Going to Tech School, Need Tool Storage

[2k.jacob]

Hey Everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster. Great community here, and I am glad to have such a great resource.

So I am an account executive in an automotive marketing agency. It is fine, it is what I went to school for, but I didn't know how much I liked wrenching until last year when I built my first project car. An opportunity has arisen for me to go back to school, this time for automotive technology. I am stoked to go through the program and make it a career.

All of this to say, I will be buying more tools than what I currently have. Due to this fact, I will need a tool chest that will eventually live in my garage, but will be transported to school at the beginning of each semester (and stay there the duration of the semester). I am looking locally on craigslist, facebook, etc. but there isn't much in terms of used. I was looking at a few tool chests and I am having trouble deciding.

Here is where I am at:

Northern Tool 41" 19 drawer chest (2 links below)
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200692691_200692691
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200692694_200692694


Husky 52 inch 18 drawer chest
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-5...Cabinet-Combo-in-Black-HOTC5218B11S/301434732


Husky 41 inch 16 drawer chest
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4...-and-Cabinet-Combo-Black-VRC-4116BK/303499569


Milwaukee 46 inch 16 drawer chest
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...t-Set-Red-and-Black-48-22-8510-8520/206126307


Husky 52 inch 10 mobile workbench
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-5...le-Height-Top-in-Black-HOEC5210B11M/301810027

Note: All the tools on the attached list will need to be stored within the tool chest/bench. It will be moved around a good bit. Just looking for advice on something that will last a while, will be good for growing into, and won't break the bank too much.

Any opinions would be appreciated!

 

[Tallpilot]

It seems to me a 7 drawer cart will easily hold that list of tools and be much easier to transport back and forth.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...MI0Nqy6ITl2gIVlxuBCh2cFQ8XEAQYASABEgI_zvD_BwE

You can get a bigger box later when you have a better understanding of what you need and like.

 

[scdealer]

When I was in school many years ago, all the tool companies would give you 50% off a one time order. If your school has that in place, I'd see about buying as big a box as you think you'd ever use (and can afford.). Maybe a box (to stay at home) and a cart for back and forth.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I’d either get a roll can from SEP on a krsc cart.

 

[tonyciambrone]

HF44 is my vote. Even a husky 36" would be overkill for school. And if you buy a big 52" it will be harder to lug around, and when you want a box for professional use it probably won't be great to use. The 36 or 44 can live in your garage if you decide to go professional mechanic.

 

[2k.jacob]

What do you guys think of these options?

U.S. General 30 in. 5 Drawer Blue Mechanic's Cart
https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage/tool-carts/30-in-5-drawer-blue-mechanics-cart-64031.html

U.S. General 44 in. x 22 In. Double Bank Red Roller Cabinet
https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-...-in-double-bank-red-roller-cabinet-64133.html

I didn't think about being overkill, but it makes sense. I have quite a few tools in addition to the list, from automotive wiring tools to Subaru specialty tools. Just want something that will do well moving and have enough space

 

[Trey T]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Extra-Deep-46-in-9-Drawer-Mobile-Workbench-H46MWC9XD/303101236

Best value I've seen; 24" depth and 6 shallow drawers are very effective. THey're on sale right now, I believe for about $250.

 

[Mr_B]

I would be inclined go with the HF 44" series 2 at 22" depth, it best compromise between storage size and still movable plus with full range of addons you can grow in size if want to at same low cost .
They pretty good buys at coupon prices, should get you through school and still be useful for home use .
Older matco 7525 nice or even a mac box if spotted good deal but rare find right used truck boxes these days if you not got time .

 

[Tallpilot]

The HF 44" is a pretty good value. Wait for a coupon though. How are you going to move it?

 

[fred.foobar]

Homak 7 drawer cart is also another option to consider.

Gives you enough room to store sockets/impacts in tbe top, prybars on the side, plus more storage room than a HF cart for a lot less than a Snappy cart.

 

[Mr_B]

Coupon already out for series 2 22" deep model #64133
Coupon Code: 23813649

 

[WhiffySpark]

If you plan to roll it around or transport it I wouldn’t buy the hf. I have a 5 drawer cart and it’s a POS as well.

I’d do the krsc cart with the discount. I think the 46 was 900?

 

[Mr_B]

and for the cart too
Coupon Code: 88231308

 

[paramud]

+1 to harbor freight 5 drawer tool cart and 44in toolbox.

