International Super Heavy Duty Series

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post, although I have read several postings during the past few months and am grateful this site exists.

I am in need of a tool chest/roll cab combination. After looking at the floor models at Canadian Tire, Sears, Princess Auto, Home Depot and Lowes, I am looking for something a little better in quality.

I contacted our local Snap-On Dealer here who quoted Snap-On's website price for the Heritage series Heritage Plus roll cab. He told me that price was not flexible and he could not move on it - even if I paid cash.

My father always taught me that you get what you pay for, but since I am only a "weekend warrior" who tinkers on evenings and weekends, I may not need a Snap-On product.

My question is for those who own boxes made by International in Canada. Here, they make all of the boxes for Sears. While the Sears floor models appeared flimsy, their Pro line seemed ok. International Canada makes a line called Super Heavy Duty that supposedly is more rugged and will last longer - albeit at a lower price than Snap-On, Matco or Mac Tools.

Does anyone have boxes from International's SHD line and if so, what they like and dislike?

I have looked for used products in the area here, and the only Snap-On boxes I can afford are ones full of dents and scratches (dent sale). All others that appear in relatively good condition are near their sticker price.

Are there other alernatives out there that someone can recommend? Or, should I just save up and buy one piece at a time, knowing I am buying the "best of the best" in Snap-On.

Any advice would be appreciated,

Thank you all in advance

I haven't seen one in person but I almost bought one last year. It looks like a very well made box and it was on sale this week at Sears for $1849.99. I looked around at all the places that sell this box and no one could come near Sears price. Check it out, it's on sale probably once a month at that price.

http://www.sears.ca/product/interna...eries-12-drawer-cabinet-black/09339460?ptag=1

Have you considered Montezuma? Good reviews on this forum.

www.strictlytoolboxes.com

Check out my decision:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=65132

Gray boxes are made in Canada. Here's their latest sale flyer:

http://www.graytools.com/Professional Tools Special Winter 2011

Hi Everyone, Thank you for your replies,

ourkid2000, I checked out two Sears locations and none had any International boxes on their floors. They are all available through special order. Our Princess Auto here had a couple, but they did not feel solid at all. Sears had a 20% off deal on those boxes that just ended today I believe. Not being able to see the product upfront has led me to look elsewhere.

briggsguy17, I checked out that link from the mainsite and looked at those boxes and they do sound pretty good and the price is good too. Again though, I would rather see it upfront before buying.

Kurt4440 & jvitez, after seeing those posts about Gray Tools I went out to try and see some first hand. After looking on their website for the nearest Dealer, I went out and got there about 20 minutes before they closed. They had several models in the Gray lineup including their top end Marquis series, and several others. There is a roll cab there, 40 inches wide with my name on it. Well, it would have my name on it if it was blue, but they can order that color for me. The drawers seemed much better built than the boxes I saw at the big box stores. Two pairs of ball bearing slides on the wide drawer.

Needless to say, I am impressed.

I will be going back to talk to the sales rep next week.

If all goes well, I will post pictures when I get the box.

Thank you all again!

Yeah, the International ones they sell at Princess Auto are budget models and lack many of the features of a pro box. A guy at work got this model a few weeks ago and I have to say, it's quite nice (http://www.sears.ca/product/interna...awer-cabinet-orange/609-000292359-BR01356FASP).

Those Gray Marquis boxes are really sweet......A few of the guys at work have them and I am really impressed with their overall quality. Superb quality and build but they're not cheap though, quite expensive really. With Gray, I think the best bang for the buck is the XL series 12 Drawer when they go on sale (around 1100 I believe). A few guys at work have these and they are top notch as well.

Porcupine said:

Needless to say, I am impressed.

I will be going back to talk to the sales rep next week.

If all goes well, I will post pictures when I get the box.

Thank you all again!

Click to expand...

You're very welcome! Please do post pics when you've taken delivery. I'd love to see it. Are you planning on the Marquis box? I've never seen on in person. Our dealer stocked the Pro Series and XL only.

jvitez,

I'm looking at the XL line. They had a 15 drawer XL model there and it felt really solid. While they did have the Marquis series there, I wasn't completely sold on it for two reasons. First, the clip that holds the draws in didn't feel right. I thought they would be spring loaded, but the handle of the drawers moved so easily that it left something to be desired. The second reason was the finish of that model. It did not seem consistent when I looked at it (texture of finish seemed thicker in some areas than others, if that makes sense).

I have e-mailed Gray directly asking them the differences between both models, the load rating on the bearings and the drawers themselves. I will post those results next week when I get them.

