New Toolbox Time -- What would you Choose?

[Fastbird]

I'm finally admitting I need a bigger box. Just a garage box, but former tech with quite a few tools, and still do lots of mechanical work. Plus, I like clean organization and right now I have tools laying on tools in most drawers, not to mention I also need the roll cab for work space instead of my current stack due to my garage setup now. Wifey gave me the go ahead so here I am.

Initially, it started as wanting a US General 72". Cheap, well built, great garage box. But this is my last box I'm buying, and there are a couple of drawbacks on the US general that I don't really like. Drawer depth is only about 20 inches, and only a single oversized drawer, and the squared boring trim just doesn't sit with me right. So I started looking around and through everything I looked at, I've narrowed it down to two options.

Harbor Freight Icon 73"

Currently $3000 (but waiting for a 20% off to roll around and using their credit card for it's 10% off stack will bring the price down to $2160 before tax). Built like a tank, nice drawer layout, VERY aesthetically pleasing with it's curved trim edges, etc. I'd probably go this way even if I could only get it down to about $2500. A BIG plus is I've been able to be hands on with one of these and they're remarkably nice in person. Downside is there's definitely some lead time involved to get one in and I have to pick up from the store which is another level of logistics added. This is my number one choice but I'm not going to wait forever for the right deal to roll around either.

Or

Extreme Tools RX Series 72" in Black w/Blue Trim

This one is a standard of $2600 all over the place. I love the color combo on this one and that it has the griplatch style drawers like my trusty old 40" Craftsman stack I've had and worked out of for the past 15 years. But this box also has standard casters and weighs about 350lbs less than the Icon box. It's just not built as heavy all around. The big bonus here is free shipping to my house (save for a $30 charge for a lift gate) and I'd have it in about a week or so if ordered from RTB.

I realize that these are both going to be viewed as overkill for a home garage, but this is what I'm choosing to go with and is something I've wanted for a long time, so please respect that.

So my question for the more seasoned folks.......which way would you swing on this and why? Experiences one way or another?

 

[gerryw]

I was in the same boat, researched them, and ended buying a mint used Snap On classic 96 for less money. Im happy.
Just a thought.
Gerry
P.s i had the money in cash, and just waited for a deal to show up.

 

[kapster]

Not copying Gerry, but was also in the same boat and bought a used classic 96. Nice thing with snap on boxes, if you decide to get rid of it you should be able to get some money back out of it.

I like the looks of the Menards boxes over the us general, have you looked at them?

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[MikeF2316]

If I was undecided in that situation, the one that got brought to my door would be the decider.

 

[Fastbird]

I did scope out the Menards boxes. This one caught my eye.

But, too many tall drawers for my taste. I feel the more abundant shorter drawers makes a better utilization of the storage space. Price can't be beat though, it's under $1900 and if you can catch an 11% off deal with it you'll get a nice rebate too.

Been keeping my eye out for used Snappy or Matco (6S specifically) boxes, but the market around me is pretty much $4k and up, even for the older ones when they pop up.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Check out Styrke Industries, seriously.

I made the decision last week on what will be the "lifetime" toolbox for me. Initially I looked at the used Snappy, Matco and Mac options but decided I wanted new if I'm paying over $2,500 for my next (and last) big tool box purchase.

Being in Canada options like HF and US General boxes aren't readily available and Lowes/HD has **** up here. Our HF wanna be store (Princess Auto) and Craftsmans equivilant (Canadian Tire/MasterCraft) is mostly junk too. Strictly Tool Boxes doesn't ship here and I'd need to arrange that myself.... no thanks.

So I looked at Tool Vault, Extreme RX Pro, Rousseau and numerous others including Styrke. Nothing else in the 72" size range made sense for me. More height, more depth, lower price, SS top/liners included and made in Canada aside from some parts from Europe.

The cost was $4,700 CDN after freight, before taxes. The MSRP is $4,450 on their website. Might put you over budget when compared to the HF/US/Extreme options you list, but it's worth considering.

Also, Exreme has a Pro series of the RX model, there is likely a 72" Pro verion of the one you posted with thicker steel and heavier (maybe slides)/casters. I was looking at their 53" RX Pro and it was about $200 more than the 72" Styrke I ordered. The non Pro version had darwer/caster/steel ratings below what Styrke offers.

I really didn't/don't need a 72" box, but this was a better value than buying a similar quality big name box in the 53-55" range.

