New Craftsman box

[Brownsfan]

Has anyone else seen these at your local Sears? Or better yet has anyone bought one? These are actually USA made surprisingly. I saw one up close at the local Sears and while it's only 18" deep it's pretty good. It has 100# slides and the soft close feature. Which I could take or leave honestly. I am going to be buying a new home box very soon and I am looking at this box and possibly wait for the premium heavy duty with the grip latch drawers to go back on sale for $999. I am also looking at the Master force boxes at Menards. The 72" for 999 is a great deal when it goes on sale. I am not interested in the HF boxes at this time so please just anyone with any first hand experience with the Craftsman or Menards please weigh in. Actually at $1199 right now for the premium heavy duty is still not a bad price. If I open a Sears card they have no interest options.


http://m.sears.com/bundle-selection/009CO89980112B



http://m.sears.com/bundle-selection/009CO66234612B

 

[1950mercury]

The cheaper craftsman is a POS. Not sure on the higher priced one

 

[freddyford]

I was just at my local Sears and checked out the new tool boxes and they are even cheaper than the ones they are replacing, which is how they are giving you more for the same $. Check out the weight of the boxes, they have gone down significantly! That is a huge warning sign. Don't know why you won't check out some of the HF boxes, but you owe it to yourself.

 

[c-moe_117]

Same soft close slides that the milwaukee has, still not to big of a fan as the box itself still doesn't have thick enough sheet metal/isn't as beefy as id want it to be.

 

[azsportpilot]

a big departure from the typical Craftsman Chests and Cabinets

100 Pound Drawers
Made in USA
"Hutch" top.... or "Open Till Top" as Craftsman calls it
Soft Close drawers..... a first for craftsman
power strip w/ USB charging ports

the 40in model is $599
the 52in model is $699

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm convinced people interested in these boxes have never seen or felt a quality Snap On or truck brand box. There is such a huge difference it is mind blowing. If you want a good tool box on a budget, get on Craigslist and buy a used truck brand box.

Click the link from ops original post. They're down to $750 now.

 

[Corndoggeh]

I'm convinced people interested in these boxes have never seen or felt a quality Snap On or truck brand box. There is such a huge difference it is mind blowing. If you want a good tool box on a budget, get on Craigslist and buy a used truck brand box.

Click the link from ops original post. They're down to $750 now.

Well I'm sure if we all had the opportunity, we would all buy Snap-On boxes if they were at Craftsman box prices. Sadly their not, and cost a small fortune while Craigslist can be hit or miss. I saw this the other day when I went into Sears and actually liked the layout of it, my only complaint is that there is no slim and fat long drawer for all your sockets and wrenches.

 

[azsportpilot]

while I agree with your assertion regarding the quality of "Truck Brand" boxes Snap-on, Mac and the like.... many of us cannot justify $5,000-$10,000 for a box

used snap on boxes, (chest and cabinet combos) are going for $2,000 or more on Craigslist

so lets compare apples to apples... consumer non-pro boxes

one of the more popular ones on here seems to be the Harbor Freight HF-44, I like it too but no Hutch for power tools

the HF44 top can be had for $249.00 with coupon
the HF44 bottom coupon price is $349.00 for a total of $598

so keeping that in perspective ($600 range) there are no Snap-on boxes in that range

 

[T45]

You can get used snappy for $1000 range all the time it seems, these things in the $500 to $1000 range are in the same ballpark.

Get a rubbermaid/industrial cart and you have a good setup for not that much more. I don't think the guys are being snobby or unrealistic, just saying its worth being more creative and even having a smaller box, you can expand your storage in different ways. Once you but into cman, your resale value is also nothing when it comes to upgrade so you are gonna lose out both in use in the short-term and over the medium term finanicially....just my $0.02.

Also look at proto, williams, lista and other industrial stuff that comes up on sale/special occasionally. $1000 is not impossible for good boxes if you are out of the $350 price bracket already into $600-700 (plus tax etc).

