Crazy cheap tool storage

[A930Rocket]

I had a collection of three Craftsmen toolboxes, with the top and bottom box, not having the ball bearings. Only the middle box had bearings. I’m 6’ - 4” and had to stand on a milk crate to get to my sockets in the top box.

After selling our last house about three years ago, I bought a barely used 72” Matco toolbox for $2K. Crazy money, but it’s a lifetime investment. I think new off the truck, it was $4-5K. Then, paid stupid money to get thinner drawers to replace taller drawers, for more tools.

It’s been a great toolbox, and will definitely outlive me.

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

Agree. The Husky and Kobalt rollers look the same, but a different finish on the drawer handle. The Kobalt ones are sturdier.

It is a good thing I bought the Lowe's stuff this past weekend. The Craftsman 2000 series roller was half off, $154, now only $20 off so, $289. The Kobalt top box was half off at $119, now $60 off, so $179.

[pwd72s]

Actually, at $2K, A 930's Matco box was a steal...good job on the drawer additions.

(edit) My 3 chest 26" Craftsman set looks a lot like that craftsman set, only mine are all "ball bearing griplatch" in blue. Too tall, really. All closed up, on the rollers, 67" high. I made sure that the top drawer of the bottom "rollaway" chest was deep enough to hold long sockets upright on rails, so at least I have that going...still, if I had it to do over? Wider & lower, for sure. But at age 80, and not wrenching much now, just doesn't make sense to upgrade.

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Actually, at $2K, A 930's Matco box was a steal...good job on the drawer additions.

The initial $2k was a good deal. The second $2K for replacement drawers and sliders wasn't. That said, I’m very happy with it.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

The initial $2k was a good deal. The second $2K for replacement drawers and sliders wasn't. That said, I’m very happy with it.

Ouch! Kind of like a "bargain" used Porsche then...a bargain until you buy parts. Lesson here is that if you're looking at a used tool truck toolbox, it's best if it's already configured to fit your needs.

But then, no drawer mod options with the big box store brands. So, my advice to anybody about to buy is to look, measure, and compare a lot before buying. It's best if you can store your most frequently used tools in easy to reach & see into drawers. One thing I did really luck out on was that the (waist high) top drawer of the rollaway was the right depth for holding rows of sockets, both tall and standard, upright on rails. What made me decide to buy was the ball bearing slides and the griplatch that prevented drawers from opening without locking the unit.

But...like I said, now wish I'd gone both wider and lower, with more storage. No real complaints about the old USA made Craftsman quality. The box has held up well for me. No idea on how well the current made in China Craftsman branded boxes work or will hold up...

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

I'm glad they don't ship to Hawaii. Over the past 30 days, I bought a Husky 5 drawer roller cabinet, a Husky top and bottom chest from Home Depot, and a Craftsman 2000 series 5 drawer roller cabinet and a Kobalt 4 drawer with hutch top cabinet from Lowe's. I went a little nuts. Still waiting on my utility cart from Amazon.

Awaiting reviews of all once they've been in use for a while...

[Baz]

I missed out on that HF clearance deal. I have some nice Craftsman chests in the garage but was thinking about getting another for my motorcycle "shop".

Been checking CL and FBMP and even eBay. I love some of the used ones that come with tools in them. Saw one today for $300 that was loaded with all kinds of tools in a decent looking 7 drawer cabinet. The things is I'm in pretty good shape for tools right now so I held off on that one.

I finally pulled the trigger on this one on Amazon for $159.99 + tax, delivered.

Goplus Tool Chest, 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Storage Cabinet with Detachable Top Tool Box, Liner, Universal Lockable Wheels, Adjustable Shelf, Locking Mechanism, Metal Tool Cart for Garage Workshop

I think it will serve the purpose while not breaking the bank....

[pwd72s]

Baz, hope I'm wrong on this. But after reading specs and watching the video, I'm afraid you're going to find out those are not ball bearing drawer slides, but the old style friction type.

[Zeke]

It clearly shows no bearing guides. It's a cheap tool box but all some folks need. I have some that are beat to death, have been in trailers and sometimes the tracks disengage. Well, they still hold tools. Over weighting them is the main issue.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Baz, hope I'm wrong on this. But after reading specs and watching the video, I'm afraid you're going to find out those are not ball bearing drawer slides, but the old style friction type.

Originally Posted by Zeke

It clearly shows no bearing guides. It's a cheap tool box but all some folks need. I have some that are beat to death, have been in trailers and sometimes the tracks disengage. Well, they still hold tools. Over weighting them is the main issue.

Milt hits the nail on the head.

I don't need ball bearing slides for this application.

Motorcycle tools are pretty much all light weight.

Even the hammer I use occasionally is not a "full size" one.

But thanks for the observation, Paul......

[WPOZZZ]

Are you getting the 5 drawer model? I saw those and on the 6 drawer, the top cabinet fits underneath, but you can't open the lid because the drawer is in the way.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

Are you getting the 5 drawer model? I saw those and on the 6 drawer, the top cabinet fits underneath, but you can't open the lid because the drawer is in the way.

Getting the one in the photo.....the 5 drawer.

Will use the bottom to hold stuff like oils, lubricants, cleaners, etc.....

[Baz]

Have not assembled my new tool box yet. Maybe tomorrow or Monday.

In the meantime this one just showed up on FB MP. $75! I messaged the seller I would take it. Hopefully he gets back to me.

Craftsman 9-Draw Tool Box Chest… All the drawers operate as they should and the wheels have no issues… I had this box since about 1985 and it’s very good condition as you can see in the photos

[Rusty Heap]

Here's my answer for Tool Storage.............

[pwd72s]

Baz, Hell of a deal. Hopefully he also has the key? If not, new locks available aftermarket... Hell, I hardly ever lock mine..the set up in a locked & alarmed garage. Anyway, hope you get it...

Hmmm, Rusty must just lay the tools on the floor?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Baz, Hell of a deal. Hopefully he also has the key? If not, new locks available aftermarket... Hell, I hardly ever lock mine..the set up in a locked & alarmed garage. Anyway, hope you get it...

Hmmm, Rusty must just lay the tools on the floor?

The seller never got back to me.

The ad has now been removed, so it's gone. Was only 4 hours old when I messaged him.

Oh well......I scored a table this morning just around the block so there's that.....

[pwd72s]

Too bad..that Craftsman box probably sold for around $350 new.

[Flatbutt1]

The only problem I have with new tool boxes is the fact that I feel compelled to fill them. I don't like empty drawers.

[cjh]

I hate overfilling them.

[URY914]

I have that exact same 9 drawer box in my shop today. Starting to show it's age but still working well.