Need Toolbox Purchase Advice

[Spta97]

Hi everyone,

Wanted to get some current advice on toolboxes.

I am replacing a small ~30 year old craftsman 3 box stacked setup which isn't that great quality so my expectations are low.

My usage will be mostly staring at it and occasionally doing some light work on the cars so minimal DIY. Price range is $1k - $1.5k

I want something that does not have chrome/silver handles as I hate chrome and prefer black.

So far I have looked at the following:

1. Husky 52" V4 - This is the version 4 box which does not have the LED light, 19 gauge (thinner) metal, but higher load rating than the V3
2. Husky 52" V3 - Version 3 of the above, 18 gauge metal, LED light, but less load capacity. Also is out of stock and the only live example in the store was beat to hell and had the drawers locked with no key to open. Top box was warped and was not sitting flush with the bottom.
3. US General V2 - plus the top chest. I hate the color of the drawer handles as well as the unlatching which is only to the right of the drawer. Interesting, I saw the 44in box next to it which did not have the annoying release on the right but also seemed to be sturdier. On both, I also found the top not to be tall enough to store anything like the Huskys.
4. Husky 56"- I saw a post here which indicated this is built by a different company than the 52's and is inferior, cannot find it in store.

I also looked at the HF Icon which was nice, but too much for what I want to spend (and chrome handles on all but the green). US General is also releasing the version 3 - 56" box "late summer". I looked at the 72" v3 and loved the color (gray), but was not blown away by the quality. The v2 box seemed sturdier?

Any opinions?

 

[tyyost]

I’m in the harbor freight camp. I look at Husky and the Milwaukee cabinets when I visit HD. They never seem to be as sturdy as the US General. I would add that unless you have an exceptionally heavy set of tools, most home gamers won’t notice a difference.

To me, drawer layout is more important than anything else. I want my sockets standing, preferably in Hanson style organizers. Wrenches and pliers on edge, in medium depth drawers, and no huge welding helmet or circular saw drawers. I like the layout of my HF 44” and hope the series 3 will fit my needs, otherwise I may just buy the 6 drawer cart I have been looking at since it launched.

You also mentioned the top storage, if that is valuable to you, think about what you will use it for. I have the same flat surface disease many members here have. If I had a top box I’d likely never close the lid…

 

[GeoBruin]

Harbor Freight US General Series 3?

Black handles instead of chrome and full length drawer latches. The drawer configurations are different too. Seems like a slam dunk.

72 in. x 22 in. Triple-Bank Roll Cab, Series 3, Red

Amazing deals on this Red 72In Roller Cabinet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[ecotec]

I will be watching this thread.

I had been watching for a 30” depth box… and I really want one… but these shallow boxes seem more realistic for when we downsize (actually we want to go bigger but have a sprawling ranch with a first floor laundry room).

I want the modern convenience of a top drawer for sockets, ball bearings… but not so big that a few guys couldn’t wrestle it into a basement mechanical room.

My Matco box is getting pretty long in the tooth… and it is so overloaded…

Unless I find something used and cheap that fits the bill. I am thinking the gen 3 56” when it comes out this summer or the Extreme tools 55”x25” if I am on overtime and have a decent budget.

 

[Max]

I think you already have a reasonable list of what is out there. A couple of thoughts:
- If a box has what you want except for the handles don’t skip it. I am not dismissing your preferences but rather noting that you can paint or tape the handles.
- Another option would be to look at used Lista/Lyon/Rosseau/Vidmar boxes. They will typically be in the 40-50” range, taller than the other options you are looking at, and very very sturdy.
- And a last option would be to keep the boxes you have, and add another box. For working on cars, I was thinking something like the HF30” 5 drawer or the 34” tool carts.

We all have biases. Here are mine:

I have a US made craftsman 26“ stack that I still use for secondary tools. I’ve had it for 30+ years and its still in great shape. I had a HF 44” stack/side cabinet that I got rid of, although I do still have a 26” HF cabinet that I keep wood working tools in. My main cabinets are a 46” wide (52” tall) used Vidmar and a 40” wide (53” tall) used Lista cabinet. The Vidmar has 24” deep drawers (actual internal space, not the cabinet depth) and the Lista has 18” internal drawers.

