Which Toolbox Would You Buy?

[j.robinson389]

I am looking to buy my first real toolbox. I am no professional mechanic by any means, but I do most of all my own work on my cars and I have collected a fair amount of tools so now I need a place to keep them. I know it isn't much but I want to stay in the ≈$300 range. Here are the 3 options I am thinking of.

1. Sear 13 Drawer Ball Bearing $299 on Friday http://www.sears.com/craftsman-13-drawer-26-in-ball-bearing-combo/p-009CO47210201B?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3&sid=I0084400010000100480&PID=2187655&aff=Y

2. Harbor Freight 44" Roller http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-cabinet-44-13-drawer-gloss-red-industrial-uality-68784.html

3. Harbor Freight 26" Stack http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-cabinets-and-carts/roller-cabinet-26-8-drawer-with-8-drawer-top-chest-67831.html


What would you pick? I am leaning towards #2 (the 44" Red Roller) because I am more and more disappointed every time I buy a craftsman hand tool these days. While I don't think the Harbor Freight boxes are a premium box by any means they do feel like they are actually made better than most Craftsman boxes.

Also if I go with one of the HF boxes what prices should I wait on? It seems like I have seen the Stack for $299 and the Roller Cart for $349 Is this the best sales that they usually run on them? Are there any additional coupons that could be applied? The 20% off doesn't work on tool storage correct?

Thanks for you suggestions,
Jake

 

[Packard V8]

If limiting options to new, it's hard to beat Harbor Freight.

However, for the same money, a watchful wait, being ready with the cash, one can usually find a decent used USA box for the same money.

jack vines

 

[bobcatdan]

If menards is in your area, I would check out the masterforce line just to give you another option. As mush as I would want to push you towards the craftman, there is really nothing to gain there. I would leave up to which drawer arrangment you like better. For your needs, either box would work fine.

 

[Mickey O]

I don't think I'd buy any of those (actually, I know I wouldn't), keep an eye on craig's list you'll find a much better box for your money. Might take a little time but it will be worth it.

 

[JASTECH]

3, Look for used made in USA box on CL as far as you would drive to pick it up. It will last much longer, you'll be happier and you help support our country.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Of the three, I'd do with the HF. It does have better qaulity over the others and gives you an extra work surface. Having that extra work surface is nice to have. The HF box will hold it's value pretty good if you take care of it and decide to upgrade later on.

Buying a good used box is always a good choice as well. In addition to checking CL, see what you local tool truck drivers have in used boxes.

 

[greasegorilla]

I have the older model harbor freight 44". Its a great box for the money. I'd buy it again for a first box. My only complaint is the drawers dont have a locking slide mechanism. So if you decide to work in a driveway or shop that isnt level, and have the box turned the wrong way, all the drawers want to slide out, throws weight balance off, and then your box wants to tip over.

 

[ihatelaramie]

I have the same as greasegorilla, and my complaints and praise are on the same points as his. It's a damn sturdy box for the money, just wish they hadn't changed the surface finish. I really wanted the accompanying top chest.. oh well. I got mine for $125 slightly used so I cannot complain.

 

[pipsters]

The HF 44" is the best bang for the $$. I also seriously doubt you will find anything locally that can compare to it used. Most boxes in my area are severely overpriced.

I've *always wanted* a Craftsman tool box stack. Had my eye on that stainless 40" model with griplatch. Just can't bring myself to buy it due to the lack of quality. And at the $1000 price point you're into used Snap-On.

I would recommend a griplatch model though.

 

[ARAMP1]

I'd love to have a huge snap on box in my garage, but I couldn't afford it. I looked on craigslist (among other places) for about a year and a half when finally I broke down and got the HF 44" roller. Best decision I've ever made in regards to tools. I really wanted craftsman to be higher quality. I was willing to pay twice as much for a craftsman, but not for half the quality.

 

[j.robinson389]

I'd love to have a huge snap on box in my garage, but I couldn't afford it. I looked on craigslist (among other places) for about a year and a half when finally I broke down and got the HF 44" roller. Best decision I've ever made in regards to tools.

This is my situation exactly, I have looked and looked and the only ones I seem to find are WELL used for $700 - $1000.

I really wanted craftsman to be higher quality. I was willing to pay twice as much for a craftsman, but not for half the quality.

I too wanted the craftsman to be a nice box, but honestly the ball bearing stack I looked at felt like a pop can.

 

[pfctblu]

Ditto Pipster and Aramp1 above.

