I have been storing my tools in shitty tool boxes, rubbermaid bins, and just sort of strewn around for way too long.

I am not a professional, so I don't need an "integrated $10k tool management system", but I want something I won't have to replace in a few years.

Modular would be nice, so I could add to it as I get more tools instead of replace it, though I don't know what kind of options there are in that arena.

As for size, I don't even know where to start. I have a couple regular sets of wrenches, screw drivers, electrical tools, some woodworking tools, basic "specialty" tools like pulley removal tools and ball joint separators and stuff. It feels like a lot right now because I have to paw through it all to find anything, but I imagine I don't need anything too huge to start with.

What are my options? Brands to check out, or avoid? I'd like to keep it under $700, though $1000 isn't out of the question.

 

Here are some good reviews:

Tool chest review - Sears, Tractor Supply, Lowes, Home Depot, Harbor Freight - The Garage Journal Board


the harbor freight boxes are usually the most recomended budget tool box. I have one and it gets the job done.

 

I've looked at a couple of the Harbor Freight tool boxes over the last year. There's one on sale pretty often that always looks appealing, but it's pretty flimsy in person and I always end up looking up in price. Those slightly more expensive boxes actually feel pretty nice, drawers are on rollers and have finger locks, cabinet itself has a decent weight. There are a couple mentioned in the HF Win or Fail thread that got good reviews. Here's one:

Roller Cabinet - 44" Red Rolling Tool Cabinet w/ 13 Drawers

 

I have one of the cheap $170 3 level HF rolling toolbox. It does the job, but is by no means great. If I had to use it every day for multiple hours I would maybe consider buying a better quality one, but since it sits in 1 spot in the garage it works well.

 

search craigslist for used professional grade tool boxes. A full sized box may be out of your price range but you can fit quite a bit of stuff into a large technician satellite box or roll cart. From what ive heard the harbor freight boxes aren't even worth trying, but i haven't checked up in the last few years.

Edit: Bingo! https://maine.craigslist.org/tls/4766013214.html

 

I have the HF 44" roller as well as their 7 drawer side attachment for that roller. I put a set of casters on the 7 drawer and made it a roller. Added a 1/4" steel top and now it is my fab table and my most used tool storage. I roll it up to whatever I am working on and have immediate access to tools and a nice work surface. I am happy.

 

That garage journal thread was awesome! It seems like for the price and my use, I can't go wrong with the 44" red Harbor Freight unit. It's expandable, inexpensive, well-built, and available locally.

 

44" or bigger red Harbor Freight chest for home use. Always.

I've got my eye on the 72".

 

Upcoming black Friday sale, it is 349.99

 

I wish the top chest wasn't so much.

OP check ebay for discount coupons on the chest or on slickdeals for a printable one.

 

Top chest is often on sale for under $300.

A top and bottom 44" setup for under $750 is a screaming deal.

I don't really like the tops, though, because i'm short. Otherwise i'd have a 56" top and bottom.


Anyone local want to buy my 26" Matco triple stack?

 

I was pretty well set on the HF 44" chest, but wasn't that impressed when I visited the store.

Last year around Black Friday I stumbled on a really good online deal through Sears for a black, 2 piece heavy duty tool chest set. Their standard duty chests suck, but I have been very happy with the construction of the heavy duty unit.

I would watch out for sales through Sears (online or in store) during the holiday season. I paid black friday prices online and then pieces were delivered to my local store a week later so there were no crowds to deal with.

 

I got a really nice Husky box from Home Depot on Black Friday last year. I think it was $220 for an 8 drawer cabinet and a 6 drawer chest, normal retail was like $480 something IIRC. Roller bearings, doesn't feel flimsy, pretty good deal IMO. Not sure if they'll be doing it again this year but it's worth a look.

 

Pics? I'm not shopping right now, but for $220 i'd probably just buy two of those combos.

 

This is it

I guess I remembered the drawer count wrong. No idea if it will be on sale this year or not though. Granted, it's no Matco, but it's a very decent box for $220.

 

Yeah for anything $300 or under, i'll be on that like a fat kid on cake.

Thanks!

 

Like ssaid before the HF box is actually pretty good and is on a crazy sale. I'm pissed at my uncle though he just scored matco and cromwell medium roller boxes for $50 each from some guy who didnt know what they were. Of course he's not sharing.

 

I really like my homak boxes, purchased from northern tool. Harbor freight quality or better, but a lot more selection.

 

As someone who "turns a wrench" for a living, i must say i do like my HF box. Just make sure you get the "better" one with ball bearing drawers. I have a Sears box (heavy duty? maybe) that's good too. Then again, i work in an anodizing plant every one of my drawers has desiccant packets to keep my tools from rotting away. So there is no point for me to own something nice. I laugh at the fools who pay thousands and thousands of dollars for tool boxes.

 

I will second the suggestion of Homak boxes that can normally be found at Northern Tool. I bought three 44" bottoms and made an a L shape out of them in a corner. My favorite part is they come in black. Look for the $50 off $250 coupon when making the purchase.