A new Craftsman 63″ 9-drawer tool box recently launched at Lowe’s, featuring American flag-decorated drawer fronts.
The new Craftsman mobile workbench, CMST98275P, is actually a black-finish tool box with “removable patriotic magnetic panels.”
Update 11/19/24: The price has been reduced from $999 to $599.
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It features full-extension soft-close drawer slides, with each drawer having a 100 lb load capacity.
There is a power strip with 2 USB ports on the right side, as well as pegboard holes built into the sides of the I-frame construction.
On top there’s a 2/3-inch thick wood butcher block work surface.
The box is made in the USA with global materials.
Price: $599 ($999 at the time of the initial post date)
Discussion
Lowe’s also has a red 2000-series Craftsman 63″ mobile workbench with 10 drawers, and it’s priced at $999. The new flag-themed tool box appears to be very similar.
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I like the idea of decorative magnetic panels, although I would like the idea better if there were swappable options.
2/3″ (0.67″) doesn’t seem very thick for a work surface, but that seems to be typical for consumer storage products.
ken
I think it would be much better if it was made in America with materials from America! Its basically assembled here with overseas materials. Before they put the flag on the front they should buy American materials.
Andres
It’s made almost completely in the usa. There’s a distinction between “made” with and “assembled”. The box metal/welding/stamping is done in the usa. The rest like wheels, slides and plastics are China. You want lower prices? Well there is 2 things you can do and be profitable. This or make it 100% in China. Fyi craftsman has plenty of videos of the factory making the boxes.
Joe E.
Craftsman has a very weak toolbox selection compared to their competitors. Home Depot and Harbor Freight have full displays of tool boxes and plenty of inventory to back it up. The Lowe’s stores in my city have just a few boxes out on the floor at all times, and they’re always red. Red, red, red. Craftsman NEEDS to up their toolbox game and lower their prices to align more with the competition, and if that means shifting production to China, do it. At the end of the day, a company like SBD is going to put profits over people. Sears used to have dozens of Craftsman boxes on the floor at all times, different shapes, sizes, colors. Why can’t SBD and Lowe’s? This box is cool, but not $999 cool. It’s a $500-600 box, period.
Xrh07
It’s going to be a flimsy built box for too much money no matter how much people nitpick how they did it. And those people won’t buy it either. I know I won’t because 100 lb slides and flimsy sheet metal no matter the COO isn’t going to amount to a well built product vs mid-range price competitors
They already have to cut so many corners just to do what they do in Missouri to get the US-Global materials flag badge slapped on them
fred
And that thin “butcher block” top would not give me any confidence about usability. Just to quibble – but some of what is being passed off as “butcher block” in today’s market is a poor approximation of the real thing. For chopping and pounding the real McCoy – faces pieces of hard maple, cherry or walnut – with end-grain facing up. Alas – a real butcher block top of 60+ inches would likely cost more than this entire box. We used to buy custom made ones from John Boos – for customers who wanted top end cabinetry.
https://www.choppingblocks.com/collections/countertops/products/john-boos-cherry-end-grain-butcher-block-island-top-225-to-7-thick?variant=3573464901
Andrew
Yes, exactly, ‘worktop’ has the long grain parallel (ish) to the surface; ‘butcher’s block’ has the end grain.
Jimmy
Why would they make it a tattered flag?
Rog
Because tough guys
Wayne R.
I think the tattered flag appeals most to a particular demographic.
Brandon
It earns you extra freedom points.
Matthewj
Because you have to pay licensing fees to use the Punisher skull?
Joe E.
That looks awesome!! I’ve been in the market for a new workbench/tool chest with a butcher block top for several months, but haven’t pulled the trigger. I’ve been waiting on Lowe’s to get some black units back in-stock before the holidays like they did last year, and had all but given up until I seen this… but then I saw the price 🙁 $999 seems awfully steep when their direct competitor is selling a similar box, albeit a few inches shorter, for half the price. Cool box, but I simply cannot justify spending that kind of money.
Andres
It’s not to bad, you basically are getting a 90% usa made box for cheap. None of the other usa made brands have a box close to this price. Cf can’t compete with overseas made boxes, labor is just to cheap on the other side.
S
Even worse, it’s only an 18″ deep box.
Husky has a number of boxes closer to 20-24″ deep for the same price.
The most drastic difference in tool box prices is in drawer depth.
Stuart
Many imported tool boxes were redesigned to be larger, as that was one of the ways to escape countervailing tariffs.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/what-will-happen-to-pricing-of-tool-chests-cabinets-combos-and-mobile-workbenches/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Charles
It’s 600 hundred dollars now not 999
Andres
Not bad tho I wish they had a much useful layout.
Robert
I have to ask a question about the artwork that I hope doesn’t get this text deleted. I’ve seen similar tattered flag artwork around town, mostly on pick-up trucks. I truly don’t know – what is the pointed of a tattered US flag? Is it that it was in battle and was damaged and shows resilience to have survive and be brought back?