Only other ones that I know of that you might look into would be the latest Menards offerings (on sale again now) and maybe the Homak Pro series. Both will run you roughly a hundred more but offer slightly different drawer configurations that may be worth it depending upon your needs.

 

[ejkuhl]

I searched almost daily on CL for 6 months and anything worth a **** was well over $500. I am very satisfied with the HF 44 for $349

 

[frankush]

Craigslist is your friend. Be patient and eventually you'll find something decent. I had a Craftsman 41" griplatch that I sold after I found this for $700. I know it's a Blue Point box but it's way better than the Craftsman and its a 56 incher. Looked for at least 6 months. If the money's burning a hole in your pocket, I second the Masterforce boxes from Menard's. I bought a top box that is great for what I paid.

 

[Mickey O]

This is my situation exactly, I have looked and looked and the only ones I seem to find are WELL used for $700 - $1000.

I too wanted the craftsman to be a nice box, but honestly the ball bearing stack I looked at felt like a pop can.

I just looked on the Dayton craig's list, plenty of boxes, 1 year old "like new" Snap-On KRA for $600 obo. And in that area there will be plenty of boxes.

http://dayton.craigslist.org/tls/3370958720.html

 

[96snma]

I just looked on the Dayton craig's list, plenty of boxes, 1 year old "like new" Snap-On KRA for $600 obo. And in that area there will be plenty of boxes.

http://dayton.craigslist.org/tls/3370958720.html

That's double his stated budget. $300 can be alot of money to some

 

[bobcatdan]

There have been several 40" SO on CL in the $500 range. If I was in need of a box, I would find the extra money to get the used box. That box Micky posted is a 26" and way too pricey for me. Older ones come pretty often in to the $200-$250 range. That said, you have to be able to find the deals before you can buy them.

 

[pipsters]

That's double his stated budget. $300 can be alot of money to some

Not to mention 1/3 the storage capacity!

 

[Bull]

Forget searching Craigs for a truck box. Search for an industrial brand box or cabinet and a deal will come up eventually.

 

[Outlawmws]

Of those three #1 and #3 are junk. Simple test: look at what they weigh. 140 lbs for a STACK is thin, tinny, ****.

The HF box is a decent box, but I don't like the COO. YMMV...

 

[Coach James]

I have several C-man boxes ranging from the cheapest homeowner model to a few ball bearing ones. The homeowner friction slide is ok but would not stand up to a much hard use. The bb ones are perfectly fine for home use.

I see many posts saying not to buy a new _____, get a used USA one at a pawn shop or Craigs List, but I almost never see anything decent on our Craigs list and Never anything good in a pawnshop.

The one thing I would absolutely avoid are the 12" deep top chests unless they are almost given to you. They are very limited in how you can arrage items. A 16" deep is the minimum I would look at.

My next purchase I think will be a HF 44" roll around, as they seem like a great value.

Coach

 

[j.robinson389]

Question about used boxes, namely Snap-On. I work with quite a few guys who have hand-me-down older Snap-On boxes, and I know that Snap-On is the premier tool mfg, but these boxes when loaded with tools require two hands to pull open and even then the cart wants to roll by the time you pull that hard. Is this normal of older boxes, or a certain line of boxes? I do not want to spend $500+ and get that.

Also I do want to make it clear that I am more than willing to pony up the 400+ dollars if I came across a deal like frankush's 56-incher. I just haven't come across anything like that.

 

[Bull]

The industrial brand boxes can handle over 400lbs per drawer and roll smooth upon opening.

SO is not always the best.

 

[tomshep]

Of your choices, #2.

That is a large bottom and you have room to expand with the top box in the future. The other two already include the top so you can't grow.

Tom

 

[Mickey O]

That's double his stated budget. $300 can be alot of money to some

I know (the Harbor Freight box is more than $300 as well), but he stated all he is finding is well used boxes for $700 - $1000 (see below), I posted a link to a like new box for $600 (that was from a quick search and the first link I opened), less than half the cost of new and it could probably be had for $500 but I'd wait for a better deal and there will be better deals, especially near Dayton.

Maybe he doesn't want to wait, that's up to him but if he wants the best box for the money he'll find it used on craig's list or similar.

And another great option as Bull had mention is looking for an industrial box, you can find incredible deals on them but it takes some time.

You want a Viper or a Yugo, the Viper is used but in real nice shape, the Yugo is new but the same price as the Viper, you taking the Yugo?

