Craftsman has come out with new Pro Series ball bearing tool storage units that have good-looking features and specs.
But more than that, these are connected tool storage products which feature Bluetooth Smart Lock technology allowing you to secure and unlock your toolbox with your smartphone.
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As someone who regularly misplaces their toolbox keys and occasionally wants to lock them up, this seems like a great idea!
Pricing on these tool storage units is higher than many of Craftsman’s same-size heavy duty consumer tool storage products, but a lot lower than other professional systems that have electronic locks.
Features & Specs
- 200 lb ball bearing drawer slides
- Griplatch drawer retention system
- Integrated power outlets in chest and cabinet
- 2 USB ports for charging tools, phones, and other devices
- Pro-grade double wall construction with internal corner gussets and external corner trim for strength
- Included drawer liners and top mats
- Top lid stiffener with embossed Craftsman logo
- Gas struts for top lid support
- Stylized 6″ x 2″ casters with toe locks
There will be 3 sizes: 26″, 41″, and 52″. The 41″ and 52″ roller cabinets each have a full-width drawer at the top, with double slides providing for a 300 lb load rating.
Bluetooth Connected Smart Lock Capabilities
- Automatically lock and unlock your tool storage with your smartphone, based on proximity
- Remotely unlock tool cabinet to give access to others
- Users can monitor and check reports to see if the storage unit has been tampered with
- Backup keys are provided
Sizes & Styles
The chests and roller cabinets are available separately.
26-in.Wide 9-Drawer Combo Unit
- Chest (58660): 26-in. W x 21-in. D x 24.5-in. H ($550 list, $328.20 on sale)
- Roller Cabinet (58661): 26-in. W x 21-in. D x 42.5-in. H ($900 list, $630 on sale)
41-in. Wide 17-Drawer Combo Unit
- Chest (58662): 41-in. W x 21-in. D x 24.5-in. H ($730 list, $480 on sale)
- Roller Cabinet (58663): 41-in. W x 21-in. D x 42.5-in. H ($1220 list, $820 on sale)
52-in. Wide 20-Drawer Combo Unit
- Chest (58666): 52-in. W x 21-in. D x 24.5-in. H ($900 list, $600 on sale)
- Roller Cabinet (58667): 52-in. W x 21-in. D x 42.5-in. H ($1550 list, $1000 on sale)
41-in. Wide Combo Stainless Steel Unit
- Fingerprint-resistant coating to keep the unit looking clean
- Chest (58664): 41.5-in. W x 22-in. D x 24.8-in. H
- Roller Cabinet (58665): 41.5-in. W x 22-in. D x 33.6-in. H
ETA: October 2016
First Thoughts
It’s good to see Craftsman trying new things, and I’m also glad to see new pro-grade Pro Series cabinets.
I do have a few questions and concerns.
Where are the side handles?
Do the units have to be connected to an AC power source to maintain proximity lock controls?
On the 52-inch combo, there are many very wide drawers. Is racking/wobble going to be a problem?
Rick says
I don’t want a tool box that needs to be plug into an outlet.
Gustavo garcia says
The lock systen is operated for a battery pack ! You don’t need to be plugged !! The box need to be plugged just to charge divices like cel phones or batteries
Nathan says
well where is that usb port power going to come from?
I suspect if done right the BT features are run off a lithium photo battery or a stack of coin cells stuck in the top somewhere.
I like the other bits but not the BT lock features. Cost is a touch high too.
I didn’t see it mentioned but does it have internal power rail for charging devices in the drawer – IE like the milwaukee and dewalt and PC devices?
BigDan says
You use dewalts new powerstation of course!
Dale says
The purpose of the usb ports is to charge cell phone, tablet, etc.
P. Clark says
The top cabinet has the same power strip that the bottom cabinet has. The bottom cabinet is on the outside, while the top cabinet has it inside on top.
RKA says
Price is definitely high but odds are it will be discounted like everything else Craftsman, so if build quality is up to snuff, maybe it won’t be all that bad. They will do whatever it takes to move them.
The smart features are an odd fit here. Most of my other connected devices I have accepted they might last 5-10 years before software is no longer compatible and I will need to upgrade. That’s at least half the life cycle of the non-smart devices that preceded them. That’s an eventuality with any software driven device. But a toolbox (for me) has at least a working life of 20-30 years. There is no reasonable possibility the device I’m using that far in the future will be compatible with what Sears built today. And this particular feature strikes me as gimicky or worse if it’s plagued by a bug.
If Sears is listening, look at the build quality of some of the competition at or above the price range you’ve established with this “pro” series. If you haven’t met or exceeded that standard, that would be a good place to start, not with a remote locking feature.
