Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
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Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
Hey guys, I've been looking around for a new toolbox to use in my garage. There are so many of these that choosing one over another becomes a challenge. The small town I live in doesn't help, because there are very few in stock at any of the local stores for me to look at. Home Depot had a 36" combination cabinet and tool chest with the Milwaukee tool name on it that looked pretty good, but it is too small. They also had a 48" Husky combination set, but it looked really really cheap, with super thin gauge steel. Cal Ranch had a 72" Technix combination set that was big enough, but was also really cheap looking. The top of the tool box didn't even shut all the way, and it was still brand new sitting in the store. The Ace Hardware store had a few small Craftsman tool boxes that were also super super cheap. They looked like junk that I wouldn't even take home if they were free.
So I'm asking for some recommendations for tool boxes to check out on-line. I'm looking for a 54" to 72" combination tool box and roll away cabinet, and I'm looking to spend anywhere from $1500 to $2500. It seems like each brand has a series of different models, ranging from cheap to expensive, and it is hard for me to gauge which one would be an acceptable quality without being able to actually see them. Here are a couple that I have considered ... Tell me what you think, and feel free to recommend others to check out.
This is Northern Tool's number one seller, made by Homak: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200581634
And the tool box that goes with it: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200581633
Here is a Dewalt combination set. I like Dewalt tools, and also have a Dewalt air compressor, but this toolbox is kind of small: https://www.cpopowertools.com/on/demand ... /Cart-Show
This Cat tool box set looks nice, although I don't have anything else from Cat, so it might look kind of out of place: https://www.cattoolstorage.com/product/ ... inet-combo
I can't afford the $18,000 Snap On, or even the $12,000 Proto top of the line tool box, but I'm interested in hearing what you guys have to say.
So I'm asking for some recommendations for tool boxes to check out on-line. I'm looking for a 54" to 72" combination tool box and roll away cabinet, and I'm looking to spend anywhere from $1500 to $2500. It seems like each brand has a series of different models, ranging from cheap to expensive, and it is hard for me to gauge which one would be an acceptable quality without being able to actually see them. Here are a couple that I have considered ... Tell me what you think, and feel free to recommend others to check out.
This is Northern Tool's number one seller, made by Homak: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200581634
And the tool box that goes with it: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200581633
Here is a Dewalt combination set. I like Dewalt tools, and also have a Dewalt air compressor, but this toolbox is kind of small: https://www.cpopowertools.com/on/demand ... /Cart-Show
This Cat tool box set looks nice, although I don't have anything else from Cat, so it might look kind of out of place: https://www.cattoolstorage.com/product/ ... inet-combo
I can't afford the $18,000 Snap On, or even the $12,000 Proto top of the line tool box, but I'm interested in hearing what you guys have to say.
2016 Ram 3500 Mega Cab; CTD, Aisin, 4.10, AEV Prospector
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
This should add to the confusion:
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com
I haven't dealt with them, but I have read a few good things about them on Garage Journal. There should be something in your price range.
The Montezuma boxes seemed to have a following on GJ. I don"t know much about them. Tool Vault looks nice. It looks like the site carries professional boxes at decent prices.
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com
I haven't dealt with them, but I have read a few good things about them on Garage Journal. There should be something in your price range.
The Montezuma boxes seemed to have a following on GJ. I don"t know much about them. Tool Vault looks nice. It looks like the site carries professional boxes at decent prices.
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SuperChips FlashPaq; DT ProFab Steering Brace; 08.5 Steering linkage (twice); Toyo Open Country M/T 35/12.50x17; Carli front diff guard; Rockcrusher rear diff cover; White Knuckle Offroad Rock Rails; Carli 3"coils, track bar, and High Clearance Control Arms; Carli King 2.5" Remote Resi Shocks; Reflex spray-in liner; Extang Trifecta tonneau cover; Pop Lock electric tailgate lock (OOS); Tekonsha Prodigy brake control; LEDS & Strobes & Siren; Winch TPS Bypass; Warn Wireless Remote; Dog hair, and a BIG Wish List!
WINCH MOB PROUD!
SuperChips FlashPaq; DT ProFab Steering Brace; 08.5 Steering linkage (twice); Toyo Open Country M/T 35/12.50x17; Carli front diff guard; Rockcrusher rear diff cover; White Knuckle Offroad Rock Rails; Carli 3"coils, track bar, and High Clearance Control Arms; Carli King 2.5" Remote Resi Shocks; Reflex spray-in liner; Extang Trifecta tonneau cover; Pop Lock electric tailgate lock (OOS); Tekonsha Prodigy brake control; LEDS & Strobes & Siren; Winch TPS Bypass; Warn Wireless Remote; Dog hair, and a BIG Wish List!
