Tekton Rousseau Tool Chest Overview & Thoughts

[macgee]

I see that a Rousseau 54" rolling cabinet (from one of the online vendors) is $3640, while an identically laid out Snap-on Masters Series 54" is $6945 (no doubt it could be had for less). The Rousseau weighs 884lbs, and the Snap-on is 489lbs.

Thats one of the very key differences with these type of cabinets compared to a KRL is the weight/hence the metal gauge is much thicker preventing drawers and cabinet to flex less under weight and has a much longer life expectancy for the cabinet when having to roll a fully loaded one around a shop over many years. With drawers not flexing, the sliders will continue to open and close while pulling from one end of drawer and closing evenly along the whole travel. Thats well worth investing in the extra money for one, oh wait they cost less than a KRL.

 

[Snapped-off]

These are on my list as I'm desperately in need of a box upgrade. I just wish they offered the 30" version in a different layout. I'm not sure if the 24" will hold everything.

Also skeptical on if a plier rack will fit. The drawers look a little shallow.

 

[Bannik254]

Also skeptical on if a plier rack will fit. The drawers look a little shallow.

Plier rack fits just fine in either of the two 4'' drawers. For any pliers with springs, I just wrap a rubber band around the handles. Everything fits.

 

[Maddog1337]

The casters are smooth even with the box fully loaded. The casters are German made. The locks engage excellently but, take some effort to release.

I got the 48 inch version in grey in November to replace an overloaded and aging Cornwell tool cart, and I really like it. I don't mind the only open one drawer at a time safety feature as it probably prevents me from myself. I have the drawers pretty loaded and the latches release smoothly from any spot on the drawer.
I think the only thing I would change on the cabinet would be to increase the height on the three two inch drawers to 2.5 or 3 inches.

I like the Tekton badge and would never remove it. I guess it's my way of thumbing my nose at all of the Tekton haters in the world

Thanks to Fedwrench, he gave me the final push I needed to purchase.

Thank you for the review, I've almost pulled the trigger on these a few times but always ended up backing out. The 20% off code almost got me to do it and I've been kicking myself a bit for not jumping on that. My only wish is that they would make the long drawer configuration in the 30in depth. Also to call these a step above diy is not doing them justice, these are industrial grade and are possibly on par with the lista and vidmar cabinets. Either way, I'm jealous and congrats on the new box. ��

You're right, it's not just one step above DIY grade. I won't edit my post, but quickly coming to realize these are really nice boxes.

Looks awesome. Curious though, did you consider Stor-loc? I think they’re in IL, but I’m not sure if Chicago area.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Haven't heard of them, apparently they're in Kankakee, IL, within driving distance. Seems like a really great local option. The prices are pretty astronomical but I'm sure you get what you pay for with them. Another local option I didn't mention is Lyon based out of Aurora, IL.

when you load up a drawer and then grab the handle at just one end, how does it feel rolling out?

does it go sideways or roll straight on out?

Posted a video on this, post #9 in this thread.

 

[Snapped-off]

Plier rack fits just fine in either of the two 4'' drawers. For any pliers with springs, I just wrap a rubber band around the handles. Everything fits.

They've only got one 4" drawer. The 3" drawers are closer to the bottom.

Looking at the actual drawer dimensions I would only gain about 1.5" of depth from my current box as they're only 21" deep.

If the 30" version had at least one more full length drawer, I could live with the rest of them.

 

[Bannik254]

They've only got one 4" drawer. The 3" drawers are closer to the bottom.

Looking at the actual drawer dimensions I would only gain about 1.5" of depth from my current box as they're only 21" deep.

If the 30" version had at least one more full length drawer, I could live with the rest of them.

https://www.tekton.com/images/spec/tekton-tool-cabinet-48-in-spec.png

https://www.tekton.com/c.3426199/images/spec/tekton-tool-cabinet-60x24-in-spec.png

https://www.tekton.com/c.3426199/images/spec/tekton-tool-cabinet-60-in-spec.png

The drawers that are 4'', can easily store a plier rack, I'll snap some pics of my Tekton box setup tomorrow at work.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51eq1iasPqL._AC_.jpg

 

[Snapped-off]

Re: Tekton Rousseau Tool Chest Overview & Thoughts

https://www.tekton.com/images/spec/tekton-tool-cabinet-48-in-spec.png

https://www.tekton.com/c.3426199/images/spec/tekton-tool-cabinet-60x24-in-spec.png

https://www.tekton.com/c.3426199/images/spec/tekton-tool-cabinet-60-in-spec.png

The drawers that are 4'', can easily store a plier rack, I'll snap some pics of my Tekton box setup tomorrow at work.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51eq1iasPqL._AC_.jpg

I'm not sure what blueprints you posted, but the boxes being discussed are Tekton. Yes they'll fit in the 3" drawer, but they're a little closer to the ground than I'd personally like.


