question for fellow canucks

[young_buck]

I was wondering what my fellow Canadian's think about the Mastercraft Maximum tool boxes. Particularly the 56" model (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...aximum+11-Drawer+Cabinet,+56-in.jsp?locale=en) the top and bottom come on sale for less than a grand frequently and have considered it from time to time but never got it, anybody have a mastercraft or mastercraft maximum box and thoughts? would it hold up to professional use or just home use? They feel like a pretty sturdy box when I saw them in store but I have had no experience with them out of store

 

[canuckian]

I had one of the previous generation to the one you're looking at before I upgraded to a KRL. They're a decent quality homeowners box for sure. Mine had ball bearing slides and what i thought was a decent drawer arrangement. the bottom of mine however started rusting after 3 or so years so I don't think the finish quality was great. The latching mechanism was utter **** though but I think they've changed that.
I've talked to a few people that have used them in a pro environment and most of them said the Mastercrafts last on average 2-3 years before any major issues become apparent. One guy who worked in a OTR truck shop said his lasted 6 months before it buckled under the load and from hauling it around the shop though I'm sure he may have exceeded the weight ratings on the drawers just a tad.

here's a pic of my the one I had....

 

[young_buck]

I appreciate this I am buying one to use for a couple years until I can afford a snap-on or mac box. did the full length drawer have double slides? would it hold up to a full set of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive metric and SAE sockets with rats and extensions?

 

[canuckian]

IIRC yes, mine had double slides on the full length drawer and the very bottom drawer. a full ratchet/socket setup should be fine as long as you're not piling in full sets of big 1/2 impact sockets. It also depends on what you consider a full setup.

I notice you're in Alberta...I figured Kijiji would be full of used truck brand boxes out there, or at least that's what a few guys from here that work out there are telling me. Had the opportunity a couple years back to buy a nice KRL722 with a stainless top and a fairly complete set of diesel tech tools (mostly truck brands) for $2500 from a guy that just moved home from AB. I had just bought the identical box so I was a little short on cash. still kicking myself for that one.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

I have one of the smaller 36" boxes (not maximum, only 50lb slides) that is holding up pretty good for home use. Bottom two drawers are double slides and seem to be able to handle more than 50lbs (maybe 100lbs?), so I have my heavier things down there...the rest of the drawers as long as they aren't overloaded are plenty smooth. The box overall is holding up superbly, still looks brand new.

 

[young_buck]

IIRC yes, mine had double slides on the full length drawer and the very bottom drawer. a full ratchet/socket setup should be fine as long as you're not piling in full sets of big 1/2 impact sockets. It also depends on what you consider a full setup.

I notice you're in Alberta...I figured Kijiji would be full of used truck brand boxes out there, or at least that's what a few guys from here that work out there are telling me. Had the opportunity a couple years back to buy a nice KRL722 with a stainless top and a fairly complete set of diesel tech tools (mostly truck brands) for $2500 from a guy that just moved home from AB. I had just bought the identical box so I was a little short on cash. still kicking myself for that one.

The part of Alberta I am in has some good deals but most are asking retail for a 4 year old box that has been abused in a diesel shop Every once in a while a good deal comes along like a snap-on classic 60 in the royal blue that looked new off the truck for $750 OBO but it sold in less than an hour.

 

[young_buck]

I have one of the smaller 36" boxes (not maximum, only 50lb slides) that is holding up pretty good for home use. Bottom two drawers are double slides and seem to be able to handle more than 50lbs (maybe 100lbs?), so I have my heavier things down there...the rest of the drawers as long as they aren't overloaded are plenty smooth. The box overall is holding up superbly, still looks brand new.

I have a 24" 5 drawer mastercraft box that I have used for a bit over a year now and is holding up nicely but my tools have long outgrown it and I have 3 small roller cabs and a few tool bags filled so I need a bigger box.

 

[matt1977]

Personally I thought they were somewhat flimsy and had bad welds. I'd recommend international tool boxes if you're in Canada.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

I have a 24" 5 drawer mastercraft box that I have used for a bit over a year now and is holding up nicely but my tools have long outgrown it and I have 3 small roller cabs and a few tool bags filled so I need a bigger box.

LoL yeah...I've outgrown my 36", it's packed...I'm slowly cycling as much as I can out into other storage space but I am going to need a second box/roller cab sooner or later.

 

[young_buck]

Personally I thought they were somewhat flimsy and had bad welds. I'd recommend international tool boxes if you're in Canada.

I haven't seen any up here yet, I have driven by the sears but it is a small outlet store and I don't believe they stock a whole lot, I am going to have stop in soon and look around, thanks for the suggestion

 

[matt1977]

I haven't seen any up here yet, I have driven by the sears but it is a small outlet store and I don't believe they stock a whole lot, I am going to have stop in soon and look around, thanks for the suggestion

sears, home hardware, lowes, and home depot carry international. Plus pretty much all of them, except a few, are made in Canada

 

[young_buck]

unfortunately no Lowes or Home Depot either but will have a look at Home Hardware

 

[warpedredneck]

I haven't seen any up here yet, I have driven by the sears but it is a small outlet store and I don't believe they stock a whole lot, I am going to have stop in soon and look around, thanks for the suggestion

do you have a peevy mart? they have some good deals in the international line

 

[Jmac00]

princess auto has the international, and i think napa carries them too. Gray boxes are good quality too from what i remember.