Proto Velocity Tool Cabinets - Any Info?

[Garageadelphia]

Proto has apparently rolled out a new line of tool cabinets called "The Velocity Series". Pricing is well below the 550S series due to lighter steel (18 gauge) smaller size (22.375" D and 38.5" high). I'm sure all of the components are a little cheaper than the 550S, but reflected in pricing of $1,760 on Zoro before any coupon codes. And, best part for me, they're MADE IN THE USA.

My question - has anyone seen one in person or heard anything about their quality? I found nothing online. No reviews, little mention even on Proto's own site.

I want a good quality, made in USA box for my garage. I don't want to pay 550S prices (or Snap On/Mac), I want something nicer than current Craftsman, and I want it delivered to my door, which rules out second hand Snap On/Mac. I'm fortunate to be able to spend $1,500ish on a box like this but hesitate given the lack of info out there. If it's at least as nice as the newer Milwaukee 56" boxes I've eyed up at HD than I'm willing to pay the premium to support American manufacturing. Any info appreciated.

I'd post a link to the Zoro or Proto sites, but don't have enough posts here to do so - sorry

 

[bobcatdan]

Same thing as the Mac edge series boxes so tool truck entry level boxes. Based on same ownership and dimensions I would say also same as the craftsman 3000 series boxes minus the stupid looking drawers and useless drawer arrangement.

 

[Garageadelphia]

Same thing as the Mac edge series boxes so tool truck entry level boxes. Based on same ownership and dimensions I would say also same as the craftsman 3000 series boxes minus the stupid looking drawers and useless drawer arrangement.

Thanks Dan - good info. I didn't realize the Edge series existed. I see some reviews out there to go through.

I wanted to like the craftsman 3000 series when it came out but the drawer sizes are ridiculous and the drawer design looks like a tonka toy to me

 

[m6z]

They look to be nice boxes. I was interested in their 41" combo, but couldn't find any reviews on them when I was looking. At the time the Homak RS Pro was about half the price and had good reviews, so I went that route.

I was interested in the Craftsman 3000 too, but the drawer arrangement killed it for me.

 

[Garageadelphia]

I pulled the trigger on the Proto last night after reading/watching some Mac edge reviews. It should be more than enough box for a home gamer like me.

I looked at the boxes from Homak, Milwaukee, Husky, Harbor Freight, and Craftsman. I couldn't get past "Made in China" for most and the Craftsman left too much to be desired.

$1,760 list for the 55" Proto Velocity in red/gray on Zoro, 20% off coupon, $50 cash back using my Chase card, and maybe 2% for going through a upromise link (may not be eligible since I used a coupon) and it's just over $1,400 after taxes, delivered to my door hopefully next month.

I'll post an update/review when received.

 

[Andrew Shears]

The same as Garageadelpia, I ordered a 55" Proto Velocity roller cabinet, JSTV5539RD13BL, from Zoro in December. Zoro cancelled my order 01/06/21. I called Proto; customer service told me the boxes were available but slow to deliver, as in 4-6 weeks, because they are built to order. When I spoke with Zoro, they reinstated my order.

Today, 01/15/21, I found Zoro had cancelled my order again. When I spoke with Zoro customer service they told me this product has been removed from their website, citing availability from the manufacturer.

Zoro has always treated me well; I think it is Stanley/Black & Decker that is dropping the ball on this one. Bummer. I thought I had found a made in USA tool box that a home gamer could afford. Back to the drawing board.

 

[Maddog1337]

The same as Garageadelpia, I ordered a 55" Proto Velocity roller cabinet, JSTV5539RD13BL, from Zoro in December. Zoro cancelled my order 01/06/21. I called Proto; customer service told me the boxes were available but slow to deliver, as in 4-6 weeks, because they are built to order. When I spoke with Zoro, they reinstated my order.

Today, 01/15/21, I found Zoro had cancelled my order again. When I spoke with Zoro customer service they told me this product has been removed from their website, citing availability from the manufacturer.

Zoro has always treated me well; I think it is Stanley/Black & Decker that is dropping the ball on this one. Bummer. I thought I had found a made in USA tool box that a home gamer could afford. Back to the drawing board.

Could be off base - but when I was looking at Proto boxes I noticed some are marked Made in USA with Global Materials. If COO matters to you, I'd double check for whatever box you're buying. Not sure how Proto would define the box construction anyway - Chinese steel molded in America? American steel with Euro casters?

Edit - Another lead - I would look at the Williams Made in USA boxes. I was previously looking at the 55" series.

 

[Roschili]

I pulled the trigger on the Proto last night after reading/watching some Mac edge reviews. It should be more than enough box for a home gamer like me.


I'll post an update/review when received.

Did you receive your box? Curious what your thoughts are on it.

 

[Lesserstore]

Surprisingly SBD does use US made steel. Second pic is what the foreign components are.

 

[Garageadelphia]

I have not yet received the box. My order was originally back ordered to 1/12/21 and now to 1/29/21. But it has never been cancelled so I'm still hopeful. The spot is cleared in the garage - it should fit perfectly between my newage cabinets, under the worktop.

 

[Andrew Shears]

Could be off base - but when I was looking at Proto boxes I noticed some are marked Made in USA with Global Materials. If COO matters to you, I'd double check for whatever box you're buying. Not sure how Proto would define the box construction anyway - Chinese steel molded in America? American steel with Euro casters?

Edit - Another lead - I would look at the Williams Made in USA boxes. I was previously looking at the 55" series.

You make a good point. I don't doubt the 55" Williams box is a good box. The downside is that it is 22% more expensive on Zoro.

