Craftsman Tool Chests / Sears vs. Lowe’s

[Jtels85]

CPO Outlets has this 6 drawer Craftsman top box for $140 + free shipping.

I inquired with the seller and they were unable to answer my questions about this top chest. I have never seen the 6 drawer as an option at Lowe’s. I remember seeing it at Sears several years ago. Craftsman boxes at Sears were a darker shade of red than those now sold at Lowe’s under SB&D ownership. I have a 4 drawer bottom chest (Sears model in darker red) I bought at Ace Hardware back in 2016 and I’m curious if this is the matching top chest that goes with it? Thoughts?

 

[Garcky]

I have a Stanley top chest exactly like that one. I also have the matching rolling cabinet. Probably made by the same manufacturer. I bought them both, years ago at a garage sale for $50. A little small, but that keeps me from buying too many tools.

 

[dsh]

Did Sears ever sell Craftsman boxes with hydraulic arms for the lid? I only remember those after the fall of Sears. I could definitely be wrong though.

 

[Jtels85]

They did. I have a black Craftsman chest with hydraulic arms that I bought from Sears in 2013 or 2014. It’s some sort of pro type model - definitely thicker metal and the drawers hold more weight.

 

[BFBOB]

How did you get the background to drop out like that?

...or are they stock photos you borrowed?

 

[Mr_B]

^
CPO images ...

Looks to me likely earlier Sears last version boxes. All the later ones I seen had plastic inset side handles and different lid front edge shape.

 

[Jtels85]

How did you get the background to drop out like that?

...or are they stock photos you borrowed?

Those are their photos borrowed from eBay.

 

[Jtels85]

^
CPO images ...

Looks to me likely earlier Sears last version boxes. All the later ones I seen had plastic inset side handles and different lid front edge shape.

That’s what I’m also thinking. I really dislike that new, bright red pain they’re using and prefer the older, darker shade of red.

 

[Jtels85]

I wanted to make a decision this weekend and went back to Lowe’s for one more look. They had the 26” top and bottom in red on sale for $478. I remember seeing something about Craftsman boxes being updated recently and advertised as “New” on Lowe’s website, so I figured out what that was about..

1. The gauge of steel on the floor models appeared to be slightly thicker and the build quality is sturdier than the previous generation sold at Lowe’s from 2018 - early 2022.

2. The drawers appear to have less wobble and the easy close feature is still very smooth.

3. The locking mechanism and keys have been completely redesigned and appear more robust.

4. To keep up with their direct competitors, each chest came with a set of pre-cut drawer liners. That’s not something Sears or Lowe’s previously offered with a Craftsman tool chest.

All in all, the revamped Craftsman 2000 series chests are a much better product than what had been previously offered. After looking at US General and Husky as well in previous weeks, the quality is now on par with those brands IMO.