Stuck Picking My Next Tool Box

[Mr.Smoke]

I would be asking them for the actual rate capacity for the drawers, not just the slides. It's pretty unusual for a manufacturer to only spec the slides but not the drawers. I'm betting the drawers are 18 gauge.

If you think Snap-On is a better cabinet than Rousseau, then Stryke is right up your alley.

Enjoy

I think it's odd for a manufacurer to not spec the guage of steel used anywhere...... something I don't see listed on the Rousseau website.

The drawers likely are 18 guage, just like most manufacturers that charge twice the price or more than Styrke.

I never said I felt S-O cabinets were superior. Wouldn't be able to compare Rousseau to anythin since there isn't anywhere I can physically go and see one of their boxes.

Nothig like being condescending towards someone for havin a different train of thought or opinion than yourself. Thanks for your input I guess....

 

[stainlessyyc]

Honestly between your choices I wouldn’t be worried about any of the boxes failing you. I think I’ve seen more boxes meet their maker from a caster getting dropped into a gutter and bending frames or backed into with a forklift (or trailer I guess in your case).

I definitely wouldn’t skip on the drawer liners though, even just for the annoying ratting it sure seems to treat my ratchet and screwdriver drawers nicer that they aren’t sliding around every time you open a drawer.

 

[Ilikeike]

My International box I got from Home Depot says made in Canada on it.

 

[macgee]

I think it's odd for a manufacurer to not spec the guage of steel used anywhere...... something I don't see listed on the Rousseau website.

The drawers likely are 18 guage, just like most manufacturers that charge twice the price or more than Styrke.

I never said I felt S-O cabinets were superior. Wouldn't be able to compare Rousseau to anythin since there isn't anywhere I can physically go and see one of their boxes.

Nothig like being condescending towards someone for havin a different train of thought or opinion than yourself. Thanks for your input I guess....

Sorry, if you're reading it as condescending, its not; its just a different school of thought. You're definitely not the first person in the same situation wanting to choose between a S-O mechanic style cabinet or a Lista, Vidmar Rousseau style cabinet although I do recommend touching one before deciding not to get one. If you check the forum search, you see'll this same subject discussed here numerous times, some of them very recently.

Good luck

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Honestly between your choices I wouldn’t be worried about any of the boxes failing you. I think I’ve seen more boxes meet their maker from a caster getting dropped into a gutter and bending frames or backed into with a forklift (or trailer I guess in your case).

I definitely wouldn’t skip on the drawer liners though, even just for the annoying ratting it sure seems to treat my ratchet and screwdriver drawers nicer that they aren’t sliding around every time you open a drawer.

Yeah I'm not really worried about any failures apart from maybe drawer slides after years and years of use. I take care of my stuff and there is no worry about a trailer or forklift damaging the box.

The Rousseau comes with a PVC style liner by default according to the rep and the high density foam is additional. I prefer thin rubber matting and will be replacing whatever liners come included with my preferred style.

My International box I got from Home Depot says made in Canada on it.

My very first box as an apprentice tech was an International and the side cabinet I have on my current S-O box is also International. They do make decent stuff but my first box was in less than ideal shape after 9-10 years of daily use so longevity/durability from my past experience has made me not even consider them this time around.

Sorry, if you're reading it as condescending, its not; its just a different school of thought. You're definitely not the first person in the same situation wanting to choose between a S-O mechanic style cabinet or a Lista, Vidmar Rousseau style cabinet although I do recommend touching one before deciding not to get one. If you check the forum search, you see'll this same subject discussed here numerous times, some of them very recently.

Good luck

They way you worded it could have easily been taken that way. I wasn't sure if it was intentional or if I just read it in a way it wasn't meant to be taken. Not to worry, I wasn't offended or anything like that.... I've got some pretty thick skin especially when it comes to comments on the internet. My apologies if my reply came off as snarky at all. I was just leaving work at the time and had an appointment to get to but wanted to reply quickly first.

I know I'm not the first person to be in this situation and be considering S-O, Rouseau, Mac, Matco, Extreme, Tool Vault or any other well built box. Believe me, I'd love to be able to examine a Rousseau box before making a decision. Everyone I know in the trade has never even heard of them (including the tool truck guys I deal with) let alone seen one. The nearest showroom is over 2 hours away and is closed to the public due to COVID. My local rep for then lives like 20 mins from me but he doesn't have any locally that he can show me. Spending $5k on something I can't see, touch, measure, inspect and play with just isn't gonna happen.

