26” Tool Chest Recommendations

[BBDartCA]

Looking for an entry-level 26” Multi drawer rolling tool cabinet for an apprentice. Budget $600 range. Definitely prefer not Made in China. Homak and Kennedy seem to be above this price range now. Checked out the made in USA Craftsman (2000 Or Elite series?) and Lowe’s and they seemed to be extremely cheaply built. Owner will likely upgrade to a much larger cabinet as he enters the Journeyman stage. Any brand options I missing besides the HF and other Asian stuff?

Will probably get something decent used locally but these are hard to find currently. Thanks.

 

[Timmastertech]

If you can find one a used tool truck single bank bottom cab is likely in that price range. I would take used tool truck over new made in china

 

[Chris142]

Make sure to get roller drawers! The friction slides are awful.

 

[skyactiv]

I'm a semi mechanic.

Buying something new from China still has to use American labor for the distribution of the product: Dock workers, truck drivers, warehousing and store or end delivery personal.

Chris142 is right. The friction slides suck. Buying an old used box is often difficult to find and not as good as some here make them out to be.

I have made in USA 27" Homak boxes at home and a middle chest I bought a few years later wanting to sandwich in for more storage. The Homak middle chest doesn't fit and is made in China. The Chinese made Homak chest is better quality and with ball bearing slides.

I assumed the Homak middle chest would be made in the USA, so be careful. It appears that Homaks lineup has changed.

 

[DemoFly]

Why punish yourself financially for America's failure? Just buy the highest quality box you can afford. No toolbox will ever earn you a dime.

 

[RooflessVW]

I like Husky boxes at HD best in that price range.

 

[KenshinHimura]

Kennedy will likely be the cheapest USA made "industrial" box. You have the SBD brands of the Dewalt, Craftsman and Waterloo at the lower price points but they are pretty similar to each other and are budget/entry level minded. The Huskys are made overseas (Thailand) and i think the Milwaukees come from either Vietnam or Taiwan

 

[AutoMechanic]

I’d check out the US General 26 inch. The drawer orientation isn’t great but it could be good for a starter. Not USA made either but I use US General boxes in a professional setting and they do just fine everyone wishes they had mine.