New toolbox, opinons should I do it? - LotusTalk

pixlpush · 01-23-2009, 09:14 AM

I got an email that Sears is having a tool sale and have been thinking about getting a new tool chest. I went to there web store and low an behold I discovered the Sunburst Orange Metalic tool chest. Here's a pic of the set I'm thinking about. 26" 4 drawers on the lower, 6 drawers on top. I'll have to add the Lotus logo. I have a serious weakness for orange but my only hesitation is that they're aren't more shallow drawers on the lower portion. I hate digging through deep drawers looking for stuff. $368 for the set and 26" is about all I can fit in my wee garage and sadly no fridge or boom box built in. Thoughts before I pull the trigger?

Uncle Sam · 01-23-2009, 11:24 AM

Get the Snap-On Lotus Edition. It is only $14,000 and you can put the car in the bottom drawer.

Thomasio · 01-23-2009, 11:32 AM

Go on Craigslist and check out all of the Snap On, Mac, and Matco toolboxes that are in great condition and similar prices to new Craftsman stuff.

I use Craftsman tools, but their boxes are flimsy...

RacyTracy · 01-23-2009, 02:24 PM

Can you add a center section? Might not be matching orange though....but center sections usually have shallow drawers.

DeanG · 01-23-2009, 02:35 PM

I finally broke down and bought a rollaway from Costco. Stainless steel, cheaper than the Craftsman.

fishguy · 01-23-2009, 02:37 PM

they are always having a sale.
join the craftman club for some good discounts, its free.
also i have been looking at boxes there as well. i wouldnt touch any of thier boxes other than the ball bearing ones, the rest are cheaply built and flimsy as said earlier.

antinym · 01-23-2009, 02:38 PM

yeah, deep drawers suck! don't do it, you'll end up sacrificing usability for orange. no good.

Get a used snapon or Mac, or even a high end craftman and paint it orange. Or, do what I did and get the Harbor freight one. Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

goes on sale for $400 all the time. no need for a top chest, and I get more worksurface.

aschen · 01-23-2009, 02:41 PM

I have the same chest in grey. It works well for me. It is certainly not tool snob approved, but functions fine and is sturdy enough for a home garage....

charliex · 01-23-2009, 02:46 PM

krypton green anyone ?
Snap On Tool Box--Limited Edition ONLY 100 MADE - $2000

MikeG911 · 01-23-2009, 03:31 PM

I was eyeing this one.

I have out growm my Craftsman. Not sure about the quality, still researching it.

SweetDaddyD · 01-23-2009, 05:28 PM

Probably fine for home use. Just don't load the drawers up with like 80lbs in them. Yeah the ball bearings are def. better but if all your tools fit in that box, I'm betting it's fine for what you are using it for. Also you may be able to add one of those boxes that hangs on the side later on, or get a workbench with a few drawers or a roll around cart with drawer too for your other stuff.

Plus it's ORANGE! (which I'm sure you noticed)

Oh- and adding the logo.... no problem

Dragon · 01-23-2009, 06:59 PM

Those bigger drawers come in handy for extension cords, electric power tools, air tools, jacks and jack stands.

azac · 01-23-2009, 08:51 PM

You can save one shallow drawer by using an intermediate (top drawer, bottom box) for plier type tools utilizing a nifty rack that stands the pliers on edge. Very efficient for those of us with too many of these tools.
The Pliers Rack

SweetDaddyD · 01-23-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azac

You can save one shallow drawer by using an intermediate (top drawer, bottom box) for plier type tools utilizing a nifty rack that stands the pliers on edge. Very efficient for those of us with too many of these tools.
The Pliers Rack

Whoa! I need that. And something to organize my mess of a screwdriver drawer too!

TimMullen · 01-26-2009, 11:07 AM

The biggest disadvantage to that particular box is the depth of the top drawers. Note that the front edge of the top chest sits in quite a bit from the front edge of the bottom cabinet. They make top chests that sit essentially flush with the front of the bottom, adding a couple of inches to the storage space in each of the top drawers - important when storing long things like screw drivers and pry bars, and just plain handy for the space.