This is my situation exactly, I have looked and looked and the only ones I seem to find are WELL used for $700 - $1000.

I too wanted the craftsman to be a nice box, but honestly the ball bearing stack I looked at felt like a pop can.

 

[O_M_Jeep]

You want a Viper or a Yugo, the Viper is used but in real nice shape, the Yugo is new but the same price as the Viper, you taking the Yugo?

Someone selling a used anything for a low price makes me wonder why, a used Viper, to use your example, for the price of a new Yugo tells me there is something very very wrong with the Viper.

Anymore you find stuff all over Snap-On's website made in China, at least the boxes and carts that are clearly sold as made in China (like HF) dont have a price that pretends otherwise.

I'm very happy with my 44" HF box, side cabs and 5 drawer cart, they work very well, not once has anyone in my shop ever said anything even close to disparaging about them, and not once have they not preformed the same job as any other box or cart in the shop.

 

[Mickey O]

Someone selling a used anything for a low price makes me wonder why, a used Viper, to use your example, for the price of a new Yugo tells me there is something very very wrong with the Viper.

Anymore you find stuff all over Snap-On's website made in China, at least the boxes and carts that are clearly sold as made in China (like HF) dont have a price that pretends otherwise.

I'm very happy with my 44" HF box, side cabs and 5 drawer cart, they work very well, not once has anyone in my shop ever said anything even close to disparaging about them, and not once have they not preformed the same job as any other box or cart in the shop.

It's quite possible the Yugo is way over priced.

Here are the indisputable facts, the Snap-On, Lista, Vidmar, etc. boxes are much nicer than the HF boxes. You can find one of those much nicer boxes for; way less money, a little less money, the same money, a little more money than the HF box. But it involves a little effort and may take some time and the box will be used. If you want the best box for your money that's the way to get it.

I myself prefer the nicer boxes so that is what I would recommend. Of the three posted I would not buy any of them, I don't think they are worth the money.

 

[MachYou]

I've been on this site for only a short amount of time and everytime the HF vs Snapon/matco. There is the group of members giving the OP a hard time for considering the HF box. Not everyone uses their box in a shop/industrial environment or using it constantly all day. I would love to have a classic 78 or krl722 but around my area they go for ~$2500 used. I came to the conclusion that I'm going to buy a HF 44" box and use the money I saved and using it towards buying snapon/matco tools. I use my tool box maybe once or twice a month with a good amount of usage and but normally just getting one tool. If I made a living as a mechanic I would def not even consider a HF box but I'm a weekend mechanic/hobbyist so the HF fits my needs.

 

[Patrick123]

Craigslist is the way to go. You will get much more for you money.

 

[85camaro]

I've been on this site for only a short amount of time and everytime the HF vs Snapon/matco. There is the group of members giving the OP a hard time for considering the HF box. Not everyone uses their box in a shop/industrial environment or using it constantly all day. I would love to have a classic 78 or krl722 but around my area they go for ~$2500 used. I came to the conclusion that I'm going to buy a HF 44" box and use the money I saved and using it towards buying snapon/matco tools. I use my tool box maybe once or twice a month with a good amount of usage and but normally just getting one tool. If I made a living as a mechanic I would def not even consider a HF box but I'm a weekend mechanic/hobbyist so the HF fits my needs.

Yes, if it was an either or situation, I would rather have top quality tools and a cheap tinny box rather than a top quality box and cheap garbage tools.

 

[O_M_Jeep]

Yes, if it was an either or situation, I would rather have top quality tools and a cheap tinny box rather than a top quality box and cheap garbage tools.

I can tell you the cheap tinny boxes are Craftsman non-bearing and a few big store brands, the HF boxes are 19 gauge steel and the service cart is 17 gauge steel, I have found mine to be as thick and as sturdy and well built as the matco carts it sits next to, and less than 1/3 the price (the service cart, not boxes, they are way more than 3x the price).

I use mine in a truck shop everyday, the cart gets rolled around and opened and closed constantly all day, the 44" and side cabs a little less, so far I have had no cause to regret the purchase, all $1100 of it.

 

[j.robinson389]

Wow this has sparked quite the debate, and honesty if I would have thought it through this is exactly the answers I would have expected. I completely understand both sides of the debate.

Coming from the woodworking industry if someone asked me about whether to buy a new (insert residential tool mfg name here) tablesaw or to buy a 20 yr old Delta Unisaw for ≈the same $$ I would tell them be patient and wait for a good deal on CL to come buy and you will get a much better saw. But what I am forgetting is that a DIYer ripping a 2x or sheet of plywood 2-3 times a month may never reap the benefits of having a industrial cabinet saw over the quick and convenient big box store saw. My needs for a table saw and someone else's needs are very different and often that dictates the specific need and justification for a tool.

