Used Fire/Chemical Cabinet Value

[W_KY]

While on craigslist today I found some used chemical cabinets for $100 each. I can't tell their exact size but the guy says they are about 6 ft tall. I'm thinking that is a pretty good deal and I should go by both he has left. What do you think? I'm guessing these are fairly heavy duty.

 

[FJ 432]

You would never see those here in Denver for that money. VVVVVery Heavy.

 

[Colin Len]

I see these sorts of things on my local CL a lot for significantly more than that - think $250-$1000 depending on the size/condition/seller...etc. Not sure if anyone is buying at that price, but that's what they seem to list for. Maybe a good deal compared to buying new if it's specifically what you need, but seems really expensive for someone just looking for basic metal cabinets like most of us. But at only $100 that seems like a reasonable price since the lighter duty (non fire/chemical) versions seem to sell for $40-100ea.

 

[rburke65]

I have seen them at $600..... $700 all day long. A that price I would be buying them all!

 

[rlitman]

Nice find. Grab them if the doors aren't falling off. But Justrite uses piano hinges, so they take an incredible amount of abuse.

 

[DIC]

If you need a fire proof cabinet and they are in good shape I would jump on that deal

 

[superdutymike27]

I was doing some work in a hotel several years ago and noticed the building engineer had 3, 45 gallon cabinets, ( not sure if I Am describing that correctly) but to make long story short I offered him $100 for one of them and he took it. I had the chance to buy the rest of them but never made it back. I don't have mine vented but probably should!


��

 

[PFSard]

Another chime-in. Those are a lot more expensive around here too.

 

[kaffine]

If I saw ones that cheap I would be getting them. I typically see the large ones starting around $500. Every once in a while I will see them down around $300.

Even the small ones go for over $100 here.

 

[bczygan]

Bring me one...

 

[Beater5liter]

I got a smaller single door version similar to yours off CL. Bring help as that size one is going to weigh well north of 300#. Those things are deceivingly Heavy!

 

[CNGsaves]

Considering lots of CL sellers want $75 for paper-thin steel flopsy cabinets, I'd jump all over those at $100 each.

Trailer with ramp . . . . dolly . . . .and strong buddy to snag both. Go get 'em!!

Let us know WHEN they're in your shop . . . . with PICS !!!

 

[Big Bad Dad]

I would like to have that to store all my gas cans in. I don't like to keep them in the garage, and while I now store them under an open shed, it would be nice to lock them up. (I had a full can stolen a couple years ago.)

 

[MushCreek]

Great deal if they are in serviceable condition. New, they are around $800 for that size. They usually bring about $400 or so at auction. I bought one about that size for $50 at a county auction. Mine is in excellent condition except for the crappy brush paint job that some county worker just HAD to do.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Sounds like a good price, but the pic leaves me feeling "iffy". The doors are ajar. They're supposed to auto close and latch. They're also pretty rusty...

Tommy

 

[MushCreek]

Not all of them auto-close- in fact, I've never seen one that did, although I know it's an option.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Not all of them auto-close- in fact, I've never seen one that did, although I know it's an option.

You're correct. My memory is going. The doors don't have to auto close unless its a wood fire cabinet. They all have to have a 3 point latch...

Sorry for the bad info!


Tommy

 

[W_KY]

I ended up buying two of them. They are heavy. It's a good thing the guy selling could help me load them. They don't have shelves and I have to work on the latches but they are built really well. One is a justrite and the other is s secural. Each about 65 inches tall. Later I'll probably clean them up and maybe paint. I'll post more pics later. I did Google one of the models and it is $1300 new

 

[MushCreek]

Sweet deal! Some day, I'll paint mine properly, but it's at the end of a long list. I keep everything flammable in mine- solvents, oils, oil-based paints, etc. Cheap insurance to protect your shop.

 

[Nakashige]

Looks like mine i picked for 100 thats auto close

 

[Jamie V]

I got mine for free on a job I did. They had too many of them. They are great!

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Yeah.. That is quite a score for $100 ea. You could do a whole lot worse. I believe Justrite sells spare shelves if you want to go that route, or hit the local sheet metal shop and have them fab some up (or do it yourself if you have the skills / equipment).

I purchased one for my basement workshop back in Dec. This string is the start.. eventually painted it, placed it, and replace labels etc.