As for the tool boxes with and without ball bearings - the reality is that it doesn't make that much difference. I have two Craftsman roll around tool boxes - an older one with the short top drawers (and a center add-on stack) and a newer ball bearing box. Yes, the ball bearing drawers are nice, but I'm not sure I'd pay extra for it. I did pay extra for the deeper length drawers. I keep most of my tools in the new box, and still have plenty of less used tools in the old box.

The biggest thing to look for is lots of deep (not to be confused with height) drawers. The more drawers, the more you can organize your tools. Remember, you want lots of square inches of storage space, not cubic inches of storage space. Square inches let you spread things out, cubic inches means you have to stack things in the drawers.

Pay extra for more tool box than you need, you will need more later (that's why I have two boxes). The center add-on boxes take up extra space that could be another drawer, and actually make the whole thing too tall - it's harder to use the top for anything more than just a place to toss things "for later".

Ren Man · 01-26-2009, 11:22 AM

Also look at the amount of weight that it is capable of handling. If you plan on jamming it to the limit this will matter, you dont want the wheels/frame to break.

The width of the drawers matters as well if you plan on putting things like pry bars in them or you could put a rack on the side of the box to hang them

pixlpush · 01-27-2009, 10:45 AM

Thanks for all the comments everyone, all helpful thoughts

I've been out of town for a few days and managed to resist the impulse buy on the orange craftsman box. I'm going to take all your comments into consideration before pulling the trigger on anything.

fitfan · 01-27-2009, 12:20 PM

i like having a few "tall" drawers, i keep cordless drills, small electronics tool box, kits, etc... down there. just depends if you have LOTS of flat tools, or al ittle bit of everything. get something bigger/mor ethan oyu think you need. line the drawers, i like a mix of a few small drawers, lotrs of flat drawers and some deep drawers. ball bearing are nice, its worth a little extra, not a lot extra.

esoteric · 02-07-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Sam

Get the Snap-On Lotus Edition. It is only $14,000 and you can put the car in the bottom drawer.

Where is a link to this? I couldn't find one online. I only saw the limited edition GT-R toolbox that they have.

Uncle Sam · 02-07-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esoteric

Where is a link to this? I couldn't find one online. I only saw the limited edition GT-R toolbox that they have.

The GT-R box is more because they have to have a drawer for a spare transmission.

01-23-2009, 09:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
pixlpush Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: socal Posts: 1,007 Images: 124	New toolbox, opinons should I do it? I got an email that Sears is having a tool sale and have been thinking about getting a new tool chest. I went to there web store and low an behold I discovered the Sunburst Orange Metalic tool chest. Here's a pic of the set I'm thinking about. 26" 4 drawers on the lower, 6 drawers on top. I'll have to add the Lotus logo. I have a serious weakness for orange but my only hesitation is that they're aren't more shallow drawers on the lower portion. I hate digging through deep drawers looking for stuff. $368 for the set and 26" is about all I can fit in my wee garage and sadly no fridge or boom box built in. Thoughts before I pull the trigger? Attached Images __________________ 2005 Elise, CO, LSS, Hard Top 2006 Mini Cooper S - peper white 1986 BMW E30 325E - 24 Hours of LeMons race turd The B-Team, 24 Hours of LeMons Race Team Last edited by pixlpush : 01-23-2009 at 09:42 AM.

