56” tool storage option selection, Tool Vault 55x30?

[BroncoAZ]

7/15 update: I purchased a pair of Lista stationary boxes from a car dealership that was remodeling. Pictures on page 3.

Original post:
I finally settled down and purchased a house last year, so I’d like to purchase tool storage to best fit the space in what will likely be my home for 5+ years. My garage is a three car that is somewhat full of things, fortunately there is 7’ space between the 16’ and 8’ doors. I currently have a Craftsman 41” wide top and bottom set, Craftsman 26” top and bottom set (See attachment) and an older MAC MB198UC 3 drawer cart. The Craftsman boxes are reasonably full, but not packed, the MAC cart is empty except for the top section where I can store all of my sockets. Most of my tools are standard mechanics type stuff plus a significant amount of grinders, clamps, drills for metalworking. Other things occupying space in the garage besides two trucks and a car: Lincoln 200 mig, plasma cutter, JD2 tubing bender, 80 gallon vertical compressor, 20 ton HF press, misc jacks and jack stands, low profile steel rack, 2 sets of Costco 77” shelving spread into three spans.

With all that said, the best space I have for a toolbox is max 61” wide and has a 30” deep water heater platform next to it (see attachment). I would like to sell off both Craftsman box sets and the MAC cart and consolidate to one 56” solution to save floor space. Budget on this is max $2500. My preference would be deeper drawers and no top box, but budget and size could make a top box necessary. I would rather put some pegboard/shelving/bin racks on the wall above the box and have additional work bench surface. Once is position my box will not move and in my personal garage security isn’t the biggest concern (I’d only lock it on vacation). My floor is graded slightly, so I’ll shim the front wheels to level it. For my hand tools square inches looks to be more important than cubic inches, the deepest stuff in my boxes is probably my Milwaukee 7” grinder or Makita 5” disc sander which fit in my current Craftsman 41” lower drawers.

Option 1: used SO/Matco/MAC box - This was my original thought, get a nice deep drawered bottom box that holds everything I need and be done. I’ve been scouring Craigslist for a few weeks and just don’t see any deals on stuff I’d be happy with. Some of the really old boxes that have been used commercially are selling for as low as $2K, but most in the Phoenix area are more in the $3000-5000 price range.

With option 1 not looking to be feasible, I started looking at less expensive new options in no particular order:

HF 56” Gen 2 set, $1262 with tax locally. Seems to be well reviewed here, I don’t like the shallow 22” depth and no full width drawers.
https://www.harborfreight.com/56-in-x-22-In-Double-Bank-Red-Roller-Cabinet-64165.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/56-in-Double-Bank-Red-Top-Chest-64166.html

Husky 56” black set, $1196 with tax locally. 18 ga shell is good, one full width drawer, shallow 22” depth. Soft close drawers look neat, but I’d be concerned they could fail over time.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-5...D-Textured-Black-Matte-HOTC5623BB2S/303412321

Tool Vault 21 drawer combo, $1785 delivered. Looks like better quality than HF or Husky. One full length drawer, shallow 20” depth.
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/to...l-vault-21-drawer-tool-cabinet-top-chest.html

Extreme Tools 56”, $1629 delivered. Price is for the bottom box only, they make a matching top but the set is $2930. I like the three full width drawers, 25” depth, and drawer latch system. The really deep bottom drawers may be wasted on me.
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/ex...reme-55-x-25-deep-12-drawer-base-cabinet.html

Tool Vault Elite 55x30, $2127 delivered. This is my favorite of the bunch currently. 3 full width drawers, 30” deep, lots of square inches so I could put my less used stuff at the back but still not have a top box. It uses detents for the drawers, looks like they have different models for more/less resistance.
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/to...-vault-elite-5530-11-drawer-tool-cabinet.html

Does anybody have recommendations or direct experience with the Extreme or Tool Vault choices? I’m hesitant to drop $2100 on the Tool Vault when I can’t see it in person. I’d like to feel how it compares to the big name SO/Matco.