Old school was if you had a frayed fabric US flag on a flag pole, you were to replace it with flag in good condition, and respectfully dispose (usually by burning) the old flag.
John Blair
We must be of the same age. I thought the very same thing when I saw the pictures. Lest anyone think negative thoughts: https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2206946/how-to-properly-dispose-of-worn-out-us-flags/
fred
I’m reminded of the Johnny Cash song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfzJ8UBr-c0
Robert
Fred, thanks for sharing. A whole bunch of thanks.
CMF
I don’t think anyone could deliver that song in the same way Johnny Cash does it.
****If you ever heard the song Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails”, Johnny Cash covered it when his wife June died. You could hear the pain, in a way that only Johnny cash can deliver. Trent Reznor, lead singer, writer and basically Nine Inch Nails being his band, heard Johnny’s version and said, it is now his song.
Mike
I’m old enough to remember when you were not supposed to use the flag as clothing or on clothing. It was considered disrespectful. Now, of course, they put it on everything. Lots of folks like to display their flag in front of their houses, but don’t know that there are actual rules, like taking it in during bad weather, and either illuminating it at night or taking it down..
https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/1892936/dos-and-donts-for-displaying-old-glory/
MattT
A picture of a flag isn’t a flag.
potato
According to the flag code, yes a picture of the US Flag is still the Flag when it comes to the code:
The flag should not be used for advertising purposes, or embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or boxes.
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery.
Brad
It’s artwork on a metal cabinet not a flag your way over thinking the smallest detail in the article.
BigTimeTommy
You’re definitely overthinking artwork that’s supposed to look “badass” to guys with thin blue line punished skull stickers on their F-35000000
Stuart
I looked into this before publishing the post, and saw mixed commentary.
It’s definitely trendy. While it seems disrespectful to fly worn flags, apparently it’s patriotic to have tattered flag decals and decorations. 🤷♂️
I saw one mention of “we/America has endured” symbolism.
Farkleberry
I’ve heard from people who find it disrespectful to put an American flag on anything other than an American flag, with the likely exception of military/government/national team patches, etc.
I’m not sure I would go that far, but using the flag to sell all kinds of stuff is questionable. Perhaps a small flag on packaging to quickly ID COO (with all the caveats) is convenient, maybe neutral on the respect aspect.
I think a real cloth American flag hanging above this box would be so much cooler, or more preferably, flying out in the breeze, but to each their own.
I do find the tattered flag imagery unappealing when not associated with some historical battle, etc.
It’s all relative and at least it’s not people burning flags as political statements, or people (including Americans) droning on about how America is terrible, etc.
I think it’s a fine line between offering products to let people show off their patriotism and naked consumerism/marketing to differentiate an unremarkable product.
If you’ve never been to the great state of Texas, you’d be surprised how many “Texas Edition” burgers, pickup trucks and everything else under the sun can apparently be profitable.
Brad
Any flag you buy from Home Depot/Lowe’s/Amazon/Walmart was made in China with prison labor vs someone here in the USA screening on the artwork to that box.
It’s gotten so bad that here’s a bill currently waiting for the House (S.1973 – All-American Flag Act) to force all government/military agencies to only buy USA flags made in the country.
”
This bill prohibits agencies from using funds to procure a U.S. flag unless such flag has been manufactured in the United States from materials that have been U.S. grown, produced, or manufactured. The bill specifies exceptions to this prohibition, including an exception if flags of satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity cannot be procured as needed at market prices.
”
There are companies in the US that makes the flags (I own one) but most people won’t spend that much money when they can get them from China. It’s so much easier to complain about artwork and “certain demographics”.
CMF
The flag is but one example. I hear not everyone, but many people b*tch and complain about how much they want MITUSA, but then also complain about the price it costs.
John E
Although not flag specific, you can even find the bar code on the back of a bag of tortilla chips here in Texas shaped like Texas. Heck, the tortilla chips inside the bag are also Texas shaped. It’s all just marketing and making a buck. I don’t have the bandwidth available to get upset over it.
CMF
In the past week or so, I heard someone on TV responding to another commentators comments about all the torn and ragged flags you see around. The response this person gave was that many years ago (70’s 80’s ?), flags were respectfully only displayed as flags on a pole.
Then, it kind of started with the military flag patches that everyone wanted, and from there, slowly grew to being on t-shirts and then just about anywhere.
Pretty sure that no one is intending any disrespect, it is just socially accepted now.
Bonnie
It’s tacticool nonsense for guys who want to feel “badass” and for some reason associate a damaged US flag with that.
MFC
My millennial thought process wasn’t that it was tattered, but that it was the style of graphic that they thought looked more interesting. The flag is in perfect condition, it’s just a border they’ve added. Maybe it’s through someone’s dirty welding goggles as they wipe the soot away? Anyways, if it was a picture of a flag on a pole that was tattered, then I would assume it was on a battlefield. As it is, the flag looks perfect and they could have put polkadots, leaves, pictures of wildlife, etc. but they figured this design would sell best.
Mark M.
