Cantilever boxes just aren’t what they used to be.... They're the preferred type of box for my trade, (travelling millwright) and I've been through a few types and brand finding out what works best. The Gray, and Proto boxes are fine for light use, but are Chinese built and can be had under different private labels for much less money. I found them to be not durable enough for constantly throwing in and out of trucks, especially when loaded up with 50 lbs of steel! Their particular weakness seems to be the rivets used on the cantilever mechanisms, which wear out and cause slop. Also, the very thing gauge material means one ding and you'll be beating it with a rubber mallet just to make is close properly again...
After a recommendation from my toolmaker father, I was about to buy an 18" Kennedy for $200 or so, until I learned they were also Chinese-built and the exact same as the Homak box, which sells for $100. Go figure. I'm currently about 1 year into ownership of the Homak, and so far I'm pleased, with the exception of the ****** plastic tray dividers. I'm considering tigging in some steel dividers, but we'll see...... Also, the Excel Euro-style boxes seem to be well regarded, and some colleagues own them with good praise regarding durability.
I have had great luck with it. if not look into something like a 1510, 1550, 1600 or similar then organize it as you see fit
but price you pay to keep it in production I guess...
