New Craftsman box

[azsportpilot]

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.

those early Craftsman boxes were solid high quality all the way

Sears really cheapened them up in the more recent years as they moved manufacturing overseas

It looks like they may be returning to their quality days with their latest line
Made in the USA
the fit and finish looks to be vastly improved over last years stuff
still pretty reasonable at $599

 

[R_einan]

I bought the 41" sister box (top only) to the one the OP posted. Build quality was pretty good, considering I only pair $229 for it. The strength of the slides good, but I'm really not sold on the soft close feature. While it is easy on closing, the added force required to open the drawers can cause shifting; and my drawers are lined with 1/8 neoprene rubber.

 

[Brownsfan]

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

You do realize it's the same box as the craftsman premium heavy duty boxes sold at Sears right now. The same box you said was junk earlier. Can be had brand new for 999 on sale. That's a good box for the money.

 

[Greg85mcss]

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

I do think that's a nice box for the size but was talking about the 52". It has a bunch of different drawer sizes. You're right about the color though.

 

[sbyrne92]

I was looking at those new Cman boxes as well, however what kills me the most is the drawer depth. It is 18" for the bottom and 16" up top IIRC, this doesn't appeal to me.

I was originally going to buy the 56" HF tool box to replace my 44". There is nothing wrong with the 44" other than I have to many tools. The only gripe I had with the 54" is the pull lock drawers and the fact that is does not have a full length drawer. The 44" has a great full length drawer, if it were 24" deep it would be wonderful. However it is 18" deep.

I wanted to keep it under $1000 since I don't do this professionally anymore nor plan too. Plus, most of my tools are used bi weekly.

I found this from a stroke of luck.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-56-i...lerId=Sears&prdNo=18&blockNo=18&blockType=G18

I did my research and its rebranded international tool box, made my SPG international, from our Canadian brothers up north. If you google 56" international tool box you'll see many colors and possible rebrands. You can buy it through a few places, HD and Sears being the ones I found. It retails at $1099 at HD and Sears for $899.

56" Cman (SPG) Dimensions: 56" W x 24-1/2" D x 38-1/8" H Drawer Depth: 22
52" Cman "Premium" Dimensions: Bottom: 52" W x 18" D x 40-3/4" H Top: 52" W x 16" D x 24.5"
56" HF Dimensions: 56" W x 22" D x 42" H Drawer Depth: 19.5


http://www.sears.com/international-...gclid=CI-Ky9aP6M4CFQx9fgodPwwHew&gclsrc=aw.ds

What sold me on the Cman rebrand is the price $779. I found a coupon online 35 off 300, and used a Sears CC for 5% off. I also got it shipped to my local sears, incase I find an issue with the box before taking it home. I know I'll have to unload it, but Ill get some help. The Cman comes with drawer liners too which is a plus.

(779 - 35 - 37.25) + (42.46 ST) = $750.20 Total. 3 year warranty

HF box with coupon: 700 + 42 ST = $742.00 Total. 90 day warranty

I can't justify paying 8 less for losing a full length drawer, not having a middle caster at the bottom, and being painted red. Plus its not made in china, which to me is a plus.

Time will tell if it is any better than the HF boxes, the only thing I know it does not have is rolled edges on the drawers, and pin detents rather than a latch. I know the load rating for the HF is better than the SPG, which is one concern.

I've used Snap-on boxes when I wrenched for a living, my boss had 2 72" KRL. They are superb in many ways, and very stout. However I can not justify paying double for a used tool box that will just sit in the garage for years to come. I can use that money towards something else.

 

[azsportpilot]

just to confuse things further

here is another entry in the "$600 Hutch-Top Chest/Cabinet Combo" game

looks sharp, but only 13 drawers

 

[LB-1911]

just to confuse things further

here is another entry in the "$600 Hutch-Top Chest/Cabinet Combo" game

looks sharp, but only 13 drawers

Cue the dissenters.....
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325885

 

[azsportpilot]

Cue the dissenters.....
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325885

LOL, yes well I hope the dissenters keep things in perspective, this is a $600 box, competing with other $600 boxes

I just hope they don't reply with "just buy a used Snap-on for $2,000 on CL"

 

[T45]

You do realize it's the same box as the craftsman premium heavy duty boxes sold at Sears right now. The same box you said was junk earlier. Can be had brand new for 999 on sale. That's a good box for the money.

wiat, I thought this thread was only a sales picth for $600 hutch top boxes?