Tool Box Options

[racer3207]

Hi all, I stumbled upon these forums a few weeks ago and have been drooling over all the great tools and boxes on here! I'm looking for a tool box to put in my garage, which will be used to work on my 1970 Camaro drag car, along with general car maintenance and work around the house/garage, so nothing too big or fancy. The car's been kept at my dad's shop since we built it, but I finally have a garage of my own now, so I'd like to be able to keep it and work on it here, too, so I'm accumulating more tools of my own and need a place to put them besides taking over a couple kitchen cabinets.

I've been looking at several new options:
Milwaukee 30" from Home Depot (edit: I can't put links in posts yet, hopefully you guys know which ones these are)

Husky 36" (was on sale for $450 a few days ago)

Husky 52" (way more than I need, but I've seen this one in person and it looks great)

Masterforce 41" (probably just the bottom box for now, can always add the top)

I also found a Snap on KRA4107 on Craigslist for $895 that looks pretty nice, and a Matco Pro-Formance 30" wide top/bottom box for $700. Anybody have any thoughts on these compared to the new boxes? Do these prices seem good?

I know there are already a million posts on these toolboxes and others, but I'd love any additional insight you guys can give me! Trying to keep it in the $500-700 range if possible.

 

[kythri]

Hopefully this discussion won't turn sideways with more brand/COO warring, but, my recommendation would be:

Buy the widest, deepest, sturdiest box you can physically fit in the space you have designated, that fits your pricing.

 

[plinker]

Hopefully this discussion won't turn sideways with more brand/COO warring, but, my recommendation would be:

Buy the widest, deepest, sturdiest box you can physically fit in the space you have designated, that fits your pricing.

What he said.


The Masterforce boxes are very nice, also on sale frequently. The KRA is a decent box as well, but you may be better served to buy the Masterforce since the size is similar. The price is fair for whats available in my area.

Drawer placement is going to be the biggest difference, depth will be about the same, maybe a fuzz more on the Masterforce (1/2-3/4" more).

 

[sweet victory]

I'll probably be going against the grain here....

Since you're a home gamer like myself, you don't need to start with a toolbox. I started out with only metric stuff, and tooling specific to my vehicle. A service cart is more than capable of storing all of that and some, leaves you with more funds for tools, and when you eventually buy a tool box, you'll have a cart to work from. I prefer to wheel a cart to my vehicle to work on it, versus constantly walking between the vehicle and a toolbox.

This is the video that helped me make my decision and plan how I want to grow my collection.

 

[ssdave]

My recommendation is to buy a Masterforce 41" from your choices you've presented. It is better quality than the Husky's. It is a direct comparison to the KRA and comes out ahead. It has 20% more storage space due to deeper drawer depth (24" vs 20"). It weighs the same as the SO, and compares pretty well to the KRA quality. You can buy both the top and bottom Masterforce new on sale for what the used KRA is costing. With the top, you'll have over double the storage of the KRA. I own the previous version of the Masterforce, and can personally say it is a great box, and compares directly in quality to the KRA. It doesn't compare to a KRL, but the cost of a KRL would be a lot more if you find one.

The masterforce bottom falls right in your $500 range; with the top you'll be more in the mid $800's.

I wouldn't go with a 30" wide box if you have the money and space to get a 40. The wider width makes it a lot more useful. At the price, the Matco 30" is a non-starter for me; again, for just a bit more $, you can get a new 41" Masterforce top and bottom and have a lot more storage and similar quality.


For what you have described your needs, I think you'd be well served with the Masterforce. For homeowner use, the assortment of drawer sizes works very well, probably better than the mechanic oriented KRA drawers.

Here's a link to the Masterforce I'm talking about; you can get them a bit better than this on sale sometimes:

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/tool-storage/tool-chests/masterforce-reg-41-x-24-8-drawer-tool-chest/me4108ch1gmm/p-1490163925502.htm

 

[Strouty]

I'll probably be going against the grain here....

Since you're a home gamer like myself, you don't need to start with a toolbox. I started out with only metric stuff, and tooling specific to my vehicle. A service cart is more than capable of storing all of that and some, leaves you with more funds for tools, and when you eventually buy a tool box, you'll have a cart to work from. I prefer to wheel a cart to my vehicle to work on it, versus constantly walking between the vehicle and a toolbox.

This is the video that helped me make my decision and plan how I want to grow my collection.

I wheel me 84" epiq all around the shop.

 

[sweet victory]

I wheel me 84" epiq all around the shop.

I hope to one day have the space in my garage and the enough tools to justify that. If OP is talking about storing tools in a few kitchen cabinets, he definitely doesn't need an 84" box.

 

[Strouty]

I guess my point was, the sizes the OP was asking about can easily be wheeled around.

 

[racer3207]

Wow, thank you all for the quick replies. I'm glad to hear so many recommendations for the Masterforce. I was already planning to take a trip to check it out in person at Menards tomorrow. On paper it does make way more sense than the Snap On, $350+ less, more storage space, can get the top box for ~$400 when I need it instead of searching for a used Snap On to match. Plus it's one of the cheapest out of pocket options right now. More money for tools!

