Tool Chests

[fweddy]

I'm looking to get a tool chest and rollcab to get my tools in order and sort the workshop out (now that I finally own a property with a garage/workshop).

I don't need anything too elaborate but don't want flimsy rubbish that seems to exist under about $500. I'm figuring between $500-$1000 I should be able to get a reasonable setup for the chest and rollcab.

I'm considering:
Powerbuilt http://www.powerbuilttools.co.nz/powerbuilttoolunits.htm
or Kincrome Evolve (bottom of this link) https://www.kincrome.com.au/ProductDisplay.aspx?productsearch=evolve&PageProduct=3

What are these like or what's better for similar money? Where is the best place to buy?

[wjw]

I bought:

7 Drawer Roller Cabinet - RACING SERIES
3 Drawer Tool Chest - RACING SERIES

6 years ago for $599 on special at the Tool Shed. I really need another cabinet, but as you say all the low cost ones are crap

[fweddy]

I bought:

7 Drawer Roller Cabinet - RACING SERIES
3 Drawer Tool Chest - RACING SERIES

6 years ago for $599 on special at the Tool Shed. I really need another cabinet, but as you say all the low cost ones are crap

Has it been adequate quality for those 6 years?

I haven't checked retailers but this is the best online price I've seen for the powerbuilt - compares pretty well with what you got for what you paid. http://www.trademe.co.nz/building-renovation/tools/tool-boxes/cabinets-workshop-toolboxes/auction-751632916.htm

[nstacey]

Safa.co.nz
These are nz made and based in Christchurch

[pruggerdore]

I too am looking right now. super cheap has some of there heavy duty calibre units on sale at moment. pretty solid units. 35% off so $699 gets a nice roll cabinet and 6 I think draw top box. combo deal. Im impressd with the quality. freight and sight unseen is a worry with internet sales.

[Suza]

My current one is a Kincrome have had it for 4years and I wouldn't get another. It has been well treated spent 95% of its life in the one place on my bench, the only time is isn't is if I take it work which is bugger all.
Some of the spot welds that hold the draw fronts on have let go and the slides are getting pretty worn now.

[fweddy]

My current one is a Kincrome have had it for 4years and I wouldn't get another. It has been well treated spent 95% of its life in the one place on my bench, the only time is isn't is if I take it work which is bugger all.
Some of the spot welds that hold the draw fronts on have let go and the slides are getting pretty worn now.

Thanks Suza - What model is it? I notice they have some cheaper ones that feel poor quality and look budget in their fittings but playing with the Evolve range they feel fairly solid - but its good to hear from people who have actually used stuff for a few years. Is Kincrome related to Sidchrome? They seem to be marketed together sometimes.

[derk]

if your not in a desperate hurry its worth keeping an eye cast across trademe mate there's are usually a few that come up from workshop upgrades and tradies getting out of the business or selling up to go overseas I got a bargain buy from a mechanic a couple of years back for a hundred bucks (tools not included of course)

[Suza]

My current one is a Kincrome have had it for 4years and I wouldn't get another. It has been well treated spent 95% of its life in the one place on my bench, the only time is isn't is if I take it work which is bugger all.
Some of the spot welds that hold the draw fronts on have let go and the slides are getting pretty worn now.

Thanks Suza - What model is it? I notice they have some cheaper ones that feel poor quality and look budget in their fittings but playing with the Evolve range they feel fairly solid - but its good to hear from people who have actually used stuff for a few years. Is Kincrome related to Sidchrome? They seem to be marketed together sometimes.

I got mine before they came out with the newer ranges I think it was a 2000 series ?? but couldn't be sure it is a more traditional looking one than the newer models

[fweddy]

if your not in a desperate hurry its worth keeping an eye cast across trademe mate there's are usually a few that come up from workshop upgrades and tradies getting out of the business or selling up to go overseas I got a bargain buy from a mechanic a couple of years back for a hundred bucks (tools not included of course)

Yeah I've been keeping an eye in there for a couple of months but anything decent is selling higher than I can get these.

[yeti]

give mike a call......he's a 4wd nutter........


http://www.extremeautomotive.co.nz/ap_contactus.html


they got some down there....

[ChurchurDan]

Check out Sulco tools. I buy nearly all my tools for work off of them, My workshop roll cab and boxes are Waterloo and so is my old top box that is 14 years old and now resides in my service vehicle. If it is ever going to be in a vehicle for long periods of time get friction slides over ball bearing slides.

[skidmark]

i have a sp contour (i think) kingchrome has one that looks the same, that has been in use for 5 years every day and functions as it did when new.

have had a cheap orange calibre in a vehicle/work van for close to 5years and isnt falling apart, but is obviously lesser quality than more expensive boxes, but lasting better than expected

[tomsoffroad]

Ive just ordered a teng tools roll cab cant comment on quality cos I aint seen it yet cant wait as im sick of hunting for spanners

[williamhamilton]

Ive just ordered a teng tools roll cab cant comment on quality cos I aint seen it yet cant wait as im sick of hunting for spanners

I use Teng tools and cab - I like them both. Good metal drawers, positive lock when closed, smooth and good sized handles.

