Craftsmen Toolchests

[dink]

Ugh.....this ticks me off....tonight I was organizing my sockets because I bought a new organizer which I keep all my automotive tools in my intermediate tool chest....( I have middle and top only ) I have had the middle piece for about 6 months now and the bottom drawer starts to stick so I kinda give it a slight tug (nothing to really consider using force) and the whole drawer pretty much falls apart....really ticks me off.

And this is really bad because I have to many tools to fit in the top chest...but I have to crame them all into my top one ( I live in a apartment and I keep my tools in the bedroom )

So I close up the top chest and I actually try to lock it....I dont know why but I do....and the freakin lock and top slot is misaligned hahhahaa so it wont even come close to locking....it pushes the top lid up

Anyways.....thats my rant.....maybe its time to put the nail in the coffin and not use Craftsmen chests too just like my tools are moving over to German and European manufacturers

 

[dink]

Thoughts on SK Toolchests

Referencing my thoughts from this thread

http://www.garagejunkies.net/showthread.php?t=958


Can someone give me feedback on the SK toolchests??

I am really into there new Pro Boxes

Here is the link

http://www.sktools.com/images/itemimages/ACF405E.jpg

 

[kartracer55]

well, what sort of boxes do you have... homeowner, premium, bb? craftsman boxes are made by waterloo. Waterloo boxes are VERY nice, and they also have thier crappy products. Craftsman homeowner is junk, essentially fo the homeowner who uses them once a month. I have an older premium, and it is pretty nice. Thier quality has gone down a bit though. You may be overloading the draw. What I do is usualy put a few drops of oil on the slides to keep them sliding nicely, and it seems to work. I dont like spending money on the box... id rather buy some nice tools and deal with thecrappy box, although I have an older snap on(freebie... inheritance) and it functions flawlessly.

Jim

 

[dink]

well, what sort of boxes do you have... homeowner, premium, bb? craftsman boxes are made by waterloo. Waterloo boxes are VERY nice, and they also have thier crappy products. Craftsman homeowner is junk, essentially fo the homeowner who uses them once a month. I have an older premium, and it is pretty nice. Thier quality has gone down a bit though. You may be overloading the draw. What I do is usualy put a few drops of oil on the slides to keep them sliding nicely, and it seems to work. I dont like spending money on the box... id rather buy some nice tools and deal with thecrappy box, although I have an older snap on(freebie... inheritance) and it functions flawlessly.

Jim

Yea unfortunaly they are the homeowner type not the commercial.....you are a great man and thanks for that suggest on the rails

 

[kartracer55]

lol Yeah homeowner boxes are garbage... you will be much happier buying the premiums at least. Go check them out in the store. I have a homeowner roll around that I use for stuff i dont normally use... i got it for $70, and thats all its worth. its not too hard to overload one of them, and the draws arent really on tracks, they sorta ride in these stamped "clips" on the sides of the boxes, so they arnt smooth or anything. Like I said, good for the guy who neveer uses them. Id consider upgrading to premiums, becuase you will find your much happier.

edit... Lemme clarify... the draws have the rails attatched, so picture them, there are two little notches on the wall of the box that these slide into... the problem is that these notches are only like an inch wide, and theres only one on each side towards the front of the box... so the draw isnt really level when its closed, so your kinda draggin them along these notches. I know from taking one of these boxes apart

Jim

 

[dink]

In terms of the premiums though.....I think for the price there are much better quality out there then the Craftsmen

 

[kartracer55]

well, youd be surprised. You pay top$$$ for kennedy, sk, mac, matco, snap on, lista, and the good waterloos. If you compare the waterloo box with its sears equivalent, the sears is much cheaper, but similar in construction. You can pick up a roll around, top and intermediat chest froms ears for like 300-350 when theres a sale. The beauty of havingalot of spterage space is that you wont over load our draws, and so they operate very smoothly.