 

[Mr_B]

TV elite not bad boxes for stationary scenario like yours, only downside is looses more value over a used truck box and a proper decent truck box going be more durable.
used matco 7535 would do you but if in a hurry and not wanting a refinishing project you probably struggle find one in sensible distance and condition to pricing .
Most people seem happy with strictlytoolboxes, I would be inclined hang on bit longer for chance of a used nice box deal and if that absolute no go then the elite box will do nicely (pretty good drawer layout) and is within budget .

 

[2ndGearRubber]

If you want it in that corner, it's not going to be easy. Most boxes only have 2 swivel castors, 2 stationary. Parallel parking a 56' box in a 61' space ain't happening.



If it were me, for only home use? I'd get a nice box store unit with latching drawers.

 

[plinker]

If you want it in that corner, it's not going to be easy. Most boxes only have 2 swivel castors, 2 stationary. Parallel parking a 56' box in a 61' space ain't happening.



If it were me, for only home use? I'd get a nice box store unit with latching drawers.

A transmission jack may help with maneuvering it into place. May need a friend to help as well.

 

[SteveCh]

I've been using a Snap-On at the airport for years, though it isn't mine. I have owned an old Waterloo and now a ToolVault. I have looked carefully at the HF, Husky, etc.

The Snap-On is without doubt in a class of its own. The HF, etc., I found to be junky.

The ToolVault has been my choice. My situation is that the toolbox rarely moves very far. It is somewhere between the SnapOn and the HF etc. in quality. In short, I am quite happy with it and would buy another in an instant should I need another one.

If I were an itinerant mechanic or something, moving from shop to shop as required, I would definitely look for a used Snap-On. But for not needing to move my tools et al much, the ToolVault has been great.

 

[BroncoAZ]

TV elite not bad boxes for stationary scenario like yours, only downside is looses more value over a used truck box and a proper decent truck box going be more durable.
used matco 7535 would do you but if in a hurry and not wanting a refinishing project you probably struggle find one in sensible distance and condition to pricing .
Most people seem happy with strictlytoolboxes, I would be inclined hang on bit longer for chance of a used nice box deal and if that absolute no go then the elite box will do nicely (pretty good drawer layout) and is within budget .

I looked again today and there are some Matco 4s and 5s 25” deep boxes for around $2000 that don’t look beat up. I don’t want a 20” deep SO box, but there are some available for $2K as well.

I’m not in a hurry, I’d like to buy something in the next month. Resale value isn’t a concern unless I end up selling my house and it didn’t fit in the next one. If I’m happy with the box I’ll keep it 10+ years. I’ve been fine with Craftsman that I purchased in my 20’s to this point, but I’d like something nicer for the decade of my 40’s.

If you want it in that corner, it's not going to be easy. Most boxes only have 2 swivel castors, 2 stationary. Parallel parking a 56' box in a 61' space ain't happening.

If it were me, for only home use? I'd get a nice box store unit with latching drawers.

The space is actually 64”, but there is a water pressure regulator eating up 3” of the space on the wall to the right of the 26” box. I was thinking that I could use a couple boards on pipe rollers under the casters to slide the 56” box into place, then jack up each side to remove the boards. Once in place the box wouldn’t be moving unless I sold the house.

Mine is for home use. There’s nothing specifically wrong with my current Craftsman boxes, but I’d prefer something better with deeper drawers and filling the space better.

I've been using a Snap-On at the airport for years, though it isn't mine. I have owned an old Waterloo and now a ToolVault. I have looked carefully at the HF, Husky, etc.

The Snap-On is without doubt in a class of its own. The HF, etc., I found to be junky.

The ToolVault has been my choice. My situation is that the toolbox rarely moves very far. It is somewhere between the SnapOn and the HF etc. in quality. In short, I am quite happy with it and would buy another in an instant should I need another one.

If I were an itinerant mechanic or something, moving from shop to shop as required, I would definitely look for a used Snap-On. But for not needing to move my tools et al much, the ToolVault has been great.

