Tool Chest Question

[jhutch690]

Looking at buying a US General Box to replace my Craftsman that I have outgrown. I was set on buying a 26 top and bottom but after looking at them today my thought was a 44" with a 26" top. Will that look odd? My reasoning is I like have a space on the bottom box free to store tire gauges/air chucks/misc items.

Tell me why the 44" is better than a 26"?

Thanks,

 

[StreetGLi]

Looking at buying a US General Box to replace my Craftsman that I have outgrown. I was set on buying a 26 top and bottom but after looking at them today my thought was a 44" with a 26" top. Will that look odd? My reasoning is I like have a space on the bottom box free to store tire gauges/air chucks/misc items.

Tell me why the 44" is better than a 26"?

Thanks,

The easy answer is that the 44" is bigger. If you have the funds and the space, you'll appreciate the extra storage. I have a 26 top and bottom. It matches and it looks nice and it was on clearance so its fine, but I do wish the bottom cabinet was bigger so I could store some larger items out of sight. However, my garage is small and space is at a premium and the price was right.

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[Bessy]

Not the same boxes, but I do have a 26" top on a 42" bottom box right now (42" top is on order currently). With the 26 the biggest thing that annoys me is the difference in depth, I always end up setting something on the 6" ledge in front of the 26, which I then have to move to open the drawers.

I'd suggest sticking with the bottom for now and use the top for a work surface, if/when you need the extra space, consider going with a 44 top and/or add the five drawer cart.

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[MushCreek]

In my work as a tool maker, I've always had a smaller top box, as I have things that need to sit on the chest, alongside the top box. My favorite set-up is to buy or build a riser for the top box. Make it open in the front, so you can store small stuff underneath. Using a riser eliminates the problem of stuff getting parked in front of the top box. Plan a height that still allows you to comfortably see into the top box. I use the same set-up on a workbench where I have a tool box, and don't want the bottom drawer to get blocked.

 

[vavet]

It matters not if it looks funny. I have a 26 inch Craftsman top box on top of my Matco 2 bay rollaway. This allows me space on the Matco box to have work. If I could find a top box for my Matco for a good price I’d gladly jump on it and find a new home for the craftsman box.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Get the bigger bottom box and no, the smaller box on top won't look out of place.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Why spend you money twice, just get the matching top and bottom?
You may not need the space now, but you Will grow into them.

 

[dumper]

how about the 44" with a side box...or two! Think of all that work space on top. There are some guys here who have that setup, maybe search for a few pictures. Just found this example...(not mine!)

 

[brownbagg]

im tired of having top boxes, you either have to moving something to open the bottom drawer, or too short to see in the top drawers. if i could redo time, I would never have a top box

 

[tez929rr]

how about the 44" with a side box...or two! Think of all that work space on top. There are some guys here who have that setup, maybe search for a few pictures. Just found this example...(not mine!)

I did exactly that - used to have a narrow tool chest and a workbench and replaced both with the set up in your picture. I rarely move it but when I do the work space moves with it.

 

[Elvisidal]

im tired of having top boxes, you either have to moving something to open the bottom drawer, or too short to see in the top drawers. if i could redo time, I would never have a top box

I’ve never had a top box.* 26” 7 drawers has done fine for 27 years
Gotta open the lid to open a drawer?? yeah nah **** that


* there is currently some top box I’ve borrowed while I do an end of year clean out and after 2 days it’s pissed me off no end

 

[MushCreek]

As in all tool box set-ups, it depends upon what kind of work you're doing, and how many tools you need. In recent years as a tool maker, I eliminated the top box because I needed the horizontal work space. My box is my workbench. I have a granite surface plate on top of my 44" HF. I carefully weeded through my tools and found that there was plenty of room in the 44. At home, I have plenty of bench space, the shop is much smaller, and I need storage for lots of mechanic's tools. My HF 44 at home has a 44 top box, and an added side box. Lots of storage, and a small horizontal surface as well.

 

[Rickster]

I'd recommend full top or mid box, not smaller... unless you can keep the area in front of it clear.

 

[machsnell]

I like having space on top of my box.

Also hard to see in top box if you have a decent height bottom.

I moved up from my gesrwrench 44 and roller cart to a 29" deep x 56" Matco. I wish I had gone to a 72 and just been done with it. I am already out of space.

So my vote even tho not your question is to bypass 44 and go 50-whatever or do 44 with side cabinets. Just hard to move around with sides.

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[DFB]

You want a top box do a separate tower setup and leave the wide roller cabinet surface top wide open for bench work!