International ToolBox advice/info....

[baubau]

i am in a need of a new toolbox...

i have found this ...i like the price and that it is built in Canada.

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product...g=en-CA&Sp=C&ec=BCCA-EC12611-Cat22163&topnav=

does anyone own or has any info/experience with this toolbox?

any info is appreciated...

 

[Greatwhitewing]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131162

Here is my review of the International 42" I got with two side boxes. Bottom line, great for a homeowner but probably too light for professional use.

 

[kippieland]

I agree with Greatwhite...good box for the price. I have the same set up....drawers are stiff at first but seem to be breaking in. Also, I agree they are to light for pro work. They do make a variety of lines, which I have seen in person, which are pro level, but so is the price. These boxes are a step up from beginner boxes, but not a lot. I love mine. Just don't order from Amazon, unless you want it destroyed everytime you get it!

 

[FXDawg]

I'm looking into this box too. I'm considering the 56" bottom/top combo. You can this from http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com for $1525.00. It's funny I've gone from the HF 42" set for about $650.00 to considering the HF 56" but it has no top box. Now here I an almost triple the price...I figure I'll never buy another box so WTF, right?

I'm in an argument with Sears right now, who sells this line as well. They advertise 30% off tool storage $100 & over. There is no exceptions listed and no where does it state "on select tool storage." If I'm successful in my arguments I can pick this up for about $1300 with tax. If not, I'm leaning toward the deal above.

I'm a total shade tree mechanic and have been stashing my tools on a 30" roll around I got for $50 and a craftsman top box I've had for 30 years and a couple of roll around cabs I got out a Lab remodel a few years ago. This is a real luxury for me but i'm justifying it to get the shed under control! It'll be nice to be able to spread things out and know exactly what there and whats missing and be able to lock it. I have a brother with sticky fingers!!

 

[kippieland]

Heres a link for the thread on my Sears experience. Have fun with them

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125403&highlight=international+tool+box

 

[FXDawg]

no wonder there having financial problems

 

[pipsters]

I'm looking into this box too. I'm considering the 56" bottom/top combo. You can this from http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com for $1525.00. It's funny I've gone from the HF 42" set for about $650.00 to considering the HF 56" but it has no top box. Now here I an almost triple the price...I figure I'll never buy another box so WTF, right?

I'm in an argument with Sears right now, who sells this line as well. They advertise 30% off tool storage $100 & over. There is no exceptions listed and no where does it state "on select tool storage." If I'm successful in my arguments I can pick this up for about $1300 with tax. If not, I'm leaning toward the deal above.

I'm a total shade tree mechanic and have been stashing my tools on a 30" roll around I got for $50 and a craftsman top box I've had for 30 years and a couple of roll around cabs I got out a Lab remodel a few years ago. This is a real luxury for me but i'm justifying it to get the shed under control! It'll be nice to be able to spread things out and know exactly what there and whats missing and be able to lock it. I have a brother with sticky fingers!!

I bought a 10 month old 56" International value series from a tech. It was the VRB-5610BK box.

I previously owned the 42" Harbor Freight bottom box.

The Harbor Freight 42" is a really good box, that holds a lot for a home DIYer, especially adding the top box. However, I found one of the most limiting aspects of it was it being only 18" deep. Going from 18" to the 24" deep International adds a significant amount of sq in and ability to organize. In addition, you are going another 14" length wise.

One of the plusses of the HF box is it's size, it's significantly smaller footprint allows you to fit it in a tight garage. I have a "small" 2-car, and it fit in there perfectly.

As far as build quality, the Harbor Freight seems a little stouter but that might be because of it's smaller size. The HF box would be perfect to own if you wheeled it across the garage daily. I do not, so it doesn't really have an advantage there for me.

I considered getting the top for it, but after looking at the space available to organize in the 56" International I picked a used one up locally for $550. Honestly, I have no reason to get the top portion at this point, and I have quite a few hand tools. It holds a lot, and you can use the top as a work bench.

