Tool Box Dilema

[CJM8515]

So Im at a crossroads here.

Ive somehow managed to fill my HF44 and extra side drawer fully up. Reality is if I did organize it slightly better I might find maybe slightly only more storage.

So that leaves me with the following options Ive been pondering:

1. HF 30" red cart. I like it, but feel for the size it is and the fact my tools are in my basement its not really gonna work out well. I say this because it lacks drawer space, and the top is just a catch all really. I could put my sockets in there, but it would get might crowded. After eying it up today at HF the only thing it catches my eye on is price. I spent a few hours the past week looking over the mods people did as well.

At this time Im really leaning towards ruling it out. Also the space it takes up for the storage it provides is a bit much in my current workshop.

2. Top box for the 44 HF. I kinda want to do this, but I also use the top as a workbench. Top box means no more work bench.

3. Another side drawer. Im wondering if Im testing the limits on the casters and also again space. I suppose I could make a frame of angle iron and put casters on it to make sure its happy.

4. The 2 chest 26" box. Looked it over today and Im leaning towards it. Most storage space it seems for the money, will fit well within my space, doesnt use up my bench space of the 44. Downside is cost. It is the most expensive option of the 3. However looking over the drawer config it seems like it would work best. I also feel I could always just use the top chest (was hoping for a scratch and dent while at the store) on my 44" box or whatever.

IDK.. I envision needing more space as time goes on. Currently I have more than a few tools that have no real home and are just laying about in older tool boxes b/c there is no space.

Thoughts O' Wise Garage Journal Gods?

 

[apollo11]

buy a 56"

 

[CJM8515]

buy a 56"

That assumes I can sell my HF 44 for a decent price. Which is why it wasnt one of the options really.

 

[TNBurban]

As far as another side drawer...do you move your 44 around a lot, if not then I wouldn't worry. Also, an option might be the 5 drawer cart first, then a side drawer unit for the 44' then another side drawer unit for the cart.

The cart is by far the best bang for the buck HF offers. $159 coupons all over. And you can customize it to your liking. Lots and lots of posts on it. I'm buying my second one next week (my $159 coupon is good from 1/5 to 1/7).

 

[CJM8515]

As far as another side drawer...do you move your 44 around a lot, if not then I wouldn't worry. Also, an option might be the 5 drawer cart first, then a side drawer unit for the 44' then another side drawer unit for the cart.

The cart is by far the best bang for the buck HF offers. $159 coupons all over. And you can customize it to your liking. Lots and lots of posts on it. I'm buying my second one next week (my $159 coupon is good from 1/5 to 1/7).

The 5 drawer smaller car seems decent, but it wouldnt be moved at all. I also recently came into owning a matco one that just 2 drawers and very similar anyways. Although the cost is enticing. I do not think it will last with storage space however.

I might troll craigslist and see if I can snag the 26" chest or something for cheaper.

 

[lauver]

Have you considered downsizing your tool inventory?

Most of us have way more tools than we really need.

Just saying...

 

[TheEuronater]

Why not get the top for the 44 and then have a real workbench where the new cart would go?

 

[lotus_guy01]

Have you considered downsizing your tool inventory?

Most of us have way more tools than we really need.

Just saying...

Heresy!!! Get Ye Gone from GJ!!!!

Just kidding; however, if that's not an option, it sounds like you're most open to the side box? These boxes are sturdy, I wouldn't be worried about adding a (second?) side box. They have shallow drawers and are very efficient for hand tool storage.

That being said, I love my HF 44" top box. That is the most space efficient option if you can give up the workspace on the 44" base cabinet. This option is definitely the most bang for your buck.

 

[CJM8515]

Heresy!!! Get Ye Gone from GJ!!!!

Just kidding; however, if that's not an option, it sounds like you're most open to the side box? These boxes are sturdy, I wouldn't be worried about adding a (second?) side box. They have shallow drawers and are very efficient for hand tool storage.