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
Well, I currently have rolling and mid and top boxes from Snap-On, Matco, Craftsman, Stanley, and Husky. All were bought used for pennies on the dollar, and most were "like new" when I found them. The big guys like Snap-On, Matco, Mac, and Cornwell have various levels of quality, but all are good. Higher price will get you better latches and glides, and sometimes a fancy paint job, but their base cabinets are substantially better than the standard Craftsman. Craftsman is decent if you can get it at the right price. Husky is crap, don't bother. I have looked at the new Dewalt and Milwaukee boxes and they are OK, but I wouldn't pay list price for them. The current Kennedy stuff is crap, but some of the old stuff is decent. When I was looking for stuff a few years ago, Costco had some decent boxes in stainless steel, so probably worth looking at. There is a lot of standardization of sizes in the professional boxes (height, width, depth, caster size, etc.), so you can mix and match and everything will stack together if you buy carefully. CraigsList is your friend when it comes to tool boxes, and the right box is worth a fairly long drive. Lots of retiring mechanics, divorce sales by ex-wives, etc. At least around here, you can often buy $5K boxes in nice/new condition for $1500. Whatever you get, make sure it has ball bearing glides because those drawers get heavy when they are loaded. And Snap-On actually honors their lifetime warranty if you need to replace a glide or a latch or a caster on a used box.
Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
I'll second that, buying a top quality professional box used is the way to go. I got into my snap on for about $2000 which new was close to 10.
Central Texas and Houston area
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Carli 3” coils deaver leafs 3” kings with 4 tube bypass rear and fr/rr hydro bumps
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Custom tube bumpers and white knuckle sliders
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Sharadon stage 2 545rfe with 3000 stall edge converter
Lots of other stuff lol
2009 5.7 auto quadcab
Carli 3” coils deaver leafs 3” kings with 4 tube bypass rear and fr/rr hydro bumps
Howe steering pump and gear with hydraulic ram assist
Custom tube bumpers and white knuckle sliders
Creative fab trussed axle. rem polished and cryoed 5.13 gears with arb lockers fr/rr
Sharadon stage 2 545rfe with 3000 stall edge converter
Lots of other stuff lol
Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
I've been eyeballing one from here for the new house. http://www.nhproequip.com/extreme-tools ... ol-cabinet
2010 with 37" hooves, controlled by numerous Thuren parts and Thuren Custom King 2.5's (Moved to a new home)
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2333
I only do what the majority of the 4 voices in my head tell me to. In most cases, I ignore two of them because one doesn't speak English, and I suspect the other is talking to someone else.
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2333
I only do what the majority of the 4 voices in my head tell me to. In most cases, I ignore two of them because one doesn't speak English, and I suspect the other is talking to someone else.
Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
You really can't beat the price at Harbor freight if you are buying new. They are a great choice for a home use box. Especially when they go on sale.
http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-stora ... inets.html
.
http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-stora ... inets.html
.
My build 2009 3G
http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2305
Beginners reading list:
1) Quigley’s Anglo-American Establishment – 354 pages http://www.carrollquigley.net/pdf/the_a ... shment.pdf
2) Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution by Antony C. Sutton 165 pages https://www.voltairenet.org/IMG/pdf/Sut ... tion-5.pdf
3) Wall Street & the Rise of Hitler by Antony C. Sutton 148 pages https://www.voltairenet.org/IMG/pdf/Sut ... Hitler.pdf
4) Wall Street and FDR by Antony C. Sutton 177 pages http://sandiego.indymedia.org/media/2007/02/125049.pdf
5) Dishonest Money by Joseph Plummer 175 pages http://joeplummer.com/dishonest-money.html
6) None Dare Call it Conspiracy by Gary Allen 197 pages http://www.outpost-of-freedom.com/libra ... y_1971.pdf
David Rockefeller: Memoirs (The story of traitors)
http://www.devvy.com/pdf/2006_November/ ... rnment.pdf
http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2305
Beginners reading list:
1) Quigley’s Anglo-American Establishment – 354 pages http://www.carrollquigley.net/pdf/the_a ... shment.pdf
2) Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution by Antony C. Sutton 165 pages https://www.voltairenet.org/IMG/pdf/Sut ... tion-5.pdf
3) Wall Street & the Rise of Hitler by Antony C. Sutton 148 pages https://www.voltairenet.org/IMG/pdf/Sut ... Hitler.pdf
4) Wall Street and FDR by Antony C. Sutton 177 pages http://sandiego.indymedia.org/media/2007/02/125049.pdf
5) Dishonest Money by Joseph Plummer 175 pages http://joeplummer.com/dishonest-money.html
6) None Dare Call it Conspiracy by Gary Allen 197 pages http://www.outpost-of-freedom.com/libra ... y_1971.pdf
David Rockefeller: Memoirs (The story of traitors)
http://www.devvy.com/pdf/2006_November/ ... rnment.pdf
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
Our team ended up going with the harbour freight pro ball bearing tool chest. Can't say we have had any issues and in reality, we're glad we saved the cash on that. We would rather spend the money on the car than a tool chest. I myself would rather have $10k in tools in cardboard boxes on the floor than a $10k tool chest with a couple of screwdrivers.azracer wrote:You really can't beat the price at Harbor freight if you are buying new. They are a great choice for a home use box. Especially when they go on sale.
http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-stora ... inets.html
.
