So I bought the $299 Stanley roller cab at Costco - initial review

*I posted this in the Review section, but since it looks like most of us don't go there I'm dropping here on the main tool board. Mods, delete this one or that one as you see fit*

I shared some photos of this box on the board last week when I noticed it at Costco, and this week I went ahead and brought one home. I checked Craftsman, Husky, and Kobalt before the purchase. The closest box in specs at Sears was a 10-drawer, ball bearing box for $450 w/o liners. The Husky and Kobalt were similar in price. I liked what I saw, and after doing the value equation, I jumped.

I also looked at the Harbor Freight top chest box, which is roughly the same price for just the chest. It is wider than I need, and the build quality seemed similar. I think the crinkle finish on the HF box makes the steel appear thicker than it is. Not knocking it at all though, as I know there are a lot of happy folks here with those. All I'm saying is that I think this Stanley box would be it's 26" cousin.

Anyway, here you go:

Available only from Costco for Costco members. I'm not sure if these will be a regular or limited availability item.
26"w X16"d. 58" high.
12 ball bearing drawers.
Liners included
75lb capacity per drawer
5" X 2" casters
(4) keys, all the same code
Installation of the casters and pull handle required

As purchased:



Info on box:



Obviously an item custom-spec'd by Costco, supplied by Danahar I'm guessing, made in China. I think Costco has had good luck with the larger boxes, and spec'd a 26". Looks like they will be available in the Canada, the UK, and Australia as well.



Top chest out of the box.



Double locking rods and lid lid cylinders. Gripe: The top wants to open anytime unlocked. Not a huge deal.



Shot of one of the top drawers. Some have mentioned that all of the weight of the drawers is carried by the two rivets on each side attaching the slides to drawer. This is correct, but seemed to be that way on every other box I looked at in this general price range. The $450 Craftsman was no better. The Harbor Freight box did have some tabs on the slides interlocking with holes in the drawer. Drawers are tack welded together, as also appeared to be the norm for this range of homeowner box.



In the bottom roller cabinet drawer is a box with the casters and pull handle.



Here is the bottom of the box. You can see the mounting studs for the casters.



Bottom drawer removed so you can see the insides. The back wall is ribbed for strength. The slides are riveted to the the inside wall of the box (double wall construction). The slides themselves appear to be average quality, similar to what I've purchased at Lowe's before to build drawers.



Here's the assembled box beside my trusty 14 yr old Canadian-made Husky. Not long ago I repainted the Husky, but it's had a HARD life as it used to be chained in the back of my work truck. The friction slides were dying and the box is only 12" deep.

Note the Stanley emblems, the Ball Bearing decals, and the "Secure Latch" sticker on drawer. The drawers do seem to latch securely when you push them all the way in, but the effort to open is not excessive. I've never seen another box with this exact system. It feels like something "goes over center" when you push the drawers in that last inch. Whatever it is, it's works well.



Shot w/ top closed...and...the decals removed. Although quite handsome with the Stanley badging, the box suddenly looked better without them. Why I don't know. I'm not ashamed of the Stanley name as I have a lot of their tools.



OK, hate mail time...here is the box all ready to go and "rebranded" by me. I think it's a nice looking box.



I'm loading it up and organizing it now, and once completed I'll share that on the "show us your toolbox" mega thread. I do have most drawers loaded, and the drawers handle the weight fine, the slides are smooth, and the whole thing rolls easily.

Time will tell, but so far I'm pleased with the purchase. For a new box at $300, I don't think it's a bad deal.

Thanks!

Very nice write up, good looking box I like the rebranding

Looks pretty good for the price.

I have always had good luck with Stanley products. Thanks for the review.

Thanks for sharing your review. I've had the same box except it was branded Performax from Menards. Everything looks the same as your box, same stickers except instead of Stanley it says Performax. I believe I bought both for the same price as costco. Menards also has a middle chest you can purchase. For the price it was a decent box, but ended up returning the box for something bigger.

