Tool Cart or Top box?

[campbell990]

I currently have the HF 44 tool box and I am torn between getting the 5 drawer tool cart or the top box. I don't need too much more space and both would be more than adequate and I can't get both right now. I thought the portability of the cart might be nice, but its not a must. Which one would you get if you had to choose and why?

 

[Streetbu]

I vote for the top box especially if you don't have a huge garage. You'll find tools to fill it up quickly and the top box doesn't take up any more floor space.

 

[John in OH]

I vote for the top box especially if you don't have a huge garage. You'll find tools to fill it up quickly and the top box doesn't take up any more floor space.

+1 regarding the floor space issue! Of course, if you have a big garage, floor space may not be an issue. Another problem with a cart ... if you'er anything like me, any horizontal surface about bench-top high gets stuff piled on it (by me, wife, grandkids). If I had a cart (I don't) every time I wanted to get something out of a drawer I'd have to unload all the junk off the top!

 

[Adam.C]

I have to go tool cart. I really like the work space you get with a base chest. In fact, that's the omen thing I don't like about the service cart. I prefer the blue point style split tops. You need a place to set tools and parts, manuals etc. If you find you can't live with a cart, I would go for the side drawer set.

I think top boxes are falling from favor. Having a work surface is really nice. If you have more automotive tools than a 44" with a side box can hold, you need to consolidate.

 

[albaran]

I bought the side mount tool chest. You get more surface room to work on and a lot more tool storage area.

 

[Nephronracing]

I like the idea of a tool cart but I'd be torn on what tools to put in the cart vs the box. I guess the most used ones in the cart and everything else in the cabinet. I see the cart more useful to a pro that is maybe specialized, only occasionally needing to go to the big box to grab a tool.

 

[OldracerJones]

I would have to agree that toolbox space is never enough so the top box option is important. On the other hand, I work all around the shop and sometimes get tired of walking back and forth so I got a simple rolling cart from CL for my portable work.
The picture shows one of the two carts I bought for $75 a piece. One I turned into a shop sink, the other a rolling tool cart.

 

[zkling]

Hum, that would be a tough decision. I guess it would boil down to what do you value more, workbench space or floor space?

The HF side box is an option. So is purchasing the 26" red combo and then selling off the new top, leaving you with the 44" and 26" bottom.

Or the used route you could get a 26 or even 33" used top box and a file cabinet to set along side your box for bulky storage.

Unless you planed on using the HF red cart as an actual cart I think I would pass. It is pretty deep compared to the 44" box and the top is more so a lid than it is a work surface. Then again if you already have a good work bench or two then maybe the top box for the 44" would be the ticket to maximize storage while conserving floor space. Just my 2¢

 

[AndrewV]

Many have said what im thinking.
I'de choose the cart, load the sockets, wrenches, and most used tools in the cart.
Keep the box's useable work space. Butchers block, vice, and a what not.
Your already going back and forth for tools, use the bench and what not, but i added a extra screwdriver/prybar storage, and a work surface to mine.

 

[jmiller_2308]

I have two carts and I'm tired of looking down to pull out all my wrenches. The next box I buy will to be top box.

 

[toddacimer]

I have a 54" bottom box, when it was full I added a top box and now I'm building a shop cart. Someday you'll need both

 

[ar2stp48]

Tool cart would be my choice. I recently got the 44" lower couldn't resist sale price any longer); really like the top surface of it without a box on it. Don't care for the drawer arrangement of the top box either. I do have two complete S/O roll around top/lower with a side cabinet. A cart gives a way to take the tools needed anywhere in the shop easily.

 

[jonathan75]

I was thinking about getting this one and putting a handle on it and cut some wood to fit the top. Any thoughts? It is on sale for $69.

Red Craftsman Rolling Tool Cabinet
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-drawer-homeowner-rolling-cabinet-red/p-010W005661832001P?prdNo=9

 

[zkling]

I was thinking about getting this one and putting a handle on it and cut some wood to fit the top. Any thoughts? It is on sale for $69.

Red Craftsman Rolling Tool Cabinet
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-drawer-homeowner-rolling-cabinet-red/p-010W005661832001P?prdNo=9

Don't expect much, it is super flimsy.

 

[jonathan75]

Don't expect much, it is super flimsy.

