rolling tool chest suggestions

[monkeymissile]

Gents,
I am in the market for a decent quality, good sized rolling tool chest. I have spent a fair amount of time on the 'net looking for good used ones (Mac, Matco, Waterloo, Snap-on, etc). I'd rather spend a bit more and get US made stuff so if you have a good source (or other suggestions, ideas), please let me know. Thanks!

[MSeriesRebuild]

Based on what new stuff I've paid attention to lately, you will have to go back a few years to find GOOD quality. The big names appear mostly just names these days.

One specific brand has caught my eye in light of what appears to be really great functionality; that is Montazoma Chest. I have not been able to look at one for real as yet, only seen pictures. It looks really good from that view point, however I have no idea of the workmanship quality or if it's US made. Northern Tool has added them to their line in the last year or so. I checked by a local Northern Store a few months back hoping to be able to get a first hand look; but they didn't have any on display yet at that time. What I liked about it was that when you open it up, by design everything in it had its place, was organized and easily accessed.

[monkeymissile]

Thanks Charles,
that's a good lead. I hear you on the lack of US quality, it's a real shame. I'm hoping I can find a local shop/garage that's looking to (sadly) unload one.

[Josh]

I got a Performax, from Menards. Menards bought the company that makes them, as they went out of business and owed Menardsa bunch of money. they are made in China, but, so are the craftsman toolboxes anymore, and the PErformax is a much better toolbox, and cheaper to boot. I like mine a lot. Paid $400 for it. if you look through my pictures, you'll see it in the backgorund in several of them.

[chris olson]

I believe that the only American tool chest manufacturers left are Beach and Waterloo..

There is another non-China source of tools however..
Canada
http://www.graytools.com/Default2.htm

[monkeymissile]

I got a Performax, from Menards. Menards bought the company that makes them, as they went out of business and owed Menardsa bunch of money. they are made in China, but, so are the craftsman toolboxes anymore, and the PErformax is a much better toolbox, and cheaper to boot. I like mine a lot. Paid $400 for it. if you look through my pictures, you'll see it in the backgorund in several of them.

so it looks like Performax is only available at Menards which is too far west for me!

[Master Yota]

My dad has had the same Beach tool box for the better part of 45 years now, and it still functions as it did when new. The drawers still slide in and out nicely, and the lids still close and lock. Other than almost a half century's wear and tear on the outside, I'm sure the paint would still buff up nicely. Absolutely cannont go wrong with a Beach tool box (at least an old one)...

I've seen some very nice boxes within the last year or so at COSTCO of all places. I don't remember if the brand was HUSKY or ALLTRADE, but they were a nice stainless box, about 4' wide, with both an upper and lower cabinet setup. Was beautiful, and I would have bought it if I'd had the coin to spare. It wasn't expensive (compared to snap-on or mac) but the 900 bucks (for both upper and lower) was out of my league at the time.

My own boxes are craftsman, (to uppers and a lower). The sit in the garage, and do the job they are intended for just fine, but I don't need to move them around. If you need your box to roll all over the shop, I would look for one with the best castors to be found. They will take the most abuse, and if you break a castor and dump the box, you'll be really, really, mad....

[Lifer]

If you need your box to roll all over the shop, I would look for one with the best castors to be found. They will take the most abuse, and if you break a castor and dump the box, you'll be really, really, mad....

You can say that again!! Had it happen to me, once. I now have two roll-around tool boxes, one of which is more like a "drag-around" box. Really heavy-duty casters are the most important part of the equation if you need to move it around a lot. The rest is just...well...a box!

[m-11]

You could try the GSA auction site. There are roll arounds from time to time.

[m-37Bruce]

Just A Heads Up
Gov liquidations has 4 snap-on roller's right now, location Cherry Point, NC, 370 $'s is the high bid right now?

http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/v ... _-row2col2

[monkeymissile]

thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up getting a Husky 36" stainless top and bottom unit. It's a lot more than I need at the moment, but I figure I'll easily grow into it! Shame it's made in China though....

[Rick C]

Saw a stainless one at lowes with lights, a stereo system and a refrierator!!!! I would never leave the garage!!!

[monkeymissile]

Saw a stainless one at lowes with lights, a stereo system and a refrierator!!!! I would never leave the garage!!!

Hi Rick,
I saw that one too! I considered it until I read the poor reviews. Good idea though....

[hbb]

I know most people would not buy a Snap On box because of the price, but my KR1003 has been a work horse the last 20 years and five of that it was used on the tar mack of several FBO's and I towed it with a garden tractor,but if there were to be a concern Snap On will repair or replace it no questions( broken welds,drawers,casters and on).You might try and find a used one with same warranty.
hb