Craftsman has launched a new 9-drawer “patriotic workstation” at Lowe’s (CMST98279P).
The mobile tool cabinet features 18 to 20 gauge steel construction, a 1500 pound load rating, and 2/3″ wood worktop.
The 9 drawers feature ball bearing slides with 100 pound load capacity.
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An integrated power strip has 6 AC outlets and 2 USB ports for powering and charging your tools and devices.
It measures 67.5″ long, 24″ deep, and 40″ tall. There are 2 locking swivel casters and 2 fixed casters.
Craftsman isn’t calling this a limited edition, but I’m nearly convinced it is.
The decorative panels are magnetically attached, meaning you can remove the eagle and American flag design and be left with the tool box in black.
Price: $1000
This is similar in size to a different American flag-themed tool box that launched last Fall – see New Craftsman American Flag-Themed Tool Box – Price Drop.
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That tool box dropped in price to $599 for the holiday season. It appears to be sold out right now, but Lowe’s has its price at $649, down from $999.
Because of that, there’s reason to predict that the new Craftsman patriotic-themed tool box will drop in price from its introductory $1000, presumably as we get closer to the holiday shopping season.
Jack
I was just looking at this yesterday. It was being featured in the lobby and is a good looking box. However, am I the only one who dislikes auto “soft close” drawers. I always feel like I’m wrestling to open them. You really had to pull on it. These boxes are not generally mobile so why? I have a US General Series 2 which has none of that and I much prefer it. Then HF added that feature and slide locks on the Series 3 and in my opinion ruined them. I’ve seen some hacks on these so I guess there is always a workaround.
Stuart
I imagine that the soft-close drawer retention can help prevent unintended opening when the tool box is on a slightly cambered surface, such as along the wall in a residential garage.
Higher-tier tool boxes often have active latches, adjustable retention tension, or other features that you won’t find in consumer storage products.
Let’s say that you pull the Craftsman away from a garage wall to retrieve a dropped tool or part. Without drawer retention, you could in theory cause the drawers to open to where it topples over. I once did unintentionally with a Craftsman 26″ roller cabinet. This size is longer, deeper, and taller, where tip-over could be very harmful and damaging.
Doug N
Strongly agree. My first tool box was a Craftsman Griplatch, long ago, which was discontinued. I guess most users don’t mind the soft close. The only similar latching drawers I know of today are Menards Masterforce (good value), their OEM Montezuma, and Snap On.
S
Every brands latch mechanism is different. I never cared for Milwaukee tool boxes soft close, but I have 3 husky boxes because I like their soft close mechanism.
That said. I’ll never own a harbor freight box simply because I don’t like any of their locking mechanisms, from the US General, to the Icon line.
It’s simply not a cost thing for me.
ElectroAtletico
A lot of fluff for some goober.
Stuart
Last year’s model sold well enough to justify a repeat with new decorative panels. Don’t like the design? As mentioned it’s removable.
Saulac
Even with 40% discount at some point? What are the margin on these?
Robert
Makes me think there is a market for selling just the magnetized art panels as after-market applications for other tool boxes. Customized by size.
IronWood
I had that thought too. Seems like a win win, people can add if they want, change them up. And the company doesn’t have to actually stock boxes in a design that ends up not selling well. I personally have no interest in any of these theme decorated boxes, but obviously others do, and it’s a clever idea!
Joe E.
I bought the same chest last year with the “tattered” American flag when it went on sale, but I can’t remember if it was $500 or $600. It’s a nice chest, but I do feel like Husky has Craftsman beat as far as quality and durability. I don’t know that I’d buy another one, especially for half of the $1,000 they’re asking.
Colin
Are these USA made? Im assuming not which makes the theme almost offensive.
Stuart
Made in USA with global materials.
Stanley Black & Decker (Craftsman parent company) bought Waterloo a while back.
My understanding is that the metal is cut, formed, and welded here, with components such as casters and drawer slides imported.
Stephen
Do you know where the raw steel comes from?
Stuart
No. Stanley Black & Decker has told me in the past, in the context of their tape measures, that recycled steel requires “global material” labeling.
In my experience, USA-traced metal products tend to cost considerably more than USA-processed. If sourcing cannot be traced to USA-based plants every step of the way, that would likely necessitate the “global materials” qualifier.
For consumer products such as Craftsman tool chests and cabinets, I would not expect them to use 100% USA-sourced steel.
Colin
Better than I expected, thank you
Michael
ChrisFix has an in depth video on how Craftsman’s tool boxes are made.
https://youtu.be/7fQ2szZb02w
Parts like the drawer slides, casters, power strip, etc. are imported. The metal is domestically sourced.
To my understanding , if the rolls of steel are made with recycled steel then it still has to say it’s made with global materials even if it’s recycled and turned into new rolls of steel in the US.