Ben Glaser
Active member
How do you like it? Do the slots for the dividers in the sides of all the drawers cause any problems using it as tool chest? How do they compare to the MAC & Snap-On boxes?
Lista Tool Boxes - Anyone Have Experience?
- Thread starter Ben Glaser
- Start date
Semi's to Pickup trucks.
Packard V8
Well-known member
If used an industrial environment, each drawer loaded with hundreds of pounds, opened and closed constantly, the Lista is bulletproof.
Used in a home shop or a normal line mechanic environment, the Lista is like using a Class 8 tractor to run errands. Most have drawers too large and heavy and using them for smaller tools is overkill.
Bottom line - I've used both and prefer the purpose-built mechanics boxes from Snap-on/Mac/Matco.
Your opinions and results may vary, based upon the 3500 Quad Cab Ram Cummins Duramax Super Duty trucks I see used running to the grocery store.
jack vines
Used in a home shop or a normal line mechanic environment, the Lista is like using a Class 8 tractor to run errands. Most have drawers too large and heavy and using them for smaller tools is overkill.
Bottom line - I've used both and prefer the purpose-built mechanics boxes from Snap-on/Mac/Matco.
Your opinions and results may vary, based upon the 3500 Quad Cab Ram Cummins Duramax Super Duty trucks I see used running to the grocery store.
jack vines
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
I would take the lista box any day of the week, I own two Equipto boxes and feel they are very similar to the lista boxes. I also own two snap-on boxes and a harbor freight. Unless I find another killer deal my next box will be the lista tool storage box
Strouty
Well-known member
I kind of agree with packard, they are overkill for basic stuff, but then who am I to deny another GJ member from overkill.
They are great cabinets for sure.
Are you looking at buying new or looking at used stuff? If you were to buy new you can get them configured in the way you want.
As far as the slots and holes for the dividers, they should not cause any problems at all, you may even like using them to break things up.
They are great cabinets for sure.
Are you looking at buying new or looking at used stuff? If you were to buy new you can get them configured in the way you want.
As far as the slots and holes for the dividers, they should not cause any problems at all, you may even like using them to break things up.
CooperS7777
Well-known member
I have 3 Lista cabinets that I picked up from Motorhead Extrodinaires Junk Yard Specials section. They are 110% overkill for my use, but there were a few huge selling points for me.
The first was that the cabinets I have allowed me to make a usable sized work bench out of them (10' x 32" top), which allowed me to open up quite a bit of space in my small attached garage.
Additionally, I was coming from an overflowing HF 44" box and an over flowing SO service cart. The next step up for me on the cheapest end was 72" HF box, and at that point I was looking at over 1/2 the cost of my Lista cabinets / work bench setup (and 1/2 the storage space).
Without a doubt, they will outlive me and if I ever decide to move/upgrade/sell, should be easy to sell and put a decent chunk of change back in my pockets.
I put simple cork drawer liners in my Lista cabinets to cover the holes in the bottom, and I dont notice the slots on the sides at all. No problems what so ever using them as standard tool storage.
The first was that the cabinets I have allowed me to make a usable sized work bench out of them (10' x 32" top), which allowed me to open up quite a bit of space in my small attached garage.
Additionally, I was coming from an overflowing HF 44" box and an over flowing SO service cart. The next step up for me on the cheapest end was 72" HF box, and at that point I was looking at over 1/2 the cost of my Lista cabinets / work bench setup (and 1/2 the storage space).
Without a doubt, they will outlive me and if I ever decide to move/upgrade/sell, should be easy to sell and put a decent chunk of change back in my pockets.
I put simple cork drawer liners in my Lista cabinets to cover the holes in the bottom, and I dont notice the slots on the sides at all. No problems what so ever using them as standard tool storage.
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Scout Driver
Well-known member
We have two of them at work that we store parts, fittings and fasteners in. The drawers are completely filled (some with nuts, bolts, washers that would add up to A LOT of weight in a drawer). For a hobbyist or casual user, they are, as noted above, overkill. The ability to put in the drawer dividers would make for very versatile drawers though. Overall, the quality is impressive. The ones at work see continuous duty thru three shifts and multiple users without issue.
