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The Craftsman AXS Chest

Posted by 141drew Posted onJul 7, 2009 at 12:01 PM and filed under Reviews & Features
Updated onUpdated on May 28, 2021 at 11:37 AM


I was tooling around Craftsman.com today and stumbled upon the “AXS chest.” Now, most of you have probably already guessed that I’m more into vintage tool storage that has stood the test of time and has the patina to prove it. However, something about this little gizmo intrigued me. It’s all frivolous and really unneeded for the most part, but…

The AXS features:


  • Full-extension, self-closing  ball-bearing slides with a 75 lb. load capacity.

  • Stacked  I-Frame design.

  • Multi-functional  message-center that  delivers day, date, time, indoor/outdoor temperature, timer and alarm functions.

  • Master Lock  One-Key learning lock system allows chest and roll-away to be keyed alike.

  • Slide-out worklights provide  task lighting.

  • Fiberglass reinforced side handles.

  • Backlit Craftsman nameplates.

  • Custom AXS accessories available separately include: drawer liners and labels, portable tool case, remote temperature sensor, six-outlet power strip, USB adapter, tool box wax, casters and under roll-away accent lighting.


I have no idea why a fella would need an alarm clock or backlit Craftsman nameplates on his tool box, but I gotta admit the self closing drawers seem novel. I rekon if batman needed a tool box, the AXS might fit the bill.

It’s a new product and is already marked down to $494.99 (from $549.99), so I guess the batman market has proven to be a small one.


See Comments on the forum.

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N

nate379

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Same with phones. So hard to find one that just makes calls instead of 75 other features I don't care about.
 
D

Dragster Racer

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My shop is more about function than looks, so it doesn't have much draw for me. Nice looking though. I can think of some garages that it would be perfect in.
 
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R

Ryan

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Doug19 said:
The AXS line has been out for atleast a year maybe 2 and I still can't see why anyone would want one.
Click to expand...

Craftsman has this particular box marked as "new" on their site, but yeah - the AXS line has been out a while...
 
S

Stuey

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The AXS line has been mentioned in the forum and elsewhere several times. That particular is identical to the one that was initially released prior to September 2007.

Thw two most common criticisms is that the AXS storage units are built with too much plastic, too much "bling" and is way too costly for the storage space that you actually get.

I don't think that it's terriblem but it's also not great. There are different versions, including one with stripped-down features. No power strip, no lights, no thermometer. But they're special order and are never shown in stores. The only one on display is the stock titanium colored one.

Back when it was released, the AXS was being touted as a revolutionary storage unit, but it seems to have fell flat on its face.

Also, regarding Sears' pricing - it's all balogna - a marketing ploy.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00995468000P (No-frills model for >$100 less)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00959668000P (same thing at a different price)

Lastly, the "self-closing" feature isn't a bad idea, but it only serves to close the drawer fully once it's pushed in to within 1/2" of its completely closed position.
 
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A

Art From De Leon

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Sears must have picked some ex-Pontiac Aztek 'designers' to come up with that intepretation of a tool box.

The design isn't old enough to have inspired the creation of R2D2.

Add this to the long list of gimmicky tools brought to you by Sears, and Crapsman.:monkey_po:supergay::puke:
 
V

vette-kid

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I looked at them in the store...pretty cheap feeling if you ask me. I think the regular ball bearing line is way ahead of them in quality. Besides, I really dont need my tool box to tell me the time and temp....there are other items better suited to that.
 
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B

-B-

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ironroad 9c1 said:
Like cars nowadays ,Like the styling but it has too many options that I can't check off.
Click to expand...


:bowdown::beer::bowdown:

I wish cars could be pieced together like the way I build pro bikes.

tube frame chassis
choice of body panels : steel, Al, fiberglass, CF etc.
choice of braking systems
drive train components
suspensions
choice of interiors and options
 
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Ryan

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Stuey said:
The AXS line has been mentioned in the forum and elsewhere several times. That particular is identical to the one that was initially released prior to September 2007.

Thw two most common criticisms is that the AXS storage units are built with too much plastic, too much "bling" and is way too costly for the storage space that you actually get.

I don't think that it's terriblem but it's also not great. There are different versions, including one with stripped-down features. No power strip, no lights, no thermometer. But they're special order and are never shown in stores. The only one on display is the stock titanium colored one.

Back when it was released, the AXS was being touted as a revolutionary storage unit, but it seems to have fell flat on its face.

Also, regarding Sears' pricing - it's all balogna - a marketing ploy.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00995468000P (No-frills model for >$100 less)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00959668000P (same thing at a different price)

Lastly, the "self-closing" feature isn't a bad idea, but it only serves to close the drawer fully once it's pushed in to within 1/2" of its completely closed position.
Click to expand...

That there is good info.
 
