Montezuma 72" roller cabinet/top chest review
- Thread starter nissan_crawler
- Start date
Be careful! I had the same thing in an old garage of mine. One day too many of my drawers came sliding open (my fault) and over and on top of me she went. Snap-On KR1001 top and bottom. cracked ribs and broken arm. luckily a wrought iron patio table broke the fall more than I did. I am still trying to get the bent drawers repaired and working right.
After that incident I am sort of on the fence about ball bearing drawer slides.
Last edited:
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
bradweingartner
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2009
- Messages
- 149
Few questions...
Do the drawers detent in the open and closed position or just the closed?
Are you still happy with your choice of drawer layout or do you wish you had gone with a different design?
You mentioned and I saw an International Box there as well. How would you compare the quality between the International and the Montezuma?
Thanks!
I've been looking for a while at used Snap-On/Matco/MAC, boxes to replace a too small, non-roller slide Craftsman box. These Montezuma boxes, as well as Extreme Tools and International among others are intriguing. If they even approach the quality of the SnapOn boxes I've used in the past then I'm sold on the price.
Especially considering I'm a very light duty user.
Do the drawers detent in the open and closed position or just the closed?
Are you still happy with your choice of drawer layout or do you wish you had gone with a different design?
You mentioned and I saw an International Box there as well. How would you compare the quality between the International and the Montezuma?
Thanks!
I've been looking for a while at used Snap-On/Matco/MAC, boxes to replace a too small, non-roller slide Craftsman box. These Montezuma boxes, as well as Extreme Tools and International among others are intriguing. If they even approach the quality of the SnapOn boxes I've used in the past then I'm sold on the price.
Especially considering I'm a very light duty user.
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
Few questions...
Do the drawers detent in the open and closed position or just the closed?
Are you still happy with your choice of drawer layout or do you wish you had gone with a different design?
You mentioned and I saw an International Box there as well. How would you compare the quality between the International and the Montezuma?
Thanks!
I've been looking for a while at used Snap-On/Matco/MAC, boxes to replace a too small, non-roller slide Craftsman box. These Montezuma boxes, as well as Extreme Tools and International among others are intriguing. If they even approach the quality of the SnapOn boxes I've used in the past then I'm sold on the price.
Especially considering I'm a very light duty user.
They're detented in the closed position only. No problems at all with the layout. Honestly, in a small box, drawer height/layout is fairly important, as you don't have much to work with. In a box this size, it's so easy to arrange things to maximize the use, that the layout isn't a big deal.
I had zero problems with the International, and I sold it to a coworker that has it at work. It's a good box, and embarrasses regular craftsman boxes, IMHO. That being said, it doesn't hold a candle to the montezuma.
ManicMechanic
Well-known member
Nissan, now that you've had the Montezuma for a while now, how does it compare to the snap-on and mac boxes at work? And I see that you got the classic series, do you know if there is much differance between that one and the elite? I'm thinking of buying the elite series and wasn't sure if there was any diferance between the two.
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
I think it's just as good, IMHO. It beats out my C-Pro, that's for sure. Even at that, the C-Pro has gone 7.5 years with no issues at work, so I don't think the Montezuma would ever be an issue.
I don't know the difference with the elite, I was curious about that, too.
paranoid56
Well-known member
Here's a shot of the wheels:
do you know the brand of these wheels? i need some like that and cant find any LOL
toolnut
Well-known member
That's a sweet box!
Checking out the website but I don't think I would go with the 72". Although the price is definitely right. Thanks for the great report.
Checking out the website but I don't think I would go with the 72". Although the price is definitely right. Thanks for the great report.
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
No, it's the brand snap-on uses, though. Contact global72 on here (shannon), it's an add-on, so he may be able to sell you the wheels separately, worth a shot.
CamarosRus
Well-known member
To Shannon, Nissan Crawler, and whomever,
At one time I thought that EXTREME was the leading, best brand that www.strictlytoolboxes.com represented.
I'm not implying that MONTEZUMA was ever perceived as "junk" ...............
but interested to learn if the entire MONTEZUMA brand is now considered better than EXTREME or is it just the above reported/critiqued 72 Box that is considered better than EXTREME's 72" .........................or do I have it all wrong?????
