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....