Need tool box (cabinet) suggestion

[Rick_]

We recently moved into our first home and quickly realized we need a bigger tool box than the small plastic one we have not. It's Packed with all sorts of tools. And than we have tons of odds and ends. Screws. Nails, little parts I use for my aquarium, and all sorts of other stuff. (we have a cordless drill also).

It's do hard to find a tool when we need it. We have to dig through that plastic box (after taking the top drawer out of it.). It's a mess.

We have a two car garage, but it's tight with our cars in there. We have a good area in front of the cars that a tool box and / or cabinet.

I'm a rookie at all of this. I've never bought any "major" toolbox / garage storage before and have no idea where to start, or what I need. There are so many options. I've looke at Sam's, lowes, home depot and sears. I'm just an average "joe" kind of guy. I don't work on my car, or do a lot of building. (don't really think I need a work bench). I just need a good place to organize my tools and random "home" stuff. But not sure how many drawers I need, ball bearings, deep drawers, shallow drawers, draw liners, no draw liners , etc is good to start out with.

Also Im assuming I want to be be able to upgrade in the future if I ever need to.

So basically can you guys suggest a good toolbox / cabinet for a home owners starting out with their "tools?". I'm assuming I don't have to spend a fortune to get something good. (I don't want to overdo it, which I'm sure is easy to do.)

Hopefully someone knows of a good deal on something, or maybe a black Friday sale. (or just a all around good deal, like perhaps the SMS club stuff. )
Thanks so much!

 

[35mm]

Re: Nees tool box (cabinet) suggestion

Everyone recommends the 13 drawer box from Harbor Freight. They often have coupons and sales for it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-drawer-red-industrial-quality-roller-cabinet-90320.html

 

[Rick_]

Re: Nees tool box (cabinet) suggestion

Thanks! Can I buy it anywhere local? I'm looking to get something this weekend.

 

[D.J.]

Re: Nees tool box (cabinet) suggestion

well if you would put a location in your avatar, we might be able to tell you if you could get it local.

 

[Zeke]

Re: Nees tool box (cabinet) suggestion

Rick, welcome to GJ.

That HF box is 400lbs. You want to go that big off the bat?

Sears sells a lot of boxes from bench to to roll arounds. You don't say where you are, but Ace, Tractor Supply, Osh and the like all have boxes to carry out.

Sometimes a combination of boxes works best. You can get organizers for the small parts and tool boxes for tools. I think we all find having several organizers helps. You can even repurpose obsolete file card cabinets. Many available on Craigslist from time to time.

Speaking of time, take some before throwing out your money. You'll be using these items for a long time.

 

[Rick_]

Re: Nees tool box (cabinet) suggestion

I was actually about to say that looks a little big ofd the bat. I was looking at some of the sears ones. Maybe getting a rolling one and than something on top if needed later.

But same and home depot also sell many different boxes that stack like that. Hoping to get some advice on those.

I'm in Dallas by the way.

 

[John in OH]

Re: Nees tool box (cabinet) suggestion

Everyone recommends the 13 drawer box from Harbor Freight. They often have coupons and sales for it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-drawer-red-industrial-quality-roller-cabinet-90320.html

I don't own one of these, but I've looked at them at HF and they look like good, sturdy, inexpensive tool chests. Yeah, it may be a little big now, but it doesn't take long to fill one up ... especially if you're using it to also store nails, screws, glue, small paint cans, etc. You sure get a lot of bang for your buck with this HF 13 drawer roll-around.

They should be available in stock at any local HF ... but call ahead and check to make sure. They frequently sell out especially when HF is doing a holiday sales promotion.

 

[rickairmedic]

Rick welcome to the garage journal from another Rick . Seeing as you live in Dallas and knowing this isnt your forever toolbox but just your first step into larger tool storage . I would be watching Craigslist for a good deal on a gently used older craftsman or other smaller homeowners type roll around . You should be able to pick up a decent one for half of what new would cost if not less and then when you are ready to step up to a bigger box you wont loose as much selling off the " transition " box . I know theres 2 really nice older Waterloo boxes on my local Craigslist right now each full of tools for $265.00 each . I dont have the time to mess with them myself right now but if I did I would grab them both and sell off the tools I dont need and get most of the cost back and end up with 2 nice older boxes .