I sold the HF 44” because I discovered that I hate little drawers. The cabinet had only one wide drawer for sockets so for things like my hammers I had to use 1.5 drawers. It’s a real PITA when you have to think if your large ball peen hammer is in the left drawer or the right drawer. In the Lista I have a single hammer drawer.

Besides having full width drawers, the Lista/Vidmar boxes have 200 lb drawers, much deeper drawers, and built in organization. The built in organization is a series of slots on all four sides of the drawers that makes it easy to put in horizontal, vertical, or both dividers. For how I think and work, the cabinet height, full width deep drawers and the built in organization are the winners for me. FWIW, I paid $900 for the Lista and $1300 for the Vidmar.

 

[Garcky]

A fun dilemma, I think. You get to choose a new tool storage system. Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will work well for your application, so get one you'll like looking at over the long term. They'll all hold your tools OK.

 

[Boogerman]

If you near Menards, much better served by their 56 inch combo at about $1400. However, since you say you not really use box, the light duty ones you reference might hold up.

Tool Chests at Menards®

Organize your tools with our selection of tool chests and boxes, available in a variety of styles.

www.menards.com

Not sure what the handle color currently is on Menards, they've changed paint scheme since I last saw them.

 

[nadogail]

Picking a tool box is a personal decision much like picking a spouse, because it is such a very personal decision I feel that I have no duty to make a recommendation; I suggest you prepare to consider that there are very few that will meet all your expectations and prepare to adjust your priorities and seek not perfection; but what meets your major needs.

 

[Spta97]

I’m in the harbor freight camp. I look at Husky and the Milwaukee cabinets when I visit HD. They never seem to be as sturdy as the US General. I would add that unless you have an exceptionally heavy set of tools, most home gamers won’t notice a difference.

To me, drawer layout is more important than anything else. I want my sockets standing, preferably in Hanson style organizers. Wrenches and pliers on edge, in medium depth drawers, and no huge welding helmet or circular saw drawers. I like the layout of my HF 44” and hope the series 3 will fit my needs, otherwise I may just buy the 6 drawer cart I have been looking at since it launched.

You also mentioned the top storage, if that is valuable to you, think about what you will use it for. I have the same flat surface disease many members here have. If I had a top box I’d likely never close the lid…

In going through my search I realized I don't want small drawers. I'm not sure of the point actually. Whatever box I am looking at I bring my Ernst socket rails with my biggest 1/2" impact sockets to make sure they can sit standing up. In HF, only the Icon could take the depth but the Generals 2/3 would work if I trimmed off the plastic tabs on the end. Height-wise they fit in all the HF boxes - need to test with Husky.

As far as the top storage I'm not sure. What I did see though is the top on the HF are useless because they are so short - at least the Husky I could fit some stuff in there (whatever it may be).

Harbor Freight US General Series 3?

Black handles instead of chrome and full length drawer latches. The drawer configurations are different too. Seems like a slam dunk.

72 in. x 22 in. Triple-Bank Roll Cab, Series 3, Red

Amazing deals on this Red 72In Roller Cabinet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

The 56" isn't out until "late summer". TBH, I was more impressed with the build quality of the Series 2 (and of that the 44" vs. the 56") n comparison. The drawers would go like 15 degrees off center if I moved them side to side. The Series 2 was not as bad (especially the 44"). I may have to wait until the 56" comes out but hoping to catch Memorial Day sales and get this project finished.

Also going to look for wall cabinets...

I will be watching this thread.

I had been watching for a 30” depth box… and I really want one… but these shallow boxes seem more realistic for when we downsize (actually we want to go bigger but have a sprawling ranch with a first floor laundry room).

I want the modern convenience of a top drawer for sockets, ball bearings… but not so big that a few guys couldn’t wrestle it into a basement mechanical room.

My Matco box is getting pretty long in the tooth… and it is so overloaded…

Unless I find something used and cheap that fits the bill. I am thinking the gen 3 56” when it comes out this summer or the Extreme tools 55”x25” if I am on overtime and have a decent budget.

