Tool Cabinet Suggestion

[DeereTech]

I have been looking at this, but can't find any feedback on it. It $999 on WalMart's website.

http://www.stack-on.com/categories/tread-plate/products/109

With the above cabinet however, I question the quality as I have never been impressed with stack on gun cabinets/safes (remline is made by stack on). Another thing is, the deepest drawer is just over 5".

I do like that it offers 2 extra drawers compared to most 56" cabinets though.

Do you guys have any other suggestions in the in the $1500 and under price range? Or at least any experience with the brand?

Thanks!

 

[SINISTER]

Looks kind of corny. I would rather get a used matco, mac or corn-well box for the 1500 range. I would also rather have the HF 56" box, Or better yet two of the HF 42"s combined together seems to be a popular sub 800$ choice.

I didn't mention snap on because most of the used boxes in that range for that price from snap-on are going to be KRL's and IMHO they are flimsy I have used a couple of different models. The drawers tend to bind if pulled on to fast in one corner, and they seem to be on the loud side when you open and close them (very tinny sounding) On the off chance you can find a classic78 in that price range they are def a slight bit more sturdy and less tinny sounding especially if you don't have them filled. Snap-On tends to concentrate on their master series and higher end lines more.

 

[DeereTech]

I have seen the 56" HF box, I just would like to see a full length drawer for my long pry bars and breaker bars. I wish we had some Menard's out east...I would grab one of their 56" roller cabinets in a heart beat.

The 41" HF box is an excellent value too, but most of the drawers are only 2" tall and roughly 23" wide...

Oh and the only guy the comes by work anymore is Snap On.

 

[SINISTER]

Used means you dont need a dealer. Scour the local CL ads and ebay.

I too now only have a snap on dealer that comes by the shop. Just stay away from the KRL boxes IMO. Always going to have someone defending what the have though. Luckily enough there are about 40 guys in my shop and have had a chance to check out all their boxes. Makes it easy to tell which are **** and which aren't. Matco, mac, cornwell, > snap on sub 3K boxes. Once you get over 4K Snap on starts to rule all.

 

[wreckercologist]

Looks kind of corny. I would rather get a used matco, mac or corn-well box for the 1500 range. I would also rather have the HF 56" box, Or better yet two of the HF 42"s combined together seems to be a popular sub 800$ choice.

I didn't mention snap on because most of the used boxes in that range for that price from snap-on are going to be KRL's and IMHO they are flimsy I have used a couple of different models. The drawers tend to bind if pulled on to fast in one corner, and they seem to be on the loud side when you open and close them (very tinny sounding) On the off chance you can find a classic78 in that price range they are def a slight bit more sturdy and less tinny sounding especially if you don't have them filled. Snap-On tends to concentrate on their master series and higher end lines more.

Used means you dont need a dealer. Scour the local CL ads and ebay.

I too now only have a snap on dealer that comes by the shop. Just stay away from the KRL boxes IMO. Always going to have someone defending what the have though. Luckily enough there are about 40 guys in my shop and have had a chance to check out all their boxes. Makes it easy to tell which are **** and which aren't. Matco, mac, cornwell, > snap on sub 3K boxes. Once you get over 4K Snap on starts to rule all.

Do you mean KRA?

 

[SINISTER]

Yep! Sorry

 

[DeereTech]

I had looked at the KRA's because they seem to be the only affordable option from snappy. Thanks for the advice.

 

[wreckercologist]

There is nothing wrong with the KRA's IMO. There may be other, more affordable options out there, but the KRA's are good boxes. I've owned many and still own a few. They are not falling apart.

 

[DeereTech]

I'm looking at quality vs price and and just trying to get the most bang for my buck.

 

[briandrex]

Just got the Harbor Freight 56 Inch box. Awesome box out the door for $699. Looked around for some used snap on and mac larger boxes but people were offended when I offered $500 below what they were asking.

I know the boxes are great as I have three vintage Snap On boxes myself. However, I couldn't justify $1500 plus on 20+ year old boxes that were not in mint condition. I don't mind older boxes if they were taken care of. It seems they are few and far between.

