Tool Chests

[phylodog]

I've been thinking about consolidating my tools into one big chest. I currently tools divided into five smaller boxes cluttering up the counter tops in my garage as well as drawers and one of the cabinets. I don't mind having tools in the drawers but they're a bit overloaded and the cabinets are cheap I'd really like to clear the counter tops so I'd have more room for activities & such so I'm thinking about one of the ginormous tool chests they sell at the big box stores. Here's a pic of what I'm working with now.

Yes, it's messy. It's always messy. When I clean/organize it get messy again almost immediately. I prefer working with my hands rather than organizing with them lol. More counter top space = more room for messy.

Looking for suggestions or recommendations on what is or is not worth the money. I'm not looking to spend more than $1000 so Mac & Snap On aren't options. I've looked (online) at the options from Lowes, Home Depot & Harbor Freight. We have a big Husky box at work which seems to be pretty nice. Having an option to hang side boxes off of it later on would be a big plus since I have a bit of a problem collecting tools, casters are a requirement. Anyone have experience(s) positive or negative to share?

 

[boogieman]

For the money the General brand from Harbour Freight cannot be beat. They are heavier, smoother, cheaper and just better than the other brands. The 27" I'm not a fan of but the 44" and larger are the only way to go. I've never had any kind of problem out of them. I have done mechanic work my entire life and now that is the only chest I would buy.

 

[yeti rider]

I have this for home use. No complaints. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...t-Set-Red-and-Black-48-22-8510-8520/206126307

 

[dieselmudder]

The harbor freight are surprisingly good. Don't hesitate to go that route, or browse Craigslist for used craftsman.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

 

[Skullglide]

I have the 56” masterforce from Menards the top and bottom. Had it for 5 years, I use it a lot and very good quality.

 

[4sarge]

I have the 56” masterforce from Menards the top and bottom. Had it for 5 years, I use it a lot and very good quality.

I've had good luck with Menard's. Buy it on sale or the Harbor Freight

 

[halfmileharry]

One of the boys that worked for me bought the big Kobalt boxes for a great price of $1,200 for the pair on sale.
Stainless models, got the charging station, stereo, clock,etc all factory.
I helped him professionally install a coffee maker with auto water feed. and we put on a clothes locker on the side as well.
It worked out very nicely.
Stainless is good to keep shiny with Old English Lemon oil.
I'm not a Kobalt fan but they were nice boxes for the money

 

[IndyDave1776]

The Harbor Freight boxes have held up remarkably well in our shop, especially given the amount of handling they receive from people who could tear up an anvil.

 

[thunderchicken]

Are you storing those tools in your garage or your kitchen? If you have room go pick up a tool cabinet from Harbor Freight their General tool storage line is good quality. Regardless, it will open up the counter tops to be used as work benches...and cluttered with tools as you leave them out

 

[bigbaloo95]

I was very impressed with the harbor freight brand tool boxes. I am planning on going to one large box myself. These and the craftsman professional line have made it to the top of my list. Snap On is nice (my son has a very nice one) but not using them professionally I cannot justify the price. I think the craftsman boxes are a little better quality but the harbor freight wins on price by a fairly large margin.

 

[phylodog]

Thanks Gents. Glad to see the HF stuff so highly regarded. Online reviews are pretty good as well.

 

[foszoe]

One Word....Ball Bearing Drawers

Other than that, It's a cabinet ... can't really get a "bad one" as long as your stuff fits just make sure it has

Ball Bearing Drawers

 

[aclark]

I just got a Kobalt brand chest from Lowe’s the other day, 2000 series. For some reason the red one still had the Black Friday price tag on it according to the employee. They still honored the price so I ended up paying about $450 rather than $618. It’s think sheet metal, but ball-bearing drawers, not quite as nice as the $2000 “pro series” but enough for my tools in the garage.

Top
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-2000-...-Ball-bearing-Steel-Tool-Chest-Red/1000321899
bottom
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-2000-...all-bearing-Steel-Tool-Cabinet-Red/1000325203

 

[Fordtough25]

I'm still rocking a Craftsman setup, going strong! Sounds like the HF setup is good to go though, prob can't be beat for the $$

 

[IndyDave1776]

Not only are they durable, but the HF boxes have ball bearings and locks on the drawers that are set up to manipulate with your fingertip which are very convenient to use as you take hold of the drawer pull.

 

[littletommy]

I have a General brand from harbor freight, a couple of the large roll around chests from menards, a Cobalt brand from lowes, and a counter top husky chest from Home Depot. My least favorite, and most expensive one is the Cobalt, drawers won’t stay all the way closed, and the plastic inserts in the grab handles slide from side to side like cheap crap. Love the General brand and the big roll around from Menards, never an issue with any of them. I’d say, for your needs, harbor freight would be the way to go unless Menards has a killer deal going on, then it’s a wash.

 

[Trigger Time]

LOL If that's messy then my garage is a train wreck. I need to hire someone to come clean it out. Then stop buying **** ill never use

 

[speedracer302]

I never purchased a new tool box. It seems there are always enough people changing careers or need cash for one reason or another that I can get a high quality box at 50% of the new cost.

The last box I bought was from a Mac tool truck and it was a turn in from someone that had upgraded. All they wanted to do was get it off the truck. Needless to say, I got a great box for a great price.

There are a lot of deals around for tool boxes.

 

[halfmileharry]

LOL If that's messy then my garage is a train wreck. I need to hire someone to come clean it out. Then stop buying **** ill never use

That is NOT the INGO way my friend.

 

[chocktaw2]

https://www.ruralking.com/tools/tool-boxes-cabinets-and-benches/tool-chests.html