I looked at Extreme tools but they are more expensive. Unfortunately, my house has a tiny 1 car garage which has forced me to use all the wall space. If I had more room I would likely get the Icon 72" with two side cabinets - though for the price it prob makes more sense to get a used truck box (SO/Matco)

I think you already have a reasonable list of what is out there. A couple of thoughts:
- If a box has what you want except for the handles don’t skip it. I am not dismissing your preferences but rather noting that you can paint or tape the handles.
- Another option would be to look at used Lista/Lyon/Rosseau/Vidmar boxes. They will typically be in the 40-50” range, taller than the other options you are looking at, and very very sturdy.
- And a last option would be to keep the boxes you have, and add another box. For working on cars, I was thinking something like the HF30” 5 drawer or the 34” tool carts.

We all have biases. Here are mine:

I have a US made craftsman 26“ stack that I still use for secondary tools. I’ve had it for 30+ years and its still in great shape. I had a HF 44” stack/side cabinet that I got rid of, although I do still have a 26” HF cabinet that I keep wood working tools in. My main cabinets are a 46” wide (52” tall) used Vidmar and a 40” wide (53” tall) used Lista cabinet. The Vidmar has 24” deep drawers (actual internal space, not the cabinet depth) and the Lista has 18” internal drawers.

I sold the HF 44” because I discovered that I hate little drawers. The cabinet had only one wide drawer for sockets so for things like my hammers I had to use 1.5 drawers. It’s a real PITA when you have to think if your large ball peen hammer is in the left drawer or the right drawer. In the Lista I have a single hammer drawer.

Besides having full width drawers, the Lista/Vidmar boxes have 200 lb drawers, much deeper drawers, and built in organization. The built in organization is a series of slots on all four sides of the drawers that makes it easy to put in horizontal, vertical, or both dividers. For how I think and work, the cabinet height, full width deep drawers and the built in organization are the winners for me. FWIW, I paid $900 for the Lista and $1300 for the Vidmar.

Thanks I will check them out!

A fun dilemma, I think. You get to choose a new tool storage system. Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will work well for your application, so get one you'll like looking at over the long term. They'll all hold your tools OK.

Thanks! I'm actually looking at this as a medium term. I hope one day to retire and move into a house with a MUCH bigger garage. I toyed with the idea of building mine out which would require purchase of some of my neighbor's property and it will easily exceed $100k and there is a laundry list of red tape.

If you near Menards, much better served by their 56 inch combo at about $1400. However, since you say you not really use box, the light duty ones you reference might hold up.

Tool Chests at Menards®

Organize your tools with our selection of tool chests and boxes, available in a variety of styles.

www.menards.com

Not sure what the handle color currently is on Menards, they've changed paint scheme since I last saw them.

Unfortunately there are no stores around me (NY) but thank you!

Picking a tool box is a personal decision much like picking a spouse, because it is such a very personal decision I feel that I have no duty to make a recommendation; I suggest you prepare to consider that there are very few that will meet all your expectations and prepare to adjust your priorities and seek not perfection; but what meets your major needs.

This holds true for tool boxes AND spouses!

 

[Draftpick1]

I was in your situation not long ago my craftsman box had 2 drawers break off and needed a new box ended up with 2 Rousseau boxes off FB marketplace one mainly for my tools 48 inch 11 drawer 50/50 and the other for garage organizing and storage as both came with lots or dividers and rails. Rousseau is who makes Tektons boxes and Lista, Lyons, Stanley/Vidmar are all over built industrial cabinets with 400 pound drawer ratings, my smaller Rousseau box has forklift skids. Most of what you have looked at so far plus Homak, Masterforce , Milwaukee are all similar in metal thickness and drawer ratings and your not gaining much til you get to icon, extreme tools or truck box or an industrial cabinet.

 

[rsanter]

I’m in the HF camp as I have an older 40” and it’s been great

 

[Spta97]

I was in your situation not long ago my craftsman box had 2 drawers break off and needed a new box ended up with 2 Rousseau boxes off FB marketplace one mainly for my tools 48 inch 11 drawer 50/50 and the other for garage organizing and storage as both came with lots or dividers and rails. Rousseau is who makes Tektons boxes and Lista, Lyons, Stanley/Vidmar are all over built industrial cabinets with 400 pound drawer ratings, my smaller Rousseau box has forklift skids. Most of what you have looked at so far plus Homak, Masterforce , Milwaukee are all similar in metal thickness and drawer ratings and your not gaining much til you get to icon, extreme tools or truck box or an industrial cabinet.

Thanks - I checked FB and most of what is on there in my area is junk or beat to hell. Anything good is insanely expensive.

