26” or 44” top chest on 44” roller

[69XR7]

I’ve got a US General 44” roller and currently have my old craftsman 26” top chest sitting on top of it.

I need a little more room and have been trying to decide between the US General 26” and 44” top chests.

On the one hand, i like having more smaller drawers in the 26” on the other, I’m concerned the drawers are too shallow and I’d be better off with the 44” just not sure i need those really deep bottom drawers. Seems there’s no perfect choice.

I know it’s a personal choice, but I’d like to hear some opinions from those who have both these boxes.

Thanks,

 

[Deadsquiggles]

So I have a 44” bottom box with a 26” sitting on top. I like it cause it has space on the side for bigger items that don’t necessarily need their own drawer.

 

[kbeefy]

I have 3 HF 44" and 2 HF 56". They are cheap effective storage. I have plenty of room.

If I had a size restriction I would put the biggest topbox on that I could. I don't think topboxes are as critical for drawer strength as lower boxes.

 

[Bessy]

Second for having a 26" top on a 42" bottom. Though in hindsight I wish I bought the 42" top when I bought the bottom of my box, having a small spot to place a project or work on it right next to the tools has worked out. The only complaint I have is that having another flat surface in the shop means I have another flat surface in the shop collecting stuff.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

 

[Rich M.]

Do not know where you are in age or in your tool collection.

Will you need more tool storage space as times goes on?

My thought is to go for the larger top box. Chances are the extra space for tools you may have today (with bigger Box) will disappear over time. Plus, with the smaller box is it really going to be a lot of extra top space.

 

[nadogail]

When I was getting started working seriously with tools, I sought the advice of an Old Timer; he said I should get the biggest box I could afford, because I would eventually fill it up.

65 years and 6 or more tool boxés later his advice I pass on to you.

 

[karoc]

Sad that you miss out on HF upper cabinet sale at end of November. I place my order then and just pick it up yesterday. That box is a beast, which created another problem for me, my jack went out on my engine hoist so now have to wait for another sale. Yea just to lift the upper cabinet to set on lower cabinet.

 

[gunguy]

All depends on what you plan to store in the drawers.

I had a the 44" top and bottom with the added side cabinets. I gave this to my son when I moved and purchased a 26" top and bottom. Come to find out the shallow drawers are too shallow for most things other than ratchets, wrenches, pliers and things of that sort. I suplimented the 26" unit with a 56" top & bottom.

A flat area next to the tool box is great for temporarily putting tools that are coming out or going back in the box, but realize flat surfaces tend to collect things thus defeating the purpose...

Good luck.

Jim

 

[69XR7]

Thanks all!

Really appreciate all the comments and feedback.

In the end, i really don’t need another flat surface, and would rather have too big drawers than many small ones that are too shallow.

I think the best bet will be to go for the bigger box. Never too much storage space for tools.

Now i just need to wait for the next sale!

 

[karoc]

Here's another, not as good as one in November but 10% off which will cover taxes and buy breakfast taco
If I had the funds, I would have purchase another upper/lower section when they were on sale in Nov. I then would have been able to reduce all of my boxes so I wouldn't have to search so much

 

[NUTTSGT]

Do you need storage space for tools or do you need work space ?

If you need tool storage, I'd go with the 44" top. If you are garage space limited and need work space, I'd stick the 26 on top and leave some work space.

 

[lowbucktruck]

I agree with NUTTSGT... if tool drawer space is what you want/need, go wide with the 44 inch top chest. That extra width makes for wide drawers and allows for better organization.

I have a 33-inch wide Mac top chest, it was an upgrade from an old Craftsman/Waterloo 26-inch wide chest/box combo. I'm very satisfied with it.