Lately I've been looking to upgrade my tool box since I'm moving to a place with a bigger shop (40X60). I have a Sears 27" box right now, and I'm thinking of adding a 41" box. I thought I'd put all the metric stuff in the 27" box, and move all my standard stuff to the big box. So, with that being said, I started looking around. Here are my current options and I thought I would get your opinions. My budget is less than $1500, so no Snap On/Mac Boxes for me. I don't really want used.

1. Harbor Freight Box - Yes, I know. But I can get a pretty good sized box for around $700. Here a look: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90320

2. Tractor Supply - Here local and a little more money than HF. Around $850. Seems like OK stuff.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_28913_______14151%7C142 13%7C14218%7C28913?listingPage=true

3. Sears - I have a Sears box now, and I like it. Most expensive option. Around $1200.

4. www.strictlytoolboxes.com (http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com) - I've never heard of this place, but they sure seem to have good prices on big boxes. Anybody ever used them?

Any other options I'm missing?

I've had the Harbor Freight box for about 5 years and it is an excellent box for the price. They have a top chest for $299.00.

keep an eyeball on Cragslist, too. I got my current box, a 3 piece Craftsman, for around $200 in brand new condition.

I have a Mac mb1100 measures 44 wide 21 deep 41 tall 7 drawers roller bearings on the drawers paint is scratched up and has many stickers but its solid and not bent. I would sell it to you for $750 but shipping it would suck. I bought a Snap on pit wagon. If you see a local tool truck riding around chase him down, they always have trade in boxes at good deals.

keep an eyeball on Cragslist, too. I got my current box, a 3 piece Craftsman, for around $200 in brand new condition.

Yea, lots of 27", not much in the 41" range.

Check these out...

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=tool%20box&Nty=1&D=tool%20box&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial

Big D

I like the ones from www.cspsmetal.com (http://www.cspsmetal.com/)

I like the ones from www.cspsmetal.com (http://www.cspsmetal.com)

Where are those bought? Do you have a link with prices?

Not meaning to hijack the thread but my son is going to college next year and needs a box and tools. any brands to stay away from? I'm thinking of Craftsman because most of mine are that but we're open for others.

Where are those bought? Do you have a link with prices?
I got mine at Sams Club and Costco..
Whats wierd is if they dont have it in the store you can order it online for either places from their web site and they will deliver it also free.
I got 47" from sams club about 2 years ago and it cost me $750.00 all stainless steel and comes with liners for the drawers. I like mine and have zero problems with it. My box is slap full of tools (http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z238/1badss396/Tools/)

The Husky boxes at HomeDepot look very nice. I've checked them out. Solid boxes with Ballbearing drawers. They are always having sales and specials on these.
11 drawer chest (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100624579&categoryID=500454)
8 drawer upper chest. (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100624580&categoryID=500454)

Jeff here is one at sam's only $687.73 (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=348961)
Its a brute one.
http://graphics.samsclub.com/images/products/0471097720411_LG.jpg (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=2&item=348961)
http://graphics.samsclub.com/images/products/0471097720411_L2.jpg
file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/1BADSS%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg

Do you like the wide drawers on every level? I thought I might like the smaller drawers on the top to break up some of the storage. I've seen that box at Sams, and it does look like a good deal. That www.strictlytoolboxes.com (http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com) is interesting too, but I would like to find someone that has dealt with them.

The Husky boxes at HomeDepot look very nice. I've checked them out. Solid boxes with Ballbearing drawers. They are always having sales and specials on these.
11 drawer chest (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100624579&categoryID=500454)
8 drawer upper chest. (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100624580&categoryID=500454)

HD is in the mix too. I think the Lowe's boxer were too hight, but those are pretty nice. Comparable to the boxes in Sears. I saw one on clearance a few weeks ago, but it was gone when I went back with the truck. :sad:

What is it about nice tool boxes?!! Man, I just get all happy when I see one, must be in the blood or something. When I'm walking through Sears or Costco with the wife and I see tools, toolboxes, etc, she just writes me off for a while :D. Just looking at these posts makes me think, "I need a new one don't I?"

What is it about nice tool boxes?!! Man, I just get all happy when I see one, must be in the blood or something. When I'm walking through Sears or Costco with the wife and I see tools, toolboxes, etc, she just writes me off for a while :D. Just looking at these posts makes me think, "I need a new one don't I?"

