I was unable to find one of the new Porter Cable tool storage combos at any Lowes near me. I’m sure it’ll be sold nationwide, and it’ll be on display at more locations soon, but I was hoping to get a good look at it now.
Luckily, cr8ondt and Benjamen were able to find the Porter Cable storage combo on display at their local Lowes, and they posted some nice photos over at the ToolGuyd forum. You don’t have to register in order to see the photos.
Advertisement
Marc also sent in a photo of the pull-out work surface – thank you!
Trying to better understand the new combo, I reached out to Porter Cable with some questions and received lots of answers and insights.
You might also want to check out our preview post of the Porter Cable tool storage combo to get up to speed.
In bold are questions that I asked, questions that readers asked in comments to the preview post, and also responses to statements and assumptions I made in the preview post. Porter Cable’s answers are in plain text and not italicized, for easier reading.
Why Porter Cable branding? / Why Lowes?’
Advertisement
Porter Cable is a strong brand at Lowe’s and the brand traditionally caters to woodworkers and power tool users so that is why we have integrated the wood working surface for those consumers.
Are the dimensions the same between the Porter and Dewalt?
No, there is a DEWALT 40″ black box [available at other dealers] and this Porter Cable box is 41″. Porter Cable and DEWALT boxes are completely different and manufactured in different facilities.
Is there a metal gauge?
This product is 21 gauge and comparable to others at that price point.
How useful is the tool holder that is located on the side? – Are the holes a fit for PC tools?
The holes should fit most power drills. Tools can be stored on the side as well as in the bottom right drawer where there is a lip to hold them in place to prevent sliding.
The side mounted tool holder is also removable. The user has the option to store tools on the side or the bottom drawer.
What are the overall dimensions?
41″ wide, 18″ deep, 62.5″ high. This size is similar to market competitors.
What is the gauge of the steel?
21 gauge
Are there speakers built into the top?
No. [They’re pass-thru grommets for power cables.]
Don’t understand the power strip location. Would like to see it higher up or off to one of the side to maximize storage space.
This is located within the center of the chest for easy access from all points. Users can charge their batteries or accessories and close and lock the lid while their devices are still being charged.
Pricing:
- Top section $280
- Bottom section $379
- Combination $659
Configuration is similar, but not identical to Dewalt’s premium ball bearing tool store combo. (I thought both were built off a common frame, but as answered above, that’s not the case.)
Yes, similar like many of the other toolboxes this size in the market.
Color scheme is distinct, without being too flashy.
Our color options follow our Porter Cable brand standards.
Not a true Porter Cable product – looks to be heavily inspired by the Dewalt combo, which might have been developed by a SBD sister brand or even an external OEM partner.
Porter Cable is traditionally a woodworkers brand and mainly a power tool user. Knowing this, we have incorporated those features where possible while still meeting needs in metal storage.
Benefit of pull-out work surface?
The pullout work surface functions like a drawer while taking up minimal usable storage space.
Lights would be interesting; drawer support is the primary concern, internal organization is secondary.
Given that internal organization is a concern, Porter Cable provides a variety of drawer sizes and depths.
Does it compare with the 3 Milwaukee tool storage options which is at a lower price point.
Yes, this is a comparable product to Milwaukee and other competitors’.
No handle on top of the lid?
The Porter Cable also has a lid handle built in, a different design than DEWALT.
I think that answers all of my questions, as well as all the ones that readers brought up in comments. Is there anything else you’d like to know about the new Porter Cable tool storage chest and rolling cabinet combo?
Hopefully the Lowes locations near me will put one on display soon so I can check it out in person myself!
Nathan
I’ll admit my favorite part of that is the pull out table. Not sure how much I’d use that at home – but out on the hangar floor that probably would have come in handy alot.
Travis
Still too expensive when compared to the Milwaukee choices. Throw in a Lowe’s 10% coupon price match and the Milwaukee look even better.
julian
That looks more like a sewing center work surface than a woodworking surface. I’m not sure what kind of woodworking would benefit from that.
And I’ve seen the box at Lowes in person.
JT
Nathan
if you’re going to have a table and laminate it – might as well print a ruler on it.
if printing a ruler in one direction – might as well do both.
the angle lines thing – meh.
but I do agree it looks like something you’d see on a table at a fabric store.
P
I’m really having trouble seeing how you would use this for woodworking… The drawer hardware doesn’t look up to holding heavy workpieces, and the way it’s built doesn’t support clamping anything down to it.
From anyone who has seen it. Does the MDF look replaceable? Could it stand up to the pressure you’d put on it while sanding or planing a piece?
fm2176
Oddly, the box is already marked down at my Lowe’s, I think the bottom is $260 or so, and the top around $220.
fm2176
Just checked online; $249 for each box. Not too bad at $450 for the combo after 10% discount.
Cr8ondt
Awe thanks for the love Stuart!
Cr8ondt
I will say having looked it over in person I think they made a rather nice overall tool storage cabinet and give them high marks for their first foray into the segment(granted they already have the DNA to do it). The only real problem I have with it is the work surface locking mechanism really is just plainly badly thought out, the release tabs are very small and hard to manipulate.
Derek
Saw it at my Lowe’s, it’s just another ordinary box to me. Thin gauge metal on the drawers, poor slides, lots of side to side wobble. The matte finish is kind of cool. The work surface is useless. Drawer configuration is OK, at least it has a full length drawer at the top.
I wouldn’t be a buyer even at $500.
