SPG Internation 73" Tool Cabinet Review

Jordoncloutier · Feb 22, 2014

I recently purchased this SPG international SHD toolbox from Costco Canada online for $2999 including shipping within Canada and lifetime warranty . They have the best price for this box out there. Everyone else has it selling for $3800 +. The website says to allow 3-5 weeks for delivery since Costco just middle mans it and ships directly from the manufacturer in Quebec. It only tool 2 and a half weeks for me.

Id like to start off saying that I have seen the International Value Series boxes and this SHD series is no comparison. This box is definitely made to stand up in a shop environment and everyday professional use. I am personally a professional auto mechanic. I would say this box is easily comparable to snap on or mac quality.

This box is huge and heavy ! It just under 800 lbs. Nice roller drawers and premium rubber liners. No annoying detents . It has latches in the handles to lock drawers from opening on their own. Heavy duty spring loaded casters that make moving this massive unit a breeze. I also really like the Stainless steel work surface.

I am completely satisfied with this purchase and hope I can influence others to consider this box instead of paying massive amounts on over priced tool truck boxes.

The only thing I was surprised about was that SPG international does not make a top box or side locker for this unit. But maybe in the future they will.

Jordoncloutier · Feb 22, 2014

Check out my ``whats in your tool box`` Video

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5R36LgUxq8Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

MonoxieChild · Feb 22, 2014

Looks like a very nice box. And enjoyed the video also!

Jawn · Feb 22, 2014

Nice box. Good price, too.

Hopalong604 · Feb 22, 2014

I remember your thread about out growing your box and your budget on a new box being like $1000? Way to step it up! Good looking box for sure!

JoeMA · Feb 22, 2014

Very nice box. You can't go wrong with Costco's service and warranty.

moopa · Feb 22, 2014

Awesome tool box, with an option I wish my boxes had.....empty drawers! LOL! Nice to see alternatives that aren't either junk or priced out of this world.
Thanks for posting.

Mark

carcajou · Feb 22, 2014

How deep are the drawers on that box?
Width of widest drawer? thanks

Sebastien · Feb 22, 2014

Nice box! what's the main reason for you not to go for the value serie? (I'm asking because I was thinking about getting one) also what's the max load for the widest drawer?

Jordoncloutier · Feb 22, 2014

carcajou........ Here is a pic of the drawer specs . Its the srb7321

Burgerkong · Feb 22, 2014

I only have room for the 54", thinking of buying it from Sears when they have their sale again!

Jordoncloutier · Feb 22, 2014

Sebastien said:
Nice box! what's the main reason for you not to go for the value serie? (I'm asking because I was thinking about getting one) also what's the max load for the widest drawer?

I pretty sure the top drawer is rated at 120lbs

The main reason is the value series is just made lighter. It is fine for home use but I cannot see it holding up to everyday professional use. The sheet metal is thinner. And not many slides per drawer as the shd series does. Just overall if you had the value and shd series side by side you would see the difference in built quality.

Before I purchased my Shd box I was working out of a international value series "craftsman" 27" tool chest combo with no ball bearing slides and crappy drawer handles. The box did me well for the first years of apprenticing but I filled it up quickly and wanted something not as flimsy that would last me the rest of my career. I almost purchased a 56" tool vault combo from strictlytoolboxes.com but the shipping to canada was just too crazy. So i continued to ressarch into finding the best box for the money. I found The SHD line from international to be what I was looking for .
Thanks everyone for the comments ! I am enjoying the box everyday

Jordoncloutier · Feb 22, 2014

Burgerkong said:
I only have room for the 54", thinking of buying it from Sears when they have their sale again!

If possible check out that 54" box at costco's website. Its on for $1769 !

BK13 · Feb 22, 2014

Jordoncloutier said:
The only thing I was surprised about was that SPG international does not make a top box or side locker for this unit. But maybe in the future they will.

Does anybody make a top box bigger than about 55-60"?

bobcatdan · Feb 22, 2014

The trucks have top boxes up to 88" wide. On the import side, 72" wide by 30" deep isn't that hard to find. I always see the spg shd boxes shown with hutches. The hutch on a big bottom box is kinda the direction box set ups have gone. Top boxes are kinda a dying breed.

BK13 · Feb 22, 2014

Good to know, I guess, though I'm not likely to need a top box that big. I don't see me going with a top box on anything bigger than something like a single bay 33-36" rig.

BlackChuck · Jun 6, 2014

Hey, since your purchase, how would you rate your box? And can you post more pics?

David W · Jun 7, 2014

^^^^^this^^^^^. Seems like a nice box.

Jordoncloutier · Aug 1, 2014

BlackChuck said:
Hey, since your purchase, how would you rate your box? And can you post more pics?