 

[JimH74]

I have the Extreme box. I am just a DIY and previously had the 52 HF US General. I had outgrown the harbor freight box and needed more space. Realistically the HF box quality was plenty good for my needs, but I yearned for a better box. I really wanted something deeper, and I didn't like the HF LATCH system. Actually I had removed the latches. I couldn't justify spending huge money, but if the right deal came along.......I started watching CL and Marketplace for used truck boxes but it seemed like everyone that had one for sale wanted huge money for it, or it was beat to h**l. The extreme box popped up and after going back and forth, I bought it. Have the middle set of wheels off, which made it easier to move. Love the drawer locking system. Love the 3 longer drawers, and the layout in general. The box was a home box for a mechanic. Perfect shape, no scratches or dents. Blue. The guy took really good care of it. I saw his new Snap On box covered in the garage. I can't compare to a Snap On or Mac because I've never touched one. Love the Extreme box though. Much better for my needs.

 

[ianguilly]

For me if you're spending that kind of money id want a 30" deep box. I'd watch facebook marketplace and Craigslist, there are some great deals out there.

 

[Badgerstate]

Id go Craftsman or Husky if it were me.

 

[Mr_B]

I would make bigger effort trying find used matco if can .
Out of your 2 new choices it close match, I probably take extreme due to pull latches and drawer layout but thicker steel and 4 wheels on the icon is nice.
Shame the extreme not 400 bucks cheaper .
Hard call and very much down to your personal preferences on features .

 

[joey1320]

The ICON.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

My thread debating a box choice, which resulted in the decision to go with the Styrke can be found here.

 

[BigBoreFan]

Tekton 60 X 30 maybe?

Delivered to your door.

https://www.tekton.com/tool-cabinets?quantity=1&color=red&size=60-in-(30-in-deep)

 

[Phoenixl37]

The Menards Masterforce boxes seem really good for the price. Drawers slide smooth, the whole drawer handle lifts up to unlock the drawer unlike Generals that have the deadbolt type slide & only unlock from one end. The larger boxes are also 24" deep. I also like the Gunmetal & Green color combination.

 

[JEdiag]

I bought a 72" husky matte black with butcher block top for just under 1,000. So far so good. A lot of short drawers but some are almost too short. Kinda cool because the top has a crank that lowers and raises height and has more storage underneath.

 

[Fastbird]

I looked at the Stryke stuff. Nice for sure. Quite a bit more than I want to spend though. Can't justify that kind of price.

Honestly if the Menards box had a tiny bit different layout I'd be all over it because you can get matching wall cabinets and other things.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Did you look at the Homak boxes? I have a 72" with the stainless top. The drawer layout is great, lots of shallow drawers and a few deep as needed. I've had it for two years now and the drawers are still smooth. Has noce griplatch style openers. Believe it was around $1300 at that time.

 

[TudorTom]

I work out of a decades-old Snap-On box and have a Kennedy for home use - so not sure if my opinion qualifies as "seasoned". But between the 3 options you posted, I'd pick the ICON without much hesitation....especially at $2160. Where I live, the only late-model used Snap-On/Mac/Matco you'll find for that amount is a beat up one.

While it doesn't sound like you were seriously considering them to begin with, personally I'd steer clear of Husky/Masterforce/Craftsman and the like. Almost all those boxes are built by the same 3 manufacturers - with the retailer making the decision on a per-model basis based on who bids the lowest. Although some of them are decent, my observation is that this leads to a lot of inconsistencies within the same "brands".

HF operates with a different business model -- and while it took me a long time to warm up to them, I honestly think those US General boxes are built with the most uniform standards of anything you'll find in a retail setting. Not to say they're made to the same standard as Snap-On, but they're more than good enough for many folks....and I think it's fair to say the ICON stuff is only better.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Harbor Freight Icon 73"


Downside is there's definitely some lead time involved to get one in and I have to pick up from the store which is another level of logistics added.

i thought the icon included delivery to your house?

 

[Doughnuts]

You can buy a barely used snap on of the same overall dimensions for a lot less than an ICON. I bought a 6 month old SO 1022 for 2k with rhino top. Its only 55 or so wide but since its deeper the overall capacity is the same as the 73" ICON. If i sell it tommorow ill get my 2k back its already depreciated. Soon as you leave the store that icon will drop by 50% on the used market.

 

[Snapped-off]

Id go with extreme out of your 2 choices. Icon left a lot to be desired when I checked it out. My local store may just have a damaged model on display though.

What about toolvault from strictly toolboxes?

I've been looking for a used truck box for over a year. I'm not even looking for a smoking deal, just a reasonable price. You'll see a lot of people online buying triple bay epiqs for 2-3k. Used market is a joke in my area.

 

[kngelv]

You can buy a barely used snap on of the same overall dimensions for a lot less than an ICON. I bought a 6 month old SO 1022 for 2k with rhino top. Its only 55 or so wide but since its deeper the overall capacity is the same as the 73" ICON. If i sell it tommorow ill get my 2k back its already depreciated. Soon as you leave the store that icon will drop by 50% on the used market.

Someone always puts out the super Snap On deal that is very difficult to find. You would have to be extremely lucky to get one at that price. I have seen more posts claiming that you can just go buy one at a low price than actual boxes at these supposed low prices.