Everytime I go to lowes and home depot, I am always disappointed by the price and quality compared to harbor freight.

 

[Skin]

When I was in school many years ago, all the tool companies would give you 50% off a one time order. If your school has that in place, I'd see about buying as big a box as you think you'd ever use (and can afford.). Maybe a box (to stay at home) and a cart for back and forth.

Student programs for each company is limited to entry level boxes. Unless there is a substantial trade up value associated with it i'd second a JSC or KRSC cart.

That said for going back and forth i'd personally buy something that can get dinged up and not care. HF44 is a good deal and would just need better casters and a small modification to bolt them in instead of using sheet metal screws.

 

[Wamsutta]

Those are some pretty good size boxes you have picked out. How do you plan on transporting them to school and would they be loaded or unloaded?

 

[Mr_B]

^
company I worked for used hf 56" on an old airplane runway site, we ran the HF boxes over rough concrete and moved them loaded on fork lifts or pickup with ratchet straps to different site buildings pretty much daily.
Only mods was better castors and rectangular box section frame on base with 2 bar sections added as fork guides.
They held up well besides plastic lock latches but they easily replaced but annoying .
HF 44 would do job easily and easy mod it a little so can lift easily with forks or crane etc, if packed and transported sensibly it not going be much of an issue as not doing it monthly plus it cheap enough not care about odd dink etc.
HF cart pretty much useless as lower open storage no use and insecure, countertop of a cabinet likely be useful plus it big enough not overload drawers and grow into .

 

[JBradley500]

My opinion (Which is usually wrong. Just ask my wife.) is to get a nice roll cart with a discount if you can get one. If you actually want to stick with being a mechanic, it will be by your side for many years. You won’t want to walk back and forth to your actual tool box every time you need a different tool. I’d look into Snap On KRSC46 Or Matco JCS 770. They will hold most/all of your commonly used tools.

 

[czgunner]

Why don’t you wait and check out the deals you qualify for when you’re in school.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I’d get a service cart first then get a big box later. I’d save up my cash and grab a used KRL series box after I filled the cart. I would order the biggest full drawer snap on cart on discount I could get to take advantage of the SEP program. However do consider getting a cheap HF service cart to hold your tools while you are going back and forth so not as to beat up a nice Snap On cart then you can leave the HF one at the house for home tool storage

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I'd look at the price of the things you are looking at, and take that much shopping on Craigslist, and try to find something made of thicker metal.

 

[Wamsutta]

Did anybody else download the tool list? I'm surprised they require the students to buy air ratchets.

 

[Tonyuk]

I'd get a decent box and a cheaper plastic service cart.

I don't like those carts with the lid the drawers, i prefer the plastic platform to just lay stuff down when i'm not using it, i keep everything in my box, penetrating oils etc.. in the bottom drawer of the plastic cart. Mines from Sealey, looks like this;

I'd get one of those HF boxes, you'll be spending money on tools, you don't need an expensive box, but you need decent quality tools. The box is just a place to store them.

 

[Mr_B]

^
Yeh I not a fan of the carts (it just a top chest on a trolley), not a lot of space for a 30" box plus no countertop area rest things and the HF 44" (actually 42") is on wheels and easy move around.
I use 3 tier trolleys bit like image above for resting most used tools and odd parts etc .
36" roller cabinet would probably do you if could find something truck brand used it would be good plus used truck boxes sell on again with hardly any or no loss, buying something on student program not bad but still to expensive imo and bucks best spent on decent tools and learning material . HF 44" is pretty cheap solution , good enough to use yet not be too concerned if gets dinged a bit .

 

[2k.jacob]

Coupon already out for series 2 22" deep model #64133
Coupon Code: 23813649

Hmmm probably no chance I could use this combined with the 20% coupon, right??


On a side note, I was considering something like a KRSC Cart, I just don't think I can swing $900 on it. I did find a few similar, anybody have any experience with these?