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Nothing's more dead than a horse in a glue bottle.
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation.
One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
John Adams - 1826
I guess you could say I'm a bit off center.....
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation.
One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
John Adams - 1826
I guess you could say I'm a bit off center.....
Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
I keep looking at these every time i'm at HFT. Sure, they're not snap-on, but they don't have snap-out-of-it prices either.azracer wrote:You really can't beat the price at Harbor freight if you are buying new. They are a great choice for a home use box. Especially when they go on sale.
http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-stora ... inets.html
Need a bigger garage first.
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
I bought my 1st Snap-On box in 1983. Still have it. It's been though 1 dealership, 2 garages, 3 fab shops, and a power plant. Have replaced the wheels 4 times on it. Replaced about 6 slides that I can remember. Also have a Craftsmen box that I bought in 1995? I use it for larger tools etc. Have a smaller Snap-On box out in the shed. Bought it off a fellow mechanic that was going though a rough time to say the least.
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
I've been reading a lot on Garage Journal about guys buying used boxes at low prices. It really does seem like the way to go. Some need restoration work, if you are into that, but the purchase price is usually much lower on those. A few year old used professional box will last forever in a home shop. Let's face it, they would last forever in a professional shop, too, if we didn't give in to the new shiny stuff and "need" to replace the old stuff.
I haven't bought a new box in about 20 years. It was a giant MAC-simizer. It's 88 inches long, 48" high. MAC was trying to get back into my shop, and made insane deals on 3 of them at one time. I think it was $2,800 for a $9,800 box, and crazy trade-in value on my old stuff. That was the only way to afford it! Now it sits in my shed.
Harbor Freight has a few that are nice, sturdy units. The best thing you can do is get your hands on a few and feel them. Do they flex alot? How do the slide work with weight in the drawer? If you will not move it, flexing becomes less of an issue. Big thing is don't get hung up on the logo on the front, if you must buy new. Buy something that feels sturdy, and will do it's job, which is hold your tools. You can always "debadge" it!
I haven't bought a new box in about 20 years. It was a giant MAC-simizer. It's 88 inches long, 48" high. MAC was trying to get back into my shop, and made insane deals on 3 of them at one time. I think it was $2,800 for a $9,800 box, and crazy trade-in value on my old stuff. That was the only way to afford it! Now it sits in my shed.
Harbor Freight has a few that are nice, sturdy units. The best thing you can do is get your hands on a few and feel them. Do they flex alot? How do the slide work with weight in the drawer? If you will not move it, flexing becomes less of an issue. Big thing is don't get hung up on the logo on the front, if you must buy new. Buy something that feels sturdy, and will do it's job, which is hold your tools. You can always "debadge" it!
'05 Mineral Gray Power Wagon QC #1005
WINCH MOB PROUD!
SuperChips FlashPaq; DT ProFab Steering Brace; 08.5 Steering linkage (twice); Toyo Open Country M/T 35/12.50x17; Carli front diff guard; Rockcrusher rear diff cover; White Knuckle Offroad Rock Rails; Carli 3"coils, track bar, and High Clearance Control Arms; Carli King 2.5" Remote Resi Shocks; Reflex spray-in liner; Extang Trifecta tonneau cover; Pop Lock electric tailgate lock (OOS); Tekonsha Prodigy brake control; LEDS & Strobes & Siren; Winch TPS Bypass; Warn Wireless Remote; Dog hair, and a BIG Wish List!
WINCH MOB PROUD!
SuperChips FlashPaq; DT ProFab Steering Brace; 08.5 Steering linkage (twice); Toyo Open Country M/T 35/12.50x17; Carli front diff guard; Rockcrusher rear diff cover; White Knuckle Offroad Rock Rails; Carli 3"coils, track bar, and High Clearance Control Arms; Carli King 2.5" Remote Resi Shocks; Reflex spray-in liner; Extang Trifecta tonneau cover; Pop Lock electric tailgate lock (OOS); Tekonsha Prodigy brake control; LEDS & Strobes & Siren; Winch TPS Bypass; Warn Wireless Remote; Dog hair, and a BIG Wish List!