James

 

[Alpine4x4]

Someone always puts out the super Snap On deal that is very difficult to find. You would have to be extremely lucky to get one at that price. I have seen more posts claiming that you can just go buy one at a low price than actual boxes at these supposed low prices.

James

No kidding. Maybe in a major metro area its possible to run across these deals more often, but I know where I am at every SO box listed is $$$ or its through the dealer who wants $$$.

 

[Mavsman]

Harbor Freight Icon 73"

Or

Extreme Tools RX Series 72" in Black w/Blue Trim

From those two choices, I would go with the ICON. But if it was me, id look for a used snap on box.

 

[Fastbird]

Did you look at the Homak boxes? I have a 72" with the stainless top. The drawer layout is great, lots of shallow drawers and a few deep as needed. I've had it for two years now and the drawers are still smooth. Has noce griplatch style openers. Believe it was around $1300 at that time.

The Homak crossed my radar but they only had the two large drawers on their noticably more expensive HXL Pro line. Took them out of the running.

Guys, a truck box isn't going to happen. There's NOTHING available anywhere near me other than boxes that are $4000 and more. I think there's one older Mac box for $3500 but that's it, and more than I'm looking to spend. I'm heavily favoring the Icon but that's going to be VERY dependent on another 20% off Icon Storage deal showing it's face.

 

[anavrinIV]

Someone always puts out the super Snap On deal that is very difficult to find. You would have to be extremely lucky to get one at that price. I have seen more posts claiming that you can just go buy one at a low price than actual boxes at these supposed low prices.

James

I bought a KRL722 a few weeks ago in great (not perfect) condition for 2k. I also had the option of a 1022 for the same price but 1. it was too big (height and depth) to really work in my space and 2. it was not extreme green, and the 722 is.

Deals are out there if you're willing to drive for them and vigilant about looking at all online marketplaces

 

[Blind1]

I must be the only person on the planet who thinks long shallow drawers with perfectly spaced tools is the worst use of space in the world. The 5 seconds it takes to grab something in a condensed bin or underneath something is irrelevant for a lot of folks. Seems like I can fit a lot of tools in a box if I don’t use “pretty” as the criteria.

 

[Renegade1LI]

The Homak crossed my radar but they only had the two large drawers on their noticably more expensive HXL Pro line. Took them out of the running.

Guys, a truck box isn't going to happen. There's NOTHING available anywhere near me other than boxes that are $4000 and more. I think there's one older Mac box for $3500 but that's it, and more than I'm looking to spend. I'm heavily favoring the Icon but that's going to be VERY dependent on another 20% off Icon Storage deal showing it's face.

I just bought a 72" US G, I looked hard at Icon as it wasn't a money issue, it was value. I liked the icon & the cabinets & accessories are real nice, but almost 3 x the price? I just don't see 3 x the value. I still have a couple weeks so I will still look around, but honestly I really like the US G, plus the money saved I will buy a couple end lockers, a cart & still be ahead & have a nice tool storage set up, plus it's all brand new.Either way good luck, that icon display is like hard drugs to a tool junky.

 

[Troy32323]

I must be the only person on the planet who thinks long shallow drawers with perfectly spaced tools is the worst use of space in the world. The 5 seconds it takes to grab something in a condensed bin or underneath something is irrelevant for a lot of folks. Seems like I can fit a lot of tools in a box if I don’t use “pretty” as the criteria.

You would hate my toolbox hahaha

 

[Fastbird]

So......

Stopped in Menards for something unrelated today, and they actually had a 72" box on display. It's actually VERY nice. But the abundance of deep drawers is still a turn off, though I will admit for the price it's hard to look elsewhere.

Went and seriously crawled all over the Icon box today too. First time I've seriously looked one over other than a fleeting glance when in the store. That's a NICE piece. Everything about it felt sturdier than the Menards box. But......those skinny drawers are SKINNY. Really skinny. Skinny enough that I'm going to take a close look and see if they'll actually be advantageous for me or not.

 

[mrjaw14]

If it's really those two choices I'd go Extreme. You really should hit up FB marketplace for a used Snap-On box. I got a really really good deal on a KTL1022 that I absolutely love. others have mentioned classic 96 boxes, I see a lot of those as well.

To get mine home I rented a low "motorcycle" trailer from U-haul that had a ramp on it. the moto trailer is actually cheaper to rent then the really small low trailer with ramp. two of us pushed it up in there, I laid moving blankets on it, and ratchet strapped it down. easy peasy.

 

[charbar]

For home use I doubt you'd have to worry about any of them not holding up. If you were a previous tech then you probably have a pretty good idea of what works for you in a toolbox and exactly what you want as far as a layout. Find that toolbox and buy it, regardless of brand, I say.