 

[azsportpilot]

so lets forget about snap-on for now and compare NEW chest/cabinet combos in the $600-700 range..... preferably with hutch for power tools

options:....

1) the Milwaukee 46... Soft close drawers and a hutch with power strip $749
2) Craftsman 41.....Soft close drawers and a hutch with power strip $599
3) & 4) and more, there is a Dewalt and Porter-Cable box that is very similar

 

[T45]

What? The OP wanted feedback on boxes up to $1000 to $1,200.

I am looking at this box ... on sale for $999. I am also looking at ... for 999 is a great deal when it goes on sale.... $1199 right now for the premium heavy duty is still not a bad price....etc

Those joe homeowner boxes anyways are $800-825 by the time tax and delivery are added up. That's why most people are saying...be smart w/money and you either go HF for $350 or something significantly better for $900 to $1000 ish...and invest in long term with an asset that won't depreciate 65% overnite././/ect

just being mindful with context here.

 

[azsportpilot]

I guess every market is different

in my local area even the cheaper KRA Snap-on chest/cab combos are well over $1,500 on CL

and a KRL combo is much more

While I realize there is no love for sears on here, I'm trying to filter through the anti-craftsman rhetoric to determine if this new line of boxes are a throwback to the old days of craftsman quality..... It seems the might be

100 Pound Drawers
Made in USA
"Hutch" top.... or "Open Till Top" as Craftsman calls it
Soft Close drawers..... a first for craftsman
power strip w/ USB charging ports

is it as good a snap-on?....... no
but perhaps a heavy duty US made Waterloo..

 

[Pitalplace]

Pretty much the same here in the middle of Nebraska. If you find a used SnapOn it's $2000 or above. I got a Montezuma from Strictly Tool Boxes hoping to find a in between. It seems to be a good box for the money

 

[swanicyouth]

I bought a similar Husky box from HD for $599 + $75 delivered to inside my garage. No, it's not a Snap On box - but I'm pretty happy with it.

I would go with the Husky before anything Craftsman. If something goes wrong with the box or delivery - HD will be much better to deal with than Sears.

I looked at used Snap On / Mac / Matco boxes for a while. I couldn't get anything in nice shape with half the storage for twice as much - even USED. One thing many people will have to think of when buying a big used box is - how in the hell will you get it home?

Anyway, for homeowner use - this box will prolly last forever. Drawers are quiet close and it came with liners. Delivery went fine.

It didn't come with a power strip - so I simply bought one with USB plugs and added some magnets to it for ~ $20.

I think it's the best deal out there for homeowner use. The Harbor Freight 72" has a bigger footprint (about the same storage) - and doesn't offer a top box or a hutch.

So, while you can add side cabinets, you are essentially using a lot MORE floor space to store stuff. Their 42 or 44" box was too small. I'd rather utilize the free space above the bottom box with a top box.

Also, if you notice- the Craftsman setup is a similar size. But, it only has 2 sets of wheels supporting it - the Husky has 3.

 

[azsportpilot]

love it, thanks for posting pics

for my next box combo the top hutch is a deal breaker

and I think the full width drawer is great, something the Craftsman does not have, though the Milwaukee does, but the Milwaukee is $150 more and smaller (46in) 16 drawer

for $599 new with warranty for a 52in combo with 18 drawers (100lb cap)..... awesome

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-52...l-Cabinet-Set-Black-HTC5206-HMT5212/205431577

or for $100 less the same combo in 41in 16 drawer version has the same 100lb drawers and hutch for $499

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-41...ool-Cabinet-Set-Black-HOTC4116B1QES/205080371

 

[gdocktor3]

Just curious, have you clicked the link on the main page of GJ? Ya know, the one that says STRICTLY TOOLBOXES .http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/


Just for giggles, check out these deals in my area. That's why I say check CL. I'd sure hate to live where you are.
http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/5727790224.html
http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/5724990504.html
http://hartford.craigslist.org/tld/5752978905.html
http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/5752051307.html
http://hartford.craigslist.org/tls/5732052857.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/5705959694.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/tls/5748918749.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/tls/5748240335.html
http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/5745812668.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/tls/5710819654.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/tls/5744859316.html
http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/5742659552.html

 

[T45]

Here is a $1,295 lista cabinet, which is new but on a discount / closeout sale.

