cls89
Well-known member
Looking for recommendations on a rolling tool chest. Something with a decent amount of drawers. No more than $500. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Recommended Tool Chest under $500
- Thread starter cls89
- Start date
Ricky Joe
Well-known member
I like the US General at Harbor Freight and the Husky at Home Depot for new. Or you could buy used and maybe do what you need.
Shiftless
Well-known member
I searched for almost a year hoping to find a truck brand toolbox for that price. I gave up and bought a 44” US General for less. No problems for me (homeowner hobbyist use). I have easily 100 pounds of sockets and ratchets (1/4, 3/8, and 1/2…metric and SAE) in the full width top drawer and it opens and closes smoothly.
This topic comes up almost weekly here on GJ so I‘m grabbing my popcorn and looking forward to reading the usual passionate responses.
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This topic comes up almost weekly here on GJ so I‘m grabbing my popcorn and looking forward to reading the usual passionate responses.
.
Alienbaby17
Well-known member
I just had to replace my home box. I feel like the used market for “tool truck” boxes in this price range is a little light right now. I looked for months and eventually found a bit older 36”MAC combo for $600. Despite normally being a Snap-on guy I’ve been very happy with it.
Not a recommendation here, but more of a warning against, initially out of impatience I purchased a brand new Craftsman 27” roller cab. I have to say they’re not what they used to be. Although there isn’t much available in the $250 range I was disappointed with the quality and sold it off almost immediately.
I did look at some Master Force boxes at Menards and liked the 36” combo but it is over $500.
That‘s the other problem with new right now- lots was out of stock or back ordered.
I still think gently used is the best way to go.
Not a recommendation here, but more of a warning against, initially out of impatience I purchased a brand new Craftsman 27” roller cab. I have to say they’re not what they used to be. Although there isn’t much available in the $250 range I was disappointed with the quality and sold it off almost immediately.
I did look at some Master Force boxes at Menards and liked the 36” combo but it is over $500.
That‘s the other problem with new right now- lots was out of stock or back ordered.
I still think gently used is the best way to go.
I appreciate all the feedback. Would you guys not recommend any of the following? Just trying to rule out options.
I will most likely need to use top surface of the box as a stand for my drill press.
The craftsman tool box is on sale right now at Lowe’s. However, my concern is the quality. Even though it’s smaller it makes me think the US General is a better option.
www.harborfreight.com
I will most likely need to use top surface of the box as a stand for my drill press.
The craftsman tool box is on sale right now at Lowe’s. However, my concern is the quality. Even though it’s smaller it makes me think the US General is a better option.
46 in. 9 Drawer Mobile Storage Cabinet with Solid Wood Top, Black
Amazing deals on this 46In Mobile Storage Cabinet, Black at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
At $500,you will not do better than a 44" us general from harbor freight. There are cheaper options, but they will be a significant step down
- Top Drawer Width Internal – 36.75″
- Top Drawer Width (Between the side lips) – 36.5″
- Top Drawer Height – 4.25″
- Top Drawer Depth – 19.625″
- (5) Left Drawer Width (Internal) – 22.25″
- (5)Left Drawer Width (Between the side lips) – 22″
- (5)Left Drawer Height – 2.25.”
- (5)Left Drawer Depth – 19.625.”
- (1) Bottom Left Drawer Width (Internal) – 22.25″
- (1)Left Drawer Width (Between the side lips) – 22″
- (1) Bottom Left Drawer Depth – 19.625.”
- (1) Bottom Left Drawer Height- 5.5″
Right Side Drawers
- (5) Right Drawer Width (Internal) – 12.25″
- (5) Right Drawer Width (Between the side lips) – 12″
- (5) Right Drawer Height – 2.25″
- (5) Right Drawer Depth – 19.625.”
- (1) Bottom Right Drawer Width (Internal) – 12.25″
- (1) Bottom Right Drawer Width (Between the side lips) – 12″
- (1) Bottom Right Drawer Height- 5.5″
- (1) Bottom Right Drawer Depth – 19.625
Another vote for the US General. Prices seem to keep going up too. Wouldn't be surprised if there is yet another price hike in the new year. I got my 5-drawer cart for $170 pre-covid, almost $100 more these days.
My home boxes were mostly purchased off FB/CL/Offer up, all pre covid as well. Looking recently there do not seem to be as many as there used to be, and the used market prices have gone up too. All mine are 26" cabinets due to space constraints, but I have been happy with what I got.
Go check out your local Lowes though. I was at one the other day and they had clearanced out some of their cabinets, in store markdowns so might be worth a shot. However, the Craftsman stuff today looks to be lower quality than the US General or even the Kobalt stuff that Lowes sells. I have a 26" Kobalt stack, maybe 1 or 2 generations older than the limited offerings they have now - I have been happy with it and it seems pretty solid. Newer stuff seems thinner and less robust.
My home boxes were mostly purchased off FB/CL/Offer up, all pre covid as well. Looking recently there do not seem to be as many as there used to be, and the used market prices have gone up too. All mine are 26" cabinets due to space constraints, but I have been happy with what I got.
Go check out your local Lowes though. I was at one the other day and they had clearanced out some of their cabinets, in store markdowns so might be worth a shot. However, the Craftsman stuff today looks to be lower quality than the US General or even the Kobalt stuff that Lowes sells. I have a 26" Kobalt stack, maybe 1 or 2 generations older than the limited offerings they have now - I have been happy with it and it seems pretty solid. Newer stuff seems thinner and less robust.
The Craftsman stuff isn't generally great IMHO. Not bad, but not great - thinner metal, less-complete paint, less hardware (wheels, slides, etc.)I appreciate all the feedback. Would you guys not recommend any of the following? Just trying to rule out options.
I will most likely need to use top surface of the box as a stand for my drill press.
The craftsman tool box is on sale right now at Lowe’s. However, my concern is the quality. Even though it’s smaller it makes me think the US General is a better option.
46 in. 9 Drawer Mobile Storage Cabinet with Solid Wood Top, Black
Amazing deals on this 46In Mobile Storage Cabinet, Black at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
Another vote for the USG.