Opinions on low price tool box upgrade?

[Driftgarage]

So its getting about time I upgrade my tool storage situation but doing so as cheap as possible. For years my brother and I shared a garage and a craftsman box as well for our hodgepodge collection of tools. After I moved and began finding it impractical to drive to his place every time I needed to work on something, I started piecing together my small set to keep in the car/ around the house. Well, I outgrew the red plastic toolbox I was using in short order. So as i continued accumulating tools, my workbench drawers are bursting at the seams, my tools are beginning to seem more at home on the floor that anywhere else. I'm looking at either the Harbor Freight 4 drawer work cart;

http://www.harborfreight.com/580-lb-capacity-four-drawer-tool-cart-95659.html

or

The Craftsman 5 drawer project center;

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-dr...p-00959496000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

or

possibly the craftsman 8 drawer work station;

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-53-i...0931011000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11


If anyone owns any of these and can attest as to how they hold up over time I would be very interested to know. Pics are more than welcome as well!

 

[ctjohnson]

I think you need to figure out how much storage you need right now, those 3 choices vary greatly in their capacities. I'd suggest looking used and getting a deal on a quality unit, but many others here will tell you to get the HF 44 inch unit.

 

[madcrisis]

theres also the 26 inch 16 drawer combo from harbor freight. I would not get the four drawer cart for its tool storage its a cart. If you know about where your gonna end your tool collection (is that possible??) and keep it relatively small then te 26 inch should have plenty of room. If you want a box that can be expanded while your collection grows (to a degree) the HF 44 inch is an awesome box. I plan on picking one up in the spring.

 

[Driftgarage]

Well, I don't have any intentions of ending my tool collecting habit. lol. However, as much as I would like a HF 44" or the all mighty 72", I can't afford them at the moment. The only reason I even mentioned the craftsman 8 drawer is I spotted one on CL the other day for CHEAP. I'm not looking for a box that will house my never ending collection. Just something to hold them for the next couple years while I save for a more permanent solution (HF 56", masterforce 72", used snap-on epiq?).

 

[jim1987]

What kind of budget are we talking about?

 

[archirelic]

I'd almost say continue to save up some cash here & there until you're able to afford a larger unit than what you've linked to...that is unless the 8 drawer Craftsman unit you've seen on cl is really that great of a deal.

Thus far you've been dealing with your tools all over the place, what would a couple more months mean if it meant being able to buy a larger box to start out with?

 

[cburnscrx]

Here's my .02

There are better options out there for the same money if not cheaper. You just have to watch.

I picked up the Husky 6 drawer top chest for $70. 16" deep (vs. 12 for most) and made by Waterloo (same as Craftsman). 50lb drawer slides as well.

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Husky-26-in-W-6-Drawer-Chest-H6CH3/203182700/


Then I'd add this bottom box (also made by Waterloo) for $100. I personally bought the Craftsman version of this and like it a lot (mine was $129).

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Husky-26-in-W-6-Drawer-Chest-H6CH3/203182700/


That's a LOT of tool storage for $170.00 brand new out the door. Keep in mind that this is better than the work station you highlighted AND way more space. It's even better quality with the ball bearing slides than what you've chosen other than the HF cart (too small).

The problem will be locating some near you at this point. Good luck!

 

[Driftgarage]

Well, right now I'm looking at $150-$200. Were in the middle of renovating the garage so funds are tight. I really need some sort of temp solution because I had to pick up everything and pile it on my workbench (were epoxy coating the floor this week). So as soon as everything goes back in the garage, I'd really like to be able to put them all away and enjoy the new floor as opposed to re cluttering it. lol

 

[jim1987]

For $300 you can get a cheap husky 42"~ stack. Plus tax of course. The reviews aren't the greatest, but maybe that could bide you some time until more funds become available.

 

[jim1987]

You can get the stack at home depot for about $325. It doesn't gmhave good reviews and is cheaply made. But might last long enough to get more funds available. Roughly 42" of 10 full length drawers

 

[Westly]

The only reason I even mentioned the craftsman 8 drawer is I spotted one on CL the other day for CHEAP.

If that one's in the price range of the other two, then there's no question about which one to get! More for your money.

 

[Outlawmws]

I personally wouldn't bother with any of the less expensive "solutions" from Sears, HD or Lowes. They are really not up to any serious loading on the drawers. if you only load in the "I can see everything" and there is space around each tool, they might be adequate. if not, don't go there. (Think foam cutouts for every tool...)

For your budget, you really only have one option: used; but again don't throw money away on light weight boxes. If you are in doubt; what does the box weigh compared to a similar but quality box? Push in the middle of a drawer and see if it "oilcans" if it is popping down, then up with that, what will it do with tools?

If you are just buying time, get some ****** buckets and use those while you find a solution.

The HF 44 and 72 ARE decently made and constructed, (To my immense surprise) I just don't like the COO, or I'd probably own one or more myself...

Be careful about the 26" HF boxes, at least some are absolute ****. (the brown wrinkle finish one are even thinner and lighter than the sears ****..) Those wouldn't work for the scrapbooking stuff SWMBO does...

 

[cburnscrx]

I personally wouldn't bother with any of the less expensive "solutions" from Sears, HD or Lowes. They are really not up to any serious loading on the drawers. if you only load in the "I can see everything" and there is space around each tool, they might be adequate. if not, don't go there. (Think foam cutouts for every tool...)