That being said, I love my HF 44" top box. That is the most space efficient option if you can give up the workspace on the 44" base cabinet. This option is definitely the most bang for your buck.

I hear ya. Just trolled craigslist and oddly few US general boxes or stuff really. Strange, a year ago when I was poking around there were tons.

Anyways, lets see what happens. its not imperative I get this now. Maybe the 26" chest will go on sale or the side chest will. Of course they raised the prices on all the stuff this year lol. side chest is now 200+ vs the 170 I paid last year, the 30" red cart is now 200 vs the 170 I recall it being. Same with the top box.

 

[SuperCat]

Do you any other tool box combos, like a 26" roller with a chest on top? If so, then buy a middle chest for each combo you have. You can gain 2 to 3 drawers with each middle chest, 12" to 16" deep (Craftsman has 2 different depths). No additional floor space needed.
Steevo style workbench: put tool boxes inside your workbench. Again, no additional floor space is used.
Perhaps a file cabinet with 4 or 5 drawers could fit in your available space? Advantages are it is cheap, narrow, and most are heavy duty. Get one with keys and you can lock it up.
Maybe build some drawers for the space under your workbench?
Good luck with your situation, everyone ends up with this problem, sooner or later.

 

[CJM8515]

Do you any other tool box combos, like a 26" roller with a chest on top? If so, then buy a middle chest for each combo you have. You can gain 2 to 3 drawers with each middle chest, 12" to 16" deep (Craftsman has 2 different depths). No additional floor space needed.
Steevo style workbench: put tool boxes inside your workbench. Again, no additional floor space is used.
Perhaps a file cabinet with 4 or 5 drawers could fit in your available space? Advantages are it is cheap, narrow, and most are heavy duty. Get one with keys and you can lock it up.
Maybe build some drawers for the space under your workbench?
Good luck with your situation, everyone ends up with this problem, sooner or later.

No other combos. Got ride of my 2 26" husky chests awhile back for the HF 44. I might revamp it all and build a new workbench incorporating something IDK.

Like I said, Ive got time to mull it over.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I hear ya. Just trolled craigslist and oddly few US general boxes or stuff really. Strange, a year ago when I was poking around there were tons.

Anyways, lets see what happens. its not imperative I get this now. Maybe the 26" chest will go on sale or the side chest will. Of course they raised the prices on all the stuff this year lol. side chest is now 200+ vs the 170 I paid last year, the 30" red cart is now 200 vs the 170 I recall it being. Same with the top box.

Sounds like the time to sell if there's nothing else listed on the local CL. Worst case you take some pictures, post it up, and don't worry about it until someone comes along offering a price you're happy with.

Thin out the extras and "maybe I'll need it someday" tools too. It feels good to unload and makes you money towards the stuff you actually will use.

 

[apollo11]

That assumes I can sell my HF 44 for a decent price. Which is why it wasnt one of the options really.

think outside the box
you need a workbench according to your post

 

[Wamsutta]

If you got room for a workbench, buy the top chest.

 

[CJM8515]

think outside the box
you need a workbench according to your post

I have 3 work benches already. I just like using the HF box as a workbench sometimes as its handy.

 

[Wamsutta]

Why is it more handy than the work benches you already have?

 

[Ray-CA]

Have you thought about one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/46-in-9-drawer-mobile-workbench-with-solid-wood-top-63751.html

If you use the 20% off coupon, they really come down in price. Don't let the store tell you that you can't use the coupon. Yukon is not listed in the "can't be used for" exclusions.

Ray

 

[CJM8515]

A bit large, but depending on price I might be able to make it worthwhile. ^

At this point leaning towards the 26" roller combo or the topbox for the 44

Why is it more handy than the work benches you already have?

Mostly b/c its the closest to the doorway and all the mechanics tools are already there.

