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Toolbox recommendation needed.

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turboffr

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Jul 19, 2009
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Massachusetts
I've outgrown my Craftsman toolboxes (26" roller and top) and want something bigger (41-56" range). I don't want to spend a small fortune on a Snap-on. Does anyone have any experience with the toolboxes sold by Striclytoolboxes.com? The 41" & 56" Montezuma and Extreme boxes both look like they're decently priced, sturdy boxes, but it's tough to tell without actually seeing and using them.
 
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RLRRLRLL

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Sep 8, 2009
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Spearville Kansas
I do not have a montezuma or extreme personally. but i know people that do, and they are great boxes. They are better then craftsman, not quite as nice as snap on. Its a nice and happy medium.
 
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kippieland

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Oct 22, 2011
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Location
Western Washington
I was at harbor frieght last night and gave a good look over the boxes. I know people like the 42 but it is very skinny...and just because it has two sliders per drawer is more about the crappy sliders then increased weight load. I really like the 56...thats what I would spend my money from there...

Like FXDAWG said, International has some nice boxes....but they aren't the end all to be all. Great for DIY'ers like me, who don't use their boxes everyday.

I think the Montezuma and Extreme boxes are WAY nicer then anything from HF or the International value boxes. The International Pros are more in the same level as the those two.....I have some experience with those International Pro and they are super sweet.
 
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bcradio

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Jan 30, 2012
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New Mexico
Anyone know how deep the drawers are on the 56"? Also anyone know how wide the drawers on the left side are?

HF Box

Thanks.
 
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FXDawg

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Jan 24, 2012
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Rehoboth, MA
bcradio said:
Anyone know how deep the drawers are on the 56"? Also anyone know how wide the drawers on the left side are?

HF Box

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Off the website Overall dimensions: 56-1/2" L x 22" W x 42" H

part Description from manual

5 Drawer 37-3/8” x 19-1/2” x 2-1/4” 2
6 Drawer 37-3/8” x 19-1/2” x 3-1/4” 1
7 Drawer 37-3/8” x 19-1/2” x 5-1/4” 1

13 Drawer 37-3/8” x 19-1/2” x 7-1/2” 1

18 Drawer 12” x 19-1/2” x 13-1/2” 1

21 Drawer 12” x 19-1/2” x 4-1/2” 1
22 Drawer 12” x 19-1/2” x 2-1/4” 2
23 Drawer 12” x 19-1/2” x 3-1/8” 1

29 Drawer 37-3/8” x 19-1/2” x 4-1/2” 1
 
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Matt018

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May 17, 2011
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I have never done this but i'll be that guy, Try searching the forum. But Im going to be helpfull, The forum search fuction blows, Just go to google and type in for example "tool box reccomendations garagejournal" Or "tool box upgrade garagejourna" chances are you will get a list of threads under one main one and click "all results from garagejournal.com" this will then get you a list of results strictly from garagejournal and take no time compared to the search function.
 
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DrkMtnDew

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Sep 24, 2010
Messages
1,465
ptschram said:
Buy the biggest toolbox you can't afford.
Click to expand...


Perfect Candidate
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Matt018

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ptschram said:
I'm serious as a heart attack. Buy big, you'll fill it.
Click to expand...

Why would you advise someone to buy something they cant afford? Myself I would never encourage anyone to go into debt or live above their means.
 
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ptschram

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Churubusco, IN
Matt018 said:
Why would you advise someone to buy something they cant afford? Myself I would never encourage anyone to go into debt or live above their means.
Click to expand...

There is an acceptable level of debt for all of us.

The OP is looking for a toolbox because he has outgrown what he has. Given those circumstances,it makes sense to buy a bigger box than he currently needs to allow for future expansion.

Everytime I buy a bigger box, I'm disappointed when I fill it and don't have room for the tools I have, much less any I may obtain in the future.
 
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plierwire

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Aug 13, 2011
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@alan camby - I was thinking about the extreme tools box, but I was wondering about that huge label on the bottom left...is it glued on, riveted on, what? Do you think it could it be removed without making a huge mess? Love the looks of the box, just not crazy about the label...(no offense meant, of course)
 
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alan camby

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Dec 3, 2011
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South of Indianapolis, Indiana
plierwire said:
@alan camby - I was thinking about the extreme tools box, but I was wondering about that huge label on the bottom left...is it glued on, riveted on, what? Do you think it could it be removed without making a huge mess? Love the looks of the box, just not crazy about the label...(no offense meant, of course)
Click to expand...

This guy took his Extreme label off. Think it is just a sticker. This is also a good review of the box http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113688&highlight=extreme+toolbox

This is a quote from his wright up "The slides roll very smoothly and only get smoother with weight in the drawers. I felt the big Extreme Tools logo looked a bit tacky so I pulled it off rite away. Lots of double sided tape holding that thing on."
 
