Stacking Craftsman Middle Tool Boxes

[dmw16]

Right now I have 3 Craftsman tool boxes (a bottom, middle, and top) but thru a series of excellent, stupid, and everywhere-in-between decisions I've ended up building a race car and acquiring a lot of new tools in the process. And my current storage isn't up to the task.

So my question is; can I add another craftsman middle 3-drawer to the stack? It says in the spec sheet and it says it can handle 400-600lbs...so I would think it should be ok.

 

[deerehunter/operator]

I did it and it worked fine. Im 6'2 and I would have to stand on my toes to see in the top drawers and it was a little tippy. I used it like that from about 2005 until this year and never had any problems.

 

[deerehunter/operator]

Oh and I found the fourth section in the clearance isle marked way down so you may want to watch for that. I see them all the time on clearance.

 

[dmw16]

Oh and I found the fourth section in the clearance isle marked way down so you may want to watch for that. I see them all the time on clearance.

They are on sale for $100 right now, so not bad considering I think regular price is like $160.

Thanks for the feedback. I figured it would make the top drawers a little bit useless but it will add more useful storage.

 

[countryroad82]

I worked out of a CM stack for years. I since have upgraded my boxes to larger SO, not saying you need to go SO but after having everything pretty well at eye level or down where I can open a drawer and SEE what I have, it would be hard for me to go back. Although I do still have my old stack in the back of the shop it's going to go to my shop that I'm goin to build by the house and will only house enough tools to do an oil change.

 

[taumac]

Sure you can. Here's my old CM stack I had.

 

[jakemac]

Buy one of the HF boxes.
(someone was going to say it eventually )

 

[dmw16]

I suppose I could switch to HF stuff. Snap On is way out of my budget and overkill for a DIY'er like me.

I like the Craftsman boxes I have, but giving up being able to see everything at eye level would be not all that great...I hadn't considered that.

 

[taumac]

Step stools become your friend lo

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[Cato]

...but giving up being able to see everything at eye level would be not all that great...I hadn't considered that.

It ***** big time. I used to have a just the three piece stack and I had to stand on my tip toes to see into the top - and I'm 5 10". I hated to feel like a kid or a short woman.

I know just have a two piece stack and it's so much more ergonomic.

 

[halzhirou]

I see them all the time on clearance.

 

[gungatim]

LGR!

 

[Ponchoguy]

I have four three piece stacks in my collection, which in my home garage are Craftsman and Husky (with a side Snap On unit from 1955 that was given to me by a friend). I would suggest bolting them together (I think the instructions say that).

You should be fine, but be careful putting heavy stuff up top and open one drawer at a time. I got the three drawer units back in 2002 for $60 on clearance. I went in for a two drawer unit, they were out, and the manager offered me the three drawer unit at a lower price, because, "You're always in here, spending good money, so I will do the right thing". That is when Sears was good!

 

[taumac]

If you get a Craftsman then you should be able to swap drawers around.

 

[theoldwizard1]

... I upgraded to a HF 44" this year... The HF 44" was $349. ball bearing slides are a wonderful thing.

Craftsman used to have "Quiet Glide" slides, a reasonable compromise between plain slide and ball bearing slides. Util you take an extra deep drawer and fill it with your pneumatic tools, including socket and chisels. I need to convince myself that I really need a ball bearing bottom box !

... being able to see your tools is also a bonus. at 5'10", the top is completely useless for me on something that tall...

I have to use a 1 step stool to really see inside the top of my triple stack.

and the quality of the HF puts the old Craftsman to shame...

I have to admit, the new HF boxes look nice !

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would suggest bolting them together (I think the instructions say that).

Use a couple of #10 or #12 stainless sheet metal screws. Pre-drill.

 

[dmw16]

Thanks for all the input, guys. Maybe I should consider the HF 44" unit if it will fit...gotta measure. Cramming everything into my 1.25 car garage is a feat in and of itself. Luckily the car isn't very big. It just becomes a case where putting thing away is a pain because it doesn't fit well...so I don't put stuff away and then it goes missing.

 

[dmw16]

Another potential advantage to a wider box is if I could pack everything without having a top I could finally have a little workbench space. The garage is so small that currently my workbench is the hood of the car or the floor....or the kitchen table, but the scratches I made building fuel lines pretty much put an end to that per the Mrs.

 

[crewchief888]

adding multiple mid boxes sounds good in theory, unless you plan on moving them around.

with a std depth (18") roller cab, they can get very wobbly and top heavy.

i tried it many years ago before i bought some bigger boxes...

 

[dmw16]

adding multiple mid boxes sounds good in theory, unless you plan on moving them around.

with a std depth (18") roller cab, they can get very wobbly and top heavy.

i tried it many years ago before i bought some bigger boxes...

I think that's where this is headed...stacking boxes seems great in theory, but between instability (tho I rarely move my box stack) and the fact that the top most drawers aren't easy to see into it seems like there's a few big downsides.