Back to the topic at hand:
While it is my goal one day to have a 56"+ major brand roller chest it is just not in the budget right now, it is hard to tell the wife she can't spend money on her hobby then I go out and drop 1k on a toolbox. It makes for a very cold bed at night!

So while I won't quit searching CL, (I have a RSS feed setup to get updates) I am leaning towards the HF 44". I figure I could buy it and use it for a couple-several yrs and if I take care of it sell it for 200+ dollars and upgrade my box later. It seems that everyone who buys the 44" is very happy with their purchase and quality/$ is not a problem with it.

Thanks for all the comments! That's why GJ is the best!

 

[cgv69]

Sad to say but yes, between those 3 options, if you have to have something now then the HF box is the better way to go.

That said, I agree with others in that if you are not in a hurry, Craiglist is the way to go. You will have to be patient and check everyday but eventually you will come across a really good deal.

 

[steel 35]

I am 6'6" and have 1 snap on box that I can barley see in the top, my wife can not see in the top and that is the only thing I like better about that box then my three HF 44s I would not hesitate to sell the one big box and get another 44 guess that tells you which one I would buy.

 

[balane]

My experience was this. I was using an older Craftsman stack and was simply out of room. I researched here and other places on the web and it was clear the HF 42" box with coupon was a good deal and a decent box. It was both of those things and I was 100% satisfied with the box considering what I paid for it. Honestly, no other deal I found could touch it. It did everything a roll cab should do and I have no regrets from owning it. Yes, I wanted a nice big Snap On cabinet but I couldn't find one anywhere near the price I could afford for a home-box so the HF box fit the bill.

But then one day, well over a year later, I saw a vague posting on CL that just said something like Big Red Tool Box 51" $500 I called and it did end up being a Snap On KR 660B with all ball bearing drawers and I bought it. He threw in some other stuff as well including a Matco intermediate box. Between selling the extra stuff and getting $350 for my HF box (Talk about great resale value!) I was out maybe $30 for the upgrade and I've never been happier.

My point is this. If you have to buy the HF 42" box it can be a stepping stone for you. The resale value on them is amazing, better than any box I know of. I see them listed on CL from time to time and they are always over $300 and the listings are always removed quickly which means they likely sold. If you have it for a while and then upgrade again, that's great. Just keep it nice so you get the most money back for it.

.

 

[alpinewhite]

Yes, CL is your friend. I bought this 16-drawer blue Lista for $500 off CL. Just gotta be patient.

400 lbs per drawer is its capacity.

 

[bimmerZ5]

although most of the advice here is sound, you have to consider that CL is different based on your locality. some of us are fortunate to be able to find some good deals on CL locally, but some of us live in places where the only stuff you'll find is overpriced stuff sold by idiots that won't respond or are never available or running some scheme... CL isn't always an option. The OP should take a look at their local CL, but don't expect you'll eventually find something.

in the meantime, the HFT options (either) are the ones I would go for. either one is pretty good, but i think the 26" one has more shallow drawers which might be the better choice if you're storing a lot of shallow tools like wrenches/screw drivers/punches/etc. the 42" one is sturdier, but the drawers are deeper and you might not use the vertical space as efficiently if most of your tools are small shallow things. you might consider totaling up the entire flat storage space based on the dimensions provided and see what would work out best for what you want to store.

 

[BFBOB]

I would, and did, buy a 40-year old 3-drawer Penncraft box to hold my Penncraft tools.

 

[Don 18]

Keep your options open. I bought a HF 40" crinkle box, and thought it was a good value, but quickly ran out of room. The front to back drawer depth limits what you can put in them. A while later I found a KRL1001 for a great price and got that. I had my HF box sold within an hour of getting the KRL home.

Maybe put a post up on CL that you are looking for a 40" - 56" tool box and see what responses you get. Used boxes get sold all the time, especially if someone wants to upgrade from the HF to a different box.

 

[bob15]

Why not look for a Lista cabinet? They can be gotten between $300-400. Buy a couple pairs of caster and you will have a much better built tool box than any of those 3 you mentioned, put together. Or, I would keep saving and start looking on Craigslist for a good used box. I think all 3 of those boxes are junk, sorry for being blunt, but that's my opinion.

bob