To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Tool chest choices.

B

B36Peacemaker

Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2017
Messages
5
I am looking to get a tool chest for work.
I have narrowed it down to 4 options and was wondering what peoples experiences with them are.
ETA...My budget is $1K max.

Harbor Freight 44" I have heard great things about this box. But have also hears quality has gone down recently.

Kobalt 41"

Husky 52" I have hears that quality has started to go up on these.

Milwaukee 46"
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
M

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,383
Location
Reading
Newer batches of HF 44 said to be slightly lower quality . Still should be able get the old product number model though .
Personally I would look at masterforce as with rebate sale they quite a good buy for quality you get. Husky not bad and current line up slightly more rigid than old ones and like HF boxes not bad deal at lowest sale prices .
First thing do though is check out local area for branded used boxes at sensible money .
 
M

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,383
Location
Reading
HF 72" on the 999buck coupon not bad as drawer layout and depth quite good .
I wouldn't go anything smaller than 56" and buy from a range that has expansion side hang cabinets etc. try look at masterforce just for comparison of what on market .
Masterforce would be more money but easy box live with even in daily use plus good options of sizes addons and colours, only downside is depth is 20" except the 72" which is better 24" depth .
 
W

woody6904

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 26, 2016
Messages
522
Location
NW Ohio
Mr_B said:
HF 72" on the 999buck coupon not bad as drawer layout and depth quite good .
I wouldn't go anything smaller than 56" and buy from a range that has expansion side hang cabinets etc. try look at masterforce just for comparison of what on market .
Masterforce would be more money but easy box live with even in daily use plus good options of sizes addons and colours, only downside is depth is 20" except the 72" which is better 24" depth .
Click to expand...
The Masterforce 72 can be had for 999 as well when on sale.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
 
S

smuro04

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2017
Messages
143
I have 2 of the Husky 52" bottoms. They are a great budget box. The only gripe I have is that they are only 18" deep, but this gives me more rom in the garage between the vehicle, and some of the drawers are just a little too shallow. Very easy things to work around and they get the job done. Once you load up the drawers they feel a little more solid.

Keep in mind there are two versions of these, one made in Vietnam with detents for the drawers and feel a little more robust (What I have and prefer), they are getting hard to come by. The other is made in China with self closing drawer slides and feels a little flimsier.

I liked the Vietnamese box as it has a flat top and I can run a custom wooden top across the top and span both boxes. You may not like that so check around at a few stores to see if you can find either box.


If I had to do it all over again though, It'd have just waited for the sale and picked up a Masterforce 72", but I do love my Huskys.
 
M

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,383
Location
Reading
woody6904 said:
The Masterforce 72 can be had for 999 as well when on sale.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Wow, never seen or aware it went that low, I was happy with it at just under 1200 but under a 1000 it is a real good buy. Only reason I mention the HF is because on sale a lot and drawer layout very usable in most hand tool scenarios and deep bottom left drawer easily modded for battery tools holster drop in and charger/batts . drawer latches on the HF is crappy and you need a bit of luck to get perfect one, Masterforce is step above in depth, drawer latch system and overall quality of finish .
 
M

maintguy

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 20, 2014
Messages
393
Location
North central Indiana
Do you really need a box that big for maintenance work? I also agree with the poster that asked of you will be pushing it around the shop or not. Its no fun pushing a big *** box put to a conveyer. When the job can be handled with just a few items.

Op what size boxes do the other guys have? Not the tool polisher type guys. The best maintenance guy. I would see what he/she has and go from there
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
B

B36Peacemaker

Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2017
Messages
5
maintguy said:
Do you really need a box that big for maintenance work? I also agree with the poster that asked of you will be pushing it around the shop or not. Its no fun pushing a big *** box put to a conveyer. When the job can be handled with just a few items.

Op what size boxes do the other guys have? Not the tool polisher type guys. The best maintenance guy. I would see what he/she has and go from there
Click to expand...

Box will be stationary.

As far as what other guys have, it is a mix of those 4 choices with Kobalt and Mulwaukee being the most popular. There is the odd Waterloo, Kennedy and a few Craftsmans.
 
I

iajonesy

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 8, 2009
Messages
2,477
Location
Iowa
If you use large tools,get the heaviest load rating drawers that you can afford. There is nothing worse than drawers that sag or buckle with too much weight in them. If the box is going to be stationary,that will help the box live a long useful life.

Mike
 
M

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,383
Location
Reading
56" masterforce would be nice if don't need as big as 72". can add side cabinet if did need more space. top area lined with ply makes nice light workbench and tools and project parts resting place during the working process .
Masterforce do 41" and 46" also so good size range and all expandable with addons .
 
E

Eslader

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 27, 2013
Messages
674
woody6904 said:
The Masterforce 72 can be had for 999 as well when on sale.
Click to expand...

Which it was when I was in Menards on Sunday, so it might still be. And they're doing their 11% rebate thing right now.

I second the Masterforce recommendation. I got mine back when they only came in that weird shade of green, but I have no regrets. It's a great box, especially for the price I paid.
 
P

pooterguy

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 12, 2013
Messages
92
Location
USA on the road
IMHO, best value of all in the previous replies is this:

Mr_B said:
First thing do though is check out local area for branded used boxes at sensible money .
Click to expand...

Moreover, older nearly always equals better quality and heavier weight nearly always equals better quality, regardless of brand name. My best finds have been at estate sales and Craigslist, where good heavyweight 2 or 3 piece 26-33 inch wide stacks can be had for under $300. You can disassemble, clean (if you really need a clean toolbox) repair, lubricate slides and casters, and reassemble in a couple of hours.

But if you must have new and pretty, I add another $.02 to the the previous replies. Masterforce = good value if you live in Menards country and HF is good value almost anywhere in the USA.
 
B

Brownsfan

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 16, 2012
Messages
5,987
Location
Cleveland Ohio
B36Peacemaker said:
Is there any quality difference between the 52" and the 56"?
Click to expand...

I don't think so. But like I posted earlier I just ordered the 66" that's only available online. From reviews on Home Depot .com and people who bought it on here have all said its definitely nicer than what's in store. For 599.99 it's a fantastic deal. It started out at $850 during the holidays. It was between this and the 72" Harbor freight. I chose this because of its size and price.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Husky-66-i...uty-Mobile-Workbench-Black-76812A24/204398429
 
M

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,383
Location
Reading
If going new I would look at masterforce, if that not possible HF probably do you fine .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom