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5 Craftsman Ball Bearing Tool Boxes

5 Craftsman Ball Bearing Tool Boxes

Most recommended
CRAFTSMAN 1000 5-Drawer Lockable Ball-Bearing Steel Tool Box Storage Chest BlackCRAFTSMAN 1000 5-Drawer Lockable Ball-Bearing Steel Tool Box Storage Chest Black
  • Depth (Inches): 12
  • Height (Inches): 17.25
  • Weight (lbs.): 37
A good choice too
CRAFTSMAN 5-Drawer Ball-Bearing Steel Tool Chest Combo (Black) 1000 Series 26-in W x 44-in HCRAFTSMAN 5-Drawer Ball-Bearing Steel Tool Chest Combo (Black) 1000 Series 26-in W x 44-in H
  • Made in the USA
  • 300 lb. load rating
  • Keyed locking system
A good choice too
Craftsman 26 In. 3-drawer Chest Heavy-duty Ball Bearing Middle Chest -Red Tool Box Backed By 6-year Limited WarrantyCraftsman 26 In. 3-drawer Chest Heavy-duty Ball Bearing Middle Chest -Red Tool Box Backed By 6-year Limited Warranty
  • Dimensions Lx WxH: 28.7×14.8×14.49 inches
  • Color: Red & Black
  • Item Weight: 33.2 Pounds
Craftsman 9-2108 26-Inch Ball-Bearing 6-Drawer Tool ChestCraftsman 9-2108 26-Inch Ball-Bearing 6-Drawer Tool Chest
  • Made in USA
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Tote tray included
Craftsman CMST22036RB 20″ 3-Drawer Metal Tool Box with Ball-Bearing DrawersCraftsman CMST22036RB 20" 3-Drawer Metal Tool Box with Ball-Bearing Drawers
  • Made in the USA
  • Material: Metal, Steel
  • Dimensions Lx WxH: 20.5 x 8.5 x 12 inches

Choose the Best Craftsman Ball Bearing Tool Box

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Craftsman Ball Bearing Tool Boxes

17 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

23.53% of users selected CRAFTSMAN 1000, 35.29% selected CRAFTSMAN 5-Drawer , 17.65% selected Craftsman 26 In. 3-drawer, 17.65% selected Craftsman 9-2108 and 5.88% selected Craftsman CMST22036RB. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

If you enjoy working on cars, you’ll need a wide range of tools. And if you’re a professional automobile mechanic, you’ll almost certainly require a large number of them.

The best way to store all of your equipment is with a tool chest. Surely, if you only work in your house garage, you might believe that you can simply hang them on a wall or store them away in their plastic case. If it’s your responsibility, you simply do not have enough tools at the moment.

Furthermore, high-quality tools will endure a lifetime while cheap plastic cases only last a few years. If you’re serious about automobile repair as a weekend DIYer or mobile mechanic, you just need one.

Pros of using Craftsman ball-bearing toolboxes:

  • They have a soft-close feature;
  • They are made with high-quality materials;
  • They come with a lifetime warranty;

Cons of using Craftsman ball-bearing toolboxes:

  • They are more expensive than other brands;
  • Some models are too big for smaller spaces;

If you are looking for a quality toolbox that will last you for years, then you should consider buying a Craftsman ball-bearing toolbox. These boxes are made with high-quality materials and construction, and they can hold up to even the most strenuous of jobs.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top three models on the market and what each one has to offer. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll have a better idea of which one is right for you and your needs.

Craftsman 1000 Series 5-Drawer Ball-bearing Steel Tool Chest – the Editor’s choice!

Craftsman 6The Craftsman 1000 Series tool chest is a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners and DIYers. This tool chest is made with sturdy steel and features smart design elements, such as a lightweight build and 5 lockable drawers. Plus, the packaging is great, so you can be sure your tools will arrive safely.

Some potential drawbacks to consider are that the bottom drawers do not have a soft close and the back walls are thin. Additionally, the drawers are not perfectly square. Overall, though, this is a great tool chest for the price.

