Shop Tool Box

[seanb02]

Hi folks, I am looking to upgrade the old worn out 26" Craftsman set in the farm shop to something in the 40-48" width range and as deep as possible. I was originally going to go with the US General 44" top and bottom combo, as I have read that they do successfully hold up in a real shop environment, however I would like something just a little step up better in quality. Realistically would like to stay under $1200 for the combo, which I know doesn't get me into anything that is truly considered quality.

I really like the looks of the Masterforce 46" wide by 24" deep combo at the $1250 price point from Menards. However, there is no Menards anywhere remotely close to us here on the west coast, and shipping comes in at an absurd price of well over $300. Who makes the Masterforce boxes for Menards? Are there any other companies that carry the same box under a different name?

There is Home Depot and Lowes out here, but I doubt that a Husky or Kobalt type box would live for long in the shop. Not sure if they carry any other brands, will have to do a little more digging online. Anyways, any suggestions will be appreciated! Thanks

 

[NUTTSGT]

Farm shop, I would think the HF box would hold up ok. However, if you just don't want somebody to see a US General box in your shop, just pull the emblems of and repaint the drawer fronts another color.

You can always check out Strictly Toolboxes, a site sponsor or find something used on CL.

Adding a location to your profile might also help another member near you to a deal they know about.

 

[GTO]

....again,I say, save up more money and buy a used Snap on KRL roller,29-30" drawers..
No brainer

 

[seanb02]

Farm shop, I would think the HF box would hold up ok. However, if you just don't want somebody to see a US General box in your shop, just pull the emblems of and repaint the drawer fronts another color.

You can always check out Strictly Toolboxes, a site sponsor or find something used on CL.

Adding a location to your profile might also help another member near you to a deal they know about.

Really don't care what brand name, that is meaningless for this application. Used might be an option, really haven't looked around this area much.

 

[seanb02]

....again,I say, save up more money and buy a used Snap on KRL roller,29-30" drawers..
No brainer

I could wait and save up and buy myself a super nice new Snap On box. However that does me little good for a farm box where I don't make the financial decisions in regards to that. As the shop manager I can say what I want and why, and if it a reasonable request it will happen. But realistically no matter how well the business is doing an expensive box will never get the "ok" around here.

 

[PhysicsDude]

The matte black textured Husky boxes are pretty durable. If you play with one in the store its immediately obvious they're built to a higher quality than the standard gloss black Husky boxes.

International boxes are a good mid-level box also. Made with thicker steel than standard retail store boxes(18ga vs. ~21ga), and some are 24" deep. You can order them from Home Depot as well. They have several different lines of boxes which vary in quality, so check the specs before you order one.

This one if their best value, IMO:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Interna...s-10-Drawer-Cabinet-Blue-VRB-5610BU/203715404

 

[NUTTSGT]

I could wait and save up and buy myself a super nice new Snap On box. However that does me little good for a farm box where I don't make the financial decisions in regards to that. As the shop manager I can say what I want and why, and if it a reasonable request it will happen. But realistically no matter how well the business is doing an expensive box will never get the "ok" around here.

I'd check out Strictly Toolboxes. Look through the site and show it to the financial decision maker.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

 

[plinker]

If you have a Menards in the area, their Masterforce are nice boxes for the money, and have deeper drawers then most in that price range.

 

[seanb02]

The matte black textured Husky boxes are pretty durable. If you play with one in the store its immediately obvious they're built to a higher quality than the standard gloss black Husky boxes.

International boxes are a good mid-level box also. Made with thicker steel than standard retail store boxes(18ga vs. ~21ga), and some are 24" deep. You can order them from Home Depot as well. They have several different lines of boxes which vary in quality, so check the specs before you order one.

This one if their best value, IMO:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Interna...s-10-Drawer-Cabinet-Blue-VRB-5610BU/203715404

I did not realize that the Husky boxes actually had an "industrial" line of boxes. I am actually liking the looks of this one:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-52-in-15-Drawer-Industrial-Tool-Chest-and-Cabinet-Combo-H52CH6TR9HD/302962883

Significant things that I noted was the 120 lb drawer slides, 18 gauge steel. Better than the menards box at 110 lb slides and 19 gauge steel. Also better than the harbor freight with 80 lb slides. Shows 3 in stock at my local home depot, might be worth a drive by when I get a chance to feel it over and see how the overall construction looks.

 

[customh]

I'd check out Strictly Toolboxes. Look through the site and show it to the financial decision maker.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

Agree for your location. I have what is now the last-generation "shallow" HF 44 and wish I would have at least went with the Menard's Masterforce at the time. For the love of Pete get positive locking drawers not detents- which the Extreme line on strictlytoolboxes has. Pick one in your budget and try to talk the money man into it. You'll always wish you had more space- I guarantee it.

 

[seanb02]

I'd check out Strictly Toolboxes. Look through the site and show it to the financial decision maker.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

Thanks, I've been on their website already a couple times. I would probably go with an Extreme box if I needed to buy my own box for some reason (I work out of my own service truck instead with both truck and tools owned by me), but that is more than we are looking to spend for a shop box in this particular case.

 

[seanb02]

If you have a Menards in the area, their Masterforce are nice boxes for the money, and have deeper drawers then most in that price range.

No Menards around here as mentioned in my first post. I am located in Southern Oregon, guess I need to update my profile at some point.

 

[WittHay]

Some observations on farm shop boxes I have seen over the years, most are Craftsman, Beach, Mac, Snap-on friction slide 26" stacks and top boxes on benches. Not just one stack but 2 or 3. If somebody on the farm really likes wrenching there might be a newer Mac or Snap-on KRL.

I have always organized tools into 3 categories. One set is that anybody can grab or use for field use. Another better set that I tried to keep around the shop. The third set was my set of tools that I kept under lock and key

Have you tried looking at Napa and their real deal flyer and maybe take a second look at the new HF 44. You can buy 2 or 3 boxes and divide out the tools and have less weight in the drawers

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I could wait and save up and buy myself a super nice new Snap On box. However that does me little good for a farm box where I don't make the financial decisions in regards to that. As the shop manager I can say what I want and why, and if it a reasonable request it will happen. But realistically no matter how well the business is doing an expensive box will never get the "ok" around here.

His suggestion was to find a used one, not a new one.

 

[gregpack]

Check out the Homak RS pro from NAPA. I have the 72" and it seems like a good value. On sale until 03/31

https://realdeals.napaecatalog.com/