56" International value series vs. 42" Harbor Freight Click for bigger pics

 

[kippieland]

The Bigger the box at this level the less stout they seem compared to the 42". My 42" feels the same as the HF box...though the finish on the HF box gives it an illusion of thicker material. But the HF 56" (which is a great box) has a lot more drawer movement then the 42" HF. I don't know why and it really wouldn't bother me...maybe its the added lenght. I could easly see that with this level of International box....would be shocked if it happend on the Pro level.

I think both HF and International are about even in quality and function. They each have strong areas and some weak spots, but overall, are both good boxes. I think it comes down to the price you can get and where you want your money going. It would have been a harder decision for me if HF would have had the new non-wrinkle finish out like they are doing now....I really like the look of the 56".

Pipster: Love to see the pics of your big box....hopefully you can get them working. Also, with a box that big, how do you organize or seperate things?

I bought a 10 month old 56" International value series from a tech. It was the VRB-5610BK box.

I previously owned the 42" Harbor Freight bottom box.

The Harbor Freight 42" is a really good box, that holds a lot for a home DIYer, especially adding the top box. However, I found one of the most limiting aspects of it was it being only 18" deep. Going from 18" to the 24" deep International adds a significant amount of sq in and ability to organize. In addition, you are going another 14" length wise.

One of the plusses of the HF box is it's size, it's significantly smaller footprint allows you to fit it in a tight garage. I have a "small" 2-car, and it fit in there perfectly.

As far as build quality, the Harbor Freight seems a little stouter but that might be because of it's smaller size. The HF box would be perfect to own if you wheeled it across the garage daily. I do not, so it doesn't really have an advantage there for me.

I considered getting the top for it, but after looking at the space available to organize in the 56" International I picked a used one up locally for $550. Honestly, I have no reason to get the top portion at this point, and I have quite a few hand tools. It holds a lot, and you can use the top as a work bench.

 

[zruvalcaba]

This is what I did with mine:

If I could do it over again I would have probably picked up the HF 42"s. The Internationals are single ball bearing and the steel construction of the boxes is very thin. The drawers are hard to close/open and seem to stick more often than not. They're decent for the price but after fondling the HF boxes (for the same price as these), the HF boxes are much much better quality and have the double ball bearing drawers, making them feel much more stout when you open/close the drawers.

 

[kippieland]

If I could do it over again I would have probably picked up the HF 42"s. The Internationals are single ball bearing and the steel construction of the boxes is very thin. The drawers are hard to close/open and seem to stick more often than not. They're decent for the price but after fondling the HF boxes (for the same price as these), the HF boxes are much much better quality and have the double ball bearing drawers, making them feel much more stout when you open/close the drawers.

Your set up looks good! I hear ya about the drawers are stiff...I just got the top to mine and they make the bottoms look light! I have found my bottoms are starting to loosen with time but still are tight. Though my experience the HF 42" is they are pretty tight as well. I don't think my International is the best thing in the world, but since I got it for $239 and am on a super budget, I had to go with it. Sorry if I led you wrong!

But I do love how your project turned out!

 

[kippieland]

Heres my new setup. The top is still a little bent up from poor Amazon shipping...nothing I can't fix. I got the top for a SUPER deal...plus my daughter approves of it!

 

[baubau]

thanks for all the input and opinions...
@kippieland..that is one awesome picture

 

[baubau]

we dont have HF stores up here in Ontario...however, TSC stores are sellling Torin toolboxes....are Torin toolboxes on par with quality as HF tool boxes?

 

[FXDawg]

...I hear ya about the drawers are stiff...I just got the top to mine and they make the bottoms look light! ...:

Kippieland, are you saying there seems to be a quality difference between the bottom and top box? I'm looking at the catalog on the International site and I cannot find a 4209 box. I'm strongly considering the 56" combo. Sears is having a sale for 30% off and I can pick the 2 pieces up for about $1300. I think these might be 2 different series box.

I was thinking that price for the 4209 was very reasonable. I'm hoping the value series I'm looking at is a step up.

The photo of you daughter in the box is great!

Danny

 

[kippieland]

Dan, I got that 4209 from Sears.com and it is a little different from the ones at Amazon which are 4210. The rollers are smaller and the panels are different. But my top from Amazon is way stiffer drawer detents. You have to push the top all the way in to its locking position. The 4209 glides are actually working a lot better right now...the top is driving me nuts right now! There isn't a big enough quality difference to me...still the same box just with a little different glides. I think everyone here is right with opinions on these boxes....nothing great but will work for DIY'ers...its not Matco box!

