Toolboxes for the budget-minded

Feb. 11, 2009
New section! See what kind of entry-level tool storage manufacturer’s offer for the budget-minded.

It's easy to look at the Big-Time Boxes in each issue of Professional Tool & Equipment News and think, "I wish I could afford that," or, more likely, "Who on Earth needs that much storage space?" And though all the manufacturers would like everyone to have bay-to-bay toolboxes, even they know that's not always necessary, especially for the technicians fresh to the service bay from vo-tech programs or in apprenticeships.

It's for those beginning and budget-minded techs that PTEN presents these "entry-level" tool storage options from manufacturers, with their own highlights. For comparison purposes, the manufacturers were asked to restrict their submissions to tool storage options they offered between $800 and $1,500. More PTEN Product Reports this year will cover diagnostics, power tools and more.

SNAP-ON SUPER SHOP CART, NO. KRSC40A

Looking for a tool storage unit that fits your budget while also fitting your heavy workload? Look no further than Snap-on’s Super Shop Cart, No. KRSC40A. This versatile and heavy-duty storage unit is Snap-on built with roll cab construction and has 22,000 cubic inches of storage, giving it more storage than any of its competitors in its price range.

Several unique features make this a must-have storage unit such as an extra-deep top compartment with screwdriver/pry bar storage, four drawers, including a 12" bottom bulk drawer that double slides and has 200 lbs. of capacity, and 6" by 2" soft swivel casters that give it more maneuverability. Other special accessories include a heavy-duty top mat for work surface, non-slip liners on storage surfaces and 35" sliding parts tray to organize small tools and parts.

Designed to meet your everyday demands while allowing you to improve your efficiency and let you perform more jobs, quicker and easier, the Snap-on Super Shop cart is available through your Snap-on franchisee. For more information, visit www.snapon.com.

MATCO TOOLS MSC12 SERVICE CART

The Matco Tools MSC12 service cart offers technicians tremendous flexibility with its many customizing options. The 6" diameter casters, each rated up to 600-lb.capacity, keep this large cart rolling right over air hoses and uneven shop floors. These casters are available as two fixed and two swivel casters, or as four swivel casters. The fully welded MSC12 has over 12,000 cu. in. and 2,500 sq. in. of lockable tool storage. The high security TuBar lock can be keyed to match any Matco Tools rollaway. Matching colors is no problem either, as the 13 paint color options and five trim options offer 65 color-trim combinations.

If a tool collection outgrows the space of the MSC12's three drawers, 7" deep sliding top, and rear storage for pry bars, screwdrivers, hammers and air tools, then a three-drawer add-on is available with multiple drawer options so technicians can customize their MSC12 exactly as they choose.

SEQUOIA R2607A YELLOW JACKET TOOLBOX

The R2607A Yellow Jacket toolbox from Sequoia is an “entry level” toolbox in size only. This is the smallest rolling cab in Sequoia’s Professional Series, but its construction is consistent with the high-quality products that Sequoia is known for. This 26", seven-drawer roll cab is equipped with auto-return drawers and smooth ball-bearing slides, rated at 99 lbs. per pair.

The drawers are also equipped with full-extension and quick-release features. Double-wall construction and heavy-duty casters boost the load rating to over 800 lbs. The black plastic trim, coupled with the optional “chrome” styled tuner wheels makes this box a very unique starter box. Other optional accessories include a hang-on two-shelf Side Box model AS1800, a folding side shelf model B002 and a hanging can holder model B003B.

CRAFTSMAN 40" 16-DRAWER STAINLESS STEEL TOOL STORAGE COMBINATION

Craftsman integrates quality and innovation with the new stainless steel chest and mobile tool cart available in Sears stores and sears.com. Crafted in rugged, stainless steel with a clearcoat finish, this combo is loaded with features:

• Stainless steel material with innovative clearcoat finish resists fingerprints, rust, dirt and is easy to clean.
• Craftsman exclusive GRIPLATCH drawer system provides a positive latch for each drawer, keeping drawers securely closed even while the unit is in motion.
• Full-extension, ball-bearing drawer slides open and close easily, supporting up to 70 lbs. per drawer.
• Craftsman exclusive I-Frame construction provides added strength and durability to overall construction.
•5" by 2" casters provide easy mobility and support loads of 1,000 lbs.
• Internal locking system keeps stored tools and supplies secure.
• 26,879 cu. in. of storage.
• Chest measures 41" wide by 18" deep by 20" high.
• Mobile Tool Cart measures 41" wide by 18" deep by 39.25" high.

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