Me too!!!:hurray::D:thumbsup::beers:

Goes to Lowes and check out this one. I have one and love it. AT $690. it's a deal.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=244961-56096-TRXK11426B&lpage=none

http://images.lowes.com/product/721615/721615152501.jpg

The guys at work who went out and bought the Sams SS Boxes were real dissapointed. Not 1 BOX IS LEFT, they are junk and can't handle the weight. Casters bent up on the bottom of the box and started to wobble. Then it just got worse from there, drawers not opening and rails bending. JUNK. You get what you pay for and the box is no exception. Look for a larger used box or find a quality cabinet system that you like. I had my Father Inlaw build one cabinet that has rollers and 3 drawers for drills, circular saws, saber saws, and large power tools. Stop by a body shop or repair shop by your house and ask who the tool reps are. Find the BIGGEST AND BEST QUALITY box out there. With your new shop also look for some used pallet racking for storage. They can be moved and changed as needed while being able to hold the weight. Mine is filled top to bottom and loaded HEAVY ask any members who have been here.

I bought the 3 pieces from Harbor Freight on sale was about 800. I love it couldn't be happier. Every drawer is full and after two years still work smooth. It gets used everyday.
One bad thing is finish, it is a flat crinkle and is impossible to clean but my gets paint overspray/ buffing compound etc. In my opinion, I thought it was made out of heaver metal and the drawers worked smoother. It's heavy enough, had to take it off the truck with the cherry picker.
Bill

Bad Brad knows all.
That big blue box is calling me. My box is stuffed with goodies that need room to look pretty.

I use Craftsman in my shop. Good boxes that last for years. When my Snap On dealer tries to sell me one of his, I tell him I'd rather have a several hundred dollar box with five thousand dollars worth of tools than the other way around.

I have a nice used Matco 3 bay at work. I work as a tech for a living so naturally I use that as it was a great deal and was used, yet very well cared for. Snap On had a deal last year that when you bought a certain model tool box you got the 3000 dollar hutch with it for free. Thought that was a great deal at the time but was still paying the Matco off. Our local Snap On guy said he would offer me the same thing if I wanted to do it so I ordered it. Ill even end up getting twice of what I paid for this Matco box for it so it wont be much out of my pocket after all is said and done.

But enough rambling. Before I got the Matco box, was asked many times if I was intrested in trading in my Craftsman 2 bay box that they have been selling for many years now. I started out with this box and just havent had the heart to get rid of it and brought it home to use in my home garage. Very sturdy although I did have to replace a couple of drawer slides a few years ago. I have the classic red and black colored and didnt want my box saying "ball bearing equipped" on it, yet got all ball bearing drawers with it.

In a nutshell, I would suggest a nice craftsman box. You could try seeing whats out there in a nice high quality box from one of the big 3 (matco, Snappy, Mac). Some of the smaller series boxes have plenty of room and are almost always well cared for by retired guys, young guys looking to upgrade, etc. There are a lot of deals in your price range for those too. Used is not always a bad thing when the expensive boxes come to mind considering how well thier owners take care of them.

The Husky boxes at HomeDepot look very nice. I've checked them out. Solid boxes with Ballbearing drawers. They are always having sales and specials on these.
11 drawer chest (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100624579&categoryID=500454)
8 drawer upper chest. (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100624580&categoryID=500454)

I have a Husky box from Home Depot. I think I paid around $1100 for both pieces (top & bottom) three years ago. I had been shopping for some time and was partial to the Craftsman boxes untill I checked out the Husky. Great quality and cheaper than anything in its class, and it came with all the drawer liners!

Dave

I am retired not much cash, So I bought a SEARS Wheelbarrow. Fine unit for tools, Just roll it to the job. Hang the shop light on the handle.
And when my wife gets drunk with the neighbor lady, I dump the tools from the wheelborrow and bring the wife home in in.
Wheelbarrows are a multi tasking piece of equipement, It can do a lot of work for you, Other than hold tools
You can also use it for a bathtub to wash the dog. Many , Many uses for a Wheelbarrow.
When my tractor quits running I just put some tools in my wheelbarrow, And go to the tractor, Did you ever try rolling a big Snap-On or Matco Box through the yard ? Gota go time for my medicine !!!
Bob

I loved my matco when I owned my own shop now I use a Kennedy box check them out they make the boxes for sears and a few other companies out there with brand names they always have scratch and dents in stock for way less. just my 2 cents heres a link to there web site.
http://www.kennedymfg.com/index.html

I started out with a cheap 3 stack craftsman tool box. It worked great for home but got real small when I started wrenching for a living. I then movined up to a bigger top/bottom set up. Still too small so I moved up to a Craftsman roll away similar to the blue one shown above. Outgrew that real quick and got my Snap on 2 bay. Out grew that and added a side cab to convert it to a 3 bay. It`s getting fuller but I manage to find room for stuff. bigger specialty tools are harder to store so my next purchase box wise will be a hutch and maybe a top cabinet for the hutch to put the bigger specialty stuff in. I work on bikes so I can only imagine howe big my box would need to be to fit all the tools for late model cars. For home i have a Bluepoint (Snap on brand) 4 drawer cart with bolt on 7 drawer side cab. Works ok for home...so far.