Again, my apologies for how I responded to your previous post.

 

[ive]

Mr Smoke, it’s hard to spend a few thousand dollars on a Rousseau when you can not see or feel it.

I feel your anxiety.

 

[ive]

It’s too bad that we never got a heavy duty Spg international when Costco was selling them. That would have been a great deal.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Mr Smoke, it’s hard to spend a few thousand dollars on a Rousseau when you can not see or feel it.

I feel your anxiety.

It’s too bad that we never got a heavy duty Spg international when Costco was selling them. That would have been a great deal.

When it comes to larger, important purchases I am hesitant spending $50 on something if I can't see it in person first or don't have any previous experience with the particular brand or product. Spending thousands on something sight unseen is something I simply cannot do. Sure, both Extreme and Rousseau will take the product back if I decide after delivery that I'm not happy with it. All packaging and the unit itself need to be in "new condition" but I would be out the freight charges for the delivery to me as well as returning it. Potentially out of pocket $500 to $800 or more and still have to go buy a different box. No way, not happening.

I've read in numerous places that SPG went out of business but I can still find their products for sale and they still have an active website. Makes me wonder if they went bankrupt and were bought by someone who kept things going, much like SK tools about 10 years ago.

 

[ive]

When it comes to larger, important purchases I am hesitant spending $50 on something if I can't see it in person first or don't have any previous experience with the particular brand or product. Spending thousands on something sight unseen is something I simply cannot do. Sure, both Extreme and Rousseau will take the product back if I decide after delivery that I'm not happy with it. All packaging and the unit itself need to be in "new condition" but I would be out the freight charges for the delivery to me as well as returning it. Potentially out of pocket $500 to $800 or more and still have to go buy a different box. No way, not happening.

I've read in numerous places that SPG went out of business but I can still find their products for sale and they still have an active website. Makes me wonder if they went bankrupt and were bought by someone who kept things going, much like SK tools about 10 years ago.

Hi Mr Smoke.

If there are still SPG international tool boxes out there, why not consider that? Especially the 72”

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Hi Mr Smoke.

If there are still SPG international tool boxes out there, why not consider that? Especially the 72”

I covered my reasoning for not considering International in an earlier post. My first box as a tech was International and after about 10 years of use it was ready to be replaced. I expected better and it left a bitter taste in my mouth so to say. Only reason my current side cabinet is International is beacuse I basically got it for free and at the time I needed more space immediately but didn't have much in terms of spare money to buy a whole new box.

 

[ive]

Sorry, I went back and reread about the Spg.

Sounds like your in for the Stryke?

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Sorry, I went back and reread about the Spg.

Sounds like your in for the Stryke?

I am! I messaged the local rep today letting him know and will be making a $2k deposit within the next few days.

 

[GForceJunky]

Awesome! Congrats! Be sure to post pics/videos/thoughts once you get it. What colour combo?

 

[ive]

I am! I messaged the local rep today letting him know and will be making a $2k deposit within the next few days.

Keep us updated Mr Smoke. Looking forward to your reviews of the chest and the buying experience. There’s a lot of people clicking on this thread.

Congratulations.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Keep us updated Mr Smoke. Looking forward to your reviews of the chest and the buying experience. There’s a lot of people clicking on this thread.

Congratulations.

I mentioned to the rep that I'd like to see his demo box again so I can take a bunch of pictures and need to give him my list of options and things I spoke with the owner of Styrke about, like getting all swivel casters instead of 2 fixed and 4 swivel.

Once I get pictures taken I will be sure to post a link to google drive where I will host them.

So far the experience has been great. Both Styrke and his rep have been quick to respond and very helpful. Hopefully that continues.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Well, I just put a $2,000 deposit down on a Styrke box! Trying to line up a time in the next few days to view the demo box again so I can grab some pictures. A good friend of mine is in the market for a new box as well so he may tag along so he can check it out too.

