First Tool Chest Suggestions?

[mattthomas4444]

Sorry if this has been discussed, Im sure it has but I did a quick search that didnt give me much information. Anyways, I bought my first set of tools a couple days a go and they arrived today. A Craftsman 300 pc set for $220. I dont really need a tool set yet (Im only 16) because I just use my dads, but it was a great deal so I thought I jump on it. There are pictures below.

My question really is though, what kind of box/chest should I buy. I want a good quality box that I can probably keep for the rest of my life, I love to wrench on stuff and hopefully always will. Price is a factor though, you guys may hate me for this but I will never justify a Snap-On box - the quality is good, but still comparable to many cheaper brands I feel like SO is more of status symbol.

I am looking at craftsman and international boxes as well as some others. Are craftsman boxes good quality for someone who uses their box quite often (more than just weekends) but not like a professional all day every day? Whats the difference between Cman and International, I understand they are both made in Canada by International?? Sears has some good deals right now until Jan. 27 on both Cman and International so thats why Im looking into them. Which of the two are usually better quality? What are the slides like on the two brands?

And also, I am planning on buying a roller chest, probably a fairly narrow one, then adding a middle chest and a top chest when my tool collection expands.

Any information about the two brands or any others you guys suggest is appreciated.

Thanks for the help,
Matt

 

[Super Sport]

Being in Canada, a lot of the stuff Sears sells you is different that what's here in the states.

Here I know Cman boxes are no longer made in the States. I think they hold up well for the occasional wrencher. I have one that's ~5 years old and made by Waterloo.

Harbor Freight (again, here in the states) makes some darn nice boxes for the money.

My suggestion is to look for something used. If you buy a 26" chances are you will want something bigger in the future. I started out just like you a few years back when I bought my Cman. I only wrench as a hobby and have far outgrown my 26" box.

I'll agree with you on the fact that Snap-On boxes are hard to justify for us hobby guys. Part of the SO price is in the name and the service the tool truck provides you. Neither is really a benefit when you're not doing this for a living.

 

[kippieland]

I would go HF, Craftsman, and International. The new Craftsman boxes that Sears is coming out with are International with the Craftsman name on it. Older style (not the think drawers) are by Waterloo.

 

[Flatintoone]

+1 on the used route. Around here, I'd scour Craigslist for a couple of weeks until I found what I wanted.

 

[thedeatons]

Even the new Craftsman boxes are stamped Waterlooo on the sides (near the bottom), but they are not the same anymore. The last USA made Waterloo boxes were made in about 2000 (confirmed when I spoke with Waterloo on the phone two weeks ago). The new ones are much thinner. Not that they are no good, just probably not one you will give to your grandkids.

You can look for an older Waterloo/Craftsman box, or you can do what most people are doing and buy the nice US General roller cabinet box at Harbor Freight. Do a search for HF toolboxes and check them out. That is what I would do if I were you, then pull it apart and paint it Snap-On Extreme Green, with black drawers

I personally have a 2000 Craftsman/Waterloo box, top and bottom. I use the bottom as a service cart and roll it wherever I want, and the top chest sits on my bench. Service carts are amazing, and I cannot believe I have gone this long without one. I love not having a stationary box anymore. Now I have no travel time to the toolbox because I roll it to each project. I don't have to carry tools because they are right there. Plus because it is a bottom roller cabinet toolbox I can use the top of it as a mobile bench and work on parts there, whereas a service cart you need to lift the top to get to the tools....

I will try to have pictures of my setup soon....

James

 

[Outlawmws]

At 16, this may be a difficult question to answer, but what and where do you expect your tool use to be? DIY? pro? Semi pro (like a hobby racing class)?

Do they need to be portable? or pretty stationary in a home garage, or home and mobile use (racing)?

My first box was a 10 drawer craftsman top box. It very quickly got too heavy to take anywhere easily. I was into racing, and needed to be able to throw it in the back of a truck, and go to the track with it. It was so heavy that the last year or so I had it I had to remove the two bottom drawers to move it and even then two strong guys were required to move it from bench to the truck bed.

I then bought a Kennedy two drawer intermediate, and a mating six drawer top. Perfectly manageable for the racing, but after I got out of racing it was not enough box.

The bulk of my automotive tools are now in an 11 drawer (9 effective 4 are half width) 27 inch wide "std" box) as that lets me move them to a job withing the garage to drive if desired.

