International Builders' Show Product Preview: Kobalt 53" Stainless Steel Tool Chest

At this year's International Builders' Show, the over-the-top products I've become accustomed to seeing were few and far between, a sign of the times, I guess. But since the annual gathering was in Las Vegas, I knew I'd find at least a few glitzy and gaudy items—inside the convention center, that is. One of the most outrageous was in what's usually a pretty utilitarian category: tool storage.

The $1,700 Kobalt 53" Stainless Steel Tool Chest, available at Lowe's, is the mack daddy of tool chests. It comes with a Pioneer sound system, with built-in speakers and an iPod jack, and a 1.6-cubic-foot refrigerator (intended only for water and other soft drinks, natch). This Kobalt tool chest is equipped with LED lights, integrated power strip and hanging hooks, heavy-duty casters, and 16 drawers.

Only problem is, this rolling entertainment center might district you from getting your projects done.—Michael DiLauro

Comments

[scott mackie]

The tool box was recieved for x-mas 2008 with much anticipation, sterio, fridge etc and of course big. I work a part time job on a sizable farm in oregon. The tools collected over 30 years were sorted and loaded into the box. Right off the get go the top center drawers next to the sterio were draging on the drawer faces below from the weight of the sockets placed in the top storage area. The drawers are supported by the sheet metal pan so naturally even the slightest weight closes the caps between the drawers and are rubbing together. Now that several months have gone by there is one drawer which has had to come out due to the ball bearing strips rotating out of the drawer guides. Presently 3 other drawers are experencing the same.. I have red the directions and know the weight limits hovever tools weighing what they do, those weights are questionable given the drawer sizes.. As example.. the drawer removed contained wrench sets typically stored in the used junk tool boxes Ive owned all my life. In short this box is self distructing every work day.. Way to light for even the hobby mechanic.. Roller casters great however all 4 corners are swivals making it a must to have help when moving to keep from banging into other things in the shop.. The sterio and fridge great. ?? Not much support for the job at hand really, after owing for 6 mths more a gimick than anything. A tool box should make the job easier, all I see is a maintance nightmare. Very very disapointed..I will most likely be forced to return the entire unit and buy something else.

[Dan, Dayton, OH]

I agree that this is over the top but some helpful info on less gaudy tool chests would be useful.