Thanks for the evaluation on the ToolVault. I don’t doubt that it’s not identical build quality to a SO for 1/3 the price, but it should be significantly better than HF/Husky/Craftsman.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

BTW OP -


I accidentally looked in Pheonix, not flagstaff for snapon boxes via craigslist. PLENTY of options, but you'll be driving. You local selection in worse than mine, which I wasn't sure was possible.


EDIT: If you're not moving it, check out listas used. Damn if those aren't good looking boxes.

 

[Wamsutta]

Tool Vault Elite 55x30, $2127 delivered. This is my favorite of the bunch currently. 3 full width drawers, 30” deep, lots of square inches so I could put my less used stuff at the back but still not have a top box. It uses detents for the drawers, looks like they have different models for more/less resistance.
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/to...-vault-elite-5530-11-drawer-tool-cabinet.html

That looks like a pretty good box. Four bolts on the side handle too.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I’m looking on craigslist in Phoenix as it’s a much bigger market (5M people vs 75K people). I’m not seeing “plenty” of options in Phoenix, but a few of sufficient size in my price point. I searched this morning for snapon, snap on, Mac tools, Matco, and Cornwell. Those few 4s and 5s I mentioned earlier came up, but most of the SO in my price range are 20” deep.

I am going to talk to an equipment vendor next week, they build out car dealerships. My buddy got some trade show demo Lista stuff from them recently for a fair price, I’ve been exchanging emails with them to see if there are any other deals to be had. I work in the service side of car business as a consultant, so I see all the new Lista awesomeness they are installing in the new dealerships.

 

[tool_scrounge]

For Lista, you might check out

https://www.americanworkspace.com

The owner is a member here and often has discounted "scratch and dent" factory specials (aka junkyard specials).

 

[Wamsutta]

Intersting tool box and I like the way they include the tax and shipping in the price.

https://www.americanworkspace.com/47-3-8-high-double-bank/3455-lista-tsdw09c06-1401fl-m.html

 

[BroncoAZ]

Intersting tool box and I like the way they include the tax and shipping in the price.

https://www.americanworkspace.com/47-3-8-high-double-bank/3455-lista-tsdw09c06-1401fl-m.html

That box looks great, but we’ll over the budget. I read it as tax and shipping excluded.

 

[Carquest]

I have a 7 drawer version of that Lista with a power top coming tomorrow hopefully. I also have the Tool Vault Extreme 72x30, good box for the money imo, not sure how the drawers would hold up for everyday use. Lista is a nicer box, but also more money.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Wamsutta]

That box looks great, but we’ll over the budget. I read it as tax and shipping excluded.

You're right! It does say tax and shipping excluded. I don't know what's wrong with my brain.

 

[Mr_B]

Just use some oiled steel plate help slide box in tighter spot than easily rol into .
The elite pretty good option if no deals on big brand boxes come along, 30" used boxes hold good money and shift fast, you generally never get right box turn up anywhere near the right time .

 

[dopod]

In my area, there seems to be more boxes posted on Facebook market place than Craigslist. Young techs looking to get out of the payment, or out of the industry. The lifetime warranty through Snap on is excellent; they really stand behind their products. If you can hold out and look around for a bit, and are willing to drive a couple hours, I think you'd be able to buy a very nice used box for $2500. It would be worth the extra trouble IMO.

For example, here's a 30" deep snap on krl7022 north of Phoenix for $2750: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2038529943138157

You might be able to talk him into taking 25 Benjamins

 

[2ndGearRubber]

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/hvo/d/snap-on-tool-box/6606727607.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/tls/d/snap-on-tool-box/6613733445.html - an oldie but goodie

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/d/snap-on-tool-box/6605976389.html - good deal

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/tls/d/snap-on-classic-78-toolbox/6601223592.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/tls/d/snap-on-tool-box/6596219327.html - kinda neat, not exactly what you want though.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/d/snap-on-tool-chest/6573123050.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/pts/d/snap-on-tool-box/6593649640.html

Last 2 are 29inch deep KRLs

 

[BroncoAZ]

Thanks for taking the time to look those up. I’d seen most of those, although admittedly I didn’t know exactly what I was looking at with all of them. Didn’t realize that third one down was 29” deep, that looks like it might be perfect for me as long as I don’t mind having the top box. I could probably stretch the budget some for that 1001b/1201 set. I’m out of town for a week, so I’ll see if it’s still posted when I return.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I figured you could sell the top and get maybe a grand back out of it.