These days there are a lot of options besides the old 27" wide roller. My gripe with most is an overemphasis on drawers too deep for the needs of most tools, so there is a lot of wasted volume. More drawers and usually shallower for me. Thing of Square inches of available space instead of the favored sales tactic of cubic inches)

If you go the bottom roller rout, get one that is all drawers (skip anything with those wasted bottom "garage" compartments, and try to shy away from lots of deep drawers. Wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers (unless in a pliers rack), simply don't need a drawer 4" deep, and most Blow mold accessory tool boxes are better stored in a cabinet or a shelf. Even sockets its a 50-50 proposition. deep sockets do, but shallows, ratchets and extensions don't.

If you do decide you need these to be ultra portable, one of the old school pro racing crew chief's used to use two 20" Kennedy top boxes, (these had drawers but also had handles on top) as he could split the load and carry one in each hand for transport from bench to vehicle. Not necessarily the best plan today, but described to get you thinking about use requirements and out of the box (No pun intended) solution's.

 

[BajaBound]

HF 56" if you can get it up there. I love mine.

 

[M. Blue 240]

You're ahead of the game, until I was 23 and bought a house I used something like this:

Then after I had my own garage I only had a Craftsman 3 drawer box. I'm just now getting a box thats big enough to hold my tools and its still a bit too small. Depending on how much money and space you have I would look at the HF red boxes. Once I can free up the cash I'll be borrowing a truck and going to pick out an HF box for myself. If not that, shop used on craigslist. I've seen a ton of boxes on there for real cheap lately. With the bad economy people are trying to sell off boxes and tools to get money for bills and are willing to take a much lower price than retail.

I don't know about the Canadian options, but I wouldn't touch any new Craftsman box. The quality isn't anywhere near the price they're asking. If it doesn't need to be mobile I would buy the biggest box you can afford (and fit in the garage). It might seem like you have way too much space, but you'll grow into it in no time.

 

[mattthomas4444]

Thanks guys for the help. I started looking at used ones online in my area and have narrowed it down to these two;

A craftsman chest 27'' i think:
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...-mac-service-cart-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ347098274

And this new Homak one from costco, some guy is offering at $550, I want to hear more about the quality though before I decide on it. Ive never heard of Homak before...do you guys have any information?

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...n-materials-Homak-Tool-box-W0QQAdIdZ343222769

Thanks
Matt

 

[hughfree]

My first post on the site....if you are patient you can find great buys on Craigslist. I recently purchased a Mac top chest, bottom cabinet and side locker in great condition for $900.00

l am going to look at a Snap-on top chest and bottom roller cabinet today...for $500.00! 2001 vintage....guy went to trade school, took a job with a Honda dealership, worked for about a year and then went to work for his Dad's construction firm. He has not turned a wrench since 2002! Box has been sitting in his basement since then.

I looked long and hard at Craftsman. We had a store near my office that was going out of business and liquidating stock. The problem that I had....I did not see much if any difference in the Craftsman boxes and the 41" Harbor Freight top chest and rolling cabinet. The used Mac was a significant upgrade!

Deals are out there...

 

[Danglerb]

I have a hard time with the concept of 16 and money to burn. All my money went for my car, and a small 36B chest I liked for a couple years before getting a new 38D while I was in college. If you plan on college you may find its not convenient to keep the old chest at school, and later on its almost certain you will want something different again.

 

[2chipped]

If you want portable get to small chests if you have the room buy the widest roller you can"comfortably afford and still have a tool budget "...unless you don't have the room I would rather have a dbl bank roller vs a 26 top/mid/roller.
This is my personal OPINION.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Someone has to say it.... That Snap on box that you believe to be comparable to cheaper brands well... That's just not an accurate observation on your part. There is a reason so many people who spend their lives opening and closing their toolbox drawers (stuffed full of heavy tools) dozens of times daily weekly and yearly put up the big dollars for them in the first place. The build quality is fantastic. I still have my SO box purchased in 1988 and I cannot wear it out. But if I did SO would warranty the slides or wheels or locking mechanism without question. It was a lifetime investment. Never needing replacement.

Is this overkill? in your situation likely yes. However finding a used but well maintained SO box locally on Kijiji or Craigslist would be an excellent option for you as the can often be found at 10 to 30 cents on the dollar. Best of all you can then become a tool snob just like me!

