i got a kinda older craftsman top box 41" i think and i like it but now im in the market for a bottom box to put the top one on. naturally i went to sears to check out the craftsman bottoms to match and they seem like they got more flimsey then the older ones. and i think they wanted a little over 500 for it. i kinda like the grip latch ones with ball bearing drawers but those are even more. anything else i should check out for around the 600 dollar range and 41" or more? thanks.
good decently priced bottom box?
- Thread starter slow50
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lsrx101
Well-known member
Craftsman boxes have gotten "lighter duty" over the years. But so have the offerings from the "Big Boys", ie:Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. Pricing has stayed consistent, though.
I don't know how old your Craftsman top box is, but it's likely you will have to look to the Big guys for a lower box of the same quality today. You may have to add a "zero" to your price point, too.
The last new S-O tool box that I looked at closely resembled a Craftsman tool box from ~20-25 years ago in construction quality.
For sub- $1000 offerings, take a look at the "better" Kobalt boxes at Lowes. They seem to be of darn good quality for the price. Still "flimsy" compared to older C'man boxes, but they "feel" pretty good. Better than todays Craftsman, IMHO, but do your own comparison to be sure.
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Flathead Johnny
Well-known member
denis4x4
Well-known member
My wife bought a couple of $299 (regular $599) 41" bottom boxes at HD on Black Friday. Got around to taking them out of the box last week. They're worth what we paid for them: $299. Made in Vietnam, the drawer slides are marginal and you need metric sockets to install the casters. One plus was the bamboo work surface about an inch thick.
No point in doing a rant on foreign stuff as the majority of Americans could care less about quality and value.
No point in doing a rant on foreign stuff as the majority of Americans could care less about quality and value.
Flathead Johnny
Well-known member
i wonder if you are talking about a different box than mine? my casters were attached and I have no wood top
denis4x4
Well-known member
I suspect that they were promotional items as they were black instead of red.
Don't be afraid to search on CL as sometimes you can find good deals on used older boxes.
Steevo
Well-known member
+4 for the HF box 
Rich1028
Well-known member
+4 for the HF box
looks nice!
but I have to ask,what do you do with the space in the corner?
I been thinking of doing a corner in my garage,but I don't know what to do about the corner.
losing all that space.
1948
Well-known member
keep buying those HF boxes and then dont complain when youre out of a job....
Kent Skinner
Well-known member
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Start a company that sells reasonably priced US made boxes.
Flathead Johnny
Well-known member
hoodlumkurt
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1948
Well-known member
i saw some nice ones at menards for cheap, were roller bearing, heavy gauge, felt nice, good color, had locks, made in usa, and overall a good quality. i think they were 600.
What size and what brand are they sold under?
Not that it matters for me: no Menards anywhere close!
SMKS
Well-known member
I'm 99% sure you're confused.
Menards sells Masterforce boxes. Masterforce is the Menards house brand.
Many Masterforce hand tools are USA made. But, the toolboxes are imported (I believe made in China), just like the HF boxes.
jvitez
Well-known member
Does made in Canada count, what with being neighbors, and kinda like cousins an' all.....
http://www.spginternational.com/
1948
Well-known member
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...56-rolling-tool-cabinet/p-1457702-c-12441.htm
yeah that might have been it. but i specifically remember seeing "made in usa" on it and thinking to myself, "wow thats awesome!"
Dragster Racer
Well-known member
I have one and like it.
blackdart66
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I have the roller and the box for the top of it. Very similar to the Harbor Freight as far as quality. I like mine a lot.
mr48chev
Active member
If you are friendly with one of the tool sales people at Sears (and even if you aren't) ask if they have any scratch and dent bottom boxes in the back that are for sale. We got my son's top and bottom boxes at less than half price that way years ago. The bottom box had a dent in the back corner and I can't remember what was supposed to be dented or scratched on the top box but it isn't noticeable at first look.
SMKS
Well-known member
Here's a thread where it is discussed. They're talking about a Masterforce limited edition box, but people in the thread say all the Masterforce boxes are Chinese.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126708
Believe me, I wish they were USA made, but I've never seen a USA-made toolbox in that price range.
terryo1965
Well-known member
I bought a new Snap-on Classic 78 bottom box for $2100 direct through Snap-on, and they also gave me a $400 gift certificate with the purchase thats good online or on the truck. The box lists for $4300. I am taking autobody repair classes at my local community college and Snap-on has a program for students that gives you a HUGE discount. Most items are 50% off list and tool boxes are even better. I only take one class at a time so I am not really a serious student, but I still qualify for the discount. The money I have saved on tools has more than paid for the classes I have taken, plus I have learned a ton. Its a win/win.
1948
Well-known member
yeah but you still paid 2100 dollars for some sheetmetal and some rollers with a name on it. i mean, i LOVE snap on tools, they are the only brand i buy. but the boxes are just way over priced!
terryo1965
Well-known member
Yeah, I know what your saying, it's still a lot of money for a box. I would have never considered buying it for $4300. I have always wanted a Snap on box since I was a little kid so this was a big thing for me. The up side is every time I go out to my barn and see my box it puts a smile on my face, to me it's worth every dime I paid for it. Plus I think it's important to support American manufacturers. I am not trying to start another debate on Chinese versus American made products, it's just the way I feel.
gustsant
Well-known member
HF sells the 42" box for $350 and I am sure they make a profit, also sure the Chinese manufacturer also makes a profit and they still need to pay for overseas freight on the boxes.
Now an American manufacturer making the boxes here selling a similar box for $2500? That makes no sense to me, I am all for supporting USA made products but is basically customer abuse, that is a major ripoff.
Maybe if they sold the darn box for $1000 bucks a lot more people would buy and since they would sell many more boxes, we would be supporting more American jobs, just my opinion.
Anyway, I am also looking for a couple new boxes and will probably get the HF 42" box , they will be on sale from HF for $349 without coupon January 13 through 15.
terryo1965
Well-known member
The 42" HF box is smaller than the Snap on box I have, so its no really a far comparision. I think the bigger HF box is $650, I'm not really sure. Everyone has their opinions about how and what to spend their money on so I can respect what you are saying but I do not feel "abused" in any way. I LOVE my Snap on box!
gustsant
Well-known member
I know what you are saying, I am by no means questioning their quality or bashing any products, I just personally cannot justify spending $2K for the box below for example when I can get something fairly similar in size/quality at HF for $350. I would love to furnish my entire garage with some SO Epics but I don't need a second mortgage.
