Opinions on Craftsman Soft Close Tool Boxes

[csimmons222]

I am in need of a tool chest to hold my small collection of tools. However, I am sure that my tool collection will begin to grow rapidly as I am a new home owner. Therefore, I would much rather spend a little more now on a larger box so that I have something to grow into.

I see that Sears will be offering their Craftsman 52" Wide 16-Drawer Soft Close Tool Chest and Rolling Cabinet combination on Black Friday for $650. I have done a little bit of digging in these forums but I have found a very limited amount of information on these particular tool chests. The little information that I did find states that these are being made in the USA and are of decent quality. Each drawer holds 100 lbs.

The only other tool chest that I have found in this size / price range is the 52" Husky. However, the Husky seems to get some mixed reviews from what I see. I am sure it would be good enough for my use but if the Craftsman is better than obviously that would be my choice.

With all of that said, do any of you have comments on this particular Craftsman chest? By no means am I a handyman / wrench turner. This box will be used very lightly and mostly as a way to keep my garage looking clean and tools organized. With that said, I don't mind paying a bit more to get a quality item that will be sure to last.

Thanks in advance!

See the link below for the Chest and Rolling Cabinet Combo at Sears.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-52inch-wide-16-drawer-soft-close-tool/p-009CO89980212B?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

 

[Billgluckman]

Over the last month or so I've looked at the craftsman, husky, kobalt, and harbor freight/us general tool boxes.

I really want the big stainless steel kobalt, but I'll be buying a harbor freight box. They felt way better than the craftsman, and the prices are great.

 

[jhelrey]

Try Masterforce

 

[csimmons222]

I know Craftsman has a bunch of models and that their quality can differ greatly. Unfortunately, our local Sears just closed so I have nowhere close by to check out this particular cabinet.

I have a lot of the Sears Shop Your Way Rewards points. That is why I am looking at this Craftsman since it will not cost me much cash out of pocket.

 

[GYPSY400]

That looks like a fine box for what you need it for.. and it's big enough that it will take you years to grow out of.. for $650 go for it!

Sent from my SM-G903W using Tapatalk

 

[R_einan]

I have the 41" top chest from that series, and it is pretty well built. Slides are smooth and feel tight/strong. For that kind of money it's a hard deal to pass up. I didn't like the drawer layout on the 52" soft close bottom, so I ended up with a 52" from the edge series. Honestly, I'd say the softclose box 'feels' better than the more expensive edge box, but I got a good deal on it so I'm happy enough.

 

[csimmons222]

Thanks for the feedback so far!

 

[junkyardwarrior]

I did the same searching. Found that the Harbor Freight boxes aren't much different than Craftsman boxes or Husky or Lowes, other than the stainless version-which I loved. I ended up spending the extra on a 72" US General box, which seems to be built extremely well for the money. Sure I'd loved to have got a Matco triple bay but not for $8500. I wanted something that would hold what I have, plus have room for expansion as I'm able to. Guess what? It's FULL. In under a year's time. I like the fact that I can still use the top for a work bench, and I'm 6'8" so it being taller than a normal work bench doesn't bother me. I used it to stand on, to run wires through the newly built shop and have built a couple old Powerglide transmissions on it. I may end up picking up a 36" top box to fit the smaller stuff in like micrometers and dial indicators. Have not decided yet though.

About 15 years ago I done some searching, Craftsman was right at the top of the list back then-for the money. I was at TSC looking for a part for my tractor and found that they had boxes too....I picked up a 40" Masterhand top and bottom, for $699 on sale (for both)-and still use them daily at work. So far, have not had any problem other than some plastic bags getting behind the lock and holding it up, but that's my own fault for not storing the bags properly (just empty bags). It is hunter green-before they switched them all to black. The same exact Sears box was in the $1500 range, they're so similar that I bought a Sears single wide drawer and put it between the top and bottom and it fits like it belongs there (other than being black and not green to match the Masterhands). Been a great set of boxes for the money!

 

[exmaxima1]

I recently bought the 52" Premium HD cabinet, which is very similar except for the slides (Griplatch vs Soft Close) and the warranty (Premium is lifetime vs 6 years). Same casters except for the cosmetics, same size, etc. Premium weighs about 50 lbs more as well. I like it alot especially for the price---I paid $415, which is better than any other USA made box I could find. I liked it so much I just bought a matching 40" cabinet last week.

As far as the top chests, I opted against them. While they are sturdy enough, I just can't get past the locking lid that must be completely up to use the drawers. Deal breaker for me. The soft close version may have a different locking system, which would be great, and I especially like the built-in power strip feature.

 

[R_einan]

I recently bought the 52" Premium HD cabinet, which is very similar except for the slides (Griplatch vs Soft Close) and the warranty (Premium is lifetime vs 6 years). Same casters except for the cosmetics, same size, etc. Premium weighs about 50 lbs more as well. I like it alot especially for the price---I paid $415, which is better than any other USA made box I could find. I liked it so much I just bought a matching 40" cabinet last week.

As far as the top chests, I opted against them. While they are sturdy enough, I just can't get past the locking lid that must be completely up to use the drawers. Deal breaker for me. The soft close version may have a different locking system, which would be great, and I especially like the built-in power strip feature.

Soft close chest have a separate drawer lock. Drawers open with the lid down. But if the drawers are latched the lid must be opened to access the latch.