I haven't seen that at our Costco but I do have a couple ??
Do you know the the bottom section is available seperately? And how deep are the 3 bottom drawers in that section?

Good write up with pictures; thanks. I like the high drawer count. Was thinking about it for machining stuff.

I like that, looks better than the Craftsman 14-drawer 3pc combo I got a few months ago for about that price.

Nice looking and good price .. wonder how well it will hold up ..

chopper1 said:

Do you know the the bottom section is available seperately? And how deep are the 3 bottom drawers in that section?

Click to expand...

Nope, top and bottom are a package. In the store they are banded together.

The drawers are (5) 1 3/4", (4) 2 3/4" and (3) 5 3/4" from bottom to top of the pull handle. Given the gap between that and the bottom of the above drawer, I guess you have 2", 3", and 6" to play with.

comosc said:

Thanks for sharing your review. I've had the same box except it was branded Performax from Menards. Everything looks the same as your box, same stickers except instead of Stanley it says Performax. I believe I bought both for the same price as costco. Menards also has a middle chest you can purchase. For the price it was a decent box, but ended up returning the box for something bigger.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info! With things like this, you know they are sold under different brands, so I was curious who else would have something similar. A mid box would be a nice future upgrade, although I like being able to see into the top area. Too bad there is no info on the Menard boxes online. Since I moved back down south, I'm having Menards withdrawl. LOL

Originally Posted by chopper1
Do you know the the bottom section is available seperately? And how deep are the 3 bottom drawers in that section?

Displaced Hokie said:

Nope, top and bottom are a package. In the store they are banded together.

The drawers are (5) 1 3/4", (4) 2 3/4" and (3) 5 3/4" from bottom to top of the pull handle. Given the gap between that and the bottom of the above drawer, I guess you have 2", 3", and 6" to play with.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I don't need another top box but am looking for a cheap roller.

that's a nice looking box

I keep looking at the Menards box's but are they any good? If you guys like a could start a new thread and post the pics I have of Menards box's?

Thanks, JASTECH

Im looking at getting the exact same box soon. I see its been almost 2 months since you bought it, how is it holding up? Is it still nice and sturdy loaded with tools?

Im pretty excited about this box, it looks to be great for the money

I bought the same box about a month ago and I am very happy with it. It isn't top of the line box, but for the money, you won't find a better tool box. (I looked at Craftsman ball bearing combinations, and the cheapest one was $400.) If I had more space and money, I would buy a second one to make room for future expansion. So far, mine is about 3/4 full, but I'm working on filling up the rest!

Yes, I've been happy with the box so far. I've got some of the drawers loaded pretty heavy and all seems fine. I lubed the drawers before loading it and they move easily. However, the oil I used thinned the grease they were lubed with so the drawers make a little more noise now when opened (you can hear the ball bearings more). I need to share it on the "Show Us Your Toolbox" mega thread here.

Nice to see others buying them. I agree, the box is a great value when compared to what $300 will get you at Sears or anywhere else. If I need more room, I might add a set of side drawers from HF or Sears since you can get them in black from them.

I was looking at that box the other day at Costco...

I need another box for infrequently used stuff and bulky stuff that is still better off in drawer than a bin (like extra vise grips, oversize pliers and channel locks, tap and die sets, tire irons, air tools, hammers, specialty tools, etc, etc etc).

Main box will be focuses on wrenches, sockets and ratchets, screwdrivers, plier type tools nut drivers, and other smaller hand tools.

I was at my local Wal-Mart grabbing groceries just the other day, and saw a very similar set-up to this one that you purchased. I took down the item numbers off the box in the picture you posted and will check them against the ones at Wal-Mart next time I go.

i always like a nice "box"....

AdamsAutoAdvice said:

I'd definitely like to know if this Tool Chest is still available at Costco or if a similar one is available at Wal-Mart. Please let us know Archrelic.