Edit: I guess those blueprints are just showing external dimensions. So they've got a 4" drawer face but only 3" of usable space inside.

 

[macgee]

If you want more than one full length drawer and deep, the non-Tektron Rousseau version offers up a (6) 27" deep x 60" wide drawers in the Heavy Duty mobile cabinet models.

https://www.rousseaumetal.com/int_en/products/cabinets/mobile-drawer-cabinets/heavy-duty-mobile-cabinet-with-partitions-r5bkg-3033-int-en.html

 

[Snapped-off]

If you want more than one full length drawer and deep, the non-Tektron Rousseau version offers up a (6) 27" deep x 60" wide drawers in the Heavy Duty mobile cabinet models.

https://www.rousseaumetal.com/int_e...abinet-with-partitions-r5bkg-3033-int-en.html

That's great, until I saw the height. Could almost use it for a stool! The top would be below my waist.

 

[macgee]

That's great, until I saw the height. Could almost use it for a stool! The top would be below my waist.

For some reason they don't include the height of the casters, so add 6" or the choice of counter top so you need to add that as well.

Also, they have a configure your own cabinet, I was able to get 7 full width 60" wide drawers. (2) 3", (2) 4", (1) 5", (1) 6", (1) 9" height or what ever you want. Total height with a stainless countertop came out to 47.25" H.

I was too afraid to ask for a price quote on that one.

 

[Snapped-off]

For some reason they don't include the height of the casters, so add 6" or the choice of counter top so you need to add that as well.

Also, they have a configure your own cabinet, I was able to get 7 full width 60" wide drawers. (2) 3", (2) 4", (1) 5", (1) 6", (1) 9" height or what ever you want. Total height with a stainless countertop came out to 47.25" H.

I was too afraid to ask for a price quote on that one.

That's more reasonable. I'll check it out.

 

[xjfish]

Nice box!

 

[Snapped-off]

Here's the double bay Tekton should've ordered from them! (My opinion)

 

[Snapped-off]

Here's the double bay Tekton should've ordered from them! (My opinion)

Update: Quote for the box came out to $3495 for 60x27, custom drawer layout, stainless steel top, and edge bumpers. The drawer layout I made needs to be modified slightly as the dimensions are external measurements.

270 in tax and 625 in shipping are a little unattractive but besides that I don't think it's a bad price for a NA made box.

 

[Bannik254]

 

[ridervfr]

How else are they suppose to affix the letters? A $110,000 Cadillac Escalade uses foam tape to attach the lettering too. Does Fap-off use tape or epoxy?

My KRL Fap-Off box uses pins that go into the box and then a Christmas type clip goes around the *** that is inside of the box. Its an older box 20 yrs old, I do not know what they do now. You can use dental flouse too to "de-badge" stuff

 

[Snapped-off]

Thanks for the pics. I might end up ordering a Rousseau.

 

[macgee]

Thanks for the pics. I might end up ordering a Rousseau.

I would look further into the shipping price and sales tax. Getting items from Canada is super pricey. Maybe look into seeing if there's a distributor in the US that can match the price quote for your cabinet but with lower delivery price and tax.

It would be awesome to see pics when you get it. I will say when buying these cabinets used, Rousseau seems to hold there value more than a Lista or Vidmar or Lyon. I've been wanting buy several of them but always get out-priced above my budget and end up finding a Lista instead. Thats good if you own one, but bad for me.

PS> I can't see Bannik254 photo's in his or your post.

 

[Fedwrench]

Update: Quote for the box came out to $3495 for 60x27, custom drawer layout, stainless steel top, and edge bumpers. The drawer layout I made needs to be modified slightly as the dimensions are external measurements.

