Tool Chest

Djlarroc · 11-24-2007, 07:53 PM

I need to buy a decent tool chest. I bought this one at Sears for $79 on Friday, but I think it might become too small soon: Tool Chest. I saw a 10 drawer chest at Walmart for $99. Is that a worse buy? Does anyone know where I can get a decent tool chest? I want to spend around $200-$250. My tools are scattered everywhere.

CJM · 11-24-2007, 08:26 PM

Imho the sears ones have been and are junk for a long time now. Drawers are made of cheap aluminum and feel cheap-not solid.

Walmarts cannot be better..

I rather look at lowes, they carry nice stuff. But ya cant beat snapon, matco, or mac.

Djlarroc · 11-25-2007, 06:00 PM

Thanks. I'm going to return the Craftsman and keep looking. I stopped at Lowes and they had a Kobalt set with the ball bearing drawers. Some kinda tower & chest for $198 til today only, but they had the sign on the wrong display and couldn't get me the info on the drawers on sale to save their life! I just left. Screw it, I'll just keep looking.

lr9788 · 11-25-2007, 06:40 PM

Just spend extra money and get a SnapOn. You cant beat their warranty/product

SCYOTA · 11-25-2007, 07:04 PM

I see no reason in spending thousands on a tool chest. I think you would be better off spending your coin on more/better tools and get a cheaper box. All the box does is provide a place to store/organize your tools.

Djlarroc · 11-26-2007, 11:26 AM

Thanks. Ya, that's what I'm saying. If I made my living as a mechanic, I could justify spending on top notch stuff. Since I'm not, I'd rather get better quality tools and get a decent tool box that won't kill my budget. I'm sure I can get a decent tool box for around $200-$250. The one I saw at Walmart is 13 drawers for only $99. That's cheap! But, I don't know how cheap built tool boxes hold up. This is my 1st time buying a tool box. Does anyone know anything about the Sears "easy glide" tool boxes? I found a 13 drawer set for $220.

surf4runner · 11-26-2007, 03:05 PM

costco had a SS that was ~$399.
durable enough that they have few around here for the mechanics.

if its too big, you need more tools

shazaam · 11-26-2007, 03:30 PM

I have toolchests from both cobalt and sears. They both serve their purpose well. I couldn't see spending thousands on a snap on tool chest.

toy89yota · 11-26-2007, 03:47 PM

I make my living as a helicopter mechanic, having a snap on or a matco box dosent make your tools any better save the money buy a cheaper one and use what you save to buy more tools. we buy proto they are a good box, i also have the cheap sears one and it does fill up fast but some of their larger models are nice and a heck of a lot cheaper than snapon.

by the way i like your paint job looks nice.

seaflea · 11-26-2007, 04:06 PM

Well, Ikinda see it the other way. I have had the same tool ox for 25+ years. If I had gotten a cheap one, it would have never lasted. I also have a couple others that I have gotten over the years and am pleased with them as well. Point is, if you spread the life of a good tool box over a few years, the high price of it now isnt so bad. The cheap box will not last long and will will wind up buying another one sooner rather than later.

Check out youre local craigslist for somone selling a nice box. I may save you some cash and get you a nice box.

96redtoy · 11-26-2007, 04:09 PM

i have a craftsman roller guide box and could not be happier with it my dad has a craftsman roller-way for 35 years and it still is like brand new. go get one of the higher end craftsmans you will still save money and have a half way good box

111db · 11-26-2007, 07:47 PM

Most airline mechanics have Craftsman rollaways. I know this because I worked in a jet overhaul facility with 2000 of them. I've had a ballbearing one for over 10 years and its still fine. That $300 went a long way. I could replace it 5 times and still spend less than it would cost to buy a Mac.

For a career mechanic, toolboxes are near and dear. I found it sort of ironic - the mechanics at higher paying jobs had Craftsman (or similar) and the guys making $12-15/hr were mortgaging Snap On & Macs. Still not sure I get that.

DIHOWARD · 11-26-2007, 08:05 PM

Kennedy makes a nice product.
Similar quality as Snap-On but not as expensive (I Think).
I bought mine 20 years ago.

http://www.kennedymfg.com/index.html

Tylerars24 · 11-28-2007, 09:48 PM

I just got a 6 dr. Ball bearing chest from sears/craftsman.

Haven't really beat on it yet, but I plan to mount it in the bed of my truck, for offroading.

I've loaded the drawers up with way more than you would ever put in it just to see if the drawers still slide, they slid fine, no issues.

BTW: I dont think they are made of "Cheap Aluminum", pretty sure they are steel stampings.

