Tool Storage Recommendations and Feedback

[fireant911]

As I am sure that many others here have experienced, I have found my tool storage lacking after buying my car. My current Craftsman tool chest is 'oozing' over and it is time to obtain some additional storage. I went to our closest Sam's Club (Birmingham, AL) earlier this week and saw this particular stainless steel tool chest (41" steelglide) distributed by CSPS Metal, Inc. Its dimensions are 41"W X 18"D X 61"H which is a monster - it weighs in a 379.19 lbs!. The price, although not really in my budget, was $635 yet this price was considerably more realistic than other tool chests that I have seen of roughly the same size. CSPS supplies both Sam's Club and Costco with similiar tool chests. After closely examining this chest for a good 30 minutes it appears that it is rather sturdy and well constructed. Has anyone had any experience with CSPS stainless steel tool chests? Any feedback about these tool chests will be greatly appreciated.

http://www.cspsmetal.com/index.cfm?pg=categories&fldr=products&cid=2&show=true

From the description:
These 14 drawer tool chests are constructed using top quality precision laser cutting with reinforced double-wall side panels. The uniformed wide drawers allow ample storage space. Made with the best, 18 gauges, grade 304 stainless steel constructions these tool chests are not only built to last.

Features:

All Grade 304 stainless steel 14 drawer unit
State-of-the-art laser cut and seamless welded assembly
Double wall for reinforced construction
Two extra-smooth hydraulic lifts for top lid
Full length stainless steel staked piano hinge on top lid
Heavy-duty full extension ball bearing drawer slides with 120lb. capacity per drawer
Keyed security locks
Full-size non-slip drawer liners included
Smooth glided roller bearing swivel casters are rated at 525lb. each
All swivel casters, two with locks

[vlocci]

Daryl,

I picked up my first CSPS from Costco probably 4 years back after a break in that resulted in the loss of a lifetimes collection of snap on tools and boxes. Been a workhorse from day one, without a glitch. I picked up a second probably a year ago which is also holding up just great. Both are Packed to the gills with all sorts of stuff and are holding up fine. Managed to break a lock, but I fault myself more than the box. Easily replaced for a whopping 5 or 10 bucks.

I say go for it. Compared to my snap on boxes I see little difference. Nice slides, great casters, and they look kinda cool. Leaps and bounds above sears craftsman (waterloo?) boxes.

Vin

[AFJuvat]

I have one, see pictures of it here:

Pictures of Toyland

I use mine professionally - I've had no problems or issues with it. It comes with a 1 year warrenty. I had 2 drawer pulls replaced when I first got it because they were scratched. - they 2nd day air UPS'd them to me - No charge.

The hinges are steel - you do need to keep them oiled up.

A great buy - well worth the investment.

AFJuvat

[RickM]

The tool you mention is beautiful. I agree it's a bargain for the features and quality.

A nice addition are the very inexpensive wrench and socket organizers that are offered by Harbor Freight. They come in different configurations and some can be modified. Very inexpensive as well.

[pwd72s]

Their 31" slant would serve my needs, I think. Anybody here belong to COSTCO? When there visiting with a friend, they had the 41" model there for $650...the CSPS site says COSTCO carries the 31" slant, but I didn't see one. So, if I join COSTCO, they'd order what I want?

[fireant911]

Vin, AFJuvat, & Rick,
Thanks for the replys. After I saw such favorable feedback I went and picked up this massive unit this afternoon. I am awaiting the daughter's boyfriend to come over and help set the top shelf to the bottom. I will definitely be ordering those socket and wrench organizers from Harbor Freight so that everything is situated in an orderly fashion. This is truly an amazing tool storage unit!!!

I'll post a picture tomorrow of the new addition to my garage.

[pwd72s]

cool Daryl...I'll stay tuned. I've been thinking of a rollaway for years, since I have small tool boxes scattered all over the place. Just never could make up my mind on which rollaway. Your thread may have helped me.

[red-beard]

I have the slant version. The straight version I think will hold more tools. I haven't seen the slant version for several months in the store.

It is great. I am buying a craftsman workbench and cabinet next.

[campbellcj]

Kind of a dumb question, but do these huge, heavy roller chests have good caster-brakes or some other means to keep them put when you're not rolling 'em?

Also, are they relatively easy to control when rolling around in the garage?

I'm gonna redo my garage sometime soon but I'm not convinced that I need a roller chest vs. some nice mounted cabinets, pegboards, and lots of drawers. I'd hate to have 1000lbs of steel crash into the side of a car or run over the dog or something...

[red-beard]

They have caster locks. But your point is well taken.

[ErVikingo]

pwd: you can buy them at costco.com (I think) but you then pay shipping charges...

[red-beard]

I seem to remember the unit costing $399 or so at Costco. No shipping needed.

[vash]

that costco unit is huge. my friend bought one, and we actually poured a small concrete pad in the garage to form a level surface for the thing to sit on. which compounded the problem that it is a bit tall for my friend. very heavy.

me i am paranoid, i didnt want anything that tall in the earthquake friendly bay area. i elected to use two top cabinets from craftman. if i do it again, and i will (i am running out of space) i am gonna get a huge bottom cabinet so i can use the top as a worksurface. maybe keep one of my tops and offset it to the side.

[fireant911]

As promised, here is a picture of the beast!!! I will not be running out of tool storage for a while...

[makaio]

Daryl, what was the price on that beauty? I think I'm going to source one.

[fireant911]

Matt,
The price was $636.88 at Sam's Club without tax. I did a little looking around via the internet and along with some favorable recommendations from some other Pelicans, I was able to quickly convience myself that this was truly a wise purchase at this cost.