At one time I thought that EXTREME was the leading, best brand that www.strictlytoolboxes.com represented.
I'm not implying that MONTEZUMA was ever perceived as "junk" ...............
but interested to learn if the entire MONTEZUMA brand is now considered better than EXTREME or is it just the above reported/critiqued 72 Box that is considered better than EXTREME's 72" .........................or do I have it all wrong?????
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
Fixing those issues that quickly just shows the level of customer service.
Something to think about...how long would it take for Snap-On to fix a customer concern like that? I'll submit pictures and drop you a pm a bit later. feel free to use me as a reference, also.I can't speak to a comparison, as I have never seen an extreme box. I certainly don't see any areas where the Montezuma is lacking though (other than the tiny things mentioned that Vince already corrected above).
The only "qualifier" to buying it that I can see is that it's not U.S. made, which is an issue for some. However, if it was, we all know what the price would be, and quite frankly, that would have killed the deal for me.
The way I see it, and most people look at things, *most* things made overseas sacrifice quality, for a much cheaper price. IMHO, Montezuma did the opposite, and kept the quality up, and priced it at whatever it took to keep the quality. It's a u.s. quality box at a foreign price, the way I see it.
Note: These are my personal views, nothing they've stated to me.
I see 3 tiers of tool storage:
a. Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc.=high quality, high price, u.s. made.
b. Montezuma, extreme (from what I've heard)=high quality, mid price, foreign made. international is under these with good quality(but not as good), and mid price, foreign made.
c. cheap ****.
CamarosRus
Well-known member
Looked at www.strictlytoolboxes.com site.........
Interested to learn what difference is (besides $600) is on 16 Drawer x 72" roller and 17 Drawer " x 72" roller both weighing 1000# plus ???????
Is trim level & polish , wheels, metal gauge both the same.........???
Thanks,
Interested to learn what difference is (besides $600) is on 16 Drawer x 72" roller and 17 Drawer " x 72" roller both weighing 1000# plus ???????
Is trim level & polish , wheels, metal gauge both the same.........???
Thanks,
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
First thing I see is that the 17 drawer is an elite, with stainless top, and spring casters, while the 16 drawer has both of those as options at additional cost. Adding those options takes it to $2725 vs. 2879. Other than that, you would have to ask Shannon (global72 on here).
He's pretty quick on answering messages from the website or pm's here.
ManicMechanic
Well-known member
I asked Shannon about that last week. He told me that the differances where, one more drawer, the casters, stainless steel top, and a heavy duty handle. And any drawer that is 3" deep or more has double roller slides.
Joe H
Well-known member
I would like to see montezuma come out with a top chest with flip up tops similar to this one.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=17799&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=17799&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
Each to their own idea, but I think they're worthless when they get that tall. I can barely see in the top drawer, having things under a flip up top would do me no good. Somebody would have to be 6' 4" to see in there. Heck, to be able to cut out foam on the second from the top drawer half decently, I had to be on a 4 step ladder. It also means you can't put anything above it.
For that matter, I couldn't even get the lid down.
Seriously though, if you're interested in it, send an email to vince [email protected] . I have no clue if anything is in the works or not, but they do listen to people.
Last edited:
CamarosRus
Well-known member
Nissan, Curious if you find TOP of Top Box a good place for misc storage or does it become a catch all "pile" for tools not put way..........as is the case with the stainless top of my KRL1022.
I do not work at a shop where I need to secure everything at the end of my shift.
I do not work at a shop where I need to secure everything at the end of my shift.
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
I try and keep it clean. I'll set a pile of tools up there while I'm putting them away, but that's about it.
I got my 72" Montezuma roller last week!!!! This thing is sweet
It compares to my snap on but alot less $$$. I would recommend getting this box to anybody. Shannon is great to work with, fast shipping, great product and awesome customer service.
It compares to my snap on but alot less $$$. I would recommend getting this box to anybody. Shannon is great to work with, fast shipping, great product and awesome customer service.
southernfriedcj
Well-known member
Too bad that jewel doesn't come in Hugger Orange!
global72
Well-known member
I ordered hugger orange, lime green, yellow and red this morning. They will be instock in 8 weeks.
