Proto vs. Armstrong box?

[Ruger_556]

Any experience with either? I was looking at Matco but not a huge fan of the 4s drawer layout...

http://www.armstrongtools.com/tool-...bay-roller-cabinet-industrial-series-red.html

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...1d3_Proto®-450HS-66"-Workstation---12-Drawer/

 

[Brownsfan]

Of the 2 I would go Proto. I believe(I could be wrong) That the Proto is pretty much a Mac. The Armstrong looks a lot like a Matco. Says it USA made so who knows. The Proto is deeper longer and taller. Pretty sure there is a equivalent Macsimizer series to it. If the price is similar the proto is nice. I am not going to recommend a HF box because you didn't ask. Or a Snap On etc. But I guarantee someone will.
Looks pretty similar.
http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-326571-12-drw-42-workstation.aspx

 

[Ruger_556]

Of the 2 I would go Proto. I believe(I could be wrong) That the Proto is pretty much a Mac. The Armstrong looks a lot like a Matco. Says it USA made so who knows. The Proto is deeper longer and taller. Pretty sure there is a equivalent Macsimizer series to it. If the price is similar the proto is nice. I am not going to recommend a HF box because you didn't ask. Or a Snap On etc. But I guarantee someone will.

Trying to avoid those people... How many posts before this becomes a HF vs Snap-On thread... Bets anyone? The armstrong box says 75lb vs proto 200lb so that might sway me.

 

[Brownsfan]

It will not be that. It will be a HF 56" love fest circle jerk. I like the Proto. The more I look at it the more Im convinced its a Mac

 

[Ruger_556]

It does look a lot like a Mac... Except without the giant logo!

 

[85camaro]

Dude, get yourself a Snap on! Just kidding, couldn't resist.

Seriously, I think the Proto is the one to go with.

 

[Ruger_556]

$3,700 + free shipping for the Proto... Hmm

 

[Brownsfan]

The biggest difference I see from the Mac I linked is the top drawer looks VERY deep. Almost too deep(top to bottom). But I see you work on heavy equipment so I would imagine you have some 3/4 deep sockets so you will need it.

 

[beatcad]

I like that proto, but I didn't see a $ amount.
just curious 'cause I've been looking for a larger box myself

 

[Brownsfan]

That's a damn good price for that box. I wonder what the MAC would be. A equivalent SO Mac Matco in that size would be more.

 

[Ruger_556]

I like that proto, but I didn't see a $ amount.
just curious 'cause I've been looking for a larger box myself

Just Google the part #

 

[DTB]

I've seen some of those Proto's in person, although they may of actually been a little wider.It's been a couple years. They were pretty stout boxes.

 

[Ruger_556]

That's a damn good price for that box. I wonder what the MAC would be. A equivalent SO Mac Matco in that size would be more.

Looks like a MAC MB1350 which is $8,000+

 

[Wamsutta]

PROTO J456646-12RD

 

[Brownsfan]

Who is a retailer for these? I am in the market for a bigger box. I will take one in blue please

 

[Ruger_556]

Who is a retailer for these? I am in the market for a bigger box. I will take one in blue please

Here you go

http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j456646-12bl.html

 

[rjwilliams]

Proto. Great looking box with solid slides.

 

[Ruger_556]

I think I'll pick this one up with my tax return...

 

[Brownsfan]

Here is the tech series triple bay I was looking at for sale locally for 3k brand new. Its like 6k from Mac. I wonder if there is any difference in these or is this a Williams/Snap On socket type situation.
http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j456741-20bl.html

 

[Ruger_556]

That's definitely a MAC Tech... Too many drawers though. I like just a few big ones!

 

[Brownsfan]

I do only automotive electrical so not many big long tools. Just a lot of little things and diagnostic stuff. Last count I have 8 different sets of wire crimpers.

 

[Ruger_556]

I do only automotive electrical so not many big long tools. Just a lot of little things and diagnostic stuff. Last count I have 8 different sets of wire crimpers.

I have about that many crimpers too but I only keep 3 at work

 

[oldldh]

Of the OP's two choices, the Proto wins---there are other choices out there in toolboxland, such as---

The Extreme 72" Professional costs $ 3,595.00, is 30" deep, weighs 1,132 lbs empty, holds 300 and 600 lbs per drawer, comes with a stainless steel top, gets free shipping, and available delivered at your place in less than a week...part # EX7217RC at www.strictlytoolboxes.com

Of course it's made in China...but you'd have too pay over $ 9,000.00 for a similar US truck brand roller cabinet...

