Toolbox recommendation

[Rollerlocked]

Looking to see what would be a good value right now for toolboxes, would prefer a 72”+ as I rather not have to get multiple boxes. Tools are living all around the house right now.

Looking mainly at buying new, can’t really find or haven’t found a good deal around me for a used tool truck box. Mostly looking at US general and Icon as Home Depot/lowes/etc boxes kinda seem like junk compared to them. Icon definitely seems like it is higher quality than the US general but at double the price. Tool vault and extreme tools seem to be a good price as well but something about seeing it in person is nice. Anyone try the Icon recently? I see plenty of threads about US general series 3 and such but not a lot on the Icon as of recently. Thanks for the help

 

[Madjik Man]

FWIW this is what I’m most likely going with:

Masterforce (Menards) 72" roller cab opinions

Who makes the Masterforce 72" roller cabinet sold by Menards?

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Rollerlocked]

FWIW this is what I’m most likely going with:

Masterforce (Menards) 72" roller cab opinions

Who makes the Masterforce 72" roller cabinet sold by Menards?

www.garagejournal.com

I think that’s a great deal just wish I could see it, no Menards around me unfortunately

 

[Madjik Man]

I think that’s a great deal just wish I could see it, no Menards around me unfortunately

I didn’t think there was near me either because I don’t live in the Midwest. But lo and behold there’s on 1.25 hours north of me.

Plenty of YouTube videos on those boxes also.

 

[Rollerlocked]

I didn’t think there was near me either because I don’t live in the Midwest. But lo and behold there’s on 1.25 hours north of me.

Plenty of YouTube videos on those boxes also.

Closest one is a bit over 4hrs, like finding excuses to travel for stuff but that may be a bit far haha. We’ll see I like the look of the black with silver/stainless trim

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I’d check Craigslist for used but not abused snap on or go buy icon from HF.

 

[GeoBruin]

HF is clearing out their gen 2 US General boxes to make room for the Gen 3s and there are some really good deals on them depending on what your local store has in stock.

I really like the icon boxes and I also appreciate the fact that you can fondle them in the store, but size, depth (shallower), and price lead me to go USG for my specific needs. No regrets.

 

[pvanderlugt]

Looking to see what would be a good value right now for toolboxes, would prefer a 72”+ as I rather not have to get multiple boxes. Tools are living all around the house right now.

Looking mainly at buying new, can’t really find or haven’t found a good deal around me for a used tool truck box. Mostly looking at US general and Icon as Home Depot/lowes/etc boxes kinda seem like junk compared to them. Icon definitely seems like it is higher quality than the US general but at double the price. Tool vault and extreme tools seem to be a good price as well but something about seeing it in person is nice. Anyone try the Icon recently? I see plenty of threads about US general series 3 and such but not a lot on the Icon as of recently. Thanks for the help

I just bought an EX 72 inch box from Extreme Tooboxes… bought it thru Rockintoolboxes…. drove to Chicago to lay hands on one before buying….. could not be more pleased… I will put it up against any Snappy box…absolutely a beast… fit, finish and operation are perfect… I was looking at the Icon box, and this EX box is 3 steps above that..30 inch deep, vs the Icon 24 made a huge difference, in the way tools fit and layout…..highly recommended…..

 

[WagonHo!]

I just bought an EX 72 inch box from Extreme Tooboxes… bought it thru Rockintoolboxes…. drove to Chicago to lay hands on one before buying….. could not be more pleased… I will put it up against any Snappy box…absolutely a beast… fit, finish and operation are perfect… I was looking at the Icon box, and this EX box is 3 steps above that..30 inch deep, vs the Icon 24 made a huge difference, in the way tools fit and layout…..highly recommended…..

Except for the bling logo, the Extreme boxes are solid. I have the 42” triangle box over a roller and it keeps me organized in a compact space, very good build quality.

 

[nadogail]

Picking out a Tool Box is an extremely personal matter, all most like picking a wife.

 

[Mr_B]

try milk a deal on 72" series 2 USG before they all gone, could be good bang for the buck as box prices not getting cheaper and quality is on the decline .

 

[regguy1]

Looking to see what would be a good value right now for toolboxes, would prefer a 72”+ as I rather not have to get multiple boxes. Tools are living all around the house right now.

Looking mainly at buying new, can’t really find or haven’t found a good deal around me for a used tool truck box. Mostly looking at US general and Icon as Home Depot/lowes/etc boxes kinda seem like junk compared to them. Icon definitely seems like it is higher quality than the US general but at double the price. Tool vault and extreme tools seem to be a good price as well but something about seeing it in person is nice. Anyone try the Icon recently? I see plenty of threads about US general series 3 and such but not a lot on the Icon as of recently. Thanks for the help

HF has the gen 3 US General boxes, they email me 25% off coupons, I bought a 56" gen 2 for $450.00. If someone will give you a 25 off coupon you can get a sweet deal on a gen 3 72"

 

[PelicanPines]

$24,000 snap on... pay over 30 years... best bet.

