I need some input on roll around tool boxes

[jfsawatzky]

Fyi, costco had a few other brands of tool of chests / boxes online but they are more expensive compared to their kirkland branded tool chests. As far as I know, only the Kirkland brand is instore to inspect. Let us know what you find / decide.

 

[jyoutz]

I don’t have a need for a roll around box, my stationary cabinets fit my needs. But I recently looked at at the Icon boxes at HF. I was impressed with the construction and hardware and would have no hesitation buying them. For large power tool cabinets I use surplus steel filing cabinets of various sizes. They are tough, cheap, and work well for large items such as power tools. But dedicated tool cabinets are what I use for mechanics tools.

 

[GSVette]

Take a look at the Home Depot Husky chests as well. I bought the 61” 18 drawer model a couple of years back. Pricing was better than the equivalent HF model (iirc) and waaaaay less than any similar Snap On ( new or used).

 

[rScotty]

I think that the quality required depends on how much use the tool boxes get. Are they for storage or to work out of?
Most machinists I know use their roll-arounds all day long. I'd say that they are as much for working out of as for storage. Usually specialized measuring and cutting tools. Some even have a little work area built into the front or top.

So for working out of, Every machinist I know uses Kennedy. Kennedy cabinets are almost a trademark of the profession. And they sure are nice cabinets with quality throughout, nice finish, and drawers that open 100%. Kennedy also sells parts for all their cabinets. Costly, but that's part of the profession.

Now if instead of working out of, if the cabinet is mostly for storing wrenches and such then just about any brand will do. I still like good quality ball-bearing drawers that open all the way.

It doesn't hurt to put soft drawer liners in. But they are surprisingly expensivel

 

[2manyrocks]

I've seen some comments that the Home Depot tool boxes are price competitive with HF when on sale.

 

[MF RED in MT]

If you can wait a little bit, Father's Day is coming in June & will have some big sales.

KC

 

[grsthegreat]

The only thing , besides hammers, that harbor freight sells and i like, are the US GENERAL tool boxes. They are made extremely strong and are very reliable. Great build quality. The rest of the store you can throw out

i almost thought i found another good product there….a case of different sized shrink wrap. But after buying it, i come to find it didnt have glue inside to actually be watertight when used. Took back to store. Years ago i purchased some job site GFCI outlets from them. They would not trip when tested, took one apart…no internal electronics.

 

[TimberFarm]

I've seen some comments that the Home Depot tool boxes are price competitive with HF when on sale.

I looked at HD before I bought the Harbor Freight.
Harbor Freight definitely heavier toolbox. I bought the Harbor Freight.

 

[JasperFrank]

Having a US General for the past five years, I don't like how shallow the draws are. If they where just 1/4 inch deeper, it would be perfect.

 

[jyoutz]

The only thing , besides hammers, that harbor freight sells and i like, are the US GENERAL tool boxes. They are made extremely strong and are very reliable. Great build quality. The rest of the store you can throw out

i almost thought i found another good product there….a case of different sized shrink wrap. But after buying it, i come to find it didnt have glue inside to actually be watertight when used. Took back to store. Years ago i purchased some job site GFCI outlets from them. They would not trip when tested, took one apart…no internal electronics.

I have had no problems with HF hand tools. I haven’t bought any of their power tools, but do have one of their air compressors that works well. HF air lines are junk however and crack prematurely.