Help: NAPA 7 drawer cart BK8050 vs. Kobalt blue

[bchee]

I need help deciding between these 2 boxes.
Just want to see what you guys think.

Lowes Kobalt blue box $355
6 drawers
drawers 17" deep and 30.5" wide
10629 total cu in

NAPA 7 drawer BK8050 $399
7 drawers with top storage, opening lid
drawers 17.25" deep and 25.5" wide
11529 total cu in
(copy of the Cornwell cart, unable to find any online pictures, even on the Napa site)
http://toolwarrantyrepair.com/?view=Manual
http://toolwarrantyrepair.com/man/BK8050.pdf

The Napa has those 2 narrow drawers at the top. Not sure what those are typically used for.

Surprisingly, the Napa is more narrow but has more storage space.

 

[I can fix anything]

Get the cart.

 

[bchee]

Get the cart.

which one?

 

[I can fix anything]

which one?

Is the kobalt a cart? Does the top open?

 

[bchee]

Is the kobalt a cart? Does the top open?

Yes some might consider it small enough to be a cart
Unless by some standard definition a cart must have an open top

 

[I can fix anything]

Yea carts usually have an open top. Get the Napa.

 

[usmc_noma]

Personally I think either one would be good. I like the fact that Napa has more drawers and the top compartment. It also appears there's holes for prybars and such on at least one side. Is there more on the right side too? I can only see two downfalls on this one. The fact that you can't go up with more storage and it's only 26" wide.

As far as the Kobalt one, I like how wide it is at 30.5" and you can go up with more storage. I'm sure there's a top chest to be had, but is there a middle chest too? Also would those top chests be the same depth or shallower than the bottom chest? If the Kobalt is the one with the outlets on the side then that's one thing I don't like. I wish that bottom drawer were two separate drawers instead of one. You could probably get this chest with a $10 or $25 off coupon too.

Since both have their pros and cons, I'd probably go based upon build quality. How do they compare in person?

 

[mkirkpatrick]

Of the two I would go with the napa cart. more storage, should have places on the side to put pry bars,

 

[bchee]

As far as the Kobalt one, I like how wide it is at 30.5" and you can go up with more storage. I'm sure there's a top chest to be had, but is there a middle chest too? Also would those top chests be the same depth or shallower than the bottom chest? If the Kobalt is the one with the outlets on the side then that's one thing I don't like. I wish that bottom drawer were two separate drawers instead of one. You could probably get this chest with a $10 or $25 off coupon too.

Since both have their pros and cons, I'd probably go based upon build quality. How do they compare in person?

The Napa has prybar storage on both sides iirc. Fedwrench mentioned that it has a locking mechanism that only allows one drawer to be open at a time. I'm not sure how much this will bother me. It also has those 2 very narrow and shallow drawers on top which I don't know what to do with.

The kobalt has a top chest, but I have no intention of getting it, even in the future. There is no middle chest that I'm aware of. It has the power cord on the side, which I have mixed feelings about. Not sure how much I would use that. The price I posted includes the 10% off coupon.

I've seen both in person. Build quality is hard to tell. The Napa drawers might feel like they have less slop, but only because it is slightly more narrow. I will have to check both out again. I like the plastic edge guards on the Napa cart.

 

[Fedwrench]

The question is how do you see yourself using these carts?
Do you have a big garage where you neeed to push a cart to work on a car or is it a smaller set up where the cart will rest in one spot against the wall?
Don't get hung up on cubic inches of storage. The last time I checked, no one fills their drawers up with rice or what have you to see how much they can hold. It's about usable space with decent depth drawers.
Secondly, how important is the till storage area to you? To me it's what makes a cart a valuable place for tools. The till needs to be deep enough to close the lid when storing handled pry bars and allow for verticalk storage of sockets, impacts, and ratchets.. The till on the Napa cart isn't deep enough for you to store handled pry bars and close the lid. The Napa cart also has two lock rods that secure the drawers when the lid is closed. These rods also serve as a safety device (that drives me absolutely crazy) that prevents you from opening more than one drawer at a time.
On the plus side if you're going to be pushing the loaded cart around, the Napa cart has four swivel casters and its smaller footprint makes it easier to parallel park. The struts that hold the lid open on the Napa cart are decnt too. I have magnetic wrench and socket holder on the lid for commonly used tools. You can get the NAPA cart in red, Blue, or Black.
Decisions, Decisions... good luck in your quest.
PS: I use the top two drawers on the Napa cart for pliers on the left side and screwdrivers on the right side. but, that's just me.

