Craftsman 26 in 5-Drawer Metal Tool Chest

As a seasoned DIY enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to test out the Craftsman 26 in 5-Drawer Metal Tool Chest, model number CMST98263RB, and wanted to share my insights. The Craftsman brand has long been synonymous with quality and durability, but in recent years, I've noticed a shift in the craftsmanship of some of their products. The 26 in 5-Drawer Metal Tool Chest is no exception.

Build Quality and Construction

Right out of the box, the tool chest felt substantial, weighing in at 72 lbs. It's constructed from solid steel with double wall construction, which initially gave me some confidence in its durability. However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that the metal used is relatively thin, particularly on the sides and the bottom of the drawers. This thin gauge metal becomes a significant issue when the drawers are loaded with tools, leading to noticeable flexing and, in some cases, deformation.

One of the more frustrating aspects of the construction is the locking mechanism. The internal locking system is designed to secure the drawers, but in practice, it leaves much to be desired. The lock only secures the lid, and the drawers are locked by a vertical plate with hooks that engage when the lid is closed. This system is not only cumbersome but also unreliable, as drawers can sometimes lock themselves when pushed forcefully, even with the lid closed.

Storage and Organization

Despite the issues with the build quality, the tool chest does offer ample storage space. The five drawers provide a variety of depths, making it easy to organize different types of tools. The top compartment is particularly spacious, allowing for the storage of larger items like power tools. The integrated charging station is a thoughtful addition, providing a convenient place to charge power tools and smartphones.

The drawers themselves are quite capacious, measuring 22”W x 10.75”D for the first four drawers and 22”W x 10.75”D for the deeper bottom drawer. This offers plenty of space for a weekend DIYer or hobbyist. However, the metal sides of the drawers are only 1.5”H, with an additional ½” clearance, which limits the height of items that can be stored. The bottom drawer has a 3.5”H side with an additional ½” clearance, providing slightly more room for bulkier tools.

Usability and Practicality

One of the standout features of this tool chest is the smooth action of the drawer slides, which can support up to 100 lbs each. This is particularly useful if you have heavier tools. However, the smoothness of the slides does not compensate for the overall flimsiness of the drawers. The drawers tend to wobble and deflect side to side when operated, which is not reassuring.

The lack of included drawer liners is another downside. Given the thin metal used in the construction, adding rubber liners would help protect both the tools and the drawers themselves from damage. It's a small but significant oversight that Craftsman could easily rectify.

Durability and Longevity

In terms of durability, the tool chest leaves much to be desired. The thin metal construction leads to issues with the drawers' structural integrity, especially when loaded with tools. Over time, the metal is likely to oxidize, making it increasingly difficult to open and close the drawers smoothly. The drawer slides are also prone to failure under even moderate weight, which is disappointing for a product that claims to support up to 100 lbs per drawer.

The locking mechanism is another major concern. Its unreliable performance undermines the security of the tool chest, which is particularly problematic if you need to keep your tools secure from curious children or unauthorized access.

Aesthetics and Design

On the plus side, the tool chest does have a sleek, attractive design. The black finish is visually appealing, and the Craftsman logo adds a touch of nostalgia for those who remember the brand's heyday. However, this aesthetic appeal is overshadowed by the functional shortcomings of the tool chest.

Overall Performance

In summary, the Craftsman 26 in 5-Drawer Metal Tool Chest offers ample storage and some useful features like the integrated charging station. However, its thin metal construction, unreliable locking mechanism, and overall lack of durability make it a less-than-ideal choice for serious DIYers or professionals.

Recommendation

Would I recommend this tool chest? Unfortunately, I wouldn't. While it may suffice for light, occasional use by a weekend DIYer, its structural issues and unreliable locking mechanism make it a poor choice for anyone who needs a durable, secure storage solution for their tools. For those who need a more robust and reliable tool chest, I would suggest looking at higher-end models or considering brands that are known for their heavy-duty construction. The Craftsman 26 in 5-Drawer Metal Tool Chest falls short of the quality and reliability that one would expect from a brand with such a storied history.