Craftsman box on clearance.

[Coach James]

I was in our independent Sears store today and they had one of these on closeout for $400.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...e+&+Tool+Storage&sName=Chest+&+Cabinet+Combos

The sales girl told me about the "great price". She was suprised when I told her I didn't like them and would rather pay more for a traditional chest and roll around.

Anyway, if any of you guys like those monstrosities, check your Sears as they may be on sale there too.

Coach

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Junk, Gimmicky, etc IMO

 

[jay50]

I love them...LOL
Just waiting for the next model that will have built in TV and wet bar....

 

[KenS]

Well, at least it matches some of the refrigerators they sell. Maybe they should rebrand them the "The Ultimate Stainless Kitchen Drawer Organizer."

 

[wilbilt]

Lots of plastic parts. They should rebadge it as a Kenmore.

 

[Stuey]

I was originally very skeptical about the AXS series as well, but it feels better and better every time I play with the floor model when at Sears. The drawers do feel pretty robust.

As far as plastic vs. steel goes, as long as it's well made, it shouldn't matter. I'd rather quality plastic than cheap stamped thin gauged steel.

Terribly overpriced, though.

 

[J Hodges]

I would rather have the old style

 

[Stanger]

I'm sure it would be a fine tool box for $400. However, I would be embarrassed to have it in my garage. It screams "I'm a poser!"

 

[Stuey]

I'm sure it would be a fine tool box for $400. However, I would be embarrassed to have it in my garage. It screams "I'm a poser!"

Too many people care about image these days, than function.

There's a version of this box with all the gimmicky things stripped out (such as the temperature function and LCD) but it's still a tad overpriced.

 

[Stanger]

Too many people care about image these days, than function.

There's a version of this box with all the gimmicky things stripped out (such as the temperature function and LCD) but it's still a tad overpriced.

You must admit, the box looks like a toy. That said, I would own it if it was cheap enough, but it isn't. I could get a lot more box for $400. I would much rather have a large Harbor Freight or a used box for that money. That isn't being worried about image, it is being frugal.

My current box is a Clarke. It has served me wonderfully and I love it. Probably makes me look cheap, but thats OK.

 

[ImportTuner]

Lots of plastic parts. They should rebadge it as a Kenmore.

Yep, looks like a Kenmore to me ..

 

[wilbilt]

As far as plastic vs. steel goes, as long as it's well made, it shouldn't matter. I'd rather quality plastic than cheap stamped thin gauged steel.

"Quality plastic"? Listen to yourself.

Even the "quality plastics" used in the construction of the Space Shuttle have failed catastrophically. They were undoubtedly more extensively engineered than the Rubbermaid-style toolboxes Sears is promoting.

 

[Stuey]

Rubbermaid-style? Those plastics are very rigid and very tough feeling. I also think there must be a fair amount of steel incorporated into their construction given the weights of the individual box components.

It seems that the plastic is only for cosmetic purposes, except for the drawer pulls.

All I'm saying is that a lot of you guys are fixating on the "eew it has plastic" argument without giving it a fair chance. I haven't found any accounts of people complaining about the plastic failing on these units. Then again, I haven't read too many accounts of anyone actually owning these boxes.

 

[eschoendorff]

I dunno... plastics have come a long way and they are definitely not the same rickety parts that they used to be. Sure, plastic parts have failed, but so have metal.

It's not the composite or plastic parts of that tool box that bothers me... it's the design of it that bothers me! None of us would be caught dead with it, but I am sure taht it works for others....

 

[billymade]

When I have looked at those AXS boxes up close; I'm not seeing a significant design/size difference from the "normal" Craftsman toolbox line, aside from the addition of stainless steel facing, drawer liners, lights, power strips, and other cosmetic "bling". With these additions, there is a significant increase in price and from a usability/ functional point of view; doesn't seem your getting your money worth, IMHO. I could be wrong but that is my perspective, from looking at the boxes on the floor.
I will say, that many people stopped to look at them (especially females) so, the "bling" factor did work to a certain degree from a marketing perspective; once they got over their heat attack when they looked at the prices, the standard boxes ended up out selling them in a major way. When people were willing to put down their hard earned cash and actually buy a toolbox, they usually go with the standard line of tool boxes, however...

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

When I first looked at the those boxes, two things caught my eye. One, the leds to light the drawers, I thought could be a good idea, except for the places where I would need that, guess what, I need that due to a lack of electricity for good lighting.
And two, the carry around bag with the speakers for an mp3 player. That I could use and rip either a book on tape, or take my music with me, if I have to work in those same area's.

 

[Stuey]

Some of the accessories are pretty sweet though. I plan on buying this USB charger for my soon Zune purchase, and for my TomTom One.

The Zune USB to wall outlet adapter cost ~$15 and is essentially the same exact thing!! A TomTom adapter (which includes a cable, though) costs $25 and up!!

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00995446000P

 

[chammyman]

plastic is plenty strong enough if its done right. Theres plenty of composite prop shafts on cars these days for example.

ALso entire cars are made with only plastic, aluminium and bonding holding them together.

 

[Danglerb]

We used to tease one of the guys in the shop, ask him if its ok to put a TV dinner in his craftsmen oven for lunch.

 

[Coach James]

I don't mind the plastic as much as I just don't like the look.

Coach

 

[billymade]

When I was a work today; I looked at the box more closely, there is some design difference in the metal structure of the AXS series boxes. The sides (at least on the top box) have curves to them; whether this increases rigidity or is just for esthetics, I don't know! They seem pretty sturdy but overall, look very similar and the roller bearing sliders look the same as the other models AFAIK...