different version that looked exactly the same - the standard 1178 and the special edition "made in the USA" boot. The standard boot was like $175 and the American made boots were like $275. My dad bought me the American made ones... And I still wear them. In fact, I'm on my 6th set of soles. I'll die with these fuckers on my feet.

And selvedge jeans... Guilty. Again. I bought a pair of Stronghold jeans from a buddy that works with them. I got a STEEP discount and still paid over $100 for them. I've had them for three years now and they show no signs of giving in. They are literally my shop jeans.

Jesus god... I might be a hipster. If only I had a good set of Snap On tools (rather than my vintage 1980's era Craftsman) to complete the package!

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T.E.D. Jordan

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#22

I like it, but the side handles aren't on straight which would bug me :-/

It's no bearing on this box in particular but if I had a powder coated lovely looking toolbox like this to work from, I'd probably only use it for storage as it looks too nice to transport. A toolbar or plastic Stanley/facom would do for me as I would t worry about it getting scratched etc.

It is nice though!

Jordan

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03bluesilver

Active member

May 31, 2013

#23

Ryan said:
When I was 16, my dad took me out to buy a ubiquitous pair of Redwing 1178 Boots. They had (and might still have?) two different version that looked exactly the same - the standard 1178 and the special edition "made in the USA" boot. The standard boot was like $175 and the American made boots were like $275. My dad bought me the American made ones... And I still wear them. In fact, I'm on my 6th set of soles. I'll die with these fuckers on my feet.

And selvedge jeans... Guilty. Again. I bought a pair of Stronghold jeans from a buddy that works with them. I got a STEEP discount and still paid over $100 for them. I've had them for three years now and they show no signs of giving in. They are literally my shop jeans.

Jesus god... I might be a hipster. If only I had a good set of Snap On tools (rather than my vintage 1980's era Craftsman) to complete the package!

You are a total hipster. But, I've seen your work before at a show in Kansas City. That is one bad *** '38 Ford sir or should I say hipster! :evil:

OP

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Ryan

Administrator

Staff member

May 31, 2013

#24

03bluesilver said:
You are a total hipster. But, I've seen your work before at a show in Kansas City. That is one bad *** '38 Ford sir or should I say hipster!

That car is a little different now.

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bluebolt

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#25

I don't see where that front opening panel does much good for most uses. You need space to swing it down, the same amout of space the tray would sitting on the ground. You would have to get it up higher to see inside it or get down on the ground. It would not hold small items well, they would fall out as soon as you opened the drawer. Accidentilly step on the hinged drawer and it is all messed up. No padlock hasp. Best use I could see would be power tools in the bottom if they fit. Give me one of my Crown label Craftsman 6512 boxes anyday. Same dimensions exactly, 20" x 8 1/2"W x 9 1/2"H.

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Amitygravel

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#26

So who is the "legendary metal fabricator" that's making them ?

I really haven't purchased any "new" tools in a while.
Is 89 bucks really that extreme of a price for the "American made" that we all wish for ?
Real quality never has come cheap has it ?

Functionality ? Yeah , I like the idea of power tools going in the bottom.
Maybe if they get some decent numbers sold other designs will follow ?

Face it. Some people can throw out 300 on a blanket.
What did you spend on your new Snap-On ratchet ? (Off the truck ,not on e-bay).
Believe me I'm not picking on Snap-On , I'm using them as a reference in regards to quality.

Last edited: May 31, 2013

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Flathead Johnny

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#27

i'll pass on it, that gimmick of a side door is going to be a PITA. I have never had a issue of opening up my toolbox placing the tray next to it and pulling out the tool I need. Its a solution to a problem that does not exist and the solution actually will cause problems with tools spilling out and having to lay the box on its back side to close the door. Why not get one of the nice little old gray craftsman toolbox with the two red metal pull out draws AND a top tray to boot if you want side access or just use a normal toolbox.

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bluebolt

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#28

If I truly wanted a new USA made box of that size and style I would get the Proto J9975-NA I found it as low as $46 SHIPPED.

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hotsam

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#29

Strange...I always thought hipsters were attention-starved beardos who sit on park benches in their skinny jeans while typing on vintage typewriters.

Anyway, cool box.

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harrycaul

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#30

bluebolt said:
If I truly wanted a new USA made box of that size and style I would get the Proto J9975-NA I found it as low as $46 SHIPPED.

Zoro Tools has a coupon code for $5 off, so $40.16 or so is possible.

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Piles

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#31

I don't really like it. I think, like others have mentioned, the drop down front is them trying to solve a problem that isn't there. Which there seems to be alot of in this world of ours.

