Tool chest for garage/home use

[akrisher13]

Hello,
Right now my father has a couple smaller boxes about 26inch ish. He always talks about getting more stuff and a new box and so on. I am hopefully going to be able to get him one for fathers day but don't know exactly what to get/what he wants yet. He is a not a mechanic for his job but knows damn well enough to be one if wanted to be. I want to know what brands would be good and hold up to home use yet inst some cheap poor tool chest. Right now looking for a bottom prob 30in-40in range and in the price range of $200-$500. Lemme know, appreciate everything and everything thanks again.

 

[blkSRT]

Hard to beat the Harbor Freight 44

360 with coupon

http://t.harborfreight.com/tool-sto...ossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-68784.html

 

[Stinger]

Agreed, the Harbor Freight 44" is unbeatable for it's price/quality ratio.

 

[fuddinator]

When I walk into the hangar at work I see no less than 6 or 7 of those HF 44in boxes. Great box for the money.

 

[Adam.C]

In my opinion, you only have 2 good choices for tools boxes: Either get the cheapest one you can find and be happy with that, or buy a used truck tool box (unless you can get a great deal from the truck).

Its those intermediate boxes, $800-1400, that really trip people up here. I know guys here have them and love them. They can get the colors they want etc etc. But when you compare them dispassionately side by side with the cheap HF boxes at 1/2 the price and used or "on special" tool truck boxes around the same price, the mid range boxes typically don't fare well. There are some exceptions.

My SO rep is currently having a special on 53" KRA "heritage" roll cabs for less than 1/2 retail $1600. Even tho this is Snap On's bottom of the line, its a darned nice box. Compared to a mid-range box, it will win everytime. The single bay 40" is about $1300+tax.

If you compare these boxes side by side with HF, they are better in almost every measurable way. They are better built, have significantly nicer drawers that hold significantly more weight. I would certainly prefer a shiny new Snap On box to a HF. Even the paint on the Snap On is nicer and a nicer color red, in my opinion. But is it worth double the price of the HF? I think that's where a lot of members here end up. Extra drawer capacity is a nice feature, but if you don't have 200lbs of sockets and extensions, is it worth it?

Hopefully this will help you find the right box for your Dad. I'm sure he'll be thrilled with whatever you decide.

 

[countryroad82]

While the truck brands are nicer, I'm going to reiterate the OPs budget, $200-$500. So he's probably like me, while I would love to be able to swing for a really nice box, my wallet says this is how much you can spend. I applaud anyone that can do things like this for their family/friends, do it while you can you won't be able to do it forever. I never got to do a whole lot of things with my Dad, he passed away when I was 10......... Alright 'nuff of the mushy ****, I'm with everyone else HF 44'! Best box for the money, this is coming from a guy with 2 Snap On boxes sitting in his shop!

 

[Tim37]

For average home use I wouldnt spend big money. Those HF boxes are real nice for what they cost and will last the average home owner a life time.

 

[dlcwent]

Craftsman has a 26" heavy duty bottom roller for $265. It would be a good box that will last more than a life time. IMO

 

[McSpike]

Before I discovered this forum, I bought the Craftsman 26" bottom and top, then added the intermediate. Looking at a few of the tool box threads, I still like my Craftsman, but, doing it over, I would look closer at the HF.

Problem for me, the spot I keep my box is a tight fit for the 26, so I'd have to rearrange to fit a 44. And I don't think I'll ever need a different box, as I am just a homeowner doing small projects.

-----------
A friend is someone who knows you, but likes you anyway.

 

[zkling]

It's very hard to beat the HF44" bottom box without much time, effort or luck.

 

[McLean]

What kinda stuff does he want to store in it? If he has a bunch of larger tools like drills, saws, etc... I would definitely try to put eyes on one of the new Milwaukee or maybe Dewalt bottom boxes. Bigger drawers and some cool features for the homeowner/hobbyist type. But for normal hand tools, probably HF. Love mine.

 

[Notgrownup]

That HF bottom box is pretty damn good for the money...