Which Tool Box???

[JUSTA50]

After reviewing pages of tool box threads, I am in need of even more information concerning tool box storage. To give some background, my wife and I built out house a few years ago. When I say we built it we actually tried to do most of the work. With exception to the drywall, plumbing and shingles. After such adventure, I have collected a multitude of necessary tools.
I have sense built a detached garage and need to organize everything. So it will not just be car related tools but power tools, nail guns, tape measures, etc. We currently have HD storage racks with plastic totes but need something like a tool box. Thinking more along the lines of something with larger drawers but a few smaller for the regular tools.
I have roughly 100" and would like to stay under $2k. So what recommendations do the GJ experts say? Thanks

 

[TravisT]

I really like the Lista Cabinets. For a long time, I wanted a nice Snap-On or similar box. I used lista boxes at work, and really like them. I happened to find a great deal on one and have since been using it in my garage. I think mine is a 7 drawer, 42" wide cabinet.

They aren't cheap, but I would imagine that you could find one in your price range that would meet your needs. If not new, there are many being sold on ebay that may have a ding or two in them for great prices.

My .02

 

[boseefus402]

I probably have the same profile as you. Mechanics tools, a bunch of misc carpentry tools, power tools, chop saw, and I do a little welding as well.

What I found was to keep power tools and heavy tools like pipe wrenches out of the tool box. That way you might be able to fit in a stacked 27" or 40" tool box. Then for all of the power tools and bulky tools get a job box. I have a 60" piano hinge knaack storage master that all of those go in. I throw all the power tools, chop saw, collapsible saw horses etc in there.

I am tight on space so one day I would like to weld another hinge with a collapsible steel plate to the side of the job box as a work surface with a clamp on vice.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I think what you need is a section of workbench with some doors underneath to create storage area. Add a shelf or two and make some pull out drawer boxes to organize the smaller items. Compliment that with a decent tool box and you'll be set.

 

[boseefus402]

If you can dedicate 100", maybe make a 100" workbench with the 40" HF box and 1 or 2 side cabinets built in, and an area with doors to throw the big stuff. Then you have a sturdy workbench surface area on top.

 

[Chris Adams]

Tool box with 100 inches for 2 grand?
Depends on where you are.
How tall?

If you are near a big city, go used truck brand.
If you have no used truck brand cheap, how about a HF 56, next to a storage cabinet, about a three shelf. Set it up right and you can put a bench top the whole length.
Or a couple nice used KRA class 6-7 drawer rollaways, 40 inch wide, uses about 80 inches, under your price, enough left to put a counter top over them.

If you want to repaint, look for about three Lista/Stanley Vidmar 28 wide, 28 deep cabinets. Those would usually total about 1900 for three used ones. I expect you would end up with two colors, or some rust, thus the repaint.
Toss a counter top on that and you could store most any tools you wanted.
Way under budget, two HF 44 wide, but they have no big tool storage.

 

[dps136]

Home depot is running a sale on their stock cabinets. 20% off until the end of January. If you need a work bench area, measure how much space you need then buy the unfinished cabinets to fit your area, then get a pre-fabbed laminate counter to go on top. Then you can paint the cabinets as you get time. They're great for tools and things you want access to and have them out of the way. I am currently doing that in my garage.

 

[Rickster]

I would recommend deep drawers it's amazing how much more you can fit in drawer that pulls out like 21 inches! I would scour craigs list for a couple of used ball bearing slider toolboxes.

 

[JUSTA50]

Got a 72" work bench and open storage below. Went and looked at the Craftsman 54" tool box today. Not bad but wanted to see what else was out there.

 

[gustsant]

After reviewing pages of tool box threads, I am in need of even more information concerning tool box storage. To give some background, my wife and I built out house a few years ago. When I say we built it we actually tried to do most of the work. With exception to the drywall, plumbing and shingles. After such adventure, I have collected a multitude of necessary tools.
I have sense built a detached garage and need to organize everything. So it will not just be car related tools but power tools, nail guns, tape measures, etc. We currently have HD storage racks with plastic totes but need something like a tool box. Thinking more along the lines of something with larger drawers but a few smaller for the regular tools.
I have roughly 100" and would like to stay under $2k. So what recommendations do the GJ experts say? Thanks

8 foot (96") Gladiator Workbench from Sears +- $400

2 x Harbor Freight 44" 13 drawer cabinets underneath +- $700
(without wheels considering they won't need to be moved)

Some Gladiator track, Rubbermaid Track, Pegboard or anything similar with some hooks for the bulkier stuff above +- $100

So you get an approximate total of $1,200 including tax which leaves you a lot of money left to buy more tools. You could even build your own workbench for about 100 bucks worth of lumber is you got the time .

Good luck

 

[Flathead Johnny]

gustsant is on the right track, i would also add in some kitchen cabinets as well and paint them to your liking....IMO the oak or stained wood look typically does not look great, carpentry tools are big and bulky and the shelf and tote method is very effective but not if you are looking for the nice clean and slick look. If you do not feel the kitchen cabinet idea you could buy the rubbermaid lawn tool storage cabinets, a little more pricey but they will give you a cleaner look, also with the HF 44s with no tops you can build a nice work bench, My tool box set up accommodates a similar situation as yours, i use the 3 vertical storage cabinet for my larger tools like saws, routers and odd large items...i have about $1800 into it.

 

[FJ 432]

I have recently decided to organize my tools by job category. So what I did was to find used tool boxes that can contain specialty tools (plumbing supplies go in one box, electrical tool's/supplies go in another). For example I purchased a Craftsman Commercial carry tool box at a flea market for $20.00 and I now place my wire strippers, electrical tape, wire nuts,etc. in my "electrical box".

I keep general mechanic tools in a bigger box my wife bought me for my Birthday.

 

[Super Sport]

I think what you need is a section of workbench with some doors underneath to create storage area. Add a shelf or two and make some pull out drawer boxes to organize the smaller items. Compliment that with a decent tool box and you'll be set.

This is what I suggest. It really doesn't sound like you need a high end box like Snap On or something. I don't think there would be any reason to spend more than half your budget.

Have you seen the Seville Classic series from Sam's Club?

This gets glowing reviews and is pretty affordable. There are a couple cabinets that Seville makes and only sells on their website that might fit your needs better than the ones at Sam's. But the above picture covers most of their cabinets and should offer a wide variety of storage options for big and small tools.

 

[Flathead Johnny]

i really like look of the seville, i may add some to my basement shop

 

[Flathead Johnny]

i just went to sams online and checked them out.....the cabinets are not deep at all....only 12 inches

 

[Carl B]

If you don't want to put speciality tools like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, Tile, etc tools in "Job Boxes". Then I'd suggest getting one or two larger storage cabinets with Doors. For the Garage I like the cabinets that are on wheels, they cost a bit more but the mobility is worth it to me.

Something like these - 36" wide, 24" deep and 78" high with doors. At least 4 adjustable shelves.
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/storage/cabinets/mobile/mobile-storage-cabinet-36x24x78-red

I also agree that the 42" US General Pro Roll Cabinet, with perhaps a side cabinet , as sold at Harbor Freight - is the best bang for the buck anywhere today.

I really like the look of Flathead Johnny's set up - but the three side boxes are only about 18" wide. In 100 inches - The US General Pro 42" roll cabinet with Top Box and side cabinet {62"} + 36" storage cabinet with at least 4 shelves

$350.00 + $250.00+$200.00+$500.00 = $1300.00

FWIW,
Carl B.