Dennis

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4477638#post4477638

 

[kansei]

I used to work for a company that made these types of cabinets (Protectoseal). We competed with Just-Rite, Eagle, etc. I have two 45 gallon and two 60 gallon cabinets from those days. If you decide to use the vent, make sure it still has the flash arrestor in place, otherwise it defeats the purpose of the vent. If all you plan on storing in the cabinet is cleaners, spray paint, etc., just unscrew the vent plug 3/4 turn or so and it should vent any pressure build-up fine. Make sure you ground the cabinet properly, though. I can't tell you how many industrial plants I visit that have flammables in these types of cabinets, yet do not have them grounded to eliminate static electricity spark hazards.


Neal.

 

[ADSR]

what a deal!!! well done!!

 

[rsanter]

Several years ago I saw one put out on the curb for trash pickup.
I grabbed it and then sold it for $250

Bob

 

[kansei]

Something I forgot to mention- if you do repaint them, make sure you either use non-conductive paint designed for explosive/flammable environments, or you absolutely NEED to properly ground the cabinet. Having a dedicated grounding rod for the cabinets of the same specs you would use to ground a distribution panel is a good idea. Never use the building wiring ground circuit!

Congrats on the score!



Neal.

 

[mikegt4]

After reading this thread I checked the local CL just for fun.

35" wide 22" deep 35 1/2" tall, $175
23" wide 18" deep 44" tall, $75

Apparently typical prices judging by this thread. When I was working we "surplussed" several flame cabinets of various sizes. Company policy prohibited selling them or giving them away, only sold to scrap companies. They are a good piece of equipment for any garage.

 

[jgorm]

I have seen them at $600..... $700 all day long. A that price I would be buying them all!

+1. $100 is great! They cost thousands brand new.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . getting two of those cabinets at $100 each is just like getting StrongHold cabinets for a song. Both are heavy duty and last a lifetime.

So for $200 . . . you've got damn sturdy cabinets . . . AND . . You **** !!

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Something I forgot to mention- if you do repaint them, make sure you either use non-conductive paint designed for explosive/flammable environments, or you absolutely NEED to properly ground the cabinet. Having a dedicated grounding rod for the cabinets of the same specs you would use to ground a distribution panel is a good idea. Never use the building wiring ground circuit!

Congrats on the score!



Neal.

Another great GJer providing outstanding tips and help to those of us on this board. Thanks a ton Neal, I'm sure we all appreciate the advice..

Dennis

 

[bob15]

Zoro sells extra shelves for the Justrite. Just wait for a coupon to come.....

I have similar cabinets myself and needed more shelves.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Zoro sells extra shelves for the Justrite. Just wait for a coupon to come.....

I have similar cabinets myself and needed more shelves.

Could you give me more details on Zoro..? I need some shelves too.

Thanks...

 

[Iroc-Z]

Man every time I look for one they start at 300-400 and need to be redone

 

[galute]

I bought these at a farm auction. I gave 25 bucks for the pair. I was the only bidder. One is missing a handle.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I bought these at a farm auction. I gave 25 bucks for the pair. I was the only bidder. One is missing a handle.

Nice score!

 

[bob15]

Could you give me more details on Zoro..? I need some shelves too.

Thanks...

They are part of Grainger, but cheaper in price. Free shipping over $50. Their search isn't the best, so i go to grainger, find what i want and they copy over the part number into the zoro search function.

http://www.zoro.com/

Here is the Justrite search result page....with extra shelves (they sell other safety cabinet brands as well):

http://www.zoro.com/g/Safety%20Storage%20Cabinets/00055389/

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Good to know... and thanks for the link / advice. I've actually ordered from Zoro via eBay.. so the connection is there.

Cheers..

 

[sleepy127]

I have been looking for some myself. I would grab them if I was you. If you have a lot of chemicals to store they come in handy. I use an old army locker for mine and keep it outside.

 

[sberry]

You cant buy nuthin in it for 100$, you could fab the heck out of it and would make great foremans desk or tool box. Those are nice and well built, the seller isn't robbing anyone at 100 a piece.
This is a place a guy can really score used deals and get stuff way better than he would ever consider new.
Super paint cab. Put 2 side by side, one for equipment and mix station and the other for material.

 

[sberry]

Always use the building grounding point, it should be electrically grounded.
I don't know anything about fire codes and havnt studied NEC in that area but I suspect that there might be a requirement for bonding similar to a gas line.