 

[PhantomEB]

If I could, it would be Rousseau all around my shop but since I am limited funds, it will have to be Husky boxes. I like Husky as if I need another box then I just go get one for a couple hundred dollars. I am up to 5 now.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

I'd go with US General, quality difference compared to premium brands isnt even kind of in the ballpark of the price difference. And just fyi, the US General boxes are actually really nice and really well made. So Instead of just a toolbox, you could also buy a used truck to drive south of the border & haul it home in or put a significant down payment on your house with the money you save lol. I know you dont have HF in Canada, but you could prob order from their website and have it delivered.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

I'd go with US General, quality difference compared to premium brands isnt even kind of in the ballpark of the price difference. And just fyi, the US General boxes are actually really nice and really well made. So Instead of just a toolbox, you could also buy a used truck to drive south of the border & haul it home in or put a significant down payment on your house with the money you save lol. I know you dont have HF in Canada, but you could prob order from their website and have it delivered.

I remember reading a thread on here about that. Apparently HF won't ship here anymore and your CC needs a US billing address to have in shipped even in the US, so even having a shipping address just across the border won't work. Would have to physically walk into a HF store which ain't happening.

Plans were to buy a house this year, but life changed and that is no longer a possible option. If it were, I wouldn't be buying the box I am as I'm using some of the money which was for my downpayment. I'm still getting something nice for myself that I should have forever, so I'm okay with it lol.

There are far more readily available, quality options in the US than up here. I feel I went with the choice that made the most sense in terms of the size and quality I was getting for my money. Supporting a small Canadian business in the process is something I feel really good about too.

 

[Snapped-off]

I'm sure it won't disappoint, hopefully it will last you a lifetime.

Definitely post up pics when it comes in

 

[Mr.Smoke]

I'm sure it won't disappoint, hopefully it will last you a lifetime.

Definitely post up pics when it comes in

I know for a fact it won't! Great part of being able to physically examine one before purchasing. With proper care I'm sure it will last and I will be sure to care for it well. I plan to remove the bottom drawers at least once a year and spray fluid film or Krowne inside the bottom to prevent any possible rust as my work environment can get damp at times.

I'm already planning out drawer layouts with some of my stuff. Used grid paper to make drawers and various things like my socket rails, SK wrench sets, organizer trays, etc. I need more tools now as I will have TONS of empty space to fill. Already started ordering stuff on Amazon lol.

I will be going to view the demo box again tomorrow to grab pictures for you folks (and myself) and I have a few crucial measurements to take. I want to add a flush mount NOCO male receptacle so I can keep my S-O cordless battery charger and rechargeable S-O light locked up and plugged in. Have to make sure there is enough inner clearance in the wall to accomodate the receptacle depth. The box manufacturer said he can make the required 2" hole where I need it before it gets powder coated so there won't be exposed metal from me making the hole.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Went to see the demo box again a couple hours ago. Unfortunately it was crammed into his enclosed trailer along with two other boxes. It's also about -15°c outside so I couldn't get all the pictures I wanted due to space limitations and temperature. The pictures I did take I uploaded to Google Drive which can be found here if anyone is interested. More pictures can be seen on the website for my local vendor located here or on the manufacturers website right here. Styrke also has lots of pictures on their Facebook page which should be easy to find.

My main goal of today was finding a suitable location for the hole to be made for the flush mount receptacle I want to add. Thankfully there is sufficient room in the back corner on the side of the box for the receptacle. I got my measurements for where I want it and left them with the rep to pass along to Styrke in hopes the hole can be made before the coating process. Now I just have to be patient and try not to spend all my surplus income on new tools trying to fill a box I don't have yet, and still need to finish paying for!

I will continue to update this thread with progress status as I am provided information, if any. After the box arrives I will be sure to take lots of pictures including the process of adding my receptacle and outlets inside, as well as my custom 3D printed organization system that is planned.

 

[ive]

Great to hear it’s working out for you so far Mr Smoke.

 

[VT Tool Man]

Those Styrke boxes look nice. What's the ETA on your box?

Nice to see you supporting a small business that makes a quality product--one that competes against incredibly cheap labor overseas. I am with you--an American-made box was not a requirement for me, but a Chinese-made one was a dealbreaker. As far as I am concerned, buying North American production is "local" to me.

I recently bought a Canadian-made Tekton box, built by Rousseau. I love it. Solid construction, clever drawer slides (technically a carrier the drawer rolls in rather than actual slides). Lots of space, rugged casters, the liners are made of a material that doesn't seem to degrade the way the Harbor Freight liners do after a short while.

