New box for non-pro......

[chrisexv6]

Exactly which Craftsman models are made by Waterloo?

I notice they have a 5 drawer roller on sale, and you get the 10 drawer top chest for free. Are those the "cheap stuff"? Im guessing not, based on the reviews.

-Chris

 

[Jey]

I have looked at the HF chest roll combo many times over the last few years, I must say I was never terribly impressed. For the life of me I do not get how some think this setup is a better quality product than a Waterloo/Craftsman setup. Mind you not the homeowner line, nor that new plastic toy box line Sears is attempting to unload but rather the remaining offerings too include even those boxes with friction slides. And has already been noted..................That Gosh Awful finish! Ah to each his own as the saying goes!

Who said it was of better quality?

it's a price vs. real estate issue for me personally.

I really wanted a 41" wide box for work, with small draws on one side, and bigger on the other.

i could pay 900 bucks for one.

or i could pay 300 bucks for one.

both are going to do exactly what i want them to do.

both are going to hold roughly (although the HF box will hold about 10% less) the same tools.

To me it wasn't worth the 400 dollars for the other box.

Don't get me wrong, i think SO boxes and Craftsman boxes are nice... hell I like Farrari's and BMWs too, but that doesn't mean i need one. I would much rather have money in my savings account. Even if the HF breaks in 10 years, or 15 years... and i buy another one... that's 30 years... and i'm still under the price of the Craftsman box.

But,

That's just my reasoning.

 

[Jey]

Exactly which Craftsman models are made by Waterloo?

I notice they have a 5 drawer roller on sale, and you get the 10 drawer top chest for free. Are those the "cheap stuff"? Im guessing not, based on the reviews.

-Chris

I think all of them except for the home owners series.

 

[T56 Impala]

I realy don't understand how you can say the Craftsman boxes are better than the HF one. I was in Sears this morning and took a look at every box they had. El cheapo to top dollar. At best the very $$$$$ ones were the same quality as the HF one. I'm not defending HF, I'm just saying that for the money, the HF box is a good box.

If you want to stay American made, by all means, do so. If you hate the off shore stuff, then don't buy it. If you are open to the off shore stuff, take a look, IN PERSON, at both of them. Then decide. I will tell you that I would have gotten the full blown HF box, side boxes an top box for less than I paid for my stainless box if I had seen the HF box first. (Again, my SS box is most likely an off shore box however..... I still have yet to find ANY information on it and it is MUCH higher quality than any SS box I have ever seen. If anyone else has an ISKO box, let me know what you think of it!!!)

 

[alohavw]

. I'm not defending HF, I'm just saying that for the money, the HF box is a good box.

I have the HF box and agree.

For the $299 price I got it for, I'm happy for what it does! (holds my tools)

 

[Jey]

It really comes down to what you want. and how much you're willing to spend. I don't make financial purchases based on emotion. If you become attached to a brand name, or a designer selection, you're spending more than you need to. That's just me. I strive for economical freedom, no debt, cash only lifestyle. buying a box that is inexpensive, works well, and does it's job, fits my needs perfectly. Buying a 2k snap-on box, and going into debt, or having less in the bank, isn't worth it to me.

Now, Finding a nice used snap-on for a bargin price and being able to resell it for the same price ... that's a sound investment. but, i think a lot differently about what goes out of my wallet.

 

[jay50]

Exactly which Craftsman models are made by Waterloo?

I notice they have a 5 drawer roller on sale, and you get the 10 drawer top chest for free. Are those the "cheap stuff"? Im guessing not, based on the reviews.

-Chris

I bought the Cman Professional box in July 07, inner paperwork said Waterloo

 

[MAD]

Exactly which Craftsman models are made by Waterloo?

I notice they have a 5 drawer roller on sale, and you get the 10 drawer top chest for free. Are those the "cheap stuff"? Im guessing not, based on the reviews.

-Chris

If you call Waterloo with the model #s they will tell you if they made a particular tool chest. They can also tell you if it is made in USA or not if that is a consideration for you. Some Waterloo models are being made in Mexico now. The last Craftsman/Waterloo chest I bought was US made but with Chinese casters. I have always received fast, friendly, competent service when inquiring about the toolboxes Waterloo makes for Sears.

Just for fun, try calling Sears afterward and try to find out the same information.


CORPORATE

Waterloo Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 2095
100 E. 4th Street
Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Phone: 1-319-235-7131
Fax: 1-319-235-6408

Customer Service
Phone:
1-800-833-8851
Fax:
1-319-235-6408
Email:
[email protected]

Service Parts
Phone:
1-800-833-4405
Fax:
1-319-833-2350

http://www.waterlooindustries.com/index.asp

 

[chrisexv6]

Interesting.

The 299 one (with free 10 drawer top chest) is built in USA by Waterloo.

I was leaning away from a brand new box, but if Waterloo isnt lying, the Sears deal might be worth it.

-Chris

 

[mikester]

QUOTE=chrisexv6;171798]Anyone know the SKU for the Husky Pro version of the 41" chest?

Local HD had one, but its not labelled Husky Pro. Was still in the crate so I couldnt play with it to see if its new low quality or the same as the old stuff. It was black, 11 drawers with casters. SKU on the one I saw was 853-414. The ship invoice was still attached, says it came from Smiths Falls Ontario on
12/24/2007.

Chris, did you ever call the toll free # for Husky. The people were VERY helpful when I bought the sidebox. HD didnt even know they were able to get them. They gave me the sku # and I placed the order through the special order desk. You might still be able to get the old style boxes. Or they may have the sku # and you can just call around. You might find one. I think the boxes are very well built for the money.