What I think I may do is remove one of the benches as its sorta a catch all and in the corner. I already have a rolling bench I made with casters that may work better there. Been debating it for some time really.

That would free up a lot of space. I recently acquired a drill press and bench grinder on a pedestal I dont really have room for either. FWIW Im working with a 12x18 room here.

 

[Wamsutta]

I'm always wishing I had my tool box cleared off. Sometimes I wish I had a top chest to force myself not to put stuff on the box.

 

[bczygan]

Get another roller.

I'm at the same point myself. 5 drawer and roller full. Stuff piling up everywhere.

Bill

 

[Jimithing616]

So Im at a crossroads here.

Ive somehow managed to fill my HF44 and extra side drawer fully up. Reality is if I did organize it slightly better I might find maybe slightly only more storage.

So that leaves me with the following options Ive been pondering:

1. HF 30" red cart. I like it, but feel for the size it is and the fact my tools are in my basement its not really gonna work out well. I say this because it lacks drawer space, and the top is just a catch all really. I could put my sockets in there, but it would get might crowded. After eying it up today at HF the only thing it catches my eye on is price. I spent a few hours the past week looking over the mods people did as well.

At this time Im really leaning towards ruling it out. Also the space it takes up for the storage it provides is a bit much in my current workshop.

2. Top box for the 44 HF. I kinda want to do this, but I also use the top as a workbench. Top box means no more work bench.

3. Another side drawer. Im wondering if Im testing the limits on the casters and also again space. I suppose I could make a frame of angle iron and put casters on it to make sure its happy.

4. The 2 chest 26" box. Looked it over today and Im leaning towards it. Most storage space it seems for the money, will fit well within my space, doesnt use up my bench space of the 44. Downside is cost. It is the most expensive option of the 3. However looking over the drawer config it seems like it would work best. I also feel I could always just use the top chest (was hoping for a scratch and dent while at the store) on my 44" box or whatever.

IDK.. I envision needing more space as time goes on. Currently I have more than a few tools that have no real home and are just laying about in older tool boxes b/c there is no space.

Thoughts O' Wise Garage Journal Gods?

I would get the 2 chest 26" hf chest.... when they go on sale for $299 u can't beat that price for that amount of drawers and quality

The drawers are like perfect too... I actually prefer it to the 44 honestly and feel you can fit more in it then the 44 lower alone easily.... the amount and sizing of the drawers is like the perfect combo, perfect amount of small drawers and bigger ones .... it's honestly, after owning a few and looking at tons of options, the best tall stack I've come across for the price...

The only one option I would consider as a similar box to the HF 26" stack is the Home Depot Milwaukee 30" stack ... it's $450 though and for it's differences which may or may not be advantages to some, slightly wider, but less drawers, honestly still I think the HF box is better, but this came a close second for me in my search.....

http://https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-30-in-12-Drawer-Steel-Tool-Storage-Chest-and-Rolling-Cabinet-Set-Textured-Red-and-Black-Matte-48-22-8530/206696101


Long story short, get the HF 26" stack when it goes for $299... you won't regret it. Unless you don't have the room for another box, then get the 44" top, however u gotta consider if u get that 44" top you will lose all the work space you have on top of your 44" now.... which then you'll need to replace with a work bench or something that will in turn take more room than the 26" box... so for space savings and value and bang for the buck storage... the HF 26" stack can not be beat... hands down.

 

[CJM8515]

I'm always wishing I had my tool box cleared off. Sometimes I wish I had a top chest to force myself not to put stuff on the box.

Yea it can sometimes become cluttered lol.

Posting this thread has made me think about stuff more. I need to redo my benches as they were cheaply done with just frames and plywood slapped on top. I think for sure Im gonna dump the one bench in the corner. Move the roller bench in its spot and work on organization. For some time its a cluttered setup.

