Tool box question.

NewfieDan · Feb 12, 2015

I would look for a used unit for cost. Try to find something with roller slide bearings. The slide bearings have a tendency to bind when not pushed in perfectly straight.

Also look at what tools you have now. Not only buy for that but get a tool box that will let you expand. My roll around is now too small. Even after a mid and top box were added. I am now considering something both wider and taller for more storage of small tools.

Gary Fowler · Feb 12, 2015

I have a couple of Craftsman boxes, one that is more than 30 years old that I have had to do some work on the slides to tighten them up. I keep it in my garage with a few tools that I may need in the house.

In my shop I have a newer Craftsman with ball bearing slides that if filled with my end wrenches and every drawer works fine. It was over $400 at Sears.

A couple of years ago, I saw an ad in Harbor Freight for a red tool box with shelf storage under the bottom and 4 sliding drawers for $169 so I got one. It is very heavy made with good ball bearing slides. I have it loaded with tools and the drawers work perfectly. It is a well made toolbox by General. Don't buy the black one by General though as it is cheaply made. I think the red ones are a bit higher now but still a bargain when on sale.

I would buy another HF red color General tool box in a heart beat for twice that price and it would still be a bargain. I use the bottom shelf to store my 6 grinders & shop hammers. It also has a side pocket that doubles as a handle to pull the cabinet around that is just right to keep my welding chipping hammer and wire brushes in plus a big 15" crescent wrench.

texasjohn · Feb 12, 2015

jenkinsph said:
The 40" unit on the driver side rear is pictured below. With ball bearing slides individual drawer locks, one full width drawer and one deep drawer can hold lots of tools for a home shop.

That, sir, is absolutely the most gorgeous working truck I have ever seen! Every inch well designed and highly functional! But, you know that, having used it for years.

jenkinsph · Feb 12, 2015

One Craftsman type I haven't been satisfied with is the top of the line "Professional" model. Supposed to be powder coated but the finish flakes badly, much worse than the painted boxes they sell. I have two of the 36" cabinets on the F350 and need to clean and paint them this spring.

s219 · Feb 12, 2015

Sounds like a lousy powder coat job. Though even a good one will flake worse than paint if rust gets started, in my experience. Where paint will bubble, powder coat flakes off. I had a 6" x 2" section of powder coat flake off my rear blade during summer storage, while I wasn't paying attention, from a small scratch that rusted. Ended up grinding down to clean metal with a flap wheel and touching up with paint. I will be more vigilant from now on.

mikehaugen · Feb 12, 2015

I don't think you mentioned a budget, but the "international" boxes seem to be a good value. They are made in Canada, where most of the lower end boxes went to China. I don't think the newer Craftsman boxes are the same quality they used to be.

If coo does not concern you, the green Masterforce boxes at Menards seem pretty nice, and as stated, certain harbor freight boxes are highly regarded. Also Montezuma boxes look really nice.

If you want American made, Proto I believe is about the cheapest... or possibly the kra snap-on boxes, but many say the kra's aren't that great and are not worth the money.

jenkinsph · Feb 12, 2015

texasjohn said:
That, sir, is absolutely the most gorgeous working truck I have ever seen! Every inch well designed and highly functional! But, you know that, having used it for years.

Thanks texasjohn, I still get compliments on this truck to this day. It has worked out really well as a plumbing/hvac service truck. I spent some time with TurboCad and scouring the internet for truck bodies in 1998 and designed this to fit the new F550 4x4 series when introduced. So far I think it was a good way to go, no complaints.

jenkinsph · Feb 12, 2015

s219 said:
Sounds like a lousy powder coat job. Though even a good one will flake worse than paint if rust gets started, in my experience. Where paint will bubble, powder coat flakes off. I had a 6" x 2" section of powder coat flake off my rear blade during summer storage, while I wasn't paying attention, from a small scratch that rusted. Ended up grinding down to clean metal with a flap wheel and touching up with paint. I will be more vigilant from now on.

I agree, lousy powder coat job. The entire powder coat job on my frames was done by a local welding company, their work has held up very well over many years. Since I shut down plumbing and hvac business at the end of 2014 I will be changing up my trucks to better handle the ranch work and laser grading business. When the weather warms up I will overhaul everything with sandblasting and new configurations. Then paint to match.

meos1 · Feb 16, 2015

I have a stainless stack branded by Kobalt. I got it at Lowes when they closed out the old model year. Holds what I have right now, but I buy tools like beer so I will be in the market for another stack in a year or two.