01-23-2009, 11:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
Thomasio really light stuff Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 3,503	Go on Craigslist and check out all of the Snap On, Mac, and Matco toolboxes that are in great condition and similar prices to new Craftsman stuff. I use Craftsman tools, but their boxes are flimsy... __________________ 07 SY Exige S Really Light Stuff Intercooler . RLS Tubes . RLS Water/Methanol Injection . RLS 3.0" Pulley . RLS Wing Plates . RLS CF Window Panel

01-23-2009, 02:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
RacyTracy V Not my picture V Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Palatine, IL Posts: 9,203 Images: 1	Can you add a center section? Might not be matching orange though....but center sections usually have shallow drawers. __________________ Tracy 2009 Lotus Exige S260 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser LOG 29 photos

01-23-2009, 02:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
fishguy registered nipple Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,780 Images: 1	they are always having a sale. join the craftman club for some good discounts, its free. also i have been looking at boxes there as well. i wouldnt touch any of thier boxes other than the ball bearing ones, the rest are cheaply built and flimsy as said earlier. __________________ 2008-2009 SCCA AZ Regional "Driver of the Year" 1986 Swift DB-1 Sold 2008 HSR-West FF 3rd generation Champion 2008 "The Series" FF 3rd generation Champion 1987 Porsche Spec 944 2008-2009 season SCCA AZ regional Champion

01-23-2009, 02:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
aschen My car is really small Join Date: May 2008 Location: Woodlands Tx Posts: 395	I have the same chest in grey. It works well for me. It is certainly not tool snob approved, but functions fine and is sturdy enough for a home garage.... __________________ 05 Safron Yellow "bumbleBee" Not sure I can ever go back to a regular car 84 930 turbo "no nickname yet" 06 WRX Wagon "silverbullet"

01-23-2009, 11:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
Uncle Sam #14 Sport Elise Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Rockville, Maryland Posts: 865 Images: 2	Get the Snap-On Lotus Edition. It is only $14,000 and you can put the car in the bottom drawer.

01-23-2009, 02:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
DeanG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 724	I finally broke down and bought a rollaway from Costco. Stainless steel, cheaper than the Craftsman.

01-23-2009, 02:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
antinym The Doombringer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 656	yeah, deep drawers suck! don't do it, you'll end up sacrificing usability for orange. no good. Get a used snapon or Mac, or even a high end craftman and paint it orange. Or, do what I did and get the Harbor freight one. Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices goes on sale for $400 all the time. no need for a top chest, and I get more worksurface.

01-23-2009, 02:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
charliex OSX Black hat Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 9,935	krypton green anyone ? Snap On Tool Box--Limited Edition ONLY 100 MADE - $2000 __________________ Black Exige S - http://goth.am 265 Mule / Elan M100.ECU Tuning, http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39660 West Coast Lotus Meet - Las Vegas - November 6-9 2009 http://www.westcoastlotus.com/

01-23-2009, 03:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
MikeG911 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 256	I was eyeing this one. I have out growm my Craftsman. Not sure about the quality, still researching it. __________________ 07 CO Elise, ReVerie CF Side Scoops, ReVerie 3-Element CF Diffuser, ReVerie center console, ReVerie front splitter, 111 Tow Hook, 111 Boomerang Tow Hook, 111 Bootie, Redline Boot, BWR Key, V1. Planned R888, Larini Exhaust, CF Sills, Coil Overs of some kind...

01-23-2009, 05:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
SweetDaddyD BANNED Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 7,644 Images: 2	Probably fine for home use. Just don't load the drawers up with like 80lbs in them. Yeah the ball bearings are def. better but if all your tools fit in that box, I'm betting it's fine for what you are using it for. Also you may be able to add one of those boxes that hangs on the side later on, or get a workbench with a few drawers or a roll around cart with drawer too for your other stuff. Plus it's ORANGE! (which I'm sure you noticed) Oh- and adding the logo.... no problem

01-23-2009, 06:59 PM	#12 (permalink)
Dragon Hydrocarbons Rule Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Okinawa Japan Posts: 1,747 Images: 2	Those bigger drawers come in handy for extension cords, electric power tools, air tools, jacks and jack stands. __________________ 2006 Exige; BWR Supercharger, Adj Sway Bar, Ohlins Suspension, BSK Oil Catch Can, Moroso Oil Pan, ORC Clutch, Custom Exhaust, Black Volk Racing CE28N's w/ Toyo R1R's, 2 piece rotors, Pagid Blue Pads, BSK Wet Carbon (Side Skirts, Front Lip Spoiler, Gas Cap Cover, Center Console, Door Panels), Dry Carbon rear Diffuser, Harness Bar, BWR Gauge Mount, OMP Superquadro steering wheel, LETSLA Short Shifter, V2arms, Rear Tow Link Brace, RLS Battery Bracket, BOE Tow Bar, Stickers.