ATD Tools 7 Drawer Cart
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZQ1MC36/?tag=atomicindus08-20


OEM Tools 6 Drawer Cart
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BVRVI4C/?tag=atomicindus08-20


At this point I may just pick up the harbor freight 44 and maybe squeeze out some for the 5 drawer harbor freight tool cart also

 

[Fedwrench]

When I was in school many years ago before all of these high speed tool carts were on the market, i took a 6 or so drawer top box that i picked up at a flea market and placed it on a movers dolly for mobility.
It was easy to move although heavy. all of those roll carts suggested would require getting a tow truck to transport your loaded box to and from school.
The Harbor Freight cart is an excellent value but, it's best suited to sitting in one spot when loaded. I'm sure how well it would do with a few moves.
Lastly, I'm not sure of your intent, are you going to wrench full time after completing the program?
I like this style of mobile tool cart:
http://sunextools.com/product/premium-full-drawer-service-cart-matte-black/

if you had a truck, you could probably move it empty and stick you tools in plastic tubs for the trip
Good luck in your studies

 

[2k.jacob]

When I was in school many years ago before all of these high speed tool carts were on the market, i took a 6 or so drawer top box that i picked up at a flea market and placed it on a movers dolly for mobility.
It was easy to move although heavy. all of those roll carts suggested would require getting a tow truck to transport your loaded box to and from school.
The Harbor Freight cart is an excellent value but, it's best suited to sitting in one spot when loaded. I'm sure how well it would do with a few moves.
Lastly, I'm not sure of your intent, are you going to wrench full time after completing the program?
I like this style of mobile tool cart:
http://sunextools.com/product/premium-full-drawer-service-cart-matte-black/

if you had a truck, you could probably move it empty and stick you tools in plastic tubs for the trip
Good luck in your studies

Thanks for the advice! Right now I am going through the BMW Scholar's program. They will provide tools on the job after graduation, so theoretically I won't need these after school.

HOWEVER I wrench on cars too much, and would most likely flip cars in my garage at home on the weekends. Who knows, maybe one day down the road I will become a technician/mechanic at a dealership.

My plan for transporting was to rent a trailer with a ramp and use a come-along to pull it up the trailer....Better ideas?

 

[Mr_B]

^
Yeh you can't use the 20% coupon too .
Expect lowest it will go to with super coupon will be 429.99 at some point in the future.
I really see no need of carts, a decent 7 drawer 36" roller cabinet is way more useful than a cart and just as portable.
HF 44" not that big but from my days of moving boxes you ideally want lift them, we either fork them or used crane with 2 webbing straps .
Trying tug it it up ramp with load and standard castor likely buckle a castor or bend frame.
Easy enough make a box section base frame and add better castors so can roll and lift it easier as frame taking the load and stiffening the box up.
Little project that could be done at the school .

 

[Trey T]

W/ the new HF's tactic of Snap-On comparison, Snap-On going to mount a lot of problems in the future to stay in the business

 

[mike93lx]

W/ the new HF's tactic of Snap-On comparison, Snap-On going to mount a lot of problems in the future to stay in the business

Wtf?

 

[ptgarcia]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Extra-Deep-46-in-9-Drawer-Mobile-Workbench-H46MWC9XD/303101236

Best value I've seen; 24" depth and 6 shallow drawers are very effective. THey're on sale right now, I believe for about $250.

This is a good deal, but they're $350, not $250.

 

[WhiffySpark]

W/ the new HF's tactic of Snap-On comparison, Snap-On going to mount a lot of problems in the future to stay in the business

No they won’t.

People buying snap on could care less about HF

I think it’s funny how pro American , support your home country workers, Chinese is always junk this site is, but HF is almost always the first recommendation.

 

[Schurkey]

I am an account executive... ...An opportunity has arisen for me to go back to school, this time for automotive technology. I am stoked to go through the program and make it a career.

maybe one day down the road I will become a technician/mechanic at a dealership.

I date Miss America, but I'm hoping to hook up with Rosie O'Donnell.

Keep the executive job. Buy tools, go to school part-time. Have fun with cars as a hobby, or even as a part-time home "business".

For fukk sakes, DO NOT make auto repair a career. A dental hygenist spends the same time in school, has all the picks and scrapers and floss supplied by the dental business, works in air conditioned and heated comfort, goes home on time, and has community respect and a decent paycheck straight out of school. You'll likely get NONE of that as a wrench.

YOU can expect to work on your back like a prostitute, get screwed on flat-rate, The overhead doors let all the heat out during the winter, and let all the dust blow in during the summer. You'll need a shower before you go home 'cause you're filthy, and everyone on earth knows that auto mechanics are crooks, somewhere between Lawyers and Pond Scum (but not as bad as politicians.)

