Looking for a portable toolbox

[fitz11]

I am looking for a new toolbox to use as my race box for my motorcycles. I want a small 2-4 drawer box that is easy to transport. The problem I am running into is that I need to have a space 10.75" deep and 2.75" tall for spare parts I need to bring along. I currently have a 26" 7 drawer craftsman top box that is just too big.
These are the closest I have found to what I am looking for but they are just not deep enough.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...p-00965337000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

And this would be perfect if it was a little deeper

http://www.sears.com/viper-tool-sto...p-00935611000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

I have checked out Snap-on, Matco, Cornwell, Craftsman, Viper, Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, Harbor Freight, and Northern Tool.
Does anybody have an idea where I could find something like this or does it not exist? Thanks

 

[RCStocker]

You will not find a better price than the Craftsman box. That is a great price and no one else will be any cheaper.
The Viper is an over priced box by about $60

 

[fitz11]

You will not find a better price than the Craftsman box. That is a great price and no one else will be any cheaper.
The Viper is an over priced box by about $60

I'm not concerned about the price I just want to find a box that fits my needs in the original post.

 

[KaHuNaZ]

Here is a husky 4 drawer. 12" deep http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-26-in-W-4-Drawer-Chest-H4CH1/203182690#.UpePCOKFerU

 

[jmscollinsiii]

Idk if these fit what ur look for but might be worth a look.
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/portable-toolbox.html

 

[zkling]

I'm not concerned about the price I just want to find a box that fits my needs in the original post.

What is the maximum width you want to go? Most boxes that are going to be 10.5"+ deep in the drawers or top compartment are going to have to be ~12"+ deep outside dimensions. Most 12" deep outside dimension boxes are 26" wide and kinda a pain to easily transport IMHO especially if you have to go through door ways. Then most of the "portable" boxes are ~20"-24" wide, but only 10" deep outside, which only leaves ~8-9" deep inside the top and drawers.

Some of the older snap on boxes like the KRA-53 would be good, but downside is that the drawers and top have dividers welded in them so the 10.75" deep would be cut up by the dividers.

 

[fitz11]

What is the maximum width you want to go? Most boxes that are going to be 10.5"+ deep in the drawers or top compartment are going to have to be ~12"+ deep outside dimensions. Most 12" deep outside dimension boxes are 26" wide and kinda a pain to easily transport IMHO especially if you have to go through door ways. Then most of the "portable" boxes are ~20"-24" wide, but only 10" deep outside, which only leaves ~8-9" deep inside the top and drawers.

Some of the older snap on boxes like the KRA-53 would be good, but downside is that the drawers and top have dividers welded in them so the 10.75" deep would be cut up by the dividers.

I am don't have a specific width I want but I do want smaller than the normal 26" top boxes. I guess what I really want is a deep version on the 3 or 4drawer "rally" type box like I linked in my original post.

I hadn't thought of going with an older box. I will look into some of the older Snap-On boxes I could always cut out the divider

 

[kingofdogs1950]

You might consider dividing the tools and parts into two boxes. A typical 2/3/4 drawer portable box for the tools and one of the plastic parts boxes that are flat in profile and have molded plastic dividers. Cut out some of the dividers to accommodate the largest parts. I'm talking about the kind that is usually for nuts and bolts. It could be modified to hold larger parts and cheap enough you could use several.
My .02 worth...

Mark

 

[CWP1616L]

Have you looked at Kennedy? They might have what you want.

 

[archirelic]

Cheaper than the one Craftsman box you linked to and has ball bearing drawers instead of friction slides. I'm sure the little tray in the top compartment could be easily removed.

HUSKY 3 Drawer Portable Tool Chest

 

[zkling]

I guess what I really want is a deep version on the 3 or 4drawer "rally" type box like I linked in my original post.

Yea, that is what I kinda gathered, off the top of my head I can't think of anyone that makes something like that. There is always the pelican mobile case. Have you seen that? I think kingofdogs has a good suggestion. Maybe separate your tools and parts. The 10.75" un interrupted depth is really going to be hard in a portable box, and if you do find it, you will probably have to remove some dividers.

