Craftsman Tool Chest Question.
- Thread starter jywilli69
- Start date
matt_i
Well-known member
Has to be better than a unopened grinder laying around....
Cannot have too many toolboxes if there are tools laying around unorganized....
If the slides aren't up to your liking and duty, put "less active" tools in that one and upgrade to something for more regular use.
Cannot have too many toolboxes if there are tools laying around unorganized....
If the slides aren't up to your liking and duty, put "less active" tools in that one and upgrade to something for more regular use.
This CM box may look okay but it's homeowner grade level which is way below the heavy-duty or premium line. The trade is fine but keep in mind that this is a light-duty box that very limited in space. Might be okay for an overflow tool box.
RWorth
Well-known member
it's a cheap tool box, grease the slides and use it . I have a couple of cheapy sears boxes in the mix and haven't broken one yet. Keep in mind roller draw slides are fairly new to mechanics boxes, My old Snap-on box has the same slides that sears box has.
i wouldnt say roller bearings are fairly new, but its about a must if you buy a new one.
for the price your getting the box for you can sell it for more money than a grinder if you choose to go that route.
they arent real flimsy, IMO, but they are the lowest line of boxes.
for the price your getting the box for you can sell it for more money than a grinder if you choose to go that route.
they arent real flimsy, IMO, but they are the lowest line of boxes.
TractorJeff
Well-known member
If you are talking a 20 to 30 dollar bench grinder, then trade. If it is better than that. No! A good powerful grinder is hard to find! If the sparks bother you, then put a little steel plate up against the wall to stop the sparks from hitting the wall.
BearsFan315
Well-known member
yeah, what kind of unopened grinder ??
el cheapo ?? or el nico one ??
el cheapo ?? or el nico one ??
fteufert
Well-known member
I have had my cheapo Craftsman toolbox similar to that since 1984, and it still works fine. A little lube on the drawer slides and it will last forever.
What are you losing, you never used the grinder to begin with
What are you losing, you never used the grinder to begin with
555
Well-known member
I had the same box and used it for 10 years. As others have suggested, keep the slides lubed. I also made sure to watch how much weight I put in the drawers. Don't lean on drawers and don't move it with the drawers extended. That is probably a fair trade, I don't remember how much it cost new. I'm guessing about $100. I upgraded to a larger heavier box when I outgrew the CM. However, the CM was in very good shape when I sold it and I probably should have kept it as a secondary box.
Regards,
John
Regards,
John
Schurkey
Well-known member
That box is a bottom-feeder toy. It's intended for a thirteen year-old to keep a few tools for working on his bicycle. Any real use, and it's going to fold-up like Reynolds Wrap.
The grinder is cheap, and most likely Chinese, but it's functional. You're better-off with the grinder and a real box than no grinder and a Craftsman "homeowner-grade" box.
The grinder is cheap, and most likely Chinese, but it's functional. You're better-off with the grinder and a real box than no grinder and a Craftsman "homeowner-grade" box.
RWorth
Well-known member
Personally I like to spend my money on good tools, never could see the sense in spending good money on a box just so people could see the name brand. I have 2 snap-on boxes, one Mac box, and half a dozen Crapsman and no-name boxes, and I bought them all used for very little money, and I have never broken any of them.
Oh and that 2.1 amp grinder in s POS.
Oh and that 2.1 amp grinder in s POS.
TractorJeff
Well-known member
Trade off the Grinder as it doesn't have power enough to grind a lawn mower blade without slowing down!
Moose97
Well-known member
Guys working out of an 8X16 shed. I'd say this box will last him for a while.
It's a decent box that will meet your needs better than the 4 year old grinder that's still in the box! If this is your first big box (as opposed to peg board or hand-held tool boxes) you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.
Well the POS was a gift. I have liked Craftsman since I was a kid. I am not one of those people who buys for the name, nor do I waste a ton of money buying snap-on. I like buying what I can afford. Since I have been on this site, I am learning about the other series of Craftsman tools, which will be pieced together eventually.As far as my power tools, they range from 1936 to 1950. I have some, when I 1st got married. My table saw that I mainly use, is from 2006. I like the older Craftsman, because of they way it was built to last.
I have a no name one which, I have had since I got married back in 1993. It has served it's purpose. I just seen the Craftsman and thought it might be worth trading for. I've wanted a Craftsman one for over 20yrs. I have learned a lot from the thread. So if I spend some money, get a heavy duty one.
Guys working out of an 8X16 shed. I'd say this box will last him for a while.
It's a decent box that will meet your needs better than the 4 year old grinder that's still in the box! If this is your first big box (as opposed to peg board or hand-held tool boxes) you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.
FJ 432
Well-known member
Just my .02.
I buy nice older boxes in Springs all the time. I would consider holding out for something better.
But if you don't need the grinder and you're needing immediate tool storage...
I buy nice older boxes in Springs all the time. I would consider holding out for something better.
But if you don't need the grinder and you're needing immediate tool storage...
fteufert
Well-known member
1984 to today, over 30 years for a set under $75 back in the day. I bought it with a dent in it.
It has seen a rough life, and is holding up fine.
I spent the money for the tools in the drawers, not for the drawers holding the tools.
My "bottom feeder" is functional, the same as a $1000 SnapOn box.
It has seen a rough life, and is holding up fine.
I spent the money for the tools in the drawers, not for the drawers holding the tools.
My "bottom feeder" is functional, the same as a $1000 SnapOn box.
I agree with you on this one. I mean, if you own a shop and that is how you make your living, by all means invest your money in good tools and storage. I am
not a fan of China Tools. So I think it is safe to say the Tool Chest was made in America. I think saying "Tool Chest is for a 13 yr old working on a Bike." Is a little overkill. Everyone has their preference of what they like. For a $1000, I can sure get a lot of tools then what people pay for a tool box.
dirt_dobber
Well-known member
I agree. My wife got me the craftsman as a wedding gift 36 years ago - and we're both still going strong.
bubinga
Well-known member
keep the grinder.
you're not going to set the shed on fire with a grinder unless the sparks get in Gasoline, or a bunch of fine saw dust
you're not going to set the shed on fire with a grinder unless the sparks get in Gasoline, or a bunch of fine saw dust
Sharpest
Well-known member
I'd make that trade. I have a ~40 year old craftsman top box sitting on top of a brand new craftsman bottom. I inherited the top and paid $40 for the bottom. Its functional but my 44" Harbor Freight box next to it is way beefier. It will work fine for lighter tools, I use mine for screwdrivers, timing lights, flaring tools and other misc stuff. The wrenches and sockets are all in the heavier HF box but again, the Craftsman serves its purpose just fine. I too am a huge fan of getting good deals on used boxes and don't give a s**t about brand names.
Dr Stan
Well-known member
I found this on Craigslist and am wondering if it looks like a keeper. Guy want to trade it for a grinder. I had my grinder that has been sitting in the attic unopened for the past 4yrs at least. all opinions appreciated.
Jayson
Way too flimsy for any serious work. Probably OK for a Yuppie to keep his screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, wire, duck tape, & Vice Grips.
I have a Craftsman top box I bought in 1977 and a Dayton 3 drawer roll away bought in '78 or '79. Still going strong after all these years. They were in my van & fell over when I had to make a full on emergency stop. Got a dent in each box, but they function just fine.
Try using Search Tempest to cast a wider net. There is a motivated seller I found using Search Tempest and your location. Has a like new Matco 53" roll around and is looking for offers.
I also have 53" top & bottom HF boxes. The one thing I do not like is the drawers will not lock in the out position. Other wise a sturdy box. Working on a solution, but I'd probably go with a box from Menards if I had a do over.