Damn nice box!!!

They also offer the EX5511RC for $ 2,795.00 if you'd rather have a 55" roller...it's a featherweight at 852 lbs...

 

[Brownsfan]

I think we may have found the new Garage Journal favorite boxes. These are AWESOME boxes for the money. I have a 50' Tech series that retailed for 4k. $21OO for the Proto equivalent

 

[Ruger_556]

I've looked at the extreme but I'll support American workers before I send my money to PRC. Irks me to no end when people complain about manufacturing leaving the US and then buy the HF box...

 

[Brownsfan]

Do these boxes have a "crinkle" finish like the old HF boxes? Some pics look like they do

 

[Ruger_556]

Do these boxes have a "crinkle" finish like the old HF boxes? Some pics look like they do

I think it's just a pixeled picture...

 

[Brownsfan]

I've looked at the extreme but I'll support American workers before I send my money to PRC. Irks me to no end when people complain about manufacturing leaving the US and then buy the HF box...

Amen. These are USA made pretty much MAC boxes at half the price. I am now really considering the 67" triple bay. I am damn glad you posted this before I pulled the trigger

 

[Ruger_556]

I have about that many crimpers too but I only keep 3 at work

Nope, I lied... There's 4 in there counting the Delphi tool

 

[jeepinerdeep]

The only thing I see is that old style Mac handle system on the Proto kinda rubs me the wrong way. I don't like the feel of the handle when opening the drawers. There's nothing technically wrong with that old style, I just don't love it not being at the top edge. Seems small and hard to grip to me especially on the bigger and heavier drawers

I'm just saying, make sure you dig that kind of "handle in the middle of the drawer face" thing before you drop your coin.

 

[Ruger_556]

I think we may have found the new Garage Journal favorite boxes. These are AWESOME boxes for the money. I have a 50' Tech series that retailed for 4k. $21OO for the Proto equivalent

We don't want people to start buying these and drive the price up before I have a chance to grab one

The only thing I see is that old style Mac handle system on the Proto kinda rubs me the wrong way. I don't like the feel of the handle when opening the drawers. There's nothing technically wrong with that old style, I just don't love it not being at the top edge. Seems small and hard to grip to me especially on the bigger and heavier drawers

I'm just saying, make sure you dig that kind of "handle in the middle of the drawer face" thing before you drop your coin.

That doesn't bother me any...It's kind of like the Lock-n-Roll (It just takes getting used too )

 

[Brownsfan]

If you decide to get it please post pics and a review. I am trying to work out the financials right now to get the 67" triple bay. This one actually.
http://m.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j456741-20rd.html

 

[comedyman809]

i own a proto 41" top and bottom, not the big ones your looking at, but i love my proto box

 

[Ruger_556]

Just noticed this 57" cabinet... Might be easier to maneuver around the shop than but if I go with the 66" I have enough room to do tool foam and lay everything out nicely with room to spare.

http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j455743-13bk.html

We have an old MAC (Same design as current Proto but 80's vintage) that we use for parts storage and I messed with it a little today. Thing is stout! Couple of the drawer detents are worn out but just a good old solid box!

My tax return needs to hurry up and get here now so I can put an order in... Price went down $70 on the 66" roller today today!!!!

 

[Hyster Gareth]

Proto make a good box. I don't think you would be disappointed.

 

[frankush]

I own a bottom and intermediate Proto set that I bought new about 10 years ago. They are nice boxes. I have an old Snap On bottom, purchased new in the early 80's, that is a lot heavier duty. Last year I bought a scratch and dent Lista. It is, without a doubt the nicest box I own. The drawers have the highest weight capacity and roll smoothly even when loaded up. The casters are top notch. I believe it's a 54" wide box and was less than $1500 shipped. Do yourself a favor and at least look at the Lista boxes before you drop that much coin.

 

[Ruger_556]

It's calling my name... It needs me to buy it



I found a review on these boxes http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=233295

$2946.54 vs $6,800 from MAC or $3579.43 for an equivalent Lista

 

[Ruger_556]

I got my tax refund today... Time to order a box!

 

[Brownsfan]

Do it. I really need to pull the trigger. My snap on guy has a deal on a krl box that has me thinking. It's the 54" wide 30" deep model. It's more than the proto but it's tempting. Buy it and post pics and a review.

 

[Ruger_556]

Do it. I really need to pull the trigger. My snap on guy has a deal on a krl box that has me thinking. It's the 54" wide 30" deep model. It's more than the proto but it's tempting. Buy it and post pics and a review.

Will do!