Tool Chests: Tell Me The Good, Bad, and Ugly

[Phil3]

It is apparent I need more tool storage and the quickest, easiest, most effective way to do this is with a new tool chest. The one I have now is small and inadequate. I toyed with making my own wood drawers under the bench, but this may be more effort and cost than I am willing to do. What have others experienced with tool chests? Buy nice or bu twice, or will Home Depot or Lowe's Kobalt do? Sears, Craftsman? How about features? Any regrets or if you had to buy it over again, what might you do differently? Trying to get my home shop set up as best as I can, so looking for tips on tool storage and access.

Thanks.

Phil

 

[sic semper tyrannis]

I have found that Harbor Freights tool chests are really nice. Better than craftsman.

You really need to check out garagejournal.com, it is a great site.

I have the harbor freight model number 67831. It is a 26 " top and bottom. HUGE space.

 

[irishwoodsman]

i made trays for my bits out of scrap wood i had laying around that way you wont dull your bits by bumping into metal, my measuring tools i made a nice box for them and put carpet foam in the botton to set them in with their cases, i have a endless supply of wood and i have routers and bench so its kinda easey for me,2x6 makes a good cabnet for small tools like dogs boring bars centers or put wheels on them so you can move them around if need be:biggrin:

 

[DMS]

I got a craftsman one (top chest, and bottom cabinet) a little bit ago. Amazing how much stuff you can fit into those things. They turn up on Craigslist from time to time. Also remember that Waterloo makes all the cabinets for craftsmen, so they are basically the same in case you see a better deal on one.

I am of the "buy the best you can afford" school. I have never regretted spending too much on a tool. That being said... there I limits. I don't think I would go for a SnapOn cabinet; even used those things are a couple though US.

DMS

 

[pdentrem]

Are you talking chest or cabinet?

If you are going to put lots of tools and heavy stuff in drawers of a cabinet, spend the money for FULL SUSPENSION GLIDES. Quality cabinets will have this option and it is important. You can line the drawers with cloth, rubber etc.

Tools etc are heavy and expensive. I have a tool chest on top of a cabinet. When I want to move them from job site to home, I have to remove the drawers to remove the weight. And the chest is heavy enough just by itself. I also keep them in a secure area as +20k of tools would be a major pain to replace.

Today I would get a wide cabinet that gives me a work platform instead of storing a chest in that space. I would select a mix of thin drawers (2-3" high about 5-7) and medium 4" for rest except for 1 extra deep (6") as a minimum.

I would look at the better Craftsman units, Cromwell, Mactools and other makes in their top lines. Snapon is nice as well but overpriced compared to the rest, I would look at them last, but their catalogue will cause droll stains. In all cases you will be looking at 600 plus if new. There are deals out there for used just have to keep eyes open.

 

[DMS]

As far as the HF cabinets, stay away from the black one they always have on sale. Those are very thin sheet metal, non-roller bearings, not very well built. The larger red versions seemed real nice though, at least from the prodding I did in the store.

 

[sic semper tyrannis]

As far as the HF cabinets, stay away from the black one they always have on sale. Those are very thin sheet metal, non-roller bearings, not very well built. The larger red versions seemed real nice though, at least from the prodding I did in the store.

Exactly!!!

There was a gerstner 11 in mechanicsville va for 275 on craigslist.

I bought one with TONS of tools a little while back for a bit more.

Really fine box.

 

[kd4gij]

cant beat this one for the price. I have mine loaded with lats of heavy tools and the drawers still clide easy.

 

[bobbyjim]

Just bought a HF box (left) and I am happy with it. Cost $149.99 on sale, no coupon needed. Sheet metal is 14 gauge, has ball bearing drawers, 2 gas struts, locking drawers, sealed ball bearing wheels and weighs about 160 lbs. On the right is a Cornwell box given to me for free. Under the Cornwell is an old Kennedy box I bought at a yard sale with tools for $10.00. The roll around cart is a heavy duty American Made I found at a yard sale for $10.00. The cart with tools is what I use for working on my vehicles out back as it's easy to roll to the job.

Now I also have lots of Snap On boxes, Craftsman and more Kennedy but willn't pay the price either new or used unless there cheap.

If buying new I would look at the U.S. General line from HF. I think there one of the better buys in boxes today. And don't forget the 20% off coupon.

 

[12bolts]

The under bench drawers took a couple of days. Recycled 1" hardwood flooring, dovetailtailed fronts, and plywood bottoms. Commercial drawer runners and welded brackets under the bench to fit them to. Definately worth the effort.
Big ole pine box hanging from the roof that I made 30 years ago. Hinged lid, was made to sit on the ground but now mounted sideways and hinges up to be a huge overhead cupboard. Oak cabinet beneath that has vertical drawers that pull out and rotate to expose the contents.
Roll around trolly for my drilling and milling stuff is old bed frames, saved from the dump, with some commercial castors on the bottom. Plywood shelves.
Also have a couple of commercial tool chests and a heap of shelving on another wall in the shed. I like to use 20lt square plastic drums cut in half to make stackable trays to throw junk and off cuts into.

Cheers Phil