I found a local Lowe's that had the 41" Kobalt SS set in stock and took a look at it today. I was VERY surprised. It's well-built, plenty of room, and has some great features. The casters are nicer than those on the Snap-On "house" carts.
We tried to get the drawers to "auto close", but it wasn't working very well. Maybe it needs actual tool weight for that to function properly. The slides were very nice with very little play in them.
The price was $358 for the top and $538 for the bottom, for a total of $886.
I found a combination from a maker called EXCEL (anyone heard of them?) Here's a link to the one I was looking at:
EXCEL 41" combination tool box.
While that particular site has it listed at $999, I found a new-in-box one on Ebay for $780, shipped to my door (in 2-4 weeks). A helluva deal.
With the Kobalt, I'm getting dangerously close to Craftsman range (+$1000).
PROS:
- The price is right on the EXCEL.
- The KOBALT is well built with a bunch of great features not found in other boxes (recessed handles, power strip built into the side, no lip on top shelf, single locking drawer on top box). A couple of those you can't even get with the 5-figure Snap-On or Mac cabinets!
- The EXCEL is finished with a black powder coat.
- The KOBALT is local (Lowe's) so any problems can be handled quickly and without major expense.
- The EXCEL latches are flush with the face of the boxes.
- The EXCEL has 21 drawers.
CONS:
- The KOBALT is about $100 more expensive.
- The KOBALT is bare stainless steel. Every fingerprint will show up. It will need more cleaning than Stinker's shorts.
- Unsure of the build-quality on the EXCEL.
- Any problems with the EXCEL and it has to be shipped back to Chicago. On my dime.
- The latches on the KOBALT protrude from the face of the boxes. Easy to catch clothing/cords on their edges.
- The KOBALT only has 20 drawers.
Any pros or semi-pros want to get in on this?
BTW- One thing that was brought up earlier in the thread that I think is good advice:
No single company makes ALL the best tools. As the one guy said in his post, most professional mechanics have tools from several different companies in their tool box. Some are great at certain types of tools, and not so good at others.
Maybe XYZ Company makes great air tools, but their sockets suck. ABC Company makes awesome sockets but their torque wrenches suck. YYY Company makes crappy air tools but their torque wrenches are awesome.
I believe that and pretty much stick to it.
Brand loyalty is important, but a distant second to preventing failure of something mechanical.
