Here I am

Tool box

Attention: TDR Forum Junkies
To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.

Thanks, TDR Staff

Shop lift advise

Recommendations for an entry level welder?

I went to the shop and open a drawer on the roll away box and the bottom of the drawer is just about to fall out.



What kind of box do you have for your Mechanics tools. The one I have is a Craftsman hand-me-down from Dad and the new ones JUST ARENT UP TO PAR ANYMORE. I dont have the need for a box like a 10k snap-on (nice but out of my budget)



BIG
 
I have a 45+ year old Craftsman roll-away tool chest with sliding drawers. I've kept the slides lubricated and so far it's held up. About 5-years ago, I bought another Craftsman roll-away with ball bearing slides on a closeout since my original roll-away chest was "overflowing". The ball bearing slides work so much easier and so far it's held up well. The second roll away doesn't match my old one, but who cares? I too can't afford nor would I spend the money for a nice Snap-On.



Bill
 
When I was starting out in the trade, I "invested" in a Snap on combo like this.
image.jpg

IMHO there's nothing like the pro boxes, Mac, Matco, and the other brands included. The premium Craftsman boxes aren't bad either. If I needed a box right now, I'd be stopping tool trucks and inquiring about what they have taken on trade. You might be surprised to see what you can get. Looking in Craigslist etc. is good too.

image.jpg
 
Just another thought... If you are not making your living out of it, consider Harbor Freight. I know, i know... . There large tool chest is reasonably priced and seems to be pretty stout. Only thing I don't like about them are the slides. Relatively simple fix though; buy new sliders. Will be my next box.
 
I bought a huge Husky brand rollaway on a 25% discount sale at HomeDepot about 12 years ago. It's has ball bearing guides and has been great.

george
 
I bought a Kobolt one from Lowes two years ago and it has held up well it is stainless steel so it was a little pricey, but I can't fault it. I also looked around found one that was dented and got the manager to discount it.
 
Check out craigslist. Can usually find a good toolbox for a decent price, if you want brand name and "professional grade".



Also, as Wayne M. typed, the trucks usually have decent deals on trade-in box's.



I have seen the china made box's that I would replace my Snap-On setup with, other than they are China made.



My Snap-On guy and I go round and round about Blue Point tools, I wont buy them since they are manufactured in China.



My $0. 02
 
A vote for the Craftsman Pro Line for home use. I get you pictures of mine tonight. Very happy with it.



Snap On boxes really shine if you are rolling them around loaded from bay to bay, but if it is on your own shop and pretty much stays in one spot any medium quality box with ball bearing slides will work just fine IMHO.



Mike.
 
Just another thought... If you are not making your living out of it, consider Harbor Freight. I know, i know... . There large tool chest is reasonably priced and seems to be pretty stout. Only thing I don't like about them are the slides. Relatively simple fix though; buy new sliders. Will be my next box.

I know a lot of people running HF boxes and they actually hold up well, can't beat them for the price.

I personally have a Mac box in the garage that's has been great and my work one is a 99 F450 with an Altec box, Uhhh has room for improvement. There are tons of great deals on CL, buying a new high end box is a waste of money.
 
Last edited:
Mike



Was looking at the Craftsman Pro Line until I got occupied with some other problems that aren't even mine (So nice to be a Dad :rolleyes:) Went into town for some supplies for son's project and pointed out to him that the tool boxes would be payment enough but he gave me the same :rolleyes: They did look pretty nice
 
Back
Top