I do like the tool cart idea, too. Looks like plenty of storage for what I need right now, easy to get to everything and move it around the garage. I'll do some more research into that and see what options I can find!

 

[sweet victory]

I guess my point was, the sizes the OP was asking about can easily be wheeled around.

which will be used to work on my 1970 Camaro drag car, along with general car maintenance and work around the house/garage, so nothing too big or fancy.

I don't doubt that the epiq is difficult to wheel around the garage but would you realistically wheel your tool box to work around the house? I'm just saying all things considered, a service cart sounds like it will meet his needs.

 

[cstmg8]

I use the masterforce 41"x24" everyday as an elevator mechanic, and I've been very happy with it over the last year. Enough so that I may buy a longer one for work where I need the top surface to use, and move this one home with a top box.

BTW, I topped mine with a piece of equine mat from tractor supply and it is perfect. You can get a 4'x6' piece for $35.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

I think the tool cart idea is a good one. Only the OP knows if it makes sense in his situation...

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Wow, thank you all for the quick replies. I'm glad to hear so many recommendations for the Masterforce. I was already planning to take a trip to check it out in person at Menards tomorrow. On paper it does make way more sense than the Snap On, $350+ less, more storage space, can get the top box for ~$400 when I need it instead of searching for a used Snap On to match. Plus it's one of the cheapest out of pocket options right now. More money for tools!

I do like the tool cart idea, too. Looks like plenty of storage for what I need right now, easy to get to everything and move it around the garage. I'll do some more research into that and see what options I can find!

A big option people overlook is organization. Hell, I see tool box tours of guys with triple bay Snap On KRLs that are "full". If I organized them, they would have space to fill in a double. Socket organizers, magnetic holders to use vertical space, etc. A square in of visible drawer liner means that drawer has LOTS of room.


The other thing you need to consider - is this ALL types of tools, or mechanic style tools? Circular saws need different storage considerations vs. machining tools. Mechanics hand tools, outside of cases, can be packed quite tightly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D4X9FOW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the montazuma version of this as my work cart. Grip-latch style detents, tons of room, pry bar and screwdriver holders in the sides.

 

[Mr_B]

I'm not a fan of tool carts, a 36" box more useful for storage and worktop and just as movable.
The Masterforce boxes are pretty nice, too many deep drawers is my only complaint.
41" would do you while and can expand when needed with side cabinets or top .
The 19gauge 24" depth husky boxes not bad when on HD promotion, wouldn't want pay full retail for them though .

 

[M6erfan]

This looks like a steal, and in your price range...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IAXWLE?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B002IAXWLE&linkCode=shr&tag=pricedrop09c-20&linkId=EFU7JYARM5OCGAYJ&psc=1

 

[sweet victory]

This looks like a steal, and in your price range...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IAXWLE?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B002IAXWLE&linkCode=shr&tag=pricedrop09c-20&linkId=EFU7JYARM5OCGAYJ&psc=1

That’s a good deal for sure. Made in Canada and MSRP is several times what that is listed for.

 

[racer3207]

Man that Williams is looking good! Anybody know about the quality? Is it going to be as well built as a Snap On? Think it’s worth the extra money over the Masterforce?

 

[Parrothead]

Man that Williams is looking good! Anybody know about the quality? Is it going to be as well built as a Snap On? Think it’s worth the extra money over the Masterforce?

I don’t think it’s worth it especially for a home workshop. I like the drawer release system of the Masterforce much better than standard detent drawers. Throw in the cheaper cost and well...

Oh, for power tool/air tool storage pick up some used lateral file cabinets. Heavy duty storage without the price tag.

 

[plinker]

On the Williams boxes, the made in Canada boxes are made by International. The USA boxes are KRA series rebrands . This is what I noted when looking into it a couple years ago, so things may or may not have changed.

Nothing wrong with either, all depends on what you want and can get it for. That goes with any box though. IMO, the Masterforce boxes are the best deal going given the size vs price + quality.

 

[PhilR1957]

Hopefully this discussion won't turn sideways with more brand/COO warring, but, my recommendation would be:

Buy the widest, deepest, sturdiest box you can physically fit in the space you have designated, that fits your pricing.

What He Said!!!
1) Let Your Tape Measure Be Your Guide...
2) Let Your Wallet Dictate Your Budget...
3) When You Find Something That Fits You Criteria Do a Little Research,
i.e. Youtube, Garage Journal,
Take Your Time, You will know when you found the right one...
I Personally have an Older Craftsman, an Older Husky, and an older Kennedy, They All Have their Good and Bad Points...

 

[M6erfan]

Man that Williams is looking good! Anybody know about the quality? Is it going to be as well built as a Snap On? Think it’s worth the extra money over the Masterforce?

