Over at Amazon, a couple of new Stanley tool boxes popped up. What makes these special? They’re made of metal. Somewhat frequently, we’ll hear complaints about how there are too many plastic tool boxes and not even metal ones to choose from these days. If you feel that way, and even if you don’t, here are some new options for you.
All of the new Stanley metal tool boxes feature a one-hand latch and a long carry handle. They’re said to be stackable, which should make for easier storage if you’ve got more than one.
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First up is the STST19500, shown above. Described as a Big Space tool box, this one’s 19″ long with a single storage compartment.
Price: $31
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Next up is the STST19501 tool box, which has a sliding drawer for storing and organizing smaller tools or parts, or for making frequently used tools more easily accessible.
The product description says that this is a 16″ box, but it seems to be the same size as the two other 19″ tool boxes.
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Price: $38
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There’s also a third box, model STST19502, which has two drawers and a top lid compartment, all of which can be secured with a central locking mechanism.
This model isn’t listed on Amazon (yet?), but it is listed in Amazon.ca for $52 CAD (~$42 USD).
First Thoughts
I have had great experiences with Stanley tool bags, and one or two plastic tool boxes as well. There’s also their fantastic 25 compartment organizers as well.
The one-hand latches seems like a nice feature, and one that I certainly appreciate on their plastic tool boxes. I also like that there are different configurations, and not just one style meant to fit all users.
The tool box with the single sliding drawer looks to be most interesting. I do like the idea of a box with nothing inside but a big open storage space, but there are times when I make use of built-in organizers, trays, or removable totes. I like that the sliding drawer moves in and out quickly. There have been more than one occasion where I couldn’t get a tool box closed because of an improperly seated tote or tray. That shouldn’t be an issue with a sliding top drawer.
Benjamen
I love my Craftsman three drawer tool box:
http://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-3-Drawer-Metal-Portable-Toolbox/dp/B00167XE90
But man they have gotten expensive (okay they are a little cheaper at Sears). I wonder how well that Stanley 2-drawer would stack up quality wise?
That said I do leave my three drawer on the bench and use it more as an tool organizer. I wouldn’t want to lug it or another similar toolbox around. That’s where I think the plastic boxes and cloth bags have a distinct advantage — weight.
fred
If you like the Craftsman 3 Drawer box – since many of them had been made by Waterloo – you might give this one a try:
http://www.amazon.com/WATERLOO-20-In-3-Drawer-Port/dp/B008R082AA/
I have several old Waterloo-made (some bearing the Craftsman name and others bearing the Kobalt name steel toolboxes that I use for storage. I particularly like the 5 Craftsman 9-59216 and 1 Warterloo HM3052 (30 inch long) boxes that I use for storage. Sadly – they no longer seem to be available.
mike
Dewalt storage boxes to follow
this time black !
I already saw pictures
cheers
Larry Zeleznik
I want to go out and buy that “sliding drawer” box immediately, but owning six boxes (a couple empty), my wife is not in agreement LOL!
Nathan
I think I like the new shape – will need to see on in person though.
honestly I find I use my tool bags more and more. small and larger. most everything in on/near the workbench or the trolley. and I load up a bag for something I’m going to do.
Nathan
So they are made in China I see – according to amazon. I didn’t find them on Stanley’s website just now.
If amazon is correct, that’s sort of sad really. you know with all of Stanley’s marketing hype now about made in America (with globally sourced components).
fred
FYI – Stanley’s subsidiary ZAG Industries makes some of their plastic toolboxes in Israel. Keter another Israeli firm – also makes lots of the plastic toolboxes you see on store shelves.
Stan
Yeah with all that marketing spent on made in the United States of global components, which is generally better than no jobs at all, you’d think Stanley would add more products to this line.
But this doesn’t surprise me this is made in China knowing Stanley. I am just glad Stack On metal tool boxes are 100% American made these days. You can buy these on Amazon and really not that expensive.
miss franciene
Only a matter of time before harbor freight rips it off… lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…………………..
Mike N
As an aside, does anyone know who makes the metal tool boxes sold at Bestmadeco.com ?
fred
I don’t know – but Kennedy and Waterloo are both possible candidates – but neither of these offer the same drop-front toolbox sold by Bestmadeco
Chad
must have a beard, flannel shirt, tight jeans and funky boots to buy and use stuff from best made!!! hahah jk
they have some nice stuff but some if it way over priced, it looks good but tell me how many new yorkers tote an axe down times square!!
again really nice and neat stuff that if Martha Stewart was into camping and lumberjacking over the weekend it is well suited next to her linens that were sewn into a sleeping bag or that artisan bread that she just baked in the cast iron pot!!
Mike
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t even consider metal toolboxes any longer. They dent, chip, and rust. There are of course cheap plastic toolboxes that break easily, but there are also good quality ones that hold up much better than metal that cost less.
The only portable metal box I have left is one similar to what Benjamin pointed out, except it has an additional drawer and plastic over the base. It holds my pneumatic tools and their bits, sockets, etc. so I can take everything without leaving anything behind. If all those tools didn’t weight nearly 100 pounds I would have bought the plastic version. But that’s the only exception since I don’t normally load anything into a toolbox that weighs nearly that much.
cmi
here is youtube video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP3ifYXzJWE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmIJhy-QReQ
it lists 3 product in a serious.
the shape be likes toy storage.
long handle is nice, slide push button is special.
Jerrick
Good video. Model STST19501 is intriguing as the top drawer automatically slides in and out as you close/open the door.
I’ll probably grab one of these to replace a plastic box with removable tray.