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I picked up a 41" combo at Home Depot this summer that looks like this boxes slightly bigger brother . Same colors , same drawer pulls and ball bearing for $299.00 ) minus my 10% military discount so closer to $260.00 incase anybody is looking and cant find the stanly box.



Rick

Great looking box and write up. Thanks for sharing and such detailed pics. I am getting ready to buy my first toolbox, and this one may be in the running. I'll check my local Costco this week.

Can you post up some pics with the drawers loaded up? Thanks!

AdamsAutoAdvice said:

I'd definitely like to know if this Tool Chest is still available at Costco or if a similar one is available at Wal-Mart. Please let us know Archrelic.

Click to expand...

Different Stanley set up at Wal-Mart. Checked on their website and it's not pulling up there, so it might be somewhat local to me. They have the set-up in both the stainless/black and red/black.

I've never seen any Tool Chest or Boxes available at Wal-Mart. (I've only been there a couple of times.) Maybe that is a local item.

We just got some Stanley tool chests off the truck at Sears today. First time we've ever had them. Haven't seen em out of the box yet so don't know what they're like.

Please let us know what the quality of those Stanley Tool Chests are like. Do they look similar to the one from Costco? Do you know if they will only be stocking those regionally or at most Sears stores?

AdamsAutoAdvice said:

Please let us know what the quality of those Stanley Tool Chests are like. Do they look similar to the one from Costco? Do you know if they will only be stocking those regionally or at most Sears stores?

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I'm not sure if they'll have em everywhere or not. They aren't the 12 drawer one, it's something like this... http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00901255000P?prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8

But it claims to have ball bearing slides. It came up $150 when I scanned it.

Might not be a bad option for $150 if it has ball bearing sides.

I've seen that Craftsman Evolv Tool Chest, and wasn't impressed. It would be fine for basement tool storage or extra tool storage. For a serious mechanic or handyman I don't think it would cut it.

The Austin Costco has this 56" cabinet with a wood top for $489. Made by CSPS and seems like it's well put together. Thicker sheet metal than the boxes I usually see at Sam's/Costco. Item # 496681.

Thanks hoffmand. That seems like a good deal. I'll have to check if that's available at any Costco's around me.

nice box wheel look just like sears craftsman i order 5x2 wide it look good where did your get the John Deere sticker i try a few site and no luck, I want one I love tools

Nice box hoffmand. That item # does not come up on the Costco site though.

Displaced Hokie said:

*I posted this in the Review section, but since it looks like most of us don't go there I'm dropping here on the main tool board. Mods, delete this one or that one as you see fit*

I shared some photos of this box on the board last week when I noticed it at Costco, and this week I went ahead and brought one home. I checked Craftsman, Husky, and Kobalt before the purchase. The closest box in specs at Sears was a 10-drawer, ball bearing box for $450 w/o liners. The Husky and Kobalt were similar in price. I liked what I saw, and after doing the value equation, I jumped.

I also looked at the Harbor Freight top chest box, which is roughly the same price for just the chest. It is wider than I need, and the build quality seemed similar. I think the crinkle finish on the HF box makes the steel appear thicker than it is. Not knocking it at all though, as I know there are a lot of happy folks here with those. All I'm saying is that I think this Stanley box would be it's 26" cousin.

Anyway, here you go:

Available only from Costco for Costco members. I'm not sure if these will be a regular or limited availability item.
26"w X16"d. 58" high.
12 ball bearing drawers.
Liners included
75lb capacity per drawer
5" X 2" casters
(4) keys, all the same code
Installation of the casters and pull handle required

As purchased:

Info on box:

Obviously an item custom-spec'd by Costco, supplied by Danahar I'm guessing, made in China. I think Costco has had good luck with the larger boxes, and spec'd a 26". Looks like they will be available in the Canada, the UK, and Australia as well.

Top chest out of the box.

Double locking rods and lid lid cylinders. Gripe: The top wants to open anytime unlocked. Not a huge deal.