I suspect the XL series may be the sweet spot for the Gray line. I've ordered the side rider for my Pro series, and I got the top chest last year. I'll post pics of the complete set up once I get it. My cost for these three 26" pieces is now almost the same as the 40" XL roller cabinet, though I do prefer having multiple smaller drawers, and I'm only a hobbyist so these are great for me. It would be cool to get a few Canucks with various Gray cabinets posting their pics here.

I'll take a few pics of the ones at work tomorrow evening.......I know a bunch of guys who have em.

Hi Guys,

I just got off the phone with a rep from Gray Tools and this is what I was told:

1) The XL line is made from metal that ranges from 18 to 22 gauge in thickness.

2) Drawer/Ballbearing slide rating is 90 to 100 LBS per drawer.

3) One year warranty on the unit - The rep said it is difficult though with the warranty because he said some people will overload it, etc, so they really have to see where and how it failed.

4) The door trim is all plastic and gold in color on the XL line regardless of the color of the unit (red or blue box).

5) The Marquis series is made with the same thickness of metal as the XL line - the only difference is the way it is made that adds more strength to their Marquis line.

6) Drawer capacity of the Marquis line is "probably" more than the XL line.

7) The rep did not know who makes the slides for their drawers.

When I called the company, I went through three reps after the receptionist before I could get any answers from the above.

Now, keeping this in mind, I just called SPG International and asked them about their Super Heavy Duty Line. This is what I found out:

1) The top & bottom are made of 16 gauge metal.

2) Drawers are outside are made from 18 gauge metal.

3) 14 gauge reinforcement plate along the entire unit inside.

4) The drawers are rated at 240lbs each total capacity.

5) 120 lbs ball bearing slides on each drawer, with two sets of slides on all drawers two inches or more in depth.

6) One year warranty

7) 6x2 casters, total weight rating for the unit of 3274 Ibs.

8) Unit is made in Canada.

Now the rep confirmed that they did make the ones for Sears Canada.

So, with all of that being said, what do you guys think?

It would appear that the SHD line is built more rugged than the Gray XL line if we take into account the thickness of metal and the weight rating of the drawers and bearing slides.

The unit from Gray has a shipping weight of 280 lbs, while the SHD unit is rated at 363 ilbs.

The Gray unit has 15 drawers whereas the SHD one has only 5.

Both units come in blue (my fav color).

The gray unit is on sale for about $1300, whereas the regular price of the SHD unit is 1399$, minus 20% because they were on sale a few days ago (I could probably still get sale price through a rep at the store as I have in the past).

Both units are around 40 inches wide and 42 inches high. The depth of the units are different with the Gray line being 18 inches deep and the SHD line at 24 inches deep.

So, as you can tell, I have put alot of thought into which model to get. The decision would be easier if I saw the SHD line up front and got to test it out.

Anyone have any advice?

Thank you in advance

If I was going to spend $1300, I'd go for the extra $$, not buy that 5 drawer, and buy the $1849 12 drawer SHD international. There's some reviews on Sears about these and they are positive.

I noticed that Sears website has a craftsman version of the international on for cheaper, although it appears to be the same box. Weird.

http://www.sears.ca/product/craftsm...inet/609-000292359-BL_4_2954BASE#BVQAWidgetID

How about this? Good value, size and 5 year warranty:

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/mo...xes-21-drawer-tool-cabinet-and-top-chest.html

ourkid2000, from my understanding, the only differences between the Sears and the International line is the badging. That being said, The bigger unit is a bit above my budget. I will certainly have a second look. I just wish I could see one up close.


PT Doc, The only thing about the Montezuma boxes is that I can't see before I buy it. Not to mention, shipping to Canada would be expensive, let alone the customs/brokerage fees would be out of this world. I have not been able to find anyone who sells them this side of the border.

Hmmmmm. Despite liking my Gray cabinet, for your requirements I think the SPG one wins, based on metal thickness and weight limit per drawer. It especially wins if the price isn't far higher.

The only way a Montezuma box makes sense in Canada is if you can ship it to a parcel holding service in the US just across the border and pick it up yourself. Any freight forwardings/customs charges would make it cost prohibitive. JMO.

PS: thanks for the detailed information. Based on Gray's own information, it doesn't seem to me that the Marquis line is worth such a large price difference from the XL line. I haven't seen both in person though. Maybe we can get some photos of cabinets in use, and some real world experiences.

ourkid2000 said:

I'll take a few pics of the ones at work tomorrow evening.......I know a bunch of guys who have em.

Click to expand...

I look forward to seeing them. Thanks!

Turns out that when I went back to further inquire about the Gray cabinet, they could not order me a blue one for the sale price. The rep said that they did not "buy into" the new flyer from Gray, so that mean't I could not get the sale price. After a few minutes of asking why, since the only difference between the model they had and the one I wanted was the color. They said they do not sell alot of tool chests/cabinets this time of year and what they have on the floor is what they are selling now.