Rick

 

[bczygan]

Rick,
Welcome to GJ.
I want you to get thinking bigger and more long range.
You have a mixture of tools and have to rummage around in a full little box to find what you need.
If you get a little bigger box you will soon acquire more tools and face the same problem.
Better to start planning now for the future.
Eventually you will have a number of boxes of varying sizes and uses. Some will be fixed and some portable. Some will be general use and some will be specific task or trade boxes.
So start right now keeping on the lookout for new or used containers, boxes, carts etc. that you can use to get organized.
Pick up a few buckets and lids at Home Depot (Or keep on the lookout for paint buckets thrown out).
Look for deals on plastic and metal tool boxes on Craigs List or at local Big Box stores. Look for sturdy construction with strong handles. Get small parts boxes and containers like Zeke mentions above. You will need a variety of containers for tools, parts and supplies. Some kitchen and household containers will also work. Some of these smaller containers will help you organize things in the bigger cabinets. Sometimes file cabinets are even free on CL. Also think of wood dressers free on CL. As you start acquiring different boxes, start sorting your tools by purpose like electrical, plumbing, carpentry, automotive, painting, tile work, general household, metalworking etc. You might also want a box or bag for tools for each car. Look at resale shops. They have gym bags and luggage, both hard shell cases and soft bags that you can use. Even stack-able plastic bins will store bigger tools. Label the different boxes, bags and cabinets so you know what's inside.
Think about making a bench and putting up some shelves and pegboard. Look for kitchen cabinets for free to use as wall storage. Get a sheet of plywood and put it on some file cabinets and put some pegboard and hooks up. This will give you a work surface and wall space for hanging tools. Start spreading tools out and grouping them by use. Start thinking about bench top tools like a vise, grinder and drill press. At some point you will have enough automotive and mechanics tools that you will need a good roller. The HF 13 drawer is way stronger than anything but a Snap On. Other than used roller cabinets, it is the best deal for new. Far better than Craftsman. HF's 5 drawer red service cart is also a great item to have. Get one of these and then the other. They should serve most all of your garage tool needs. But also pick up some used 3 drawer or one tray Craftsman portable tool boxes. A couple of these will sit on top the 13 drawer roller for portable work boxes.
Actually, it doesn't matter what box you get right now, as you will still have uses for it in your collection of boxes later. Your first task is to read as much as you can here on GJ to get ideas for your garage. Your second task is to show us measurements and photos of your setup so we can give you lots of help and advice!
BTW, If you have lots of kids toys, yard equipment and household items stored in your garage, we can give good advice on storage either in the garage, or help on how to build a shed and get that stuff out of the garage/shop.

3 Drawer Craftsman box with handle on Detroit CL ($25 used $35 new):

HF 13 drawer ($350 plus tx w/coupon):

HF 5 Drawer Service Cart ($160 with 20% coupon):

Bill
This is the route I am taking.

 

[Ocho]

Welcome to GJ, Rick!

Look, you really can't go wrong if you are upgrading from a plastic box. HF, HD, Lowes all have good starter boxes. You ought to be able to get something to hold your stuff for around $200.

 

[shannonw]

I'd think anything cheap would work for you...if i just kept random stuff there I personally wouldn't spend $350+. I used one of those basic $99 stanley top bottom cheapo deals my wife got me for our first house for years. When i started working on the house projects more, boats, cars and getting into some wood working here and there ...and kids came along (ok especially the kids lol) , I realized the need to find a particular tool quick and needed organization as I might only have 15-60m here and there a few times a week to make some progress on something.If i wasted 15-20 of that each time looking for something it made me not make any progress.

So i got one like that HF box is a good size (though i got a well used snapon off CL it's about the same size, 13 drawer). i mean you can fit a ton of stuff in those, the looks are deceiving...may be overkill for you maybe not. no idea what tools you have there but they fit *alot*...i have sockets, wrenches, pneumatic stuff in there, bike repair tools, air nailers, multimeters, etc , most car care stuff, auto random orbital, die and tap kits,etc...you get the drift all in different drawers.

