Help me pick a tool box

[gtae07]

My shop is a mess. I have tools on pegboard, some in bins on my workbench top, some in boxes on various shelves, and the rest scattered about where I was using them. I spend a significant portion of my shop time looking for the tool I just put down. Wife says “shouldn’t you get a tool box for all those?” but I’m a little lost in all the various options and I’ve never had a nice toolbox before; always used pegboard and shelves. I am also considering doing foam cutout “shadows” in the box to force me to be more organized.

My price range tops out around the $800-900 range but I’d rather keep it a bit lower than that. Most of what I’m storing is various hand tools—wrenches, tin snips, flaring tools, nutplate drill jigs, electrical crimpers, and so on. I’m not sure if I want to store all the sockets in this or leave them in the blow-molded case. My large/construction tools—circular saw, large clamps, nail gun, angle grinder, etc.—will remain on shelving. I don’t think I need many super-deep drawers either, especially if there’s a top compartment with a power strip for charging.

This toolbox may go with the airplane to the hangar when it comes time to move it to the airport—I haven’t decided yet and I don’t know how big of one I’ll need there since that will just be maintenance vs. construction and there are a limited number of fastener sizes used.

Currently I’m looking at something like these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-H...inet-Set-in-Matte-Black-H52CH6TR9HD/302962883

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-41-in-16-Drawer-Tool-Chest-and-Cabinet-Set-MWC41-16B/304014219

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-6...abinet-Set-in-Gloss-Red-H61CH6TR12R/304016204

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...r-Steel-Rolling-Tool-Cabinet-Black/1002481870 plus https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...-H-6-Drawer-Steel-Tool-Chest-Black/1002481792


Any thoughts from the masses? I don’t see a lot of used boxes on craigslist or anything around here, I don’t use facebook, and what I do find tends to be “sold with tools” that I don’t want.

 

[gearhead1]

Once you get the drawer configuration (quantity, width, and height) then look at depth.

The first link from HD and the first link from Lowes both appear to be the deeper versions. They’re not super deep, but a little deeper. As long as you like drawer configuration, I’d go with one of those. Don’t want to spend the money on the 1st HD link, then, get the one in the 1st Lowes link and add the top later.

Some guys remove the lid from blow molded cases and put them in the tool box that way. If you do that, then you have to make sure the drawers are tall enough. Everyone is different and what works for one guy won’t be as optimal for the next. I don’t like the space that the blow molded cases take up, and generally don’t use them except for specialty tools and sets. I leave blow molded cases for travel, throw in the trunk of the car, take to the track, junkyard, etc.

The boxes I use for mechanics tools are a little different than for machinist tools. Google Kennedy tool boxes and look at the brown ones. Where I used to work, the industrial maintenance mechanics used Kennedy boxes for some reason. Just like I’ve seen some machinists use regular tool boxes. My experience has been that the machinist boxes have smaller drawer heights. Use what works for you.

Sometimes for me, inexpensiveness can cover up for some function. So I have some not efficient space, but if I could get that box for $200, I’d make it work.

 

[BiggityBen]

i bought my USA Craftsman box from Sears during their closing at a huge discount, bottom and top pieces combined were like $5-600 total. i don't recommend it for anyone who would be using a toolbox extensively. every drawer is stiff, doesn't stay fully closed, and wants to move side-to-side when opening or closing if your hand isn't exactly in the middle of the pull. it has never moved since i bought it but i wouldn't expect the casters to be all that great either.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

I got this combination one at Lowe's on sale , I needed an extra box. Really nice with outlet strip a d USB charger.


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[CJM8515]

Why not harbor freight? Much better boxes than sears/lowes/HD

 

[Lassen Forge]

For new boxes I kind of like the huskys better than the craftsman offerings because of the larger assortment of drawers, but it's all personal preference. I'd still not give up on finding a good used box... someone elsewhere on the forum (and in Colorado) is selling her (deceased) Husband's Mac box stack, and those kids of deals pop up all the time.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

Why not harbor freight? Much better boxes than sears/lowes/HD

Are they made in USA?
China makes better boxes than we do?