I am quite pleased. I'll do a post shortly enough. But it's a huge improvement over my previous Husky combo. Unlike you, I am a weekend garage hack, not a pro, but I don't plan on buying another toolbox anytime soon. I am done, in that regard.

Keep us posted on the delivery -- doh! I see that you have another thread dedicated to this box. I will be watching that space.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Those Styrke boxes look nice. What's the ETA on your box?

Nice to see you supporting a small business that makes a quality product--one that competes against incredibly cheap labor overseas. I am with you--an American-made box was not a requirement for me, but a Chinese-made one was a dealbreaker. As far as I am concerned, buying North American production is "local" to me.

I recently bought a Canadian-made Tekton box, built by Rousseau. I love it. Solid construction, clever drawer slides (technically a carrier the drawer rolls in rather than actual slides). Lots of space, rugged casters, the liners are made of a material that doesn't seem to degrade the way the Harbor Freight liners do after a short while.

I am quite pleased. I'll do a post shortly enough. But it's a huge improvement over my previous Husky combo. Unlike you, I am a weekend garage hack, not a pro, but I don't plan on buying another toolbox anytime soon. I am done, in that regard.

Keep us posted on the delivery -- doh! I see that you have another thread dedicated to this box. I will be watching that space.

They are impressive boxes and fantastic value for the cost. The current batch being made has the pre-order closing at the end of this week. Next week Styrke does their pre-order giveaway (for every 7 pre-orders they give either a top hutch or 36" service cart to a random winner who has pre-ordered) and boxes start shipping out the following week. I am expecting delivery mid May based on that timeline.

Buying an overseas box was something I wanted to avoid as well. The Extreme RS Pro was a top contender until I discovered it is manufactured outside North America although it does seem to be built very well. I also looked at Rousseau boxes and considered purchasing direct from them since they are from Canada like me and they allow drawer configuration customization unlike any other I came across. The downside was they didn't offer the depth I wanted or colour choice that suited my taste. I also wasn't able to get my hands on one due to everything "non-essential" being closed here for in person shopping. I couldn't spend that kind of money without doing a proper, hands on inspection of the box. Their drawer latch system isn't my preferred style either which also contributed to me looking elsewhere but Rousseau is held in very high regard and I've heard they make a fantastic product which doesn't surprise me.

I also don't plan on buying another box, hopefully ever, at least for at work. This Styrke box should last the rest of my life and be passed down to one of my boys for them to get many years of use with.

I did create another thread dedicated specifically to the box. I haven't done any updates recently as there hasn't been any major news to report but once I take delivery there will be more coming. I'm glad I have it paid in full as I've been spending money like crazy recently and it's starting to catch up with me. Some of the plans I have for organization and new tool purchases may need to be put on hold temporarily while I refill the bank account!

 

[VT Tool Man]

Buying an overseas box was something I wanted to avoid as well. The Extreme RS Pro was a top contender until I discovered it is manufactured outside North America although it does seem to be built very well.

I had a pretty hard price point and sold some other tools I no longer needed and knew I would get a few bucks for the old toolboxes. I was trying to make it as little new cash involved as possible. The Extreme boxes do look nice. As do some of their competitors. I looked at everything from Icon to Montezuma to Homak to Extreme to, geesh, just about everybody, including used Snap-On and even the SK aluminum boxes, which I could not justify at all. I even perused the latest Husky and Milwaukee stuff at the local big orange stores, and though they were better than previous models, still were not up to the standard I was looking for. This was a big decision after all, right?

I also looked at Rousseau boxes and considered purchasing direct from them since they are from Canada like me and they allow drawer configuration customization unlike any other I came across.

Amazing, really, that they have a business model that would allow us to buy a single box, in the color we want, with drawers endlessly configurable. Weirdly I could not find the same configuration in Rousseau that matched the Tekton.

The downside was they didn't offer the depth I wanted or colour choice that suited my taste. I also wasn't able to get my hands on one due to everything "non-essential" being closed here for in person shopping. I couldn't spend that kind of money without doing a proper, hands on inspection of the box. Their drawer latch system isn't my preferred style either which also contributed to me looking elsewhere but Rousseau is held in very high regard and I've heard they make a fantastic product which doesn't surprise me.