 

[Nineeightyone]

Lots of people seem to like the HF carts, I think in general for what it sounds like you need a cart is the best option at the moment.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-5...Cabinet-Combo-in-Black-HOTC5218B11S/301434732
I have the bottom half of this, and as somebody who works on cars as a hobby, it's plenty big enough for me, though I may look for a topper at some point just for the sake of expanding. It's worth noting though, that I have one, maybe two of each tool I have, and most of it is in metric, so I've got wrenches/sockets/pliers/electrical and diagnostic tools in it and not too much else. That wide bottom drawer is nice though, I've got mine labled "persuasion" and it's where things like the grinder and sawzall live. I'm pretty pleased with that box though, mine was on sale when I bought it and it's been great for a primary box at home.

 

[Air21]

So long as you are registered for classes you qualify for student discounts. I believe Craftsman is 50% off one box, so are the Truck brands, I'd get proof of enrollment and wave if at everyone you see

 

[Skin]

No they won’t.

People buying snap on could care less about HF

I think it’s funny how pro American , support your home country workers, Chinese is always junk this site is, but HF is almost always the first recommendation.

Because for storage it makes sense. You simply will not find a better box off the shelf (or truck) for under a grand. I'll buy USA hand tools all day but im not going to pretend that some bent and tack welded steel is a bargain at thousands of dollars. If the OP has money to flush then more power to him, buy a truck box (or Proto). Its no different than someone asking for a DD and having one side suggest a Ford or Toyota and the other side suggests a Cadillac or BMW. One is nicer but both will get the job done.

By the way the dropout rate for new techs is very high which lends more credence to the suggestion of staying with a safe budget. Because a HF44 is so much box for the money you can literally flip it for the loss of ~$40.

 

[Fedwrench]

Just a random thought but, have you talked to your school about dragging a personally owned box to class? The reason why I ask is that if you have 15 students in your class and each of them drags a harbor freight box to school, that's a lot of lab space eaten up

Besides, I thought BMW techs had foam inlayed tool sets from hazet, stahlwille, or at least sonic.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think I'd want something small enough that I could lay it on its back and push into a pickup truck bed. Use the tailgate as a fulcrum.

 

[Tallpilot]

I date Miss America, but I'm hoping to hook up with Rosie O'Donnell.

Keep the executive job. Buy tools, go to school part-time. Have fun with cars as a hobby, or even as a part-time home "business".

For fukk sakes, DO NOT make auto repair a career. A dental hygenist spends the same time in school, has all the picks and scrapers and floss supplied by the dental business, works in air conditioned and heated comfort, goes home on time, and has community respect and a decent paycheck straight out of school. You'll likely get NONE of that as a wrench.

YOU can expect to work on your back like a prostitute, get screwed on flat-rate, The overhead doors let all the heat out during the winter, and let all the dust blow in during the summer. You'll need a shower before you go home 'cause you're filthy, and everyone on earth knows that auto mechanics are crooks, somewhere between Lawyers and Pond Scum (but not as bad as politicians.)

Unsolicited advice is very rarely well received. In my quest to master auto repair for my own personal development I’ve learned a little about the career and if someone asked I would steer them away from it. But I also know a bit about the human condition’s pursuit of dreams so I respect the folly of attempting to redirect them regardless of the merit of one’s argument.

By the way the dropout rate for new techs is very high which lends more credence to staying with a safe budget.

The reason I suggested a 7 shelf is because of ease of transport compared to other options and because it is an economical choice that will also serve you well at home.

^
Yeh you can't use the 20% coupon too .
Expect lowest it will go to with super coupon will be 429.99 at some point in the future.
I really see no need of carts, a decent 7 drawer 36" roller cabinet is way more useful than a cart and just as portable.
HF 44" not that big but from my days of moving boxes you ideally want lift them, we either fork them or used crane with 2 webbing straps .
Trying tug it it up ramp with load and standard castor likely buckle a castor or bend frame.
Easy enough make a box section base frame and add better castors so can roll and lift it easier as frame taking the load and stiffening the box up.
Little project that could be done at the school .

Consider the advice of those who have experience moving tool boxes. I moved my HF box once and it got some dings. I don’t care for the price I paid but now I know it would be scrap metal after moving it 5-6 times without either structural modifications or a tow truck. Maybe you have a friend who owns one, otherwise in my experience they don’t sell their services cheap.

 

[WWheeler]

I think I'd want something small enough that I could lay it on its back and push into a pickup truck bed. Use the tailgate as a fulcrum.

This. You never know when you might have 'one of those days' where leaving any of your tools behind even just for a return trip is not an option. You sure don't want to wind up like this guy ...