I'm think I'm going to go out and smile at the new box. Can't believe how nice it was....also heavy as I had to unload it from my Ford F350 by myself. That's for another thread though!

 

[DeereTech]

It does beat the snot out of similar priced boxes, and I even think it has a better drawer layout than the 56" extreme box minus the full length drawer. Like I said before, I have several pry bars and a 3/4 breaker bar that simply wont fit in the HF box. I cant justify spending that much money only to have tools that still won't fit inside.

hmm...

oh and here is another link to the original box in question:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/stack-on-pr...f_download/RemlineCatalog-2005.pdf?1281989053

 

[cotjocky]

Go used Truck brand for that amount of money. That's my vote.

 

[DeereTech]

So the Remline is out. I'm not willing to risk that much money with no reviews. A lot of you have mentioned used truck brand. Our snap on guy is new, the old guy took a different route. I have inquired a few times and he never knows what he has "in the warehouse". He seems to only want to sell me new.

That leaves craigslist. Only thing is, I would like to finance the box if possible. I guess I could always take a loan.

 

[JASTECH]

+1 Used truck brand.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i bought a used matco 4225 this morning for 800 out the door
there are lots of great deals in this economy

 

[larryq]

There is nothing wrong with the KRA's IMO. There may be other, more affordable options out there, but the KRA's are good boxes. I've owned many and still own a few. They are not falling apart.

I have a used KRA2007 that I got for $300. Some dings on the side and back, but the drawers slide smooth and it's oh so much nicer than the Craftsman quiet glide I have next to it. I agree that a new HF or Menard's probably fits the OP better but for the right price a used KRA is fine.

 

[DeereTech]

Well after looking around and price shopping, a SO kra5311 sure would be nice. But the HF 56" box suits my budget MUCH better. Also, compared to the KRA, the HF drawers are 2" deeper. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with it, but am waiting on a $699 coupon. Or even better a $599 inside track coupon. Does anyone have one they would be willing to pm me or scan up?

 

[kythri]

I had to estimate because the HF box doesn't list exact drawer specifications, but the Stack-On box does.

The Stack-On is 56" wide x 24" deep (that 24" deep is a BIG plus, you don't typically see 24" deep outside the truck brands) box has the following drawers:

1 51.625" x 21"
6 34.375" x 21"
6 15.125" x 21"

The HF box is 56" deep by 22" deep. Using the Stack-On as a guide, the HF has the following drawers:

6 34.375" x 18"
6 15.125" x 18"

Stack-On has 7321.125 square inches of storage
HF has 5073.75 square inches of storage

The Stack-on is by far a better deal. You got a link to that $999 price at Walmart, because I can't find it on the website...

 

[dittle fart around]

Got the Remline Stack-on line on my site shopstoragecabinets.com plus Excel check it out.

 

[SINISTER]

KRA's are very well made. I know.

But...Compared to other brand boxes in their price range, they are slightly more flimsy, not meaning poorly constructed just wobble more, and drawers jiggle from side to side when opened. From what I have seen the matco, and mac boxes in the same price range seem to be more sturdy. The only difference in my field of view is my snap-on guys customer service>all the other trucks.

 

[bobemmerich]

Well, not as many drawers, but I got this Husky at HD for 250. I like it, and it has the long top drawer....

 

[DeereTech]

Bob - I saw that on black friday, but passed it up. The drawers were a little too shallow and Id rather have a 2/3 and 1/3 drawer than two 1/2 drawers.

Dittle - Do you have any additional information on the remline? I can't find much feedback on the box. I have had hands on time with the HF box and I feel it is a great deal for what it is. Does the remline have the "lock n roll" feature?

kythri - The specs on the HF box can be found here:

http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/67000-67999/67681.pdf

And here is the link to WalMart:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Remline-Professional-13-Drawer-Tread-Plate-56-Roller-Cabinet/14958156

Thanks for all of your replies!