Scott
Scott
You can not overload Lista, meaning it's impossible. I have drawers fully loaded with nuts and bolts hardware, steel and brass stock, - you can feel the weight you're pulling when you open a drawer, but function is unimpaired and smooth. Snap On, Mac, Matco, can't take that kind of weight, particularly if the weight is off to one side, the drawers will move hurky-jerky.
Another note about Lista. The drawers open with 100 % accessible, no groping around in the back. Units are heavy in that there's no tendency to tip with a full load opened all the way.
The accessories for Lista and Vidmar are readily available ( a bit pricey, not too bad) at Graingers, etc.
Another note about Lista. The drawers open with 100 % accessible, no groping around in the back. Units are heavy in that there's no tendency to tip with a full load opened all the way.
The accessories for Lista and Vidmar are readily available ( a bit pricey, not too bad) at Graingers, etc.
AndyA
Well-known member
They are overkill...... until you fill a drawer completely with nuts and bolts. Then they're just about right! That drawer opens pulling with one finger.
I like the shallow depth drawers for hand tools. The price per square inch is comparable to a snap-on box.
I like the shallow depth drawers for hand tools. The price per square inch is comparable to a snap-on box.
Attachments
I've seen first hand worn out, over loaded lista and vidmar cabinets. The tracks bend, bearings fret and worst, drawer bottoms stretch. Go to a heavy machine shop auction where they were loaded down with tooling, essentially a solid layer of steel and you will see some examples.
bobemmerich
Well-known member
Overkill for a home DIY'er, but then again, WHO CARES! If you can get them, by all means do it! They'll outlive you and hold their value!
rsanter
Well-known member
I have lista drawers you can buy and build,your own frame for and make your own custom toolbox.......
Bob
Bob
OP
Ben Glaser
Active member
Guys, thanks for all the input & opinions. I was thinking of storage in my gun room and a tool box for my garage. Now I'm thinking of nut, bolt, screw, hardware storage in my garage too. Right now I have Durham pull out divided trays and half a Lista box would hold all my junk and save a ton of space too.
Motorhead Extraordinaire
Well-known member
I have written of this several times, but one of the main reasons the old Lista cabinets wear out is directly related to the total lack of drawer bearing maintenance. Virtually nobody ever removes the drawer suspension to clean and lube the roller bearings.
Nothing lasts forever if it is not cared for properly. Of course you can find Lista cabinets all worn out when they are loaded to the gills and have been used constantly for 20-30 years. Nothing lasts forever but then again not many cabinets can hold the load or do the work a Lista cabinet can do.
We sell brand new Lista products nicely discounted. While you might perceive my bias, but the Lista cabinets are really one of the very best shop investments you can make. The drawers will hold 440 lbs each and have a huge variety of drawer accessories to outfit them to the need; tools, instruments, parts, nuts, bolts, etc. Good organization is a big time and labor saver. Our customers see it all the time.
We also sell our Junkyard Specials which are brand new Lista cabinets from cancelled orders, trade shows, freight damage, etc.. They are 40%-6o% off factory prices. Many a GJ member, including myself, has saved a bundle on these specials.
One other important note, the Lista cabinets are Made in the USA by American workers in their Holliston, MA factory. No cheap Chinese **** here....
Joe
I agree with all the above. My grandson worked for a company that used them. He's a CNC machinist and had a Lista that held all his collets for his machine. Several hundred pounds in three drawers. Smooth as glass.
However, I have a couple of small cabinets, one top drawer and two lower doors, that need attention. They are surplus from the above company. I haven't found drawer bearings or the little plastic insert door pivots. If I had the bearings, I'm not sure how to change them.
Are these available anywhere???
Monkey Milk
Well-known member
They changed the design of the new lista so no more bearings for the old. Used- you would have to buy the drawer suspension.
Motorhead Extraordinaire
Well-known member
I have a small inventory of the old steel drawer bearings. Let me know what you need.
