Looking for a new middle box

[chumley360]

I'm in the market for a new mid chest for the home tools and am looking for some ideas. I really wanted to buy the SO 2-drawer 40" box, but my SO rep let that fall through(whole 'nother gripe there) The only thing I've seen close is a Cman single drawer. I've thought about getting two of those, but I'm not 100% sure I'd like that. I should probably sell all that I've got and just get a whole new storage system, but I'm not really in a position to do that right now. So I thought I'd throw it out to the net and see if maybe you guys had some ideas that I might have missed. Here's a shot of my boxes, the 4-drawer 26" Cman to the right is the one that needs to be replaced. Currently it's holding Vise-grips & common plires, 1/4" drive, 3/8" drive, and 1/2" drive. I'm just tired of the last two drawers being crowded, and one of the slides finally broke on the bottom drawer. Anyone have any ideas other ideas?

 

[AndrewH]

I have to admit, my OCD would never let me have that many different boxes, especially all different brands. I'd definitely consider getting one big box and sell the rest. But I also understand that it's easier and cheaper to buy a bunch of smaller boxes, so I guess it's really up to you and what you're able to live with.

Andrew

 

[Outlawmws]

Hmmm... Those are different? They are all made of metal, all are red(ish) and all have drawers...

 

[crewchief888]

buy another CM mid box,

kennedy makes a 6 drawer mid type box.


theres a recent thread about the kennedy

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Anyone have any other ideas?

Yes, let me know when you're going to sell those boxes...esp. the MACs!

 

[chumley360]

I get the whole OCD thing. Trust me it's a lot of boxes, but they are NOT disorderly, disorganized or not arranged to MY needs. And they have gone through lots of re-ordering, not sure that's a word but you probably get it. I don't get rid of any of my boxes unless I feel like it. I've taken two smaller old(60's era) Cman boxes to work just for "free" storage. They don't even hold anything but dust.

I'll have to look into the Kennedy box. Are they good like old times? As you can see I'm not for changing to keep up with the latest fads.

 

[Outlawmws]

The big K hasn't lost it AFAIK.

 

[Ft.ValloniaStreaker]

I've found that mid-boxes are kinda rare in the used market. I gave up on finding one soon after I got the idea that i needed one. I'm sorry to hear that some of you guys loose a lot of sleep worrying about a brand specific "gang fight" going on in the shop after you turn out the lights. No wonder my shop is such a mess every morning!

 

[zkling]

My 2¢ and take it for what little it is worth. You have maximized most of the space you have, especially the stack on the right. Where I see room for improvement is the stack on the left. You could get a 27" wide, 3 drawer middle box to go under that 10 drawer mac top box and gain ~1000in^2, OR what would get you more useable storage space is to get a full length (42"?) and depth top box to replace the 10 drawer 27" mac that is currently on there. Maybe put the mac on a work bench.

The ultimate efficiency in storage space for floor space taken up is a high drawer count lista or similar industrial cabinet. If you can find or afford one both money and floor space wise that would be the way to go IMHO.

 

[crewchief888]

I'm sorry to hear that some of you guys loose a lot of sleep worrying about a brand specific

for some members it's a big deal,

to each their own..

 

[chumley360]

One of the problems is that I need another wide drawer or two. Another 26" just isn't going to cut it width wise. It's a good thing that my long 1/2" ratchets are flex head 'cause if not I couldn't get them in a box. I've got to fold the heads over and put them into the drawer in an "X" pattern. Making the drawer pretty useless for anything else. I keep my speed wrenches under them. The one wide drawer I have holds all my impact stuff. I think for the time being I'll just get the Cman 40" single for now. Maybe if I can find a decent SO rep later and get what I was looking for.

And I wish I had some more Vidmars for home use. That's what I use at work. I've got a full height 9-drawer, full height 6-drawer/with top cabinet, half height 5-drawer, and a big-a$$ tool cart. Vidmar-style cabinets are definitely the best way to go. You could even paint one SO red if it made you feel better

 

[sberry]

The cman would be fine by me, I got rid of a whole drawer full of speed wrenches, that was like a free addition,,, hahahaha. I like the different brands, makes it interesting.

 

[saryon7]

I really like your collection of tool boxes. Look really cool and have a lot of character. I think you should buy another tool box and add to the fleet. You will always be able to find a way to fill the space.