Proto vs. Armstrong box?

[fhemm20]

I've been meaning to do my 1 month update for Brownsfan.

I have the 57" box. The handles are a little hard to get used to, but not bad. I currently use the Hanson socket trays. All my 1/4" and 3/8" sockets stand up. On my 1/2" deeps, I think the 15/16" and up started to interfere with the drawer closing, so I flipped them upside down and there is about 3/8" clearance between the socket and the top of the drawer. My 3/4" drive deeps stand up just fine by themselves with about the same amount of clearance.

Ill take some more pics tomorrow when I get to work and stick them up fer ya!

 

[Ruger_556]

I've been meaning to do my 1 month update for Brownsfan.

I have the 57" box. The handles are a little hard to get used to, but not bad. I currently use the Hanson socket trays. All my 1/4" and 3/8" sockets stand up. On my 1/2" deeps, I think the 15/16" and up started to interfere with the drawer closing, so I flipped them upside down and there is about 3/8" clearance between the socket and the top of the drawer. My 3/4" drive deeps stand up just fine by themselves with about the same amount of clearance.

Ill take some more pics tomorrow when I get to work and stick them up fer ya!

Sweet I keep all my sockets upside down anyway. I didn't realize they would work the other way on the hansen tray.

 

[fhemm20]

Yea, I think they are designed to be on there upside down, I just prefer them the other way...I just odd like that. My ocd doesnt know how to act when I open my socket drawer and I have some sockets upside down and some right side up.

 

[Ruger_556]

My ocd doesnt know how to act when I open my socket drawer and I have some sockets upside down and some right side up.

I don't know if I could handle that... The OCD is strong in me

 

[fhemm20]

Its, official, no sleep tonight. gonna be up all night thinking about that ****

 

[shockwave]

I don't know how set u r on these 2 but the proto looks the best of the 2
But also look at cornwell boxes they have some really nice boxes and are always overlooked by all of the truck brands and hold up nice and I really like there drawer design

 

[Ruger_556]

I don't know how set u r on these 2 but the proto looks the best of the 2
But also look at cornwell boxes they have some really nice boxes and are always overlooked by all of the truck brands and hold up nice and I really like there drawer design

I'm going to order the Proto this week I've heard too many bad stories about getting replacement parts for Cornwell boxes.

 

[shockwave]

I'm going to order the Proto this week I've heard too many bad stories about getting replacement parts for Cornwell boxes.

Definitely better of the 2 do they offer any wood tops or stainless tops they are great for a minor work. And since u are buying a box a lot of times they can throw it in with a deal

 

[Ruger_556]

Definitely better of the 2 do they offer any wood tops or stainless tops they are great for a minor work. And since u are buying a box a lot of times they can throw it in with a deal

No, but I can get one that fits from the MAC guy if I want one. I'll most likely make my own top with a vise and such.

 

[fhemm20]

Posted update here

 

[Larch]

Man I have tool box envy. That Proto is Sweeet! Wish I could afford one, maybe I'll put my toolmobile on e-bay and get a newer Proto! Just kidding, I'll never sell the toolmobile, but I sure like the box you are getting!

 

[ive]

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...

Bump!

So what are the prices? I read 2100 for the proto, what about Armstrong?

 

[Ruger_556]

Bump!

So what are the prices? I read 2100 for the proto, what about Armstrong?

67" Proto is $2,500 http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j456741-20bl.html

57" Proto is $2,900 http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...oto®-450HS-57"-Workstation---13-Drawer,-Blue/

54" Armstrong is $2,600 http://www.armstrongtools.com/tool-...bay-roller-cabinet-industrial-series-red.html

 

[Conductor562]

You can never go wrong with Proto!

 

[basspro]

All the boxes listed are very nice. They are all models I would consider upgrading to someday. I notice the Proto has a higher load rating on drawers. What about a Kennedy Maintenance Pro or Benchmark series?

http://www.toolfetch.com/kennedy-53...303031425552&gclid=CJfcmavi2bwCFcY7MgodOyUA6w

http://www.cometsupply.com/mp/KENNEDY/pm/KEN5300MP/r/ga/

 

[Ruger_556]

 

[ive]

67" Proto is $2,500 http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j456741-20bl.html

57" Proto is $2,900 http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...oto®-450HS-57"-Workstation---13-Drawer,-Blue/

54" Armstrong is $2,600 http://www.armstrongtools.com/tool-...bay-roller-cabinet-industrial-series-red.html

Thank you!