Pros
  • Lightweight;
  • 5 lockable drawers;
  • Budget-friendly;
  • Made with sturdy steel;
  • Smart design;
  • Good packaging;

Cons
  • No soft close for bottom drawers;
  • Thin back walls;
  • The drawers are not square;

Plus, the packaging is great, so you can be sure your tools will arrive safely. Some potential drawbacks to consider are that the bottom drawers do not have a soft close and the back walls are thin. Additionally, the drawers are not perfectly square. Overall, though, this is a great tool chest for the price.


Craftsman 5-Drawer Ball-Bearing Steel Tool Chest Combo – the best for durability!

Craftsman 6The Craftsman 5-Drawer tool chest combo is perfect for mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike. Made from 24-gauge steel, this combo can hold up to 300 pounds, making it one of the most durable tool chests on the market. The chest and cabinet are perfect for storing all of your tools, and the slide-up panel door makes it easy to access them.

The top mat is non-slip, so you don’t have to worry about your tools slipping off, and the ball-bearing drawer slides make it easy to open and close the drawers. Affordable and built to last, the Craftsman 5-Drawer tool chest can be a good choice for all car mechanic professionals and enthusiasts.
Pros
  • Sturdy 24-gauge steel construction;
  • Can hold up to 300 pounds;
  • Includes a chest and a cabinet;
  • Nice slide-up panel door;
  • Affordable;
  • Non-slip weave top mat;
  • Good for mechanics;

Cons
  • The bottom drawers can be damaged;
  • Not fully rustproof;

The chest and cabinet combo provide ample storage space, and the slide-up panel door gives you easy access to whatever you need. Best of all, this tool chest is affordably priced, so you can get your garage organized without breaking the bank.


Craftsman 3-drawer Heavy-duty Ball Bearing Middle Chest – the best design!

Craftsman 6The Craftsman 3-drawer Heavy-duty Ball Bearing Middle Chest is the perfect toolbox for the dedicated do-it-yourselfer. It’s built tough, with heavy-duty steel construction that can take a beating. The three drawers are designed for easy access and are perfect for organizing your tools. The ball-bearing slides make opening and closing the drawers a breeze, even when they’re full.

The classic red and black style will look great in your garage or shop, and the included keys mean you’ll always have a spare set handy.
Pros
  • Classic red and black style;
  • Heavy-duty construction;
  • Smart design;
  • Every drawer can hold up to 75 pounds;
  • Includes both large and small drawers;
  • Good packaging;

Cons
  • Pricey;
  • It may include wrong keys;

The smart design includes both large and small drawers to accommodate a variety of tools and supplies. And every drawer can hold up to 75 pounds, so you can load it up with everything you need. Good packaging ensures that your new chest arrives in perfect condition.


Craftsman 9-2108 26-Inch Ball-Bearing 6-Drawer Tool Chest – the best drawers!

Craftsman 6This American-made chest has six full-width drawers that are perfect for storing all of your tools, parts, and supplies. The black color is perfect for a modern or industrial space, and the tote tray is a great bonus for carrying smaller items.

The lifetime warranty is a nice touch, but be aware that the quality of the chest may not be up to par with other Craftsman products.

Also, the center top drawer is not fully secured, so it’s not ideal for storing heavy tools. But overall, this chest is a great option for anyone looking for a great toolbox with many drawers.

Pros
  • 6 full-width drawers;
  • Stylish black color;
  • Made in the United States;
  • Includes a tote tray;
  • Lifetime warranty;

Cons
  • Bulky;
  • The quality can be better;
  • The center top drawer is not fully secured;
  • Not for heavy tools;

The Craftsman 3-drawer tool chest is a stylish, black storage unit that is made in the United States. It includes six full-width drawers and a tote tray. The unit has a lifetime warranty. Some reviewers have found the quality of the unit to be less than stellar, and the center top drawer is not fully secured. Others have noted that the unit is bulky and not meant for heavy tools.


Craftsman 20-Inch 3-Drawer Metal Tool Box with Ball-Bearing Drawers – the best tool organization!

Craftsman 6This Craftsman 20-inch 3-drawer toolbox is made with metal and steel to ensure durability, and its wide drawers are perfect for storing hand tools. The ball-bearing drawers make it easy to organize your tools, and the extra storage under the lid is great for small parts and accessories.