I know Sears will get it to you without any damage...can't say that about Amazon (search my threads to find out about that story.) If Sears would have had the top for $230 then I would have gotten it their. I noticed the 56 looks more like the ones a at Amazon... Same part numberr as well. Sears must have a deal with International for the 42.

Good luck

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916331000P?prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FLJ6SM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Heres the 56 compare:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FLJ6ZU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916715000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[FXDawg]

hmmm The craftsman box works the same way. I went to sears to check out some boxes in person and those drawers need a good push to set and a good pull to open. I wonder if those craftsman boxes are made by International.

With the sale, the International is basically the same price as the HF 56". I guess with that in mind and the International being made in Canada I'm still leaning that way.

 

[kippieland]

hmmm The craftsman box works the same way. I went to sears to check out some boxes in person and those drawers need a good push to set and a good pull to open. I wonder if those craftsman boxes are made by International.

With the sale, the International is basically the same price as the HF 56". I guess with that in mind and the International being made in Canada I'm still leaning that way.

Post a link of the one you check out from Sears.com. I am sure those are the International Cmans, since the Waterloo ones never where like that.

Last night, I ran out and froze, but I was able to examine the difference between my two boxes. The 4209 has 1" ball-bearing glides, less drawers then the same 4210, and smaller metal trim. The 4210 has 1 3/8" glides. The 4210 top glides a little easier but has a stiffer locking detent.

The 56" International will have the same glides as the ones at Sears, so that should give a good idea what they will be like. Also, I assume you have check out the HF 56", so now you will be able to compare.

I think Pipsters review is the most valid for your purposes. He own both and gave a good discription of the positives and the negatives of the box, which then you can decide which one to get. I got mine more for cost reasons (total setup cost $520) and because its made in Canada. I am not that found of HF and really didn't like the wrinkle finish of the 42"...though its a good box and would have had a hard time if it were a glossy red...but I couldn't pass on the 4209 at $289 out the door. I don't regret it or feel I should have gotten the HF....I don't like to over-analyze things to much...after all it is a tool box and it I get tired of the little things that boxes at this level have, I will save up and buy a used Matco box (love those things!) Its not like I am marrying the box!
Make the right decision for you and then let it be...if you can get the International for good price..do that...if you like the HF better...do that one. If you don't like it down the road, you can aways do what Pipster did. Either way it sounds like it will be a big step-up from your current box.

Good luck.

 

[pipsters]

Here's another pic. 42" Harbor Freight wrench drawer vs. 56" International wrench drawer. Huge difference in space available...almost "luxurious". I can't tell you how great it is to keep everything together now. Sorry that is the only comparison pic I have right now.

You really have to have the space for it though, you need 2' (24" depth) to put it in, and then another 2' to pull the drawers out full length, then another 12" or so minimum to stand in front of the drawers, then some more extra room if your cars are there. So 2' + 2' + 1' + maybe 2' space = 7'. That is a lot of room. It's almost too big for me as far as depth wise but the sacrifice is worth it at this point.

The one big advantage the US General 56" has over the International is the drawer retaining system. Although I did read on here where someone broke it after just a few months on one of the drawers as it is just plastic. So that might also be a drawback.

Kippie has seen/touched the US General 56" box and he says that and the International are comparable in built quality, so that's some good info as well. I haven't seen the US General 56" to make a comparison between it and my International.

How many tools do you own? Because two 56" (top and bottom) boxes are a LOT of storage...A LOT...it might be unnecessary.

vs

 

[kippieland]

Pipster: can you post some of your orignal pics again? I am dying to see them but for some reason they just won't work...Killing me! Also, I remember you posted your box on a thread when you got it, but I am unable to find it...do your remember which post that was? -That is Shi*t load of wrenches by the way!

 

[pipsters]

Pipster: can you post some of your orignal pics again? I am dying to see them but for some reason they just won't work...Killing me! Also, I remember you posted your box on a thread when you got it, but I am unable to find it...do your remember which post that was? -That is Shi*t load of wrenches by the way!

