Lynn sent in a tip (thanks!) that Craftsman has come out with new ball bearing tool storage products, so I took a closer look.
Craftsman regularly updates their tool storage lineup with new sizes and configurations, but it’s been a while since we looked at their latest offerings.
The last I checked, Craftsman was still king of the consumer ball bearing tool storage market. These new styles don’t look much different from past Craftsman models, but their configurations and pricing seem like they could be responsive to market trends.
See Also: New Milwaukee Mobile Tool Cabinet, Porter Cable Ball Bearing Combo, Husky Workbench
All of the top chests and bottom rolling cabinets are available separately.
Craftsman 41″ Combo, Budget
For those looking for large tool storage on a budget, there’s this new 41″ 4-drawer chest and 8-drawer cabinet.
Both units have 75 lb-rated drawer slides, and narrower drawer pulls compared to Craftsman’s more premium offerings.
I’m not a fan of the drawer sizes, but I also don’t think there are many other solutions that can store a similar amount of tools at the same $500 price.
Buy Now: 6-Drawer Chest ($200 on sale), 8-Drawer Cabinet ($300 on sale)
Craftsman 41″ Combo, Premium
For a little more money, you get a chest that’s built for power tool users.
There’s a huge top compartment, complete with gas struts, and a power strip with 6 outlets and 2 USB charging ports. From the photo, it looks like there’s a full-width handle built into the lid.
It also has soft-close drawers that won’t slam, with the ball bearing slides being rated for 100 lb loads.
Buy Now: 6-Drawer Chest ($240 on sale)
The chest pairs with a new 10-drawer cabinet, and I like this configuration a lot better than the lesser priced cabinet.
Buy Now: 10-Drawer Cabinet ($360 on sale)
Buy Now: 10-Drawer Cabinet in Black
See Also: This Craftsman 42″ Combo has More Drawers
Craftsman 52″ Combo
As with the 41″ chest, the new 52″ model has a huge top compartment, for charging and storing power tools, gas struts, and 100 lb soft-close ball bearing drawers.
If you don’t like the top compartment, Craftsman does offer shorter 52″ chests that *might* be compatible with the same roller cabinet, but the cost more and don’t offer much more drawer space.
Both the chest and roller cabinet have approximately half-width drawers and symmetrical layouts.
Interestingly, the left and right sides of the lower cabinet have independent locks.
Buy Now: 8-Drawer Chest ($290 on sale), 10-Drawer Cabinet ($410 on sale)
In addition to Craftsman-traditional red and black, the 52″ chest and cabinet are both also available in black.
Buy Now: 8-Drawer Chest, 10-Drawer Cabinet in black
Craftsman Edge 68″ Workbench
Let me just start by saying that these 68-inch workbenches aren’t the largest tool storage products Craftsman makes. There’s also a 75″ roller cabinet.
These Craftsman Edge-series workbenches have 17 drawers, 6 wheels, large Griplatch-style drawer retention pulls, 100 lb ball bearing drawer slides, and a stainless steel top.
I really wish that Sears stores would carry these higher-priced tool storage products in store. Is the stainless steel top sturdy? Is the massive unit easy to move around? Do the drawers flex? It’s impossible to answer these things without first seeing the cabinet in person.
Buy Now: 68-inch Workbench in Red ($1100), 68-inch Workbench in Black ($1100), 68-inch Workbench in Blue ($1150)
Craftsman Edge 26″ Combo
Craftsman’s Edge series ball bearing tool storage products aren’t very new, but they also aren’t very publicized. These new chests and cabinets were recently listed, and look to offer high density tool storage.
The top compartment has gas struts, but lacks the cavernous power tool-friendly space of some of the other models discussed above.
Buy Now: 6-Drawer Edge Chest ($250 on sale)
Some people love tall roller cabinets, others not so much.
You probably couldn’t use the top of this cabinet as a worktop, but if it’s flat and sturdy enough to support a heavy tool chest, it might serve well for other equipment storage needs.
Buy Now: 8-Drawer Edge Cabinet ($350 on sale)