 

[oldwino]

Check out Strictly Tool Boxes. A Garage Journal sponsor with very fair prices. Bought an Extreme 72” box through them 6-7 years ago and it has been great. Plus they will deliver to your home or shop

 

[pvanderlugt]

Except for the bling logo, the Extreme boxes are solid. I have the 42” triangle box over a roller and it keeps me organized in a compact space, very good build quality.

Yeah, their “bling” is a little over the top…. But comes off easy if needed…. But indeed a very sturdy, well build box… have only owned it for a month, but I have nothing negative to say about it.. at all

 

[T45]

HF has the gen 3 US General boxes, they email me 25% off coupons, I bought a 56" gen 2 for $450.00. If someone will give you a 25 off coupon you can get a sweet deal on a gen 3 72"

34in HF cart is also a good product. Its also a good workflow tool. 4x rotating casters, and its pretty mobile.

 

[richfinn]

I would buy a Tekton if I lived on that side of The Atlantic, there's a good thread about them somewhere on GJ

 

[bigfunwmu]

How much depth can you work with? A 30 inch deep box adds massive amounts of storage vs the HF 72 at only 22" deep. A 30" deep 55" box has more volume than a 22" deep 72, BUT the HF box with the drawers all the way open is only about 42" deep, where an Extreme, Strictly Toolboxes, or Tekton is 56 to 58" deep with the drawers open.

I have a Strictly Toolboxes 54" wide 30" deep box that I like a lot, it is head and shoulders above the gen 2 HF 72 box that it replaced. At the time I was also looking at Proto, Extreme, Homak, Tekton, and the Menards stuff. Strictly had reports of great customer service, and those are accurate. They also price better than anything else I could find in a 30" deep box. Runner up for me was Tekton, but their boxes are limited so that you can only open one drawer at a time so pass on that.

 

[Ingram306]

I have a 72 tool vault and have been nothing but happy with it. From Strictly tool boxes, got a “scratch and dent” one with a small scratch on the back heavily discounted. They have some really good deals on them from time to time.

 

[kngelv]

Tekton. Made in Canada and better built than anything mentioned plus you get 10% back in Tekton cash for tools.

James

 

[Rollerlocked]

Thanks everyone for the comments,

To touch in a few of the comments

Icon:
I really like the stainless top and the fact I can feel it in person however the long term reviews that I can find are lacking. I can get it for a similar price to the Stricklytoolbox options as aswell. The side locker is cheaper (the whole setup would be) vs other options like below for 2k a side locker… Power drawer option is also great

StrictlyToolboxes:
Specifically the Toolvault elite, seems just as nice if not nicer than the Icon however the no power drawer option is seriously a let down.

Masterforce:
No Menards near me unfortunately and the drive for me to check one out is probably not worth it

Used Tool truck:
Just no deals in my area, no interest in paying more money for something used when I can get 90% of what it is new and for cheaper with a warranty.


Mainly between the Icon and the Strictly Toolbox options. I’m hoping either of the two release something “new” to sway me in one way or another. Icon could improve their drawers to not pop back open when you close them, add USB-C, etc. Toolvault could add a power drawer….. We shall see I guess

 

[richfinn]

Thanks everyone for the comments,

To touch in a few of the comments

Icon:
I really like the stainless top and the fact I can feel it in person however the long term reviews that I can find are lacking. I can get it for a similar price to the Stricklytoolbox options as aswell. The side locker is cheaper (the whole setup would be) vs other options like below for 2k a side locker… Power drawer option is also great

StrictlyToolboxes:
Specifically the Toolvault elite, seems just as nice if not nicer than the Icon however the no power drawer option is seriously a let down.

Masterforce:
No Menards near me unfortunately and the drive for me to check one out is probably not worth it

Used Tool truck:
Just no deals in my area, no interest in paying more money for something used when I can get 90% of what it is new and for cheaper with a warranty.