So for tool cart conversion I need to look for a tougher unit for pushing around.

 

[coljar]

+1 regarding the floor space issue! Of course, if you have a big garage, floor space may not be an issue. Another problem with a cart ... if you'er anything like me, any horizontal surface about bench-top high gets stuff piled on it (by me, wife, grandkids). If I had a cart (I don't) every time I wanted to get something out of a drawer I'd have to unload all the junk off the top!

John, you are so right. Here at work, we are constantly doing a clean up out in the work areas because most of the buildings have ledges along the walls inside and it's just human nature to put things on flat surfaces.

 

[Ohmthis]

Old racer jones, I have that same box at work. I would get a side box first and then when funds are there get a cart.

 

[RVDan]

A tool cart is meant to be a place to put the tools you're using at the moment, not a permanent tool storage system. Get a top box and a single drawer tool cart.

 

[ibedayank]

I have the 44inch bottom and I bought one of these to roll around the building I just load it with what tools I think I will need.

not for everyone but it works for me in a 84x56 building

 

[John in OH]

I was thinking about getting this one and putting a handle on it and cut some wood to fit the top. Any thoughts? It is on sale for $69.

Red Craftsman Rolling Tool Cabinet
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-drawer-homeowner-rolling-cabinet-red/p-010W005661832001P?prdNo=9

If you want a cart, add about $100 to the $69 you've got and buy the HF red (5 drawer) cart.

 

[tomshep]

Top Box. I have seen designs come and go. When I did my box 20 years ago I did top, middle and bottom. I wanted to get the same set that matched while it was available. I have had stuff get discontinued too many times over the years.

If you want a cart later, then get it later. Get that matching top box while it is available now.

Tom

 

[zkling]

So for tool cart conversion I need to look for a tougher unit for pushing around.

I agree with John, either the red HF cart with drawers or find a used bottom box. If you just parked that craftsman and left it that would be one thing. But actually using it as a cart, especially with the stock casters will more than likely create quite a bit of frustration for you.

 

[ATC]

I have a 50" Mac bottom and 2 HF 5-drawer tool carts. I recently bought the HF 44" top chest. I moved everything from one of the tool carts into it, and still had some room left over. I'm selling the cart so I can have more floor space.

 

[campbell990]

Thanks for all the responses! I am still undecided, but all of you brought up so many aspects I didn't even consider.

 

[usmc_noma]

Top Box. I have seen designs come and go. When I did my box 20 years ago I did top, middle and bottom. I wanted to get the same set that matched while it was available. I have had stuff get discontinued too many times over the years.

If you want a cart later, then get it later. Get that matching top box while it is available now.

Tom

Ditto.

I have a Craftsman bottom 41" that came in the sunburst orange color, and have to go with another color for the top. I wish I was able to get the top to match, but it's all discontinued now in this color. It ***** not having a matching top. If I end up getting a top, I'll probably go with black over a stainless top.

Get the matching design/color now and get your cart later.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I have the HF 44" and 56". I like to keep the top open on both. They make great work surfaces. I have a small box on top of my 56" but it doesn't take up much room. Sorry the pic isn't that great. My truck is in the garage due to the snow and ice.

 

[ducktapeguy]

I have the the 44" Top, bottom, and sides, along with another 72" tool chest, and I'm still considering getting a 4 drawer tool cart in addition to that. The chest are nice for storing tools, but if you do most of your work outside the garage, the cart is nice because you can load up the tools you need and wheel it right next to the car, and also use it to store whatever parts you're taking off your car. It gets tiring having to always walk back to the tool chest, even if it's only 20 ft. But it really depends on what you need and whether you need that portability. If I had enough room in the garage to pull the car in, I probably wouldn't need the cart.

 

[Kevin54]

I have three Menards Masterforce 44" rollers. Two with Craftsman top boxes, and one with a Masterforce top box. The boxes eat up a lot of space in the garage, to the point I am going to add on a bumpout on the side of my garage this year, and keep the rollers and top boxes in the bumpout, then use a rolling cart for the tools I need so I don't have to walk back and forth to a box. One of my boxes have mechanics tools, and the other has machinist tools, and the last one is a little bit of this and that. In a crowded garage, they just are too large to roll here and there, so a 4 drawer rolling cart would be ideal.

