Recommend me tool storage for home garage?

[RSGulp]

I'm looking to buy a tool cabinet/chest/stack which I'll keep in the garage and use for general car mechanics, maintenance and restoration for hopefully the next 20+ years. I'm a competent home mechanic - but not a full-time professional. I want something heavy duty, on castors (to move it around the garage/drive), with smooth roller bearing drawer runners, plenty of storage space and it needs to be durable and not break in 2 yrs time.

I can't really stretch to Snap-On prices - my budget is up to around £400-500 but would maybe go a bit higher for something special. I'd like new, not second-hand.

Initial search has come up with...

Clarke HD Plus Range at Machine Mart: http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/...

...or something like this...

Pro Tool Cabinet on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/03-US-Pro-Tool-Chest-Box-rol...

Any recommendations? Where else should I look?

[Life Saab Itch]

I have the rapid racking silverline range. It is made by the same people who make MAC tools.

It is good quality and looks good. Prices are very, very good.

Google search rapid racking and click the links 'til you find the tool chests.

[RSGulp]

Cheers Saab. They're fairly local to me too so I could probably go and have a look at the quality before I commit.

This combination on special offer looks good: http://www.rapidracking.com/p/14/4152/7743/Special...

[MarJay]

I have a Halfords Professional roller cabinet with a middle cabinet on top. I didn't bother with the top chest as I just put the socket set on top in its case. It was on one of those buy one get one free deals that Halfords often do, and I can't complain at the quality. Don't get the normal Halfords ones though as they don't have ball bearing runners and are a bit pony. The Halfords Pro ones are pretty good though.

[Bill]

I also have a halfords pro one as it was on offer and cheaper than the equivalent Clarkes one, even with their usual VAT off offer.

If I was to push my budget to your levels I'd have had a closer look at the chest in Costco as it looks fantastic.

[t955daytona]

Depending on where you are located look at Costco as they have some really nice Stainless ones made by these guy's http://www.cspsmetal.com/toolchests/index.html#
I have had mine for a good few years and it is faultless, they also stock very good quality racking for about £40 which is outstanding for the money.

[Robb F]

I have a set of the 'premium' Halfords ones, and they are really surprisingly good! I have used many different brands including top spec Mac and Snap-on so know a good quality one when i see it

Also these two are currently buy one get one free.
See:

Here

and

Here

[jsg612]

I must say I too was shocked with the Halfords and Machine Mart (Clarke) "Professional" ranges of tools, they're slightly more expensive but the quality is great. Obviously no comparison to Snap On and the like, but perfect for the enthusiast.

[andye30m3]

Might be worth talking to you local snap-on dealer as they quite often get trade in tool boxes as people upgrade to even more expensive ones,

at their prices people tend to look after them so 2nd hand could be an option.

[CatMatt7]

I have the Clarke CBB209 (in red) and am very happy with it.

I looked at the halfords range, but the Clarke appeared to be better quality.

I am now thinking about getting the rest of the kit to go with it.

[supertouring]

andye30m3 said:

Might be worth talking to you local snap-on dealer as they quite often get trade in tool boxes as people upgrade to even more expensive ones,

at their prices people tend to look after them so 2nd hand could be an option.

This appears to be a common practice as apparantly some dealers in my area can supply 2nd hand items.

Loads on ebay too, but often silly prices.

Does anyone know of any system where I can place sockets on a rack like this -



Looking for something flexible and expandable and without the sockets. Or maybe you know of suitable parts to make such a system? Does not need to be too elegant but wall mounted.

[Greg_D]

Tool storage you say......

Have you tried the garage floor, that's where i keep mine, strewn about in a very artistic manner

as long as you know where they are, you are golden.

Joking apart, i am considering a 'rolling table' type affair on which to keep the most used bits so you can drag it round the car behind you and have everything to hand all the time instead of keep getting up and fetching that 14mm spanner from the other side of the car.

Can anyone suggest one for me?

[rottie102]

supertouring said:

Or maybe you know of suitable parts to make such a system? Does not need to be too elegant but wall mounted.

????

+

+

[Jimmyarm]

Get a Snap on or Mac box even if it's a second hand one.

I looked at loads of different boxes including all the Halfords/Clarke etc jobs before I spunked £1500 on my Snap On one. None of the cheaper stuff even comes close for size &/or build quality.

One of the nippers at college just picked up a Snap On box off ebay for £700, they are about 'cheap' but you have to wait for the right one and be willing to travel.

[Pooky67]

Tool-o-Dex

Not built it myself but looks good!

[jamiebae]

Go to your local Unipart Automotive branch and ask for a Taskmaster 42" roll cab and top box. It's about £550 delivered to your door and is identical to the Mac Tools ones which cost £1800. Will hold all the tools you'll ever own and can be wheeled about too.

[Jazoli]

Jimmyarm said:

One of the nippers at college just picked up a Snap On box off ebay for £700, they are about 'cheap' but you have to wait for the right one and be willing to travel.

Whilst I like Snap On tools I think £700 for a second hand tool box is silly expensive for the home mechanic, there is nothing wrong with Halfords or Clarke chests, provided they have ball bearing runners, the money you save can buy you tools to fill it, even if you only use them once a year

[Doofus]

supertouring said:

Does anyone know of any system where I can place sockets on a rack like this -

Yes, I do. Here's it is:

[Cyberprog]

I have a Blue Draper one in the back of the landie, and it works just fine. The lower cabinet's a bit crap, but I don't use it that often so it's not an issue. It's stood up well to being in the back of the vehicle for the last 2 years.

[aww999]

I have a US-Pro tool chest. I've had it a couple of years and been very pleased with it, I would advise you to go BIG though, mine is twice the size of the one in the photo and I soon filled it up! Halfords stuff is too small for the price they ask IMHO.