Not sure why the pictures didn't work I just linked to them from this thread:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1910380&postcount=22

I have the Craftsman 43 pc RP wrench set, a mm and SAE 6 point RP set, the deep offset double box polished wrench set, and now the Craftsman pro polished 18 pc set. The 12 point combos that were duplicates are now back in my original tool box that my father gave me. More wrenches than I will ever need, for sure.

 

[FXDawg]

I was thinking it was a lot of box but, I've been holding off on buying one for a VERY long time. So now I have about 8 portable boxes and a small roll around all bulging with hand tools. I figure I won't fill it right away but I'll put a good amount in it. Its kind a of a reward too...lol. I've longed for a decent tool storage box for a long time so, what the heck right? Its a good sale, a decent box, and it will help me straighten up my workshop. This isn't going in a garage, it's going in a 20'x12' workshop. I've got the room for it.

So, I believe I'm going to order the International 56" combo this evening! awesome!

 

[pipsters]

Go for it and post pics when you get it in and loaded up. I know what you mean about putting all your stuff together. It felt real good and cleaned up a lot of my garage. I do wonder every now and then about getting the top for my tool box, I might some day. But I don't really have any more hand tools to put in there so it would be more for things like drills and stuff, which are fine sitting out.

 

[kippieland]

Not sure why the pictures didn't work I just linked to them from this thread:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1910380&postcount=22

I have the Craftsman 43 pc RP wrench set, a mm and SAE 6 point RP set, the deep offset double box polished wrench set, and now the Craftsman pro polished 18 pc set. The 12 point combos that were duplicates are now back in my original tool box that my father gave me. More wrenches than I will ever need, for sure.

Thanks! Again, your assessment for the box is totally correct. Did you get the detents fixed? I am curious if you can replace those slides with professional International box slides? May cost to much for what its worth. The place I buy my SK stuff sells the Pro level International boxes. They make mine feel like a tin can....but cost in $2000 for the box half of a "42.

My feeling is you can never have to many tools! Thanks for the link.

 

[kippieland]

FXDawg...can't wait to see the pics!

 

[pipsters]

Thanks! Again, your assessment for the box is totally correct. Did you get the detents fixed? I am curious if you can replace those slides with professional International box slides? May cost to much for what its worth. The place I buy my SK stuff sells the Pro level International boxes. They make mine feel like a tin can....but cost in $2000 for the box half of a "42.

My feeling is you can never have to many tools! Thanks for the link.

I don't really feel replacing the slides is the way to go, especially upgrading them. Like having a tuned exhaust on a car with 87 hp. Doesn't really do anything. I plan to take out the detents and come up with some sort of spring loaded retaining system. No idea when though .

 

[kippieland]

Make senses...why spend money on something that will never be an SO box. Just be happy with what it is....and that you didn't spend SO box kind of money!

 

[kippieland]

I got some time off from my Daddy duties tonight, so I ran to the place that sells the Pro-series boxes and gave a good look. The metal box itself is SUPER thick...what suprised me was the drawers, they are the same material/thickness as the Value series. Also the drawer glides are a single glide on the top (may be more on the bottom unit...didn't look) and they look just like the Value glides, but they are very, very, very, smooth and don't require the same effort to lock them into place. Very impressive to say the least. They wanted $900 for the top and $1200 for the bottome...obviously can find it cheaper online.

Just thought I would share!


This is the model:
http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=7

 

[pipsters]

Here's my 56" International

 

[pipsters]

More drawers, the double box wrenches I bought and then bought the polished deep offset, so just waiting for a time to sell the double boxes. No reason to keep them. After those are gone you can see I will still have about half of one of the main drawers (with the manuals) and that side drawer completely empty.

 

[gnx547]

Are all international tool boxes made in Canada?

 

[kippieland]

Are all international tool boxes made in Canada?

Yes. They may have some foreign parts though.

 

[kippieland]

Pipster: Great pics man! Thats a nice looking box for $500. I don't even think I could fell 1/3 of it !