I agree that my price point (dictated by my use case) will only get me a thin gauge Chinese made box but I've become comfortable with that. Seems that they are all similar at this price point (as far as build quality) and the differentiators are features (like soft close drawers, color, etc.).

I’m in the HF camp as I have an older 40” and it’s been great

So far the only one I really liked was the Icon. I'm curious what the US General Gen 3 is like (in the smaller 56" size).

I just came back from HD and saw their Gen 4 52" box. Not the strongest thing in the world (and I was able to easily rock the empty box back and forth - hope that was uneven floor or bad assembly) but it was nice looking and the drawers seemed better than the HFs I saw (both Gen 2 and 3 - not the Icon). It also didn't have annoying latches to open/slide/figure out.

So now looks like I'm down to:

1. Husky 52" V4 - I think I would prefer the V3 but it is out of stock
2. Husky 56" in Matte Gray - I saw some YT vids on this. Really love the color but concerned that the build quality is worse than the 52" (apparently sourced from different manufactures). +4" and a cool color for +$500 seems like a lot but still TBD.
3. HF US General Gen 3, 56" - Need to get my hands on this when it comes out or just rule it out based upon my not loving the 72" drawers. The entire thing felt cheap (V2 seemed better but smaller boxes).

I know Husky isn't great (none at these price point are) but that top hatch with useable space is really a selling point for me. Also, looks wise I like them better and I'm concerned about the cheap materials HF is known for. I think Husky underbuilds with these boxes, but I have read a few reviews on the HF claiming the casters disintegrated after a few years which is similar to my experience with several of their tools.

Perhaps bias, but I feel HF (except for the Icon) all have an expiration date. Not that it is the same but my experience with Husky stuff has been far better than HF.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I have the Husky 52”, version 3 according to your info.

It’d serve as a homeowner box very well, mine is holding up to professional use pretty well so far. The large wide drawer is double slides. The back magnet rack in the top of it is nice for holding all the little things that get lost in junk drawers such as scrapers, picks, Allen key sets, etc

 

[Spta97]

I have the Husky 52”, version 3 according to your info.

It’d serve as a homeowner box very well, mine is holding up to professional use pretty well so far. The large wide drawer is double slides. The back magnet rack in the top of it is nice for holding all the little things that get lost in junk drawers such as scrapers, picks, Allen key sets, etc

Thanks for the input. At this point my only concern with the available v4 version of that box uses 19 ga rather than 18 ga.

I doubt I’ll notice a difference unless I had them side by side. I think the V3 was discontinued because the price is higher and it is out of stock. V4 also has no LED light or wood worktop in the drawer.

I just got some Gladiator wall cabinets on sale for $500 so I’m wondering if I should just go with the black 52” to match better than the gray matte 56”.

 

[tyyost]

Thanks - I checked FB and most of what is on there in my area is junk or beat to hell. Anything good is insanely expensive.

I agree that my price point (dictated by my use case) will only get me a thin gauge Chinese made box but I've become comfortable with that. Seems that they are all similar at this price point (as far as build quality) and the differentiators are features (like soft close drawers, color, etc.).

So far the only one I really liked was the Icon. I'm curious what the US General Gen 3 is like (in the smaller 56" size).

I just came back from HD and saw their Gen 4 52" box. Not the strongest thing in the world (and I was able to easily rock the empty box back and forth - hope that was uneven floor or bad assembly) but it was nice looking and the drawers seemed better than the HFs I saw (both Gen 2 and 3 - not the Icon). It also didn't have annoying latches to open/slide/figure out.

So now looks like I'm down to:

1. Husky 52" V4 - I think I would prefer the V3 but it is out of stock
2. Husky 56" in Matte Gray - I saw some YT vids on this. Really love the color but concerned that the build quality is worse than the 52" (apparently sourced from different manufactures). +4" and a cool color for +$500 seems like a lot but still TBD.
3. HF US General Gen 3, 56" - Need to get my hands on this when it comes out or just rule it out based upon my not loving the 72" drawers. The entire thing felt cheap (V2 seemed better but smaller boxes).

I know Husky isn't great (none at these price point are) but that top hatch with useable space is really a selling point for me. Also, looks wise I like them better and I'm concerned about the cheap materials HF is known for. I think Husky underbuilds with these boxes, but I have read a few reviews on the HF claiming the casters disintegrated after a few years which is similar to my experience with several of their tools.

