Tool Chests -China or USA?

[Sir Henry]

I’m in the market for several large tool chests. I currently have a snap-on, Craftsman and DeWalt. The Snap-Ons are much to expensive as they would cost $40K for what I want. Craftsman and DeWalt would be around $2K. I could get some China made ones that are close to Snap-On quality for about $4K. Craftsman and Dewalt are good but they are not the best.

So should I but the China ones sold at Harbor Freight? If I buy it will be in the next week or two.

[Hatchdog]

I’m thinking that with residential use rather than commercial use the lower quality chests would most likely serve you well. Plus add in the number of years your personal use needs. Interesting times right now with prices possibly heading upwards.

[BigAl52]

What about used? Maybe there is someone locally that is trying to sell some.

[rickhem]

There's a range for the HF tool chests too. They have Icon, Yukon, and US General brands, and pricing is very different for each line. I am not sure which is top or why, but I'd find out if going that route. Also see if you can get one of the 25% or 30% coupons from HF if you buy one of those.
I have a HF tool cart, the little cheap four drawer one by US General. I took my time assembling it and it's been fine for the years that I've had it. I keep looking at bigger ones, and I'll probably get one eventually.
Big Al has a good point about buying used, some great deals pop up at garage sales, and some on-line classified sites.

[daytime dave]

Gene, just my thoughts, but I'd buy the one that someone made in our home country. I'd buy Canadian if I lived there, German if I lived there, etc.

[HenryFan]

I hate to buy chinese products but often it becomes necessary when no equivalent American-made product is available.

In your case, if the need is not time sensitive, maybe shopping for used may be a solution.

Good Luck.

[GFK]

That is the question of the day. Of course, most would like to get the best that they can for the money. For me, I try and keep as much money at home (home country) as possible. The way that I look at it: if we don't have money at home, how will we be able to live? At some point, people may not even have money to buy the things that are being sold here. Will I be around to see it? Who knows. Just my 2 cent.

[Sir Henry]

I’ve looked at used and they are few in between and almost always very beat up. I ended up ordering two Craftsmen 52” bottoms which will come in this week. And I ordered four Craftsmen wall cabinets which is several weeks out. I will put the 52” chests back to back and have a custom made wood top made. I will use it as an island.

[Sir Henry]

I ended up ordering two more 52” chests.

[daytime dave]

I think they will be neat as an island. Made in USA I believe too.