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[Mr_B]

just get a 56" or bit bigger bottom preferably 24" depth.
You will find the worktop area far better than a top box .

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-5...-Chest-in-Blue-VRB-5610BUHU/206266485#overlay

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

The us general from hf seem pretty nice for a diy. Most of the maintenance guys at work use them and a couple with masterforce from menards.

 

[CJM8515]

Are they made in USA?
China makes better boxes than we do?

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Forget USA made for the love of god. from the clothes you wear to the computer your typing on the stuff isnt made here. also the sears, home depot and lowes boxes are junk compared to HF.

 

[Mr_B]

masterforce are best of box store boxes from build perspective .
us general is decent at coupon or open box deals, bit overstated and have 2 factories making boxes to slightly different specs but worth researching/looking at .
Some of the husky boxes are decent but they have couple build levels and they seem keep changing the quality level and current offerings not as good ...

 

[Zewnten]

Used or us general are the best bang for the money, at that price point you can buy a good used box, if you're willing to hunt for it but if you're wanting one and done then us general is my vote. Also agree with a 44 bottom and smaller top chest

 

[m6z]

I'm happy with my Homak RS Pro. I made that decision after looking at all the big box store options. US General, Craftsman, Husky, Milwaukee, Kobalt, etc


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[MileHighRover]

I have the larger version of the 1st HD link you posted and have been VERY HAPPY with it. I upgraded from a Harbor Freight box.

This is the one I have. A bit out of your budget, but the heavy duty boxes are very nice. Much better than my HF 44 inch box.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Heavy-Duty-56-in-W-23-Drawer-Deep-Combination-Tool-Chest-and-Rolling-Cabinet-Set-in-Matte-Black-HOTC5623BB2S/303412321

 

[M635_Guy]

the sears, home depot and lowes boxes are junk compared to HF.

this

 

[Certified Drunk]

Tool Vault, Strictlytoolboxes.com

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Why not harbor freight? Much better boxes than sears/lowes/HD

You are correct. I looked at some of the Craftsman boxes on my trip to Lowe’s the other day and the drawers felt very flimsy and cheap and hard to open and close. I have a few of the Harbor Freight boxes and carts and use them as a professional mechanic and they work absolutely fine. I also have the side cabinet and the extra set of drawers that they sell for them they work fine. I like the variety of colors as well.


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[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I agree on the Harbor Freight US General boxes I use them professionally and they are absolutely amazing and pretty durable as well. I miss the days of the Kobalt tool boxes those were great as well.


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[CGarage]

The new Craftsman boxes are pitiful. I checked them out at Lowe’s and they were way too thin. That said, aren’t the Home Depot Husky boxes made by Metal Box Intl in the U.S.???

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

I have 2 us general boxes and for the price they are much better quality than lowes or hd. Youd have to buy a snap on or equivalent to tell the difference.

 

[gearhead1]

I have Husky, Craftsman, Kennedy, Snap-on, and HF boxes. I agree that the HF boxes are decent quality.

CGarage, yes I think you are correct, Metal Box International in Chicago makes Husky boxes for HD. Waterloo used to make them for Craftsman, I’m not sure about now.

Check out this news article on Metal Box International.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...ispute-has-yet-to-reap-benefits-idUSKCN1GO0CE

 

[Deadsquiggles]

I vote HF all day, everyday for a budget friendly toolbox. I love my 44". Mine has a 26" Grey and Red Craftsman box from the 70's on top (makes for an interesting looking combo), but I'm actually considering picking up a 26" top and bottom set from HF for more space, but don't mistake my last comment for saying there's not enough room in the 44" box. There's a ton, I just also have way too many tools.

 

[gtae07]

Why not harbor freight? Much better boxes than sears/lowes/HD

I’d thought from the last time I looked that their boxes were either on the small end, or bigger and more expensive than I was looking for. I’ll take another look...


Yeah, looks like the HF boxes may be the way to go after all. Looks like nothing on the used market around here right now. Probably start with the 44” bottom only and see how far that gets me.