Joe
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Qualitytools
Well-known member
Thanks Motorhead Extraordinaire all I can do is drool at what's in the website! I have to save some more before I can even touch the Junkyard ones 
Beautiful!!
Beautiful!!Linda@Lista
Well-known member
@Ben_Glaser Let me know if you have any questions about Lista & Vidmar cabinets, I'd be happy to help! Thank you to everyone for the Lista shout outs
shortykorte
Well-known member
Motorhead Extraordinaire
Well-known member
FYI. We provide a healthy Garage Journal member discount. The current GJ discount on any new Lista item is 19.25%. We also give an extra 5% on our Junkyard Specials.
Joe
ultgar
Well-known member
Lista full extension drawers are rated at 440lb capacity at full extension BUT you have to use at least 1 steel partition at the center of the drawer (left to right or front to back) to get this rating.
SD
Until 3 years ago I had not heard of lista, then we received 4 lista cabinets for our shop and they are the greatest storage cabinets I have ever used. I have some Stanley vidmar cabinets that are great cabinets but, I like how easy the lista drawers open and close. I got a used rolling lista work station earlier this year and now wish I had one yeas ago.
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Browning1
Well-known member
I love mine. It is heavy even without tools. Just wish I had more deep drawers.
trev225
Active member
best cabinets ever. some of my drawers are loaded down and even seem to open easier with all of the weight. I have opened the middle drawer and stood up inside it and it did not flex or sag at all and I am 225 pounds. I would strongly suggest putting some very heavy duty casters on them though unless you have access to a pallet jack. The work bench height cabinets are about 200 pounds and the full height ones are pushing 400
What box, drawer sizes and color do you have. I or someone else might be up for doing some horse trading.
Linda@Lista
Well-known member
@fleetcomm thanks for the awesome Lista & Vidmar feedback!
JDon99
Well-known member
Is this discount from the prices listed on your website?
Browning1
Well-known member
1050 single bank with the mw drawers, red
I happen to have a MW 1050 9 drawer coming my way if Lista can ever find the time to ship my order. But it's in blue and I have the drawer depths I wanted. Maybe someone else might be able to help you out.
Browning1
Well-known member
I actually replaced two of my shallow drawers with one deep drawer. So now I have two shallow drawers sitting in the corner now
Motorhead Extraordinaire
Well-known member
Motorhead Extraordinaire
Well-known member
The prices on out web site are 15% off of list. We do an additional 5% of of that price. The effective discount is 19.25% to GJ members.
Our Junkyard specials are 40-60% off. We also give and extra 5% beyond the web price on the Junkyard Specials to GJ members.
Joe
Motorhead Extraordinaire
Well-known member
Full height cabinets are in the 600-1000 lb. area depending on footprint and number of drawers.
We only use the Colson American made casters. They mount using a waffle plate between the cabinet and casters to carry the load. The Colson casters are in 6" x 2" or 4" x 2" in both standard and heavy duty configurations with load bearing capacity of 1400, 2400, or 3600 lbs.
Joe
trev225
Active member
Ill have to look into those. I made the mistake of putting mine on the ground and filling them with tools before realizing how difficult they will be to move when the time comes.
maintenancemike
Active member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2016
- Messages
- 39
I have a lista double bay I recently purchased. It weighs 600 plus pounds empty. Then I added a 2 1/16" maple top, and a 100 pound vise, along with about 2,000 lbs. of hand tools. I'd like to crash test it on a snap-on, just to see it crumple up like a prius vs. a dump truck.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Lista are design for maximum part storage in a small footprints. They are perfect for part departments as one lista can easily shallow a whole row of parts. Build very soild and if they fit your taste, you can't go wrong with them. We have vidmars in the office/ toolbox room at work in my shop. They are nice units, but my personal taste, I wouldn't give up my SO sitting right next to them.
Itinerant
Well-known member
I have a Snap-on double bay that I recently purchased. It weighs over 750 pounds empty. It has a stainless top and a 100 pound vise, along with about 2,000 lbs. of hand tools. I'm not going to crash it into your Lista because that's ******* stupid.
Glad you love your box as much as I love mine.
