Tool box thoughts?

[ssg]

That location is an appliance and TV center only. They do not have any tools there.

Before you drive from across town, nevermind another state - I would definitely call first and see what they got, maybe I was there on a fluke day? because the tool boxes and kits that they had weren't just props.



this:
Craftsman 14-Drawer Mobile Tool Cart, 40-3/4 in. Wide, Ball Bearing, Black - Model 59624 at Sears.com
was 350$

this:
Craftsman 5 Drawer Ball-Bearing Roll-Away Chest, Powered by Craftsman - Model 59243 at Sears.com
was 199$

this:
Craftsman 5-Drawer Ball-Bearing Chest, 26 in. Wide - Black - Model 62026 at Sears.com
was 149$

this:
Craftsman 6 ft. Floor Cabinet - Black/Platinum - Model 10140 at Sears.com
was 125$

this:
Craftsman Professional 7-1/4 in.15-amp Hypoid Saw - Model 28195 at Sears.com
was 69$




The above are rough approximations or 'nearest to my memory' of what they had. The people were pretty helpful, so I'd be willing to bet if you called and asked what they had - they'd tell you better model ##'s than my memory may serves

[kbroderick]

I did call back today (was out of town yesterday, in the wrong direction, so there was no way I'd get down there), they don't have any ball-bearing tool boxes in stock.

So I think it's up between the 26" 6-drawer in black (12" deep, 19 3/4" high) and the 26" 5-drawer in red (16" deep, 19 3/4" high, $40 more shipped). Then I just have to decide whether or not to spend the additional $200 to get a 4-drawer roller unit to go under the top chest. Decisions...

Actually, on further investigation, I think it's going to be the black combo for $383 shipped (unless anyone thinks that prices will drop more next week during the Craftsman Club sale); the red combo with the 16" deep 5-drawer top chest and 4-drawer roller unit is about $400 shipped.

Or, in other words, it's between this for $382.93 (shipped) and this and this for $400 shipped. And yes, I am looking at getting them shipped despite the cost; it looks like the red boxes are not likely to be available in-store at all (they're a closeout) and the black setup is on sale now and not available in the stores for 14-16 days.

Edit again: pulled the trigger on the $299 (plus tax) three-piece set (ball-bearing but not griplatch, unfortunately) at Sears in Rutvegas tonight. Despite the website's indication that none will be there for a couple of weeks, they had a set in stock. I've got the receipt in my pocket and will go back tomorrow with the battleship to pick 'em up (I didn't think I could balance them on the back of the Ninjette). I have to say--the griplatch units were definitely nicer, but I just couldn't justify the cost difference. I definitely could for ball-bearing, though...the difference was night-and-day between the bb and "QuietGlide" units.

[kbroderick]

Well, I just finished reorganizing my space in the garage, and I'm pretty happy with the results. After opening and closing the drawers numerous times, I have to admit that I wish I could've swung the Griplatch setup...but there's just no way I could justify the cost (as I was initially thinking "maybe I could spend a little over $100 to replace my toolbox" and just spent $318). I [i]did[i] pick up a roll of drawer liner at Sears; Harbor Freight and Northern Tool didn't seem to be significantly cheaper on the amount I needed, and it was nice not to wait a week.

I did also find it interesting that I was able to fill most of the intermediate chest and the top chest with stuff from my top-loading toolbox (which is substantially smaller in outside dimensions). On the plus side, I no longer have to take have the tools out so I can get to the others.

Of course, I should have spent today cleaning my apartment instead of rearranging the garage, but I felt productive nonetheless.

[RandyO]

Oh and also, when you buy the chests don't get roped into buying the drawer liners from craftsman, they're way overpriced...

You can buy rolls of it from harbor freight for 3 or 4 bucks a roll. I bought a shitload and did all my chests, my workbench drawers, and a couple of my shelves.

or you can get the same shit at Walmart for $2-$3 a roll and not have to wait for delivery

[Garandman]

Someone pm'd me I think about the $99 deal for the Harbor Freight five drawer tool cart. There is a SuperCoupon in April 2012 Rider magazine, good through July.

[MikeyZ]

Here's my little setup. I have the Craftsman 26" ball-bearing one and love it. I believe I only paid $250 or something around that for both of them.

The bench on the right is actually a "Make your own" bench from Northern Tool I believe. You buy the wood in the size and type you want and they supply the legs. I threw some rolly wheels on the bottom so now its a little cart.