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
If you are buying a new tool box. Make sure you get ball bearing slides that lock when closed. It helps in keeping the box from tipping over if you have too many drawers open at one time. I've seen too many boxes damaged from tipping over. When it happens. All the drawers will come open if they are not locked. And the ball bearing slides will not wear out like the older slides.
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
The snap-on toolbox we put in the trailer was repo'd by the snap-on guy from a mechanic who didn't pay his bills... we got a real good deal on it. Having the connections and being a non-profit helped a lot though.
Nice, heavy, solid... still $$$$.
Nice, heavy, solid... still $$$$.
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
Thanks for the link to strictlytoolboxes.com . I'm still looking for toolboxes, and have decided on a 56" size. Here are a couple that look like they are pretty good quality. I'm leaning toward the Extreme Tools toolbox because it uses 18 gauge steel in the drawers, whereas the Tool Vault toolbox only uses 20 gauge steel in the drawers. Both toolboxes are pretty much the same otherwise.
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/toolbo ... chest.html
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/toolbo ... chest.html
What do you guys think of these toolboxes? Any other brands I should be considering?
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/toolbo ... chest.html
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/toolbo ... chest.html
What do you guys think of these toolboxes? Any other brands I should be considering?
2016 Ram 3500 Mega Cab; CTD, Aisin, 4.10, AEV Prospector
Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
Th Extreme boxes are what I keep going back to and planning to get one once I can. http://www.nhproequip.com/PDFs/RX552512 ... -SPECS.pdf
2010 with 37" hooves, controlled by numerous Thuren parts and Thuren Custom King 2.5's (Moved to a new home)
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2333
I only do what the majority of the 4 voices in my head tell me to. In most cases, I ignore two of them because one doesn't speak English, and I suspect the other is talking to someone else.
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2333
I only do what the majority of the 4 voices in my head tell me to. In most cases, I ignore two of them because one doesn't speak English, and I suspect the other is talking to someone else.
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
Ordered the Extreme Tools toolbox this evening. Shipping time is 6 to 10 days, and comes on a freight truck with a lift gate.
2016 Ram 3500 Mega Cab; CTD, Aisin, 4.10, AEV Prospector
Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
Nice, I'll be anxious to hear your opinion once you get your hands on it.
2010 with 37" hooves, controlled by numerous Thuren parts and Thuren Custom King 2.5's (Moved to a new home)
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2333
I only do what the majority of the 4 voices in my head tell me to. In most cases, I ignore two of them because one doesn't speak English, and I suspect the other is talking to someone else.
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2333
I only do what the majority of the 4 voices in my head tell me to. In most cases, I ignore two of them because one doesn't speak English, and I suspect the other is talking to someone else.
- FirerescuePW
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
Nice choice. Let us know what you think of it once you've had it for a while.
'05 Mineral Gray Power Wagon QC #1005
WINCH MOB PROUD!
SuperChips FlashPaq; DT ProFab Steering Brace; 08.5 Steering linkage (twice); Toyo Open Country M/T 35/12.50x17; Carli front diff guard; Rockcrusher rear diff cover; White Knuckle Offroad Rock Rails; Carli 3"coils, track bar, and High Clearance Control Arms; Carli King 2.5" Remote Resi Shocks; Reflex spray-in liner; Extang Trifecta tonneau cover; Pop Lock electric tailgate lock (OOS); Tekonsha Prodigy brake control; LEDS & Strobes & Siren; Winch TPS Bypass; Warn Wireless Remote; Dog hair, and a BIG Wish List!
WINCH MOB PROUD!
SuperChips FlashPaq; DT ProFab Steering Brace; 08.5 Steering linkage (twice); Toyo Open Country M/T 35/12.50x17; Carli front diff guard; Rockcrusher rear diff cover; White Knuckle Offroad Rock Rails; Carli 3"coils, track bar, and High Clearance Control Arms; Carli King 2.5" Remote Resi Shocks; Reflex spray-in liner; Extang Trifecta tonneau cover; Pop Lock electric tailgate lock (OOS); Tekonsha Prodigy brake control; LEDS & Strobes & Siren; Winch TPS Bypass; Warn Wireless Remote; Dog hair, and a BIG Wish List!
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Re: Tool Chest / Roll Away Cabinet
Well I got the Extreme Tools toolbox today, and put the casters on, and lifted the top toolbox in place. That was a chore, with me on one end and my wife and 20 year old son on the other end. Overall I think the toolbox is good quality, and looks like it will be heavy duty enough for home use. I am satisfied in that regard. I don't particularly care for the detent closure of the drawers though. The soft close drawers and hinges on the New Age Pro cabinets that can be seen to the right in this picture are much better.
2016 Ram 3500 Mega Cab; CTD, Aisin, 4.10, AEV Prospector