Mainly between the Icon and the Strictly Toolbox options. I’m hoping either of the two release something “new” to sway me in one way or another. Icon could improve their drawers to not pop back open when you close them, add USB-C, etc. Toolvault could add a power drawer….. We shall see I guess

This is the Tekton thread, might not be big enough for your needs, but Rousseau (the OE manufacturer) might have something

Tekton Rousseau Tool Chest Overview & Thoughts

Hi GJ, Wanted to share a hodgepodge of thoughts regarding Tekton's (Rousseau OEM) relatively new tool chest and why I took a leap of faith on a ~$3K box sight unseen. Apologies in advance for posting a novel! I was in the market for my first large toolbox, moving on from the chaos of living...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Rollerlocked]

This is the Tekton thread, might not be big enough for your needs, but Rousseau (the OE manufacturer) might have something

Tekton Rousseau Tool Chest Overview & Thoughts

Hi GJ, Wanted to share a hodgepodge of thoughts regarding Tekton's (Rousseau OEM) relatively new tool chest and why I took a leap of faith on a ~$3K box sight unseen. Apologies in advance for posting a novel! I was in the market for my first large toolbox, moving on from the chaos of living...

www.garagejournal.com

I’ll check it out, seems like a nice box

 

[CoThG]

$24,000 snap on... pay over 30 years... best bet.

My interest rate from Snap On is only 18%.

 

[merkyworks]

@shanec78 HF is having a scratch & dent sale on some Icon boxes, up to 45% off and free shipping.

Scratch and Dent Sale - Harbor Freight Tools

Free shipping + deals up to 45% on scratch and dent items. Unique descriptions and conditions for each item.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Rollerlocked]

Damn that’s a good sale, do they run this regularly?

 

[merkyworks]

No clue sorry

 

[LWB]

Homak is another one you may want to take a look at.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Picking out a Tool Box is an extremely personal matter, all most like picking a wife.

Yeah but after 20 years you can sell a quality toolbox for a profit!

 

[GrayFlattop]

If you are considering an Icon box... they offer a good bang for the buck, but price-wise you’re within striking distance of a new Lista.

 

[AEAdam]

I don’t understand Icon pricing. My used Snap On KRL was 1/3. There are plenty of KRLs on the market for half Icon money. Who is buying these things? Lista goes for about $100/drawer.

 

[AEAdam]

I paid $800 for my 56” KRL with a stainless steel top. I like the latches. My box was made in 2001 and was probably $1500 new. I see them newer for $1500 pretty regularly.

Snap on has been making “Kenosha red” toolboxes for 75 years. I think I can find stuff to match it.

Everybody’s situation is different. I’m willing to wait 6 months to save $1000 and have, what I feel, is a nicer box than Icon. I understand the need to buy tools for immediate needs, but toolboxes generally aren’t immediate need items for most of us.

Happy folks are happy with their icon boxes. I suspect icon boxes were a market test, to see if, given the popularity of their us general boxes, customers would pay triple for an upgraded version. Don’t know if anyone remembers the VW Phaeton.

Our new member feels strongly about his purchase. Welcome aboard. My personal opinion, Icon overstepped. In that price range, there are a lot of very nice options Including used Snap On. My FBMP has a lot of very attractive boxes.

Advice: share your locations with us and ask for help. If you don’t have time or inclination to search used, let us help.

 

[LWB]

Some people like to buy new and some like used. You can save a lot of money buying used but can take up a lot of your time... It took me two years to piece together my tool box. It was a fun project for me.

There have been some good suggestions for new boxes on here and I'm not sure there are many more to add.

 

[crewchief888]

would prefer a 72”+ as I rather not have to get multiple boxes. Tools are living all around the house right now.

FWIW i dont like "mega" boxes, for me it's easier to shuffle around multiple (smaller) boxes. especially in my small garage.
i have 3 sets of boxes in the garage, with the largest at 36" wide, and 2 sets of 33" wide with multiple mid boxes and side cabs.
the biggest set is virtually empty, it's storage for my "working" tools, i work out of a service truck, and probably will until i decide to retire.
2 smaller sets have my "garage" hand, taps/dies, and misc machinist tools, levels and air tools in them, and i can accomplish most everything i want to do.
i have a 26" wide triple stack in the basement with misc hand tools, and supplies in it for house DIY misc stuff. wife has her own small bag upstairs with a couple screwdrivers, cutters, stapler, ect in it.
also have a vintage PLVMB top box i keep most of my good machinist tools in.
over the years ive been here i rearranged boxes, equipment ect around in the garage several times as my needs changed, or i added new equipment
just my $0.02

 

[ecotec]

I agree with this sentiment. A lot of people here have tons of time to drive to estate sales and pawn shops. I tried it a couple times, found nothing, and gave up. Same for Marshall’s and Nordstrom Rack for clothes. If you go on men’s clothing forums, there’s guys talking about outfitting their entire wardrobe for 10% of retail buying at these discount overstock stores.

I wasted over an hour trying to find clothes this way and realized I should just pay full retail and move on with my life.

I just bought a pair of aluminum rigid pipe wrenches online for 15% retail or around $40. People claim they can get them for $1 at yard sales. I guess if valued my time at less than minimum wage and got super lucky I’d be able to do that.

I have found Frye’s and Allen Edmond’s at Nordstrom Rack years ago. We don’t go there very often anymore, because my kid has not had swim class near it in years.