This 18 gallon mobile tool box is intended to be an all-in-one tool storage solution, at least for modest tool-toting needs.
You can find it under Keter “Masterloader” branding, with red and grey colors, or under Craftsman branding, in red and black. I bought the Craftsman version from Sears, because it was lower priced at the time, but right now it looks like the Keter is slightly cheaper, on Amazon.
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It’s got an extending handle and 2 wheels for mobility, and a unique opening system. Turning a latch on top allows you to open both top compartment flaps, and one side slides open to give you access to the main storage compartment.
But if you want full access to the main compartment, you’ve got to extend the handle first. Without that handle extended, you can only slide one half of the top section open.
I like the tool box a lot, but it can also be cumbersome to use.
We moved in the last year, and I packed up “I’m gonna need these” hand tools in a small cantilever tool box, and packed this tool box full of random other essentials. A box of disposable gloves, some respirators, a small socket set, a cordless drill, AA batteries, an SD memory card USB adapter, a flashlight, and some other odds and ends.
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In the top compartments, one side has removable bins, the other a removable divider. There are 2 tiny small parts wells in the side with the divider, and the side with the removable bins has some divots sized for… I don’t know, quick-reach placement of a couple of screws?
I don’t always have to extend the handle to access stuff in the main storage compartment, but I certainly do if I want to reach the inner depths.
Maybe one day I’ll simply remove the handle.
I don’t at all regret my purchase, and my frustration about the handle needing to be extended to fully open the box hasn’t grown or diminished from Day 1.
The box seems to be well built, and I really like the single latch opening system. To close things back up, make sure the top flaps are down, and slide the two halves together. It’s even easier when the handle is docked.
I’d buy it again.
fred
We probably had 3 complaints about plastic tool chests:
1) Latches – some were hard to use or broke after repeated use
2) Boxes – some cracked – particularly in very cold weather
3) Wheels – some only worked on smooth terrain (even a twig or pebble would foul-up some) and others wore out quickly
If this box does well – then it should be a winner at this price point. You said you like this one’s latch – have you tested “complaints 2 and 3” ?
Stuart
Latches: Mine haven’t broke yet, no thanks to my son’s best efforts!
Durability: I haven’t left it outside in sub-zero temps, and don’t know if it would crack if impacted when cold. But it’s survived normal dings and bangs without showing it.
Wheels: The wheels seem rugged, but I think they’re consumer grade. I wouldn’t trust this on a daily basis over rocky terrain. Up and down a driveaway? Around the home over dirt and some rough terrain? Maybe.
I usually carry mine by its side handles, it’s just easier.
tom lin
In regards to the handle, I believe the intention was that you would have had the handle extended already from rolling the chest to your site? At least that’s how I’ve been using it. Although you’re right, why is it in the way in the first place?
Either way, I use it mostly for electrical work on the exterior of my home (mostly landscape lights) and I find it quite handy. It’s a bit too small for any woodwork/carpentery work where most tools are bigger.
Stuart
I try to keep it closed to avoid dust infiltration, and the sticking-out handle can be awkward.
Right now it’s actually under my desk, as I’m still rearranging and building cabinets for my office/electronics workspace. It’s easy to roll out, easy to open the top compartment, and easy to pull out most of the contents. But when I need that one item right at the bottom handle-side corner of the box, I have to fully pull the box from its hiding space and then open the handle fully.
glenn
I have two of these, one being 3 yrs old and the other 2 yrs old. They have held up well and suit my needs perfectly.
One of them has all the tools and bits and pieces that I need for my main work (split a/c installation) and weighs in at @21 kg all up and has taken all the normal day to day knocks without any failure. The other I use to load up for odd jobs and has similarly held up well.
As for the sliding lid, I just slide the tops out when I open it, using the top to push the handle out rather than pull the handle out separately.
Stuart
I tried that, but the handle provides too much resistance. Maybe I can just modify it to allow for quicker opening.
glenn
Yes one of mine offers a bit more resistance with the handle but neither is excessive. Perhaps you could spray some inox on the handle slide slot and failing that you could try removing a little material from the plastic caps on the inner ends of the handles?
Nathan
I like the parts organizer top. and the slide open aspect – I think.
I do like the price. most of my grab tools to do job X tasks around the house I’ve been using the dewalt tool bags I have gotten with some of my recent purchases (OMT for example).
loose parts stuff are a problem though. Thanks.
MichaelHammer
I have two. One fits my plumbing kit nicely. The other I use daily. It holds my two paslodes and cordless narrow crown stapler. I’m pretty rough with it. I haul it up concrete steps in subzero weather, over rough job sites. It’s a year old and still going strong. The handle thing is a bit of a nuisance. Basically one slide works harder than the other, because I just open and close the handle with the slide.
Mike
I have this same tool box branded as Husky. Came from Home Depot in Canada about 3 years ago. I have never seen it since. It has been travelling in my 5th wheel camper as a storage for small items and accessories. Has held up well and I have been very happy with it. Would consider picking up another one if I saw them again.
jsbson
Similar but different Husky Box. In stock at the local HD. Didn’t evaluate closely but looked OK at first glance.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-15-Gal-Cantilever-Mobile-Job-Box-230380/207138341
Stuart
That box looks very enticing too! It looks to have 2 latches, which would take an extra step for opening, but I like the cantilever-style design.
glenn
Also forgot to comment, the holes/divots under the clear lid hold 1 x 1/4 hex bits. And very securely, but unfortunately, the lids are not waterproof so even with light to moderate rain, water will get in and they will start to rust.