Just Google search model numbers, there's usually a link to a thread on here listing the depth when someone asked. If it were my money, I'd be exclusively looking for KRLs, the top of the line box in size and capacity until the epiq came out a few years ago.

Happy hunting!

 

[tarmy]

Whatever you do...buy from Strictly Toolboxes....those guys were great. I had a split order...needed special delivery instructions on one drop. Excellent packing and constant checking in...

These are TV...love them...

 

[regguy1]

I have the Tool Vault, here is a review and organization video:

If you need easier movement use 4 swivel casters

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Also for your option 1, you should include talking to your local tool truck guys. Some of these guys have quite a few used boxes they might deal on.

You could also add a wall next to the water heater to create a cubby for your box. You could ad a shelf or two well above the box and you would have extra wall space. You could also take the front wheels and have both wheels that swivel in the back. Then use a couple o 4X4's or weld up some 2" square tubes for the front legs. Take your drawers and slides out when moving it into position to lighten the load.

I like working off the top of my box instead of using my bench

I would also keep your cart That way you still can wheel tools around when you need/want to. I have a 54" X 24" box and load my single drawer cart when I want too have tools rool around with me.

 

[48548]

I have the Tool Vault, here is a review and organization video:

If you need easier movement use 4 swivel casters

Nice setup and color.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[BroncoAZ]

Also for your option 1, you should include talking to your local tool truck guys. Some of these guys have quite a few used boxes they might deal on.

You could also add a wall next to the water heater to create a cubby for your box. You could ad a shelf or two well above the box and you would have extra wall space

I like working off the top of my box instead of using my bench

I would also keep your cart That way you still can wheel tools around when you need/want to. I have a 54" X 24" box and load my single drawer cart when I want too have tools rool around with me.

Right now the Mac cart lives in front of my sedan in the garage, which has been ok so far. I need to add a couple spaces for bikes to hang, I was looking at the space in front of my car. I can’t hang them from the ceiling as my wife is 5’2” and couldn’t reach them. Currently the bikes live in the guest bedroom on the first floor.

I attached some diagrams of the current setup and my planned setup. Most tool usage happens either at the Bronco or between the sedan and the Bronco, so not that far from where I plan on putting the new tool box. I back out the sedan and dodge truck to use the entire garage for a bigger project when needed. I purchased the cart at my old house where I had to work on my truck in the driveway.

I also considered changing to a wall mounted tankless water heater so I could recover that space taken by that and go with a 72” tool box, but 56” is enough space.

 

[DerekV]

I don't have much to add other than I like the new layout and that you don't mess around with fire extinguishers If a new box will make you more organized and a little more future proofed, then I say go for it.

 

[mrjaw14]

I was in this same predicament not too long ago. I looked at just about every brand of toolbox I could find. I found that one of several things were true:

1. boxes not deep enough
2. high drawer count boxes had really shallow drawers not suitable for organizer use.
3. lower drawer count boxes had all deeper drawers which wasted space.

I had a HF 44" top and bottom. I went to a Snap On KTL1022 and easily got the entire contents of my HF top and bottom, plus some of my 26" craftsman drawers in and I still have two empty drawers. The amount of space in a 30" deep box is amazing and totally worth it. My $0.02 is to buy a used Snap On, Matco, mac box and don't look back.

had I not bought the Snap-On box I'd probably have got the new HF box that's 24' deep.

 

[oldldh]

Extreme Pro 55" X 30".....

