Tool box.....?

admin

Frankly, I don't know where this fits.I have an older Waterloo chest-rollaround combo that's seen much better days (and it's stuffred) and I want to buy a new tool cabinet and/or multiple cabinets.It has to be on rubber tired casters because it has to go between shops on concrete floors and it needs to be sturdy but I don't want to pay Snap-on price (and I don't need the glitz either).....My machinist tools are all in Gerstner boxes so this is for my 'other' ahnd tools.I looked at Menards premium boxes the other day and they looked to be well constructed and not cheap but cheap compared to Snap-on or MACAny suggestions or pitfalls concerning new tool boxes?  Or comments.?The Waterloo will be up for grabs, probably free, when I get a new one, or ones.
Reply:I've got a Kennedy chest that has seen it's share of miles in a factory and now in my shop. When the plant closed they gave it to me. It has held up well. The one I have is the wide model...not real sure actual width right now.Only thing I would suggest is ball bearing drawers. They're nice when you get the drawers loaded heavy.Might want to check the Kennedy website. I think they have different caster materials for different surfaces.Hope it helps some.AlA man is judged by what's between his legs...always ride a good horseMiller DialArc HFLincoln Classic 300DThermal Arc 181iPowermax 45Scotchman Ironworker(2) BridgeportsOkomota Surface GrinderAutoCAD 2010
Reply:I have a Harbor Freight big box and chest in my garage workshop.  I was surprized at how nice it is.The old Craftsman boxes I used at work, sat on a frame I welded up from channel with big casters.  That old beast was forkliftable.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:several at the machine shop i use to work at have the huge menard boxes.. huge green ones, they seem to be nice for the money..  they look well built, when you look them over..Last edited by brucer; 02-22-2011 at 05:29 AM.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:+1 on the Kennedy chests - they are by no means cheap but will last a lifetime with very little maintenance other than an occasional cleaning and lubing.Craigslist, if your area is covered can be your best friend when it comes to buying big boxes.  I picked up a 6 drawer versabench  and a couple of different top boxes a while back for a grand.  Gentleman passed away and his family wanted the garage back - had no idea what those boxes were worth.  You could tell he took good care of them and I've done the same, they should still be in service long after I'm gone.
Reply:I've never been fond of Kennedy boxes and didn't consider them.  I guess thats because machinists have a choice, Kennedy metal or Gerstner wood and I'm a Gerstner person, I actually have 3.  I just don't like the brown wrinkle finish I guess.The Menards boxes are a puke green but I agree, the do look well built.  I'll have to stop by HF and see what they have.  I looked at the Lowes boxes (Cobalt) I believe but I could care less about on board sound systems and fancy diamond plate.  This is a shop box.  Snazzy to me is a Gerstner oak or mahogany wood box.I really don't want to buy any but my Waterloo is too full and it's getting, shall I say, less than presentable...... since I ran into it with the hi-lo last fall.Thanks for the input.  I'll be sure to watch drawer suspension for sure.  I was leaning toward 2 roll-around boxes to replace the lower-upper unit I now have.  Mobile workspace is nice and the tops can serve as tooling stations.  I have a Cat40 toolcart thats a PITA because it's hard plastic.