Hi everyone, I'm a full-time auto technician at a dealership and I'm looking to upgrade my Craftsman boxes to a 2 or 3 bay box. The only thing I'm having a hard time deciding on is what depth to go with. Most guys in here have 24" deep boxes but that's mostly because they all bought from the same tool guy and that's what he gave them a deal on. My question is, what are your opinions on 20" vs 24" vs 30" depths? I have enough room to fully open a 30" box drawer so that's not an issue but those boxes are also quite pricey. All input is appreciated.
Tool Box Depth
- Thread starter JMitch77
- Start date
bobcatdan
Well-known member
If you have room, 30" is nice. Also if looking at SO boxes, the 24" boxes are only 40" tall vs 45" tall krl 1000 series. Basically an extra row of 4" deep drawers.
oldldh
Well-known member
firebox40dash5
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2012
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- 4,185
We had a KRL1002 stored at the shop for a while. I'm not exactly the tallest guy in the world (5' 8") but to get at the back of the top drawer, I practically had to stand to the side of it. I also tried loading my socket drawer into it, and I haven't a clue how one could use that many square inches in a single drawer with a single purpose, unless you bought every socket SO made and stored them all in the plastic displays, along with all your ratchets and extensions. 
Seriously, it's freakin' huge IMO. I'd probably prefer the shorter KRL70** series, though I keeping looking at how little room I have in front of my 18" box and thinking I should keep it to a 24" one.
Seriously, it's freakin' huge IMO. I'd probably prefer the shorter KRL70** series, though I keeping looking at how little room I have in front of my 18" box and thinking I should keep it to a 24" one.Most counter or work bench surfaces are 28" - 30" deep or more and drill presses and other industrial equipment will easily stick out that far too so 30" will fit well in most work environments. For the top drawers that are hard to access for the vertically challenged you just have to keep long tools up there so you can grab them from the front of the drawer.
I've never had anything deeper than 20" myself so even a 24" would be a treat.
I've never had anything deeper than 20" myself so even a 24" would be a treat.
joel63
Well-known member
Without a doubt I would go with the 24 inch box.
Now, if you can find a super deal on a 30 inch box (maybe a 3 bay) your decision can get complicated. (nice problem to have)
There's a lot to consider here.
Good luck in choosing.
Now, if you can find a super deal on a 30 inch box (maybe a 3 bay) your decision can get complicated. (nice problem to have)
There's a lot to consider here.
Good luck in choosing.
basspro
Well-known member
I guess first ask yourself how you want to organize your tools and how much you have in tool inventory. My work situation is probably different than yours as I move my box alot. Do you have bay you will work in, or will you have to be mobile? I myself have a 20" deep box and it is fine for me, alot of the auto guys like the 30"ers, Ive never had a need. I worked in a big truck shop for awhile(good friends shop) and my boss had a Snap-On KRL1023, which is 30" deep, nice box, but too big overall for me. My co worker had a KRL7022, and that was very nice. Still a ton of room, also 30" deep. Snap-On and the like are very nice, but if you want American made at a cheaper price id suggest you look at Kennedy and Lista. What is you price range anyway? A Montezuma or US General would be an upgrade over what you have for sure without breaking the bank.
Thanks for the input so far, this box would very rarely get moved, we have a specified bay we each work out of. As far as price, I'd like to stay at 3k and under, so I'm no opposed to a used box and I've been looking at all the ones on Strictly Toolboxes for a while now, which is actually what made me debate the depth I'd want.
Super Sport
Well-known member
I love my 30" deep box! It gave me so many more storage options for long tools that can now be stored front to back in the box, in essence taking up less valuable drawer space.
Cryptic1911
Well-known member
Go as deep as you can afford
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
Spudland_Dave
Well-known member
Bingo...
A couple weeks back I was looking to get some 24" Pallet racking to make a workbench...couldn't find any but I did score some 32"...after using the 32" as a workbench, I don't know how or why 24" is the "Standard Depth".
When I get a box it will be 30" deep for sure.
oldldh
Well-known member
The Extreme 55" Professional will check all your boxes, and you'll have a stainless steel top, 30" deep drawers, and change back from your three kilodollars...
toddacimer
Well-known member
This is 100% true.
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
I would not go with anything less than 24" and the deeper the better. A wider and deeper bottom box makes a great work bench as well.
I went to a 24" deep from a standard Craftsman. It was a huge difference in storage.
I went to a 24" deep from a standard Craftsman. It was a huge difference in storage.
sparky7
Well-known member
A used MAC or Matco on craigslist will be the best box you can get for the money. A typical doublebay matco box can sell for between 700-1500 dollars in excellent condition
Murphy4570
Well-known member
Get the biggest toolbox you can afford. Better to have and not need, than need and not have.
I have a 24" deep double bank box right now, and I wish I had a 30" deep one. You run out of room fast when you have a lot of tools. Hell, I have socket trays stacked atop one another in my top drawer.
I have a 24" deep double bank box right now, and I wish I had a 30" deep one. You run out of room fast when you have a lot of tools. Hell, I have socket trays stacked atop one another in my top drawer.