Stuart says
There is a power strip in the top chests’ top compartments, and for the rolling cabinets, I’m betting the power strip is on the external right side.
With 200lb and 300 lb drawer load ratings, Craftsman is exceeding the strength, and likely build quality, of competitors’ lesser units.
Virus says
I’ve to agree with you on the Technology side. Cell phones will advance way far and superior to the Tool-Chest and software will become a problem and Craftsman won’t be able to keep up with Technology and won’t be able to afford it.
RC WARD says
Cost is a little high? That would be one way to describe it . Way to high in my opinion. If it has to be plugged in then that would totally negate that feature in my book. Looks pretty good though. But a lot of boxes I would and have bought before a Craftsman box.
Blythe M says
I can see it being useful in a factory maintenance shop where you might be back and forth a lot and then away working on equipment, definitely nice to have it auto lock for peace of mind. Problem is most techs don’t view craftsman as a pro/industrial brand
Stuart says
I’ve seen Craftsman storage products in a number of commercial and academic settings.
P. Clark says
I have been a professional Technician for over 20 years and an Master Tech for about 7 years. I have always used Craftsman tools and I really don’t care what other people think. I have a set of 1/2 inch impact sockets that I bought from Wal-mart over 15 years ago for $20.00. I have used them with 3/4 inch impacts and I have never broken a single one. the way I see it, if I break a Craftsman wrench I can go to one of at least 8 Sears stores here in San Antonio and find the wrench that very same day. If I break a Snap On wrench, then I have to wait until the end of the week IF the tool truck shows up and IF he even has it on the truck.
Nathan says
I guess if the BT locks were sturdy and had key counterparts – I could sort of get along with it.
but I wouldn’t mind a non BT model being cheaper significantly
Toolfreak says
Nice to see a standard size 26 in wide offering. Pricing seems ok, anyone who buys Craftsman stuff usually knows enough to buy when it’s 50% off and get points back for additional value.
I’d guess these are photorealistic computer generated renderings, and the artist just forgot to include side handles? The lack of handles makes for a clean look though.
I find it particularly interesting that Craftsman is doing more with this “Craftsman Pro” branding, which seems seperate and distinct from their previous “Craftsman Professional” line, which is still present on certain tools and accessories.
mizzourob says
I just went to take a second look at these, and Sears seems to have hidden these listings, thanks for the post here!
Virus says
I just got off a little chat with a sears Customer Product Specialist. She said that the Craftsman Pro Series 52″ Wide 12-Drawer Rolling Cart and top chest – Black has been recalled from all the stores due to a minor design issues “she didn’t mention the what the issues is” and said the item will restock soon ” and again she said she is not up to date on when”
Stuart says
These are back on Sears.com, and with sale pricing, which I’ve added to the post.
Adam says
Are the features in these worth that much more than the comparable Milkwaukee unit? I thought the prices were fair, until I learned that was for only half of the unit. The Milwaukee that dropped in price seems more reasonable (I also can get another 10% off at HD, that I’m NOT factoring into the comparison).
The biggest difference I see are 100 vs 200 lbs drawers (gosh I hope I don’t load them that much) and bluetooth. Would anybody stick with the Craftsman?
Virus says
I like the Milwaukee better as far as structure, durability and features.
The only problem is Home Depot keep raising the price before every given holiday this year. now it’s listed for $745.00 online when last year around Thanksgiving it was only $645.00 and right before Christmas it was $599.00 for short time period.
Stuart says
The pricing seems to reflect inventory build-up and availability. I’m thinking that all of the Milwaukee products will go back on sale around the holiday season.
Virus says
no they aren’t.
read below this is from my reply above
I just got off a little chat with a sears Customer Product Specialist. She said that the Craftsman Pro Series 52″ Wide 12-Drawer Rolling Cart and top chest – Black has been recalled from all the stores due to a minor design issues “she didn’t mention the what the issues is” and said the item will restock soon ” and again she said she is not up to date on when”
Rick says
Yes I ordered a combo unit.52″pro series got the base but no top
Virus says
Did you get it? i spent hours chatting with sears customer services and they assured me they don'[t sell them in sears. where did you order them and how??
josh maier says
How is it any photos??
Stephen says
Does anyone have specs on these CM Pro series toolboxes? The easiest way to see how pro they are is from their weight and steel thickness on frames and drawers. I have read nothing specific about the construction of these Pro series boxes. Everything online about these boxes is more marketing info. and less specs. Sears stores don’t stock them yet. So how is a consumer supposed to make a decision, on enhanced pictures alone? Are they even real?
John says
I’ve been look @ the Craftmen pro series also. Very limited spec info. I’m also woundering what country they are made in?
Jack O says
How do you unlock this unit. Got a new one home and it is locked up. Everything is inside……. manuals!