 

[fhemm20]

Ah ma lawd, he did it

 

[ive]

Nice!

 

[fhemm20]

this probably wouldnt be a good time to put out there that i know of a macsimizer 11 drawer mac box that could be had for $3500, would it?

 

[Ruger_556]

this probably wouldnt be a good time to put out there that i know of a macsimizer 11 drawer mac box that could be had for $3500, would it?

In Alabama? I'll pass...

 

[fhemm20]

In Alabama? I'll pass...

just thought id put that out there, its only a year old

 

[Letsgobowhunting]

Proto and Mac are both owned by Black & Decker. Probably the same but a little different.

 

[fhemm20]

Proto and Mac are both owned by Black & Decker. Probably the same but a little different.

the proto box is closer to the tech series. the macsimizer is a beefier version

 

[Ruger_556]

Proto and Mac are both owned by Black & Decker. Probably the same but a little different.

Pretty much... Mostly cosmetic differences

57" Proto
- 200 lb slides (No double slides)
- Adjustable detents
- 13 drawers
- Standard casters

57" Macsimizer
- 200 lb slides (Doubled on certain drawers)
- Adjustable detents
- 12 drawers
- Spring loaded casters

Tech series (No comparable size... Used 50" for specs
- 125 lb drawer slides (Doubled on two drawers)
- Adjustable detents
- Standard casters

 

[Ruger_556]

Got a phone call from Proto today... They just wanted to let me know that since they build boxes to order it would be 4-6 weeks before it'll ship

 

[Ruger_556]

It arrived Packaged nicely and not a scratch on the box (or even the cardboard around the box). Quite happy with it. The more weight you put in the drawers the better they feel. The adjustable detents are really nice

 

[Ruger_556]

Casters roll almost too easily... If you don't lock them both you'll get the whole box instead of the drawer you want.

 

[Nortonscustom]

Very nice! Congratulations on your new box, it will serve you well I'm sure! That blue looks great.

 

[fhemm20]

Very nice and congrats! I agree with you on the casters. I don't know if you noticed, but there is already a place in the frame for center casters, if you so chose to add them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[joedodge]

Seriously a single drawer slide on that top drawer? That said the box looks good man

 

[AndrewV]

I would just get a blackhawk box. It falls in line with the proto, but a little less $$$.
The armstrong's lbs per drawer just seems short of usable load range.
But you got the proto, hope you like it Ruger.

 

[Ruger_556]

Seriously a single drawer slide on that top drawer? That said the box looks good man

Meh 200 lb slides... It'll be fine

 

[joedodge]

Oh didn't know single slides are rated 200 pounds. That's impressive

 

[JDSV]

It arrived Packaged nicely and not a scratch on the box (or even the cardboard around the box). Quite happy with it. The more weight you put in the drawers the better they feel. The adjustable detents are really nice

Snip...

Ever since this thread started, Ruger, you have got me hooked on Proto boxes...I've decided when I'm ready I am going to get my first box from Proto (via tools-plus)...probably a 26". I'm just a hobbyist starting out. But these photos just add that icing to the cake for me.

I'm also glad to hear the box was packaged well and it was handled well. I know that seems to be a common concern when making internet orders on boxes. No one likes recieving a new box that is damaged in some way during the shipping/delivery process.

I don't know you intend on doing so, but would love to read a detailed review if you ever get chance.

 

[Ruger_556]

I'll put a review up tomorrow for you guys.

 

[mikester]

When I was shopping for a combo I looked at all the mid priced boxes. In the end I bought a set of Husky boxes from HD. These are the red boxes that HD had around 10 years ago. When I called the Husky toll free number for info on getting a side box I found out that they were owned by Stanley Tool. The toll free number was for a place in CT. Turns out the box was made in a plant in Smith Falls Ontario. At the time that factory was producing boxes for Husky, MAC, Proto, Beach Tool, and Blackhawk.

 

[not-required]

Very nice box. I wish we had a better selection of boxes here. Oh well the cost of living in "paradise".....

 

[Ruger_556]

I did a review for you guys http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3880493#post3880493

 

[Tuc04]

Just to let you guys know that Zoro sells some Proto boxes too. When they run the 25 or 30% off sales you can get great deal.

I'm getting this one on the next 30% off sale. http://www.zoro.com/i/G2269967/?category=5309