After what was certainly a year of hemming and hawing and searching and plotting and trying to get my hands on a box whenever/wherever I could, I ultimately decided on this unit: https://www.tekton.com/tool-cabinets?quantity=1&color=red&size=60-in-(24-in-deep)

What I really like about it is that all the drawers are the length of the box. The 24-inch depth was exactly what I wanted, as the not-quite-18-inch depth of the Husky drawers started ticking me off, but a 27 or 30-inch depth would be just too much for my small home shop in the garage. Goldilocks sized for me. But this one box, with its long and deep drawers, even without a top chest, replaces all of the two-piece, 41-inch Husky and most of the older 26-inch Craftsman cabinet and chest combo I also have.

The drawer latch works just fine for me. The only downside is that the side of my garage is not 100% flat, so the drawers will race home and slam closed if I am not careful.

I did take a leap of faith by buying a box I had not personally touched, but I have no regrets yet and I have had the box for a little over three months now. Very pleased with it. And I almost have it all organized.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

I had a pretty hard price point and sold some other tools I no longer needed and knew I would get a few bucks for the old toolboxes. I was trying to make it as little new cash involved as possible. The Extreme boxes do look nice. As do some of their competitors. I looked at everything from Icon to Montezuma to Homak to Extreme to, geesh, just about everybody, including used Snap-On and even the SK aluminum boxes, which I could not justify at all. I even perused the latest Husky and Milwaukee stuff at the local big orange stores, and though they were better than previous models, still were not up to the standard I was looking for. This was a big decision after all, right?



Amazing, really, that they have a business model that would allow us to buy a single box, in the color we want, with drawers endlessly configurable. Weirdly I could not find the same configuration in Rousseau that matched the Tekton.



After what was certainly a year of hemming and hawing and searching and plotting and trying to get my hands on a box whenever/wherever I could, I ultimately decided on this unit: https://www.tekton.com/tool-cabinets?quantity=1&color=red&size=60-in-(24-in-deep)

What I really like about it is that all the drawers are the length of the box. The 24-inch depth was exactly what I wanted, as the not-quite-18-inch depth of the Husky drawers started ticking me off, but a 27 or 30-inch depth would be just too much for my small home shop in the garage. Goldilocks sized for me. But this one box, with its long and deep drawers, even without a top chest, replaces all of the two-piece, 41-inch Husky and most of the older 26-inch Craftsman cabinet and chest combo I also have.

The drawer latch works just fine for me. The only downside is that the side of my garage is not 100% flat, so the drawers will race home and slam closed if I am not careful.

I did take a leap of faith by buying a box I had not personally touched, but I have no regrets yet and I have had the box for a little over three months now. Very pleased with it. And I almost have it all organized.

I originally started with looking at used Snap-On, Mac and Matco boxes. Guys selling private around here wanted insane prices for 10-20 year old boxes in less than satisfactory condition. Used ones on trucks were close to retail prices. Both options either beyond an acceptable budget, in unacceptable condition for me or not ideal in size/configuration/colour. If I was looking at spending thousands of dollars it was going to be on something that ticked all my boxes, pun intended.

Having a minimum of 24" in depth was a must considering my current box is only 20" deep. Ideally a 28" to 30" depth was my goal and a Rousseau just couldn't be built how I wanted even though the Tekton rebrand offered sizes outside what Rousseau does.... big buying power of Tekton means them offering different sizes due to large volume orders.

I really only needed a box in the 53" to 60" range if I could find a 28" or 30" depth with a suitable configuration. The Extreme RS Pro had basically everything but the COO killed it. The Styrke is 72" wide, 28" deep and 46" tall which is much larger than what I needed but gives me room to expand my tool collection and came in at a price close to the options I considered in smaller sizes. Really was a no brainer for me. The soft close drawers are a nice touch too and should help prevent things from shuffling around due to drawers geting closed too hard by accident which happens to me a lot with my current box.

I'm glad to hear you're happy with the Tekton box. I hope it holds up for many years to come and serves you well.

 

[VT Tool Man]

I'm glad to hear you're happy with the Tekton box. I hope it holds up for many years to come and serves you well.

Thanks, Smoke. Me, too.