270 in tax and 625 in shipping are a little unattractive but besides that I don't think it's a bad price for a NA made box.

I went with Tekton because: I thought it was a strong, well made box. The box was in stock. Tekton offered free shipping too include liftgate service. I got 10% back in rewards points to buy more Tekton. No sales tax. There was a discount coupon. The box was made in Canada.

 

[M6erfan]

Those Tekton boxes have a lot going for them. But the drawers layout isn't the best, for me.

 

[Snapped-off]

I would look further into the shipping price and sales tax. Getting items from Canada is super pricey. Maybe look into seeing if there's a distributor in the US that can match the price quote for your cabinet but with lower delivery price and tax.

It would be awesome to see pics when you get it. I will say when buying these cabinets used, Rousseau seems to hold there value more than a Lista or Vidmar or Lyon. I've been wanting buy several of them but always get out-priced above my budget and end up finding a Lista instead. Thats good if you own one, but bad for me.

PS> I can't see Bannik254 photo's in his or your post.

That quote is from a local (to me) San Diego distributor. That would be final price delivered to my door.

 

[Snapped-off]

I went with Tekton because: I thought it was a strong, well made box. The box was in stock. Tekton offered free shipping too include liftgate service. I got 10% back in rewards points to buy more Tekton. No sales tax. There was a discount coupon. The box was made in Canada. [emoji481]

Yeah I'm not against them, the drawer layout just doesn't work for me. If I'm buying this nice of a box I want it to be "mine". The 24" boxes are only 1.5 deeper internally than what I currently have so I wouldn't really gain much space.

 

[pcmeiners]

Beats me all the fuss about Rousseau , basically a Vidmar/Lista clone. From looking at the Global offering, Vidmar can produce the same configurations of mobile units. Vidmar/Lista drawer sizes/configurations. colors, casters are customizable .

 

[tarbellb]

Beats me all the fuss about Rousseau , basically a Vidmar/Lista clone. From looking at the Global offering, Vidmar can produce the same configurations of mobile units. Vidmar/Lista drawer sizes/configurations. colors, casters are customizable .

Price.

 

[Yarpo]

I've worked out of a Rousseau box for almost two years at this point. Absolutely every bit as good as a Snap on box I'd imagine. One day I looked over and my buddy next to me was standing on one of the small drawers either waxing or reaching for something on the top of his box, and I noticed how how stout it was. Not even a semblance of strain, 180 pound kid + tools. Also see guys sitting on the drawers when we're slow and so fourth. Whatever it is, us dealership monkeys are not destroying these things. In fact after working out of one I'd buy one over a snap on simply due to price. That said seeing the tekton ones are only 21" deep is very unfortunate, and keeps me out of buying one personally. That said splendid boxes and absolutely worth the money. Nice buy OP, looks great.

 

[LVIIIR]

Honestly, that seems like a nice looking box to me for the money!

 

[GForceJunky]

This has been a super useful/informative thread, so thanks for the detailed review!

My wife balked at me buying the US General 72" box at 20% off so I don't think a box like this is in my future until the the kids are older but everything about the box screams quality. Love the solid look/feel/sound of the handles/latches! I'd probably order directly from Rousseau/a distributor so I could get an orange one in the layout of my choice Also, as a Canadian (albeit living the US) I have a soft-spot for anything Made in Canada (e.g. Gray Tools).

 

[Roschili]

This has been a super useful/informative thread, so thanks for the detailed review!

I have to echo this sentiment - thanks for sharing this review. I didn't even know Tekton had boxes, but I have enjoyed using their wrenches.

Up until now I had my eye on a nice Proto box at Zoro and they just sent me a 20% off coupon, but now I'm thinking I might be better off with a Tekton/Rousseau box. If Tekton had picked one of the 9 or 10 drawer models in a 48" width, I would pull the trigger yesterday.

 

[tarbellb]

Any updates after using this box for a while?


I keep coming back to these boxes, they look so damn good. Better then my Equipto which is a lesser known version of Vidmars/Lista.

A 60x30 Tekton is likely my next box.

 

[joey1320]

Good looking box.

 

[Formerjeeper]

Adding tool carts now also, I assume might be same maker?

https://www.tekton.com/tool-storage/tool-carts

 

[65k10]

Adding tool carts now also, I assume might be same maker?

https://www.tekton.com/tool-storage/tool-carts

I think you're correct with it being the same maker. The Tekton carts look like Rousseau MultiTek carts.

