CSPS Stainless tool box from Costco

Senorpablo · Jun 27, 2006

I outgrew my old Craftsman tool box setup a while ago, and have been researching new, larger options for several months. I'd seen the stainless tool box at Costco, before I started seriously looking for a new tool box, and had discounted it initially because I wasn't really interested in the stainless finish, preferring more traditional red or black painted chests.

After looking at all the various options and makes, I decided to take a closer look at the CSPS Costco box. After reconsidering all the other options again, it was an easy decision to purchase the stainless box. At $640, I found it to be the best value for the money, by far.

The boxes were packed quite well. They came in cardboard boxes, with 1-2" foam and plastic sheet surrounding everything. Additionally, the stainless had a protective, thick plastic film on it everywhere except the corners. Assembly consisted of attaching the four casters and four handles. The only disappointments were the size of the drawer liners and the fact that the top and bottom locks weren't keyed alike. The included drawer liners were the nice rubber-mesh style, but were consistently a bit small, resulting in a .25-.5" gap in the drawer bottoms. Very minor issues.

The finish of the stainless was perfect all over, the only minor complaint was with the inside of the top lid, which was did not have the same brushed finish as the rest of the box. Gaps and consistency all around was excellent. The ball bearing drawer slides are very nice, and include levers for drawer removal. The drawers operate smoothly even fully loaded. The drawer pulls are a scalloped shaped extruded aluminum, and require two fingers to open, gripping from both the top and bottom. Not quite as easy as the standard down facing 'u' style, which can be pulled with on finger from underneath.
I like the depth of the drawers and the layout. There aren't a lot of tiny drawers, or any super high ones, which I wouldn't find very useful.

I'm am very pleased with the product. The quality is excellent, and a huge step up from my old setup. The stainless finish is still a little flashy for my taste, but the durability and maintainability appeal to me. If you're in the market for a new toolbox, I would definitely recommend checking this one out.

MXtras · Jun 28, 2006

Excellent.

Thanks for taking the time to write this up.

Scott

bhays · Jun 28, 2006

MXtras said:
Excellent.

Thanks for taking the time to write this up.

Scott

Would you say the quality is equal to the Craftsman ball bearing boxes? I searched for everything I could think of on the Costco site and didn't find it, does anyone have a link?

Senorpablo · Jun 28, 2006

Here is a link to the set on the CSPS site. There is little info there now.

http://www.cspsmetal.com/products_tc_s0a4117.html

I haven't examined the ball-bearing Craftsman boxes other than in the store. I'd say from memory that the CSPS box is equal or superior, yes. If I recall, for the same price, you would just get the bottom box in a Craftsman. The one thing that's nice about Craftsman, is all the options available: side and intermediate chests, etc. Room to grow.

bhays said:
Would you say the quality is equal to the Craftsman ball bearing boxes? I searched for everything I could think of on the Costco site and didn't find it, does anyone have a link?

hotrod66paul · Jun 28, 2006

How would you compare this to the stainless model available at Lowes (kobalt) or the one at Sam's Club.

REFLEXX · Jun 28, 2006

That does look great and a nice write up!

At first glance I was wondering why you put a restaurant freezer in your garage!

First thing I'd do is order a "SUB-ZERO" decal for it! : )

Senorpablo · Jun 28, 2006

Have not seen either of those. I've been to the local Lowes, and didn't see one last time I was there. I'll keep an eye out for it next time I'm in a Lowe's.

hotrod66paul said:
How would you compare this to the stainless model available at Lowes (kobalt) or the one at Sam's Club.

hotrod66paul · Jun 28, 2006

The Lowes by me just got the stainless model in stock. Not as large as the sams Club unit but seems to be of heavier construction. $249.00 for the top and $349.00 for the bottom. Sams Club unit is top and bottom combo-$649.00 total. Have outgrown my old snap-on combo and I'm thinking on expanding to the kobalt or giving my son the snap-on and going with the larger one at Sams Club.

SCOOTER · Jun 29, 2006

OK ..I bought 2 sets at Costco (back in Nov.) I haven't un boxed them yet ....Waiting till my shop is up...I'm happy to read good things about them :bowdown:

Can't wait till I get to open them up and fill them..... :thumbup:

69lkmno · Jun 29, 2006

Same thing here. I had a Craftsman 5 drawer chest and just over loaded it with tools. I shopped around the internet and found that the Costco CSPS was the best value for the money.

After making a decision on where to buy the box, I had to make a decision if I should get the 46 inch or the 55 inch wide. It was tough and I ended up getting the bigger one.

SCOOTER · Jun 30, 2006

Wow didn't even know they had a "BIGGER" one .....I bought the 2 cause I never wanted to run out of room ...............OH and 69 that's a sweet Chevelle...(I sure do miss my old palm tree'z)

Holy cat poop batman.......or is that a Convertable Elky?????

colt zantop · Jul 5, 2006

how much was the 55 inch and where can I find one at? that box is awesome and I almost bought the craftsman one last week!! glad I found this thread!

69lkmno · Jul 5, 2006

Costco $899.00.