The comfort grip makes it easy to carry, and the padlock ensures that your tools will be safe and secure.

Pros
  • Wide drawers to store hand tools;
  • Easy tool organization;
  • Made with metal and steel;
  • Has extra storage under the lid;
  • Comfort grip;
  • Each drawer supports 25 pounds;
  • Includes a padlock;

Cons
  • A bit difficult to open;
  • Too shallow for large instruments;
  • The lid is not dent-proof;

This toolbox is perfect for organizing and storing your hand tools. It features wide drawers that make it easy to find the tool you need and is made with metal and steel for durability. The toolbox also has extra storage under the lid and a comfortable grip for easy carrying. Each drawer supports up to 25 pounds, and the box includes a padlock for added security.


The Buyer’s Guide

Main Features

Types of Ball Bearings

Steel Ball Bearings

The most common type of ball bearing is made from high carbon steel and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Steel Ball Bearings

They are also the most affordable type of ball bearing [1].

Ceramic Ball Bearings

Ceramic ball bearings are made from a combination of steel and ceramic. They are more durable than steel ball bearings and can withstand higher temperatures.

Plastic Ball Bearings

Plastic ball bearings are the least durable type of ball bearing but they are the most affordable.

Construction Quality And Material

A high-quality tool chest that has been built with strong materials is essential. The most common material used in tool chests is steel, and they are welded at seams; the key consideration is the steel’s thickness [2].

In the United States, gauge terms are typically used to represent sheet metal thickness. Metal thickness is inversely proportional to the gauge number.

14-gauge steel is thicker than 24 gauge steel, for example.
As a result, the lower the gauge number, the better.

The heavier the steel, the thicker it is. If you want to move your chest around a lot and don’t mind having a lighter tool chest, that’s fine.

Portability and Organization

The Craftsman ball-bearing toolbox is a great option for those who are looking for a portable and organized way to store their tools.

Portability and Organization

The ball bearings in the bottom of the box make it easy to move around, and the dividers at the top of the box keep everything organized.

Storage Space

The Craftsman ball-bearing toolbox has plenty of storage space for all of your tools.

Typically, the top of the box has two shelves, and the bottom of the box has one shelf.
The shelves are adjustable, so you can customize the way you store your tools.

Tool Chest Size and Dimensions

The size of the tool chest is an important consideration. The larger the toolbox, the more expensive it will be. Nevertheless, a larger toolbox will also hold more tools and have more storage space. If you are a professional who uses your tools every day, then a larger toolbox may be worth the investment.

However, if you are a hobbyist or only use your tools occasionally, then a smaller toolbox may be all you need.

Craftsman makes several different sizes of ball-bearing toolboxes:

  • Their smallest model is 18 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 12 inches tall. This model is perfect for those who only need to store a few small hand tools;
  • The next size up is 21 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 13 inches tall. This size is great for those who need to store more tools, or who have larger hand tools;
  • The largest model that Craftsman makes is 24 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 16 inches tall. This size is perfect for professionals who need to store many tools, or for those who have very large hand tools [3];

Craftsman also offers a rolling toolbox. This toolbox is 26 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 19 inches tall. It has four wheels so that it can be easily moved around the garage or workshop. It also has a locking mechanism so that your tools will be safe and secure.

Versatility and Ease of Use

Craftsman ball-bearing toolboxes are versatile and easy to use. They have a variety of features that make them perfect for any user, whether you are a professional or a hobbyist. These toolboxes are made from high-quality materials and are built to last. They also come with a variety of different storage options so that you can customize them to meet your specific needs.

One feature that makes these toolboxes so versatile is their ability to be stacked.

If you have more than one Craftsman ball bearing toolbox, you can stack them on top of each other to create more storage space.
This is perfect for those who have many tools or who need to store their tools in an organized way.

Versatility and Ease of Use

Another feature that makes these toolboxes easy to use is their ball-bearing drawer slides. These slides allow the drawers to open and close smoothly, even when they are full of heavy tools. The ball-bearing design also makes these toolboxes resistant to wear and tear, so you can be sure that your tools will be safe and secure.

