Tool Cabinet / Chest Combo - Advice?

[cebeu]

I hate buying cheap s***, any goods, and I rarely ever do. I'm never opposed to finding a great deal but...I don't want cheap (pay me now or pay me later syndrome). That said...I'm starting to find myself "going cheap" right now with this decision and I need some advice from those of you that have real-world experience with higher-end consumer-class tool cabinet and chest combos to help keep me from buying poop please :) .

Upgrading the garage, nice flooring, re-painting, storage systems etc. and...I also need a new tool storage setup that is 1) functional, 2) durable and 3) has reasonable visual appeal.

I've done the basic research and clearly understand what I do not want on both the low-end and high-end. I don't want "pure consumer" but I'm not blowing the dough on what is considered "professional class" either as I just don't need that much based on my requirements. I've stepped-back from Snap-on, Maatco, Craftsman pro-class, etc. because of cost and those units exceed my needs. I've read many reviews of various products, pro and con, and now I'm talking myself into circles.

For those of you with hands-on experience if you were in the ~$800 to $1,400 price range, what Mfgr and model line-up would you be considering?

I'm leaning towards the Craftsman Premium Heavy-duty class at this stage because I'm tired of looking. Any better recomendations from those of you in-the-know?

[sniper7]

I have always owned craftsman. Sears backs their stuff, you can find parts, they are high quality and not too terribly expensive.
Just make sure you get something that locks, and has ball bearings.

[Mtn.man]

Costco has a nice stainless set up for around 600.00
Pawn shops usually have Hi End Snap on boxes for Way below original.
One of the boys picked up one in Sheridan at Ace pawn for 750.00
Lower upper and a side box all Snap on like new.

[cowboykjohnson]

Craftsman makes good stuff... that's what most of my tools are, but if you can find MAC or SnapOn at a pawn shop I would buy that.

[twitchyfinger]

I also agree with votes for Craftsman. I have one of the industrial series now called professional series. Not the flimsy stuff, Heavy duty, Comparable to Mac and Snap on. Also have a lifetime craftsman warranty.

Here is what I have cost about 3K but they do have smaller ones for less. Keep in mind if you wish to move them very often my top box alone weighs 350lbs empty!
http://www.labsafety.com/images/xl/CRAFTSMAN-46-Tool-Cart-LSS-_i_lbv103618_19s.jpg

Here is a great deal on a used snap on chest: http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/1707361508.html

[funkfool]

Another +1 for Craftsman...
Never had a single problem with any of my Craftsman tool boxes... but like the idea that if I did... lifetime warranty.

[blackford76]

The stainless one at Costco is good, I use craftsman tools, but wont buy a box from them. Cobalt (Lowes) is made by Snap-On, and is really good. Used is the best way, check craigs list and pawn shops.

[Great-Kazoo]

there are a shit load of quality tool boxes on Craigs List for 1/2-1/3 new price. the down side for the seller is they are not moving. up side for a buyer is they are not moving. i saw 1 go from $4500 down to $3K or best offer for a snap-on "boat" with tools

[Troublco]

One more vote for Craftsman. Although I would recommend getting a set with the ball bearing drawer slides, they'll work better and last longer.

My other thought is to look at the tools you have and the way you want to store them, and find a box (or boxes) that work for that. There are all sorts of different drawer configurations, and what works for one person may not work well for another. I like my tools laid out in cutouts in sheets of foam so I can find them easily. I have a few drawers where they're sort of "lumped" together, but they're mostly the bigger tools that don't lend themselves to being laid out flat.

[Mista Bukit]

I am on my 2nd craftsman, my first I out grew so now it's my reloading chest. SAMS club has one made out of stainless steel at a reasonable price that I have coveted for a while.

[TriggerHappy]

I have always owned craftsman. Sears backs their stuff, you can find parts, they are high quality and not too terribly expensive.
Just make sure you get something that locks, and has ball bearings.

+1 I would have to agree. I have always had craftsmen. Craftsmen professional series is good stuff. Snap-on makes great stuff too, if money isn't an issue. Personally I would want to spend that extra cash on gun stuff.

[smchop]

I have way to much money wrapped up with snap-on not to say they are one of the best, but agree with some of the other guys on the costco stainless box they have. Brother in law has had one for a few years and its a great box for the price and visual appearance too. But I also picked up a second snap on roll cab on craigslist for 1500, that was a smokin deal since I had the same box and paid over 4k for it a few years earlier.

[cebeu]

Thank you for all the input fella's, very helpful. Really like the pawn shop recommendations, excellent suggestion.