Toolbox Manufacturers

[lbgradwell]

How many North American companies actually manufacture toolboxes? And who do these companies manufacture for?

To date we have...

SPG International: Craftsman Canada

Rousseau

Gray: Gray Tools reportedly makes their boxes in-house now. Definitely made in Canada! Formerly made by Beach, and then SPG.

Stanley/MAC: Stanley acquired Beach Industries of Smith Falls, ON in 1987.

Snap-on: Canada: KRA-series, USA: KRL-series

Matco: Lakewood, NY (Toolboxes seem to be the ONLY products Matco actually makes!

Waterloo Industries: Craftsman USA

Kennedy: (Formerly made Cornwell)

Remline: Cornwell

Lyon:

Champion

Montezuma

Ranger: Rep claims, "Ranger products are mfg and assembled at our facility here in Santa Paula, Ca."

Shure

Lista: Products sold in North and South America are manufactured at Lista International headquarters in Holliston, Massachusetts, and in Ontario, Canada.

HammerHead

Gerstner: These aren't toolboxes, these are art!


Please feel free to add to or correct the information above, and I will update it daily until it's as complete a list as possible!

 

[Merkava_4]

You know I'm thinking Lyon makes the very current Cornwell boxes because I saw a Lyon box on one of these trade magazines I get and it looked exactly like the current Cornwell box. I wish I could fine that trade magazine, but I get so many of them that I don't know where to start. Remline was making the box right prior to the current box. Again, I have no proof though; just an I witness account.

 

[dxdexter]

How many North American companies actually manufacture toolboxes? And who do these companies manufacture for?

I'm sure there are more than the following, but these are the ones I know...

SPG International: Craftsman Canada

Waterloo Industries: Craftsman USA

Kennedy: (Formerly made Cornwell)

Remline: Cornwell

Lyon:


Please feel free to add to or correct the information above, and I will update it daily until it's as complete a list as possible!

Gray Tools: Made in Toronto , Ontario, Canada :http://www.graytools.com/catalogue/2 - Tool Storage.pdf

Snap-on Tools KRA Series : Made in Canada (I believe the Toronto Area)

Not all International boxes are made in Canada. Some are made offshore and I believe the letter "N" will be in the model number.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Gerstner and Sons Dayton Ohio. Making the finest wood machinist’s tool boxes since 1906.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Gerstner and Sons Dayton Ohio. Making the finest wood machinist’s tool boxes since 1906.

Without equal bar none!

 

[lbgradwell]

Gray Tools: Made in Toronto , Ontario, Canada :http://www.graytools.com/catalogue/2 - Tool Storage.pdf

Gray is actually located in the Toronto suburb of Brampton now. And while they indisputably make very high quality handtools, I have been unable to determine if they actually manufacture the boxes sold under their name. (I have read elsewhere they don't.) The catalogue doesn't actually state they make them... Do you know for sure that they do?

Snap-on Tools KRA Series : Made in Canada (I believe the Toronto Area)

Newmarket, I'm told...

Not all International boxes are made in Canada. Some are made offshore and I believe the letter "N" will be in the model number.

Yes, I believe they have 4 lines - 3 are made in Canada, 1 offshore.

 

[lbgradwell]

Gerstner and Sons Dayton Ohio. Making the finest wood machinist’s tool boxes since 1906.

Just too damned cool..!

 

[dxdexter]

Gray is actually located in the Toronto suburb of Brampton now. And while they indisputably make very high quality handtools, I have been unable to determine if they actually manufacture the boxes sold under their name. (I have read elsewhere they don't.) The catalogue doesn't actually state they make them... Do you know for sure that they do?
.

At one time Beach made the Gray boxes, and then SPG, but according to the East Coast Gray Tools representative ,who I purchased mine through, they began producing their boxes "in house" when problems arose with the SPG boxes (not sure what). There is a "made in Canada" sticker in the top drawer.

 

[lbgradwell]

Again, I have no proof though; just an I witness account.

I need the proof! Let me know when you find that magazine!

 

[lbgradwell]

At one time Beach made the Gray boxes, and then SPG, but according to the Gray representative, who I purchased mine from, they began producing their boxes "in house" when problems arose with the SPG boxes (not sure what). There is a "made in Canada" sticker in the top drawer.

OK, if there is a "Made in Canada" sticker & the rep says they're "in-house", that's good enough for me to accept it as true until a counterproof is presented!

I know for certain that Beach was bought by Stanley in 1987, and the original Smith Falls plant now bears a MAC sign out front! (So I guess I can add Stanley/MAC to the list too...)

 

[dxdexter]

I know for certain that Beach was bought by Stanley in 1987, and the original Smith Falls plant now bears a MAC sign out front! (So I guess I can add Stanley/MAC to the list too...)

I wondered what happened to Beach. Heres a pic of my old box bought in 1983. It still works great but I out grew it and it went in the basement as my "indoor box".

