Djlarroc

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

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

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

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

SCYOTA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

toy_tek

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

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

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

Pawn Shop

toy_tek

I think we need some pics up in this thread.

04 Rocko Taco

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

CJM

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

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

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