M

makgreens

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-B- said:
:bowdown::beer::bowdown:

I wish cars could be pieced together like the way I build pro bikes.

tube frame chassis
choice of body panels : steel, Al, fiberglass, CF etc.
choice of braking systems
drive train components
suspensions
choice of interiors and options
Click to expand...

amen

i mean the kobalt chest with the fridge and cd player isnt that bad...i mean most people use both of those things....i guess craftsmen put toooo much thought into that series
 
S

Stuey

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Ryan said:
That there is good info.
Click to expand...
Thanks. It's still nice to be reminded of the AXS system, and it's curious to see whether our collective enthusiast perception will change over time.

As for the drawers being flimsy, I don't agree with that at all. Almost two years ago, I went around and fondled the demo models at at least two Sears locations. The drawers felt rock solid, no doubt a benefit from the partial plastic construction.

If the no-frills model were $100 cheaper, it would be taken more seriously. I'm really curious as to what the sales numbers look like.
 
B

bosskong

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That thing looks like something that a little kid would love to keep his toys in. My cheap piece of **** tool chest that came from Wal-Mart looks 100 times more heavy duty than that box. It reminds me of my Craftsman pressure washer wand that hooks up to an air compressor. It broke after about 1 minute of use. They were both probably made in the same factory in China.
 
H

hydramatic

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NAPA has a special on a rollcab and top box combo..899.00 plus tax...for tool storage vs the price...it`s nice.
 
U

Uncle Buck

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I am too old, and too old school to ever view anything like that as a suitable storage solution for my tools. Actually, I will admit, I do not consider any plastic boxes as toolboxes suitable for my needs. However, I am not talking about small boxes for holding your 1/4" sockets and the like, though if I have my preference I always use metal socket trays, or small metal boxes for that stuff as well, even if the boxes are old and used and I have to repaint them.

I have seen those combo sets at Sears, I would never have a desire for one of those, for any reason!
 
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Thedroid

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The only thing I liked about the AXS series was the drawer liner material. Check it out. It's nice and thick, and would really be nice if it was available by the roll.
 
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Stuey

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Jaguar Fan said:
^^^ +1 ^^^

I still don't understand the notion of an IM. To me, a phone call IS an instant message.
Click to expand...
IMs were big back when I was an undergrad, but now not so much. Texts fall into the same category.

They allow you to multitask, or fire off a quick message when you otherwise cannot make a call.

Let's say I'm in a conference or meeting and going to be late. I cannot exactly call my wife and tell her I'll be late. A quick push of several buttons, and she gets the message without my having to step outside. Granted it's still slightly impolite, but less so.

To check the day's weather, people used to look outside. Then they'd listen to the radio. Then people started watching the weather channel and morning shows. Now, everyone checks the weather online or via a widget on their desktop. I don't know how that's relevant, but it's going to be 80°C and sunny later today!
 
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moonpool145

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I'm new here but wanted to comment anyway. I dont need, or more importantly want a toolbox that tells me the time. My wife seems to do an outstanding job of that little task about every 15 minutes that I am in the shop. :bounce:
 
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JOHNMAN

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Stuey said:
Now, everyone checks the weather online or via a widget on their desktop. I don't know how that's relevant, but it's going to be 80°C and sunny later today!
Click to expand...

80°C !?!?!?!?


WOW, that's pretty warm!

Must be due to global warming.....


BTW, I do not care for the toolbox. I prefer my big red metal boxes.
 
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wfgibson

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Stuey said:
The AXS line has been mentioned in the forum and elsewhere several times. That particular is identical to the one that was initially released prior to September 2007.

Thw two most common criticisms is that the AXS storage units are built with too much plastic, too much "bling" and is way too costly for the storage space that you actually get.

I don't think that it's terriblem but it's also not great. There are different versions, including one with stripped-down features. No power strip, no lights, no thermometer. But they're special order and are never shown in stores. The only one on display is the stock titanium colored one.

Back when it was released, the AXS was being touted as a revolutionary storage unit, but it seems to have fell flat on its face.

Also, regarding Sears' pricing - it's all balogna - a marketing ploy.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00995468000P (No-frills model for >$100 less)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00959668000P (same thing at a different price)

Lastly, the "self-closing" feature isn't a bad idea, but it only serves to close the drawer fully once it's pushed in to within 1/2" of its completely closed position.
Click to expand...

The other one is not the same and the reason why it costs more is because it has Stainless Steal plating as apposed to the midnight blue plastic shell.
 
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rwhite692

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From the first time I saw the Craftsman AXS Box I knew it resembled something I'd seen before, but I couldn't figure out what...

And then, it hit me




2226528540011691741S500x500Q85.jpg



2889191580011691741S500x500Q85.jpg
 
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S

Stuey

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wfgibson said:
The other one is not the same and the reason why it costs more is because it has Stainless Steal plating as apposed to the midnight blue plastic shell.
Click to expand...
That's not stainless steel - it's powder coated.

You might be right though. I've only seen the titanium colored chest - the other colors and styles can only be custom ordered.
 
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rsanter

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just my opinion...
I dont like the look.
I am not impressed with the quality of them
I do not need the 'features' they have
the cost is out of line with what you get

their target market is the homeowner wannabees who sit them in their garage and never do much work. this is the same group that will buy the LOWES toolbox with the fridge in it

bob
 
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