Make sure the drawer layout works for you too. I much prefer that Williams layout over the MF.

 

[Wamsutta]

Frame is reinforced for rigidity using 14 gauge channel on bottom

High gloss powder coat paint is scratch & chemical resistant

Strong hold drawer detents help keep drawers shut

Heavy gauge metal for a lifetime of use

Double wall construction for greater strength and durability

Sold!

 

[M6erfan]

Sold!

Right? If i needed it I'd be all over it.

 

[crewchief888]

A big option people overlook is organization.

The other thing you need to consider - is this ALL types of tools, or mechanic style tools? Circular saws need different storage considerations vs. machining tools. Mechanics hand tools, outside of cases, can be packed quite tightly.

yea. the types of tools you'll be putting in your box makes a HUGE difference in what toolbox you ultimately want/need....


homeowner/diy power tools typically dont "fit" in a box thats geared towards a professional.

personally i keep woodworking/DIY type stuff completely separate from my mechanics type tools...

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I see merit in both options of a cart vs a bigger box. A cart like the HF 4 drawer would cost less and you can apply the extra budget towards tools that you'll need. They are pretty decent carts and hold quite a bit. It would also be easier to wheel around in a home garage. The bigger box will double as a work bench that you may find you like. Since you want to work on more modern cars and your Camero, you'll need full sets of SAE and metric. Hanging around here will screw trying to hold your tool budget in check. So, you'll end up needing a bigger box than you currently think you need.

Take a look at a few options in person to see how your tools would fit in them. Don't rule out asking your local tool truck guys if they have any used boxes they are selling. I bought my older 54" Matco box this way. It's a far better box than I thought I'd ever have and I payed quite a bit less than I expected.

 

[racer3207]

I went to check out the Masterforce boxes yesterday at Menards. They looked really nice, better than the stuff I'd been looking at in Home Depot for sure. I keep going back and forth about the Williams 50895 vs the Masterforce 41". From what I can tell, the Williams is the same thing as the International PRB-4214, sold at Home Depot for ~$1,000. It looks like a good deal, but I'm not sure about giving up 6" of depth and paying an extra ~$100-150.

There's also the Williams 50748 on Amazon for $915, which appears to be the same thing as the International PRB-4213, sold at Home Depot for $1299. It is 24" deep like the Masterforce instead of 18". I had this one in my cart for a while, almost pulled the trigger, but it's stretching my budget a bit.

The plan is for it to be primarily mechanics tools for working on the Camaro and potentially a new racecar project, but it's possible that could change as we decide to take on various house projects.

I think I'm going to keep looking around and doing some more research. I appreciate all the great options you guys have found for me. There's a lot more out there than I realized. Definitely going to keep an eye out for a Menard's sale, too.

 

[Mr_B]

This looks like a steal, and in your price range...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IAXWLE?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B002IAXWLE&linkCode=shr&tag=pricedrop09c-20&linkId=EFU7JYARM5OCGAYJ&psc=1

That’s a good deal for sure. Made in Canada and MSRP is several times what that is listed for.

It rebranded international, not bad but it a narrow box .
Way better options for home use and if got that sort of money tidy used mac or matco possible .

 

[racer3207]

Can anybody give me any input on this Matco box? Listed on Facebook marketplace for $1200 without any details. Looks like maybe a 4s that's ~54" wide?

Edit: actually maybe it's a MB7525?

 

[Mr_B]

Can anybody give me any input on this Matco box? Listed on Facebook marketplace for $1200 without any details. Looks like maybe a 4s that's ~54" wide?

Edit: actually maybe it's a MB7525?

Yeh it an mb7525 same as in my profile pic, I got 2 of these in blue with carbon black drawer pulls.
1200 high side but if proper tidy and slides decent I pay 900 as they proper solid, have decent drawer sizes and decent depth box .
Can get these pretty cheap at time and can be a steal buy (hence why I use 2 of them)

 

[racer3207]

Yeh it an mb7525 same as in my profile pic, I got 2 of these in blue with carbon black drawer pulls.
1200 high side but if proper tidy and slides decent I pay 900 as they proper solid, have decent drawer sizes and decent depth box .
Can get these pretty cheap at time and can be a steal buy (hence why I use 2 of them)

Thanks for the info. They definitely look like nice boxes, and I really like the color scheme on yours, not sure how I feel about the white/blue though. I'm going to go look at it during lunch tomorrow and may offer $800 or so if it looks to be in good shape.

 

[Mr_B]

may look better with dark grey carbon wrapped pulls and trim and with top either stainless formed at a local shop or bit of nicely cut 3/16 plate with anti rust wax .
rubber mat recessed in edge trimmed ply nice too and quite low cost.
Pretty easy do something with trim and top.
Generally the 7525 boxes don't sell that high a price, proper tidy always worth more but 700 to 800 about the norm,
If scruffy and any slides bad it about 400 to 500 .
sticky dirty slides clean up well soaked in diesel in bit of cut and capped waste pipe .