The website seems gimmicky too. I pretty much agree with the hipster theory you guys got.

But to end on a high note I will share with you a toolmaker I have found that is fantastic, he is mostly timber framing and knife related but it is really cool stuff. I haven't used the tools, but the videos are pretty awesome if nothing else. Sorry if he has been talked about before, and if anyone has used the tools let me know how they are.

Name is John Neeman I believe.
http://www.neemantools.com/en/about-us/who-where-and-why

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dhill001

Member

May 31, 2013

#32

I'm with bluebolt & Flathead Tommy.
1) When you open the front with tools leaning on it, they spill out and will jam when you try to close the door again. Leaning on the door to close it against a jam will spring the piano hinge.
2) I don't see anything providing bracing across the front door opening. Unless the remaining 3 walls are particularly stout, I'd expect them to deform if you try to move the box with anything moderately heavy in it. This too would spring the piano hinge and prevent the door from closing square.
3) If this is such an amazing design, why don't we see it in regular use? Toolbox design probably goes back to before the Egyptian first dynasty. These guys are just smarter than anybody ever?

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Dennis93

Well-known member

May 31, 2013

#33

9GUY9 said:
Looks like best made is a yuppie mens supplier. All their stuff looks pretty neat, but the prices are ridiculous.

Ryan said:
Well yeah... That much is obvious.

But I love good design as much or more than the average hipster. And I love the fact that the hipster movement we speak of promotes craftsmanship and the art of making. To me, that's a really positive thing.

Uncle Si would be proud of you. No I agree, I see all these "fake" things they make that they suppose a blue collar worker uses and then sells them at a premium. It's like those expensive jeans all over Cali with tears and rips. Give me some Wranglers and after a week I'll sell them to you for half what those shops are charging!

Good design is good design agreed. We need that. However, when it's based on drinking $5 overpriced **** coffee from a Starbucks and hanging around there all day, and wearing stupid **** because it's "vintage" you don't float my boat. I think we have too many people "doing the art of making" and not enough people working. How many people are in trades as opposed to decades ago, and you can see why society keeps going down. Certainly in the field the most expensive clothing I see is Redwing and Carrhart, but I can assure you a real tradesman isn't lining up to buy a toolbox that is overpriced garbage to boot.

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Brad54

Well-known member

Jun 1, 2013

#34

Craftsman 2-drawer Ralley Box is a lot more functional.
So is their two-drawer red box with the deep top that will swallow 1/2-inch electric drills, a box of bits, a couple hammers and more.

I LOVE a good tool box, and I'm really trying to find a plus with this one...
The side handles are a great idea. In fact, keep the side handles and do away with the stupid top handle--that's an improvement I'd love to make to the Craftsman Ralley boxes. Load them up with 50 pounds of tools--which is pretty easy--and you're stuck carrying it awkwardly by that single top handle.

This box might be handy as a second tool box in the back of your truck on race day, if you need somewhere to stash you multi-meter, tire gauge, in-car communications gear, etc. For something like that, it'd be okay... good, even.

As a go-to box in your hot rod or work shop, a travel box or whatever, I can't see it working well at all.

It's nowhere near as clever as my Montezuma road-trip/junkyard box.

-Brad

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marty_p

Well-known member

Jun 1, 2013

#35

Certainly not in my daydreams, but I know they will sell -- and especially with Father's Day coming up!

Thanks for sharing that web site and your thoughts on lost craftsmanship, Ryan. You just don't see this like you used to... :sad:

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Mark in Indiana

Well-known member

Jun 1, 2013

#36

It's a good looking box. I don't think that $89 is too much to pay for a high quality tool box that will last for ever. However, I think the front door is just a gimmick.

IMO, the best boxes out there are the pre '70's name brands. There are plenty of them out there for <$20. I just bought a new Grundlach #158, 24" box from a second hand store for $15. It's pictured on top of my 1960 Craftsman.

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ed_v

Well-known member

Jun 1, 2013

#37

I don't really care about this "hipster" movement that I'm to old and unfamiliar with to care about.... or the fact that it is $89. I actually think $89 is a good price for that.

The issue I have is in the functionality of it. I'm not sure how well the front loading would work out for me.

Ed

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Powarun

Member

Jun 1, 2013

#38

As I see it, these small time "makers" are the product of the big name suppliers moving manufacturing overseas, people realizing that the product quality that they once relied is went down the drain, and would rather attempt to manufacture their own selling it off as USA made and hand crafted. They add in their own ideas and customizations to test the waters and limits. I don't think they are out to compete against the big corporations, they are set to compete with the people who buy the vintage, old, quality stuff. That is what I see that tool box as, seeing as to how simple it is.