 

[bchee]

It's about usable space with decent depth drawers.

I think we were posting at the same time.
Since you own the Napa, what do you think about the drawer depths?
edit: and what color did you get?

The very deep Kobalt drawer on the bottom is like 10". I don't think I like that - it might as well just be an open storage area on the bottom for plastic cases.

 

[mossyboy6]

I was checking out the kobalt the other day, and its actually well built and very solid.

But I have not seen the napa so...

 

[Fedwrench]

I think we were posting at the same time.
Since you own the Napa, what do you think about the drawer depths?
edit: and what color did you get?

The very deep Kobalt drawer on the bottom is like 10". I don't think I like that - it might as well just be an open storage area on the bottom for plastic cases.

I think the drawer depths are ok in the Napa but, you can't stack much in the bottom drawer but, it's a cart not your main box. Why I got law enforcement blue of course.

 

[Kilo70]

If you don't need the option to add a top box,the Cart is the only way to go with these two.
I just bought the Kobalt box last week,but.... I was also looking at that NAPA 7 drawer cart.Its an awesome cart for the money,lots of room in it.I may go back and pick it up later on.

 

[bchee]

If you don't need the option to add a top box,the Cart is the only way to go with these two.
I just bought the Kobalt box last week,but.... I was also looking at that NAPA 7 drawer cart.Its an awesome cart for the money,lots of room in it.I may go back and pick it up later on.

Nice, we were looking at the same box. Tell me more.
Why do you think the Napa is that much better?

 

[mrholeshot]

I need help deciding between these 2 boxes.
Just want to see what you guys think.

Lowes Kobalt blue box $355
6 drawers
drawers 17" deep and 30.5" wide
10629 total cu in

NAPA 7 drawer BK8050 $399
7 drawers with top storage, opening lid
drawers 17.25" deep and 25.5" wide
11529 total cu in
(copy of the Cornwell cart, unable to find any online pictures, even on the Napa site)
http://toolwarrantyrepair.com/?view=Manual
http://toolwarrantyrepair.com/man/BK8050.pdf

The Napa has those 2 narrow drawers at the top. Not sure what those are typically used for.

Surprisingly, the Napa is more narrow but has more storage space.

If it's a copy of this Cornwell cart it's about 34 inches(38 with handle) wide and 20 inches deep. These things can hold a tremendous amout of tools because of the depth of the top compartment, long tool storage and drawer depth.

 

[bchee]

If it's a copy of this Cornwell cart it's about 34 inches(38 with handle) wide and 20 inches deep.

It is trying to be a copy of that Cornwell, but apparently there are significant differences. It is smaller, for one thing.

Napa sells the exact same box for $399 new

NO! The Napa cart is not the same. To begin with the NAPA cart has two drawers instead of one at the top. The Napa cart measures 19 inches deep by 30 inches wide. Whereas the Cornwell measures 20 deep by 38.5 wide. The Napa cart has two rods in the front that lock the drawers when the lid closes. The Cornwell has a sliding lever in the back to lock and unlock the drawers. On the NAPA cart you can only open one of the full width drawers at a time. You can't have more than one open at once. The Cornwell till is deep enough to store pry bars and still be able to close the lid. You can't do it on the NAPA cart because the till is much shallower. The NAPA cart has a smaller footprint and will hold enough tools to do about 80-90% of mechanics tasks depending on what you work on. The paint is much better on the Cornwell unit. Both carts are made in the PRC and smell like Harbor Freight when you take them out of the cardboard box for the first time. I own both. I get more use from these carts than my full size boxes.

 

[baucom]

Here's a link to an image of that NAPA cart flyer:

http://www.napatoolsandequipmentofkc.com/tool_storage

 

[bchee]

Here's a link to an image of that NAPA cart flyer:

http://www.napatoolsandequipmentofkc.com/tool_storage

Thanks. I couldn't find pictures anywhere. It doesn't look like that in person. The sides look like the Cornwell (ie there are no sides) - it is exposed, and when there are prybars in there you can see em.

 

[Kilo70]

Nice, we were looking at the same box. Tell me more.
Why do you think the Napa is that much better?