Jim

 

[evildky]

I have a coupla of craftsman boxes and I use them a LOT! and they hold up just fine, the older smaller one doesn't see as much action anymore it's about 8 years old and the bigger newer box (top and bottom) is about 6 years old, both are ball bearing usits, I had a compound slide top box I got about 10 years ago and it didn't last, but the ball bearing units are great, and from the waterloo's I've seen it's everybit as good if not better (perhaps I'm not seeing waterloo's top of the line offerings) the craftsman might not be up to the list/mac/match/lista but at a fraction of the cost they are money well spend and craftsman does offer a "Professional" line of boxes more on par with the big names and a bit closer in price as well, I spend on average 30-40 hours a week in the garage and have broken a few craftssman tools but not the box, as a matter of fact I've had better luck with my craftsman ratchets than my big daddy snap-on

 

[kartracer55]

yeah waterloo magnums are the same as craftman professionals. some of the best boxes around but major expensive.

Jim

 

[Cebby]

I must not be hard on my junk then. I have the step above the homeowner models (red case/black drawers, but not ball bearing slides).

I've had zero problems and I'm certain my drawers have been overloaded now and then...

 

[Wolverine]

You get what you pay for, PERIOD!


Nearly every toolbox manufacturer has different 'lines' that they offer, from cheap to very good quality. The fact that yours are craftsman is irrelevant.

 

[kartracer55]

Cebby, youve got "premium" Thats what my craftsman boxes are. I have def. overloaded mine as well, but I keep the slides lubed up and they work very well.

Wolverine, your exactly right... the more you spend on the craftsman box, the better the quality is gunna be.

Jim

 

[rdnkjeeper]

I have owned a lot of different boxes. Worked as a mechanic and used a cheapy Craftsman, upgraded to a low grade Snap on, then finally upgraded to a 6k roll around. I only upgraded while wrenching for more storage. Got out of wrenching for a living so I sold the big box.

Now I use the Craftsman Premium. I feel that the Craftsman Premium is the best bang for the buck.

 

[rsitzejr]

I've been pretty happy with my Home Depot box, I've had it for about 7 years, and haven't seen another like it at Home Depot.

 

[kartracer55]

I've been pretty happy with my Home Depot box, I've had it for about 7 years, and haven't seen another like it at Home Depot.

Is it a husky? They discontinued a few of thier boxes about 2 years ago, and they were pretty well made. My friend has one.

Jim

 

[rsitzejr]

Yep, Husky. I used to get their hand tools also, but I've noticed the Home Depots have stopped carrying a lot of them. Only have the very basics anymore.

 

[kartracer55]

When were you buying them? In the early 90s and 80s they were made by new britain, and I have some of these, they are good stuff. Then, stanley bought out NB tool company, and started makin husyk. around 2002 i believe stanley began producing those huksy tools in taiwan and finishing them here and stamping them "usa". now they are made in taiwan, adn I refuse to buy husky because of the whole marketing thing.

Jim

 

[rsitzejr]

Off and on for the past 7 years, I buy Craftman too, but I've come to hate thier rachets. Very cheaply made IMO.

 

[kartracer55]

Yup 100% hijacked thread

I agree, Im not a big fan of craftsman ratchets. The downfall of craftsman is that they dont actually manufacture thier tools, EVERYTHING is contracted out, so manufactureres always bid on who can make the tool for the lowest price.

If they could work out a longterm deal with a company to make the tools so they wouldnt need to bid for the lowest price, the quality would be much better.

I prefer SK tools over Craftsman, However being that Im in highschool, this isnt always an option because of $$$ so I do buy alot of craftsman. I actually prefer craftsman wrenches over the snap ons, I just feel they are more comfortable to use, so cost doesnt always mean a better tool.

I just dont buy Husky because they are made by stanley, and I dont like what stanley stands for. Husky tools can be kinda expensive though, compared to craftsman, especially considering they are imported.

I usually dont use my craftsman ratchets, Ill grab an SK or a Snap on, but Ill frequently use craftsman sockets.

Jim

 

[jonkav]

Good information all around--where else can someone get "unbiased" information like this!?

Any other good insights on who makes what, what version is good/bad, etc? I'm getting ready to buy a tool chest/box, and, obviously, I've eliminated the expensive ones since I'm a regular joe with a regular job, but I don't want to go "too" cheap...