A bigger craftsman box is not cheap, and obviously a MAC or SO is out since I can't justify that for a DIY'er (me). I may go look at the HF box, I've heard they are decent quality.

 

[kts]

Like others have said it's perfectly fine. I have 3 middle chests on top of my roller. Seeing stuff in the top one can be tricky.

I have a 3 drawer, a 4 drawer, and a 2 drawer.

Like others have said moving it can be a pain. I had to do this when I emptied out my garage so the floor could be repoured a few months ago and it was a little dicey moving it from the garage into a POD.

Started off with the roller and just kept stacking them on. I'm out of room and garage space at the moment but once I move I'll look at a new setup.

 

[taumac]

What I did with mine is change out caster to 4 2in swivel casters. 1 in lowers height and makes it easier to roll into tight spot.

 

[Alchymist]

Perhaps add a side box?

 

[PureLeaf]

Perhaps add a side box?

I've been looking at those side boxes. Haven't found much talk of them on these forums though which surprised me since the 44 box is legendary and this is a compliment to them.

Can we assume the same quality from the side box at the 44? And how exactly does it mount? Seems like it might be a bit awkward since it has no wheels and just weighs down one side of the box?

 

[crewchief888]

I think that's where this is headed...stacking boxes seems great in theory, but between instability (tho I rarely move my box stack) and the fact that the top most drawers aren't easy to see into it seems like there's a few big downsides.

A bigger craftsman box is not cheap, and obviously a MAC or SO is out since I can't justify that for a DIY'er (me). I may go look at the HF box, I've heard they are decent quality.

lemme put it this way,

IF i needed a toolbox for home garage use, i wouldnt hesitate to get one from HF.

i think i'm good on tool storage in the garage.

i also have another roller and top in the basement for my machinist tools, bulk fastener storage, and tools i dont use in the garage.

2 of the set of boxes in the garage the tops are at, or above, eye level. all depends on how you choose to organize tools.

 

[dmw16]

The craftsman side box is a good option too. I hadn't even considered that. Tho it's pretty expensive at about $260. But it would give me a small amount of work space...at least room to mount a vice...and offers a lot more storage than another middle drawer.

I'll have to run over to sears to take a look at the side box.

 

[owenst7]

I think that's where this is headed...stacking boxes seems great in theory, but between instability (tho I rarely move my box stack) and the fact that the top most drawers aren't easy to see into it seems like there's a few big downsides.

A bigger craftsman box is not cheap, and obviously a MAC or SO is out since I can't justify that for a DIY'er (me). I may go look at the HF box, I've heard they are decent quality.

I love my HF 44". I'm considering replacing the Craftsman stack next to it with the red HF 27" because I like the drawer layout a little more. The quality of the HF boxes is on par or better than anything close to its price range. I would only get rid of it to replace it with a Matco or snap on unit.

 

[dmw16]

That's a lot of storage! I'd have to save on the boxes to be able to afford to fill it with tools

 

[mrvm]

I've been looking at those side boxes. Haven't found much talk of them on these forums though which surprised me since the 44 box is legendary and this is a compliment to them.

Can we assume the same quality from the side box at the 44? And how exactly does it mount? Seems like it might be a bit awkward since it has no wheels and just weighs down one side of the box?

The side boxes typically hang off the side of the main box to provide some additional storage. Sometimes the added length could be an issue in tight spots or during maneuvering around the shop. IMO side boxes are too expensive for the limited extra storage space it provides. I prefer to add a relatively inexpensive stand-alone roller cabinet that can provide more storage with added flexibility and work top space.

 

[dmw16]

Would an HF side box fit on the Craftsman main box?

The side boxes typically hang off the side of the main box to provide some additional storage. Sometimes the added length could be an issue in tight spots or during maneuvering around the shop. IMO side boxes are too expensive for the limited extra storage space it provides. I prefer to add a relatively inexpensive stand-alone roller cabinet that can provide more storage with added flexibility and work top space.

I did notice that they were expensive for what you get. However, I just don't have room for an additional box. Adding a sidebox would fill the small wall that my toolbox stack currently sits on. And it would give me a small amount of flat space to work upon.

I can't really say enough how space-limited my garage is. It's a wider one-car, but in that one car garage is my race car, craftsman cabinet, stacked tool box (bottom, middle, and top), and a wire rack for parts. It's pretty darn full.

I am looking at some ceiling mounted storage to help, but it's close to capacity...not sure why the picture isn't oriented right, but you get the idea. There is a little bump out on the right where the cabinet and wire rack sit.

 

[owenst7]

Would an HF side box fit on the Craftsman main box?



I did notice that they were expensive for what you get. However, I just don't have room for an additional box. Adding a sidebox would fill the small wall that my toolbox stack currently sits on. And it would give me a small amount of flat space to work upon.

