Recommendation for low budget tool chest / combo (non HF)

[jeepurzz]

I would get the harbor freight box , but I don't have a store within driving distance. What would you guys recommend I get as a starter box?

Ive seen tons of matco, cornwell, and snap on boxes on craigslist, but they are still above 1k. (outside of budget)

I'd like to keep the cost around 500.00 or less

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Get a $39.00 American Airlines ticket to a city that does have a Harbor Freight, rent a U-Haul, buy a box and drive it home. If you are married, convince the wife it is a vacation and she can help you drive.

 

[usmc_noma]

go to a sears outlet and get a craftsman on clearance.

 

[bronc3buster842001]

I have been looking at a waterloo or one from lowes.

 

[dclassical]

I love the one I got at Sam's Club about over a year ago (I cannot remember the name/model and cannot check on it now). I have not seen the same model at my local Sam's Club for the last few months, but I was really happy with it.
No side locker, all full width drawers of various heights.

 

[chevy302dz]

The Sam's club/Costco stainless boxes were in that price range and pretty good quality wise. Not sure if they're still available though.

 

[zer01]

Tractor Supply has pretty good boxes for the price you are looking, Menards if there is one near you has good prices on their boxes, Sears clearance, craigslist. Just a few suggestions

 

[jeepnut24]

CMAN outlet gets my vote....

Sams/Costco would be my send choice....

Then again, used truck brand is first choice...

 

[MotoDave]

I'm perfectly happy with my Craftsman 26" Ball Bearing combo. Eventually I will upgrade, but for my use it works great. Not sure exactly how much it was (it was a gift) but I'm sure it was under $500.

 

[fordbroncodave]

i'd wait for a good top and bottom KRA snap on box on craigslist. i see combos here for $500-1000 all week long,

or

you could get a huge craftsman box on craigslist HUGE!

 

[Bo Heck]

www.strictlytoolboxes.com and deal with shannon

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I would get the harbor freight box , but I don't have a store within driving distance. What would you guys recommend I get as a starter box?

Ive seen tons of matco, cornwell, and snap on boxes on craigslist, but they are still above 1k. (outside of budget)

I'd like to keep the cost around 500.00 or less

Is there a Matco, Cornwell, or Snap-On store near you?

Lowes has a Husky stainless top and bottom box that is really nice. Its very close to your price range...

 

[Davefr]

Up your budget to around a grand and look for nice used SO KRA units on CL.

There's a nice one listed in the classified section here if you can scrape up $1300.

$500 will likely get you HF, Sears or rough truck brands. $1000 get's you into much nicer territory if you're patient.

 

[loj]

I recommend doubling your toolbox budget and not buying any tools.

Seriously, you can pick up a nice ball bearing Craftsman, Husky, or Kobalt set up for $500. There's more bang for the buck with the latter two, but bear in mind that they're made overseas if that's important to you.

 

[Scout Driver]

Rem-line or a Masterforce from Menard's

Scott

 

[PCO6]

Is there a Matco, Cornwell, or Snap-On store near you?

Lowes has a Husky stainless top and bottom box that is really nice. Its very close to your price range...

I recently bought the same box at Home Depot. For a couple of hundreds bucks beyond your budget it's a great deal.

 

[mikevango]

I just went thru the same thing. No good boxes on my local craigslist. So I did the dirty deed and went to h..... But will never admit to it.

 

[RLRRLRLL]

www.strictlytoolboxes.com and deal with shannon

I agree. I have talked with shannon some and was almost ready to drop some money on a montezuma box. But then i bought a 4 drawer us general tool cart, and stragely enuf, it fits quite a bit of tools. I sold my 13 or so drawer craftsman that was full, and put all my main tools in the cart, and my others in my old waterloo box, and still have a couple empty drawers in the waterloo. I have seen the montezuma boxes in person and they are pretty good quality. I think they offer free shipping on their boxes as well from strictlytoolboxes.

 

[mjozefow]

Masterforce brand if you have a Menards close

+1

These look like a better "Bang for the buck" than even the HF boxes.

 

[Danglerb]

Whats your location? Thats what will decide most of your options.

If you need a basic box, aren't in the auto repair trade, its a bit of a toss up between a nice used box and cheap new one. Rental truck and a visit to civilization might be the best bet.

 

[philw]

Will you be using it for your work or home? Will it be rolled around a lot?

More than likely you will not need a tool truck brand box for home use. If you find one at a great price then get it but don't blow your budget on something you won't get full use from.

There are many threads about this subject that you can search. Menards, HF, TSC, Craftsman, Lowes, and Home Depot all carry good boxes. Stay away from the low end at these places and you should be OK for home use.

If your a tech then try to find a truck box. It will take more abuse and have better service/warranty.

 

[KenS]

...I got at Sam's Club...

Our local Sam's Club has just about stopped carrying tools except for a few chests and a cheap pressure washer or two, some mechanic's gloves and maybe a few handtools.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i'd look at craigslist for a deal, they do pop up. if your going to buy a craftsman i'd buy an old used one. all the new craftsman boxes are cheap flimsy pieces of ****.

 

[Fedwrench]

Save more money up for the box purchase. If you can't find a decent used box at a good price, consider a Craftsman box on sale. Right now they have a top and bottom 41 inch wide unit half off for $700.