01-23-2009, 08:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
azac Edi Aut Edaris Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 143	You can save one shallow drawer by using an intermediate (top drawer, bottom box) for plier type tools utilizing a nifty rack that stands the pliers on edge. Very efficient for those of us with too many of these tools. The Pliers Rack

01-26-2009, 11:07 AM	#15 (permalink)
TimMullen Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 11,389 Images: 19	The biggest disadvantage to that particular box is the depth of the top drawers. Note that the front edge of the top chest sits in quite a bit from the front edge of the bottom cabinet. They make top chests that sit essentially flush with the front of the bottom, adding a couple of inches to the storage space in each of the top drawers - important when storing long things like screw drivers and pry bars, and just plain handy for the space. As for the tool boxes with and without ball bearings - the reality is that it doesn't make that much difference. I have two Craftsman roll around tool boxes - an older one with the short top drawers (and a center add-on stack) and a newer ball bearing box. Yes, the ball bearing drawers are nice, but I'm not sure I'd pay extra for it. I did pay extra for the deeper length drawers. I keep most of my tools in the new box, and still have plenty of less used tools in the old box. The biggest thing to look for is lots of deep (not to be confused with height) drawers. The more drawers, the more you can organize your tools. Remember, you want lots of square inches of storage space, not cubic inches of storage space. Square inches let you spread things out, cubic inches means you have to stack things in the drawers. Pay extra for more tool box than you need, you will need more later (that's why I have two boxes). The center add-on boxes take up extra space that could be another drawer, and actually make the whole thing too tall - it's harder to use the top for anything more than just a place to toss things "for later". __________________ Tim Mullen --- There is no such thing as Touring suspension or Touring wheels. I love being married. It's so great to find that one person that you want to annoy for the rest of your life. - Rita Rudner Chantilly, VA http://members.cox.net/elans4/ 05 Lotus Elise - Chrome Orange - No Touring - No LSS - No Hardtop - Lotus Driving Lights - Lotus "Chin Guards" - plain and simple. 94 Miata R Package - Black 72 Lotus Elan Sprint - Colorado Orange/Cirrus White

01-26-2009, 11:22 AM	#16 (permalink)
Ren Man Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 203	Also look at the amount of weight that it is capable of handling. If you plan on jamming it to the limit this will matter, you dont want the wheels/frame to break. The width of the drawers matters as well if you plan on putting things like pry bars in them or you could put a rack on the side of the box to hang them

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-27-2009, 10:45 AM	#17 (permalink)
pixlpush Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: socal Posts: 1,007 Images: 124	Thanks for all the comments everyone, all helpful thoughts I've been out of town for a few days and managed to resist the impulse buy on the orange craftsman box. I'm going to take all your comments into consideration before pulling the trigger on anything. __________________ 2005 Elise, CO, LSS, Hard Top 2006 Mini Cooper S - peper white 1986 BMW E30 325E - 24 Hours of LeMons race turd The B-Team, 24 Hours of LeMons Race Team

01-27-2009, 12:20 PM	#18 (permalink)
fitfan Regurgitated User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego! Posts: 4,100	i like having a few "tall" drawers, i keep cordless drills, small electronics tool box, kits, etc... down there. just depends if you have LOTS of flat tools, or al ittle bit of everything. get something bigger/mor ethan oyu think you need. line the drawers, i like a mix of a few small drawers, lotrs of flat drawers and some deep drawers. ball bearing are nice, its worth a little extra, not a lot extra. __________________ Driving it around!