8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Need help picking a tool chest for a gift

by Leanneraymond
7 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
Hi everyone,

I know that my boyfriend would love to get one of those full size rolling tool chests for Christmas, but I know they are expensive and i'm pretty sure I wont be able to afford it right now. However, incase I can find a good deal I need some help knowing what to look for. Basically all I know is what they look like, so I don't want to end up getting one thats bad quality or anything like that. If anyone knows anything about shopping for tool chests, some pointers would be appreciated. Or even if anyone knows where I can get one for a good price.

Thanks a lot!
Leanne
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Originally Posted by Leanneraymond View Post

    Hi everyone,

    I know that my boyfriend would love to get one of those full size rolling tool chests for Christmas, but I know they are expensive and i'm pretty sure I wont be able to afford it right now. However, incase I can find a good deal I need some help knowing what to look for. Basically all I know is what they look like, so I don't want to end up getting one thats bad quality or anything like that. If anyone knows anything about shopping for tool chests, some pointers would be appreciated. Or even if anyone knows where I can get one for a good price.

    Thanks a lot!
    Leanne
    Last I knew, craftsman(SEAR'S tool brand) STILL made quality stuff. It isn't rocket science, so there would be no valid reason to lower quality.

    Try to make sure you know what he wants though. Sometimes bigger ISN'T better. and they do have different types off drawers, etc... for some toolsets. I'm sure he would be happy with any that he could use though. If he does something like work on cars, it is nice having a place to keep them safe, neat, and ordered, and roll it to the work!

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2905638].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      Hi Leanne,

      I own 5 of those bad boys.

      As Steve mentioned, Sears is a good place to go look for them. I have a few Sears units as well as Snap-On.

      Snap-Ons are the Bentley's in the trade and usually only sold to professionals because of the distribution chain. And the cost.

      Lowes has a line called Kobalt that look pretty darn neat to me. You may want to check them out as well.

      As far as quality goes either Lowes or Sears should more than meet your quality needs. The only thing you really need to worry about is if the total weight of the tools he will put in the boxes exceeds the allowable amount for the size you choose. But unless he has a boatload of them a medium sized set should do.

      One factor that makes a difference even for the casual mechanic/handyman is the size of the wheels on the bottom box. Generally, the bigger the better as they will role over courser ground easier the bigger they are.

      Bottom boxes will contain fewer drawers but larger in size than the top box. You can also get bottom boxes with a flip up door for larger tools such as power saws if your guy is more the handyman than the mechanic (car guy) type.

      When you are price comparison shopping you will notice that some boxes look the same size and configuration as other similar boxes but cost a lot more. One of the main reasons for this is they use ball bearing slides on the drawers for easier access as well as longer life. This adds a lot of cost for very little return unless he'll be making his living out of the box.

      Another thing to look for is the guage of the steel used to construct the box. A lower number guage means a thicker steel, so 16 guage steel is thicker then 20 guage steel as an example. Thickness is good, but means more weight and higher cost.

      Top boxes come in a number of different configurations and different numbers of drawers. I like more drawers, but I have lots of boxes and some of them have bigger but fewer drawers. It mostly depends on what tools you want to put in them.

      This is just a personal preferrence and opinion, but you getting him a roll-away set for Christmas makes you the coolest girlfriend a guy could ever have...

      ~Bill
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2905769].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by Bill Farnham View Post

        This is just a personal preferrence and opinion, but you getting him a roll-away set for Christmas makes you the coolest girlfriend a guy could ever have...

        ~Bill
        For what it is worth, I almost said the same thing! Any man that likes working with a lot of tools will probably consider it a GREAT gift and love the girlfriend, or wife, NOT only for the gift, but the fact that his girlfriend or wife, gave it to him, which means she accepts and appreciates that part of his life. It IS kind of a turnon.

        Steve
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2906336].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Leanneraymond
          Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

          For what it is worth, I almost said the same thing! Any man that likes working with a lot of tools will probably consider it a GREAT gift and love the girlfriend, or wife, NOT only for the gift, but the fact that his girlfriend or wife, gave it to him, which means she accepts and appreciates that part of his life. It IS kind of a turnon.

          Steve

          Haha wow, thanks to both you guys. Those comments made me smile. But anyways, thanks to everyone for all the tips and advice. I talked to my boyfriends dad briefly today and he told me to go to Sears and get a Craftsman, so i'm planning on doing that on black friday to try to get a good deal. He also said to get a professional grade one. I was looking online and noticed that theres Craftsman brand and then Craftsman Professional. Craftsman Professional is out of my price range, but are there professional grade products under just regular Craftsman? I was kind of confused by that.

          My boyfriend works on cars a lot and he is a welder. He has a large tool chest like what i'm looking for at his work but just a small one at home. All i know is that he said he wishes he had a big one like the one he has at work. And when i asked what he wanted for Christmas he said a tool chest, but i'm sure he was joking. But like i said, i told him i couldnt afford it, so i can't ask him anything more about his specifications because i want it to be a surprise.

          I noticed that they come with 12 or 14 drawers. Do you think getting 14 would be worth the higher price or just stick with 12? I definitely think that having wheels that can roll over rough ground would be helpful so i'll have to look for that.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2917075].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Leanneraymond
            Sorry, i meant to include Bills comment in that quote as well. I'm new to this!

            Also, i've decided i'll be okay spending up to $200.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2917080].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author js57gifts
    Like the two previous posters said, Sears or Lowes have pretty good ones. Sears carries Craftsman, and Lowes carries Kobalt or Task Force, all of which carry life time guarantees. I know that a lot of men swear by Craftsman while a lot of construction workers prefer Kobalt.
    When looking for a full size tool chest you could either get a 1 piece (which is often more expensive) or stackable pieces (often coming with 3 different boxes). Definitely go with casters on the bottom for easier moving.Part of your choice may depend on the work he does and how many tools he already has.
    Most Kobalt models come with electrical outlets on the side, which is pretty handy when he has a lot of power tools needing plugged in and only one outlet in the garage. Also, I would suggest getting one that can lock.
    Many times you can find discounted tool chests at stores when there are minor dents on the sides or in the back in an inconspicuous place that happened during shipping or receiving. Instead of just going to each store and looking for these deals you should go through the phone book and call ahead and ask if they have any deals, or any tool chests marked down.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2905853].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Another thing about Craftsman (Sears) and Snap-on, if any of their tools you own are stolen they will go to bat for you with the Insurance company and help you fight for full replacement value. They both stand by their life time guarantees.

      By the way Mac Tools makes a good box also.
      Signature

      Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
      Getting old ain't for sissy's
      As you are I was, as I am you will be
      You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2905951].message }}

Trending Topics