 

[BKillian]

I wondered what happened to Beach. Heres a pic of my old box bought in 1983. It still works great but I out grew it and it went in the basement as my "indoor box".

I like that ole box right there!

 

[lbgradwell]

I like it too!

And I like that old can-am sticker on the side too; I had a 1978 can-am TNT250 growing up. Some of the most fun I ever had was on that fantastic machine!

 

[OldCarGuy]

Gerstner and Sons Dayton Ohio. Making the finest wood machinist’s tool boxes since 1906.

Without equal bar none!

Just too damned cool..!

The center top box is a 1948 Gerstner that was given to me from a relative when I started as a tool and diemaker in 1966. The top left box is a Dunlap that was my father’s in the 30's. The top right box is a Kennedy that was my 1959 Christmas present to my father. The bottom three under-boxes I purchased over the years...

The all cherry Gerstner four-piece combo set was my 2007 Christmas/Retirement present to myself.... You can never have enough drawers to spread out your precision tools.

 

[lbgradwell]

The center top box is a 1948 Gerstner that was given to me from a relative when I started as a tool and diemaker in 1966. The top left box is a Dunlap that was my father’s in the 30's. The top right box is a Kennedy that was my 1959 Christmas present to my father. The bottom three under-boxes I purchased over the years...

The all cherry Gerstner four-piece combo set was my 2007 Christmas/Retirement present to myself.... You can never have enough drawers to spread out your precision tools.

Wowwww!

I love the history of the early boxes, but that "retirement" box is absolutely gorgeous!!! Thanks for posting that!

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

I actually emailed Ranger a couple of weeks ago about the origin of their tool boxes and the responding email claimed they were made in America. Take that for what it's worth. As far as I know that could be the truth, or just customer service PR.

 

[lbgradwell]

Brandon,

Well, I'd actually never heard of Ranger until today when a Google search turned up their name, so I have no idea. However, after reading your post, I took a closer look at their website, and I can't find where they even make a "Made in USA" claim anywhere. That makes me more than a bit suspicious! What made you enquire?

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

Brandon,

Well, I'd actually never heard of Ranger until today when a Google search turned up their name, so I have no idea. However, after reading your post, I took a closer look at their website, and I can't find where they even make a "Made in USA" claim anywhere. That makes me more than a bit suspicious! What made you enquire?

I got curious after looking on their website and seeing some news about new manufacturing/warehouse sites being built in California. I found out about their boxes from looking online at a site that sold both waterloo and ranger boxes and their prices were affordable.

This is what their rep told me:

"Our Ranger products are mfg and assembled at our facility here in Santa Paula, Ca. They come with a one year warranty on defects on material and workmanship.



For any other questions on purchasing , you can reach our sales department @ 800-253-2363 ext. 194."

 

[dxdexter]

OK, if there is a "Made in Canada" sticker & the rep says they're "in-house", that's good enough for me to accept it as true until a counterproof is presented!

 

[rsanter]

I actually emailed Ranger a couple of weeks ago about the origin of their tool boxes and the responding email claimed they were made in America. Take that for what it's worth. As far as I know that could be the truth, or just customer service PR.

north america or south america?

bob

 

[Jononon]

Perhaps more tool storage than tool boxes, but you've included Lista, CTech drool - Weston WI, and Moduline - "Proudly made in the USA".

 

[lbgradwell]

Perhaps more tool storage than tool boxes, but you've included Lista, CTech drool - Weston WI, and Moduline - "Proudly made in the USA".

True about Lista, but at least they have roller cabinets... When I started this thread, I had traditional mechanic's chest/cabinet configurations in mind; I figured Lista qualified by way of the cabinets.

CTech doesn't qualify as they don't seem to manufacture for the market in question. Mind you, this is almost too cool for words!

 

[nissan_crawler]

Perhaps more tool storage than tool boxes, but you've included Lista, CTech drool - Weston WI, and Moduline - "Proudly made in the USA".

Lista has tool boxes, several mechanics at work have them. They're damn good ones, too. I watched two 250 pound guys stand in the bottom drawer of one. The Snap-On boys talked ****, but none of them were willing to let the same two guys stand in their toolbox.

 

[Jononon]

True about Lista, but at least they have roller cabinets... When I started this thread, I had traditional mechanic's chest/cabinet configurations in mind; I figured Lista qualified by way of the cabinets.

They do have this (pdf)

Don't spend too long on their literature page, if you're anything like me you'll start to have some serrrrrriously expensive desires.

this is almost too cool for words!

No kidding

 

[Crossthread]

They do have this (pdf)

Don't spend too long on their literature page, if you're anything like me you'll start to have some serrrrrriously expensive desires.



No kidding

WOW is all I'm going to say.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

I don't know who makes the new Kobalt Import line of Toolboxes, but yesterday I happened to go to Harbor Freights website, and there was a huge 50 inch Stainless Toolbox on the front page.

It looked lick for lick just like the new Kobalt Stainless boxes except bigger. Same construction and even had the same handles on the drawers that Kobalt now has.

