I have also been looking at tool boxes. I like stainless steel, but I refuse to buy anything made in China at all costs. The stainless boxes talked about here sold at COSTCO and the like are not made in America. Things made in China do not generate jobs here in America.
"Lifetime Warranty" and "customer satisfaction" are meaningless if the retailer is no longer in business.
Retailers only stock what sells. Because these stainless boxes are made overseas, the retailer has no commitment with a contract manufacturer. When they stop selling, or if the supplier can't meet new lower wholesale price points, the product is no longer stocked. The companies making these boxes are fully automated, and when the demand slacks, they can tool up for something else.
I have wanted a Snap-On box for years, but the cost, even used, has been way too high for me. I do admire my brothers nice shiny one, though.
The Craftsman Professional models are more affordable to me, but I never went for it until I could make enough space for one.
Really cheap tool boxes are of no value to me. I see no point in buying friction slides, and if you fill up a cheap tool box, the box can't handle the weight.
I have recently been able to open enough real estate on the floor to dedicate to a tool box. Whatever I buy has to be a good value, including construction and the storage space the box offers.
I found out about Lista tool boxes here, then I requested a catalog. I am looking at their HS width series- 40.25 inches wide and 47 3/8 inches tall including the 6 inch casters. The boxes are 22.5 inches deep. I configured one with seven drawers. The drawers are full extension and have a
440 pound capacity for each one. You cannot open more than one drawer at a time, a unique safety feature. Their boxes are made here in America.
For comparison, the Snap-On box similar in size has a drawer weight capacity of 150 pounds.
For that Lista box (a 900 series), drawer liners, casters, chrome handles and a maple top I was quoted a price of about $1400.00. That number is in line with the Craftsman Pro series of a similar size and over $500 cheaper than a comparable Snap On. Neither of those have the same weight capacity or total cubic inch storage capacity.
Yes, I have to pay shipping, but I think $100 is reasonable. For that price, I have to pick it up at the freight terminal. Not a big deal to me. No sales tax makes up for it.
It might be worthwhile to look at some of the Lista offerings. For a little bit more money, you get a whole lot more product.
SANDOVAL, you can configure regular Lista cabinets and get a top for the whole thing. Because the cabinets are bigger, you won't need so many for the same storage volume. They also have nice workbench setups.
Because Lista caters to the industrial market, they, and their products, will be around for a while.
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