Revamp a tool box?

[D-Vice]

So yeah I am in the market for a new tool box. Problem is, the ones I like are costly. So I've already decided I will be attempting a custom tool box build here at some point in the future.

In the meantime, I've decided I might just roll a husky or HF tool chest. Then I got thinking again. I see a lot of posts on here of restoration of tool chests, has any one had any success in modifying cheap tool boxes for better quality?

So yeah, the steel will be a little thinner. But what about roller replacement, things like that? New paint job would be easy. As I am writing this post and thinking it over, it does not seem like the most practical route, but if there is anyone who has had some sort of success in this area, I wouldn't mind reading about brands used and outcome of finished project.

I would really love to have a cheap tool box, that just glides open like a tool truck box...But, that may be more difficult than I imagine.

 

[D-Vice]

youtube is showing a little promise tonight.

 

[zkling]

What is the top end of your budget? Where do you think the cheaper boxes are lacking?

 

[M6erfan]

What time is it in CO? 4:20?

Seriously, you're not gonna get a S-O or Lista quality box with a paint job and casters. But hey, it would be a fun project. Just keep the expectations realistic.

 

[D-Vice]

What time is it in CO? 4:20?

Seriously, you're not gonna get a S-O or Lista quality box with a paint job and casters. But hey, it would be a fun project. Just keep the expectations realistic.

Expectations are absolutely realistic. Would like to upgrade some casters, reinforce drawers, upgrade sliders.
Upon some searching tonight, finding a homak box a bit attractive

 

[D-Vice]

What is the top end of your budget? Where do you think the cheaper boxes are lacking?

Sliders on the cheaper boxes would be my biggest gripe. Looking at about a 1,500 budget

 

[zkling]

You should be able to get something pretty nice for that price used. Maybe look for an industrial cabinet.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I'd take that $1,500.00 and buy a used truck brand box. Look at Craigs list and similar sites. Also check with your local tool truck guys to see what they have in used boxes. They sometimes have pretty good deals on used boxes.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I'd take that $1,500.00 and buy a used truck brand box. Look at Craigs list and similar sites. Also check with your local tool truck guys to see what they have in used boxes. They sometimes have pretty good deals on used boxes.

I was recently in that market, I couldn’t find anything nice for under $2500. Anything under $2000 was shallow drawers or beat to ****. For $1500 one could buy a nice box from strictlytoolboxes.com.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/tool-vault-5524-11-drawer-tool-cabinet.html?source=ad

For just a little more:

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/al...l-vault-21-drawer-tool-cabinet-top-chest.html

 

[bonneyman]

So yeah I am in the market for a new tool box. Problem is, the ones I like are costly. So I've already decided I will be attempting a custom tool box build here at some point in the future.

In the meantime, I've decided I might just roll a husky or HF tool chest. Then I got thinking again. I see a lot of posts on here of restoration of tool chests, has any one had any success in modifying cheap tool boxes for better quality?

So yeah, the steel will be a little thinner. But what about roller replacement, things like that? New paint job would be easy. As I am writing this post and thinking it over, it does not seem like the most practical route, but if there is anyone who has had some sort of success in this area, I wouldn't mind reading about brands used and outcome of finished project.

I would really love to have a cheap tool box, that just glides open like a tool truck box...But, that may be more difficult than I imagine.

Hey, don't settle. Buy what you like. If it means saving for some time, selling off other stuff, putting in extra hours, whatever - get what you want. Because 6 months or a year down the road, your budget box buy will be irritating you every time you pull out a drawer. Buy once, cry once, as they say.

 

[mdog892001]

I’m completely satisfied with my kobalt box


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[fos373]

With that budget you should be able to find a decent used box. I'm in Colorado - I bought a KRL7022 about 18 mos ago for $1,500. There's another listed on CL for $2k, there's a 722 with SS top that's been listed for a while for about the same. Look on CL and FB marketplace; the latter seems to be more plentiful lately. There are fair deals out there and there are also dreamers.

If you don't want to wait - HF or Strictly Tool boxes....

 

[Mr_B]

Yeh used best bet or something like masterforce, homak rs pro for cheapish new options.
changing slides on any cheap box and adding drawer stiffeners ect really not going be cost effective or great end results without lot of ballache and skill .
Keep eye out for older matco and mac boxes as some proper built great priced options come along while snapon tends be overpriced even when beat up .

 

[D-Vice]

wow, never seen strictly tool box. My decision is made on a 72" tool vault. I'll just increase my budget a bit.

 

[Mr_B]

^
I would review used market at your new budget before committing, used truck boxes about best buy you can ever make, sure not always easy find exactly what you want or within distance you want but it worth some effort as rewards can high and you don't loose any value in the box .