opinions for new tool box

smash59

Member
I have been researching new tool boxes for my shop. I have really outgrown the the one I have now. The ones on the tool trucks are out of the question. I have looked at lots of different ones online. The best one I have seen for the money is the 56in bottom roller chest from harbor freight for 800 dollars. I guess my thought is if I buy the bottom chest now and out grow it later, I can just buy the top chest for it. Just wondering what your guys have and use.
 
I'll second tractorkid on Menard's boxes. Up to 72". I'd like to get one someday. Masterforce is the name on them.
 
HF seems to be the best bang for the buck. I too am looking to 'upgrade'. My old Craftsman is too small,and the slides are worn out. The HF one has roller bearing drawers.A must In my opinion.
 
I shopped around and also settled on the HF 44". I like it a lot (at least once a year it goes on sale for 359 or less) but I later realized I have too many tools so I'm thinking I should have got the 56". A friend of mine got their 72" and really likes it.
 
I also like the Menards tool box. If you plan on moving your box to the work make sure you get one with some kind of latch on the drawers.
 
I just did the same thing. Outgrew my 20 yo craftsman with the slides and bought a Husky pro with ball bearings from Home depot for $450 plus tax. It has plenty of room to grow into, seems like a good sturdy unit, although I don't roll mine around the shop.
 
Try used.

If the dealer that hits your area is a decent guy he will have used trade ins. Actually he will have them the big question is will he sell to you? My local guy is, lets say not a decent guy and whenever I ask he just doesn't have anything. If that is your situation try dealers that have a different territory. Last one I bought I got from the dealer that owns the route in my area. $1500 for a 40 inch top and bottom. Like new, roller bearings on the top and thick drawers on bottom.

Last time I researched and bought I think someone told me there were only two companies making mid to upper end boxes. Snap-off and Waterloo. Waterloo makes for many other retailers, sears, Mac (I think) etc. So if something looks like the same as another brand it likely is.

jm2cw

jt
 
Medium to large tool boxes are also made by Lista International in Holliston, Mass. I know that because I delivered tops to them for many years.
 
Buy a Snap On it will last a life time & it is like money in the bank. Probably 40 years ago I spent thousands of $$$ on Snap ON tools & boxes & they are worth probably 3 or 4 times what I paid for them.
 
I have a brand new Montezuma from a Big R. Bought it at Christmas 2014. They were like 20% off, plus there was a huge sale on. $600 normally, I think I ended up paying $299?? Built REALLY well. 1 big drawer, 1 medium drawer, 4 little drawers, 1 medium drawer, in that order from bottom to top. Set the old half of the Craftsman we had in the shop on top of it.

I love the Montezuma, plus, it's black, so it isn't partial to ANY tractor brand! :p
 
About 5yrs ago got a Menards Mastercraft and so far no complaints!!! My old one was a Snap-On and granted was (is yet 40 yr old, just out grew it)a very good box but for the money the Mastercraft is quite comparable am very satisfied with it, rolls good and drawers open and close very nicely!!!
 
I think in the "reasonably priced" category, harbor freight is hard to beat. Although I just went with the 52" Husky from Home Depot. They're about equal in quality I think.

It's nice looking, not that looks really matter much in a tool chest, but - doesn't hurt.

It's built pretty well, especially for the price.

If I had to complain about anything, the drawers could be a little deeper (front to back I mean, not height). But for 600 bucks for a top and bottom, including all drawer liners - I could buy another whole cabinet and still be saving money over a lot of other options out there.

It's only 6 months old, so time will tell how it holds up. But as of right now, I'm happy with it.
 
That 56" from HF is on sale for $699 until the end of the month. I think those US General tool boxes are about the best for the money. I did a lot of looking for a long time, and finally bought the 44" US General bottom, then a little later on CL I found the top for $100 never used. Now I want the 72" for other tools. Just waiting on a good sale.
 
Home D has a 46" Milwaukee 16 draw top and bottom set for 700. 100lbs ball bearing slides and 1800 lbs. capacity. I haven't look at it but has good reviews online.
 
I forgot to add that the $699 sale price is with the coupon out of the January mailer. I would send you a copy of the coupon if my printer, copier, scanner wasn't shot. Maybe someone else on here can do it for you. For more info on US general tool boxes, go to the Garage Journal website. There is a lot of info there, if you are interested.
 
Also the same boxes as sold by the Deere dealers. I have a 72" Masterforce bottom box, it works well for me. Two 36" top chests are on my wish list - you can never have too much toolbox! When I was running a service truck it had the Masterforce boxes in it. They held up well, but had the older friction style drawer latches that left something to be desired. The larger HF boxes also look like a decent deal, but the local store never has any in stock, they expect you to order them and pay shipping, which is why I went with Menards. It is worth watching Menards sales if you go that route.
 
A cheap box just will not do it for me. I have Mac and Snap-on all brought at my price new and used. I also have a Stanley Vidmar 15 drawer 5' X45 X32 for storage I picked up from a add in local newspaper. They are great storage box's I am always looking for another at a deal..

https://www.google.com/search?q=sta...Xu7OTgcXKAhWIRyYKHZ_UDdUQ_AUIBygC&dpr=1.1

The markup on GOOD toolboxes is astronomical, which is why you are always amazed at how much you can get for your old box when you trade up.

I also keep a eye out for these they are heavy have roller drawers and can be cut in two are three are what ever to build custom storage...

https://www.google.com/search?q=art...ved=0ahUKEwj0yMe1hcXKAhUJSCYKHTKIADIQ_AUIBigB
 
I am not a mechanic, just a homeowner. When I out grew my Craftsman chest and box, I bought one from Sams Club for $600 10 years ago. Couldn't be happier with it. Very similar to the 44" combination that Harbor Freight sells for +-$700. If I was doing it again for myself, that is the way I would go. Used Mac or Snap-on would be nice, but good luck finding a top and bottom for that price that hasn't been run over by a truck. As far as strength, I know I have over 1000# in mine and all the drawers work perfect and it rolls easily.
 
Hobo,NC:

I have one of those large single drawer Steelmaster cabinets. It was given to me by my neighbor shortly after he moved in, it had been left
behind by the previous property owner. It is one really heavy-duty drawer & cabinet, and with proper care should last SEVERAL LIFETIMES .
 

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