Hey sorry for the super late reply . I havent checked this thread in so long. I will definitly take updated pics of my toolbox . Or another video maybe . Since ive purchased it the box has held up fantasic . Ive used the stainless top as a work bench and have been rough on it . seems to not dent as easy as I thought it might. The drawers are filling up nicely. I have realized that If i move jobs this bix may not be the easiest thing to transport . Its just under 800lbs without tools in it . Might have to ask my tool distributor if he moves toolboxes for guys changing shops

missan · Aug 1, 2014

Agree with MonoxieChild.

winnipegtibook · Dec 31, 2017

Reviving an old thread, and hoping Jordancloutier can provide a "long term" review. I am on the fence about this box, or a MUCH smaller Snap-on KRA4813, and trying to convince myself the Snap is a "better" box.

WittHay · Dec 31, 2017

No real experience with the SPG SHD series tool boxes other than seeing them for years in the Napa real deal flyers.

My question is how the drawer slides locks or detents work compared to the Snap-on Lock n Roll or the Mac adjustable detents.

The other question is how well the key lock works. Have a Canadian made Beach/Gray thats a solid box but when you lock it, there is always one drawer left unlocked and you have to push it in and fiddle, The drawers dont appear to be bent

Mr_B · Dec 31, 2017

No slide locks/detents.
It has proper mechanical latching and full length drawer latch pull handles .
lock n roll and detents come second and third place imo .
Not bad box if can get a sale/deal on it and I like the drawer sizes . Would be looking used matco boxes first off myself though but if in hurry or want specific features it no bad option .

Getusum111 · Dec 31, 2017

Good looking toolbox.

WittHay · Dec 31, 2017

Thanks Mr. B, just watched the video at the beginning of this thread and seen the "Safe-Lock" sticker on the drawer. No sticker on the Napa boxes. Costco and Home Depot also sell these boxes

winnipegtibook · Dec 31, 2017

HI Witt / Mr.B,

So would Witt's comment suggest that the NAPA boxes are a bit different spec than Costco? I was at a NAPA yesterday and they very graciously pulled a 72 inch box down from a pallet rack and unpacked it, so I could look at it. To be honest, the drawers felt "flimsy", they were empty. The drawers on this unit did have a "safe-lock" type system (as mentioned here) and shown in the video.

Maybe the allure of Snap-On is clouding my judgement, but the drawers on the unit I was looking at felt "better", maybe a bit thicker material?

Note: I had a Milwaukee 46 box for 3 weeks, returned it after a slider broke (with very little weight).

WittHay · Jan 1, 2018

The Costco and Napa box seem to be the same, other than stickers and name badges'

I have seen the SPG pro boxes which are a step down from the SHD, and they don't compare to a Snap-on KRA. Lighter duty slides and just a more tinny feel to the whole box. I assumed the SHD drawers would be stiffer

The KRA boxes are actually quite solid because they are only 20" deep and the drawers edges are rolled different than the International's. Obviously one box is 40" wide and the other is 72". A lot more storage in the SPG

Mr_B · Jan 1, 2018

SPG SHD ain't bad boxes, competing autoshop up road from me has the 73 and 54 and had them a good few years and I seen or heard no complaints.
Drawer sides could of been better folded at top edges to try improve rigidity but overall they not bad and internal drawer depth is 22", would want pay about 3-400bucks less than usual retail to feel happy I think .
Personally I not a fan of 72" plus boxes, just ballache move and expensive.
I prefer 50 or 40" boxes and have 2 which easier move/transport, more rigid, cheaper and easier find used options too . I go used matco whenever possible, have 2 7525 . Only way I would by snappy is used but these days even that expensive and mostly overpriced .
Do like the drawer layout/style on the shd 73 though .
OP done an update vid in july 2017, have a look at that and see how it going .

gerryw · Jan 1, 2018

I almost bought one, it was between the spg 73 (costco) or a used classic 96.
Called SPG directly and asked how it compares to the classic 96, or kra’s in general, they had no idea what i was talking about,and didnt seem too interested.
Bought a mint kra2423 and am very pleased.

The SPG looks like a very nice box, but between the customer service rep, and the fact that i couldnt see one in person (costco doesnt stock these in store) until delivery turned me off.

Gerry

winnipegtibook · Jan 1, 2018

Thanks all. For clarification, while I looked at the 72, I'm more inclined to get the 50inch SPG SHD ("SUPER HEAVY DUTY"), which as mentioned above, the SHD didn't really feel the 'same' as a SNAP box.

gerryw-funny you mentioned calling SPG, I was planning on doing the same thing tomorrow, to get the gauge thickness (on various areas) to compare to the KRA4813 that is the primary contender right now.