If you have a hammer, some cheap screw drivers and couple wrenches it's overkill, Though..if you're loaded with cash the point is moot =) it's a good price box, and even if you don't fill it now if you think you might, not a bad way to start out.

Here's another thing i've done...for stuff you may use like once / year why take up tool box storage for that ****. like plumbing tools. I buy a $10 dollar plastic and i'll put plumbing tools, random fitting,etc in that and on a shelf. Electrical stuff goes in another plastic box (except the multimeter which is a toolbox drawer item i use frequently). Then on a shelf i'll just use labeled cardboard boxes for things like heat gun,glue gun,etc... leave the tool box free for stuff i use frequently at ground level.

So my advice is look what you have, how you want it organized, what is actually used and what just sits there for years at a time taking space.

 

[shannonw]

If you don't work on a lot of stuff and it's just general stuff, also consider wall cabinets...floor space in a garage gets pretty valuable (especially from what i've heard from people who actually put cars in theirs lol).

 

[machine_punk]

I am in a very similar situation to you...I just ended a very 'nomadic' period of my life and was looking for a place to put my 'two soft tool bags full of tools,' so I wouldn't have to dig through the bags looking for them and cutting my hands on sharp things. I will be building a MUCH larger tool storage unit very soon, but for the number of tools you have, I think I have the answer.

I've found that the Harbor Freight 5-drawer tool cart really fit that need...
View media item 11208
As you can see, I don't like the 'glitz,' so I removed the aluminum trim pieces from the drawer fronts of mine...
View media item 11210
I had originally thought I was going to get the 13-drawer rolling tool cabinet from Harbor Freight and I got a good deal on the end cabinet, which was built to hang on the end of the rolling tool cabinet. Until I figure out where it will end up, it is temporarily parked on my rolling tool cart...
View media item 12084
As far as storing bits and bobs, I think you would be happy with a small set of storage bins. Something like this would be good for larger items or items you keep a lot of (from Harbor Freight)...
View media item 13221
You might also consider something like this, also from Harbor Freight, for smaller items you just keep a few of...
View media item 13222
It sounds like you are not a heavy 'do it yourselfer,' so I think these three things would work well for you.

 

[BWS]

Buy used......take monies saved and put the best wheels you can $$ on it.BW

 

[brownbagg]

sear are having some pretty good sales right now because of the dealing with Kmart, keep eye on them too

 

[Lippyp]

I use different things for different types of tools. My car tools are in a few metal cabinets, one big roll cab and a top box, my socket set came in its own three drawer metal box, I have another metal box full of bodywork tools. The theres my DIY/House type tools, my power tools are in individual plastic cases sometimes two to a case if they fit and hand tools are spolit between a bag that I haul around and then specialist stuff is in a few plastic toolboxes, one for plumbing, one for electrics etc. I ahve a lot of stuff having renovated a couple of houses from bare walls up and work on cars. I hate having stuff jumbled together from different disciplines if you like so I have one set of screwdrivers for my cars and one for domestic work as I don't want to be using an oily screwdriver in the house.

 

[Rick_]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Few questions.

1. Where do I find one of the coupons you guys talk about?

2. What do you think of this one ---> http://www.harborfreight.com/11-drawer-roller-cabinet-67421.html

It seems like a good deal.

 

[rickairmedic]

Rick honestly that 11 drawer unit has some of the worst slides I have ever seen on a toolbox . You would be better off getting one of the stack units at Wallmart than that one .

I get a flyer from HF once a month that has coupons in it also most auto magazines have a page or 2 of HF coupons in them .


I would still look on your local Craigslist for a decent used Craftsman cabinet . I will add for a little more than what HF wants for that 11 drawer unit you could have a Craftsman set with Quiet glide drawers in it .

Heres an 11 drawer ball bearing craftsman set for $267.00

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...Cabinet+Combos&prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=L8


Rick

 

[NUTTSGT]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Few questions.

1. Where do I find one of the coupons you guys talk about?

2. What do you think of this one ---> http://www.harborfreight.com/11-drawer-roller-cabinet-67421.html

It seems like a good deal.