I'll look forward to hearing what others think of the Proto Velocity or the made in USA Williams boxes.

 

[Garageadelphia]

To update: my backorder was extended to 2/26. I've left the order open but back to exploring other options

 

[Andrew Shears]

I found one of those mythical great deals on Snap On tool box, a used KRL722. So I won’t be waiting on a long delayed Proto box. The Snap On is a real treat; more than I need to work out of.

 

[Doughnuts]

That box is priced at 9 cents per cubic inch. In my area a barely used snap on with stainless top goes for 5 to 7. For the price of that proto you could find a snapon 7022 in almost new conditiin and have 50% more capacity. People see msrp of the truck boxes and think people actually pay that. They pay way under and resell for susbstantially less yet.

 

[Garageadelphia]

Bringing this thread back up because a box came in stock at Zoro. My original order was eventually cancelled in late Feb. I half-heartedly looked for used tool truck boxes for a couple of months but just don't have time to scour the internet and drive to look/buy/haul a box home. I'm aware I could have gotten more for my money used and I enjoy the chase for things like this when I have time, but 3 young kids and busy work have me seeking easier solutions.

I ordered a red/gray JSTV5539RD13RG last night and received notice that it shipped this morning, hopefully to arrive next week. 20% off so ~$1,500 after PA tax. Worth it to me for USA made and delivered to my door. I'll review here upon receipt.

UPDATE: Looks like they're out of stock again on Zoro and show "extended lead time" but if anyone is still interested I guess supply is trickling out.

 

[m6z]

Good to hear.

Please post pictures and give us a review once it arrives.

 

[Farmall450]

Bringing this thread back up because a box came in stock at Zoro. My original order was eventually cancelled in late Feb. I half-heartedly looked for used tool truck boxes for a couple of months but just don't have time to scour the internet and drive to look/buy/haul a box home. I'm aware I could have gotten more for my money used and I enjoy the chase for things like this when I have time, but 3 young kids and busy work have me seeking easier solutions.

I ordered a red/gray JSTV5539RD13RG last night and received notice that it shipped this morning, hopefully to arrive next week. 20% off so ~$1,500 after PA tax. Worth it to me for USA made and delivered to my door. I'll review here upon receipt.

UPDATE: Looks like they're out of stock again on Zoro and show "extended lead time" but if anyone is still interested I guess supply is trickling out.

Any update on the box?

 

[Garageadelphia]

Any update on the box?

OK, I've had the box for a couple of months now but neglected to actually review. Sorry about that. Here is an overview of the delivery, unpacking, and impressions.

The TLDR is that it's a good sized, well built American toolbox that is, in my opinion a little nicer than US General, on par with Milwaukee. So if this were Chinese-made it would sell for about half as much. $1,500 will get you a nicer new foreign-made or used tool truck box (if you're willing to put in the work). More detail below:

First, the delivery from Zoro was quick and easy. Shipped via Pitt Ohio LTL. Arrived on time, well packed, and the driver unloaded right onto my driveway and up to the garage. The box was packed on a pallet with cardboard shrink wrapped over it. Unboxing was easy, wheels are already installed so I just crow barred off the small piece of wood keeping the toolbox in place, eased it off the pallet, and rolled it to its home spot in the garage.

As for the box - it looks great. I got the red and safety grey. The grey is lighter than the online picture and appears close/same as the 550s grey. Which is what I wanted. The body steel feels solid when rolling around and the wheels roll well. The drawers are a little thin feeling, but not junky like the Craftsman boxes. No issues with weight when full of sockets up top. I didn't go crazy and make a youtube with my kids, dog, and grandmother sitting in the drawers but they're plenty well supported for lots of tools. The layout works well - the top drawer is deep enough to hold my 3/8" impact sockets standing on a Westling machine holder. Those are the tallest ones I have but I believe 1/2" would fit. The next couple of drawers easily hold my wrenches and screw drivers. The drawer liners are fine. Nothing fancy but the grip feels just right. I don't have enough experience to compare them to tool truck brands but I like them better than the Milwaukee and Husky ones in the display boxes at HD.

My only real issue is the slides - the top drawer slid poorly upon arrival but some grease and weight in it and it's better. The small drawers need to be practically pushed all the way to close, they don't glide closed well on their own. They're not terrible, but that's a big selling point on the higher end boxes that you won't get here.

So, overall, would I buy it again? Yeah. Not getting political here, but I've gone from not caring about COO to trying to avoid Chinese made goods to practically making it a way of life (wherever possible). If I had more time, I'd go for a used truck box over this, but I don't and am happy with this Proto Velocity. If I were willing to go Chinese, it would have been a Milwaukee box, which is just as nice plus has power at half the price. But again, no China.

Pictures below and attached. Hope this is helpful. Any specific questions, just ask and I'll try to answer.

 

[Farmall450]

Yeah, I'm probably going to hold out for a used KRL but there was an OK deal on a new (damaged) one of these local. The depth is what turned me off the most.

 

[Bradc1989]

I have a proto 41” 540s at work, which im pretty sure the velocity replaced the 540. I like the box, the price point could probably be lower but their good middle ground between a tool truck box and a Home Depot or Lowe’s type box. Ive heard the 550’s are astronomically better than the 540 but unfortunately so is the price.

 

[m6z]

Box looks great. Thanks for the update.

 

[PowderKeg]

Resurrecting this thread for a ?? or few on the Velocity 55". What are the drawer depths, especially the top full length? Need 4.5" min for that one and can't find any descriptive info anywhere with drawer depths. Also depth of the shallow drawers, and are the drawers full extension? How's it holding up, have the slides broken in and slide easier with use?