Drawers did feel "flimsy", not sure if this is substantiated by engineering / scientific evidence though.

Mr_B · Jan 1, 2018

kra not that great a box, would buy used but not new .
54" SHD is big box for 1800 but would want it cheaper than that really to feel it real value . I've always managed source decent used deals but harder these days .
These SHD appeal to me and having played with a loaded one I would be happy try one if fitted my needs .
What the best price you got on kra and shd and what sort of use/tools it going take ?

winnipegtibook · Jan 1, 2018

Hi B,
I am working off an insurance replacement, so buying used isn't a feasible option. The KRA would probably be around $2300CDN, which gives me about 15,000 cubic inches of storage (versus 25,000) in the SHD 50inch box. In terms of tools, it is mostly hand, some impacts, sockets (specialty) for bicycle building / bike repair tools. Some bigger bike building stuff like presses, etc, but no heavy diesel, and 1/4 inch and 3/8.

Mr_B · Jan 1, 2018

Go with what fits your needs best , I would say they pretty similar in quality. International may have few more QC issues perhaps but shd I looked at seemed perfectly finished and durable . If International handle initial purchase warranty well just in case you get shipped a dud or damaged in transit and handle spares well if ever needed I would be inclined support your canadian workers with this insurance purchase.
Can't see your tools/usage pushing box too hard . depth of the shd is massive plus for tool layout and worktop space. My matco's 25 and it an ideal depth .

winnipegtibook · Jan 1, 2018

Well, I have a relative decent budget, and my biggest concern is "quality", with my recent experience (negative) with the Milwaukee box. The drawers were just really thin and the overall build quality disappointing, in relation to the stellar "reviews". SHD would be the ONLY way I'd go on this purchase. Plus the vendor I'm using has a real lifetime warranty, so any issues, I return it. Not sure SNAP would be that good?

I'd love to hear from the original post, to see how it's still holding up (and I did see the latest video).

Mr_B · Jan 1, 2018

Yeh those milwaukee, most husky etc are flimsy to touch .
shd is decent pro box, lot of boxes feel more flimsy when drawer not loaded, unsure of shd drawer gauge, assume sides thinner than front but would be good get exact specs from them on the 5412 model . Being canada based and buying with lifetime warranty it seems wise choice, Op's opinion would be comforting I agree, not watched his second vid yet .

gerryw · Jan 1, 2018

Yes,you just cant beat Costco in buying confidence.
I asked about shipping(included in price)and what happens if i dont like ?
“Well sir if u dont like it, we will just send the truck back to pick it up”
It justhappened that a 6month old kra came up @a killer price , so i went for it.
I think the SHD would be a really nice box.

Good luck
Gerry

winnipegtibook · Jan 1, 2018

The "Costco advantage" really does seem to be swaying me in that direction.

I had really high hopes for the Milwaukee box and it felt good in the store, but after getting it home, and loading it up (maybe 50lb / drawer..max), it started feeling really flimsy. I haven't actually felt a SNAP box drawer unloaded (darn...), to really get a sense of things.

I am going to call SPG tomorrow, as their website for the 50inch SHD box has an "accessory" for auto-close drawer. If this is a soft-close, well, then I'm sold. No deals on used SNAP boxes here. I may go peek at Mac Tools, just to feed my curosity, but the SHD for the price (and Canadian) seems quite good.

Sadly, no real-world reviews on Youtube comparing them to brand name boxes using empirical data. Sigh.

winnipegtibook · Jan 3, 2018

Just a small update. SPG sent me a FBook message and asked me to follow up with someone at the company, which I did. Awaiting some info on gauge of metal so I can compare to the SNAP 4813/5311. I did play with a SNAP box in the whote and red truck today. Sliders felt great, and nice and firm. I saw a roll-cart which wasn't nearly as nice as the SHD. Anyways, no great price(s) on the SNAP. SPG box woth 35,000 cubic inches costs $350 less than the SNAP box with 20,000 cubic inches.

The real "test" will be if SPG sends me some specs on their gauge of metal. I have this for SNAP and curious to see apples to apples.

If anyone has the gauge of SPG, please send it!

Mr_B · Jan 4, 2018

snapon slides are good, they really get that right . spg wouldn't bother me too much on slides as original owner and life warranty .
hopefully the spg shd metal gauge compares sensibly . Hope it does ...

1foxracing · Jan 4, 2018

winnipegtibook said:
If anyone has the gauge of SPG, please send it!

If you look them up on home depot site they list what gauge sheet metal is used.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Interna...-21-Drawer-Cabinet-Black-SRB-7321BK/204238324

SPG Internation 73" Tool Cabinet Review

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