"Cheap Aluminum" rivets maybe.

My dad has been a machinist for 32 years, he thinks its a pretty solid box.

I paid $120

Major Con I've had so far; they only had one color, grey.

CyMoN · 11-29-2007, 12:43 AM

Pawn Shop

111db · 11-29-2007, 08:19 AM

I think we need some pics up in this thread.

04 Rocko Taco · 11-29-2007, 08:33 AM

I have a nice Kobalt Ball bearing box, 12 drawrs or so, its a really nice peice. and didnt break the bank either.

CJM · 11-29-2007, 08:47 AM

Well guess compared to my buddies mac and the or the other guys snap on box it feels flimsy (sears) to me. The drawers should have some heft to them and they felt light..

I was at lowes the other day and found their stuff much better built overall.

aero · 11-29-2007, 08:56 AM

If I were you, I would watch Craigslist and Ebay for local used items that retiring mechanics and shopowners are getting rid of. You can usually get them quite a bit cheaper, and if its a quality one, it still should be in great condition. That way you can get a bigger one for a good price. i wouldnt waste money on a Wal-mart toolbox.

***Strap22*** · 11-29-2007, 10:24 AM

I love my MAC box. Only one I should ever need.

11-24-2007, 07:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
Djlarroc Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,323	Tool Chest I need to buy a decent tool chest. I bought this one at Sears for $79 on Friday, but I think it might become too small soon: Tool Chest. I saw a 10 drawer chest at Walmart for $99. Is that a worse buy? Does anyone know where I can get a decent tool chest? I want to spend around $200-$250. My tools are scattered everywhere. __________________ '89 4Runner: 22RE 5spd, 4:10s w/202K, 16x8 w/265-75 MT, Diamond headlights, Aisin hubs, Tortis' custom roll on paint job, Home made bikini, 1" Body Lift, 1.25" greasable lift shackles, TG Sliders, 1.5" BJ spacers, Rust is gone! - SOLD! '00 4Runner: Locked F/R

11-24-2007, 08:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	Imho the sears ones have been and are junk for a long time now. Drawers are made of cheap aluminum and feel cheap-not solid. Walmarts cannot be better.. I rather look at lowes, they carry nice stuff. But ya cant beat snapon, matco, or mac. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

11-25-2007, 06:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Djlarroc Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,323	Thanks. I'm going to return the Craftsman and keep looking. I stopped at Lowes and they had a Kobalt set with the ball bearing drawers. Some kinda tower & chest for $198 til today only, but they had the sign on the wrong display and couldn't get me the info on the drawers on sale to save their life! I just left. Screw it, I'll just keep looking. __________________ '89 4Runner: 22RE 5spd, 4:10s w/202K, 16x8 w/265-75 MT, Diamond headlights, Aisin hubs, Tortis' custom roll on paint job, Home made bikini, 1" Body Lift, 1.25" greasable lift shackles, TG Sliders, 1.5" BJ spacers, Rust is gone! - SOLD! '00 4Runner: Locked F/R

11-25-2007, 06:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
lr9788 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 528	Just spend extra money and get a SnapOn. You cant beat their warranty/product __________________ -Luke 2001 4Runner SR5, Power Leather Seat Upgrade, Clear turn/corner, Black Pearl, sport skid plate, 12" Eclipse, Alpine head unit, Matched tint FUTURE:custom black chrome grille, Jaos roof spoiler, painted license plate frame

11-25-2007, 07:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
SCYOTA Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Santa Cruz Posts: 152	I see no reason in spending thousands on a tool chest. I think you would be better off spending your coin on more/better tools and get a cheaper box. All the box does is provide a place to store/organize your tools. __________________ "WHY DO DRIVE THROUGH ATM'S HAVE BRAILLE?"

11-26-2007, 11:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
Djlarroc Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,323	Thanks. Ya, that's what I'm saying. If I made my living as a mechanic, I could justify spending on top notch stuff. Since I'm not, I'd rather get better quality tools and get a decent tool box that won't kill my budget. I'm sure I can get a decent tool box for around $200-$250. The one I saw at Walmart is 13 drawers for only $99. That's cheap! But, I don't know how cheap built tool boxes hold up. This is my 1st time buying a tool box. Does anyone know anything about the Sears "easy glide" tool boxes? I found a 13 drawer set for $220. __________________ '89 4Runner: 22RE 5spd, 4:10s w/202K, 16x8 w/265-75 MT, Diamond headlights, Aisin hubs, Tortis' custom roll on paint job, Home made bikini, 1" Body Lift, 1.25" greasable lift shackles, TG Sliders, 1.5" BJ spacers, Rust is gone! - SOLD! '00 4Runner: Locked F/R Last edited by Djlarroc : 11-26-2007 at 11:33 AM.

