What do you keep your tools in? I want a neat wooden chest like the Gerstners. (Gerstner Tool Chests)

If you have something that works for you, please let me know. And show a picture if possible.

I like to keep my tools out handy for use. I made a block to hold most all of my smaller tools I am constantly reaching for, along with my set of screwdrivers. The larger tools I keep in a plastic 3 drawer paper safe, you can see it in the last photo.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thanks!

Looks like a nice set up.

I recently purchased a Gerstner International box online. I shopped around and got my best price. It was a big let down! Quality was on par with my other Sam' Club off-shore import, actually the Sam's box was better because it was 1/3 the price. I held high expectations after reading the Gerstner site (this is the imported one I'm talking about), but wood putty was used where boards did not meet up correctly and the felt has a big wrinkle in it. And even though it said it was made from American sourced Red Oak, the stain and finish screams Third World. The dealer I bought it from sent me a survey which I flamed on, they contacted me and informed me that all their customer's have been more than satified with this box. I invited them to pull one from stock and inspect the quality for themselves. For what I paid for a top and middle box, I could have bought a Craftsman metal box set and had much more storage. I would recommend an off-shore wood knock off for around $100.

Good to know.
They try to answer the differences between Gerstner International and the Gerstner made in USA question on the website, (About-GI)
Apparently the quality is lacking in the International series.

I have the non International Gerstner box and base and they are absolute fine furniture. Mine were bought in 1982. I only use them for my precision tools - mostly measuring equipment. The more normal stuff resides in a Kennedy stack or on pegboards where it can be easily accessed.

You sometimes don't get what you pay for, but you almost NEVER get what you don't pay for. Or sumptin like that.

Nice setup H Richard..
You forgot to tell us about the Scooboy Hammer..
Nice set of Wheeler screwdriver bits too!!
Like you I keep all the punches, drifts etc that you use the most in a S&W Coffee cup next to my worklight..

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

Just to clarify, Gerstner boxes are first rate but out of my price range. Gerstner International held the promise that they found an off-shore manufacturer that met their high standards. Maybe my experience is non-typical. My shipping box looked like it was rolled down a hill, but my dealer was a recommended dealer off the Gerstner site. The packing was intact, I'm really suprised everyone feels my box was not typical of the Gerstner International standard. I'm just advising, look at one before you buy it. That was not possible for me to do, and I am living with it.

Have you called the Gerstner folks in OH? If I were you, I'd call them and let them know.

Man, that shop is far too nice and clean!

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Dan Ortego ~

I have a small Gerstner chest that I got in the mid-80's, and I thought it was costly then. But it's well made and will outlast me. However, I got a better deal on this.



I bought it at an auction for $60. It had no drawer system, and the top tray had lots of holes in it to hold some kind of instruments.

I let this thing sit in the attic for several years, and then I decided to build a drawer system for it using my small chest as a model. This chest is 28"x18"x13", larger than most Gerstner tool chests. I built the drawers and suspension from white oak with felt-covered steel bottoms. I now use it to store part of my slide rule collection.




Buck

I inherited some Kennedy's but wanted more room and I found a couple REALLY good deals on Kennedys on EBAY. I bought a used Gerster's also and then saw a comparable one at sears for alot less.I would check there first,like others said and look at craftsman drawer types while there,they have deeper drawers than most Kennedy's,then put plastic drawer organizers in the drawers.Bob

I purchased a wooden chest from Cheaper than dirt about a year ago. It has a large top opening, six small drawers and four long drawers fully lined. I store most of my small items in the box. I built a small cabinet next to my work bench for large items. I am a practical gunsmith and use the training for my own guns. I enjoy fully disassembling and assembling them when dirty. Take a look on their website for the one they have for sale. It runs about $99.00 and some time they are on sale.
Nick

I purchased one of the small Gerstner International chests, and was satisfied with the quality for the money. It was plain sawn red oak rather than quarter sawn white oak, but I knew that going in. This was from Garrett Wade, see Gerstner Oak Chests: Gerstner Tool Chests, Gerstner & Sons Wood Tool Boxes

They also have some metal chests. The original Gerstner machinists chests (of which I have a couple) are priced way out of reason now, although they are advertising a father's day clearance sale, prices to be posted on their website on Friday June 11th. They may have some deals on factory seconds, etc.

A Craftsman steel mechanic's rally toolbox, with folding trays, can be pretty handy, for a lot less money. But I like my wooden machinist's chests.

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Ed

Wow! Just checked their website! I want the wooden attache case!!!

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LEO since 1981.

As a Quality Assurance professional my tool boxes were always too small. Arounf 1986 - 1987 I bought the largest Oak chest Gerstner made - a model 082 then I filled it. By the way, it was $292 shipped when I bought it on sale from their largest distributor. I could have driven over to the factory in dayton, OH where they were made and paid the $410 list but it was cheaper to order it and have it shipped.
That box is still full of tools and is sitting in my closet at home. I hope to have a grandkid some day to give it to.

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA

My dad bought a new Gerstner oak chest in 1935, when he began his career as a machinist and toolmaker.
I still have (and use) that chest today.
It saw an incredible amount of service up until 1980.
The drawers, hinges and hasps all work perfectly.
Its exterior isn't much to look at, but it spent most of its life in industrial machine shops.
Don

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