Tool box question.

[UP Guy]

I'm struggling with trying to find a good value on a stand up rolling type tool box. I'm an average do it your self-er and don't need anything real expensive. There are so many brands and types and varying prices that I'm flooded with choices. Do you guys have any suggestions on a box that has worked out good for yourself. My tools are in small boxes spread all over the darn garage and I want to get everything organized and in one place. Thank you in advance...

 

[BHD]

Years ago I bought a medium priced sears unit,
a few years ago to add on I bought some from home depot,

I have one of the cheap units that is smaller and has a panel door on the base with only a few drawers in it (not that good of a unit, ) I use for seldom used tools electronic test tools, and a second for the lath tools, (they work, but if used a lot they would not last long)

I have read some think the better harbor freight units are OK,

unless you can buy one used your happy with, a reasonable one will cost a few bucks

 

[motownbrowne]

I bought a 31" wide 7 drawer Snap-on roll chest with new paint on craigslist last summer for $175. Last week I added a 9 drawer kra59b snap on top box for $150. They're both slide bearings, but work great. Deals are out there if you're diligent. Good luck!

 

[Thomas]

Also bought second hand Snap On couple months ago off Criaglist,way more than I needed but the price you couldn't refuse.
Keep an eye out for auctions etc.

 

[motownbrowne]

Another thing to add, depending on your budget, and how "set-up" with tools you already are, but I've realized that if I were to do it again, I'd buy a used snap-on, Mac, Matco etc. box with the tools on craigslist. You might pay full price for the box, but get all the tools for free. Just something to consider.

Also, if you're considering a craftsman box from sears, apparently they'll have a big sale around president's day. Some of their stuff is pretty cheap, but there might be something decent there.

 

[Quartz]

What kind of money do you mean by a good value? Craftsman has some cheap $100 units sold at ACE Hardware when they are on sale. Not great, but for cheap storage, not bad. Menard's has some decent priced units. If used boxes are OK, keep checking Craigslist or flea markets or garage sales for them.

 

[jgrieve]

Ive been wondering if there are parts and plans out ther to build a good roll around tool chest at home?

 

[senecak19]

Local auctions. Mine has them once a week and always has one rollaway. Best part.... You keep the contents.

 

[beeforty]

Trying to build one at home can be done but you give up room unless you can make metal drawers. I still have an old wooden TV cabinet that I built 3/8" plywood drawers for when I was going to college. Still works under my radial arm saw for storage but wouldn't do it again. With a used one make sure the spot welds for the corners aren't popped from being pushed around a busy shop/or tipped over. Also some of the cheaper ones have small wheels that don't roll well once you get your work bench cleared off, so look at putting a good set of wheels on an old box. Also a piece of plywood cut to go under the bottom of the box or a angle iron frame makes a big improvement in being able to maneuver it around. For fixed storage look at auction for Stanley/Vidmar/Lyon or other industrial cabinets. They have full extension ball bearing drawers with a built in divider system to the drawers. These can break the bank if bought new but these are what we use in our tool cribs at work! see Stanley: http://www.stanleyvidmar.com/sites/www.stanleyvidmar.com/files/flipbooks/product-catalog/index.html

 

[s219]

I just bought two Husky units from Home Depot. They seem to be made by the same factory that makes the higher end Sears/Craftsman stuff, though the Husky was a lot cheaper than the Sears normal price (you generally need to get Sears stuff on sale for it to be reasonable). The Husky cost $139 for the rolling base unit with 4 drawers, and another $99 for the top unit with 5-6 drawers. Bearing slides and all that and heavy casters on the lower unit. Painted black.