This lista just as example, holds about as much/clos to the same as a 56 x 18 bottom+top w a similar number of drawers (9-10).

MW900 9-Drawer Counter Height Storage Cabinet. JY19296 - This is a fantastic counter height cabinet that is perfect for small parts, hardware, or tooling. Each drawer is 42" x 24" x 2" on th sinside and each will hold 440 lbs.

 

[azsportpilot]

gdocktor3: thanks for the links, wish CL was like that here, though most were only a bottom cabinet or top chest... and most well over $1,000

T45: that's a nice Lista bottom, though about double the price of the chest/cabinet combos we are discussing.... but a great deal, thanks

 

[3TV]

I recently bought a 56" toolbox, and wanted to get something about halfway between tool truck toolboxes and home improvement store toolboxes, both in regards to quality, and price. I currently owned a 36" Husky toolbox I was replacing, and within the last year I had bought my son a Matco 56" toolbox when he graduated his mechanics school. So I had a pretty good idea what both ends of the quality and cost spectrum were like, and had decided that somewhere in between would be good for my home garage toolbox.

The three toolboxes I narrowed it down to were Homak's H2Pro 72" toolbox, from Northern Tool, and the Extreme Tools standard 56" toolbox from strictlytoolboxes.com and the Tool Vault 56" toolbox from strictlytoolboxes.com. I ended up buying the Extreme Tools 56" toolbox, and I'm totally satisfied with it.

I looked at the selection of Craftsman toolboxes in our local Sears store, and even the best quality most expensive toolboxes in the store were not that impressive for quality. I thought the best Craftsman toolboxes were right about on par with any of the other home improvement store toolboxes (Husky, Milwaukee, Dewalt). The lower cost Craftsman toolboxes were complete junk that I wouldn't take up space in my garage with, even if they were free. But we're not talking about those Craftsman toolboxes here. The toolboxes I mentioned above from Northern Tool and strictlytoolboxes.com are definitely a step above the home improvement store toolboxes, but no where near as expensive as the tool truck toolboxes. They'er worth taking a look at.

Here's mine. I'm happy with it.

 

[TheEuronater]

Nice Rupes

 

[azsportpilot]

I recently bought a 56" toolbox, and wanted to get something about halfway between tool truck toolboxes and home improvement store toolboxes, both in regards to quality, and price. I currently owned a 36" Husky toolbox I was replacing, and within the last year I had bought my son a Matco 56" toolbox when he graduated his mechanics school. So I had a pretty good idea what both ends of the quality and cost spectrum were like, and had decided that somewhere in between would be good for my home garage toolbox.

The three toolboxes I narrowed it down to were Homak's H2Pro 72" toolbox, from Northern Tool, and the Extreme Tools standard 56" toolbox from strictlytoolboxes.com and the Tool Vault 56" toolbox from strictlytoolboxes.com. I ended up buying the Extreme Tools 56" toolbox, and I'm totally satisfied with it.

I looked at the selection of Craftsman toolboxes in our local Sears store, and even the best quality most expensive toolboxes in the store were not that impressive for quality. I thought the best Craftsman toolboxes were right about on par with any of the other home improvement store toolboxes (Husky, Milwaukee, Dewalt). The lower cost Craftsman toolboxes were complete junk that I wouldn't take up space in my garage with, even if they were free. But we're not talking about those Craftsman toolboxes here. The toolboxes I mentioned above from Northern Tool and strictlytoolboxes.com are definitely a step above the home improvement store toolboxes, but no where near as expensive as the tool truck toolboxes. They'er worth taking a look at.