For your budget, you really only have one option: used; but again don't throw money away on light weight boxes. If you are in doubt; what does the box weigh compared to a similar but quality box? Push in the middle of a drawer and see if it "oilcans" if it is popping down, then up with that, what will it do with tools?

If you are just buying time, get some ****** buckets and use those while you find a solution.

The HF 44 and 72 ARE decently made and constructed, (To my immense surprise) I just don't like the COO, or I'd probably own one or more myself...

Be careful about the 26" HF boxes, at least some are absolute ****. (the brown wrinkle finish one are even thinner and lighter than the sears ****..) Those wouldn't work for the scrapbooking stuff SWMBO does...

I generally agree with your premise, and the Lowes, HD, Craftsman stuff isn't great, but it's not terrible either. What I did find out firsthand is that you can make some "improvements" to the boxes to firm them up. For example, you can add drawer slides to the bigger drawers as the punch outs are already there. Just call up Waterloo and have them shipped. The other thing you can do to help the box is rivet all the slides. Some are only riveted in the front, or the back, but not both. Making sure everything is riveted and it makes a world of difference.

I use the HF 44" as my main box, and am very pleased with it, I'll get the top and the side soon too. However, I just needed square footage on a budget and this fits the bill nicely. I've got my light/medium weight stuff in my Husky/Craftsman combo and so far so good.

 

[cburnscrx]

Be careful about the 26" HF boxes, at least some are absolute ****. (the brown wrinkle finish one are even thinner and lighter than the sears ****..) Those wouldn't work for the scrapbooking stuff SWMBO does...

The red 26" is fine, and truthfully better built than the Husky, Kobalt or Craftsman boxes.

However the brown box is a giant POS. It's barely adequate to store sewing supplies or, well...anything. Do not buy that box.

 

[Askme42]

Personally I would deal with my current situation for a few months and get the HF 44". You're halfway there with your current budget.

 

[jakemac]

The HF 44" is on sale for $389 (less with coupon). The 26" combo is on sale for $359 ($319 with coupon). If you're looking to maximize sq/ft vs price, the 26" combo will store more tools in less space than the 44".

As for expanding, the 44" is ready made for expansion and has ready to add options. The 26" is not built to handle the extra weight, but can be modified to add the 44's side boxes. There are threads here on what others have done. I expanded the 26" and love it for all the storage it provides.

If you have a long term plan for storage and are just looking for a short term solution, get some storage totes and a few mover's dollies to move them around while you save for your permanent solution. The important thing is to form a plan and work towards that plan from the beginning. If you start with a stop-gap plan, you will just spend money on something that never progresses and will have no value for resale later. BTDT.

 

[zkling]

Couple suggestions.

1.) The black HF cart is nice, the red one is even nicer, both good values.
2.) Project center, I wouldn't even consider it. It is what I started with, and while it held up fine for years it is nothing compared to more substantial boxes. The new ones are really sad.
3.) That craftsman unit is nice but over priced for what it is, compared to other options. NEW, how much is the "cheap" used one you found?

If you want good storage on the cheap, real cheap, yet still high quality, go pick up a few used file cabinets. Or search craigslist for used tool boxes.

 

[cburnscrx]

Well, right now I'm looking at $150-$200. Were in the middle of renovating the garage so funds are tight. I really need some sort of temp solution because I had to pick up everything and pile it on my workbench (were epoxy coating the floor this week). So as soon as everything goes back in the garage, I'd really like to be able to put them all away and enjoy the new floor as opposed to re cluttering it. lol

With that budget (and I've been there), you're looking at a Husky/Craftsman setup or Craigslist

HF 44" is 80% over your budget

HF 26" is 50% over your budget

One thing to remember, is you don't have to keep it forever. Craigslist is your friend. That $170 stack I pointed out will sell all day long on Craigslist for $125 without blinking. You might even be able to get your money back if you play your cards right.

 

[mrvm]

+1 on cburnscrx suggestion. The HD $170 is a great starter tool box that will perform well for your needs today and can always be sold or even kept for any future tool overflow". I got my sights on the HF 44" but I'm keeping both of my older BB Craftsman 26" which are in excellent condition. They don't take up much room and I plan to use one for electrical and the other for plumbing tools/supplies

 

[dodgemike]

+2 on the HD combo. I bought it
just for wrenches and screwdrivers
etc. It is fine for the money. I do
have 2 other 26" combo units plus
a 44" work center. I have been
fortunate to accumulate all this over time. This would definitely
get you started at reasonable cash.

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

 

[mtesh73]

i just used a coupon the other day for a HF 44" $359, good til may. it is on here somewhere, possibly the HF coupon thread. i am using another one tomorrow.

 

[oldldh]

I'm with Outlaw...

Get a couple of buckets, until you've got the money together to buy the HF 44" roller cabinet...

No messing with stuff that won't do the job very long...

The HF 44" box will last the home DIY'er the rest of your life, and is expandable, should the need arise...

I was using the bucket method for years, while I saved up, for the Extreme 55" Professional roller...My wife, having a greater grasp of reality, than yours truly, bought me an HF 56" roller for Christmas (on sale for $ 699.00!!!)...I'm now good forever!!!

Save up for a couple of months, and get the HF 44"!!!

 

[jim1987]

Isn't that 56" just freaking ****?!?! And major kudos on having a wife that'd do that.

 

[oldldh]

I agree on both counts...

And both are drop dead gorgeous...

I'm too lucky...

 

[jim1987]

Lol. Now we need proof and we will judge that. Lol