Scott
Stuart
I’m considering buying this cabinet and I found your Q&A very helpful. Thank you for your efforts. Looks like a winner at $450 and works for my needs
Terry
I saw this box at Lowe’s April 30th 2016, nice boxes and they were on sale both for 500$. Taxes not included. I am a multicraft tradesman, the pull out table is perfect for the tinker person like me. Electrical, wood, plumber other wise handy man around the home type guy needs this in a small shop where a work bench isn’t feasible. The drill storage is nice it has two small portable drill holes and one big hole for an electric corded drill, the holder is moveable. Lower compartment drawers are bid enough to house a circular saw with case in lower right, the upper drawers are suited for small hand tools and squares, sockets, where the lower drawers are suited for bigger tools, saber saws, hand saws, angle grinders, my only dislike were the wheels they were plastic, but since I won’t be rolling it around it is no big deal.
Allen Woolaway
Just purchased one of the new Porter Cable Boxes at Lowes
Was not impressed. The drawers close very hard so watch your fingers.
Wheels are made of plastic.
Very hard to close the work surface drawer.
Stuart
How are you having troubling closing the work surface drawer?
It took me a couple seconds to figure it out, and it was pretty easy to close. I had my son in one arm, closed the drawer by unlocking it one side at a time.
What were you expecting for the wheels? Hard plastic is the norm, at least on most of the $500 and under roller cabinets I’ve seen.
You have to spend a lot more to get soft-tired wheels.
That said, I saw the combo at a Lowes yesterday, and noticed a few quality tradeoffs. There are some nice touches, but also some places where I could tell they looked to save money.
Travis
I too saw this box at Lowe’s this weekend. I checked it out since it was there and was not impressed overall. I wasn’t a fan of how the drawer slides operated, maybe I am spoiled now after testing out many Milwaukee boxes, but I believe all should operate that well and have soft close.
I was thoroughly annoyed with the worktop drawer as it is a pain to close. Yes, there are small metal latches to lift/push to close it, but that is a pain. Couldn’t they have at least added a plastic grip on them to make it easier. Or better yet, added a butt on the front releasing the slides to close the worktop. There is negative space under the worktop for such a mechanism. Another point to the worktop is how flimsy it feels and how much the box moves around when putting any amount of force or weight on the drawer. The box shakes around quite a bit with the castors flexing where they mount to the box.
I like the overall look to the box and it definitely has some positives going for it (optional tool storage, lift top handle, drill/impact drawer). I wouldn’t be interested in it until the prices is closer to $400 before my 10% coupon. But then again, I am in the market for the Milwaukee 60″ workbench style box right now.
Toolfreak
These boxes seem to be an okay choice for the price, for those who have the space and need a storage solution but don’t really need drawers that can handle the weight of lots of wrenches and ratchets. The metal is thin and the drawer slides are clunky, so not a pro box by any means, but the price should indicate that, even if they sure are making these look better than they are.
I just hope Bosch doesn’t hop on the bandwagon and put the color scheme and logo on something like that.
Mike
That would be silly on Bosch’s part, to say the least. Firstly, if they sold a Sortimo l-boxx with similar dimensions it would probably be priced higher than these giant sardine cans(with bonus paint!!!). Even if something as absurd as a $500 giant blue plastic box, admittedly a high quality plastic box of course, does launch…it would probably not be sold at Lowe’s. Since Lowe’s stores are all located in the USA. (Right? I think that’s right.)
Frankly, I’m mildly surprised by the complaints about these grey tin cans, particularly the critical response to the casters. I mean, a set of four high quality casters suitable for tool chests can easily cost more than this entire Porter-Cable box. The types of casters that might be found on more premium boxes from Snap-On, Cornwell, Hazet, Beta and the like…which easily cost 10x the price of these current offerings in grey, yellow, red etc. Explains why old Harbor Freight has been doing so well in this specific category. I’ve seen more H-F boxes in the last five years than probably all other brands combined. I’m lucky I guess since I have no need or even want for this type of product. More of a Veto and Sortimo portable type of guy.
Tim
I have two of their red service cards, one of the black and one of their 42″ rollers (no top chest) and have had nothing but good things to say about all of them.
For the money you absolutely cannot beat the HF boxes. Quite frankly you’re looking at almost $1000 just to get a box as nice as any of these.
I don’t even really think this box is as nice, but I will be putting a 60″ Milwaukee box in my garage because I like the features.
Brian
I’ve seen it in person, I’m not impressed. I was a little excited about it but I’d rather have the Dewalt or Milwaukee version. The plastic handles on the lid feel cheap as hell.
Ben
I’m surprised this hasn’t been discussed above, but in the bottom drawer, the “Work table”, is there a way to remove that worktop inside and use that drawer as a regular tool drawer? Info sincerely appreciated.
I dare to be different and state that I’m very impressed with this unit. Any other 41″ tool chest cost lots more, and in my case, just to keep the Metrics seperate from the SAE tools.
Stuart
If you have one of these combos, are there any fasteners on the bottom? Is there a drawer bottom?
That’s what I would do – check for fasteners, and if I didn’t find any I’d either remove the drawer and turn upside down to see if the work surface was an insert. If that didn’t work, I’d find a large suction cup handle.
Ben
Thanks response. I saw the display chest @ the store. Sure looks like a real drawer to me. I haven’t unboxed mine yet, so unable to study that drawer. It’d be nice if it is useable, but still OK if not.
Will know & advise in a day or two.
Ben
I have opened the very well-packed tool chest. It has the “Work table” in it’s bottom fullsized drawer. I’ve found that you may simply pull that masonboard out and you now have another fullsized drawer. Heck-of-a-deal!
Wolf
I picked up a clearance set. Top was $118 And he bottom was $135. Good enough for me. I think they were discontinued at Lowe’s.