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Needing to upgrade my toolbox...

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The BrentP

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Sep 11, 2013
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So I currently have a little 26" Craftsman top chest that I purchased as a beginner when I first started in heavy duty trucks. Of course, it has only taken a year to completely out grow it. I literally have tools stuffed in this poor little box. I find that as my knowledge in the field increases, so does my need for tools that get the job done. As it stands now, I can keep up with our veteran techs, but it takes a little longer due to limited tool choices. With a bigger box comes more options for me as a tech.

So now.... Everyone in our shop has been gouged by the Snap-On truck. I can't see paying the prices they are asking at this point in time. Maybe as I progress and make more money, but not now. I've narrowed my choices down to three 56" boxes that I think will fill my goals for the next ~5 years, but was wanting some hands-on reviews, since my local stores don't carry these models in stock.

First is the HF 56" 11 drawer Item #67681. I've read some good reviews and from what I gather, it's actually a step above the Craftsman. I've never particularly cared for HF tools due to quality issues, but I've seen good things about this box.

Second is the Extreme Tools Model #EX5611RCBL. Haven't seen much on reviews, but they have nice add-on options with this box for when I need a little more room.

Last is the Craftsman Model#33576. Like stated above. I've read that the HF box beats this one hands down. Reviews seem to indicate that it's very poorly built.

Thanks for any help you guys can give.
 
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619DioFan

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I considered the hf 56 but need more shallow drawers so passed on it. it is a very nice box and you can always add the side cabs for more space.
if you want to spend a little more strickleytoolboxes has a 56'' unit ( top box , roller and side locker ) for around 2,000 dollars. have read many good reviews on that.
I work out of a 40'' craftsman ( top , single drawer mid and base with two side cabs ) mine is probably 15 years old. personally I don't feel the quality of the craftsman boxes are as good now.
 
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zkling

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Get something better than a snap on, get a lista or vidmar. Add wheels and wood top, be the envy of your shop. :lol_hitti
Flame suit on. :eek:
What about option #4? Purchased a used truck brand box?
 
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bobcatdan

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I will be the first of many to say watch CL for a used truck box. Also another option would be look at either Armstrong or Proto boxes. Armstrong boxes are basically matco and Proto are basically Mac. Playing around online I have seen pretty good prices for Proto. Another option is Kennedy. Of the three you have listed, I'd probably go with the HF.
 
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taumac

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A cheap idea is a HF 44 box for under $400. You could throw your top chest on top or turn that CM box into a service cart. My idea is to put the money in the tools vs a high dollar box.
 
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T

The BrentP

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619DioFan said:
I considered the hf 56 but need more shallow drawers so passed on it. it is a very nice box and you can always add the side cabs for more space.
if you want to spend a little more strickleytoolboxes has a 56'' unit ( top box , roller and side locker ) for around 2,000 dollars. have read many good reviews on that.
I work out of a 40'' craftsman ( top , single drawer mid and base with two side cabs ) mine is probably 15 years old. personally I don't feel the quality of the craftsman boxes are as good now.
Click to expand...

I actually just watched a review on that Tool Vault box. Seriously considering it... being that the combo deal is over $1k off.
 
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Moose97

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You can get the 44" HF for under $400.00 and the top chest that fits it for $300.00. That should take care of your needs for a while with minimal output.:thumbup:
 
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CWP1616L

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bobcatdan said:
If I had to do it all over again, that box right there. That is a Mac macismizer at half the price. With the savings I would get the Mac spring loaded casters.
Click to expand...

Yes, it's the same as the Macsimizer box but with polished aluminum 'butterfly' drawer handles.
 
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cburnscrx

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Moose97 said:
You can get the 44" HF for under $400.00 and the top chest that fits it for $300.00. That should take care of your needs for a while with minimal output.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

This! I mean really, you're going to beat $700? If you really want to go all out you can add the side cabinets for another $400 and have LOTS of storage space.
 
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CWP1616L

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The only thing I'd question about the HF box is the depth. I like to put four wrench racks in a drawer front to back and you can't do that with an HF box.
 
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bobcatdan

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mopar01 said:
Didntt know they made a box like that still. Id love to have that!
Click to expand...

Proto has versions of mac's tech and basic series too. Proto boxes uselly have a slightly different drawer arrangement then Mac and I normally prefer proto's version.
 
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fxgmech

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To the OP: there's an important condition not included in your requirements. Do you need to move the box to the truck? If not, the drawer strength and slides will be the most important quality points to worry about. If you can load what you need into a sevice cart and pull that to the truck then your main storage rig will not need to be Snap-on. Gotta pull your roll cab full of iron from bay to bay on a floor full of divots and gaps? Get a Snap-on and pay attention to wheight specs. Used if not abused is as good as new from an S-O dealer. I watch for sales and make an offer to buy trade-ins. Over the years I've broken up Mac, CM, and Matco boxes hauling them around in the shop. And that's w/o taking them on service calls bouncing in a truck. Service cart? Use it, admire the crust on it and the effort that caused it, and start planning it's replacement.
 
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T

The BrentP

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fxgmech said:
To the OP: there's an important condition not included in your requirements. Do you need to move the box to the truck? If not, the drawer strength and slides will be the most important quality points to worry about. If you can load what you need into a sevice cart and pull that to the truck then your main storage rig will not need to be Snap-on. Gotta pull your roll cab full of iron from bay to bay on a floor full of divots and gaps? Get a Snap-on and pay attention to wheight specs. Used if not abused is as good as new from an S-O dealer. I watch for sales and make an offer to buy trade-ins. Over the years I've broken up Mac, CM, and Matco boxes hauling them around in the shop. And that's w/o taking them on service calls bouncing in a truck. Service cart? Use it, admire the crust on it and the effort that caused it, and start planning it's replacement.
Click to expand...


Box will be in a permanent place and I'm getting a service cart. I'm planning on using my current CM 26" top chest strictly to load up essentials for road calls.

I'm considering pulling the trigger on the Tool Vault combo deal and not looking back. It gives me a little room to buy some quality tools to fill it with and from what I can read, it's a great setup.
 
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