Craftsman 2000 Series Workbench, 4-Drawer Storage Module

Every craftsman knows the true value of a well-organized workspace, and the 2000 Series Workbench with its 4-Drawer Storage Module from Craftsman, model CMST22951RB, promises just that. As someone who spends countless hours in the workshop, I was eager to test out this storage module and see if it truly delivers on its promises.

First off, let's talk about the construction. The workbench storage module is built with heavy-duty steel, a feature that immediately caught my attention. The robust construction gives it a solid feel, and the promise of a 400 lbs overall load rating was reassuring for someone like me, who tends to overload drawers with tools and materials. However, this heavy-duty steel isn't without its flaws. On closer inspection, I noticed that the metal felt somewhat thinner than I expected. While it’s certainly sturdy enough for light to moderate use, I found myself questioning its durability under more rigorous conditions.

Assembly is where this product falls short. The instructions provided are picture-based, and the small, unclear illustrations proved to be quite the challenge. It took me a good couple of hours to assemble the unit, which is longer than I would have liked. The lack of a clear parts list and the indistinguishable screw types in the schematic added to the confusion. I had to use a magnifying glass to differentiate between the bolts, machine screws, and self-tapping screws. This trial and error approach could have been avoided with better instructions, and it’s something Craftsman should definitely improve upon.

Despite the assembly woes, once put together, the storage module fit seamlessly with my existing workbench. The drawers, equipped with full extension slides, operate smoothly and can support up to 75 lbs each. This feature is particularly useful for accessing tools stored at the back of the drawers without any hassle. The soft close mechanism is a nice touch, ensuring that the drawers close gently and quietly, a feature that I found particularly satisfying during use.

However, the drawers themselves presented some issues. During assembly, I noticed that the self-tapping screws provided to mount the side rails to the frame did not hold the rails tightly. No matter how much I tightened, they remained loose. I had to use additional hex nuts (which were not provided) to secure the side rails properly. This was an unexpected hiccup that added to the assembly time and frustration.

Stability is another critical aspect of any workbench, and this storage module doesn’t disappoint in that department. The adjustable leveling feet are a fantastic feature, allowing the unit to remain stable even on uneven surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for those working in garages or older workshops where floors might not be perfectly level.

The overall storage volume of 9266 cubic inches is impressive. The four drawers provide ample space to organize a variety of tools and materials. I appreciated the depth of the drawers, which allowed me to store larger items with ease. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the drawers felt a bit flimsy, especially considering the price point. For a product retailing at $259, I expected a bit more in terms of durability and sturdiness.

One major drawback I encountered was the quality control during shipping. My unit arrived without visible damage to the packaging, but upon opening, I discovered that one of the drawer faces was bent. This wasn’t an isolated incident, as it seems to be a common issue based on other users' experiences. I managed to hammer out the bent drawer sufficiently to make it functional, but it was disappointing to have a brand new product arrive in less-than-perfect condition.

Craftsman’s customer service, though responsive, didn’t entirely alleviate my concerns. It’s clear that there’s room for improvement in both the quality control and customer service departments. For a trusted brand like Craftsman, these are areas that should be consistently reliable.

In conclusion, the 2000 Series Workbench 4-Drawer Storage Module has its strengths and weaknesses. The heavy-duty steel construction and full extension drawer slides with a soft close mechanism are definite positives. The ample storage space and adjustable leveling feet add to its functionality and convenience. However, the thin metal used for the drawers, the poor assembly instructions, and the quality control issues during shipping are significant drawbacks that cannot be overlooked.

Would I recommend this storage module? It depends. If you’re looking for a storage solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing Craftsman workbench and are prepared to put in the extra effort during assembly, this might be a good fit for you. However, if durability and ease of assembly are your top priorities, you might want to explore other options. The potential for damaged parts and the overall flimsiness of the drawers at this price point might make you consider alternatives that offer better value for money.