But...

It ain't cheap...

But...

It's worth what www.strictlytoolboxes.com is asking for it...

It will outlast you...

 

[Mr_B]

HF don't do a 24" box they max out at 22"
I would try hold out for used truck as you will love the box more over an elite badge box.
I'm big fan of older matco and a 7535 should be under your budget for a clean one .
If you find a used KRL at sensible price for tidy example don't hesitate to buy it as can't go wrong and about best used purchase could ever make .

 

[BroncoAZ]

I was in this same predicament not too long ago. I looked at just about every brand of toolbox I could find. I found that one of several things were true:

1. boxes not deep enough
2. high drawer count boxes had really shallow drawers not suitable for organizer use.
3. lower drawer count boxes had all deeper drawers which wasted space.

I had a HF 44" top and bottom. I went to a Snap On KTL1022 and easily got the entire contents of my HF top and bottom, plus some of my 26" craftsman drawers in and I still have two empty drawers. The amount of space in a 30" deep box is amazing and totally worth it. My $0.02 is to buy a used Snap On, Matco, mac box and don't look back.

had I not bought the Snap-On box I'd probably have got the new HF box that's 24' deep.

Great point about the depth of drawers. I don’t think I would be well served by a box with vast quantities of very shallow drawers. My current 41” box has drawers of sufficient depth (3x3”, 5x4”, 2x6”) without too much wasted space, but those very narrow drawers on the top of my 26” bottom box are next to useless for anything but tools laid out flat or a tap and die set in its case. On the 30” Tool Vault I’m interested in the top drawer and the bottom three pairs are 5.25” deep with two full length and a pair at 2.25” deep. If I ended up getting it, I would arrange this box as follows:

Drawer 1 5.25” full: all sockets , ratchets, etc. plus M18 tools (drill, impact driver, impact wrench, batteries),
Drawer 2 2.25” full: all screwdrivers, pliers, vice grips, drill bits,
Drawer 3 2.25” full: all standard and metric wrenches
Drawer 4 2.25” wide: hammers, punches, chisels
Drawer 5 2.25” narrow: tap and die set in the back, measuring tools up front
Drawer 6 5.25” wide: power drills, additional drill bits
Drawer 7 5.25” narrow: electrical tools and supplies
Drawer 8 5.25” wide: grinders, cut off wheels, tubing notcher
Drawer 9 5.25” narrow: Dremel kit any other various tools
Drawer 10 5.25” wide: clamps, pry bars, other seldom used metal working tools
Drawer 11 5.25” narrow: specific automotive tools

Each drawer row in the 55x30 box is roughly twice the square inches of a drawer in my current 41” Craftsman box, so it would be equivalent to adding 4 more drawers. Everything in the 26” box could easily fit in 4 more drawers on the 41”. I’d be in the same situation more or less on a KRL box. I think I can fit everything without a top box.

 

[BroncoAZ]

HF don't do a 24" box they max out at 22"
I would try hold out for used truck as you will love the box more over an elite badge box.
I'm big fan of older matco and a 7535 should be under your budget for a clean one .
If you find a used KRL at sensible price for tidy example don't hesitate to buy it as can't go wrong and about best used purchase could ever make .

Isn’t the Matco 7535 a 72” wide model?

https://www.ebay.com/p/Matco-Tools-...olbox-hutchmb7535-20-Drawers-Black/2214155912

 

[BroncoAZ]

Extreme Pro 55" X 30".....

But...

It ain't cheap...

But...

It's worth what www.strictlytoolboxes.com is asking for it...

It will outlast you...

I like the thicker steel and double layer drawer fronts on that pro model, but I can’t see a use for the deep drawer on the lower left and in general the Extreme Tools boxes look to have too many shallow drawers for my tools.

 

[Mr_B]

Isn’t the Matco 7535 a 72” wide model?

https://www.ebay.com/p/Matco-Tools-...olbox-hutchmb7535-20-Drawers-Black/2214155912

my bad I meant the 8525

 

[Wamsutta]

That one looks pretty good.

