Expansion options for 1st gen US General tool box?

[beatle]

Since the US General tool boxes are now 22" deep, they no longer fit with the original 18" deep cabinets. Anyone found any clever options for expansion other than hunting for someone selling an old tool box or selling the old tool box and buying a new one?

 

[rk_tek]

I just picked up a used Series 1 top chest to match my old bottom cabinet. I did look at some of the Kobalt and Craftsman boxes, but didn't feel like the quality justified the price and I would like them to match. I have considered building a riser with a deep drawer the full width for either my cordless tools with a charging station, or just to hold hammers, prybars, other bulky items.

I keep meaning to check on the side cabinets and drawers at HF because I could really use the smaller drawers for measuring/marking/layout, drill bits, other tool accessories.

I have seen some boxes that the manufacturer made a slide out panel on the back to hold long tools. I think this was a cheap attempt to make the box 22" to get around the tariffs. If you have the space/need, this might work for you and you could put a 22" deep new top chest overhanging the back.

 

[beatle]

That's a clever idea. I hear about tariffs on certain products but did not know about the specifics of the box being a certain depth to avoid them. That explains why they ditched the old 18" deep boxes.

I am probably going to make a lateral move to a 26" cabinet and add a top box. I actually have enough tool garage tool storage with the 44" roller, and the 26x22 plus top box will actually give me a bit more storage with a smaller footprint. I will keep the 44" box in the family since it can go to good use.

 

[csp]

If you don't mind the expansion box being deeper, cut a notch in the hanging rail to clear the top rear of the 13 drawer.