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Misc Forums => How To Section => Topic started by: Slide on September 29, 2017, 08:28:15 PM

Title: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: Slide on September 29, 2017, 08:28:15 PM
Anyone have one or have they ever seen and used one? They are very cost friendly and the pro series has a 300/600 lb rating which is a little better than snapon...

But that’s just paper... what is reality.

I really need a box, and as much as I would love a 72 inch box, it’s gonna be a 55 inch because I’m poor, retired, married and retired. And married.

Here is a link to a box I’m looking at but from a different dealer.

https://www.nhproequip.com/extreme-tools-ex5511rc-roller-cabinet-tool-box
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: mc2032 on September 29, 2017, 09:34:22 PM
Craigslist might be your best friend.  Local example.  That is if your are not opposed to recycle/reuse.  YMMV

https://wichita.craigslist.org/tls/d/snap-on-tool-box/6264236184.html
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: Slide on September 29, 2017, 10:00:17 PM
I am happy to have a used box. Problem is in my area, they rarely come up and when they do, people want 80% full retail on a used box.

There is one classic 78 55 inch for sale for $2500.... but... I can’t get actual pics so I don’t know the condition. And for the price, that extreme tools box comes in brand new delivered.

That’s the great debate really.
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: fordboy628 on September 30, 2017, 07:20:35 AM
x2 on the Craigslist idea.  But, guys usually want a premium for Snap-On boxes . . . . .

I own, or have owned, several Snap-On tool boxes over the years, after "upgrading" from Craftsman tool boxes in the 70's and 80's.   It seemed that the only reliable way to store heavy tools was with "top cabin" USA made stuff.   My needs expanded at the time that Sears decided to start "cheaping out" their tool box line, abandoning long time supplier Waterloo Tool Boxes.   So, at the time, Snap-On seemed the only choice, and they have served me well.

BUT, recently I developed a need for "off site" tool storage.  Many of the guys in the shop where I "part-time", have Harbor Freight tool boxes.   And although I initially discounted them, they turned out to be serviceable units, and they are very affordable, something that has become important to me in "retirement".   One of the other guys in the shop had a HF large rolling cabinet that he was very happy with, and as he pointed out, it was much more affordable than the same size in Snap-On.   The local Snap-On dealer's price for a similar size was $2500, with a 10% discount, which seemed really expensive to retired me.   So when push came to shove, I ended up purchasing Harbor Freight's, US General, 44 in wide, 13 drawer, rolling tool cabinet, normally $399.  Yeah $399.   But with a coupon from a mail flyer, I got mine for $359!!   Just on purchase price, that's an $1891 savings.   I just could not justify spending the extra dough . . . . . .

https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage/tool-chests-roller-cabinets/44-in-13-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-69387.html

I am happy with it, the quality is adequate, and it is serving me well.   I have it loaded to the max, and all the drawers are functioning fine.   One thing I do not do is to roll it around the shop with it as loaded as I have it.   Other than that though, I figured I got way above my money's worth, which as I said was the big issue for me.

They have a variety of sizes of rolling tool cabinets:   a 56 inch, 11 drawer @ $749;  and a 72 inch, 18 drawer @ $1099  possible sale prices unknown.   The lower price may let you get a larger unit.   My experience is that every gear head "outgrows" their tool box . . . . . . .

Others might make a different choice.

Just my 2¢

 :cheers:
Fordboy
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: WhizzbangK.C. on September 30, 2017, 09:52:25 AM
I'll second the notion for the Harbor Freight boxes. I've been using one of the 44 inchers every day for the last 6 years as my main box in a heavy truck dealership. No issues to report at all. I also don't roll it all over the shop though. If I were buying a box today it would definitely be the 72 inch that they offer.
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: jww36 on September 30, 2017, 11:22:04 AM
Home Depot has several large roll away tool boxes. Less than $1,000. I've bought several and one is my Bonneville spares box including gears, etc.
John
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on September 30, 2017, 01:21:37 PM
All this said, a slick trick I saw at a shop in Iowa was to take a big el-Cheapo tool box, cut a piece of 7/16" wafer board the size of the base, bolt it to the bottom of the box to add some lateral and torsional stiffness, and upgrade the wheels.

I like the idea - but I'm super cheap . . .   
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: salt27 on September 30, 2017, 02:38:59 PM
Home Depot has several large roll away tool boxes. Less than $1,000. I've bought several and one is my Bonneville spares box including gears, etc.
John

+1
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: WhizzbangK.C. on September 30, 2017, 03:38:57 PM
Home Depot has several large roll away tool boxes. Less than $1,000. I've bought several and one is my Bonneville spares box including gears, etc.
John

Looking at tool boxes is something of a hobby of mine. The ones at Home Depot are all Chinese made, as are the Harbor Freight ones. Believe it or not, the Harbor Freight ones are MUCH better made, and cheaper for what you get.
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: SPARKY on September 30, 2017, 06:54:40 PM
 :cheers:
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: Bookfla on October 01, 2017, 09:51:32 AM
I always thought the double wide tool boxes were way over priced. I have had good luck with buying two really nice Craftsman bottom boxes (caught on sale) and then build a steel frame bed with a good set of quality casters to set them on.  I have three sets like this now with different types of middle and top boxes to go along with it. Probably a third of the price of a solid bottom box.
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: jww36 on October 01, 2017, 11:58:11 AM
Doubt if all but a few could afford a large roll away tool box made in America!
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: edinlr on October 01, 2017, 05:01:26 PM
Slide, I bought the not so extreme version of this at Home Depot at Christmas, it was $199 on sale.  Not professional grade, but it does what I need for a whole lot less.  I have seen the exact same at Harbor Freight, but without the prestigious Husky nameplate on it.

