Tool Chest & Rollaway Suitable For Patio?

[Matt42]

Because of the layout of my house and lot, I do a lot of work in the back yard. So I have a well-used tool chest and rollaway that I bought cheap at a yard sale on the patio. It was in mediocre shape when I bought it, and it's been a chore to keep it going with the general dust that settles. (Not the haboob dust storms, just the regular kind. The spectacular, front-page storms seldom get to us here.)

Does anyone have suggestions for decent rollaways and chests that I could use on the patio? I don't want to spend a fortune but I want something that'll stand up for a while. Rust is not an issue here.

 

[AEdelheit]

I would look for a used Snap on, Mac, Blue point box on Craigslist. Having used a few different boxes I feel those definitely have some of the best draw slides, there are other brands Im not familiar with but either way they are much cheaper used then new!

 

[Wayne M.]

Harbor freight boxes shouldn’t be overlooked. Whatever I got, I’d make up a good fitting cover for it. Water and dust repellant.

 

[jgillott]

I don't want to derail this thread for the OP, but while we are discussing boxes, I'm looking for a small roll away tool cart with a work surface and a couple of storage drawers.

Something similar to this but with a heavier construction and either a wood or steel work surface.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-d...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[AEdelheit]

Harbor freight boxes shouldn’t be overlooked. Whatever I got, I’d make up a good fitting cover for it. Water and dust repellant.

I have a HF box at home, for the price it cant be beat but it has pretty cheap rollers and latches. I have a Mac Box at work that is about 15 years old and still smoother and tighter then my HF box was brand new. Also have a small Snap on tool cart, bought used but I would guess 25+ years old and still smooth and tight.

 

[seafish]

I don't want to derail this thread for the OP, but while we are discussing boxes, I'm looking for a small roll away tool cart with a work surface and a couple of storage drawers.

Something similar to this but with a heavier construction and either a wood or steel work surface.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-d...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Anyone have any suggestions?

The US General tool chest line offers by Harbor Freight really IS a good deal for the price, particularly if you find one on sale like this cart for $109 right now--

https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-4-Drawer-Black-Tech-Cart-64096.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNTc2MzE5ODEiLCJza3UiOiI2NDA5NiIsImlzIjoiMTA5Ljk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p ZCI6IjEyNTY3In0=

While the top on this one opens and might not be quite suitable for an actual work surface when closed, these are actually sturdy carts and IMO you could simply attach a butcher block top to the steel lid for your work table while still being able too store things under the lid as well as in the drawers.

Just an idea!!

 

[jgillott]

The US General tool chest line offers by Harbor Freight really IS a good deal for the price, particularly if you find one on sale like this cart for $109 right now--

https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-4-Drawer-Black-Tech-Cart-64096.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNTc2MzE5ODEiLCJza3UiOiI2NDA5NiIsImlzIjoiMTA5Ljk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p ZCI6IjEyNTY3In0=

While the top on this one opens and might not be quite suitable for an actual work surface when closed, these are actually sturdy carts and IMO you could simply attach a butcher block top to the steel lid for your work table while still being able too store things under the lid as well as in the drawers.

Just an idea!!

Thanks . I'll take a look at them

 

[jhenderson]

I don’t know about where you guys live but the folks on Craigslist around here seen to think their old boxes are valuable antiques. They want more than the SnapOn guy does for a trade in. For home use you can’t beat U S General from HF.

 

[AEdelheit]

I don’t know about where you guys live but the folks on Craigslist around here seen to think their old boxes are valuable antiques. They want more than the SnapOn guy does for a trade in. For home use you can’t beat U S General from HF.

I can see used box pricing being dependent on location, here in central Oregon there are a decent amount of used boxes on CL for a good price though those Snap on trucks do love there $50 a week for 160 weeks!

If anyone does get an HF box I would suggest greasing the draw slides, the ones on my box were dry and did not roll very well new, that is a 72" Box and I do know some people with there smaller carts that seemed better. I suspect consistency is not there specialty.

 

[mwilson]

We have a couple techs using the HF rollaways and they are holding up well.

Impressed my son Seth so much that he just bought this one..https://www.harborfreight.com/72-in-x-22-in-triple-bank-roller-cabinet-black-64003.html

 

[Wayne M.]

Matt, if you’re considering a harbor freight box, I think they’re having another parking lot tent sale weekend, and that cart with the drawers and flip lid is on sale.
Might be worth a look see.

 

[jgillott]

Yes, they are having a tent sale this weekend. I'm not sure if I can get there or not, but I'm going to try.

 

[JR]

Yes, they are having a tent sale this weekend. I'm not sure if I can get there or not, but I'm going to try.

Is this everywhere or just your location?
There is one within an hour of me that I've not yet been to. I need an excuse to go

 

[jgillott]

I think it is everywhere. Go to harborfreight.com and put in your location to see for sure.

 

[jgillott]

Picked up my new cabinet at Harbor Freight today. Not bad for the price.

 

[endoscott]

my HF rollaway has been awesome. excellent casters. hard to find good used Snap-on boxes around here at least for a decent price.

 

[mweiman]

You might check out strictly toolboxes.com and look at the montezuma and tool vault boxes. They would be well sealed as far as keeping rain water out. Many people mount them on their truck beds. I also have the flip top cart from harbor freight that I set up with all the tools needed to do a truck pm. Quality is good and no complaints with it.
Matt