Perhaps bias, but I feel HF (except for the Icon) all have an expiration date. Not that it is the same but my experience with Husky stuff has been far better than HF.

If that Husky box fits the bill and you are looking to buy now I’d pull the trigger. I find the smaller drawers on the HF useful, but I remembered I have a side cabinet too, which is another bank of small drawers too. They remind me of craftsman top box drawers I guess…

 

[Spta97]

If that Husky box fits the bill and you are looking to buy now I’d pull the trigger. I find the smaller drawers on the HF useful, but I remembered I have a side cabinet too, which is another bank of small drawers too. They remind me of craftsman top box drawers I guess…

Yea I’m leaning that way but going to see if there are any sales for Memorial Day.

Perhaps my use case is different but I would rather open fewer drawers than more. My plan is to have all my sockets in one, wrenches in another, etc.

 

[mikester]

I own an older Husky combo. These are the red boxes that were made in Smith Falls. What started out as 23 drawers now has 36 with the addition of the two side boxes. In my opinion these are all pretty well built. I prefer having the narrow additional drawers. Everything has its place. Nut drivers, vise grips, ball drivers, channel locks, adjustables, they all have their own drawer.

To be honest Ive been looking to upgrade to a larger box for years. Nothing crazy. The largest I would buy is a 56". Personally I like the HF series 2 box but one thing holds me back. The height of the area under the top. My Husky top is high enough to keep multiple Hansen socket trays under it. Not that its a big deal due since I'd probably put all the sockets in the one large drawer on the HF box but to me thats a waste of space.
The new series 3 HF box is nice but a couple of things turned me off. Ive looked at 3 different boxes on display in 3 stores and all of them had the same issue. The drawer latch release is hard to push over. More practical than the single release but harder to move. Maybe they get easier after a few months of use ? Im also not a fan of the charger drawer. Dont like the black trim but I think chrome will also be available at some point. Im waiting to see the series 3 56" before I make a decision. I hope the drawer layout is similar to the series 2 with more space under the top. Time will tell.
The other thing that HF boxes has over most others is the option of side boxes. My buddy bought a Craftsman combo and its already full. He didnt realize they stopped making side boxes. Same with Husky. What good is buying a box when theres no option to make them larger ?
Just a thought.

 

[m6z]

If I was looking today I'd get a Homak RS Pro or I'd wait for the new Gen 3 US General boxes to become available.

I've got a Homak RS Pro.

 

[kngelv]

The Tekton boxes by Rousseau are where I would look. Better built than any of the Chinese stuff and much cheaper than Snap On, Matco or Mac.

James

 

[Max]

The Tekton boxes by Rousseau are where I would look. Better built than any of the Chinese stuff and much cheaper than Snap On, Matco or Mac.

James

I didn’t suggest them as they are more money than the OP said he wanted to spend. But they are real industrial quality - 400 lb drawers, full width drawers, deep drawers, etc.

7-Drawer Tool Cabinet, Red (48 W x 27 D x 41.5 H in.) | TEKTON

Our mid-sized rolling tool cabinet features 7 full-extension drawers, each with a 400 lb. weight capacity. Made in North America. 90-Day Trial. OCL43200.

www.tekton.com

 

[Spta97]

I own an older Husky combo. These are the red boxes that were made in Smith Falls. What started out as 23 drawers now has 36 with the addition of the two side boxes. In my opinion these are all pretty well built. I prefer having the narrow additional drawers. Everything has its place. Nut drivers, vise grips, ball drivers, channel locks, adjustables, they all have their own drawer.

To be honest Ive been looking to upgrade to a larger box for years. Nothing crazy. The largest I would buy is a 56". Personally I like the HF series 2 box but one thing holds me back. The height of the area under the top. My Husky top is high enough to keep multiple Hansen socket trays under it. Not that its a big deal due since I'd probably put all the sockets in the one large drawer on the HF box but to me thats a waste of space.
The new series 3 HF box is nice but a couple of things turned me off. Ive looked at 3 different boxes on display in 3 stores and all of them had the same issue. The drawer latch release is hard to push over. More practical than the single release but harder to move. Maybe they get easier after a few months of use ? Im also not a fan of the charger drawer. Dont like the black trim but I think chrome will also be available at some point. Im waiting to see the series 3 56" before I make a decision. I hope the drawer layout is similar to the series 2 with more space under the top. Time will tell.
The other thing that HF boxes has over most others is the option of side boxes. My buddy bought a Craftsman combo and its already full. He didnt realize they stopped making side boxes. Same with Husky. What good is buying a box when theres no option to make them larger ?
Just a thought.

