Craftsman Professional Tool Box Owners - Feedback Wanted

[MaineMetric]

I’m considering purchasing a 36” Craftsman Professional tool box and I’d like some feedback from current owners.

I haven’t seen it in person yet but the seller says that he purchased it new and has never used it. From the research I’ve done on GJ, other forum members have suggested that this was a Waterloo Magnum box. I’m not sure if it was made in the USA or Mexico and I haven’t determined which COO is better for this particular box.

I’ve been using a couple of Waterloo made Craftsman 52” boxes with grip latch & ball bearing in black; bottom, top, and side cabinets for about 20 years now. They’ve worked well for me as a serious DIYer. These are definitely not professional grade or even prosumer grade so my thought is that the Craftsman Professional is probably a step up from my current setup.

I’m looking for some additional tool storage and I’m still a pre-SBD Craftsman user. Like others have said, and I agree, Craftsman is dead. Even before the SBD acquisition, Craftsman died when they moved most if not all of their production overseas.

I was looking for a nice box made in North America. I really can’t justify spending the money on a Snap On box for my needs, even used. I was looking at a Tekton which is made in Canada but $2500+ for just the lower seems a bit much.

I’d like some honest feedback from owners of this particular generation of Craftsman Professional box. Likes, dislikes. I’ve read that some have one grip latch per drawer while others had two. I’ve also read about issues with the drawer slides. Was this a Waterloo Magnum rebranded? Where was it made?

The seller is asking $1000 for the top and bottom. Not cheap but nothing is anymore and it’s still considerably less than any tool truck options.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Fedwrench]

I had that set up several years ago. It's not bad but, boxes have evolved significantly since the early 2000's when that box was made. It was Waterloo made probably around 2004 but, that's a guess. I think the boxes were made in the USA then. It was very similar to the Waterloo Magnum of its day but, as with all things Craftsman, corners were cut to offer it at a lower price point. I liked mine. It was a little on the shallow side at 21 inches overall depth making the drawers like 18.5 inches deep. $1000 is about half of the catalog price, not on sale or closeout. I'm pretty sure the full width drawers have two grip latches, one on each side. I don't remember having any issues with the drawer slides. Some of the top chest drawers are narrow and won't hold much. The only real drawback to buying that setup today, is the total lack of parts support should you need something. I've never seen any of those boxes for sale in my area.

 

[dscheidt]

I had that set up several years ago. It's not bad but, boxes have evolved significantly since the early 2000's when that box was made. It was Waterloo made probably around 2004 but, that's a guess. I think the boxes were made in the USA then. It was very similar to the Waterloo Magnum of its day but, as with all things Craftsman, corners were cut to offer it at a lower price point. I liked mine. It was a little on the shallow side at 21 inches overall depth making the drawers like 18.5 inches deep. $1000 is about half of the catalog price, not on sale or closeout. I'm pretty sure the full width drawers have two grip latches, one on each side. I don't remember having any issues with the drawer slides. Some of the top chest drawers are narrow and won't hold much. The only real drawback to buying that setup today, is the total lack of parts support should you need something. I've never seen any of those boxes for sale in my area.

We got one to hold shop tools around that time. I have no memory of how the drawer latches worked, which probably means it just worked. I do remember wanting another deep drawer, but drawer layout needs are personal. It's not as deep as modern boxes from China. I think $1000 is more than I'd pay for it, because I could get something nicer, new, for the same money.

 

[GTO]

IMHO $1000 is a lot to spend on a 21" deep box.
I would save a little more money and get a least a 24" deep...or even a 29".
Good luck

 

[grumpychevy]

I have that same setup along with 2 matching side boxes. These were not the same quality as the standard Craftsman boxes back in the day. I’d compare them to a Mac tech series or Snap On Classic series. They are only 21” deep in the 36” wide box, they also offered 46” x 24” and 56” x 30” versions. I say this only to point out that they were trying to be a contender to the Snap On, Mac, Matco lines. I also own a Snap On Epiq Series and there is no comparison between the two. I’d consider $1k a fair deal, not a bragging price. Full price new in 2003 was $2,200 + tax for that set up. As far as I’m aware, there is no replacement parts support anywhere for these boxes. I like mine, never had an issue with it. Has served this DIYer well for 20 years and counting.