1. Coupons, they are in various automotive magazines. We have a local "free" autotrader, that HF advertises in.

2. I think if you go look at that cabinet, you'll find it's quite flimsy.


The current ad has one of these tool carts in it for $99. It might be a good place for you to start.
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...b-capacity-four-drawer-roller-cart-95659.html

 

[Rick_]

How about this unit. http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod3780079&navAction=

Than later we can add the top toolbox to it if needed. Ive also been looking at some of the combos that home depot and sears sales.

Can someone help me understand what the difference in brands (and even within the same brand?) For instance, quiet glide vs ball bearing vs none.

I was looking at. Craftsman set at sears and the salesman was tellin me one combo had "sharp" edges while the more expensive set had "smooth" edges.
One had a key lock, one had a bar lock.

This will go in my garage, and our tools aren't expensive. Not worried about something breaking in my tool box. I'm just trying to organize them.

So I don't know what I get when I step up fel
The cheapest craftsman I can find at sears, or one I the home depot brand.

 

[rickairmedic]

The ones with Bars for locking at Sears are their homeowners line and with them you might as well go to HF and get their 11 drawer unit for $199.00 . The quiet glide ( what I have ) is the next step up and the drawers slide much better than the basic homeowners boxes . Ball bearing drawers is the best sears has to offer and their drawers slide much much better . There is also a differance between the 3 as to how much weight you can put in the Drawer .

Look back at my last post and you will see what I think is a heck of a deal on a Craftsman Ball Bering set .


Rick

 

[Rick_]

Thanks for the info.

Do you know of any of the sets at home depot that would be a good bye? What do you think of that SAMs club link I posted?

Also, I like the look of the HF cart, but is it upgradable, is there a box I can put on top of it If needed? And the shelf on the bottom seems like wasted space on the cart. I don't have any big tools (just a drill) and I like how the others have a drawer on the bottom so you can't see the stuff that's in there. (unless I'm missing something that area can be used for that makes it worth having. )

 

[Rick_]

I just checked out that link. That's a great set. Do you think home depot or sears sales that?

Also that one has quiet glide and ball bearings? I thought they were either or. But it looks like you said this has both..?

 

[bobemmerich]

After reading your posts, depending on how many tools you have, I think this is probably a good starter set for you....
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM1836866001P?prdNo=9&blockNo=59&blockType=G59
It has small parts bins for odds and ends and the lower part can store some bigger items, paint, waxes, etc...Should you decide you ned more room, you could always get a 3 or 4 drawer intermediate chest to go between them.

The one in Rickairmedic's post is ACTUALLY an awesome deal (sorry didn't click on the link.) If you can get that, you're ahead of the game.

 

[Rick_]

Thanks. I'm hoping to get something today, as we really need to clean up garage.

I live across the street from a Home Depot, and about 25 minutes from a Sears. I'm tempted to go and pick up the set that Rick mentioned in his link (The sears by me has it in stock.)

However, I'm curious what you guys think of this combo at Home Depot. How does it compare to the Craftsman mentioned (And also to the combo at Sams club.)

Here is the one I'm looking at that Home Depot has

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Not to mention it comes with the drawer liners, and already put together.! Does this look like a good combo?

 

[bobemmerich]

It's not bad, but if you're a DIY type of person, I think you'll get more bang with the Craftsman unit as there's a bit more storage for the few extra bucks it cost and you'll probably be getting more tools as time goes on.

 

[Rick_]

Well...bummer. I called and had Sears check and they actually didn't have all the pieces for that combo set. I was planning on grabbing it.

Is the quality on the one from Home Depot comparable? Is it upgradable? (I'm assuming I can add one of those middle drawers if I need to down the road...)

 

[machine_punk]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Few questions.

1. Where do I find one of the coupons you guys talk about?

2. What do you think of this one ---> http://www.harborfreight.com/11-drawer-roller-cabinet-67421.html

It seems like a good deal.

There is a thread for harbor freight coupons on this site.

The 20% off coupon from Harbor Freight is fairly readily available. Many monthly magazines (popular mechanics, popular science, the car magazines, machine shop magazines) have a two-page add with Harbor Freight coupons each month. You CAN use the 20% coupon on the tool CART, but not on the tool cabinets.