I can't really say enough how space-limited my garage is. It's a wider one-car, but in that one car garage is my race car, craftsman cabinet, stacked tool box (bottom, middle, and top), and a wire rack for parts. It's pretty darn full.

I am looking at some ceiling mounted storage to help, but it's close to capacity...not sure why the picture isn't oriented right, but you get the idea. There is a little bump out on the right where the cabinet and wire rack sit.

I've seen some great ladder mounts on this forum that are quick and simple to get the ladder above your garage door. Also, take a look at this quick and cheap way to get your bike out of the way. Perimeter space is critical for me due to all my metal fab equipment, and I have low ceilings and don't want to hit my head on ****. That shelf thing with the ladder hanging off it is retarded (this is a rental). Im going to tear it down and build a wall length storage if we don't end up buying a house in the next few months.

In your situation, you might want to consider a cart like the red HF 5 drawer or the sunex one or something. You can add a side cab if you want drawer space, and some to the bottom, etc. I use the hell out of my HF 5 drawer. It has nice smooth casters and I roll it out to the driveway so I don't have to have a pile of tools and keep walking to the back of the garage. I added the side shelf and the sunex pry bar holder. Most importantly, it has cup holders and a bottle opener on the side. Really wish my welder fit on the bottom.

 

[dmw16]

That's a good point on the ladder. I am constantly maneuvering around it. But wherever I put it can't be so high as to require a ladder to reach it

The bike would be another nice thing to get out of the way...but it's my wife's and she's a good sport about the race car and the garage so if she wants to think she needs ready access to her bike then I'll live with that.

Are you suggesting a roller with a sidecab to replace my current toolbox? I don't think that would offer enough storage...tho having something on wheels would be nice since I'm constantly climbing over **** to get back to my box when I'm working.

Tho I will point out I managed to swap motors in this tiny garage...so that's gotta count for something...right?

 

[mrvm]

Would an HF side box fit on the Craftsman main box

It's a simple but secure mounting design to hang off the main box on top and maybe some bolts/wedges for the bottom. Check out the pic to see if it would mate up with the CM box. I would expect little to no tweaking of the metal edge of the side box to match up. The HF side box retails for approx 199. I understand your space limitations but I have picked up clearanced 37" to 42" tall bottom roller cabinets for much less than a side box to handle tool overflow. Stacking works if you are tall or use a shop stool and be sure secure them together so they don't create a tipping hazard.

 

[taumac]

The side cabinet won't just mount to the CM. There is a height difference. That all depends all your CM height. Typically a CM basic height is 29 in and the HF side is 33.5 tall but depth should be the same. Now if you have a older taller CM which comes in around 35 you can fit one. For paying 200 for the side. A option I've seen is buying 2 of the black 4 drawer HF carts for 100 a piece and mounting them all in one.
I still fell for the price and foot print of a small garage that going vertical which the HF 26 top and bottom chest is best bet for the 359 you'll be paying for the 44 bottom. Now if you decide you need more room you can always get another 26 top and bottom and put them side by side. That would only take up 52 in. Did you take pic of current set up so we can see.

 

[Zapp Branigan]

I've been looking at those side boxes. Haven't found much talk of them on these forums though which surprised me since the 44 box is legendary and this is a compliment to them.

Can we assume the same quality from the side box at the 44? And how exactly does it mount? Seems like it might be a bit awkward since it has no wheels and just weighs down one side of the box?

I added the side cabinet to my 44" HF box and it's the same quality as the main box. It still moves around the same too, just heavier. No issues there. I added a fold down side table to the other end, so it provides plenty of work surface. I even mounted a small vise on top of the side cabinet for smaller jobs. The setup makes a decent mobile work station. I have a few Craftsman (42"& 30" grip latch roller bearing) stacks, and the US General quality is right there with them. Much nicer than my Kennedy boxes.

 

[dmw16]

...Did you take pic of current set up so we can see.

Here's a pic. You can see there's not much space to spread out. Not sure 44" would fit.

 

[ss454]

I have two cman 26" rollers mounted in 1 frame I made and I hung a hf side box off each end.my rollers are taller than the side boxes so I pulled the bottom drawers out and drilled bolt holes through the side to match the holes that come in the side boxes, works great.

 

[machine_punk]

I've got the HF side box and it is well built. It sells for about $190 routinely and is well worth that price, in my opinion. If you find one with the keys locked in it, you can usually get the price down (not sure why they don't take the keys out in the store...every time I go there to look at toolboxes, I cannot see the insides, because they are locked.

Kev.

 

[HunterMike]

The HF side cabinets do fit the CM, depending on how tall the CM box is, as stated before.
HF side box downfall: most drawers are shallow.

CM side box downfall: large bottom drawer would serve me better as 2 or 3 more drawers instead of one very deep drawer.


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[HunterMike]

Did that first pic work?


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