I had similar issues with the HF (drawers and lack of space on top).

I do like the expansion of the HF but I am maxed out on space with this box. Anything bigger and I won’t be able to park my car lol.

If I had a bigger garage I would likely get a bigger more expandable model.

 

[Spta97]

I didn’t suggest them as they are more money than the OP said he wanted to spend. But they are real industrial quality - 400 lb drawers, full width drawers, deep drawers, etc.

7-Drawer Tool Cabinet, Red (48 W x 27 D x 41.5 H in.) | TEKTON

Our mid-sized rolling tool cabinet features 7 full-extension drawers, each with a 400 lb. weight capacity. Made in North America. 90-Day Trial. OCL43200.

www.tekton.com

That seems really nice but 5x the price. Is that USA made?

 

[Spta97]

The Tekton boxes by Rousseau are where I would look. Better built than any of the Chinese stuff and much cheaper than Snap On, Matco or Mac.

James

Agreed but out of budget

 

[jpaw]

At your price range I feel that you're splitting hairs with anything new. I would just get what fits your needs and is visually appealing.
There is a good chance that you can find something in the used market that may be worth sacrificing some of your wants to get a much better product. That would become a case by case discussion though.

 

[jpaw]

One other thing, you may not always like all of the drawer sizes but drawers are where the value is in a home box. You'll find something that fits.

IMHO hutches and lockers are a poor investment for a home box and especially for someone with budget. For that type of storage at home there are much better/larger storage options for the money.

 

[rancherbill]

Last time i looked at tool boxes I found Costco to be a good choice. I got the specs of a Snapon tool box and then went looking. Weight was the factor I was looking at. Husky and many others, were a way lighter than Snapon The Costco ones were relatively quite heavy. They have thicker metal and should last longer. I took a quick peek at Costco US and they now have stainless boxes. Stainless is stronger than ordinary steel.

 

[will335i]

My vote would be for HF. I have a US general 5 drawer cart and an Icon 73 and super happy with both. I was in the same boat with finding used around me too. Either asking way to much or it looked like it had gone through a meat grinder.

Unfortunately I don't think there will be any Memorial Day sales on the tool boxes. They just had 10% (15 for ITC) this weekend but the 25% off sale for Memorial Day excludes all tool storage. I might try to run in today to see if they will still honor the sale so I can get my side locker ordered.

 

[kngelv]

Agreed but out of budget

The Tekton is definitely more expensive but you do get 10% in credits you can use for tools. It's also a lifetime box. I had a 60" Milwaukee which is made by the same people making the Husky boxes and they are just too flimsy IMHO and the slides have a poor attachment method to the drawers. I have a HF 56" top and bottom in my garage and they definitely have better slides than the Husky but after 6 years they seem to have worn out a bit and I'm looking to replace it sometime this year. I also have that new HF full drawer cart which is ok. At work I have a blue Kennedy Mechanics series which I don't think is made anymore and a Snap On KRA. It ***** buying boxes nowadays because you have to compromise everywhere. I like the latches on the Menards boxes but you don't have any stores close to you and their shipping charges are sky high. The Tekton boxes are made in Canada by Rousseau. NAPA occasionally has a good price on the Homak RS series and they have the black handles. Why about two of the new 34" HF carts. To would have more room than one 56" and all the trim is black plus they have pretty decent casters and better locking mechanisms. Good luck.

James

 

[Max]

That seems really nice but 5x the price. Is that USA made?

As @kngelv noted, they are made in Canada by Rosseau. You will get 10% back in tools from Tekton if you buy it direct, also Imam not sure but I think that shipping is free also.

 

[kngelv]

As @kngelv noted, they are made in Canada by Rosseau. You will get 10% back in tools from Tekton if you buy it direct, also Imam not sure but I think that shipping is free also.

They are like 2.5 times the price but shipping is free and you'll get $380.00 in credit for tools or anything else they have.