OldOneEye · Jul 11, 2006

I bought the hammerhead version of this that Costco sold a few years back and I would say they are above the Craftsman quality for the price. For the longest time I would find one at the store, than when i had arranged transportation back they would be gone. Turns out guys were buying these and turning around and selling them on ebay and making a pretty penny ($950 for a $650 box).

I am going to buy another one of these pretty soon as soon as I move into a new place. I can open the bottom drawer and step into it (I weight 175 pounds) and the slides will take it. The other thing I noticed is the slides are heavier duty than comparable Craftsman boxes (I do a "wiggle" test where I will grab one end of the drawer and pull out while I push in with the other end.... if the drawer is thin it will move quite a bit).

Definately not a one man job getting this home (I weighs over 300 pounds if I remember correctly) and unpacked. Also lots of cardboard left over when you are done which might be a hassle to get rid of.

The drawer liners are bit off as mentioned, and the thing is a bit tall, so if you are short you might want to get a step stool. They also put a tabs so the top box mates to the bottom box, so if you want to seperate these and possibly use the bottom box seperately, you might have to get some sort of top to make it level.

The box also shows fingerprints easily, so stainless steel cleaner (for appliances or for professional kitchens) should work fine. Another peeve is that since it isn't magnetic, you can stick any magnetic stuff (socket holders, drop light holders, magnetic tool drawer organizers) onto it.

Probably one of the better deals out there as far as tool storage.

Juan

colt zantop · Jul 12, 2006

I just got home from costco and left with the 41 inch. this thing is awesome! and they are a new style with different handles.....they are the "one finger" ones that you can grab with just your finger(exactly like the craftsman). this box is a SMOKIN deal at 650.00. nothing compares for under 900.00-1000.00. another happy buyer for this tool chest!!!

69lkmno · Jul 12, 2006

For those that live in L.A. California area, you can get these tool boxes for $450.00 at the Long Beach Auto swap meet. I've been there quite a few times and they are always there with about 10-15 of these.
Of course, I discovered this a few months after I bought mine at Costco.

SCOOTER · Jul 12, 2006

AAAHHHH yes I sure do miss the monthly gathering at Vetrans stadium......... :bowdown:

bhays · Jul 13, 2006

Can anyone post a link to these on the costco.com site? I can't find them no matter what I search on.

Senorpablo · Jul 14, 2006

bhays said:
Can anyone post a link to these on the costco.com site? I can't find them no matter what I search on.

I don't think it's on the Costco website. If you look at the 4th message in this thread, I posted a link to the box on the manufacturers site.

dboat · Jul 15, 2006

I went to the link for the manufacturer but the specs and desc links arent working. Are the drawers stainless too? If I recall correctly, the one at Sams only had stainless drawer fronts and shell.. the drawers were still just regular steel. I am just thinking about the potential for rust..

If you could post up on this, it would be appreciated.. these do look to be top end units.

Dana

SCOOTER · Jul 15, 2006

I Dunno cause mine are still boxed up ....

Sorry I can't help

dboat · Jul 16, 2006

SCOOTER said:
I Dunno cause mine are still boxed up .... Sorry I can't help

anyone else?

Senorpablo · Jul 17, 2006

dboat said:
I went to the link for the manufacturer but the specs and desc links arent working. Are the drawers stainless too? If I recall correctly, the one at Sams only had stainless drawer fronts and shell.. the drawers were still just regular steel. I am just thinking about the potential for rust..

If you could post up on this, it would be appreciated.. these do look to be top end units.

Dana

You are correct. The drawer bottoms, sides, and back are steel, and the rest of the chest is stainless.

OldOneEye · Jul 17, 2006

Senorpablo said:
You are correct. The drawer bottoms, sides, and back are steel, and the rest of the chest is stainless.

My gut tells me that the drawers have a pretty beefy finish from looking at mine and putting stuff in and out of it. With the drawer liners they should hold up (and they are black so I think you can touch it up easily).

Juan

Senorpablo · Jul 17, 2006

colt zantop said:
I just got home from costco and left with the 41 inch. this thing is awesome! and they are a new style with different handles.....they are the "one finger" ones that you can grab with just your finger(exactly like the craftsman). this box is a SMOKIN deal at 650.00. nothing compares for under 900.00-1000.00. another happy buyer for this tool chest!!!

If you get a chance, I'd love to see a photo detailing the new style, one finger, drawer pulls--since that was one of the things that bugged me.

colt zantop · Jul 18, 2006

no problem...I post some pics tomarrow!

colt zantop · Jul 19, 2006

heres a couple pics of it....

cc_rider · Jul 19, 2006

I bought a similar model from Garage Toys and am very happy with it. CSPS seems to do a nice job for a reasonable price. Drawers are steel with SS fronts, ball bearing slides. Cabinet corners are welded and ground; nice work. Handles are stainless and beefy. I took the handles off to wedge the cabinet into a corner, but plan to use them somewhere else; they are pretty nice.

Garage Toys has a model with two 'columns' of drawers, one wide and one narrower. Bottom narrow drawer is deep, for big power tools and whatnot.

Overall, the CSPS boxes look great and seem to be a really good value.

c.