The milwaukee setup is nice but Ive looked at them countless times and for the money the drawer combo kinda ***** imho.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Have you thought about one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/46-in-9-drawer-mobile-workbench-with-solid-wood-top-63751.html

If you use the 20% off coupon, they really come down in price. Don't let the store tell you that you can't use the coupon. Yukon is not listed in the "can't be used for" exclusions.

Ray

It also says on the coupon, tool storage, carts etc

 

[Musicinabottle]

Most of us have way more tools than we really need.

Now that's pure ********!

 

[619DioFan]

You should get another 44 , put them side by side and put a wood top across both, now you have both a work bench plus 26 drawers of tool storage . problem solved.

 

[Mikeske]

You should get another 44 , put them side by side and put a wood top across both, now you have both a work bench plus 26 drawers of tool storage . problem solved.

I would if they are not being moved is put the side box between the two 44" boxes and then buy a 2nd side box then put it on one of the ends and you would never run out of room. I did that and also I have a 44" top box and locker just for the amount of tools that I have.

 

[CJM8515]

Bad news. Just tried to buy the 26” chest today. They are out of them. They aren’t on the site and the girl at the store stated they might be being phased out

 

[Squ1d]

I just got a flier in the mail that had a $99 coupon for the 26”.

 

[CJM8515]

I just got a flier in the mail that had a $99 coupon for the 26”.

Interesting.

They literally had no stock of them and trying to pull it up on the site and it’s not there last I checked

 

[Squ1d]

Interesting.

They literally had no stock of them and trying to pull it up on the site and it’s not there last I checked

 

[Htscheg]

Have you considered downsizing your tool inventory?

Most of us have way more tools than we really need.

Just saying...

Ban him!!!!

 

[taumac]

What about this option.



If my place I like another 44 but the stack gives a lot of storage in a small foot print. I wouldn’t give up the work bench space because that’s always at a premium.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Have you considered downsizing your tool inventory?

Most of us have way more tools than we really need.

Just saying...

Blasphemy!!

 

[CJM8515]

What about this option.



If my place I like another 44 but the stack gives a lot of storage in a small foot print. I wouldn’t give up the work bench space because that’s always at a premium.

That’s what I’m trying to get. But apparently they aren’t carrying them anymore.

 

[bczygan]

Get another roller.

I'm at the same point myself. 5 drawer and roller full. Stuff piling up everywhere.

Bill

Finally realizing a second 44" may be the answer.

Bill

 

[Parrothead]

Have you considered downsizing your tool inventory?

Most of us have way more tools than we really need.

Just saying...

Right there with you. My pare down is coming in the spring. Do I REALLY need a travel tool box? junkyard tools? Kitchen tool box, etc. The answer is no. I have 3 sets of Torx screwdrivers. Why? Ones long, one is standard and one is in the travel box. Huh!?! Sometimes it makes sense to eliminate some excess. This might be the case now.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I too like to use the top of my 54" box as a bench. Most of what I need is within reach. If you have the room, another 44" HF back to back with your other one with one top would make a pretty cool bench. I got mine used off a Snap on truck, some of these guys like to wheel and deal and have an inventory of used boxes.

 

[taumac]

That’s what I’m trying to get. But apparently they aren’t carrying them anymore.

I thought something was odd because I tried to find picture on HF site and couldn’t find the combo. There has to be few around in storeroom somewhere.

 

[Super Sport]

That assumes I can sell my HF 44 for a decent price. Which is why it wasnt one of the options really.

I see 44" boxes on CL frequently for $250-300 and they never seem to be listed long, although I don't know actual selling prices. They're so cheap new that it seems like they hold their value quite well.

None of your options are bad, but the 56" adds depth front to rear, which I think is a huge bonus if your space allows it.

 

[CJM8515]

Im gonna work out what Im gonna do in the next two weeks. Either try and find one locally (they said theyhad the red 26" chest at another store), or go with the cart or maybe something else.

The 26" red chest would work the best as it has the most storage space for the money and size. The space it takes up is also a plus.