 

[gb387]

I have a Craftsman Ball Bearing... Had it a coupe years now and really seems to be built well seem heavy duty. I really like the top drawer (deep scoket drawer) in the rolling part, very useful.

I have:

One good thing about craftsman parts are easy to get from them, so should I need a drawer slide or something should be easy to find.

 

[kartracer55]

Good information all around--where else can someone get "unbiased" information like this!?

Any other good insights on who makes what, what version is good/bad, etc? I'm getting ready to buy a tool chest/box, and, obviously, I've eliminated the expensive ones since I'm a regular joe with a regular job, but I don't want to go "too" cheap...

Craftsman Premium is probably gunna be your best bet, unless you want to step up to BB which is nicer but also more expensive. Stay away from homeowner. If you lookin to buy abox soon, start a new thread with specific things you want and your budget and we can post some of your options.

As for knowledge, just ask... its our combined knowledge. Im sure at least a few of us can bore you all day with useless info though

The one thing I dont like about craftsman ball bearing is the griplatch. Its kinda annoying. I like being able to just pull the draw open. Craftsmans line of "forest green" boxes seem to be BB without griplatch, and they come in red, maybe black also. The only downfall is the line is limited.

Jim

 

[jonkav]

What makes a good tool box a good tool box? I've found that many have lots of play side-to-side, which is a good indicator it's bad (or less than good)... other non-smart-guy things you can offer for insight?

 

[kartracer55]

Well, Mainly, You want USA made, but thats for principal. When your looking at tool boxes, the most important thing you can do is put a load in the draw. If your in a store, run overto the wrench isle and get a few sets of wrenches to stick in the box, and see how it operates under a load. Many boxes dont feel very "solid" while they dont have a load in them, oter times they arnt very smooth with a load.

Another thing to look at is the draw pulls themselves. On homeowner boxes from sears the black metal strip on the draw pull slides side to side, and sometimes, you will go to close your draw, and the strip has slide sideways, and you start kicking up the sides of the box. They had to sacrifice certain elements oh quality to meet the cheap price. On the premiums, they are locked in place.

Ill finish the second half after lunch ;-)

Jim

 

[kartracer55]

Where did we last leave off? Oh yes!

Anyway, the layout is another important thing to consider. Some people like a tool chest that only has a few deep draws, so they can fit all sorts of organizers like socket trays and wrench wracks.

Kinda like this bottom chest...

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...pid=009CH040000&subcat=Chest+&+Cabinet+Combos

Other people Like chests that have A big Deep draw for sockets, but many shallow draws for laying out wrenches flat, and being able to lay out screwdrivers and pliers.

Kinda like this bottom cabinet

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=009CH017000&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&cs=ALT

Its all about how YOU like to organize your tools. Personally, I prefer having many draws, because I like to keep metric and standard wrenches seperate, and seperate 1/4 from 3/8 from 1/2. Then have another draw for Pliers, another for screwdrivers, A draw for air tools etc.

Jim

 

[jonkav]

Ok. And you'll be giving that to me as a Christmas gift? Perhaps I'll have to rethink my need for a tool chest... perhaps a homeowner version will suit my needs... perhaps my wife will come across one at a yard sale. I knew it was going to cost a bit to set up my garage, but as I become more educated, I'm realizing my eyes are bigger than my wallet

 

[kartracer55]

Well I think most of those were the ball bearing line, so Dont worry. You can pick up a 6 draw (5 shallow 1 deep) top chest, 26 wide,12 inches deep for liek 190, and 16/18 inches deep for 220 ish. A box Like that will Accomidate A very decent amount of tools.

This Combo...
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...0&subcat=Chest+&+Cabinet+Combos&bidsite=CRAFT
Goes on sale ALL The time for like 350. That will hold a pretty good collection of tools. My friend went out and bought one of those 500 peice kits froms ears, and he has it neatly stored in a similar top chest.

Whatever you do, dont get the homeowners. They are more or less for "neatness" in the garage or whatever, but you will be very dissatisfied with it. Go for the premiums, or if you really wanna spend $$$, ball bearing.