 

[Yarpo]

I've chimed in a few times about these, but I also saw a new "Which tool box would you buy if you where buying again" thread but since this just got revived I'm going to say after working out of a Rousseau box for two years, I'm absolutely buying Tektons box unless there's some odd way I can customize direct for cheaper. I hate red/black but I cant tell you how great these are. If Tekton is buying these and having them built to the same standards my box at work was built to, I stand by my belief that this is the best/beefiest box for the price

 

[lardy1]

I hate red/black but I cant tell you how great these are.

The white color option available on the tool carts has me wondering if there will be further color options on the tool boxes.

 

[RolexMechanic]

Not familiar with Stor-Loc's but they look really good and similar to a Vidmar/rouseeeau/Lista. Each drawer is 11 gauge, w/400lb rating, with lots of different drawer height selections and can go as wide as 58" for drawer width and 27" deep.

They're pricey/USA made by a bespoke company. Another one to put on the list.


I went to the Store-Loc website. The website is sub standard in every way. No exact dimensions listed, company history sounds sketchy, no mention of their engineering team or employees. No mention of "Proudly made in the USA." Does not state why I should buy their box over the competition.
Might be a great product but they fail marketing 101.

One negative to divider drawers is they take up a little space around the edges. I would rather use removable plastic trays. Why be limited to hand scooping?

 

[Maddog1337]

Any updates after using this box for a while?


I keep coming back to these boxes, they look so damn good. Better then my Equipto which is a lesser known version of Vidmars/Lista.

A 60x30 Tekton is likely my next box.

I'm just a homegamer but no, I haven't noticed a single deficiency with the box. I'm very happy with the purchase and confident it will last a lifetime.

Edit: I did add some Schaller Corporation organizers, probably more popular with the Lista/Vidmar crowd but works in the Rousseau boxes as well.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/187779662@N07/51020173681/in/dateposted-public/" title="20210309_115536"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020173681_3a6aeca040_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="20210309_115536"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[tarbellb]

Sold.

These look like the best box on the market for my needs and price point.

Thanks for the update Maddog, same to you Yarpo.

Appreciate these types of reviews and insights!

 

[Yarpo]

The white color option available on the tool carts has me wondering if there will be further color options on the tool boxes.

Oh yesssss! If they get a white 60" box I'll be buying sooner rather than later. Love white, orange, green, maybe grey. I'm going to end up selling my Homak as I'm running out of room at home (WTF do I have so many tools for??) 30" depth is now a must for me and these things are built like tanks for 3k, very reasonable.

 

[macgee]

I know I've said it before but Rousseau (not the Tekton version) are awesome tool cabinets to have, probably one of the very best in the world. I cant speak for the Tekton version but I think its slightly below spec wise than a non-Tekton Rousseau version (?); plus I think you can get whatever color you want (extra $$) and way more layout options when going directly with Rousseau.

I've handled one before, with the look, paint finish and quality of the drawers I would prefer a Rousseau to the Lista's and Vidmars that I own. In my area, they hold their value more than a Lista and don't last long at all on the market when they come up. The paint finish and small touches on them is hard to tell looking at pics but really noticeable and better in person. These are especially a great deal for Canadians, I know another member here went with a Stryke but I don't think there is any comparison between the two and you'll always get more money back than typical mechanics looking box when selling it making it a sounder investment.

The problem is the shipping charges when buying new, the damn things weigh so much that it gets very pricey for shipping. If Rousseau or Tekton are able to get around that, then I could see these cabinets getting very popular and bought up.

 

[Fedwrench]

The problem is the shipping charges when buying new, the damn things weigh so much that it gets very pricey for shipping. If Rousseau or Tekton are able to get around that, then I could see these cabinets getting very popular and bought up.

Tekton offers free CONUS shipping if ordered from their website. Alaska & Hawaii have a $275 flat ship fee.
https://www.tekton.com/docs/Tekton-Tool-Cabinet-Shipping-Instructions.pdf

Additionally, you get 10% back in rewards points that spend like cash.

I really like my Tekton box. The drawer pulls smudge easily but, they wipe clean. I need to take pictures of my set up. I rolled it effortlessly across the shop floor today. It glided. German casters