I could take or leave the graphics, but if that toots your patriotic horn, fantastic.
My garage workspace is linear with a large chest/top box, workbench, and tools on stands up against one long wall. Last year I bought a Husky version of this same box on clearance, in-store for like $400. I think the dimensions are about 60″ or 66″ wide by 20″ deep, with that same thin butcher block top. LOVE IT. I’ve got it set up in an “L” with my long wall configuration and it’s awesome, both for the additional storage and the work space. I mention all that in case someone is on the fence about the utility of this type of box, if you have the room it’s an amazing secondary piece.
Amatts
Usual tinny attempt with really low capacity drawers……this brand really needs to be killed by SBD uh if you want laminate maple tops buy a bench top blank and saw accordingly I did that for my Kennedy roller years ago not wanting to be ripped off by parts/accessories …….
Al
To me, this flag artwork, wearing flag socks, flag cape, thin blue line, etc is the flag equivalent of tacticool clothes and backpacks, Rambo 57-in-1 survival knives, and camo crocs.
Does it degrade the symbol? Often yes. It turns it into decoration.
Some of it is used as an expression of patriotism like Olympic athletes carrying their country flag for a victory lap. Some is divisive like the thin blue line dividing America into bad people and good people.
These, IMO, are less offensive than organizations who fly flags for some sort of validation. But they don’t light them. They don’t take them in during storms. They let them fall into embarrassing disrepair because they’re too cheap to replace them. They could just fly zero flags, and it would be more respectful than negligence.
I grumble on July 4 when my kids wear flag socks. But, they’re proud and expressing it.
If you like a flag, fly it however you want. We have a first amendment right to say what we want to say, and that flag is part of that attitude.
But, respect the rights for us old get-off-my-lawn types are to gripe and complain. We’re harmless.
Goodie
I am a retired Soldier and I don’t really understand the flag as decoration or clothing either. I take great professional pride in knowing the flag code and the proper etiquette. However, I fully support folks’ constitutional right to express themselves and their beliefs.
Jared
I probably wouldn’t bother with it, but I like the magnetic panels idea. Seems like there could be some customization options.
TomD
This is the real takeaway – they should partner with someone like Shutterfly and sell custom-printed magnetic groupings so you can put whatever you want on it.
S
I guess it says something that the design is more discussed here than the tool box itself?
I’ve always liked the distressed flag look, because things that have been through a lot never come out perfectly clean…
Amatts
Also those “butcher block”tops on this and other consumer grade boxes are actually bamboo made in Vietnam ……..
Blaine
Ugly!
eddiesky
Stuart: There is a power trip with 2 USB ports … I think you meant power strip.
This will sell because there are people with money and pride. Personally, I have a flag outside, 3×5 and take down for bad weather (usually up Memorial Day-thru-Labor Day). This is like those Harley guys that have accessorized more than Hollywood Housewives have Prada…
But its made with “globally sources materials” and assembled in USA. I get global marketing and sources but why not option for a domestic material like maple or oak top?
Stuart
Oops – thanks! *fixed*
Technically, if the power cord is stretched across the floor to the wall, it could also be a power trip.
Joe E.
I found it interesting that Lowe’s states “This item is no longer sold on Lowes.com” and it’s no longer showing in-stock anywhere. The price also got marked down to $599?
That didn’t last very long.
Stuart
I saw it at my local Lowe’s store.
Online ordering is sometimes deactivated ahead of Black Friday, presumably to conserve inventory. I have learned that it’s best avoid making any conclusions in the absence of clear contexts.
Joe E.
Ah okay, good to know. I may stop by after work today because if that’s going to the be the sale price, I will definitely buy one. Thank you for the heads up on that.
Stuart
My store had it at $999. It’s possible that lower pricing won’t be available until Black Friday (if at all??). I haven’t seen any sales flyers or similar for it yet.
Joe E.
I stopped by after work at it was $999. I showed them a screenshot of the online price and was met with skepticism. Unfortunately, I’ll have to check back. But man, sure would look cool in my garage! I’ve been drooling over it since you posted it.
Stuart
@Joe, Lowe’s dropped the price to $599 online and in stores (at least near me).
Joe E.
Thanks Stuart for the heads up, I’m going up there today after work. Hopefully they have one!
Stuart
Even if not, check online – Lowe’s says there are 48 available for ship-to-store for pickup at my closest store next week, or 68 for delivery.
It looks like each store in my area just has 1 in stock – presumably the one that’s on display on the sales floor.
Charles
It is still available at Lowe’s i was just at mine tonight and they had one on floor display
Greg
I am the only one that despises these type of toolboxes because there’s extra resistance to open the drawer? To me at all seems like crap. My favorite design is the snap on master series. It has a simple piece of plastic where your fingers slide it to the side and it releases.
Brad
Your comparing a nearly $9000 specialty tool box to a general purpose box that’s currently $599 at a big box store.
Doug N
I agree, I prefer the lift and release drawers from Montezuma or Masterforce (Menards)
Goodie
At $599, I think this is a pretty good deal.