 

[DTB]

Well the fact it is 24" deep is a big plus,and the full width drawer is nice to.However,the Menards Masterforce is 56x20 and is about $700. The next best thing you might consider would be the 56" International box,Sears sells them as well as several other vendors.They are also 24" deep.They sell for around $1000.

International 56" Bottom Chest-$1059 currently. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916422000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

Menards Masterforce 56" Bottom Chest-$699 (Probably can get cheaper) http://menards.com/main/tools-hardw...-56-rolling-tool-cabinet/p-1457702-c-9188.htm

Personally,I would take the Masterforce over the HF just for the full width drawer and also the add ons like the side cabinet or top box.Although the Masterforce is shallower than the International or the other you posted.

 

[plinker]

I would go with a nice used truck brand box if available or a Masterforce from Menards.

The Snap-on KRA's are nice boxes.

 

[DeereTech]

I wish I had a Menards nearby, but I'm on the eastern shore of MD and the closest store is in Ohio I believe.

As far as price point goes, are the KRA's $2,400 nicer than the HF unit? Or the remline for that matter?

I'm getting married in August, so money is more of an issue than it might be for some.

I did a sq in comparison between the Remline and HF box.

Remline: 7321-1/8 sq in
Harbor Freight: 5542-5/8 sq in

The Harbor Freight box seems to offer better bulk storage space than the Remline box though. Additionally, the HF box has a "lock n roll" feature, 2 bb slides on the deeper drawers, and gives specified load ratings. The Remline leaves out vital info like this.

Not trying to show any bias towards HF, but it just seems like an excellent value. I am definitely open to suggestions.

 

[bobemmerich]

Yeah. I looked at it for awhile, but when they dropped to 250, it was a no-brainer. If I had the need and spare funds, I would definitely get the HF 56", I've checked them out and they're good boxes. Good luck in your search. I'll subscribe to see what you decide.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

As far as price point goes, are the KRA's $2,400 nicer than the HF unit? Or the remline for that matter?

I don't believe anyone in this thread is suggesting a new Snap-On box.

Where are you located? Depending on your location the used truck box suggestion might be worth looking into if you want the best value for your dollar.

Of course this is only if you have time to look and don't need to have a box to work out of tomorrow.

I've bought two used but excellent condition truck boxes, I paid between 10-20% of new retail for them. Comparing cubic inch to cubic inch my triple bay KRL was cheaper than a Harbor Freight or Craftsman box.

 

[DeereTech]

I don't need the box tomorrow, but I really would like to have one by this time next month. Early April at the latest.

I've already outgrown my current box and cart and its an inconvenience and inefficient to have to walk across the shop to my tool chest every time I need something that cannot be kept in my cart.

Craigslist does not seem to turn up many good results in my area.

Thanks again!

 

[justin85]

I have the HF box, and like it, but those Masterforce boxes are really well made. When I was in your position, I was really torn between the HF and Masterforce boxes, ironically, it came down to paint color, and the "work surface" which I thought was a waste of space. I do like the solid aluminum pulls on the Masterforce box though.

 

[DeereTech]

Does anyone have a $699 or $599 coupon for the HF cabinet? I'm fairly certain I'm going to go with it.

Sorry if that is not proper etiquette on this site. Still learning how things work here.

 

[gustsant]

I don't believe anyone in this thread is suggesting a new Snap-On box.

A new 56" Snap-On box similar to the HF 56" for under $1500 as the OP posted? Man, please tell me where...

I am not a mechanic but I cannot understand why people spend so much money on truck brand boxes when they can buy a Lista box for about the same price (depending on model) and IMHO a much better box. But I certainly respect opinions, each to their ideas and values, they are all good boxes though.

Good luck

 

[bobcatdan]

Hey Deere, I'm not smart enought to link pages, but take a look at Betty Mills.com. They carry Proto and Armstrong boxes at some pretyy good prices. Protos are basiclly a Mac and Armstrong is basiclly Matco. Not that I don't like my KRL, but had I known about these, I would have bought a 67" Proto for $4300 instead.