Jim

 

[Jay H 237]

This Combo...
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...0&subcat=Chest+&+Cabinet+Combos&bidsite=CRAFT
Goes on sale ALL The time for like 350. That will hold a pretty good collection of tools.
Jim

That's the exact same set up I have but mine's in black. I picked it up on sale also about 2 years ago. Sure beats buying all 3 separately and is a lot better than the numorous small toolboxes I had storing all my stuff previously. I've been happy with those boxes. If you put real heavy items in the drawers they won't slide easily though.

 

[rdnkjeeper]

That's the exact same set up I have but mine's in black. I picked it up on sale also about 2 years ago. Sure beats buying all 3 separately and is a lot better than the numorous small toolboxes I had storing all my stuff previously. I've been happy with those boxes. If you put real heavy items in the drawers they won't slide easily though.

Lube the slides,,,,,,

 

[wythors]

You know, I'm not usually a spelling nazi, but I can only take so much. It's drawer not draw.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.

 

[kartracer55]

You know, I'm not usually a spelling nazi, but I can only take so much. It's drawer not draw.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.

DAMN! Everywhere I go people correct my awful spelling


Lol

Jim

 

[Barnaby]

Craftsmans line of "forest green" boxes seem to be BB without griplatch, and they come in red, maybe black also. The only downfall is the line is limited.

Jim

I bought one for my race hauler last year and that was the last I've seen them in online. I bought it for the exact reason you stated, that grip latch isn't my style. Nice chest, very sturdy.

 

[Wolverine]

Ball-bearing with Grip-Latch simply Kick-Azz for the price!

 

[kartracer55]

Wolverine, thats an awesome set up youve got there. about how much was it to get those two bottom chests like that? Thats a GREAT Idea for a workbench. Our next workbench is going to be a bowling alley (yes, a BOWLING ALLEY!) that my grandpa was using before he died. its a big 6-8 inch chunk of wood, with all the markings and everything. I reall like that Idea!

Jim

 

[evildky]

Wolverine, thats an awesome set up youve got there. about how much was it to get those two bottom chests like that? Thats a GREAT Idea for a workbench. Our next workbench is going to be a bowling alley (yes, a BOWLING ALLEY!) that my grandpa was using before he died. its a big 6-8 inch chunk of wood, with all the markings and everything. I reall like that Idea!

Jim

I once ate at a resteraunt that had tables and a bar made from the lanes of an old local bowling alley, the resteraunt didn't last but I wandered about those tables and bar they were a good 3 inches thick as I recall, maybe 4?

 

[Wolverine]

Jim,

That's a gladiator work bench with 2 craftsman 40" bottom chests underneath. They fit perfectly. I've got some 1/2' pieces of wood painted red supporting them underneath. A lot of planning went into that set-up. Who knows, I may have been the first to do this????? (small pat on the back since this is my first garage).


All of the detail painting should be completed today. I will have pics in the garage gallery section today or tomorrow. The whole garage came out sweet...... stay posted!

 

[jonkav]

Speaking of various brands of boxes, what about Clarke? Menards is the only place I've seen them... prices aren't too bad, but the ball-bearing ones are in black and gold--yeck.

 

[SIERRA05]

it be a spilling airer. i knot sea it. Little humor in the stress laden workplace.
WYTHORS, Spelling? Listen to today’s "ME" generation and their dialogue. You will forget about Spelling.

 

[dink]

Speaking of various brands of boxes, what about Clarke? Menards is the only place I've seen them... prices aren't too bad, but the ball-bearing ones are in black and gold--yeck.

Clarke from what I have heard is a good brand....you wont be disappointed


by the way jonkav what part of Indianapolis are you from....I just moved from Decatur Township last August to Texas

 

[kartracer55]

Well, clarke also makes alot of junky stuff. I have heard thier Welders are awful, and I have used thier corded drill and its not all that great, so Id imagine thier other stuff isnt all that great either.

Www.thetoolwarehouse.net sells clarke boxes though

Jim