Searching for a new tool chest

[GetBoosted]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to upgrade my current tool storage situation since I've long since outgrown my current setup (a 26" craftsman cabinet w/ an intermediate chest and a top chest with another craftsman storage cabinet and a top chest). I'm just a shadetree mechanic working out of my garage but I've accumulated quite a bit of tools over the years for various jobs & cars I've worked on so now it's time to upgrade.

My budget is $1,500 (could stretch it a little if necessary but would prefer not to). And also, I want something that is better quality than the junk that craftsman puts out in their standard duty lineup like I currently have.

The space I have to work with is 26" deep by 55 1/4" wide by 72" high.

I was originally looking at the harbor freight unit (bottom / top) but unfortunately I cannot fit a 56 1/2" wide tool chest into the space I have available. There is also a heavyish duty 52" husky tool chest (link) I located but it's not very deep at < 20" and it doesn't occupy all the space I have available to use so I figured that's not optimal. It's so far in the front running though. I don't think (could be wrong) that Snap On has an option I could look at & try to find one used to fit in my budget but feel free to tell me if I'm wrong there.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[CarsonConcepts]

I just helped my dad get, set up and organize the Husky. Seemed rather nice quality for the price point. Drawers were nice and smooth when loaded down, and the soft close worked well. For a home garage I'd say it was a nice quality unit. After playing with it for a bit, it's on the top of my list for upgrade/expansion when the time comes.

That said, the HF get really good reviews. Father-In-Law has several of the 44" and they have held up well. May want to actually measure the 56" though, as I know the 44" include the handle (box is really 42" I believe). May actually fit in the space you need.

As for deciding between the two, think through where you want to put what, and make sure the drawer layout works for you and your tools. May help sway a decision one way or another.

 

[Wamsutta]

Most double bay Snap-on boxes are 54 inches wide and you should be able to find one in real nice shape for $1500.

 

[bobcatdan]

A used Mac tech series double bank. 50" wide, 24" deep. Been made for almost 20 years and pretty popular so finding one for $1500 shouldn't be too hard if patient and willing to travel a bit if need be.

 

[GetBoosted]

I just helped my dad get, set up and organize the Husky. Seemed rather nice quality for the price point. Drawers were nice and smooth when loaded down, and the soft close worked well. For a home garage I'd say it was a nice quality unit. After playing with it for a bit, it's on the top of my list for upgrade/expansion when the time comes.

That said, the HF get really good reviews. Father-In-Law has several of the 44" and they have held up well. May want to actually measure the 56" though, as I know the 44" include the handle (box is really 42" I believe). May actually fit in the space you need.

As for deciding between the two, think through where you want to put what, and make sure the drawer layout works for you and your tools. May help sway a decision one way or another.

I may not have been clear... the Husky unit looks like it would work but it doesn't seem like an optimal use of space since it's not a ton of depth so that's why I was looking for other alternatives to that unit. Looks nice... just that I don't think it's the best use of space for my scenario.

The harbor freight unit won't fit. 1.5" too wide but I was just giving that for context on what I'm looking for.

Most double bay Snap-on boxes are 54 inches wide and you should be able to find one in real nice shape for $1500.

Ah thank you. Honestly I have having a hard time navigating through the snapon site to determine what series I needed to look for. Looks like the KRL7022 series is the size you are referencing. I'm going to keep my eye out for that as a bottom cabinet.

A used Mac tech series double bank. 50" wide, 24" deep. Been made for almost 20 years and pretty popular so finding one for $1500 shouldn't be too hard if patient and willing to travel a bit if need be.

Ah I totally forgot about MAC. That's a great idea. Thank you. No issues traveling a bit for the right deal so no issues here with that.

 

[CarsonConcepts]

Yea, looks like I read that a bit wrong, haha.

Where in PA are you located? I keep an eye on Craigslist quite a bit, and could keep an eye out for ya if you're on the eastern half.

 

[GetBoosted]

Ah yes I am. I'm out in Bucks county.

 

[rharman]

I just (4 weeks ago) bought the Craftsman 52" Pro Series. Stepped up from my Craftsman 26" 12 drawer top, 12 drawer bottom that I had for 40 years. Pricewise, it's right on your budget.

Still getting organized but I like it so far. I looked at Husky, Kobalt, etc. and didn't care for the drawer layout or the feel of the drawer slides.

I think the 72" height you mentioned might be an issue. With the lid up, its taller than that.

 

[lightning02]

Extreme tool boxes. That's what id be buying if I needed anther one and wish I had from the start.

