Lowes or Sears tool chest

[Alex7799]

Hey guys so im a student in school working really hard to become a desiel mechanic, my parents are really proud of me with how well im doing. My parents want to know what tool chest i want, i can't decide wether to go with craftman professional, or the amazing looking one at lowes . It will be my christmas present.

http://www.sears.ca/product/craftsman-md-craftsman-professional-tm-tool-top-chests-and-cabinets/coord-342806

http://www.lowes.com/pd_351108-55738-TB53SS11_4294764779+5003705_4294937087_?productId=3439322&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_1000%2B2000_4294764779%2B5003705_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=$1000 - $2000

 

[yjWrangler]

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...-industrial-quality-roller-cabinet-90320.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...carts/red-roller-cabinet-top-chest-92099.html

 

[DrkMtnDew]

either one would be a good box for you. personally i'd pick a Cman. or since you're a student you can pick up a Classic Series SO box with your discount.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I have the 26" version of that Lowes stainless chest in a bottom roll cabinet I picked up for $175.

For the price I paid it is a perfect home box with double row bearing slides and tall top drawer for stand up socket trays. Good to roll around in the basement, but not a lifetime one-and-done type of purchase tho.

The newer Kobalt boxes are OK, and to me a hair above the Craftsman, but the Harbor Freight boxes are likely a better built box and better bargain to boot.

The Griplatch Craftsman will get you by for the home garage, but the matl's and construction are getting iffier by the week which is sad, but unfortunately very true.

Lots of reviews here on GJ discussing box options including used track brand boxes if you plan to stay in a technical or wrenching type of profession.

 

[Alex7799]

either one would be a good box for you. personally i'd pick a Cman. or since you're a student you can pick up a Classic Series SO box with your discount.

Snap on only gives our school a 10% discount its horribe, Mac gives us a 50% discount but only on certain things, there is only once tool chest they give us a deal on, something 1000.

 

[osborn.ozzy]

the new cman boxes ****, stray away from them.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

Snap on only gives our school a 10% discount its horribe, Mac gives us a 50% discount but only on certain things, there is only once tool chest they give us a deal on, something 1000.

only 10% huh...that stinks. if i could get another box i'd get the KRL1022CPC. i don't know how our dealer does it, but he sells them 50% below cost. built for a lifetime.

But of the 2 you're looking at go Cman Pro.

 

[diesel research]

Snap on only gives our school a 10% discount its horribe, Mac gives us a 50% discount but only on certain things, there is only once tool chest they give us a deal on, something 1000.

I vote for neither of your choices above.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=23865&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

$1500 give or take.

While it is physically smaller, you may be able to make more efficient use of available space, and it is definitely a HELL OF A LOT easier to roll from bay to bay.

A lot of diesel guys don't get dedicated bay space where a box can be parked in one convenient location and you work in the same bay all day. If this ends up being the case at your future shop, ask yourself which one would you prefer to push? and which one will withstand pushing the most?

More use of longer tools such as extensions/prybars/breakers mean you may be interested in more "full width" drawers.

Don't worry about parts storage on top, since you can't store on top of combos anyways, and even if you could, the weight of driveshafts and starters would quickly collapse those tin cans.

 

[diesel research]

Your choices in craftsman are atleast built by international, a better option than we have, but I wouldn't say international is a direct competitor to truck brands, even though it is priced pretty high.

There isn't any harbor freight in canada as far as I know? So that means all the HF recommendations should remain just for US members.

 

[yjWrangler]

Your choices in craftsman are atleast built by international, a better option than we have, but I wouldn't say international is a direct competitor to truck brands, even though it is priced pretty high.

There isn't any harbor freight in canada as far as I know? So that means all the HF recommendations should remain just for US members.

Who said anything about Canada

 

[Racr350]

Im surprised no one has recommended Montezuma or Extreme. Less expensive than truck brands, yet the quality is identical IMHO. Years ahead of the two you offered up. Great value. Take a look at Strictly's selection. They offer unbeatable customer service as well. A big thing to consider. Good luck with your schooling. Take full advantage of it.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

 

[diesel research]

Who said anything about Canada

Let's just say I am a super-genius and know these kind of things.

Actually, it takes a mere few milliseconds to see the link he provided and KNOW he must be from canada. Don't have to click on it, you can see the www.sears.ca

Just to verify:

im from canada tho, alot of sites only offer the apprenticship deals to the ppl in the states.

Re: New guy from Toronto

Hey guys, my name is Alex. I have been all over the internet searching stuff for the course i will be attending at the end of august, i will be going to Centennial for truck mechanic course. I am really enjoying this site so far, lots of good information.

 

[oilslick]

I agree with diezel research that cart/box is awesome and could be sold easy if need be and stores all kinds of stuff them other boxes cant!!!!

 

[ajchien]

I have the 40" kobalt stainless steel lowes one. It's ok. I really do think you should measure the drawers though, and see how wide they are and how far they open. My 40" only has the one top drawer full length. The longer and the deeper the drawers the better. Not having to put a 25" breaker bar or ratchet in diagonally would be helpful. Also when my drawers slides out, theres lie 3"+ that is remaining covered, and it's kinda wasted space, as you don't feel like putting tools there because it's harder to access.

 

[dankicksass]

The Kobalt chests with the radio and refrigerator are really gimmicky. I don't think they belong outside a home shop.