Here's mine. I'm happy with it.

wow, that is nice, what was the cost on that?

 

[TheEuronater]

wow, that is nice, what was the cost on that?

Here you go: http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/ex...l-boxes-21-drawer-tool-cabinet-top-chest.html

 

[PJNJ]

love it, thanks for posting pics

for my next box combo the top hutch is a deal breaker

and I think the full width drawer is great, something the Craftsman does not have, though the Milwaukee does, but the Milwaukee is $150 more and smaller (46in) 16 drawer

for $599 new with warranty for a 52in combo with 18 drawers (100lb cap)..... awesome

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-52...l-Cabinet-Set-Black-HTC5206-HMT5212/205431577

or for $100 less the same combo in 41in 16 drawer version has the same 100lb drawers and hutch for $499

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-41...ool-Cabinet-Set-Black-HOTC4116B1QES/205080371

I have the Husky 52 in. and have used it for about a 1 1/2 years now. For the money, it's a great homeowner box. The full length drawer comes in handy.

 

[Corndoggeh]

I wish they made the husky box in red, I just like the color more than black or blue.

 

[azsportpilot]

It seems that husky has 2 quality grades in the 41in size

13 drawer cheapo 50 lb drawers, no soft close, no hutch, very thin feeling $399

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-41...Set-Black-HTC408BDLX12-HMT405BDLX16/205722633

16 drawer Heavy Duty 100lb drawers soft close, hutch, very solid $499

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-41...gclid=CPjm58fC5c4CFQOMaQodkAkHdg&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Mrmontebuilder]

I have a 41" GripLatch from I think about 7 years ago if I remember right. Home use in my shed, loaded it with tools and barely touched it as I had use of shop and my tools kept there when needed. I thought it was an OK box, not tool truck quality but for the $ paid it was good enough. But compared to a HF 44" box it seems very light gauge metal was used in comparison and if I had the same money to spend to do it again I would buy the HF no question.

 

[azsportpilot]

I have a 41" GripLatch from I think about 7 years ago if I remember right. Home use in my shed, loaded it with tools and barely touched it as I had use of shop and my tools kept there when needed. I thought it was an OK box, not tool truck quality but for the $ paid it was good enough. But compared to a HF 44" box it seems very light gauge metal was used in comparison and if I had the same money to spend to do it again I would buy the HF no question.

the HF44 is really solid, I have friends that chose the HF44 and they like the tank like construction, however they are all having the same problem where the drawers don't stay in as the detents are worn so the drawers slide out when they move the box (no big deal, just keep it locked when moving)

and..... no hutch, Harbor Freight should update that box with a hutch, and a different color

I would love an HF-44 in Black with a Hutch Top and soft close drawers.... but it doesn't exist.....yet

 

[Mrmontebuilder]

I lucked out and got a hutch for the Craftsman on CL new in the box for $70. They called a power riser or something similar, came with a flourescent light and power strip. It is nice especially for the price. I have seen some really nice hutches built for the HF box but that is beyond my skill set.

To each his own but my best advice is to look at every single box you possibly can and think long and hard before you lay down your cash. Kid at last shop I turned wrenches at has a HF 44" and he can break anything and 5 years in it is a bit dirty but still 100% functional and it is locked every night and he is HARD on the drawers and nothing has failed yet.

 

[azsportpilot]

I lucked out and got a hutch for the Craftsman on CL new in the box for $70. They called a power riser or something similar, came with a flourescent light and power strip. It is nice especially for the price. I have seen some really nice hutches built for the HF box but that is beyond my skill set.

To each his own but my best advice is to look at every single box you possibly can and think long and hard before you lay down your cash. Kid at last shop I turned wrenches at has a HF 44" and he can break anything and 5 years in it is a bit dirty but still 100% functional and it is locked every night and he is HARD on the drawers and nothing has failed yet.

like this?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-40-in-riser-overhead/p-00959512000P

or this?

http://www.searsoutlet.com/27-Powered-Intermediate-Chest-Black/d/product_details.jsp?pid=19777

 

[Mrmontebuilder]

Azsportpilot mine looks just like one in the first link.