Shot of one of the top drawers. Some have mentioned that all of the weight of the drawers is carried by the two rivets on each side attaching the slides to drawer. This is correct, but seemed to be that way on every other box I looked at in this general price range. The $450 Craftsman was no better. The Harbor Freight box did have some tabs on the slides interlocking with holes in the drawer. Drawers are tack welded together, as also appeared to be the norm for this range of homeowner box.

In the bottom roller cabinet drawer is a box with the casters and pull handle.

Here is the bottom of the box. You can see the mounting studs for the casters.

Bottom drawer removed so you can see the insides. The back wall is ribbed for strength. The slides are riveted to the the inside wall of the box (double wall construction). The slides themselves appear to be average quality, similar to what I've purchased at Lowe's before to build convention displays.

Here's the assembled box beside my trusty 14 yr old Canadian-made Husky. Not long ago I repainted the Husky, but it's had a HARD life as it used to be chained in the back of my work truck. The friction slides were dying and the box is only 12" deep.

Note the Stanley emblems, the Ball Bearing decals, and the "Secure Latch" sticker on drawer. The drawers do seem to latch securely when you push them all the way in, but the effort to open is not excessive. I've never seen another box with this exact system. It feels like something "goes over center" when you push the drawers in that last inch. Whatever it is, it's works well.

Shot w/ top closed...and...the decals removed. Although quite handsome with the Stanley badging, the box suddenly looked better without them. Why I don't know. I'm not ashamed of the Stanley name as I have a lot of their tools.

OK, hate mail time...here is the box all ready to go and "rebranded" by me. I think it's a nice looking box.

I'm loading it up and organizing it now, and once completed I'll share that on the "show us your toolbox" mega thread. I do have most drawers loaded, and the drawers handle the weight fine, the slides are smooth, and the whole thing rolls easily.

Time will tell, but so far I'm pleased with the purchase. For a new box at $300, I don't think it's a bad deal.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Displaced Hokie,
I like the "John Deere" re-branding.
I'm a huge fan of Costco, and have several of their 5 level wire shelving units on wheels thingies (or whatever they are called).
I saw that you mentioned Harbor Freight too. I used to shop there, but decided that you get what you pay for... or less. Not a huge fan of Harbor Freight (but no disrespect to any fans of HB here).
Anyway, very nice and detailed review!

jeffk14 said:

Nice box hoffmand. That item # does not come up on the Costco site though.

Click to expand...

That's pretty common with Costco stuff. I found some old "In the Warehouse" pages that reference it as "56" WOOD TOP TOOL BOX RED POWDER COATED 12 DRAWER 496681", but it's not on Costco's main site.

Very nice... these also look alot like the Performax boxes available at Menards - the rolling handle is chrome though at Menards.

56" Cabinet Not Available

I called a Costco and the associate told me that "I'm not seeing it anywhere in the Northeast" also "We used to carry that, but it's been discontinued." That item number wasn't correct for it when I described what it was.

Re: 56" Cabinet Not Available

AdamsAutoAdvice said:

I called a Costco and the associate told me that "I'm not seeing it anywhere in the Northeast" also "We used to carry that, but it's been discontinued." That item number wasn't correct for it when I described what it was.

Click to expand...

Strange, I double checked the (blurry) photo on my phone and the item number is 496681 and it has the correct description on the tag.

I dunno! They don't seem to really carry any Tool Chests, Cabinets, Boxes, etc. at any of the Costcos around where I live.

Menards not in Maryland!

Theloniousmonk said:

Very nice... these also look a lot like the Performax boxes available at Menards

Click to expand...

I would go check Menards.... but they are no stores in Maryland. Why is is so hard for me to go find a tool box?

Re: Menards not in Maryland!

There are a few Harbor Freight's in MD. I initially bought the performax set at Menard's (i believe exact same as stanley at costco) and returned to buy the HF 13 drawer. You get a little more storage w/ the upper/lower 26" vs the 45" lower, but I like that I can add to my lower if needed. My wife bought me a ~$275 sears 26" upper/lower that I took back right away.