Funny, but I also get medical carts from my nursing home to use for small parts.  I forgot that years ago they were needing a cart in a department and used one of mine from my garage.  It just broke after eight years and the replacement quote was $2700 for a new one.  I found a nice used one coming off lease for $500.  Gotta be thrifty!
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: manta22 on October 01, 2017, 08:42:07 PM
About ten years ago I attended a gov't surplus auction here in Tucson and my bid won two heavy-duty tool cabinets. They are really nice- each drawer is rated for 450lbs and slides on ball bearings. I use the larger drawers for larger tools such as electric & pneumatic drills, angle grinders, and other big heavy stuff. I was lucky, I think I bid about $200 for both of them. They were made by Rack Engineering in PA.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: wobblywalrus on October 02, 2017, 10:42:47 AM
My typical approach is to find American made stuff at clearance price or used pieces.  Heck, us old guys don't have many years left and we are gentle on things.  We do not need the strength and quality that a young person wants at the start of their career. 
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: VroomVroom on December 01, 2017, 06:19:07 PM
Anyone have one or have they ever seen and used one? They are very cost friendly and the pro series has a 300/600 lb rating which is a little better than snapon...

But that’s just paper... what is reality.

I really need a box, and as much as I would love a 72 inch box, it’s gonna be a 55 inch because I’m poor, retired, married and retired. And married.

Here is a link to a box I’m looking at but from a different dealer.

https://www.nhproequip.com/extreme-tools-ex5511rc-roller-cabinet-tool-box

That is a pretty hefty price tag. I'm sure that you can find a deal on it somewhere online, even for a brand new one.
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: Slide on December 01, 2017, 06:29:15 PM
I ordered the 72 inch pro series box on Black Friday for 2900 delivered. It should be here next week. I’ll update the post with details on the quality etc then. It was the best deal going for it.
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: saltwheels262 on December 01, 2017, 08:07:16 PM
On black weekend I picked up the 44-inch, 13 drawer lower cabinet by US general from Harbor Freight. $359 plus tax.
Have been eyeing up those US general boxes for  years.
The taller drawers have two ball bearing slides on each side.
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: Slide on December 01, 2017, 08:50:19 PM
A number of years ago, I found  set of metal kitchen cabinets from the 50's that someone was throwing out. I took them apart and had them blasted an powder coated blue. I then built a top on them. I bought the new box in a blue that may or may not match but is similar enough in color. About 2 years ago, my neighbor was throwing out some more of these metal cabinets. So I picked them up with the idea of doing the same as the others. This set is not in as good of shape and is missing one drawer. Ive looked into the powder coating price and it has gone up quite significantly. Its almost the price of buying two kobalt or homak cabinets... I figure I would take the castors off and put a top on them... The storage would be different. I need to find boxes that are not all thin drawers, as well as a few other things, like something deeper than 18 inches.

I have been comparing the general (Id have to spray them as they only come in red) to the kobalt, homak etc... One thing that I have been finding in my research is the cheap homak, craftsman and kobalt and the general spew the parts out of the slides fairly quick. I have a small craftsman proffessional box and that amongst a host of other reasons is why I wouldnt buy another bigger version as my main box.

But for these side boxes, used for infrequent use, storage etc, its not a bad idea.

I have also found that just like HF, kobalt and Homak have different levels of box and sometimes different qulity of the same part number box. Its just really hard to find out which is which ....Unlike HF whom have a slightly different item number for different versions of the same tool/item.

Its moot for now, Im broke for a bit....

I can tell you one thing though for certainty. I bought my box from rockin toolboxes, they were having a huge deal and it was about $500 cheaper than anywhere else. Here is the bad part. Once they have your money, forget about them getting back to you. I finally gave up and called the tool box company.  They have a very intricate and definite delivery system and inspection requirement, that is hidden in the website. The notification time line was off compared to their delivery instructions, and as the client is on the hook for some serious delivery fees if you are not laying prostrate for the unknown LTL freight company... It was getting slightly concerning. I still have not heard back from the selling company. All they have done since is sent me an automated email saying the "product shipped"...

So exactly how i am to contact the freight company to set up my delivery window in an appropriate amount of time Ill never know.

I have since heard great things from people on the garage journal who ordered their boxes through strictly tool boxes....
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: edinlr on December 01, 2017, 10:13:40 PM
I bought another of the Husky boxes at Home Depot on Saturday on special for $199 through Christmas.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-46-in-9-Drawer-Mobile-Workbench-with-Solid-Wood-Top-Black-7440946R/206839475
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: Slide on December 01, 2017, 10:48:08 PM
Those are awesome. That whole family of boxes. I wish those came in Blue. However at the price you paid I’d be happy to tape them up and paint them.
I’ll have to keep my eye out for after the new year to see if they go on sale like that again.
 
Title: Re: Extreme tools boxes?
Post by: WhizzbangK.C. on December 02, 2017, 12:32:14 AM
I have one of the HF US Genera 44 inch boxes, bottom, top, and both side cabinets. It is my main box at work. I'm a class 8 truck dealership mechanic. The large bottom drawer holds 3/4 and 1 inch drive sockets and impacts. All of the drawers are full and I've been working from it 10 hours a day for the last 6 years with zero issues. From looking at the newer ones it actually appears that they have improved the quality recently. If I had a need to buy another box I would not hesitate to buy the 72 inch that they have out now.