 

[Wamsutta]

Ah thank you. Honestly I have having a hard time navigating through the snapon site to determine what series I needed to look for. Looks like the KRL7022 series is the size you are referencing. I'm going to keep my eye out for that as a bottom cabinet.

The KRL7022, KRL1022, and KRL722 are all the same width at 54 inches. The KRL722 is not as deep though.

Older models KR1000, KRL1001, KRL7002, and KRL761 are all 54 inches wide also.

KRL761 is the same dimensions as the current KRL722.

 

[AngryBeaver]

Ah thank you. Honestly I have having a hard time navigating through the snapon site to determine what series I needed to look for. Looks like the KRL7022 series is the size you are referencing. I'm going to keep my eye out for that as a bottom cabinet.

The 722 is or was the most basic master series double bank. its 54" wide and 24" deep... drawers are 22-1/2" deep if I remember correctly.

newer models of it are the 761 which can have more full length drawers.

the 7022 is the same box (for the most part) but 29" deep 28" deep drawers

a 1022 is the same basic box that has an addition row of drawers and is usually 4" taller. you'll normally see two long drawers on the 1022 and one on the 7022.

7023 is the same as a 7022 with an end cab built in (three bank) and the 1023 is the same as the 1022 with an end cab built in.

the 1001/1002 is the older versions of the 1022/1023.

KRL boxes are the top grade boxes. the KRA's are the mid grades. there are also cheap entry level Kra's that are not quite as stout as the classic 78 or classic 96's. those are decent boxes for the money, especially on the used market. a classic 78 is the same rough dimensions as a 722 (78 comes from 54+24=78 dimensions) the classic 96 is basically a 722 in a three bank 72" wide 24 inches deep (72+24=96)

 

[GetBoosted]

I just (4 weeks ago) bought the Craftsman 52" Pro Series. Stepped up from my Craftsman 26" 12 drawer top, 12 drawer bottom that I had for 40 years. Pricewise, it's right on your budget.

Still getting organized but I like it so far. I looked at Husky, Kobalt, etc. and didn't care for the drawer layout or the feel of the drawer slides.

I think the 72" height you mentioned might be an issue. With the lid up, its taller than that.

Ah that's good to know. Thanks. I have shelving above my current toolbox setup so perhaps I can just remove that top shelve if I need to for the replacement tool box. That's a good point. Looks like craftsman has a 54" Pro series as well which is a nice fit.

Extreme tool boxes. That's what id be buying if I needed anther one and wish I had from the start.

Those look nice as well. Look a lot like the MAC boxes but with some nice features. I will reach out to them to find out information. Never heard of them but they look like a nice option.

The KRL7022, KRL1022, and KRL722 are all the same width at 54 inches. The KRL722 is not as deep though.

Older models KR1000, KRL1001, KRL7002, and KRL761 are all 54 inches wide also.

KRL761 is the same dimensions as the current KRL722.

The 722 is or was the most basic master series double bank. its 54" wide and 24" deep... drawers are 22-1/2" deep if I remember correctly.

newer models of it are the 761 which can have more full length drawers.

the 7022 is the same box (for the most part) but 29" deep 28" deep drawers

a 1022 is the same basic box that has an addition row of drawers and is usually 4" taller. you'll normally see two long drawers on the 1022 and one on the 7022.

7023 is the same as a 7022 with an end cab built in (three bank) and the 1023 is the same as the 1022 with an end cab built in.

the 1001/1002 is the older versions of the 1022/1023.

KRL boxes are the top grade boxes. the KRA's are the mid grades. there are also cheap entry level Kra's that are not quite as stout as the classic 78 or classic 96's. those are decent boxes for the money, especially on the used market. a classic 78 is the same rough dimensions as a 722 (78 comes from 54+24=78 dimensions) the classic 96 is basically a 722 in a three bank 72" wide 24 inches deep (72+24=96)

Thanks very much for the model #s Wamsutta & AngryBeaver. That is very helpful to aid in my searching.

 

[John in OH]

Hi everyone,

.........

The space I have to work with is 26" deep by 55 1/4" wide by 72" high.

I was originally looking at the harbor freight unit ........ but unfortunately I cannot fit a 56 1/2" wide tool chest into the space I have available. There is also a heavyish duty 52" husky tool chest .............

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Chris

I'm not sure, but you may want to find out if the HF width of 56-1/2" includes or does not include the side-handle which is probably about 3-4".

 

[GetBoosted]

I'm not sure, but you may want to find out if the HF width of 56-1/2" includes or does not include the side-handle which is probably about 3-4".

I went to Harbor Freight & measured... it's 56.5" without the handle :-(

 

[markw365]

Check out these guys. http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

 

[Packard V8]

Couple of random thoughts:

Buying a box isn't marrying it. There's always a market for the one you're using if you find a larger, better quality, better buy at a later date.