 

[AmishFury]

had I not bought the Snap-On box I'd probably have got the new HF box that's 24' deep.

24' deep?

 

[Spiffers]

I'm in the same boat. I really WANT the Extreme 55 in THD box but I can get top and bottom Harbor Freight 56" for less.

Basically I fix the lawn mowers and we have farm equipment that I work on. I have a late 90s model Craftsman top/bottom box and we have stuff scattered around. I want one box I can put everything in from sockets to my drill motors. Have I said how much I like the lift latch and 3 full drawers on the Extreme?

 

[PhysicsDude]

I saw an Extreme Tools box at Home Depot once (it was an online order waiting to be picked up), and I can tell you its noticeably much better quality than any of the normal boxes HD stocks. Everything was smoother and "meatier" with it, the drawers, the pulls, latches, slides, etc.

Another option to consider is an International brand box. Home Depot sells them re-branded as Husky for a little cheaper: $719 for the 56" bottom box and $479 for the top box. They're 24" deep (22" deep drawers), and are about halfway between the StrictlyToolBoxes boxes and the regular Husky boxes in terms of price and quality. A few months ago they showed them as out of stock everywhere, but now the website says they're orderable for deliver within a week or 2.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-56-in-10-Drawer-Cabinet-Tool-Chest-in-Blue-VRB-5610BUHU/206266485

 

[Mr_B]

I'm in the same boat. I really WANT the Extreme 55 in THD box but I can get top and bottom Harbor Freight 56" for less.

Basically I fix the lawn mowers and we have farm equipment that I work on. I have a late 90s model Craftsman top/bottom box and we have stuff scattered around. I want one box I can put everything in from sockets to my drill motors. Have I said how much I like the lift latch and 3 full drawers on the Extreme?

yep plastic finger pull latch on the HF 56 and 72" is a complete joke .
If can live with that and buy at lowest coupon price it not too bad:-/
STB boxes not too bad but the cheaper ones not too much of a great deal .
Only you know the use and what you can accept in box design .
Worth looking for used matco and mac as 50" range boxes come up a lot and can be a great bargain .
Masterforce are decent made, drawer layout not great but besides that not much complain at for the usual sale/rebate pricing .

 

[JBradley500]

If I had money and time to waste, I would see if you could could make/mod the lock n roll for the HF boxes. I actually like using that style, especially compared to that HF latch.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I happened into HF today after being in Home Depot this week. I can say with certainty that I like the US General 56” Gen 2 box more than anything found at Home Depot. Other than a lack of any full width drawers and their logos that I’d remove immediately, it seems like a solid piece. The drawer catch design is similar to what I see in some high end boxes that Nissan uses for the Leaf tools, but I can see how some may take exception to it because of having to grab the side of the drawer. Seeing the size with the top and bottom assembled is making me rethink having just a bottom only box. I’m 6’5”, so I can look into the top of the US General set well and have no issues reaching into higher drawers. I’m trying to figure out if having more tools from my waist down would be annoying after decades of a top and bottom box. If I do go top and bottom in something ~56” wide and at least 22” deep I can’t imagine needing more space in the foreseeable future. If I buy a bottom only like the Tool Vault 55x30 I’d want to make sure a compatible top is available just in case I don’t like wrenches and screwdrivers below the waist.

 

[Mr_B]

^ main reason don't like the latches is only catches one side so left side sags out, they break off or ping to pieces easily especially as get old and get more brittle .
If they had made effort have a plastic latch both sides via a single pull and kept bagged spares in the store it would of been acceptable at the pricing/intended user market .
I not keen on top boxes mainly as prefer the countertop space but if have no need for countertop the storage capacity is good so more than makes up for the 22" depth.
Can't believe how bad the branding decals are on the new series2 boxes, little bit of effort on design could of added touch of class . the black 56" looks good to the eye besides the brash decal effort . At lowest coupon price they not a bad box if fits your needs .