James

 

[Max]

They are like 2.5 times the price but shipping is free and you'll get $380.00 in credit for tools or anything else they have.

James

The one I linked to is 48”W x 27”D x 41.5”H. The deeper drawers will hold a lot more than you’d think - without doing the math I’d expect it to hold more than a HF 56”. My HF G2 box has 19.5” deep drawers and I’d expect the Tekton to be around 25” deep. Drawers are full extension too. And unless you throw it off a truck it’ll last a lifetime.

Cost is $2750 and he’d get $275 back in free tools. So call it $2500 - that is $1K over his budget of $1.0 to $1.5K. And I just noticed that if he orders it now it’ll ship today.

 

[mikedodge]

My only new box is one of the Husky mobile bench ones with the wood top. The only thing I don't like about it is its the 46" one and the drawers aren't wide enough to hold the trays the tool set I have in it uses. I wanted the wider one originally but got it on sale and with a discount for less then 1/2 price so it was a pretty quick decision which one to get.
I'd have no problem buying Husky again but would want to compare prices and physically see how they compare to the HF box first.

 

[Spta97]

That is only for

They are like 2.5 times the price but shipping is free and you'll get $380.00 in credit for tools or anything else they have.

James

That bottom cart not the top when I added the top it was $5k.

I’d be willing to go for $2500, but not $5,000

At your price range I feel that you're splitting hairs with anything new. I would just get what fits your needs and is visually appealing.
There is a good chance that you can find something in the used market that may be worth sacrificing some of your wants to get a much better product. That would become a case by case discussion though.

Agreed. Used market is like finding a needle in a haystack.

 

[Spta97]

Last time i looked at tool boxes I found Costco to be a good choice. I got the specs of a Snapon tool box and then went looking. Weight was the factor I was looking at. Husky and many others, were a way lighter than Snapon The Costco ones were relatively quite heavy. They have thicker metal and should last longer. I took a quick peek at Costco US and they now have stainless boxes. Stainless is stronger than ordinary steel.

I’ll look again but complaints on that box were the paper thin steel used.

I also can’t say I would be happy with the looks

 

[Spta97]

The Tekton is definitely more expensive but you do get 10% in credits you can use for tools. It's also a lifetime box. I had a 60" Milwaukee which is made by the same people making the Husky boxes and they are just too flimsy IMHO and the slides have a poor attachment method to the drawers. I have a HF 56" top and bottom in my garage and they definitely have better slides than the Husky but after 6 years they seem to have worn out a bit and I'm looking to replace it sometime this year. I also have that new HF full drawer cart which is ok. At work I have a blue Kennedy Mechanics series which I don't think is made anymore and a Snap On KRA. It ***** buying boxes nowadays because you have to compromise everywhere. I like the latches on the Menards boxes but you don't have any stores close to you and their shipping charges are sky high. The Tekton boxes are made in Canada by Rousseau. NAPA occasionally has a good price on the Homak RS series and they have the black handles. Why about two of the new 34" HF carts. To would have more room than one 56" and all the trim is black plus they have pretty decent casters and better locking mechanisms. Good luck.

James

I’m limited to a max of 56” but prob better off with a 52”.

The latch mechanism on the HFs really bother me. Each model/line has a different annoyance.

I totally agree on the boxes being junk or a king’s ransom. I don’t think I’ll have this box forever so want to minimize cost. If this was my last box (and I actually had room) I would go all out.

 

[Spta97]

My vote would be for HF. I have a US general 5 drawer cart and an Icon 73 and super happy with both. I was in the same boat with finding used around me too. Either asking way to much or it looked like it had gone through a meat grinder.

Unfortunately I don't think there will be any Memorial Day sales on the tool boxes. They just had 10% (15 for ITC) this weekend but the 25% off sale for Memorial Day excludes all tool storage. I might try to run in today to see if they will still honor the sale so I can get my side locker ordered.

What sale was this?

 

[Troyman]

Just picked this Matco 4s for $1500. made in PA.
I prefer to by an American used rather then a china brand.

 

[will335i]

What sale was this?

The Spring Super Savings event.

 

[kngelv]

Just picked this Matco 4s for $1500. made in PA.
I prefer to by an American used rather then a china brand.

That is a very good deal.

James

 

[Troyman]

That is a very good deal.

James

I had to jump on it... with the Irwin Vise attached!!