Using a box for a few weeks will give you more insight into what you need and the quality level than an infinite thread of discussion here.

I operate on the theory, if it's a really good deal, buy it, use it learn from it and watch for the better deal. By doing this, I know I don't want another Huot, Husky, Craftsman, or other medium quality box. I also learned some of the older NAPA boxes are really well-built. Waterloo made top quality and also made junk sold under other labels. Kennedy makes very good general purpose boxes, but I've never seen a large/wide mechanic's stack. I also learned, as mentioned above, Snap-on sells good and better quality; got to know which is which to know if it's a good buy.

On the smaller width boxes, friction slides are just fine. It's only on the wider boxes the drawers get loaded so heavy ball bearing slides become necessary. But then, on the severe duty road chest, ball bearings don't last as well as the friction slides.

Your opinions and results may vary.

jack vines

 

[rpcraft]

I think if I had to spend money on a new box right now I would go with one of the largest Husky Dark boxes you have pictured and take some of the spare money and spend it elsewhere or save it, but also maybe get one of those 5 drawer roller/service carts for keeping my main tools handy.

 

[exmaxima1]

I just (4 weeks ago) bought the Craftsman 52" Pro Series. Stepped up from my Craftsman 26" 12 drawer top, 12 drawer bottom that I had for 40 years. Pricewise, it's right on your budget.

Did you buy the cabinet and chest, or just the cabinet? I would think the combo would be way over the OP's budget.

Or did you mean the Edge Series (formerly called the Professional Series)? I own a few of that series, and while they are very smooth and easy to use they are not what you would call heavy duty. The sheet metal is pretty thin. Ok for DIY use, but I would think they would hold up very long in a shop.

 

[lightning02]

Those look nice as well. Look a lot like the MAC boxes but with some nice features. I will reach out to them to find out information. Never heard of them but they look like a nice option.

you can get new scratch and dented ones for less as well if you want to save some cash on those Extreme tool boxes. thats the route id take.

 

[McFarmer]

The ones made in Canada, International I think, they make them for other brands, mine has been good here on the farm. Not high end by any means but I roll it around on some rough floors without issues.

 

[GetBoosted]

Thanks for the feedback! I've reached out to a few companies and I'm digging into a lot of great options now while keeping my eye on the local ads for a deals. I'll report back with what I find :-D

 

[GetBoosted]

Does anyone know what the height is for the top cabinet when opened for units like the MAC Tech 1000 series top cabinet (link)? Cannot find that in the specs.

Trying to determine if that would fit in the space I have available.

 

[ThatSickRip]

Take depth and add to height

 

[GetBoosted]

Take depth and add to height

I didn't realize they went 90 degrees vertical. I assumed they didn't open all the way up. Thanks.

 

[ThatSickRip]

Not sure if Mac does, but the box I have almost does and that's how I calculated if it would fit in my allotted space.

 

[rharman]

Did you buy the cabinet and chest, or just the cabinet? I would think the combo would be way over the OP's budget.

Or did you mean the Edge Series (formerly called the Professional Series)? I own a few of that series, and while they are very smooth and easy to use they are not what you would call heavy duty. The sheet metal is pretty thin. Ok for DIY use, but I would think they would hold up very long in a shop.

This combo...
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-pro-...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

 

[Bdgjr215]

I've been kicking around the idea of selling my snap on top and bottom box kr660 bottom
Can't remember the tops numbers .I've been done wrenching for a long time and it's time to move some things down the road.I live in montgomrey cty.next door to you in bucks cty.
If you have any interest I can take some pics and we could go from there.I didn't want to deal with craigslist and all the problems that entails.I don't remember dimensions exact but I could get all those if you're interested.message me if your interested.

 

[GetBoosted]

PM sent. Thx!

 

[Bdgjr215]

Check your email,i sent those pics.

 

[GetBoosted]

Thanks very much for the help everyone. I managed to find a deal on a MAC Tech 1000 series 52" x 25" top & bottom.

Now I need to find some better ways to organize my sockets, wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers. They are a bit out of control. Going to start doing some digging on that next. I may need to make a new thread... I'll see what my searching yields first :-D

 

[GetBoosted]

Forgot to attach a pic before... excuse the mess. Need to clean off the mess of junk on the shelves and I need to ditch some of the old tool boxes & parts bins.

 

[Mr_B]

That looks perfect fit in width and depth .

 

[GetBoosted]

Yeah it has a little wiggle room on either side which helped to slide it in and I didn't have to remove the handle which helped.