W

[Lawrence]

Iv had the powerbuilt top boxs in a service van before and kincrome ones and the bearings and draws fall to bits. If you look around you can pick a quality box up off trademe as mentioned above. i picked up a snap on box for under 1k and its in amzing quality. You can get proper "road box's" which are built to be thrashed around in the back of a ute.
These are quailty aussie box's: http://www.fabertoolboxes.com.au/products.asp

For tools i tend to stick with Koken and like brands are far better quailty over powerbuilt etc.

Cheers

[tomsoffroad]

Ive just ordered a teng tools roll cab cant comment on quality cos I aint seen it yet cant wait as im sick of hunting for spanners

I use Teng tools and cab - I like them both. Good metal drawers, positive lock when closed, smooth and good sized handles.

W

Cool, that's what I was wanting to hear On another note, my top box is just a Mitre10 no name special. Its a 6 drawer ball bearing slider which spent the first 18 months on a hand trolley and being thrown in and out of the van I had at the time. 5 years later its still mint!! Its a bit full now and occasionally a tool rolls over and gets stuck behind the drawer above. Much swearing and jiggling sometimes

[rokhound]

I have a kingchrome roll cab, midbox and topbox unit. For home use it is fine however, it is a PITA when you need to move it around as if you don't physically lock the drawers, they all slide open and over she goes.
I would imagine that decent quality roller slides would have a better friction/selfclose control within the slider to keep the drawers closed when the unit is moved around with out the need to lock everything down.

[De-Ranged]

I went a different route.... I went to a tool display and modified it to suit me by adding punch board and hooks
Under that I've got draws for the specialist stuff and low use items, kingchrome (3 draw and a 9 draw)
Then mounted the whole on an angle iron frame roller base

I'd buy kingchrome again some of the draws are carrying alot of weight like panel beating draw that is loaded up with dolliey and hammers and I haven't had a failure yet (7yrs)... but that said it could do with another gauge up in sheet metal the paint is thicker than the steel

After having the display I wouldn't go back to draws.... having all the common use tools up there ready to go... to be able to glance up and see if the tool you want is there (real handy when you have mates who think the floor where they are working is where I store my tools....) and the punch board allows me to adjust as time goes on (need to redo it again as I have more tools I want up on there lol)
And the roll frame underneath is setup with simple storage locators for things like torgue wrenches, slide hammer etc so they are easy to get too
Dont' be scared to modify to suit your needs

[coxsy]

my main tool box is a Snapon plastic aircraft mans tool box weights about 45 kg , on and off my ute to site on to tool trolly only replaced front flap clips twice, handling the life well

[Clint]

Safa.co.nz
These are nz made and based in Christchurch

Yep, I have had a basic 3 drawer one for many years & just recently splashed out on a 7 drawer to go on top. Got a very sharp deal at the local Blackwoods/Paykels. A bit old school but very solid, zero plastic anywhere. Once they wear in a bit the friction slides have quite a nice action, you can get ball bearings as an option though.

Cheers
Clint

[Checkerhead]

I have a larger JBS (Blackwoods in house brand)
http://jbstools.com/product/chest-tool- ... s-ah-4334/
It is only 2 years old, but spent most of that time in the back of a service truck.
Apparently made by the same people that make the power built ones, but made from a thicker gauge.
The magnetic closure is really good and thus far am pretty happy with the whole chest.
My mate has the same chest and his has done about 4 years in the back of a service wagon. His is starting to show signs of wear.
From memory was only $600 or $700.
Would happily buy the same again.

Also have a Kingchome that I bought secondhand "hardly used" and it did look pretty new when I got it.
Would not buy this again.

[tomsoffroad]

My Tengtool cab turned up yesterday Im impressed
The drawers sort of "clip" shut and the slides have a little resistance so they don't slide freely. Im happy with it.

Need more tools now!!!

[fweddy]

My Tengtool cab turned up yesterday Im impressed
The drawers sort of "clip" shut and the slides have a little resistance so they don't slide freely. Im happy with it.

Need more tools now!!!

Which one did you get and from where?

[tomsoffroad]

My Tengtool cab turned up yesterday Im impressed
The drawers sort of "clip" shut and the slides have a little resistance so they don't slide freely. Im happy with it.

Need more tools now!!!

Which one did you get and from where?

From mainland automotive but it was in this months tradezone flyer

[catalystracing]

Need more tools now!!!

Is there a problem with this

[pruggerdore]

My Tengtool cab turned up yesterday Im impressed
The drawers sort of "clip" shut and the slides have a little resistance so they don't slide freely. Im happy with it.

Need more tools now!!!

Which one did you get and from where?

From mainland automotive but it was in this months tradezone flyer

What was it worth in the trade zone flyer? Just got the supercheap one I mentioned above. roll cab and 9 drawtop box ? $400 off. that was the deciding factor, money lol. looked at lots over time and Im thus far quite pleased with it. as solid as most. Yep can never have enough tools.

[tomsoffroad]

$640 ish incl gst. Think it had a couple hundred off. This is it without the tools http://catalogue.tengtools.com/webspeed ... atsektnr=2

[tow99]

im onto my 3rd autocheif roll cab and 3rd safa box.safa are good but pricey and sometimes are made to order depending on which box your buying.safa boxes seem to be powdercoated not painted like others.the autocheif boxes i got through sulco and for the price they are great.i think i paid $1500 for a 54" roll cab.and $500 for a 9 draw roll cab.they have pretty good rubber castors not plastic.lasting pretty well too.