I just got back from Sears where I ordered the International Super Heavy Duty cabinet, where I was given the 20% off deal that was on the week before, and where I was told I could check it all out when it arrived at the store and if I didn't like it, a full refund would be given.

Will post my findings in less than two weeks time!

Wow, lousy service from Gray........I would have been pissed

One thing I'm wondering is here in the states, waterloo makes craftsman. A waterloo box of the same size has heavier casters 1,200 lbs vs 1,000 lbs. Also I think the slides are only 50 lbs vs 75 lbs on waterloo, I maybe wrong about the drawer weight. I don't know if metal thickness is different. I'm just wondering if those craftsmans differ from the comparable international. Not trying to rain on your new box, just wondering. Congrats.

bobcatdan,

If they do differ, than I would expect the International models to be the better of the two. Several of the rebranded Craftsman models are a bit cheaper than the International model.

I found that International makes toolboxes not only for Sears, but also for J.H. Williams, as their boxes appear exactly the same (same picture and description) as the International models.

Also found the following link about SPG International:

http://spg-toolbox.com/vw/fd/Article50ansEn.PDF/$file/Article50ansEn.PDF?OpenElement

I should have my new toolbox next week!

Looking forward to seeing pictures.
Good Luck with your new box.

Hey Guys,

I finally received my International Super Heavy Duty Series 35" wide, 6 drawer roll cab!

I have taken some pictures below - First time I have uploaded pictures on here, so hopefully it works!















The roll cab was shipped on a pallet and had thick cardboard "L" type corner pieces underneath one big piece of cardboard which protected the exterior. I have not found any scratches, so kudos to their packaging department.

The first thing I did after it was unloaded off the truck was to test each drawer, making sure the slides were working, ensuring that I had all pieces (handle, bolts, casters, and the pre-cut rubber drawer liners), as well as ensuring there were no visible signs of damage to the cab; bent or dented metal, etc).

The slides are completely removable on the drawers. For each drawer more that 2 inches in height, there are two pairs of slides. It takes a bit of effort to open and close the drawer, as they really seem to lock into place. I have yet to try any drawers with some tools in them (that will come later)

The 6x2 casters, according to the instructions are rated for 900 lbs each, and there are two grease fittings on each swivel caster - one for the wheel bearings and the other for the swivel bearings. The rigid casters have only one. Both swivel casters have wheel brakes on them.

One thing that stood out right away for me was the color. From their catalogue pictures of their SHD line, the blue looks like "smurf" blue. But, as per the pictures, it is a darker blue and looks really sharp. The color was something some of my coworkers noticed in the catalogue. SPG International should update it with a more accurate color (I know it is only the color, but hey, it's gotta look sharp).

The front of the roll cab appeared to have traces of a spray lubricant/rust preventer on it.

There is an MDF worktop that comes with the roll cab, and it seems good, although I would not want to spill anything on it in order to prevent any staining (it will eventually being in the garage and all).

While the drawers do not appear to have any stiffeners on them, with the exception of the back of the drawers, they do seem solid even when fully extended.

The roll cab does come with a lock that locks all the drawers, and two keys in case one goes missing.

So far I am impressed. It took me a few phone calls, countless searches of the internet and much "research" before buying a new toolbox.

Based on how it works out in the next few months, I will order the matching top chest.

In the end, I am quite happy with my purchase. Like anything, time will tell how it holds up, etc.

I just want to thank everyone on this board who provided advice and feedback to the questions I had. Much appreciated.

Cheers!

Couldn't include all the pics I took so here are the rest:

Any updates? Did you end up getting the top box? Any pics of them together? Inquiring minds want to know!

Wow those Canadian prices look good! Wish I could order from the sears site...I'm in Massachusetts and the US site only really offers the value series for more than they are asking for the pro series in Canada...

Here is a link for the Pro boxes. http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/manufacturers-international-tool-box.html

International makes the boxes for Craftsman up there, so thats why they carry the pro level. They are actually starting to make the new boxes for Craftsman down here.

Actually the OP did pay a lot more then the Value boxes....its a 35" six drawer box not a 42".
For that price you can get a 56" or this 42" tower.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00928433000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916715000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I realize this thread is like a year old... but I'm looking at buying a SHD box. Just wondering how yours has held up over the past year?

Hey,

I have not yet purchased the matching top chest. Hopefully this summer I will get it.

No complaints with the box I have. I have rolled it around my small garage, opened and closed the drawers and filled them up with no issues. Yes, a common complaint is the drawers are harder to close and open, but over time and with a bit of weight in the drawers, they open and close much better.

My only regret - getting the 35 inch model. I should have gotten the 42 or larger. I was thinking "that's plenty big" but like others have mentioned on their posts, get the biggest one you can afford.

But that is why I need the matching top chest sooner rather than later