For one..I THINK..not for sure,that the quality is a hair better.
2. The actual useable space is better on the NAPA cart.Plenty of drawers and the top area is a Plus as well.The side slots for the Pry-bars and/or Ratchets is great too.

I would really like to get the NAPA cart later,but we will just have to see.I really didn't absolutely have to have the Kobalt boxes either..

Either way..I think you will be very happy.

 

[Kilo70]

Thanks. I couldn't find pictures anywhere. It doesn't look like that in person. The sides look like the Cornwell (ie there are no sides) - it is exposed, and when there are prybars in there you can see em.

You're right..the sides are open on the Homak cart.
I got bored and went to look at it again today. Yah..im crazy.

 

[Fedwrench]

Here are a couple of pictures of the NAPA cart. Don't let anyone try to convince you that the NAPA cart is close to the Cornwell cart. Notice in the second picture how the Mayhew handle sticks up above the till. The folding side shelf is Sunex. The magnetic glove holder is lisle and the spray can holder is home made. The Napa cart is a good cart but, it's not a great cart. Both the Napa and Cornwell carts are probably made by Homak but, they're vastly different.

 

[bchee]

The folding side shelf is Sunex. .

Thanks for the picts

That ***** you had to drill holes for that side shelf cuz there are already factory holes on the side.

It is amazing how much those hold.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I had the same idea and mounted two of those wrench hangers on the lid of my Waterloo, great minds thing the same I guess.

TheGrooveking

 

[Fedwrench]

That ***** you had to drill holes for that side shelf cuz there are already factory holes on the side.

It's no big deal, it's part of personalizing the cart to make it work for you. I also drilled out some of the pry bar holes so, they would hold pry wider bars and trim tools. The cart is in between sizes of other cart brands so, there aren't any off the shelf accessories for it that match perfectly. It also rolls pretty smoothly loaded across the concrete floor.

 

[usmc_noma]

After seeing Fedwrench's picture, get the NAPA. Nice cart for the money.

 

[bchee]

I got the blue one.

 

[Fedwrench]

I got the blue one.

Enjoy your purchase, may it serve you well.

 

[bchee]

I can't believe how much space this has.
Someone already said it holds a lot for a small footprint. Ain't that the truth

I got a discount too.

 

[Kilo70]

Good for you..great cart.
And..if I had a way to get a discount,I would have bought the same one as well.

 

[bchee]

thanks for all the help guys

 

[JSGAuto]

I really like this cart!

What is the diminsions of that top section?


thanks!
Jim

 

[bchee]

top till 26.5 x 19 x 6, prybar storage on both sides

top 2 drawers 17.25 x 11.75 x 2

1 drawer 17.25 x 25.5 x 2

3 drawers 17.25 x 25.5 x 3.5

bottom drawer 17.25 x 25.5 x 5

 

[84scrambler]

Could somebody post the part number of this Napa tool cart (should be about 7 or 8 digits long)? I looked on the web page and cant find using BK805. I also called Napa and they said that he would need a longer number and the number I gave them wont work. Thanks

 

[yogitech]

I have the NAPA 4 drawer, I got it before the 7 drawer was available. I would have rather had the bigger one, but, It's still really nice.

Anyway, Fedwrench, you said you dissliked the whole locking you out a drawer at a time. I think thats a good thing. I nearly dumped mine the other day. After a year of hard/daily use the detents on the drawers are way too loose, I can swing the cart and they'll ALL roll out at once (HEAVY!).

Other than that, I love this thing.... Its a great stong cart for the money!

 

[84scrambler]

never mind my previous post. I got a hold of the distributor (sounded like they were saying ballcap??) and the part number is what is posted on the add. It seems the local distributors are not informed.

Jack

 

[JSGAuto]

Thanks for the dimminsions.


I hate to ask for another question, but did anyone come across what gauge metal this is made out of? Just trying to get a clear idea before I take a ride over to Napa.

Jim

 

[Kilo70]

Its worth the ride anyway..nice cart .

 

[84scrambler]

I talked to the local napa store and he had to call Balkamp for some more info. It looks like it was a limited time item and they cant order it anymore. Seems the only way I can get this is if a napa store that has it in stock is willing to ship it out. Does anybody have a local store that has this in stock that I can call and see if shipping is a possibility? Thanks

 

[Sterff]

Fedwrench what are the really long wrenches in your 4th picture?