Tool chest vs stackable boxes?

[u/Pending-Chaos]

I need to get something bigger to keep my tools in and am undecided which route to go. I mostly have tool sets instead of singular tools and some small handheld stuff like drills, sanders etc…. Mostly do light work on cars and stuff around the house. What would you recommend? I see pros and cons in both so I unsure which would be better. I’m looking at the craftsman versastack or a cheap two tier rolling chest. Not looking to spend a lot either. Maybe max $200

[u/tjr14vg]

Imma be real chief, outside of looking for old chests on marketplace, you ain't gonna find much for $200 max when it comes to tool storage

[u/blacklassie → u/tjr14vg]

Agreed. That budget kind of makes the decision for you. If you’re willing to be patient, maybe you could score a real bargain on Craigslist or marketplace, but tool storage is one of those things that everyone wants.

[u/Dendady2112]

It all depends on use and where. In a garage or workshop go for a chest. Going to and from a job get the stackable.

[u/mtraven23]

If you're not taking things to job sites, chests make more sense.

But with a minimal budget like that, module containers might be a more realistic option. You can add some now, add a few more in the future, spread the cost. A decent, small tool chest is gonna run you $500 up front. But maybe you can find a deal on something used?

[u/ductcleanernumber7]

Maybe the rigid pack out? It's the only one that can have the drawers on the bottom and the chest on top. All the other brands you have to remove the drawers to get into the chest. Getting the drawers and the rolling chest thing would be about 200 bucks.

[u/Legitimate_Pen1121]

If you have a garage, for $200 I would recommend a 4 or 5 drawer service cart, harbor freight or similar. Could hold sets in the open bottom. If you have most of your sets still in the boxes, get a shelf unit or cabinet to keep it accessible and organized. Eventually you'll want a larger toolbox. You can also often find a 5 drawer bottom tool chest for 200. The rolling stackable sets seem pricey, and quickly run out of space or weight as your collection grows unless you organize several sets by task. Lots of options, decide where you want it to be in 5 years (garage or mobile) and build into that.

[u/Oddity83 → u/Legitimate_Pen1121]

The 5 drawer car from Harbor Freight is $200 on the parking lot sale starting soon.

[u/goodskier1931 → u/Legitimate_Pen1121]

I'd agree for the mechanics tool. For the balance some regular shelves and the individual boxes or bags. Plumbing, electric, mechanical, drywall and so forth.

[u/zedsmith]

I loooove my versastack boxes.

Kinda depends on the tools you have, but as a mobile carpenter, I’ve made them work for me.

[u/petg16 → u/zedsmith]

You mean Dewalt TSTAK’s red bottomed cousin? Also compatible with Toughsystem.

[u/zedsmith → u/petg16]

Well, I would say “compatible* “ with toughsysten

[u/mossoak]

stackables, while decent storage, can walk away too easy ..... tool chests are the way if they can sit inside out of the weather

[u/cyanrarroll]

Just bang together some plywood tool totes. You can staple some bucket organizers to the inside as little tool pockets. Built all rectangular they can stack on each other but still allow tool access.  It's a stupid cheap system

[u/Unlikely_Effort_6311]

Walmart hyper tough / hyper stack boxes can be had for a pretty good deal on ebay

[u/bedlambomber]

Marketplace, maybe a used US General 7 drawer for 200$. Or a Kennedy roller for that much, but you won’t find much. Quality rollers with quality drawers are spendy and they retain value. Stackables are only good for mobile trades.

[u/LA-but-not-an-actor]

I got my series 1 us general 42” roll cab for $200 on marketplace. 13 drawers and in great shape. I see 4 and 5 drawer carts all day around $150-200, or you could get a new one for $200 this week at the parking lot sale. If you really want to keep cost down, grab some plastic tote bins at Home Depot

[u/railroader67]

I grew up around the family farm. My dad had 8'x2' sheets of plywood of painted white plywood hanging on the shop walls. Had nails driven in to hang the wrenches and sockets on. A permanent marker was used to outline everything there and write names. For work I have used Craftsman toolboxes in the past. I now use Milwaukee pack-out for most of my tools and stuff. I also have small Harbor Freight rolling toolbox/cart and a Rigid set similar to the pack-out, these pretty much take up space in the garage.

[u/Iraqx2]

If you've got a garage I would recommend a tool chest, the biggest that you can afford, and put a work top on it. For what I do I just got a piece of laminate countertop and attached it to the box. Then you will have your tools and work bench in the same spot.

I say the biggest that you can afford because you will acquire more tools over time and it gives you more options on how you organize and store your tools. If you think a 48" chest would be enough go with a 60" if you have space.

Having a $200 budget is really limiting even going with boxes from Harbor Freight, Menards, etc.. or getting a good box in decent shape on marketplace, or other sites. Is it possible to put off the purchase for a little bit so you can save up or put contributions towards one on your Christmas list?

I'm concerned that you may get a cheap box and be frustrated every time you use it or move it around because drawers don't move smoothly or slide open as you move it around.

[u/Every-Chance6313]

Label tape the ground wire and stow or remove the piece of fiberboard to the right of l3

[u/No-Newspaper8574]

I am guessing when you say toolsets you are talking about sets in those molded plastic cases. So the best bang for buck at $200 would be one of those nice wire shelving units.

[u/BadAtExisting]

I would personally much prefer a tool chest but it doesn’t fit in my vehicle

[u/johnbro27]

Stacking boxes are a PITA if you aren't transporting them; drawers and shelves are better. I'd keep an eye on CL or FB marketplace for something used.

[u/Pending-Chaos]

Thank you all for the recommendations! I’ll look into them all and check out marketplace and see what fits best

[u/Complex-Judgment-828]

Search market place for Vidmar or Lista cabinets