 

[PassnThru]

Let's just say I am a super-genius and know these kind of things.

Actually, it takes a mere few milliseconds to see the link he provided and KNOW he must be from canada. Don't have to click on it, you can see the www.sears.ca

Just to verify:



Re: New guy from Toronto

OMG - It's the Great Karnak

 

[Skin]

Snap on only gives our school a 10% discount its horribe, Mac gives us a 50% discount but only on certain things, there is only once tool chest they give us a deal on, something 1000.

Whats MAC want for the Tech 1000 and is it the 11 or 19 drawer configuration? The tech series is a good popular box [easy to find used in the states], if the deal is sweet enough it may be worth it as opposed to a $2000 lowes box or a ~$1500 cart.

I think diesel research has good advise and the cart is absolutely handy for working out of but having a box as a home base would be more important unless you're going to be stuck doing gravy work for awhile. Carts can always come later and dont need to be Snap-On. Sunex makes some nice ones too for a couple hundred bucks so you could get a nice box and a cart.

I'd also second Montezuma/Extreme but i dont know what shipping/taxes and import fees will do to those prices for you.

 

[pcmeiners]

As a note to Craftsman stainless chests, I have one which has been sitting in my house 3 years, has a light coat of rust on all exterior surfaces, unlike any other metal object in the house...will never purchase another chest from Sears.

 

[Givl Reggin]

If a magnet sticks to stainless steel, then it's a lower grade.

 

[matt1977]

Home depot, home hardware, lowes, and sears all sell international tool boxes in canada. I'd suggest taking a look at those since the craftsman is just a rebadged international.

 

[shoturtle]

The shinny stainless steel kolbalt is nice and pretty well made skip the radio or fridge one. But since you are a student get the setup that is more fitting to your budget. The craftsman and the kobalt box are decent boxes and will work for you needs.

 

[Farmall450]

Craftsman isn't bad. Don't listen to the haters!

 

[wafrederick]

The toolboxes from Lowes,going to last for 2 years max and will have to replace it.The Craftsman toolboxes are not made for pro use,the spotwelds are poor and once again you will replace it.The Kobalt and Craftsman toolboxes are good for home use.Spend the good money on a high quality toolbox which will last for a long time.

 

[oldldh]

+1 on the Montezuma and Extreme boxes from...

www.strictlytoolboxes.com

Free freight, too...although I don't know about north of the border...

 

[shoturtle]

Did any read the spec of the craftsman pro. 120lb drawer. Not to shabby. And total load rating 1140lb. And it is made in Canada. This is not the regular box they sell at the US sears.

There are way to many hater on this board. After reading the spec, I would go with the cman over the lowes.

Durable powder coat paint finish resists scratching and solvents. Double wall construction maximizes strength
Drawers: six are 23" wide; six are 11" wide; one is 38" wide
All drawers feature heavy-duty ball bearing slides for smooth performance
Total load rating: 1,140 Lbs; Load rating per drawer: 120 Lbs
Drawer liners included. All drawers have safety latch drawer pulls
Keyed lock
Heavy-duty steel side handle for portability; heavy-duty 5" x 2" wheels (2 fixed, 2 swivel)
Medium (18 gauge) & Heavy (22 gauge) steel construction
Made in Canada. Tools and accessories are not included
Overall Dimensions are: 41½ W x 18¾ D x 42 2⁄5" H

 

[matt1977]

Did any read the spec of the craftsman pro. 120lb drawer. Not to shabby. And total load rating 1140lb. And it is made in Canada. This is not the regular box they sell at the US sears.

There are way to many hater on this board. After reading the spec, I would go with the cman over the lowes.

Durable powder coat paint finish resists scratching and solvents. Double wall construction maximizes strength
Drawers: six are 23" wide; six are 11" wide; one is 38" wide
All drawers feature heavy-duty ball bearing slides for smooth performance
Total load rating: 1,140 Lbs; Load rating per drawer: 120 Lbs
Drawer liners included. All drawers have safety latch drawer pulls
Keyed lock
Heavy-duty steel side handle for portability; heavy-duty 5" x 2" wheels (2 fixed, 2 swivel)
Medium (18 gauge) & Heavy (22 gauge) steel construction
Made in Canada. Tools and accessories are not included
Overall Dimensions are: 41½ W x 18¾ D x 42 2⁄5" H

But it will probably only last 2 years because it doesn't say snap on on it

 

[shoturtle]

Or Matco or Mac.

 

[shoturtle]

To the OP,

Get the craftsman pro, and don't follow what the haters say. That box you link is going to last. And it helps your countries economy.

To many people base craftsman on what they see at the store. Which normally carry consumer grade only. The craftsman pro you linked is a much heftier box that is only in their catalogue in the store. No one gets to touchy feely it to see what the higher grade boxes are like.

 

[notchy]

This thread is almost 2 years old lmao

 

[shoturtle]

good point, i really need to go to the first post all the time to check it out.

 

[betcd]

craftsman boxes are NOT made like they used to be made run run run away from them anything is better then in IMO

 

[CNGsaves]

This thread is almost 2 years old lmao

^ ^ ^ This . . . Yep the OP hasn't ever been back to his own post!! Did he even buy a tool box at all? Did OP ever really pursue being mechanic?