 

[tony p]

...if you're anything like me you'll start to have some serrrrrriously expensive desires.

Now, how does that song go...? "If I hadn't seen such riches, I could live with being poor..."

 

[MajorPayne]

They do have this (pdf)

that is really cool...wonder how much those cost?

i might have to give them a call tomorrow

 

[Bib Overalls]

The Waterloo plant in Pocahontas, AR closed last year. 500 jobs were lost. They made Craftsman tool boxes. And I think they may have also made boxes for Lowe's and possibly others as well. One of my friends has a Kobalt box, a second that supposidly came from there. I think Waterloo still makes boxes in Iowa. I had a Waterloo branded box that I purchased at Sam's Club about 15 years ago. It was really low end.

My cousin worked for Gerstner and Sons right out of high school. Said it was a very fullfilling experience. He has a couple of their chests that he uses for his better tools and precision measuring instruments. They are really very nicely crafted.

 

[Jononon]

that is really cool...wonder how much those cost?

I can't find the toolbox, but the mobile cabinets are about 30% more than Lista of a similar size:

http://www.ctechdirect.com/product.php?productid=16199&cat=250&page=1

http://www.listacabinets.com/product_detail.asp?pid=1284&cid=33

and the pit carts are on a par with Moduline.

 

[MajorPayne]

I can't find the toolbox, but the mobile cabinets are about 30% more than Lista of a similar size:

http://www.ctechdirect.com/product.php?productid=16199&cat=250&page=1

http://www.listacabinets.com/product_detail.asp?pid=1284&cid=33

and the pit carts are on a par with Moduline.

i actually just called ctech a little while ago and that blue toolbox in that exact configuration is around $6500...which i guess isnt too far off from the big three's prices

the interesting thing she did tell me, which may be stated in those links, i just didnt read too in depth on them, is that the tool boxes are completely customizable....meaning you can decide what dimensions you want them (the only set dimensions being depths in 18" or 24")...you can also choose what gauge aluminum they are made out of, etc....pretty cool if you ask me

 

[Jononon]

i actually just called ctech a little while ago and that blue toolbox in that exact configuration is around $6500...which i guess isnt too far off from the big three's prices

I was expecting worse, a Snap-on KRL751,756 combo lists at five and a half grand, and is only about 2/3 the size.

the interesting thing she did tell me, which may be stated in those links, i just didnt read too in depth on them, is that the tool boxes are completely customizable.

That's pretty cool. I'd suspect it's pretty easy to send the prices stratospheric

 

[MajorPayne]

I was expecting worse, a Snap-on KRL751,756 combo lists at five and a half grand, and is only about 2/3 the size.



That's pretty cool. I'd suspect it's pretty easy to send the prices stratospheric

yeah i imagine so as well, i think just changing drawer configurations doesnt change the price that much according to her (the girls name i talked to was amy, and she was very helpful and nice)....but when you can decide how thick the material is, exactly what length and height the box is, its handy, but yeah im sure it gets pricey REAL quick

 

[dashx]

I am looking at SPG International roller cabs. Anyone out there have one or know someone that does?

Here in Ontario Home Hardware has them in their catalogs but not in the stores (franchises)

 

[Ye Moderne Locksmitherie]

Please add Vidmar; Division of Stanley

And note that Waterloo makes SOME of Sears boxes, not all

Stanley boxes sold in Target and other retail giants are generally imports.

Brand Name Slap Ons make it easy to get a low grade product bearing a "famous" name.... Home Depot and Lowes did this to the EXTREME by creating their own brand name for generic product few would have bought otherwise.

 

[JeepsAreBuilt]

Does "Tool Chassis" brand of tool boxes qualify as a manufacture ? www.toolchassis.com

Coolest boxes I've ever seen !

 

[cruiser808]

Remline made Proto boxes in the 80's. I have some and they're very heavy duty. Nothing fancy, just thick steel.

 

[ZRX61]

I just looked at the Hammerhead website & it hasn't been updated in at least 3 years. I bought my Hammerhead about 5 or 6 years ago & the *manual* that came with it stated "CSPS"...but it's FAR superior to the boxes that are sold under the CSPS label at CrapCo & SamsCrap

 

[foul_ball]

I have a Ranger 9-drawer top box that came individually palletized from Bend Pak in Santa Paula. Speculation aside, that tool box is completely awesome to me. I have it loaded to the gills with 100+ pounds of tools and it has given me no problems at all. Additionally, it has those **** ball-bearing slides with a catch to hold them closed, but they pull open with little effort. My every-day usage of this box at work is nothing but pleasurable oh, oh, if that's not all, the box comes with drawer labels that slide into the channel on the drawer pulls. Did I mention I'm a happy customer?

 

[nissan_crawler]

I am looking at SPG International roller cabs. Anyone out there have one or know someone that does?

Here in Ontario Home Hardware has them in their catalogs but not in the stores (franchises)

review here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15203&highlight=international+toolbox