 

[grumpychevy]

Full Specs per Craftsman Catalog 2003/2004:

36” 5 Drawer Chest provides 12,035 cu. in. of storage. Overall measurements of 36"W x 21"D x 24 1/2"H.
Weight=210 lbs.
Model #706.655636
All drawers measure 31 5/8"W x 18 1/4"D:
1 1/2" Height -2
2 1/2" Height -2
3 1/2" Height -1

36” 7-Drawer Mobile Cart provides 17,153 cu. in. of storage. Overall measurements of 36"W x 21"D x 42 1/2"H with casters.
Weight=308 lbs.
Model #706.655641
All drawers measure 31 5/8"W x 18 1/4"D:
3 1/2" Height -1
1 1/2" Height -1
2 1/2" Height -2
3 1/2" Height -2
8" Height -1

2 grip latches per drawer, 1 per side
1 slide per drawer, per side except bottom box, bottom 8” height drawer has double slides per side
Top box lid has 2 small Hydraulic rods to hold lid upright

 

[Lt CHEG]

I sold a few of them when I worked at Sears in College. Based upon my experience, I would not pay more than $500 for that setup. To me that would be an auxiliary setup at best. Sears touted those boxes as equivalent to the truck brands back in the day, and frankly they were close - back then. However, even SnapOn, Mac, Matco and Cornwell have come a looonnnnngggggg way in boxes since then. 21” is far too shallow for a front line box nowadays in my opinion, especially as a single bay setup. Knowing what those boxes cost when they were brand new, coupled with the lack of support, I’d pass on that box if I couldn‘t get it for $500 or less.

 

[MaineMetric]

Thanks everyone for your feedback.

The depth is not a concern for my particular situation simply because my intended location is a bit on the narrow side. As I mentioned this would be in addition to my existing setup. Maybe I just have too many tools…no, that’s not it. You can never have too many tools!

I was also concerned about the age and the lack of available replacement parts since Waterloo is no more. I wouldn’t be overly concerned with finding a replacement for the hydraulic rods but finding replacements for the drawer slides if needed is a concern.

This is a rare find but definitely not a steal.

Any recommendations on a 36”-40” box that’s not made in China that is reasonably priced or do those two criteria not exist?

 

[mike93lx]

Not made in china is going to tough at that price point. You'll have to seek out used.

 

[Wolley]

Lowes has usa made craftsman boxes less than 1k. I'd buy a new one before that old one unless you can get it for significantly cheaper.

 

[milky2k]

I really like the 36” Craftsman Pro boxes. These are the same as the Waterloo Magnum line. I came from 26” wide tool boxes and I like the uninterrupted space of a wider drawer that a 36” cabinet offered over 41” two bay tool boxes. I am just a home gamer and my one car garage shop is narrow so I am ok with 21” deep cabinets. I got the red cabinet combo with side cabinet from a guy in Ventura for $1200. Kinda high but it was in mint condition with heavy duty rubber drawer liners and extra trim pieces. I got the black cabinet combo like yours for $500 but it needed some elbow grease to get the drawers rolling smoothly again. There is still support for these boxes. At least for the 46” cabinet. I emailed SBD earlier this year for availability of some replacement slides for the 46” cabinet and a couple of days later I got a quote from a [email protected] for $49.98 per pair of slides, plus shipping. The 46” cabinet is deeper at 24” than the 36” cabinet but I would expect that drawer slides are available for them as well.
I think $1000 is high for that cabinet, maybe $700-800 is more reasonable, even then, only to Craftsman fans and it should come with keys, drawer liners and drawer dividers and everything should roll smoothly and not need any clean up or maintenance. Be sure to inspect the sliders and insides for rust and pitting. Hopefully he’s not one of those “I know what I got” guys.

 

[Rinspeed]

Hard pass would be my opinion.

 

[mooman]

I've had the 36" bottom box for about 10 years without any issue and would love to find the top box for it. Typical home use. I find the size perfect for what I use it for.
The price is way too high for that setup though..

 

[bb29510]

not worth more than $100 all you are buying is the plastic decal

 

[MaineMetric]

not worth more than $100 all you are buying is the plastic decal

Why don’t you like your Craftsman Professional box?

 

[MaineMetric]

Hard pass would be my opinion.

Why hard pass? You don’t like your Craftsman Professional box either?

 

[MaineMetric]

Lowes has usa made craftsman boxes less than 1k. I'd buy a new one before that old one unless you can get it for significantly cheaper.

I’ve considered their new boxes, not because they are “Craftsman” but because they are mostly made in USA. The drawer slides and lock sets are imported according to SBD when I contacted them.

What will keep me from buying a new Craftsman box is the pitiful soft close drawers. I find them to be annoying and not at all user friendly. Every time I try to open one in a store it’s like pulling teeth. They also don’t open smoothly or evenly. One slide always seems to hang up.

