Craftsman is taking on the big boys – or at least the big boys who like to listen to tunes while they work. Last week at CES, Craftsman revealed a couple new tool chests that really got our attention. The first piqued our interest because it was coated in a completely matte black finish. That’s right, black as the night sky in a Kansas… you get the idea. The main thing Craftsman was about, however, was its other rolling tool chest. The big one with the speakers on the front. The new Craftsman Contour Powered Series tool storage and rolling chests feature a power tool recharging station that can recharge up to three tools at a time plus your personal electronics.
Craftsman Contour Powered Series Tool Storage Features
The Craftsman Contour Powered Series Tool Storage also has a built-in 220W stereo, and even Bluetooth connectivity that is compatible with iPod, iPhone and other devices. While the chest in mate black was impressive (the Craftsman logo was in a gloss black, so it truly was completely black everywhere), it was the Contour Series with power connectivity and the integrated stereo that got the most attention. Craftsman has always been on top of things when it comes to tool chests, but this is the first model to sport such features.
And of course, the tool chest looked impressive, with solid welds and ample storage for all your tools – as you’d expect from a brand that has been making consistently good storage products for decades. The sides are actually curved outward, with handles on both sides and an integrated power strip on the right side. All drawers lock on a per-section basis, and were on 100 lb.-rated ball-bearing slide rails and a retractable-locking work table can deploy from the middle section and instantly provide a 670.4 sq. in. work surface when needed. It then retracts to a more compact size when not in use. There are three main sections and 16 drawers in total – six on the top cabinet; the middle section with radio, storage & charging; and 10 on the bottom roller. This nets you over 27,000 cubic inches of storage space. Each of the casters are also heavy-duty, rated at up to 500 lbs (two lock for stability).
Here are the quick specs:
- Dimensions for top chest: 48.4″ x 17.7″ x 20.1″
- Dimensions for middle cart: 48.8″ x 17.9″ x 11.1″
- Dimensions for bottom cart: 49.2″ x 18.1″ x 40.8″
- Tray: 670.4 sq. in. work surface
- Cubic Inch Capacity for top chest: 10,379
- Cubic Inch Capacity for middle cart: 717
- Cubic Inch Capacity for bottom chest: 16,149
- Load rating: 100 lbs. per drawer
- Total weight capacity: 2,000lbs.
Pricing is yet to be determined, but the new tool chest will be available at Craftsman.com, Sears.com and via the Sears Catalog in the second quarter (Spring) of 2012. No word yet on whether this product will make it to other stores that are increasingly picking up the Craftsman line of products.