I think you should be give the biggest Craftsman tool user award!
Nothing wrong with that...I have a ton as well. They have some good value and a great warrenty. My brother in-law is a Tech thats all he uses. He doesn't want to wait for the SO truck, when can run down to Sears and get it replaced.

Thanks for getting the pics working. I am going to post my stuff next week when my Ebay stuff arrives.

 

[pipsters]

Pipster: Great pics man! Thats a nice looking box for $500. I don't even think I could fell 1/3 of it !

I think you should be give the biggest Craftsman tool user award!
Nothing wrong with that...I have a ton as well. They have some good value and a great warrenty. My brother in-law is a Tech thats all he uses. He doesn't want to wait for the SO truck, when can run down to Sears and get it replaced.

Thanks for getting the pics working. I am going to post my stuff next week when my Ebay stuff arrives.

I bought almost all of it in 2011. I got the last of some of the US made Craftsman stuff as well that was in my stores. Sad to see it go. I'm just glad I could get it. Had Craftsman not had US tools I probably wouldn't even have much of a tool box. I rushed to buy while I could get my hands on US made product - the import stuff will always be there.

Including the tool box, which I agree was a really good deal (love buying used stuff), I have about $3k into it. I figure worst case if something were to happen I can fire sale it out for $1500 the same day which is still pretty good.

 

[FXDawg]

So, I ordered the 56" top and bottom Thursday night. They say I won't see it until Feb 27 and they will honor the 30% off so the bottom ends up at $742 and the top $485 which is $1227 + tax it comes out to 1300 even with free delivery.

We'll have to see if it all comes through, I'm still a little skeptical but if it does all work out I think it is a pretty great deal. That $225 cheaper than Quality tools for less price.

 

[FXDawg]

I got some time off from my Daddy duties tonight, so I ran to the place that sells the Pro-series boxes and gave a good look. The metal box itself is SUPER thick...what suprised me was the drawers, they are the same material/thickness as the Value series. Also the drawer glides are a single glide on the top (may be more on the bottom unit...didn't look) and they look just like the Value glides, but they are very, very, very, smooth and don't require the same effort to lock them into place. Very impressive to say the least. They wanted $900 for the top and $1200 for the bottome...obviously can find it cheaper online.

Just thought I would share!


This is the model:
http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=7

If I was going to buy from quality tools for less I was going to go for this box I think. I did not like that there was no full length drawers though so, was waffling when I noticed the sears sale. I guess the good thing is that if the Sears thing falls through for any reason I can still get that setup at that price.

 

[kippieland]

FXDawg: Great buy man! It will work out...my problem with Sears was they messed up the shipping date. They also said it was through UPS, which your won't be. When it did show up it was on a Freight truck and was in perfect shape. International doesn't box them very well, but Sears had it on a pallet and shrink-wrapped. Just keep that in mind when it shows up...if theres any damage to the packaging chances are there's damage to the box inside. After my ordeal with Amazon, I would gladdly order from Sears!

As far as the pro box....it may not have "full" drawers, but those were the biggest drawers I have ever seen. I think it was wider then the Values as well...you openned them and they took forever to open. I couldn't fill have of the top box let along any of the bottom! I kept thinking it was for Diesel Tech....everything just WAY bigger then a normal box. I think your chose in the 56" is perfect. I think that pro box would have been overkill and for the price you could have gotten a used SO/Matco box.

It will all work out and we will all be excited to see the pics. when it does. Good job!

PS Not sure that was the box I looked at....it looked very similar but I can't be %100 sure.

 

[gnx547]

I never shopped at Costo, Do you need a membership to buy something there?

 

[kippieland]

I never shopped at Costo, Do you need a membership to buy something there?

Absolutely %100 you need a membership. Its not cheap either...it like $55 bucks a year. They won't let you even in the door without a temporary card and I don't think you can buy without purchase of a membership...That being said, I love Costco! Not everything is a deal their but they can be cheaper then most places. Costco here in the States do not sell International boxes...Thats in Canada. I am asuming you are Canadian?

 

[gnx547]

Even if I buy something online, I still need a membership?

 

[kippieland]

Even if I buy something online, I still need a membership?

I'm pretty sure. You need it to even buy gas from them.