I’ve been using grip latch drawers for years and they work quite well. If you’re opening your tool box drawers frequently they should operate smoothly and you shouldn’t even have to think about it.

 

[Rinspeed]

Why hard pass? You don’t like your Craftsman Professional box either?

Price is too high and quality is too low. Hell, I'll sell you my extra Snap On for less than $1K.

 

[GRB]

You can't really justify that box for $1000 unless it fits your needs and it is new. In my business, I have about 30 boxes counting top and bottom boxes. Starting with a Remline from the late 1960s, Snap On from the mid 1970s up to the 1 Montezuma, 3 Kennedy, and 6 Harbor Freight boxes I've bought in the last 4 years. A Harbor Freight Series 2 44" top and bottom is currently being sold out pending the Series 3 and is $850 for both and better than that in every way and larger.

 

[grumpychevy]

Go look at the box. Make up your own mind if it works for you and your situation. Take a friend with you in case you buy it because you will need help unloading and reassembling it. That box weights over 500 pounds. Keep that in mind of the build quality of a box that’s only 36” wide. A new US General Series 3- 56” x 22” Roller Cabinet per Harbor Freight’s website weights 366 lbs., a Series 2- 56” x 22” @ 383 lbs. That 36” x 21” Bottom cart weights 308 lbs. If you don’t like it then pass on it, no harm no foul

 

[mooman]

I'd like to add to this post. I was able to find the top box like the one here in the picture over the weekend for $200.
It needed a replacement slide which believe it or not, Stanley Black & Decker had in stock.

Thanks to this thread, I was able to find the model number of this top box.

 

[m6z]

They were pretty nice boxes IMO. I never could justify a new toolbox when they were available.

 

[BIRCH]

Did you end up buying this toolbox? If not, does he still have it for sale? Have any contact info?

 

[MaineMetric]

Did you end up buying this toolbox? If not, does he still have it for sale? Have any contact info?

I didn’t. I made the seller an offer via email and he never responded. The listing is no longer available. Not sure if it sold or he decided to keep it.

 

[grumpychevy]

I'd like to add to this post. I was able to find the top box like the one here in the picture over the weekend for $200.
It needed a replacement slide which believe it or not, Stanley Black & Decker had in stock.

Thanks to this thread, I was able to find the model number of this top box.

How about posting the part number for the replacement slide and contact Info or website used to get it

 

[Kilgore Trout]

For what it is worth, I have a craftsman professional in the 40" size. I have no issues with it at all and I have had it for at least a decade. Now, I got the top and bottom for about $800 when they were clearing these out (via sears outlet) so I consider that an absolute home run. That said, when I moved 4 years ago, I literally watched the movers drop the top box down my basement stairs when it was full of tools. No damage to the box. Pretty amazing.

So, I am satisfied. But, for $1K used, I would just get a harbor freight box.

 

[MaineMetric]

For what it is worth, I have a craftsman professional in the 40" size. I have no issues with it at all and I have had it for at least a decade. Now, I got the top and bottom for about $800 when they were clearing these out (via sears outlet) so I consider that an absolute home run. That said, when I moved 4 years ago, I literally watched the movers drop the top box down my basement stairs when it was full of tools. No damage to the box. Pretty amazing.

So, I am satisfied. But, for $1K used, I would just get a harbor freight box.

Thanks for the feedback. I didn’t purchase the box. As I stated earlier I made the seller an offer and he never responded. It wasn’t used, it was new.

After hearing from actual owners of this box, including yourself, if I had the opportunity to purchase one at the right price I would.

 

[mooman]

Part numbers below for the right and left slides along with a new lock assembly.
Ordered from Stanley Black & Decker
Stupid me, I didn't realize I had to take the slide off of the drawer to replace the entire unit. Once I figured it out, it was easy.

 

[grumpychevy]

Great info, thank you.

 

[fuzzyanimal1977]

Part numbers below for the right and left slides along with a new lock assembly.
Ordered from Stanley Black & Decker
Stupid me, I didn't realize I had to take the slide off of the drawer to replace the entire unit. Once I figured it out, it was easy.

By chance do you have direct contact? I bought the chest and top second-hand a few years back and no keys. Would like to get updated locks and keys to swap out.

 

[mooman]

I do not. I just called Stanley Black & Decker and was transferred to someone who took care of me.

 

[Rinspeed]

By chance do you have direct contact? I bought the chest and top second-hand a few years back and no keys. Would like to get updated locks and keys to swap out.

Check McMaster-Carr, they sell several different cam locks with different profiles.