Additional Features

The most important features to look for in a ball bearing toolbox include:

  • Look for a toolbox that is made from high-quality materials like steel or aluminum;
  • The best tool boxes have ball bearings that allow for smooth opening and closing;
  • A good locking mechanism will keep your tools safe and secure;
  • Portability is important if you need to take your tools with you on the go;
  • Storage space is another key factor to consider – you need to be able to store all of your tools and supplies in one place;
  • The size of the tool chest is also important – make sure it’s big enough to hold everything you need, but not so big that it’s difficult to move around;

FAQ

How do you remove a Craftsman ball-bearing drawer?

To remove a Craftsman ball-bearing drawer you need to:

  • Remove the screws that hold the drawer fronts in place;
  • Then, slide the drawer out of the cabinet;
  • Finally, remove the ball bearings from the drawer slides. Repeat these steps for each drawer you wish to remove [4];

How do you date a Craftsman toolbox?

The first six digits (numbers) of the serial number are located. The month of production is represented by the first two figures (numbers). The hour and second half indicate the day of production. The third two figures (numbers) reveal the manufacturing year [5].

How do you remove ball-bearing drawer slides without a lever?

If you do not have a lever, you can remove the ball-bearing drawer slides by gently prying them off with a screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the slides.

Do Craftsman toolbox drawers come out?

Yes, the drawers on Craftsman ball-bearing toolboxes come out for easy access to tools. The ball bearings allow the drawer to slide out smoothly and effortlessly.

What is the best material for a toolbox?

There are a few different materials that toolboxes can be made from. The most common and popular materials are plastic, aluminum, and steel. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

What is the best material for a toolbox?

Plastic is the lightest weight option and usually the most affordable.

Aluminum is a step up in terms of durability and strength, but it’s also more expensive.

Steel is the heaviest duty option and will last the longest, but it comes at a higher price tag [6].

When it comes to choosing the best material for your needs, it’s important to consider how you’ll be using your Craftsman toolbox. If you’re only going to be using it for light-duty tasks, then plastic may be the best option. If you need something more durable, then aluminum or steel would be a better choice.

How do you organize power tools in a toolbox?

There are many ways to organize power tools in a toolbox.

The most important thing is to keep them organized in a way that makes sense to you:

  • One way to do this is to sort them by type of tool. For example, you could have a section for drills, a section for saws, and a section for other power tools;
  • Another way to organize power tools is by the project. For example, you could have a section for kitchen projects, a section for bathroom projects, and a section for outdoor projects;

Whichever way you choose to organize your power tools, make sure it works for you and makes it easy to find the tool you need when you need it.

What is the benefit of swivel casters?

Swivel casters provide easier maneuverability for your toolbox. This is especially beneficial if you have a lot of tools and need to be able to move the box around easily. The ball bearings in the swivel casters also make it easier to roll the toolbox over rough surfaces [7].

Craftsman makes a variety of ball-bearing tool boxes with different caster options. You can choose from single, double, or triple swivel casters. The number of casters will affect how easy it is to maneuver the toolbox, as well as how much weight it can support.

Video Tutorial: Craftsman Ball Bearing Tool Box Drawer Installation Instructions | Slider Removal & Install

Final thoughts

So, if you’re in the market for a quality toolbox that will last you for years, then you should consider buying a Craftsman ball-bearing toolbox. These boxes are made with high-quality materials and construction, and they can hold up to even the most strenuous of jobs.

In addition, there are three great models to choose from so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs perfectly. If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide.


References:

  1. https://www.ggbearings.com/en/why-choose-ggb/faq/bearings-faq/what-ball-bearing
  2. https://garagespot.com/best-tool-chest/#Construction_quality_and_material
  3. https://www.searshometownstores.com/Craftsman-113616-26-in-4Drawer-HeavyDuty-Ball-Bearing-Rolling-Cabinet-RedBlack
  4. https://suggesthow.com/how-to-remove-drawers-from-craftsman-tool-box
  5. https://rxmechanic.com/how-to-date-craftsman-tool-box/
  6. https://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/material_handling_packaging_equipment/material_handling_equipment/tool_boxes_tool_storage
  7. https://www.douglasequipment.com/casters-blog/the-many-uses-of-swivel-casters/