 

[DeereTech]

Hey Deere, I'm not smart enought to link pages, but take a look at Betty Mills.com. They carry Proto and Armstrong boxes at some pretyy good prices. Protos are basiclly a Mac and Armstrong is basiclly Matco. Not that I don't like my KRL, but had I known about these, I would have bought a 67" Proto for $4300 instead.

Sheesh! While they are some nice boxes, I just cannot afford to spend that much at this point in my career. Absolute max I want to spend is $1,500...and I would need to finance that through a tool guy (can't get credit anywhere else because I don't have any credit established...makes sense right? ). That's why the more and more I think about the HF box, the better a deal it sounds. I can pay for it up front with less than 1 paycheck.

If the nearest HF has any in stock I might snag one this weekend. And I'll be sure to post pictures and my first impressions.

 

[e30bradley]

its pretty damn ugly.. Find a used truck brand box or just get that Heavy duty $800 HF box.

 

[e30bradley]

Well, not as many drawers, but I got this Husky at HD for 250. I like it, and it has the long top drawer....

I have a few husky boxes.. I have a top box wich is pretty nice and then a top/bottom combo which is a POS how do you like the one you have?

 

[DeereTech]

its pretty damn ugly.. Find a used truck brand box or just get that Heavy duty $800 HF box.

I intend on getting the HF box as mentioned.

I have a few husky boxes.. I have a top box wich is pretty nice and then a top/bottom combo which is a POS how do you like the one you have?

I have a 53" Husky top chest with 8 drawers. Its basically 2 26" chests. REAL flimsy.

 

[bobcatdan]

One more idea for you. Based on your name, do you work for a John Deere dealer? Deere has a line of boxes, made by waterloo. There is a new 54 or so incher, it's a little more then you want to spend, but will your dealership let you make payments, just a thought.

 

[kythri]

The Snap-on KRA's are nice boxes.

Does Snap-on make a KRA that's 24" deep?

 

[bobemmerich]

I have a few husky boxes.. I have a top box wich is pretty nice and then a top/bottom combo which is a POS how do you like the one you have?

Not to hijack the post, but I'm going to answer a question. I have a Husky 52" 8 drawer top box made by Waterloo-I like it. I only wish the drawers on it were different sizes. Originally I saw that bottom box and thought "Nice, it would make an awesome bottom for my top box but not 399 nice". When I went to the store to look at other stuff, it was down to 289. I bought it at 250 and i really like it. While it IS made in China, it has ball bearing slides and the drawers are comparable to a C-Man Griplatch. The only thing I don't like is the weight rating on each drawer is only 50lbs., but I'm not gonna load them too much anyway. First pic is of the top box-I have it situated on 2 C-Man bottom chests bolted together, the second one is the "Rolling Tool Cart" as they call it. The 3rd pic is of a Husky "11 drawer Tool Cart" made by Waterloo, that i wish I would have bought 2 years ago, but didn't have the funds. Sears sells this same 11 drawer cart as a C-Man for like 899 or so.

 

[DeereTech]

One more idea for you. Based on your name, do you work for a John Deere dealer? Deere has a line of boxes, made by waterloo. There is a new 54 or so incher, it's a little more then you want to spend, but will your dealership let you make payments, just a thought.

Is this the one?

http://www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US...cabinet/56_in_professional_tool_cabinet.page?

I have checked it out. Not really fond of the the 1/2 and 1/2 drawers, as many of my wrenches are in excess of 24". Dealership used to offer a financing program for new techs on all of their tools, but they have since ceased. I would get it at a much lower price than advertised though. If Deere still offered the same boxes that the older techs have, I would surely have one.

Thanks for the thought bobcat!

I really wish they offered something like this in a 56" configuration (built a little heavier too)...

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...echanics+Carts&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=L1

Bob: That's the same Husky top chest I have at work. I think it would be fine for a DIY and homeowner box, but I don't care for it in a work environment. It seems flimsy to me and I have trouble getting the drawers to close evenly.