The box you are talking about here (the less expensive Harbor Freight box) is garbage...you would be better off throwing all your tools in a pile on the floor.

The general consensus in other threads is that the current quality of Craftsman boxes is less than the Harbor Freight boxes. I would agree, based on what I have seen.

I cannot speak about the Home Depot cabinets or the Sam's cabinet...I haven't seen those in person.

Whatever you end up getting...make sure you show us pictures!

 

[Rick_]

Thanks, I will!

 

[Rick_]

Ok, it looks I'm down to these to options. Both seem to get great reviews. Interested in your feedback.

Option 1 (Sam's Club)

Seville Ultra Heavy Duty 6 Drawer Cabinet --- 189.98
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod2140859

Seville Classics 5 Drawer Tool Box --- 99.82

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod3780079&navAction=

Total 289.80

Option 2 (Home Depot)
Husky 5 Drawer Tool Cabinet ---- 189.00
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Husky 26 in 6 Drawer Chest ---- 109.00
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...talogId=10053&productId=202017591&R=202017591

Total 298

Both of them are in the same price range. Just curious how you guys feel about those two options, or if there is some better deal / option out there I'm missing.

Also I think I have a about 20-30 dollars in store credit at home depot that I can use, so it will be even a little cheaper.
Thanks!

 

[Rick_]

Ok, I found out Sears doesn't have that model in Rick's link (it was last years model) but they have what I think is the exact same thing for 20 dollars more

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/Compare?...636000B&partNumber_2=009C1112000B&prodCount=2

In fact I can get "last year's" 2 drawer for 44 dollars and add it to this years set.

So I'd be under 300 dollars for this set.

So the question is this set, or the one from Home Depot....What do you guys think?

 

[Rick_]

Heading to Sears to get the 11 drawer tool chest I think...unless of course that husky is a better deal. It's already put together, and includes the liners..and is a little cheeper (and closer to my house..)

 

[Rick_]

It looks like the Husky may be a better value, but here's what I'm wondering...they both have 11 drawers, but 3 of the Husky drawers make up one of the craftsman drawers. It has 3 small but deep drawers..I'm wondering how useful those are, and it's better to have more shallow drawers....

Also the craftsman doesn't get that good of reviews on the Sears site, but I understand that not everyone writes reviews, and that feedback from this site is better.

 

[bobemmerich]

It all depends on the types of tool you're storing. I was a mechanic, so I like the shallow drawers for sockets and such. For my home tools (drywall, electrical, plumbing, etc...) I prefer deeper drawers because some of those tools have bulky handles or are big.

 

[Rick_]

Thanks...

So I need to pull the trigger...what do you think?

What gives me more bang (and quality) for the buck?

I'm getting 11 drawers for pretty much the same price.

It just comes down to quality, and from what I'm reading online that Husky gets good reviews and comes with the drawer liners. That could be the way to go. Plus it's already built, comes with the liners precut for all the drawers, and it's at home depot (which is across the stree)

You mentioned that Craftsman would give me more room to grow, what did you mean by that? Can't I upgrade, and add one drawers if needed later if I go with the Husky?

Like I said, form the reviews online the Husky is a winner.

 

[bobemmerich]

After looking at them both, I personally like the looks of the Husky better. best suggestion is to go to the store and "play" with them both, then think about what types of tools you're going to be storing and go from there. From a value standpoint, to me they're both about the same.
As far as growing, I was referring to the 3 piece unit in Rick's link. More drawers to put stuff in.
For what it's worth, I have a Husky top box on top of 2 Craftsman lower boxes. I like the Husky (made by Waterloo) and if I could find the matching bottom, I would buy it, but it was a discontinued store closeout floor model.

 

[Rick_]

Thanks Bob. I'm going to go check it out!

 

[bobemmerich]

Here's my main box: That's the best bet. Check them out and decide.Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[rickairmedic]

I agree with Bob both sets " Sears and Home depot " are pretty much the same quality wise . Sooo its really a mater of playing with both and looking at them and seing which would do a better job holding your tools .

Rick

 

[Rick_]

What about that combo I posted from Sams? It's pretty nice, and sturday.