11-26-2007, 03:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
shazaam Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,080	I have toolchests from both cobalt and sears. They both serve their purpose well. I couldn't see spending thousands on a snap on tool chest. __________________ Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, and the lesson afterwards. <-- the artist formerly known as sdastg1

11-26-2007, 04:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
seaflea Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: wilmington nc Posts: 1,604	Well, Ikinda see it the other way. I have had the same tool ox for 25+ years. If I had gotten a cheap one, it would have never lasted. I also have a couple others that I have gotten over the years and am pleased with them as well. Point is, if you spread the life of a good tool box over a few years, the high price of it now isnt so bad. The cheap box will not last long and will will wind up buying another one sooner rather than later. Check out youre local craigslist for somone selling a nice box. I may save you some cash and get you a nice box. __________________ Will WabFab Off-Road, LLC Toyota 4x4 Parts and Custom Fabrication updated website with lots of new products 87 runner with every bolt on available

11-26-2007, 07:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,196	Most airline mechanics have Craftsman rollaways. I know this because I worked in a jet overhaul facility with 2000 of them. I've had a ballbearing one for over 10 years and its still fine. That $300 went a long way. I could replace it 5 times and still spend less than it would cost to buy a Mac. For a career mechanic, toolboxes are near and dear. I found it sort of ironic - the mechanics at higher paying jobs had Craftsman (or similar) and the guys making $12-15/hr were mortgaging Snap On & Macs. Still not sure I get that. __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets**

11-26-2007, 08:05 PM	#13 (permalink)
DIHOWARD Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: WAUCONDA, IL Posts: 206	look at Kennedy Kennedy makes a nice product. Similar quality as Snap-On but not as expensive (I Think). I bought mine 20 years ago. http://www.kennedymfg.com/index.html __________________ 2003 4RUNNER LTD V6 FUSION LIFT/COOPER ATR/CAI/AMSOIL Technical skill is mastery of complexity while creativity is mastery of simplicity."

11-28-2007, 09:48 PM	#14 (permalink)
Tylerars24 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: On top of your wife. Posts: 127	I just got a 6 dr. Ball bearing chest from sears/craftsman. Haven't really beat on it yet, but I plan to mount it in the bed of my truck, for offroading. I've loaded the drawers up with way more than you would ever put in it just to see if the drawers still slide, they slid fine, no issues. BTW: I dont think they are made of "Cheap Aluminum", pretty sure they are steel stampings. "Cheap Aluminum" rivets maybe. My dad has been a machinist for 32 years, he thinks its a pretty solid box. I paid $120 Major Con I've had so far; they only had one color, grey. __________________ pickup, sas, 63s, custom high-steer

11-29-2007, 12:43 AM	#15 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,041	Pawn Shop __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

11-29-2007, 08:19 AM	#16 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,196	I think we need some pics up in this thread. __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets**

11-29-2007, 08:33 AM	#17 (permalink)
04 Rocko Taco Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 4,092	I have a nice Kobalt Ball bearing box, 12 drawrs or so, its a really nice peice. and didnt break the bank either. __________________ -Chris Tread Lightly! 04 Double Cab PreRunner. 3.4 - Auto 84 4Runner 4WD. 22R - 5 spd Lifted, Locked, 33x12.50 Disclaimer:My Photobucket is being revamped. If there are broken links, shoot me a PM. Thanks. ~Chris Great Toyota Tech

11-29-2007, 08:47 AM	#18 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	Well guess compared to my buddies mac and the or the other guys snap on box it feels flimsy (sears) to me. The drawers should have some heft to them and they felt light.. I was at lowes the other day and found their stuff much better built overall. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

11-29-2007, 10:24 AM	#20 (permalink)
*Strap22* Sponsoring Vendor Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 1,470	I love my MAC box. Only one I should ever need. __________________ *Phil* Toyota & TRD Parts Wholesale www.FJCruiserOffroad.com www.trdparts4u.com www.toyotapartsales.com Authorized ARB/OldManEmu Dealer Authorized *OASIS* Air Deflators Dealer

11-29-2007, 08:56 AM	#19 (permalink)
aero Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 58	If I were you, I would watch Craigslist and Ebay for local used items that retiring mechanics and shopowners are getting rid of. You can usually get them quite a bit cheaper, and if its a quality one, it still should be in great condition. That way you can get a bigger one for a good price. i wouldnt waste money on a Wal-mart toolbox.

11-29-2007, 10:36 AM	#21 (permalink)
Djlarroc Contributing