Iron-Iceberg · Aug 12, 2006

Anyone seen the 55" box at a Costco in Northern CA? I would like to get one but our Costco just has the smaller one.

colt zantop · Aug 13, 2006

our costco had both in stock here in michigan.maybe see if they can order one in for you at your local costco?

ZRX61 · Aug 15, 2006

The Hammerhead versions they sold at Costco 3 or 4 years back are WAY better quality than the CSPS versions.
Hammerhead LX41's are still available, (for about $3200 apparently......)

Garage Toys has a pic of a Hammerhead, but when I called them they said it was "the wrong photo" on their website & it's actually some CSPS POS....

Senorpablo · Aug 16, 2006

ZRX61 said:
The Hammerhead versions they sold at Costco 3 or 4 years back are WAY better quality than the CSPS versions.
Hammerhead LX41's are still available, (for about $3200 apparently......)

Garage Toys has a pic of a Hammerhead, but when I called them they said it was "the wrong photo" on their website & it's actually some CSPS POS....

What is your point here? That people who got the Hammerhead when they were available are fortunate? They are no longer available, and likely never will be at the original price offered at Costco, when they were available. If you are in the market for a toolbox today, this information isn't really helpful.

It has been sugested that while the original Hammerhead boxes, while of slightly better quality than the current CSPS design, were in fact manufactured by CSPS for Hammerhead. Also, that the Hammerhead boxes from Costco do not resemble the current Hammerhead boxes available today from Hammerhead, in terms of quality.

We're talking about the CSPS boxes which are available for purchase today--and their present quality.

If you have some specific reason why you believe the CSPS product is a "POS", please share that with us. Please keep in mind that if you decide to compare it to the similar, present day Hammerhead offering, that they cost, as you sugest, FIVE times as much.

colt zantop · Aug 16, 2006

very well said senorpablo...I was wondering about the "POS" comment as well. the costco box seems to be awesome quality at an even more awesome price!! I sure am HAPPY with it!

OldOneEye · Aug 17, 2006

colt zantop said:
very well said senorpablo...I was wondering about the "POS" comment as well. the costco box seems to be awesome quality at an even more awesome price!! I sure am HAPPY with it!

I own the Hammerhead, and I have looked at the Costco one superficially. It seems most guys would not notice the difference (I wouldn't) but again the few who chime in REALLY seem to think otherwise (the guys at Hammerhead seem to share the same sort of opinion of the CSPS boxes when they post, almost the same scare tactics you get when you don't buy a extended warranty "what will you do if you TV breaks?!?!?").

I'm buying a CSPS when I get a few bucks and I doubt based on playing with the Hammerhead I own and the ones I see in the store I will notice a difference.

Juan

GShelton · Sep 15, 2006

Finally made it by my "local" costco today to look at the box. The only one they had on display was the 56" (the one I want anyway.) It is only $899.

I took the wife into Sears first and we looked at a 52" for $1799. Should make the SAP (spouse approval process) easier to get the other one.

toolguy1 · Sep 16, 2006

Have any of you seen the new kobalt 27" stainless unit at Lowes it is built like a tank and it has recesed handles so you can put it flush on the wall! The casters look like they belong on a truck!

chevy302dz · Sep 25, 2006

The CSPS boxes are actually quite good quality for the money. I've been using one for over a year and have had no problems, every drawer is fully loaded and the box is used constantly. I would recommend these boxes to anyone looking for a midsize box.

wilbilt · Sep 25, 2006

I would suggest looking at the boxes your local professional techs use.

How long have they had them?

How have they held up?

What are the likes/dislikes?

You can claim that you are only a weekend warrior, and that you don't need pro-quality....but how many garages showcased in this forum are emulating the real deal.....commercial shops?

Two or four-post lifts, 80-gallon two-stage compressors, etc....

If you're gonna talk the talk, you have to walk the walk.

I have earned the right to my opinion.....

Flame suit on.

OldOneEye · Sep 25, 2006

Some of the guys here can afford to replicate Penske's race shop, and some of us can't.

If I can't afford the best, I shoot for at least getting the best value, and I would rate the CSPS box I have up their as far as being a good value.

Juan

wilbilt said:
I would suggest looking at the boxes your local professional techs use.

How long have they had them?

How have they held up?

What are the likes/dislikes?

You can claim that you are only a weekend warrior, and that you don't need pro-quality....but how many garages showcased in this forum are emulating the real deal.....commercial shops?

Two or four-post lifts, 80-gallon two-stage compressors, etc....

If you're gonna talk the talk, you have to walk the walk.

I have earned the right to my opinion.....

Flame suit on.

wilbilt · Sep 26, 2006

OldOneEye said:
Some of the guys here can afford to replicate Penske's race shop, and some of us can't.

If I can't afford the best, I shoot for at least getting the best value, and I would rate the CSPS box I have up their as far as being a good value.

Juan

I guess if it does the job you need it to do, then it's a good fit.

I can't afford the pricy stuff either, but there are times I have bought it anyway because it was the only thing that would do the job...and keep doing it.

CSPS Stainless tool box from Costco

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