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SINISTER

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Feb 1, 2012
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Long Island
Its always better by a box intending to fill it in the future. You need growing room. Buying a box just because you need something big enough to just fit the tools you have now is not the best idea.
 
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turboffr

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Jul 19, 2009
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Massachusetts
SINISTER said:
Its always better by a box intending to fill it in the future. You need growing room. Buying a box just because you need something big enough to just fit the tools you have now is not the best idea.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I'm thinking a top and bottom 41" would be the smallest I would get.
 
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posaune

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Collinsville, Connecticut
turboffr said:
I've outgrown my Craftsman toolboxes (26" roller and top) and want something bigger (41-56" range).
Click to expand...

SINISTER said:
Its always better by a box intending to fill it in the future. You need growing room. Buying a box just because you need something big enough to just fit the tools you have now is not the best idea.
Click to expand...

turboffr said:
Agreed. I'm thinking a top and bottom 41" would be the smallest I would get.
Click to expand...

I was in a similar position a few years ago. My 26" 3pc Craftsman was jam-packed and I wanted more space so I went to a 41" Craftsman Griplatch top and bottom.

DON'T DO THAT! (or any shallow 41")

The same depth boxes (including the 41" HF), even though they are a little wider, just don't have that much more space than the 26". Combine the fact that you'll want to spread out a bit to feel more organized and the bad influence of this forum and you'll be back to jam-packed in no time with a shallow box.

I've been looking for an amazing deal on a Snap-on, but is seeming impossible. If Strictly Toolboxes starts offering a top for their self-branded 57"x25" roller, I think I'll go for that.
 
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pipsters

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turboffr said:
Agreed. I'm thinking a top and bottom 41" would be the smallest I would get.
Click to expand...

I'd really look hard at a 56" wide 22"-24" deep model. I went from no tool box to a 42" 18" deep to 56" 24" deep and the amount of space available now is significantly more. I highly doubt I will ever have to buy another one, I *might* one day buy a top to it but for now I have the bottom and it's more than enough space for my DIY endeavors.
 
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pipsters

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The problem with 56" is space and cost. They take up considerably more. If you have the room definitely go that route. The 56" Harbor Freight is 22" deep, my 56" International is 24" deep. Either way significantly more space available inside. Also cost increases substantially. The Harbor Freight box is around $700 w/ coupon IIRC. My International I bought used for a good price but new they are roughly $950.

Where as the 42" Harbor Freight is around $360 + tax w/ coupon.

Those Extreme and Montezuma tool boxes are built nicer but also really spendy. The tech I bought my International from upgraded to a 72" Montezuma. Again for my use the International is great and for the $550 I picked it up used, I am really happy.
 
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turboffr

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bobcatdan

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Where do I begin, International has several grade of boxes from the value to the super heavy duty. Look used, if you have cash on hand, nice truck boxes can be had for a steal. Also look at Armstrong, their bigger boxes are basically Matcos. Proto boxes are basically Mac. Kennedy makes some nice boxes in the 45ish range and are sold threw NAPA as NAPA boxes or as Homark big dawgs. I havn't read any complaints on the boxes from strictly. Tool boxes are like air compressors, buy the biggest box possiable that fits the bill. Yeah if you have a one car garage, a mr. big may be overkill, but you get my point.
 
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tbobbo

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turboffr said:
Decided on the Montezuma 56" 21 drawer box in blue. Should ship tomorrow.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I did. I was thinking I should have went with a hf box, but I dont have one here locally. I did see one in person after a few months with my strickley toolboxes 56 top and bottom, boy was a glad I bought what I did! Way nicer than the hf boxes. Yeah I need bigger and more weight capacity, but its holding up like a champ. I was without a box working in a shop and thats all I could afford, I dont regret it. For a at home box it will last very well. The crew at strictly toolboxes is top notch as well.
 
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tbobbo

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turboffr said:
Thanks. Should be a big improvement over my existing Craftsman set. I just measured it and can't believe how small they actually are. The top box is 26x12 and bottom is 26x18. I've had these boxes for 20 years and they've served their purpose well, but time for a bigger setup.

new box

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/mo...xes-21-drawer-tool-cabinet-and-top-chest.html
Click to expand...

The box rolls very well with the 3 rows of casters, but the drawer pulls are kinda hard to keep clean, other than that its a awesome box..........especially for the price. I think it's one of the best deals on the market.
 
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RRmech

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Santa Fe, NM
I worked out of a new (scratch-n'-dent sale) Kennedy box for 25+ years.
It was very well built and had over sized casters.
I sold that Kennedy box when I retired, for the same money I paid for it.

Steve
 
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