Clarke HD tool box range

[Welderpaul]

I probably know the answer to this question..but...are the Machine Mart Clarke HD range of tool cabinets any good?

I have a big one, that is quite a few years old, second hand, that is sound - dread to think of the weight of tools in each drawer.

I'm after a small one, to stick on a trolley, with regularly-used tools in. Are they still fairly decent quality, or tinny tat?

 

[ChrisJohnsSculpture]

They are surprisingly ok. I bought one of the chests and a step up draw set about a year ago and it's perfectly decent, some of the drawers are pretty heavily loaded as well.

 

[gavuk]

Just had a new box supplied through work ,halfords top and bottom box deal....ok for spanners etc might be lightweight for your boys ,bargain if you don't pay vat

 

[wheresmejumper]

im thinking of buying a lower half clarke cabinet (part on wheels),but a tool trolley might be a lot more portable for tools for a specific job

has anyone seen one in the flesh?

rated to 100kg supposedly

 

[keithski122]

I've been wondering what the us pro ones on ebay are like.Might be downsizing from a huge snap on one and these seem a reasonable price.

 

[wheresmejumper]

I've been wondering what the us pro ones on ebay are like.Might be downsizing from a huge snap on one and these seem a reasonable price.

yeah it would be the us pro one id be after

they go for handy money

 

[Hitch]

The replacement I got for the old one is about the same quality to be honest, they've got better drawer runners nowadays too. Not that the old ones dint last.

Old one must be 14 years old now.

 

[wheresmejumper]

a friend has a halfords industrial top and bottom,but wasnt impressed when i saw it.
ive a teng the same size which was considerably sturdier

 

[atomant48]

I've got the blue line top chest and roller cabinet. They are pretty good and solid. I have a fair weight of tools in the drawers and they seem go cope. Have chipped the paint in a couple places too and no rust so must be coated ok.

Only complaint is the detent to close the drawers is not that consistent- some quite stiff and some quite weak. I Never transport it but not sure if they could come open if you threw it about.

Only other observation is I think they've just changed the range - the colour looks different and the prices have changed so not sure if the build is the same.

 

[gavuk]

a friend has a halfords industrial top and bottom,but wasnt impressed when i saw it.
ive a teng the same size which was considerably sturdier

I don't care for the top box locking ,2 bars lock the drawers etc ,if the drawers aren't fully shut they don't lock ....if it were mine i would modify it ....but at £180ish for top and bottom boxes (without vat),my company bought 6.......all with the same keys

got my 3/4" socket set in bottom drawers so sturdy enough ,but early days yet

 

[keithski122]

I've got a teng rollcab and the us pro ones look vey similar.The teng one is good.

 

[stormin]

I've just bought a HD plus roll cab and well pleased with the quality. Much better than the US Pro ones people have recommended on here in my opinion.

Was trying to wait until a Vat free day came up but really needed to reorganise tools in garage and bit the bullet.

Looked at others like the halfords pro ones and sealey stuff and the only boxes Ive seen better than the Clarke HD plus are Snap-on and Early MAC boxes.

I think the yellow contractor range are a better buy price wise, slightly heavier and cheaper, but seemed to have sold out last I looked.

 

[wheresmejumper]

i havent seen the us pro in person,but if their tool chests arent great then i doubt their trolleys are either

 

[markjabber]

I got a us pro 40" bottom and its as good as any of my Snap on ones

 

[hareng]

Which ones are you thinking of getting Paul?

Exactly the same item could be had elsewhere, just with a different name on it.
ie Sealey £76 plus vat, Halfords sell off £28!