Last edited:
CamarosRus
Well-known member
I certainly hope that these additional colors help Shannons sales
AND make the box more desirable to those buyers wanting them........
I've written Shannon asking him if I can pay more and in advance for a
Special Order drawer configuration ????
AND make the box more desirable to those buyers wanting them........
I've written Shannon asking him if I can pay more and in advance for a
Special Order drawer configuration ????
pearl_dude
Well-known member
SWEET!!!!! I only wish I had the money. One question though, would all montezuma roller boxes or just the big ones(72") offer those colors?
That would be a really good idea.
Last edited:
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
Awesome. I think that will help out quite a bit. I'm anxious to see the colors. Maybe I'll end up with a lime green one at work in time.
I don't have much to add, box is still working great. Well worth the initial investment to get all my tools back to one central location. I shadowed almost all of the drawers. A quick look through the box lets me know if I've left any tools hidden in a project I finished working on. It's saved me three times so far. I'll post pictures later if I remember.
Last edited:
Doh...
I was going to call this week and order the 56" Extreme Tool Boxes 21 Drawer Tool Cabinet & Top Chest Combo Set in blue...
But now that the Montezuma's are coming in lime green...
But the Extreme 56" is 20" deep... The Montezuma 56" is only 17" deep. I really want the 3 extra inches in each drawer on the Extreme...
hmmmm...
pearl_dude
Well-known member
There was a black/blue 56" Montezuma that was 24" deep. It was around $1000 IIRC with stainless steel top.
Its not on the site anymore, it was on a few day ago.
Its not on the site anymore, it was on a few day ago.
global72
Well-known member
Ok lots of stuff:
1) The first batch of Orange is going to be 72" base cabinets only. It is a brand new box we will give details, specs and images in about 4 weeks. This will be another product exclusive to www.strictlytoolboxes.com
2) The second batch of new colors to arrive will be Montezuma Elite 17 drawer boxes. Yellow, Red, Orange and Lime green
3) Montezuma 56 inch combo set is 20" deep same as Extreme
4) The 56" Montezuma Elite that was 26" deep was a special buy not a stock Montezuma item. (The box in my avatar)We bought the last of a batch they had. Our customers that got them loved them. But they are all gone. I am working on a new project with Vince and the gang at Montezuma as soon as everything is finalized I will let everyone know.
Lastly: I have been away from the GJ for the most part for almost 2 months. The holidays get very busy around here. I barely had time to stop in and lurk. So if I was slow in getting back to some on PMs or did not reply to some posts I am sorry. The people at the GJ that have spoken with me on the phone or communicated in email can tell you that I enjoy my time on the site and working with GJ members and certainly did not mean any disrespect with slow responses or missing some posts.
I hope everyone had enjoyed their holiday and has a safe New Year
1) The first batch of Orange is going to be 72" base cabinets only. It is a brand new box we will give details, specs and images in about 4 weeks. This will be another product exclusive to www.strictlytoolboxes.com
2) The second batch of new colors to arrive will be Montezuma Elite 17 drawer boxes. Yellow, Red, Orange and Lime green
3) Montezuma 56 inch combo set is 20" deep same as Extreme
4) The 56" Montezuma Elite that was 26" deep was a special buy not a stock Montezuma item. (The box in my avatar)We bought the last of a batch they had. Our customers that got them loved them. But they are all gone. I am working on a new project with Vince and the gang at Montezuma as soon as everything is finalized I will let everyone know.
Lastly: I have been away from the GJ for the most part for almost 2 months. The holidays get very busy around here. I barely had time to stop in and lurk. So if I was slow in getting back to some on PMs or did not reply to some posts I am sorry. The people at the GJ that have spoken with me on the phone or communicated in email can tell you that I enjoy my time on the site and working with GJ members and certainly did not mean any disrespect with slow responses or missing some posts.
I hope everyone had enjoyed their holiday and has a safe New Year
Stricklytoolboxes shows the Montezuma 56" combo being only 17" deep.