 

[azsportpilot]

Azsportpilot mine looks just like one in the first link.

pretty cool, I had no idea Craftsman ever made anything like that

but what I'm really looking for is an integrated clamshell style hutch top box, perfect for power tools.... this seems to be the latest trend in toolboxes.

 

[Mrmontebuilder]

I looked at them too, nice boxes and seem well built. I had a top box on mine and a single full width intermediate drawer box and couldn't see much of anything in the top of the box. I am 5'11" and had to strain to see in there so that open front is very appealing.

 

[white 450]

is it as good a snap-on?....... no
but perhaps a heavy duty US made Waterloo..

Idk about how heavy duty the US Waterloo's actually are though. I just installed one of the Pro or whatever they call it intermediate chests on the bottom of my HF 5 drawer cart and I hate to admit but the HF is noticeably stouter. I'm only holding wiring accessories so it works great for me but if you loaded down the drawers with heavy tools you would most likely have that overloaded feeling I distinctly remember from Craftsman boxes. The drawer latches are pretty cool though, kinda resembles how Epiqs work.

 

[T45]

$650 on craigslist...posted earlier

 

[azsportpilot]

saw that one in queens, being in Fargo ND the shipping would be prohibitive

although that one would sell in Fargo for $1500-2000 on CL

that one seems like a great deal though...... oh yeah, but no hutch

 

[Greg85mcss]

I had the 10 drawer 40" husky & it was a total pos. A friend has the 52" discussed above & it is much better. A guy in my shop has the 52" lower with the wood top & had problems within a month. I would assume they're all made by different companies so I would recommend only buying one you can check out in person first. I've never seen a dewalt in person but they look pretty nice & would be on my short list for a homeowner box. Another decent brand that's a step above the big box stores is spg international. Their 40" ish box is in that price range for top & bottom. The 56" goes for around $800 & sometimes you can find it online with a free top but it doesn't have the hutch area. If that style top is really important I'd go with the husky or dewalt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[azsportpilot]

I had the 10 drawer 40" husky & it was a total pos. A friend has the 52" discussed above & it is much better. A guy in my shop has the 52" lower with the wood top & had problems within a month. I would assume they're all made by different companies so I would recommend only buying one you can check out in person first. I've never seen a dewalt in person but they look pretty nice & would be on my short list for a homeowner box. Another decent brand that's a step above the big box stores is spg international. Their 40" ish box is in that price range for top & bottom. The 56" goes for around $800 & sometimes you can find it online with a free top but it doesn't have the hutch area. If that style top is really important I'd go with the husky or dewalt.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

the Dewalt looks good, not crazy about the color, but I guess they had to make it yellow

A little bit smaller than the others at 36in, but I really like how all the lower drawers are full length, not just 1 or 2

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-3...gclid=CL2AhZPh584CFQUcaQodpFgG3w&gclsrc=aw.ds

and the price...... $598

edit: my mistake, it looks like the have a slightly larger one in Black

 

[gdocktor3]

You see the score this guy got? CL is the way to go... http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=337991

 

[Sco Deac]

These aren't my style of box but someone is branding a CAT version for this price point. The have a 41 inch. http://m.costco.com/Cat-41"-Tool-Chest-and-Cabinet-Combo.product.100283655.html

Or a 52 inch. http://m.costco.com/Cat-52"-Tool-Chest-and-Cabinet-Combo.product.100283666.html

These may not have the depth you want in the hutch.

 

[jim keris]

bought a craftsman set up (red and silver) back in the 70's used it a lot and is Full after all these years! Say what you want about high price boxes. but this set up was bought before some of the posters were born. I would have no qualms about bringing into a shop and using it everyday.