New Craftsman Boxes (again)

[freddyford]

http://toolguyd.com/craftsman-pro-series-connected-tool-storage/

Some good looking new Pro series boxes. I laugh at the smartphone feature today on tools, but maybe it's my age.

 

[7th Kahuna]

Strictly speaking, I don't think it's age. In any case, I'm with you, just something else to break. But hey, if it sells boxes and helps to save Sears from the dust bin of retail past, I'm all for it. When I read your comment though, I was thinking an IoT, internet connected tool box. Now that would be a bit much of course, but if it were stolen, the 'Find My Toolbox' function might be handy.

 

[Fixed]

I think what bothers me about this stuff is that I don't see any of it working in a decade or two.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[gdocktor3]

I think what bothers me about this stuff is that I don't see any of it working in a decade or two.

Do you mean the electrical components to lock/unlock the mechanism or the smart phones themselves? I think smart phones are here to stay as well as bluetooth technology. I remember 10-15 years ago watching MTV Cribs and seeing all the handheld computer's that these celebrities were using to lock and unlock their houses, control music, heat/ac, etc. That was the beginning of the bluetooth age and it will only get better. Whether or not the mechanism in the box lasts a decade is very questionable. I know Snap On now makes almost all their tool boxes, cordless tool chargers, and tools with USB plugs/ports. The new technology is here to stay.

 

[7th Kahuna]

I can't speak for Fixed, but while the technology is certainly here to stay, you can't tell me they invested any real money in that lock mechanism. You'll be lucky if you can change the battery. Beyond that, how long before they develop a new more secure blue tooth technology that makes this box incompatible with your new iPhone X. The key for my 2nd hand 1972 Craftsman top box still works just fine.

 

[Two Door]

I can't speak for Fixed, but while the technology is certainly here to stay, you can't tell me they invested any real money in that lock mechanism. You'll be lucky if you can change the battery. Beyond that, how long before they develop a new more secure blue tooth technology that makes this box incompatible with your new iPhone X. The key for my 2nd hand 1972 Craftsman top box still works just fine.

Spot on!

 

[yamaha0343]

I think the bluetooth stuff is gimmicky, but the box itself looks pretty decent. There's still key holes.

 

[7th Kahuna]

There's still key holes.

Fortunately yes.

The irony is we all know how this works. For years, companies have been adding plastic bobbles and rubber bits to tools to catch a buyers attention. But what tools retain their value, the basic ones, because plastic bobbles break and rubber bits rot, and five years on, replacement parts aren't available.

I'm really torn on this issue. On one hand companies should be allowed to make what they want and can convince their customers to buy. On the other hand, the amount of waste that results is really unjustifiable. I just threw away a 10 year old ceiling fan because the molded plastic ring that supported the bearing had rotted. A ceiling fan should last decades. Styles change but mechanically you can't get much simpler. And the list goes on.

 

[Fixed]

I can't speak for Fixed, but while the technology is certainly here to stay, you can't tell me they invested any real money in that lock mechanism. You'll be lucky if you can change the battery. Beyond that, how long before they develop a new more secure blue tooth technology that makes this box incompatible with your new iPhone X. The key for my 2nd hand 1972 Craftsman top box still works just fine.

That's absolutely along the lines of what I was thinking.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[yamaha0343]

Fortunately yes.

The irony is we all know how this works. For years, companies have been adding plastic bobbles and rubber bits to tools to catch a buyers attention. But what tools retain their value, the basic ones, because plastic bobbles break and rubber bits rot, and five years on, replacement parts aren't available.

I'm really torn on this issue. On one hand companies should be allowed to make what they want and can convince their customers to buy. On the other hand, the amount of waste that results is really unjustifiable. I just threw away a 10 year old ceiling fan because the molded plastic ring that supported the bearing had rotted. A ceiling fan should last decades. Styles change but mechanically you can't get much simpler. And the list goes on.

I fully agree. As long as the tool or in this case box still functions when the gimmicky part inevitably craps out, and I can remove said gimmicky part without destroying the box, I'm ok with it.

 

[Parabellum]

Your getting ripped off, its made by International which can be had cheaper on Amazon.

 

[Brownsfan]

Are you sure it's made by international and not Waterloo? All the new Craftsman boxes popping up at Sears all say made in USA and are similar in overall design and shape of the box. Those are Waterloo made. It's good to see these. Everyone will **** on them because they are craftsman and immediately compare it to HF boxes. These are the MSRP and we all know how much craftsman boxes go on sale. I hope they are available in stores. I may be interested in the 52". Does anyone know if they are online only or will they be in store. I didn't see anything in the article.

 

[Parabellum]

Waterloo no longer makes their boxes, its now International

 

[John in OH]

A nice looking box, but Cman just can't get away from making gimmick tools. Must be in their DNA!

 

[7th Kahuna]

One of my all time favorites, and holiday special, was the wire stripper / bottle opener. Made perfect sense to me.

In fairness, that may not have been Sears ...

 

[Brownsfan]

Waterloo no longer makes their boxes, its now International

Not saying you're wrong but are you sure? I thought the "grip latch" was a Waterloo exclusive and does SPG have USA manufacturing facilities? Are all boxes SPG? Because there is still the same old style boxes at Sears. Is it maybe split? These new boxes are SPG and the "legacy" ones are still Waterloo? Anyone (Stuey) know if these pro boxes will be available in stores?

 

[bobcatdan]

Where do I sign up to be a tool box designer? I know I could come up with better boxes. These new boxes are close in some regardsort, but still drawer arrangements especially the 26" box are stupid as hell.

 

[Brownsfan]

It does definitely look like a SPG box not a Waterloo. Like I said maybe there are 2 box suppliers for Craftsman. The premium Heavy duty and heavy duty boxes look like the same old boxes.