Thanks for all the input guys. After reading it all, it definitely looks like I'd be wise to just go for the deep box and be done with it. I definitely like the Extreme box oldldh mentioned, especially since it has a stainless top which I've wanted but could do without because of the price.
oldldh
Well-known member
When you buy the Extreme 55" Pro, take lots of photos, and post them...
A detailed rating/description would be nice, too...
Good luck...
A detailed rating/description would be nice, too...
Good luck...
CodyY
Well-known member
I've been a dealer tech in the past, dont waste your money or credit on a box "off the truck". I threw away money on two different boxes. A Snap-on and a (flat) silver 3-bank Matco with gloss black trim and SS top that i still miss to this day.
I've got a garage-sale S-O, and a couple better Kobalt/Huskys these days. They get used ~3 days a week, and hold-up well. That being said, I will be purchasing from StrictlyToolboxes. I appreciate a good box, but I ain't dropping $5000 on one this time.
I've got a garage-sale S-O, and a couple better Kobalt/Huskys these days. They get used ~3 days a week, and hold-up well. That being said, I will be purchasing from StrictlyToolboxes. I appreciate a good box, but I ain't dropping $5000 on one this time.
toddacimer
Well-known member
So if you said a 30" deep krl7022 had 3x more cubic storage space than everyones favorite hf box, does your comment indicate that you'd wear out your shoes faster walking from your 1st HF box to your second to your third looking for tools.
After upgrading to a 24" deep box I'd never go any less then that. I didn't realize until I upgraded just how much more convenient and important box depth is. There's nothing more annoying then realizing your ratchets don't fit a certain way in your box because the draw isn't deep enough, then having to re arrange everything to make it work. Or realizing your new favorite screw driver is just a tad to long for the draw.
MattPersman
Well-known member
30 depth is great if you have the money to buy. I also suggest getting a wider box than you think you need it will fill up unless you are space confined and can really only fit x width where it is going. If you using it daily snap on boxes are lifetime warranty with probably the easiest warranty to deal with, not to mention if you do need something bigger or different down the road the trade in back for another snap on box is very good.
I didn't say anything about an HF box. I said those deep 30 inch drawers can irritate your back if your back is already sore. I'm speaking from experience with my KRL1056.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Do you guys have the arms of a T Rex? I'm 5'7" on a good day and have no problems reaching anything in the top draw of my 30" deep 1022.
toddacimer
Well-known member
Thats what I was getting at, even a short guy with short arms can reach into the drawers of a 30" box
SlappyWhite
Well-known member
Just some food for thought. You may have enough room for a 30" deep box today but you may not always be at the same dealer...
oldldh
Well-known member
Meanwhile, back at Strictly Toolboxes---
The 55" Extreme Pro is 852 lbs and $ 2,795.00....
The 72" Extreme Pro is 1,132 lbs and $ 3,595.00...
However, there is also the 72" Extreme EX7218RC at 910 lbs and $ 2,695.00....
All of these are 30" deep...the two Extreme Pro boxes are ultra heavy duty...the 55" fits your budget, the 72" is a little outside...and all three come with a Stainless Steel Tops...
The other 72" is a really nice box, not quite so heavy duty, but it fits your budget, and is $ 100.00 less than the 55" Pro, and is on sale, as we speak...
Your choice, I don't think you can go wrong, no matter which one you select...
Good Luck...
The 55" Extreme Pro is 852 lbs and $ 2,795.00....
The 72" Extreme Pro is 1,132 lbs and $ 3,595.00...
However, there is also the 72" Extreme EX7218RC at 910 lbs and $ 2,695.00....
All of these are 30" deep...the two Extreme Pro boxes are ultra heavy duty...the 55" fits your budget, the 72" is a little outside...and all three come with a Stainless Steel Tops...
The other 72" is a really nice box, not quite so heavy duty, but it fits your budget, and is $ 100.00 less than the 55" Pro, and is on sale, as we speak...
Your choice, I don't think you can go wrong, no matter which one you select...
Good Luck...
rob1200
Well-known member
I had pretty much decided to get the 44" Harbor Freight box that so many people recommend on this forum. But it is only 18" deep.
What would be the best value-for-money box that's 24" deep?
What would be the best value-for-money box that's 24" deep?
MattPersman
Well-known member
What are you using the 24 depth box for? Budget? How long do you want to have it working for you? These are the three questions that are important. Home use you can use pretty much anything because it is not going to be used that much compared to shop all day use. Budget is a big one, snap on classic series are made to last a lifetime but may be way out of your budget. How long do you want to use it, easy to think you want this to be the last tool box you buy but say you are 20 years old and getting into the business and may end up being trapped into the repair business for the next 40 years realistically you will out grow this box unless you are one of those that needs to borrow basic tools daily and not even feel you should be responsible to buy your own lol.
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
X2. I cannot say I have ever even thought of having a tough time reaching the back of my drawers
oldldh
Well-known member
....reach the back of your drawers...
Nah, I ain't goin' there...
Nah, I ain't goin' there...
Sloper0204
Well-known member
Damn, guess I didn't dig deep enough into the Extreme's before writing them off. Depending on what the quote comes back on for a Lista set up exactly how I want, one of those 55's might wind up in my garage.The 55" Extreme Pro is 852 lbs and $ 2,795.00....
All of these are 30" deep.