 

[monomach]

Cheaper than the one Craftsman box you linked to and has ball bearing drawers instead of friction slides. I'm sure the little tray in the top compartment could be easily removed.

HUSKY 3 Drawer Portable Tool Chest

I have the Craftsman box, and I played with that exact Husky box two days ago. RUN AWAY!

I went to HD planning on buying three or four because I saw a thread here about that nice-looking price, but I left thinking it was worth about half of that. It MIGHT have 1/2 of the steel of my Craftsman box. I actually dented the bottom of a drawer with my finger.

edit: now that I think of it, my Craftsman box that is that model is at least ten years old. I haven't touched any of the newer ones. They could be bad as the Husky now, for all I know. That Husky box is still only good enough to maybe hold Dremel accessories, though.

 

[fitz11]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I guess what I am looking for doesn't exist so I think I am going to go with two boxes.
The winners are going to be this for tools
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...p-00965427000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5
and this for parts
http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/plano-761-power-tool-box/0000000017961

Even with two boxes it will still be so much easier to move around than what I am using now.

 

[GreaseMonkey45170]

I picked up the craftsman 4 drawer like the one in your link last week. I like it so far, no real use yet but once you lube the slides up its a nice box. I was between it or a kennedy cantilever box. I liked the drawer option myself but heard great things about the kennedy.

 

[stage20]

tractor supply has a nice portable 4 drawer for 49 bucks. ive looked and looked and its the best deal out there. going to get one tomorrow. ah. 9" deep. sorry.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/sto...r-steel-portable-tool-chest-20-1-2-in-l-black

 

[nicksnothereman]

I am looking for a new toolbox to use as my race box for my motorcycles. I want a small 2-4 drawer box that is easy to transport. The problem I am running into is that I need to have a space 10.75" deep and 2.75" tall for spare parts I need to bring along. I currently have a 26" 7 drawer craftsman top box that is just too big.
These are the closest I have found to what I am looking for but they are just not deep enough.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...p-00965337000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

And this would be perfect if it was a little deeper

http://www.sears.com/viper-tool-sto...p-00935611000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

I have checked out Snap-on, Matco, Cornwell, Craftsman, Viper, Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, Harbor Freight, and Northern Tool.
Does anybody have an idea where I could find something like this or does it not exist? Thanks

Make it out of wood.

Just saying.

You could just get one of these boxes and just put what doesn't fit in a bucket. That's why they make buckets, for carrying stuff. They got a new square utility bucket at hodot for 2 bucks, made in the usa too.

 

[fitz11]

tractor supply has a nice portable 4 drawer for 49 bucks. ive looked and looked and its the best deal out there. going to get one tomorrow. ah. 9" deep. sorry.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/sto...r-steel-portable-tool-chest-20-1-2-in-l-black

I totally forgot about tractor supply! That one looks good for $49 I might go with that instead of the craftsman.

 

[crewchief888]

I totally forgot about tractor supply! That one looks good for $49 I might go with that instead of the craftsman.

my biggest problem with the CM box you listed is that it was top heavy, no matter how it was loaded and constantly falling over i nthe back of my truck.

just my $0.02

 

[Coolguy83]

Get the kennedy box I am really happy with mine. It was just a little over 100 bucks for me.

 

[CTyankee]

I have the Craftsman box, and I played with that exact Husky box two days ago. RUN AWAY!

I went to HD planning on buying three or four because I saw a thread here about that nice-looking price, but I left thinking it was worth about half of that. It MIGHT have 1/2 of the steel of my Craftsman box. I actually dented the bottom of a drawer with my finger.

edit: now that I think of it, my Craftsman box that is that model is at least ten years old. I haven't touched any of the newer ones. They could be bad as the Husky now, for all I know. That Husky box is still only good enough to maybe hold Dremel accessories, though.

I actually did buy 3 of these boxes and couldn't be happier with their quality for the money spent. They state a weight capacity of 90 pounds. I couldn't find the a stated weight capacity on the Craftsman. I've got one pretty well packed and while I doubt it's anywhere close to that amount, the drawers all function smoothly and haven't managed to dent it with my finger yet.

