craftsman top chest tool box

[matt chard]

Im on sears looking at the top tool chests (mostly the closeouts) and need a box bad, are they decent quality or not really?

 

[930dreamer]

The new ones can't hold a candle to the older ones, thinner metal, even with ball bearing slides I'd go with a vintage model

 

[toddacimer]

I would lean towards not really. It really depends on your expectations vs the amount of money you want to spend.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Some models only can hold 25lbs a drawer! 50lbs a drawer are the "better" craftsman boxes, but still have stupidly thin steel. They would have to be an absolutely fantastic price (read: significantly lower than HF for the same storage) for me to buy one.

 

[Outlawmws]

I haven't seen a Craftsman branded box in a long time I would buy new...

Check CL for a vintage box. Even at the cost of a new box, its a better buy.

 

[CNGsaves]

No need wasting money on new Craftsman tool boxes that are **** . . . unless you spend BIG $$$$$ on a "pro" level box.

Instead get yourself a 2-bay SnapOn, Matco, or Cornwell off of CL. A nice Cornwell just popped up in my area for $1,000 - - - see pic below.

Another quality toolbox for reasonable price - - - - > Strictly Toolboxes that are advertised on GJ. See the thread where guy bought several white ones.

OR . . . . even less money for US General 44" roller tool box (ie Harbor Freight) that is $349 brand new and widely accepted on GJ as great quality for the money. I just got mine at a pawn shop for $210 and looks nearly new.

 

[marty_p]

Some models only can hold 25lbs a drawer! 50lbs a drawer are the "better" craftsman boxes, but still have stupidly thin steel. They would have to be an absolutely fantastic price (read: significantly lower than HF for the same storage) for me to buy one.

This thread will tell you what we all know; member 'MisterMoose' did all the work for us:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153445&highlight=toolbox

 

[930dreamer]

I'm kicking myself for not picking this one up.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Last crafty box I bought new earlier this year has done fine for me thus far. It holds mainly all of my impact stuff


I have six crafty boxes and have no complaints

 

[matt chard]

I have been on craigslist alottt, but theirs nothing in my area and I can not drive to pick it up out of state, I only needed a small unit so I decided to take my chances for $130 on a 4 drawer craftsman top box that the drawers can hold up to 75 pounds (not great but should hold enough for me. )

 

[dale500]

It all depends an what your needs are. If you need a box for your home garage and don't want to break the bank even the newer Craftsman boxes will probably meet your needs. If you are using it as your daily work box you will likely end up disappointed and looking for something better.

Craftsmen is updating the look of their boxes so they are clearing out the older style at very good prices. I picked a new 6 drawer top box a few weeks ago for less then $100 It is not the same quality as my 1980's Craftsman boxes. That said I expect it will last longer than I will, but I don't make my living with my tools.

My thinking with all my tools is to buy the quality that meets my needs and not to waste money overbuying just so I can have a fancy name.

Dale

 

[marty_p]

Craftsmen is updating the look of their boxes so they are clearing out the older style at very good prices. I picked a new 6 drawer top box a few weeks ago for less then $100 It is not the same quality as my 1980's Craftsman boxes. That said I expect it will last longer than I will, but I don't make my living with my tools.

Dale

Folks, Dale is right. There are some insane deals on disco CM boxes, chests, and combo units in Sears stores right now. Everything with the former thinner alum drawer pulls and/or quiet glide slides are about 1/3 of their original inflated prices. They are usually off to the side, away from the new product lineup, and many are still in sealed boxes.

Just know your wants, needs, and budget...

 

[eeprete]

deals can be had if you are patient. I have an old Craftsman Rallye Pro box (its the only one I've ever seen). It's built like a brick ____house. I paid $40 for top and bottom, top has a couple of dents making the top not fully close. Be patient and scour craigslist.

 

[908Jim]

I just purchased a 6 drawer griplatch BB box for ~350 about 2 weeks ago to match my roller and I am pleased with the quality for the price. I don't have a single complaint other than the plastic craftsman label is slightly bowed.

Older ones are higher quality, but I have grown very fond of the grip latch system over the years on my roll around and prefer it to the detent system on many ball bearing boxes sold today. If you need it for storage and not for security of your tools it will likely meet your needs just fine.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Super Sport]

I have been on craigslist alottt, but theirs nothing in my area and I can not drive to pick it up out of state, I only needed a small unit so I decided to take my chances for $130 on a 4 drawer craftsman top box that the drawers can hold up to 75 pounds (not great but should hold enough for me. )

Cman boxes are decent, as long as you don't opt for one that has "basic" in the name. Upgrade to the quiet glide or ball bearing models. I had a quiet glide for a couple years before I joined this forum that I was very happy with. Now I realize there is a lot out there that is better...but my Cman box still works and I have it as a secondary.