Tool box/chest question

[Spn1025]

I have a 26" Craftsman top/bottom tool box, maybe 12 years old. Running out of room, so I'm thinking of getting a mid box. Are most brands compatible? In other words, if I get a cheap Kobalt or Husky mid box 26", will I run into problems with it fitting into the recessed top of the bottom, same with the top chest fitting into the top of the mid box?

 

[efncrx]

Wouldn't common sense be to measure the inside diameter of your top box, then see what will fit and what won't?

You say kobalt husky are cheap? I'd argue the craftsman box is just as cheaply made. If it were me I'd go to HF and pick up the large roll cab same price as a flimsy cman box with better build quality and way more room, you could slop your cman boxes on top of the HF roller. Just my .02

 

[Spn1025]

Lol cheap when I can get one for under 20. Thanks, I'll have to go down and take some dimensions. I got the craftsman set free a few years ago.

 

[CJM8515]

Far easier to buy a larger box or another 26" box.

 

[Jeff95TA]

Wouldn't common sense be to measure the inside diameter of your top box, then see what will fit and what won't?

Common sense would say that a rectangular box doesn't have a diameter. Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[mrvm]

I have a 26" Craftsman top/bottom tool box, maybe 12 years old. Running out of room, so I'm thinking of getting a mid box. Are most brands compatible

Husky mid boxes would probably fit but if you're truly running out of room its TIME for a bigger tool box. Keep the old CM for tool overflow from too many deals on GJ or use as a specialty tool box. Mid boxes offer limited extra space (3 small drawers) and can make the top box difficult to access.

 

[Spn1025]

Husky mid boxes would probably fit but if you're truly running out of room its TIME for a bigger tool box. Keep the old CM for tool overflow from too many deals on GJ or use as a specialty tool box. Mid boxes offer limited extra space (3 small drawers) and can make the top box difficult to access.

Ya makes sense. Especially where I'm only 5'6...might need a step stool to see in the top lol.

 

[PelicanPines]

Was in a similar situation many years ago. I got the craftsman intermediate box... kept growing... I now have three complete towers with three carts too.

$20 for a mid box... good luck...

I recently got a new heavy duty mid for $90... to complete all three of my towers.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I had a stack with an intermediate box, was a little tall even for me at 6'2" finally took the intermediate home recently and now I have a top and bottom CMan stack and a HF 44" with to Kennedy boxes on top of it. If I were you I would skip the intermediate and just get a HF 26" stack or a HF 44" if you have room

 

[ibedayank]

can fit a whole lot of sockets in the top drawer of a hf 44

 

[Cato]

Husky and Craftsman are both made by Waterloo. They have the same dimensions. Husky boxes all seem to be the "Heavy Duty" grade Craftsman sells. Home Depot sells these boxes for an everyday price which you see at Sears only on big sales. The only problem with the Husky is that they come in only black. Lowes Kobalt is a different animal altogether. Like someone mentioned, don't take our word for it - measure it to be certain.

 

[zkling]

Ya makes sense. Especially where I'm only 5'6...might need a step stool to see in the top lol.

I'm an inch taller than you, middle boxes are not for us unless you have a super short bottom or top box or a work bench surface to set it on.

You would be better to get a full size top box. What boxes do you currently have?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Husky mid boxes would probably fit but if you're truly running out of room its TIME for a bigger tool box. Keep the old CM for tool overflow from too many deals on GJ or use as a specialty tool box. Mid boxes offer limited extra space (3 small drawers) and can make the top box difficult to access.

Just buy a CM mid box !

I have 2 empty drawers still after I bought mine a couple of months ago, even with all of the "must have" specialty tools I have bought since hanging out here ! (Hint: Long handled needle nose pliers are great. So are long handled pliers with round ends for pulling off fuel line hoses. And you can never have enough Vise Grips.)

I need to convince myself to buy a new bottom box. The one I have does NOT have ball bearing glides which is a real problem when you have heavy stuff in the drawer (like my impact wrench and sockets, air hammer and chisels and air ratchet and sockets). If (alright WHEN) I convince myself to pull the trigger, I'll get one with a larger drawer (at the expense of loosing 1 drawer) and ball bearing glides. Hmmm .... Father's Day is coming up !

 

[doan]

Mid boxes only add 2-3 drawers, not much space for the $$. If you want to add on, a new box or a HF side box is more cost effective, but more $$.

I did not have more space, so I used a chest - 2 in my case to hold up my workbench. Lots more storage in the same space.

 

[taumac]

To answer the OP original question they are close if not same in size of a middle box. I say if it's true you can get one for $20 they do it if it's gonna solve some problems. Now since I had a few in my time they are limited in space you are gaining. I agree with some above in looking at a HF 26 top and bottom or a 44. I wouldn't sell what you have cause there are good uses for them if not using them for tool storage.

 

[Cypherian]

To the OP original question just measure and buy accordingly or you could:

http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/5062353372.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/5072876561.html

Add this to your bench http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/5043079693.html

And your done

Cypher

 

[crewchief888]

Side boxes are pretty handy, but the CM's have that big drawer on the bottom for a skill saw.

my big SO side box had a deep drawer in it as well.

it seemed to be the perfect place to store large bulky air tools, 3/4" dr impact, DA sander, 7" disk sander, etc.

 

[zkling]

my big SO side box had a deep drawer in it as well.

it seemed to be the perfect place to store large bulky air tools, 3/4" dr impact, DA sander, 7" disk sander, etc.

Agreed. One is packed with aerosol/fluid cans, the other has specialty tool cases on end. Otherwise I'm not a fan of deep drawers.