 

[Mr_B]

^
be sure use a coupon and read up on the 2 factory differences so you know what you buying .

 

[VtecGSR95]

I’d thought from the last time I looked that their boxes were either on the small end, or bigger and more expensive than I was looking for. I’ll take another look...


Yeah, looks like the HF boxes may be the way to go after all. Looks like nothing on the used market around here right now. Probably start with the 44” bottom only and see how far that gets me.

I tried a US General out......wasn't real thrilled with it.

Switched to masterforce @ Menards, was a great box. I was able to check one out at the dealership where a friend works.....loaded with tools, was very smooth.

6-7 years later, I decide to upgrade from my Masterforce 41" top/bottom box with side cabinet to a 56" as I was overflowing out of my current box. At this point, masterforce had changed to the 25" deep versions, added power strips, better latch system, etc. I list mine on FB Marketplace, and I get a text from a guy who used to work at menards.....says I should go trade my box in, as Menards owns the Masterforce name, its their house brand, and they satisfaction guarantee them for life! So I stop by, tell the guy in the tools area I have one I am looking to go bigger, no real issues aside from the old style latches would pop open at times. He looks up my boxes (7 years old at this point, NO receipt), and says "we'll give you the lowest sale price in the last 90 days on the equivalent box set I have towards a new box!)!!!

So needless to say, I unloaded all my tools on the floor, brought my 7 years old box set in.......get right around $1300 in credit, THEN they charged me for the new box (56" top/bottom/side cabinet) $1800 I think, so I end up paying $500 to upgrade! On top of that, because they had to return my box and basically sell me the new one.......I was able to get the 11% rebate on the new box, so I got almost another $200 bucks back from that!!

So after all this, I am Masterforce through and through. They have great boxes, great customer service, and a great warranty!

 

[Mr_B]

^
Yes the current 24" masterforce are very nicely made and prices on rebate pretty decent.
Mani issue is they not so easily available to all by stores and shipping kills the deal .
The 30" 41" 46" are decent and the 72" is about best quality low price new box you can get, it better than the rs pro in lot of ways .
Main downside on masterforce box is drawer layouts not best effort and the 56" box is a bad effort in bay equal split and wheels .
My whole career has been on used truck boxes, matco mainly as total steal, MAC can be good too, had a few snapon but flipped them for profit and expanded with matco as found what I wanted or too good a opportunity to miss .

 

[Crabman]

gtae

The HF are nice boxes. Note that the 44 is really a 41 (they include the handle). They may have a $399 coupon coming for Black Friday, which makes it a deal. That is when I got mine last year.

Go look at all of them that you can.

I also liked the flat black industrial type Huskys.

There are no Menards near me so I did not look at Masterforce, although people seem to like them.

I agree that the 2000 series Craftsman boxes at Lowe's seem a bit flimsy. Certainly not like the old Waterloo boxes of which I have two.

I liked the Craftsman 3000 boxes at Lowe's. They are sturdy like the HF and Husky industrial when I put my hands on them.

I bought a Craftsman 3000 54" and a HF 44 and they sit side by side. They are very comparable in performance.

I needed a third box and the Craftsman 3000 54 was on sale for $549 at the time, so I bought a second one.

You should consider drawer configuration carefully. A lot of folks don't like the 3000 series because of some deep drawers. They actuallly worked for my applications. Full width drawers are handy if you have a socket/ratchet or wrench addiction like many of us.

Some also do not like the color of the 3000's. I am somewhat colorblind in the red/purple/orange part of the spectrum, so I did not let that concern me.

I did see that the 63" 3000 is on sale (at least near me) for $798, which makes it pretty comparable to the HF 56. The HF has 9 lower drawers, the 3000 has 7 because of the deep drawers. The 3000 has a full width top drawer, the HF does not.

Good luck finding the right fit.

Bruce

 

[Gotcha640]

If you know you'll be taking some tools to the airport, and there's any budget to be considered, I'd be getting two smaller boxes. You will still need home maintenance tools at home. Buy now so you can start figuring out what duplicates you need.