[csmutty]

Meh I went with the Harbor Freight Boxes. I'd rather spend $$ on tools and not tool storage.

[Yknot]

I have had my three Craftsman boxes for 20 years and still work great. And the craftsmans tools in them almost as long. I would repectfully disagree with smutty, spend on both they last forever.

[csmutty]

I have had my three Craftsman boxes for 20 years and still work great. And the craftsmans tools in them almost as long. I would repectfully disagree with smutty, spend on both they last forever.

That would be nice to have money for both...

[Yknot]

Sell one of the 20 bikes you have...

[Currently]

Someone pm'd me I think about the $99 deal for the Harbor Freight five drawer tool cart. There is a SuperCoupon in April 2012 Rider magazine, good through July.

I picked up on of those on sale at Northern Tool for $69.

My wife forbids me from going in that store. They have a great selection at decent prices. I got my eye on a Honda 2000watt inverter generator .... just waiting for the right sale.

[BluGixxer]

I dont think ball bearing units are worth the cash. I got a 7 drawer from crafts man for HALF of what the ball bearing ones go for. Wow it take a little extra umph to get it closed. Saved me $80+.

Balls are a must, if the drawers don't have the balls they are the light duty and will not last, in a year or so when you try to open the over packed drwer it will twist and fall out onto your toes !
Really also look at the gauge of the metal and how stiff or sturdy they are , then imagine loading them with steel tools !

[tsorfas]

That location is an appliance and TV center only. They do not have any tools there.

The biggest sears around iv been is in natick. There's also one in auburn and Marlborough.

[BluGixxer]

I'm having problems posting
Also wanted to say don't discount Harbor Frieght , I have an older snap-on botom box, not th longest 1 , about 4' . Also had the craftsman lower W/ballbearing slides , after filling with tools the drawers warped/bent twisted and never really opened or closed crrectly. I paid allmost $500.oo for the bottem in 1994. They just don't last. I still have the matching middle and top box , but al the drwers are smaller, so they support the wieght.
For a small portable box , look at rubbermaid plastic/rubber . I've had mine for close to 20 yrs, have had it filled with steeel tools to the point I could bearly lift it, its been in freezing temps and has not broken.and been tossed in the back of the truck like a sack of potatos. Still holding up.

[CEO]

I have two roller chests and a top chest. They're craftsman with thick gauge, ball bearing slides, and an autolatching drawer... got a good deal on the set.

Smutty load your cheap drawer up with 30 pounds of wrenches and see how it works in a year or two..., or when it slides open in your trailer and twists and falls out...

[csmutty]

I have two roller chests and a top chest. They're craftsman with thick gauge, ball bearing slides, and an autolatching drawer... got a good deal on the set.

Smutty load your cheap drawer up with 30 pounds of wrenches and see how it works in a year or two..., or when it slides open in your trailer and twists and falls out...

In the trailer they will be locked, and the whole box will be strapped down so that's not an issue for me really. My friend has the same ones I got and it has lasted him for over 4 years. So I think it will be fine.

[OreoGaborio]

I have craftsman boxes. If you're not making a living with your tools you don't need snapon. Ball bearing slides are a must.

I would get the craftsman... but hold out for a better price. Their shit goes on sale all the time.

All mine are ball bearing griplatch and I just kept an eye on the prices for a while and got a great deal.

I've got that same top chest. Gotta find the rolling base for it now for a good price.

[obsolete]

One of mine is a POS that I've had for years cause it hasn't failed. You'll be ok Smuts, it won't explode and impregnate your mom.

[nhbubba]

I have craftsman boxes.

I have the same black Craftsman roller drawer set as this guy. Love 'em. The real upside was I didn't pay for 'em. The whole family chipped in one year at xmas and gave them as a gift shortly after we bought the house. I have no doubt they are worth whatever they charge for 'em though.

One comment though: always buy a bigger chest than you think you need. I was given the top and bottom chests at once. Never ever imagined I'd fill them. At the time I had a 3-drawer 'portable' chest like this:



This chest doesn't have the roller drawers and after ~15 years the drawers are basically fucked. I still use it for chemicals, adhesives, and stuff.

[lrrs699]

FYI, Sears is having a sale April 22-28th on tool chest 50% off. Ball bearing..