Rolling tool box/bench, which one?

[redtom]

As I prepare for my second career, I've decided to upgrade to a rolling benchtop style tool box. The setup I have now is a conglomeration of an old computer punch card file (readily available in the plant years ago and right sized drawers for tools), my old Craftsman top box, and a two drawer file cab. all bolted together. I've set my sights on the 54" range and must be 24" deep (not readily found in some stores). If money were no object, I'd get the 72" model. I like Husky and International. I'm not springing for SnapOn at this stage in my life unless I got a deal on a good used one. Whats your opinions?

 

[SVcummins]

Had a Matco when I was mechanicing I really liked but for 4000.00$ I wouldn?t probably buy another one . these harbor freight boxes are nice quality

.

 

[Barts Dad]

Blain?s Farm and Fleet carries the current line of Craftsman roll boxes. They still have ball bearing slide drawers. Don?t know who makes them now, not as heavy as they were 40/50 years ago, but still pretty decent.

 

[Patsdeere]

Have husky at work. Really nice units. Big unit has been beat up for almost 5 years, every drawer still operates nice and smooth. Couldn't be happier for $600.

 

[marloweg]

had a snap-on JUNK bought Harbor Fright 200% better 1/4 the price

 

[urbancase]

I have a 72" extremetool tool box in my farm shop, and here at work most people (machinist) are using Kennedy tool boxes. if having to move long distance they work good.

 

[Oregon Tractor Jack]

I have one of the HF lower and upper cabinets. They work great. Its going on 10 years and it still going strong.

OTJ

 

[Roger Tomfohrde]

How much moving around are you going to be doing with it. Wheels are the big factor here if it gets moved too much up and down hallways. I bought a Kennedy when I needed storage for a machinist job that was moved to several rooms. There are cheaper grades of them around also. If it is for a home shop and not being hauled around go large.

 

[504]

I bought my first Snap On box when I was 14,I have, I think, 5 roll boxes now, and 5 top chests.(some good and some just cheap) If I was starting all over, they would be Harbor Freight roll cabinets and no top boxes(unless I needed a road box.) A $1000.00 at HF, or $6500.00 At the truck. Homemade two inch hard wood top, and you are good to go.

 

[Mutt and Jeff]

It's a tool chest. with a surface.

Not a workbench.

It's a rolling collector of a mountain high junk pile and possessions in temporary open storage.

It's occasionally a tool staging area as we take a project to task.
It may be some technical service space.

BUT IT IS NEVER A ROLLING WORKBENCH

A workbench is heavy and stationary
it will endure the heaviest of parts and pounding
it will support a large sturdy vice that will immobilize the largest opponent in a frey of combat.

It's a tool chest.

 

[moresmoke]

The Harbor Freight ones look decent for the money. Don't know if you have Meneards in your area, but I really like my Masterforce boxes. Pricing can be really good on the right sale. There were some of the Masterforce boxes in my last service truck. They held up to that abuse. Same boxes as the Deere dealer sells in green.

 

[showcrop]

I can't advise on brand but I will tell you to be sure to get a big enough one. When I changed careers I got a used SnapOn which was good except that it turned out to not be large enough. You have to be flexible and rearrange when you should, and restrict it to tools and not parts storage. I put too much weight in one of the larger drawers and the bearings got rough.

 

[JF in MI]

If you are transitioning into the auto mechanics trade I would recommend one that can easily be loaded onto the back of a pickup or van. Makes it easier to switch employers in a hurry should you be so inclined.

 

[Determined]

Have a look in the local classified ads, pawn shops, used tool shops etc.

Often you can pick one up with tools in it for less than the price of the box.

I have 8 top chests, 3 roll cabinets, 2 side boxes and a couple of machinists boxes.

Mac, Snap on, Craftsman, Beach and a few store branded ones.

Only 3 of them were bought new, the rest were purchased with tools in them for less than the box was worth.

As long as you are not sitting on the drawers or using the drawers as a ladder, they will all give you long service.

 

[dr sportster]

The box just hold the tools .It has no other function. The Snap-on box is pretty much the same as a H-F General box .Same roller drawers. Box don't turn any wrenches or cut any metal simply holds tools. I have both.

 

[hermit]

HF has the 72" for $999 with coupon, but they are only 22" deep and not sure how they would work in a commercial setting. I have a 72 and a 44 top and bottom (mine aren't the newer 22" deep ones)and they are plenty good for me, but this is for a home shop and doesn't get nearly the use you would probably give one. As mentioned, there are lots of good deals on craigslist at times, just shop cautiously.

 

[Rex Simpkins]

Hate to say it but Harbor Freight has very nice tool boxes

 

[chadsd]

masterforce at menards, are great boxes.

 

[Destroked 450]

I bought 2 of those HF 44" boxes for my shop, more storage space than a single 72" for less money.

 

[coshoo]

I bought the Harbor Freight rolling toolbox (the one that's on sale all the time)- 4 drawers, and a top that comes down and makes a flat surface to work on. My thought was to get the tools I think I'll need for a project, put them in the drawers, and roll the box to the project. Box is very well made and pretty heavy duty, good value for the money, but one problem- when you put the lid down, it locks the tool drawers so your can't get to your tools. I think I can modify the latching system to work, but at least as bought, it won't work for my purposes.