Honestly I don't consider see any of these boxes as being very "portable" once they are loaded up. Yeah, it's got a handle...but that doesn't mean I'm gonna be carrying it around much if weights 90 pounds...My mobile tool boxes consist of multiple smaller plastic boxes organized by related need of use.

Working in construction, where every tool has to be hauled around constantly...I've found it more reasonable to break down tools into smaller related components. It's much easier on my back and much easier to keep organized.

Larger multi-drawer boxes are fine if they stay in one place, but not something I'd want to be dragging around all the time.

 

[jake00]

It doesn't have shelves, but is a all in one solution http://www.dewalt.com/tool-categories/hand-tools-storage-and-work-support.aspx

 

[wmartin]

Maybe some of those plastic boxes like the L-Boxx would be just the thing. You could mix and match sizes and I suspect that there are gizmos that will hold multiple ones. Dunno if they quite meet the dimensional needs.

 

[John in OH]

One drawback I see with the CM boxes and several of the others is the lack of side handles. The only apparent way to lift and carry the boxes is via the top-mounted handle and sooner or later those riveted connections in that single top handle are going to fail. IMHO, side handles would be mandatory.

 

[CTyankee]

One drawback I see with the CM boxes and several of the others is the lack of side handles. The only apparent way to lift and carry the boxes is via the top-mounted handle and sooner or later those riveted connections in that single top handle are going to fail. IMHO, side handles would be mandatory.

Most definitely...

 

[KPAero]

I work part time as a Rally mechanic and while I don't need to personally carry any spare parts, I do need to have all my needed tools with me in one or two portable boxes. Sometimes I need to fly with these tool kits as well, so they need to be reasonably sized.

I would recommend looking into some of the plastic pelican type cases. My newest box is a Nanuk case, I've also used Bolton cases if you want to keep the price down. Of course pelican also has nice offerings. Another option in the same type of case would be some of the aluminum cases, searching flight case will get some results. Amazon is a good place to search for an idea of whats out there in this type of case. From there you can buy plenty of accessories to organize. I use a couple of pelicans flat tool pallets.

 

[BigAl62]

Craftsman used to have a 2 drawer portable box with a 4" deep top compartment. I have one, but I'm not able to dig it out right now to take a picture. Look on ebay or Craig's List for one.

 

[crewchief888]

a few other suggestions,

'70's CM top $25 flea mkt find

CM cantilever $15 flea mkt find

kennedy cantilever $9 flea mkt find


you can pack enough stuff into the cantilever boxes they get hard to carry..

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Check this box out... this is what I use. I linked you to that website since that's the cheapest I've seen it. They go for 120 on Amazon and they were on Woot not too long ago for 75-80 bucks.

http://www.supplywarehouse.net/products/B004K79N1G-5

Here is a thread on the box:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197163

 

[kippieland]

I have both of those boxes. The Viper is complete ****. To small (won't hold 1/2 torque wrench) and the paint is super thin. I went back to my Cmans box...heavy but works fine. The Viper sits empty.

 

[stage20]

saw this in lowes today. they lowered the price on the top box too, but its 26" and a lil much to carry.

at 26x12" deep, this may be an option for you. no top storage, but you do gain width over the 20" box and could still carry it if you added a handle.
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

 

[stage20]

a 4 drawer actually has 5 spots for space at 20x9" thats 900 inches. the task force will give you 936 inches of space with only 3 drawers, but you are limtied to only 3. i like extra drawers myself, even if there is actually less space. like to keep things seperate.

 

[racer1735]

I'm a little late to the party, but I was out looking for the same type box and after looking at all the cheap, wobbly **** that Sears and Home Depot offer, I stumbled onto this box at Lowes:



$49 dollars and it seems to be very sturdy. Drawers function as the should and don't wobble on their slides. The top fits snugly to the box and the handle is both comfortable and sturdy, like it might not snap off the first time you lift it. The boxjust seems to be built like a box should and not like all the **** you find these days. Might be worth a look for anyone looking for a rally box.