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/mo...uma-tool-boxes-56-professional-combo-set.html
I think your sites wrong?
CamarosRus
Well-known member
Hoping that the above #4 project is a knock-off similar to the KRL-1022 (30" Deep)
The future appears to be huge for these quality Chinese boxes.........
Many people want these and Shannon recognizes this.
The future appears to be huge for these quality Chinese boxes.........
Many people want these and Shannon recognizes this.
global72
Well-known member
John,
That problem is fixed it now shows 20"
Thank you for pointing that out. That is one of our better selling boxes I cannot believe I missed that.
Thanks for your help
That problem is fixed it now shows 20"
Thank you for pointing that out. That is one of our better selling boxes I cannot believe I missed that.
Thanks for your help
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
The good thing about that is that both shannon (global72/strictlytoolboxes) and vince (montezuma) LISTEN to what the customer wants, which is unusual for most companies.
If enough people say they want "y" product, or to change something on product "z", it'll happen.
Dust
Well-known member
I've been reading this thread pretty closely since I want to eventually grab one of these boxes when I can get the money. One question, though. I've noticed on the wider drawers that they tend to wobble from side to side when fully opened. My Matco 4122R is pretty good about this, but a comparable Craftsman is horrible, with multiple inches of deflection, even though the drawer width is approximately 26 inches. How good is the Montezuma in regards to that, and by extension, the Extreme, even with the ultra-wide drawers?
Also, is the gauge of metal comparable to the truck brands? I really like how my Matco box feels sturdy and solid because of how thick the metal is.
Also, is the gauge of metal comparable to the truck brands? I really like how my Matco box feels sturdy and solid because of how thick the metal is.
I am really hoping Nissan or another owner can chime in on the drawer wobble.
As for the steel, the specs say 18 gauge shell, 20 for the drawer inners and fronts, and 14 for the caster channels. For comparison, a Cornwell dealer told me that on their 67" box, the main framework is made of 12 gauge steel, the drawers are 14, and the sides are 16. The difference surprised me...it seems that either a) the Montezuma must be "barely strong enough", or b) the Cornwell is WAY over-engineered. Option a does not seem likely given feedback in this thread. Perhaps someone can shed some light?
As for the steel, the specs say 18 gauge shell, 20 for the drawer inners and fronts, and 14 for the caster channels. For comparison, a Cornwell dealer told me that on their 67" box, the main framework is made of 12 gauge steel, the drawers are 14, and the sides are 16. The difference surprised me...it seems that either a) the Montezuma must be "barely strong enough", or b) the Cornwell is WAY over-engineered. Option a does not seem likely given feedback in this thread. Perhaps someone can shed some light?
Dust
Well-known member
Bit of bumpage...
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
I know nothing about the extremes. I'm not sure what you're calling "wobble". If I hold one side of a wide drawer fully open, and try to push the other side in, that slide will go in 3/4" or so. If you're talking about just grabbing the handle and trying to wiggle the front of the drawer side to side, none at all.
I *think* the gauge of metal is thinner, BUT they are more reinforced than the heavy gauge boxes, which makes them just as strong, IMHO.
I haven't seen a cornwell box, but in comparing to snap-on, and the c-pro's, the difference is the bracing.
Do you mean that the Montezuma uses thinner metal but more bracing, whereas the SO/CmanPro use thicker metal but less bracing?
Can anyone who knows about such things discuss which strategy is generally preferred, and why?
OP
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
that's what I meant. No clue what's "better". It seems to be the old six of one/half dozen of the other to me.
Dust
Well-known member
By "wobble" I mean when the drawer is fully extended, and you move it side to side, how badly does it go in and out of the box on either side. You kind of answered it my question, but your method was fairly static. I'm wondering the dynamic action.
As far as the metal gauge, so it doesn't feel like it's just going to bend and flex? That's my main beef with the Craftsman and Harbor Freight boxes and carts, aside from the excessive drawer wobble.
As far as the metal gauge, so it doesn't feel like it's just going to bend and flex? That's my main beef with the Craftsman and Harbor Freight boxes and carts, aside from the excessive drawer wobble.