Lately I've been looking to upgrade my tool box since I'm moving to a place with a bigger shop (40X60).

2. Tractor Supply - Here local and a little more money than HF. Around $850. Seems like OK stuff.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_28913_______14151%7C142 13%7C14218%7C28913?listingPage=true

Any other options I'm missing?

What is wrong Jeff your milk crates not working for you anymore?

I have the 40" Masterhand top box from Tractor Supply at work and I like it. I'm thinking of getting the bottom box for the barn so I don't have to keep shuttling tools to and from the garage to the barn.

Thanks for all the ideas so far. I really like this one:
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/Products.aspx?product=1420&detail=1&page=1&orderby=dprice&sc=1066&perpage=10

But, I'm a little nervous sending my money to some small internet company.

You can also check with your local Snap on, Mac, Cornwell, Matco tools dealer and see what they have for used inventory since most of them will take used boxes on trade for a new one. You may find a decent price on a nice box. I like the Sams club box the best though. Nearly bought one. But my Brother in law is a Matco tools dealer and got me a good deal on a Lil bull box which is a bit small in size, but it still holds all of the tools I have thus far.

I have a Matco 3 bay stainless steel top with hutch that I like very well. I used to have a stacked Mac that looked similar in size to the one that you are considering. While it was a good box I didn't like not being able to see whats in the top chest very well. May not be an issue for you.. I like the ss top as it can double as a workbench..

I am retired not much cash, So I bought a SEARS Wheelbarrow. Fine unit for tools, Just roll it to the job. Hang the shop light on the handle.
And when my wife gets drunk with the neighbor lady, I dump the tools from the wheelborrow and bring the wife home in in.
Wheelbarrows are a multi tasking piece of equipement, It can do a lot of work for you, Other than hold tools
You can also use it for a bathtub to wash the dog. Many , Many uses for a Wheelbarrow.
When my tractor quits running I just put some tools in my wheelbarrow, And go to the tractor, Did you ever try rolling a big Snap-On or Matco Box through the yard ? Gota go time for my medicine !!!
Bob

Bob, You are doing what my Grandfather did! All the tools were hung in the well house on nails and hooks on the wooden wall. When it came time to work on something he put the tools he thought he needed in the wheel barrow and off we went.
I haven't seen anyone do this in years (about 30 yrs actually).

Ron

I am retired not much cash, So I bought a SEARS Wheelbarrow. Fine unit for tools, Just roll it to the job. Hang the shop light on the handle.
And when my wife gets drunk with the neighbor lady, I dump the tools from the wheelborrow and bring the wife home in in.
Wheelbarrows are a multi tasking piece of equipement, It can do a lot of work for you, Other than hold tools
You can also use it for a bathtub to wash the dog. Many , Many uses for a Wheelbarrow.
When my tractor quits running I just put some tools in my wheelbarrow, And go to the tractor, Did you ever try rolling a big Snap-On or Matco Box through the yard ? Gota go time for my medicine !!!
Bob

Bob: You're the man!!!!!! better double up on those meds though.

As far as the boxes go I have the Harbor Freight box which I use at work. Its just fine. Of course I don't have it overloaded with thousands of pounds of stuff. If I start running out of room I'll go buy a second one and still be $4,500.00 ahead of the game. Your tools don't care what kind of box they're in. Most boxes get rolled to one spot and stay there the rest of their lives, mine gets moved every work day and is holding up just fine. As already stated I would rather put the money in the tools instead of the box.

Thanks for all the ideas so far. I really like this one:
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/Products.aspx?product=1420&detail=1&page=1&orderby=dprice&sc=1066&perpage=10

But, I'm a little nervous sending my money to some small internet company.


Jeff,
Get the Masterhand from Tractor Supply... That way "WHEN" you do get to working on your Chevelles you will have more money left over from a less exspensive tool box... :D

When is the moving date? I need you to live closer to me so I can "borrow" tools and then you won't need such a big tool box... :D

I never have left over money JR. My wife takes care of that.:D

I'm thinking of just getting a roller and using the top for a bench. Never really thought of it until it was mentioned here! Thanks all!

I have 2 of the large ones that Husky sells which you can get at home depot. I think each of them were around 1000.00. They work good, have different size drawers and do the same job my Snapon box use to do but I no longer turn wrenches for a living. Lots of options out there.