 

[fitz11]

I bought one of the Plano boxes I linked earlier and got it home to find out the listed dimension are for the top and it then tapers down about 2 inches on each side so it's soon small. I didn't think about the Bosch or dewalt box systems I will look into those. Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone!

 

[stage20]

I'm a little late to the party, but I was out looking for the same type box and after looking at all the cheap, wobbly **** that Sears and Home Depot offer, I stumbled onto this box at Lowes:



$49 dollars and it seems to be very sturdy. Drawers function as the should and don't wobble on their slides. The top fits snugly to the box and the handle is both comfortable and sturdy, like it might not snap off the first time you lift it. The boxjust seems to be built like a box should and not like all the **** you find these days. Might be worth a look for anyone looking for a rally box.

for 49 you can get a 4 drawer from tractor supply and it has better quality slides.

went out today needing a 3 drawer for another project. the craftsman on sale at 3999 is horrid. cheap slides, super flimsy. hd had a nice 3 drawer with an extra tray in the top, but the drawers dont lock with the top closed. doesnt that defeat the purpose? im going to take a corner or hit the brakes and all my tools are going to fall out. not sure if i have a isolated issue or they are all built this way. no good for me, or anyone else, IMO.

ill be going back to tractor supply.

 

[afmrick]

Sorry I'm late to the show but, I'm in the process of reorganizing my track toolbox and was searching the forum.

I use the Craftsman 4-Drawer you linked to earlier. I can get every tool I've ever needed at the track in there ...but it's heavy. One of my re-organization goals is to get it a little lighter.

Here's the old layout drawer by drawer:

I also usually toss the cordless impact into the top when I leave too - critical for the 5-minute clutch replacement. Although beyond that and the occasional valve adjustment I don't usually open the engine up at all at the track.

Basic spares like levers, bars, pegs and alternate gearing I just keep in something cheap like this:


I also keep small quantities of lubes, grease, cleaners, etc in travel-sized bottles similar to those at the Container Store. Just enough to get me through the weekend.

 

[taumac]

So this wouldnt work?
http://www.craftsman.com/26-in-6-dr...p-00937711000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2



Have a good one, Gerard

The 5 Stitches Garage part 1 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142100

The 5 Stitches Garage part2 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899

 

[taumac]

saw this in lowes today. they lowered the price on the top box too, but its 26" and a lil much to carry.

at 26x12" deep, this may be an option for you. no top storage, but you do gain width over the 20" box and could still carry it if you added a handle.
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

My idea to either a smaller top chest or intermediate box you add handles to. Ok ok maybe looking at this from a different stand point. How about small handtruck to move around. It folds up small. I know myself not getting younger and boxes are heavy.



Have a good one, Gerard

The 5 Stitches Garage part 1 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142100

The 5 Stitches Garage part2 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899

 

[stage20]

Gerard, I really wanted to find a deal on a 2 or 3 drawer intermediate box but at the time there were no deals. A top box from one of those mechanics combos would work too. The ones where you take the top and rest in the bottom for travel. A regular. top box just too heavy loaded down to be considered portable for my needs

 

[taumac]

I get it but even portable get heavy too.... That's why I said something about folding hand truck.



Have a good one, Gerard

The 5 Stitches Garage part 1 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142100

The 5 Stitches Garage part2 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899

 

[BFHtime]

I suggest the rally box. It has 4 drawers, a powder coat like finish and a built in lock. I do not use the lock but is there.

The foldable handtruck has only been useful on smooth surfaces, otherwise I was better off carrying my heavy box. It weighs around a hundred pounds I would guess. It moves the suspension in every vehicle I have put in. The finish is more durable. I have a 2 drawer with a higher top box, that does scratch more easily.

I have quite a number of tools in mine. I like to use my own tools when I work on things. I am thinking of getti g another one, as I am out growing it and it would be easier to carry 2 similar weighing boxes than one heavy one. I should post a pic of its contents. Not believable without pictures and it would take to long to long to verbalize.

I suggest a tote like rubbermaid or something for the parts, if you are going to use the hand truck.