I have a pretty good sized Snap On, and when I was looking for something bigger I kept looking at Snap On. Decided for the price it made no sense to buy a bigger Snap On. Tool boxes don't make you money, only cost you money.
I ended up keeping the Snap On, and buying a 41 inch Masterforce top from Menards to put on a homemade cart. Gray and Green like the ones you pictured. Got it on the 11% sale and paid like $350 for it. Honestly Im pretty impressed. I don't have the drawers loaded to the max (most of my big stuff is elsewhere in the shop) but it's been used hard every day for the last 3 or so years that Ive had it and I cant complain one bit about it.

Buddy of mine just bought a 56 or 72 inch US General a few months ago and it appears to be a pretty nice box as well. I wouldnt have a problem using one in my shop. Ive never looked much at the Icons, but they are supposed to be better than the US Generals, so I can only assume they are a pretty good box for the money also.

Moral of my story....buy what is going to suit you the best and dont worry about what brand is plastered on it. Ive never seen a toolbox crumble in half, have you?

 

[lisek248]

icon

 

[whateg01]

...Extreme Tools RX Series 72" in Black w/Blue Trim

This one is a standard of $2600 all over the place. I love the color combo on this one and that it has the griplatch style drawers like my trusty old 40" Craftsman stack I've had and worked out of for the past 15 years. But this box also has standard casters and weighs about 350lbs less than the Icon box. It's just not built as heavy all around. The big bonus here is free shipping to my house (save for a $30 charge for a lift gate) and I'd have it in about a week or so if ordered from RTB.
...

Looks like Northern Tool sells almost the same box for $1900. It's missing one of the long drawers and the one next to it. Crazy that two drawers can cost $700!

 

[Fastbird]

Looks like Northern Tool sells almost the same box for $1900. It's missing one of the long drawers and the one next to it. Crazy that two drawers can cost $700!

Just looked it up because I have a NT 5 minutes from home. That's the DX series box, so it's only 21" deep as opposed to the 25" of the RX I was looking at.

 

[whateg01]

gotcha! There had to be more than the 2 drawers different!

 

[Fastbird]

gotcha! There had to be more than the 2 drawers different!

Yeah. At $1800 if that was a 25" box like the Menards that would be a solid deal for sure. That added depth adds up. $2600 for the 25", and $3500 for the 30" deep ones.

 

[Fastbird]

For home use I doubt you'd have to worry about any of them not holding up. If you were a previous tech then you probably have a pretty good idea of what works for you in a toolbox and exactly what you want as far as a layout. Find that toolbox and buy it, regardless of brand, I say.

I have a pretty good sized Snap On, and when I was looking for something bigger I kept looking at Snap On. Decided for the price it made no sense to buy a bigger Snap On. Tool boxes don't make you money, only cost you money.
I ended up keeping the Snap On, and buying a 41 inch Masterforce top from Menards to put on a homemade cart. Gray and Green like the ones you pictured. Got it on the 11% sale and paid like $350 for it. Honestly Im pretty impressed. I don't have the drawers loaded to the max (most of my big stuff is elsewhere in the shop) but it's been used hard every day for the last 3 or so years that Ive had it and I cant complain one bit about it.

Buddy of mine just bought a 56 or 72 inch US General a few months ago and it appears to be a pretty nice box as well. I wouldnt have a problem using one in my shop. Ive never looked much at the Icons, but they are supposed to be better than the US Generals, so I can only assume they are a pretty good box for the money also.

Moral of my story....buy what is going to suit you the best and dont worry about what brand is plastered on it. Ive never seen a toolbox crumble in half, have you?

I like the way you think. Truthfully, I'm operating out of a 15+ year old Craftsman box I've had since new. 3 Shop moves, 3 Home moves, and other than some scratches and the plastic emblems being broken off the front, it's fine. Slides and drawers are great, no dents, etc. I've just outgrown it.

Only reason I really asked about it here was for some real world experiences with any of the listed boxes I'm primarily looking at, mainly to see if there's any gotcha's involved.

 

[Fastbird]

So after a bit of deliberation and a few sleepless nights of careful measurements and calculations..........Ok, not really. But.....

I just ordered the Extreme box in Black/Blue.

I almost forced myself into a Master Force box as Menards is rocking 11% rebates right now and that would nearly pay for a side mount power drawer for it, and even went back and went over the store demo box again, which admittedly is quite nice. I just couldn't get past the overabundance of deeper drawers.

Went back over the Icon box again too. The ultra skinny drawers were making me nervous, but I LOVED the power drawer (though I'd have removed the hanger for the power tools in the big bottom drawer and used that for storage). The Detents just weren't doing it for me.

Spoke with a gentleman at RTB today, got the info I needed, and for $2495 delivered, I think I'm gonna be happy.

Besides......the blue/black theme kind of goes with my car.

 

[Snapped-off]

Sweet. Be sure to post up pictures when it comes in.