 

[kippieland]

Thanks guys for the help. I started looking at used ones online in my area and have narrowed it down to these two;

A craftsman chest 27'' i think:
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...-mac-service-cart-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ347098274

And this new Homak one from costco, some guy is offering at $550, I want to hear more about the quality though before I decide on it. Ive never heard of Homak before...do you guys have any information?

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...n-materials-Homak-Tool-box-W0QQAdIdZ343222769

Thanks
Matt

Just a quick note. I didn't see that you were in Canada. All the Craftsman boxes for a while now up there are made by International. Some of the ones you are looking at used are as well. Internationals tend to be cheaper by themselves compared to the Craftsman ones. Only down here are they made by Waterloo and they are changing to the Craftsman International boxes as well.

 

[kippieland]

Does HF have stores in Canada?

 

[Danglerb]

Does HF have stores in Canada?

Different company, Princess Auto, same smell.

 

[mattthomas4444]

Thanks guys,
Right now I am planning on going to Sears to look at Craftsman/International boxes and also Home depot because they carry Waterloo. Home depot's waterloo's are very inexpensive, hopefully the quality is good though. Does Waterloo have a good reputation? Better than Cman and Intnl?

If I dont like the quality or options, this guy still is where I'm leaning.
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...-mac-service-cart-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ347098274
He wants $550 but says he really just wants it gone so its negotiable (hoping to go to $450). Drawer liners and friction slides are on it, but he claims that the slide work just fine.

I am leaning more towards 27'' boxes maybe 34"? because I dont have a lot of space and getting a roller/mid/top 27'' box would probably maximize my space for tool storage.

Matt

 

[cderalow]

I have a hard time with the concept of 16 and money to burn. All my money went for my car, and a small 36B chest I liked for a couple years before getting a new 38D while I was in college. If you plan on college you may find its not convenient to keep the old chest at school, and later on its almost certain you will want something different again.

when i was 16, my money went to the following:

34B, 34C, 34B... as I got to college it went to 34B, 36C, 36DD, 34C, 34B (same first one from High school)...

What didn't go to the chests in high school went into cars and tools, and in college it was cars, tools & beer...

funny how times change

 

[plung]

Whatever you do, buy ball baring drawers and don't let anyone borrow any tools ever.

I think a set from Home Depot or Lowes would be a good fit also. I would worry about the tools first then box is just secondary.

 

[Outlawmws]

Pay close attention to the drawers in any new boxes you are looking at. I did a "tour" of the places near me the sold rollers, and truthfully, only the the HF US general por class and the Gladiator top adn bottom at Sears were worth any consideration.

North of the order YMMV.

Hopefully someone in the Canadian market still sells a box with drawers that aren't so thin that the oilcan at a fingers touch. If it is available in the US, short of the truck boxes, I did not find it on the show room floors.

Failing that, look used. have patience. Good deals for older Craftsman (or other well made older boxes) do surface an many of the are in great shape. I'd pay a "new" price for these before I'd pay for new boxes like I saw in the stores here.

How is the Craig s list local to you? active? Dead?

 

[richfinn]

I still have my Snap On KRA63 that I bought as a young mechanic, if I were starting out I would buy another its been a great tool box. You can pick them up on ebay for peanuts.

Or you could get a tool cart if you need mobility.

 

[tbobbo]

To the OP, while I can understand you not having money to buy a expensive high end box, to say they are not worth it is just wrong. I have owned craftsman and snap on, the classic snap on I had was 200 percent better quality. If you have ever loaded both up, the difference is clear. I dont have a snap on box anymore, I had to sell it during a rough time. My same tools in a montezuma box are just too much for it, but it was all I could afford. I have some of snap ons tools, but not much. I only buy snap on when I think the price is offset by the quality of the tool and if it makes my job more barable. Tool boxes are one of those items for me. I will buy another. Are they overpriced? Maybe some, are they the best? I would say they deserve to at least be considered so. For the most part, snap on has set the bar and thats who everyone compares too, so they must be close.
Enough of that, for a cheaper box I have heard good things about international boxes, I went with a montezuma, and for what I paid I am very happy with it. Try strictlytoolboxes.com------------great prices and service. They wont let you down.

 

[mattthomas4444]

Pay close attention to the drawers in any new boxes you are looking at. I did a "tour" of the places near me the sold rollers, and truthfully, only the the HF US general por class and the Gladiator top adn bottom at Sears were worth any consideration.

North of the order YMMV.

Hopefully someone in the Canadian market still sells a box with drawers that aren't so thin that the oilcan at a fingers touch. If it is available in the US, short of the truck boxes, I did not find it on the show room floors.

