Upgrading Tool Box

[Tucker99]

Gents,
Newb here so be easy on me. Upgrading workbench and exsisting 26" tool Craftsman box. I use the top of the tool box only and will be putting it on my new (old) work bench. The workbench is 8' lg X 41" deep. I'd really like a classic old SO box, 36" or 40" long but the dang things are so expensive. Do the old SO boxes have brg drawer slides? I'll go $500 but think my chances are slim in finding one. Kind of leaning towards that 40" Craftsman that's on sale for $265. Sure would be cool to own a SO but there isn't anything even close to my budget.

 

[shocksandstrutz]

SO are nice, but maybe not in that price range, youll have to search CLIST pretty hard to try and find something in that range, if you are looking for some large space, get either the CMAN or the HF44, some HD have the black roller on sale for like 250 too, just some other options other than trying to find a used one, all the above would be new and way under 5 bills

 

[BTC]

Menard's has a 56" Masterforce top chest on sale for $299. If there is a Menard's anywhere around, delivery to the store is free.

http://menards.com/main/tools-hardw...boxes/masterforce-56-tool-chest/p-1851819.htm

 

[briandrex]

I'd personally keep searching Craigslist and local ad's. You will find a Snap On, MAC or Matco at a good price if you are diligent. I'm running out of space from all the good finds over the past two years.

If you can't wait and want new then definitely go with the Harbor Freight. I have the largest one they have which is 56 inches and paid $699. Unbelievable deal and box is awesome!!! I could stand in the drawers if I wanted and they would take the weight. I"m about 220lbs.

Tried the Husky home depot ones and was not happy. Drawers were to shallow and sheet metal was paper thin. Looked at craftsman but the price was too high for the quality, in my opinion.

Keep looking or go with HF....you won't regret it!

 

[BTC]

Personally, and this is based solely on comparisons of floor models in the stores, I think the Masterforce boxes are nicer than the HF US General offerings.

 

[crewchief888]

if you keep looking you may find a vintage SO (or other truck brand) box in your price range.

most "vintage" boxes dont have roller slides, a good set of (clean & lubed)friction slides are fine.



edit:
seems like there have been a lot of used kr537 boxes popping up here on GJ lately, and well within your price range

 

[briandrex]

if you keep looking you may find a vintage SO (or other truck brand) box in your price range.

most "vintage" boxes dont have roller slides, a good set of (clean & lubed)friction slides are fine.

I agree completely. I now have seven different friction slide Vintage Snap On boxes I've found online the past two years. I the really old vintage ones (1940's) and one from the 60's in my home office. I love em!!!

Always looking for more too!

 

[cburnscrx]

Personally, and this is based solely on comparisons of floor models in the stores, I think the Masterforce boxes are nicer than the HF US General offerings.

I'll politely disagree. I just bought my HF box after comparing it with the Masterforce. One of the things worth noting is the drawers. The HF box has rolled edges, which keeps them stronger without twisting or deflecting. The Masterforce box does not. They both have 16 ball bearing in their drawer slides though. I didn't get a chance to check the thickness of the metal, but I am almost certain the HF box uses a thicker gauge steel. They're both good boxes for the price, but I think the HF box is better built. Oh, and for those who only remember the green boxes, you can get them in black, blue and red now.

 

[bcradio]

Older slides work fine, but I don't know if I can go back to them after using ball bearing slides. I would get something that uses these.

Also, in that price range I'd rather get a new HF/Masterforce/Viper box rather than a totally beat up SO box.

 

[BTC]

I'll politely disagree. I just bought my HF box after comparing it with the Masterforce. One of the things worth noting is the drawers. The HF box has rolled edges, which keeps them stronger without twisting or deflecting. The Masterforce box does not. They both have 16 ball bearing in their drawer slides though. I didn't get a chance to check the thickness of the metal, but I am almost certain the HF box uses a thicker gauge steel. They're both good boxes for the price, but I think the HF box is better built. Oh, and for those who only remember the green boxes, you can get them in black, blue and red now.

I believe the Masterforce boxes are 20 gauge steel. I honestly don't know what the gauge is on the HF boxes. I've looked but have thus far not found that information. One thing I noted on the HF boxes is that there was a lot of play in the drawers when open. On the Masterforce boxes, there was essentially no play. I'm not saying the that the HF boxes are junk, and the only ones I've looked at were floor models, but the tolerances seemed tighter on the Masterforce box. If the HF box is in fact a heavier gauge of metal, that would just be one additonal factor to consider.

 

[crewchief888]

Older slides work fine, but I don't know if I can go back to them after using ball bearing slides. I would get something that uses these.

Also, in that price range I'd rather get a new HF/Masterforce/Viper box rather than a totally beat up SO box.

OP mentioned he wouldnt mind having an older SO box.
theres more than one recent thread about kr 537 /557, & kr550/555b boxes in decent condition for around the $500 price tag.
however they are few and far between at that price
older matco, mac, proto, MBC were all well built boxes, but with the "dreaded" friction slides


geographic area means a world of difference in CL pricing.