 

[partssaloon]

Just got a 7 drawer cart because I got tired of coming out from under the lift for a tool, now the cart goes under the lift (car) with me.

 

[Kevin54]

Partssaloon....Welcome to Garage Journal.

When you get a chance, post up some info of what goes on in your corner of the world. Big garage, little garage, hotrods, mancave....... Info man, we need info. And pics, we need pics. Lot's of pics and more pics.

 

[cburnscrx]

I currently have the HF 44 tool box and I am torn between getting the 5 drawer tool cart or the top box. I don't need too much more space and both would be more than adequate and I can't get both right now. I thought the portability of the cart might be nice, but its not a must. Which one would you get if you had to choose and why?

Need more info.

How much space do you have, how often are you working far away from your main box, ect? What kinds of things are you doing? Building cabinets, or fixing cars? These are big factors in the decision. If you're talking a pole barn type place a cart might be for you. If you're talking about a 2 car garage, then I would say the top box.

The reality is, you'll likely end up with both anyway, so I'd get the top box first.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Here's a better pic of the small top box. It still gives enough surface on top to work and it holds quite a bit of stuff.

 

[campbell990]

Need more info.

How much space do you have, how often are you working far away from your main box, ect? What kinds of things are you doing? Building cabinets, or fixing cars? These are big factors in the decision. If you're talking a pole barn type place a cart might be for you. If you're talking about a 2 car garage, then I would say the top box.

The reality is, you'll likely end up with both anyway, so I'd get the top box first.

It is just a two car garage. I do find myself moving between the driveway, side yard, and garage frequently. I mostly am working on cars. I have the occasional situation where I would like to load up a cart and strap it in the back of the truck to work on someone else's vehicle when they are in a pickle, but I do agree with floor space the top box seems more reasonable.

 

[partssaloon]

My shop is 40x45 with 16 foot ceiling and 14 foot doors. I set it up so that I could be able to pull a 40' motorhome in it if I wanted. I do mostly street rod work on my own and friends cars. I have a 4 post lift that I couldn't live without, plus all the other stuff to get something done.

 

[aggie91]

There are lots of reasons to get one over the other. I have a 26" Kobalt 11 drawer rolling box (not even made anymore) that I put a 8 drawer top box on. I have a space to roll it into and it mostly stays there. I also ended up buying a HF red 5 drawer cart that some have listed on here. I ended up putting my sheetmeal tools (snips, scribs, clamps) and one drawer is for my 4.5" grinders. The deep 1/2 width drawer has my calipers and angle finder in it.

I all comes down to what you "need" for your tool storage...

 

[nuklbstr83]

cart

 

[cburnscrx]

It is just a two car garage. I do find myself moving between the driveway, side yard, and garage frequently. I mostly am working on cars. I have the occasional situation where I would like to load up a cart and strap it in the back of the truck to work on someone else's vehicle when they are in a pickle, but I do agree with floor space the top box seems more reasonable.

Here's what I do and it sounds like we're in a similar situation. I am in a two car garage but went this route.

HF 44" bottom (top to come)
26" Husky top and Craftsman bottom (full depth top)
Chest of drawers from Goodwill (all solid wood)
Craftsman 3 drawer travel box
Homer Bucket with Husky tool organizer

I am rehabbing a house and I work on our cars, so I pretty much have everything covered.

Bucket - I use the bucket for the outside around the house jobs, it's great as it's easy to carry, and you can even get a seat for a top.

3 drawer Craftsman - The travel tools go in here. I bought a separate set of screwdrivers, pliers, and socket plus some other stuff that you'll always need when fixing stuff somewhere else. I have a small tool bag for job specific tools. Saves time and the "dooh! I forgot to pack that scenario"

26" stack and 44" bottom - They live in their permanent location

Chest of drawers - I use this to store things like nail guns, knee pads, clamps, ect. It's full and has a permanent home.

 

[campbell990]

I ended up with the top box. Apparently my wife stalked my thread and got it for me for Valentine's day!

 

[usmc_noma]

Pics! She's a great woman for two reasons. She got on the forum to find out what you wanted, and she bought you the top chest.

 

[dankicksass]

Good wife, good life.