Failing that, look used. have patience. Good deals for older Craftsman (or other well made older boxes) do surface an many of the are in great shape. I'd pay a "new" price for these before I'd pay for new boxes like I saw in the stores here.

How is the Craig s list local to you? active? Dead?

Well I didnt buy one today, for now I am using my dads old Mastercraft one which has been real good so far for him.

We dont have Harbor Freight here but another version called Princess Auto which doesnt have great toolbox selection. Just some large International Classic Series.

As for Craigslist, it ***** in Canada, most people use Kijiji and it has a lot of toolboxes posted. I contacted a lot of different guys but only a few have responded so far.

Matt

 

[kippieland]

Thanks guys,
Right now I am planning on going to Sears to look at Craftsman/International boxes and also Home depot because they carry Waterloo. Home depot's waterloo's are very inexpensive, hopefully the quality is good though. Does Waterloo have a good reputation? Better than Cman and Intnl?

If I dont like the quality or options, this guy still is where I'm leaning.
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...-mac-service-cart-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ347098274
He wants $550 but says he really just wants it gone so its negotiable (hoping to go to $450). Drawer liners and friction slides are on it, but he claims that the slide work just fine.

I am leaning more towards 27'' boxes maybe 34"? because I dont have a lot of space and getting a roller/mid/top 27'' box would probably maximize my space for tool storage.

Matt

I think a 27 would be fine to start with. I used a 27 craftsman with steel glides forever. Waterloo is like any company...they make some really good ones with high prices and **** ones. They have been making the Craftsman boxes down here for a long time....which have declined in quality. I personally like the 27 waterloo box at Home Depot. It much thicker then the Cmans and comes with ball-bearings. Its not a bad price and if I was starting out I probably would have boughten one. I don't care for any other HD boxes...very, very thin. I also think the International boxes are good for starting out as well....I have a International 42 and its a step up from the thin Craftsman but not really an intermidate box...just not a starter. They seem to be a bit more then the HD Waterloo. I would be those two as comparable.
Start with what you can afford...my friend has a Waterloo box from HD...loves it. If I hadn't grown my tool collection, I still would be using it....actually I have in my garage away from my shop for a home box...works great for that purpose. You have to start somewhere and I would rather have cool tools and cheaper box. Just me though.

Good Luck

 

[FXDawg]

I'd look at the international ones up there in Canada. Look at TheToolStore.ca website. Great prices, nice selection, and free shipping in Canada.

I have an old Craftsman portable with 2 drawers that housed my first craftsman tool set for many many years. In fact I only bought a cheapy $50 24" roll chest that I put it on and have used that for the last 15 or so years. I am only now deciding to go big...lol I have my tools in so many different boxes and cabinets...its ridiculous.

Oh and the Craftsman portable box I got as a hand me down from my brother...I have no idea how old it was when he gave it to me... Funny I feel I need a box with a lock on it to keep that same brother from walking home with my hand tools!

 

[pipsters]

Here are the Craftsman branded boxes Sears sells in Canada. They are re-branded Internationals made in Canada.

The Gladiator is Whirlpool but believe it or not, the ones in Canada are US Made vs. the ones in the USA are Chinese. Go figure...

To the OP, if you intend to grow your tool collection look into that 42" red/black bottom box. You can then buy the top if you acquire more than it can handle. It's nice having the long full length drawer.

The 26" on the left is fine for almost everyone, unless you start collecting a lot of other things like air tools. The stack of 3 is too tall for me, I would just buy the bottom and top boxes and skip the 3-drawer middle section.

The gladiator is more of a themed diamond plate tool box, it's made in the US (at least the one in Ottawa is) but I would avoid it unless you are trying to go with that theme.

 

[cotjocky]

I have a hard time with the concept of 16 and money to burn. All my money went for my car, and a small 36B chest I liked for a couple years before getting a new 38D while I was in college. If you plan on college you may find its not convenient to keep the old chest at school, and later on its almost certain you will want something different again.

when i was 16, my money went to the following:

34B, 34C, 34B... as I got to college it went to 34B, 36C, 36DD, 34C, 34B (same first one from High school)...

What didn't go to the chests in high school went into cars and tools, and in college it was cars, tools & beer...

funny how times change

When I first started to read those posts, I thought you were talking about spending money on a girlfriends. Thought you were referring to their bra size.

Guess I know where my mind is today! Hahaha!!!