The Best Mobile Workbench with drawers for 2020

July 2020 by Clamca

So Clamca Toolbox Distributors created a list of top 10 best workbenches with drawers and casters.  We selected what we thought were the top 10 and listed them for people to see, review and vote.  We have chosen the top 5 from the list.  Honestly, we chose the top 4 from that list and by popular demand (more like yelling) we included 1 that really should have been in the top 10 anyway.  The US General from Harbor Freight made our final 5 list and we need a top 3 list.  Clamca Toolbox Distributors needs your help to knock 2 more off the list.  Please add a post on the blog here or send an email.

The remaining 5 workbenches are (in no specific order):

• Swivel Pro 603512
• Stor-Loc MM2 Mobile Chest
• Harbor Freight – US General
• Snap on EPIQ
• Dragon Fire – 17 Drawer

Workbenches made from steel with drawers and casters. Here are the best 5 of 2020

1.  Swivel Pro 603512 in Orange (MSRP $4,250)

The Swivel Storage Solutions 60” Rolling Workbench with 12 drawers has a unique hinge system.  The hinge eliminates the drawer sliders and glides which usually cause the trouble in drawers.  It has a ¼“ steel top and very little in extras.  No power, no usb charger, but has legs to set the workbench down and casters to move.  One of the heaviest duty workbench of the batch.  It is not the prettiest or the one with the most frills, but if you are needing a heavyduty workstation, this is the one which leans more towards workbench than toolbox.  Founded in 1981, Swivel Storage solution makes truck box, CNC storage and workbenches based out of Canada.

What We Like

• Heavy duty ¼” steel top
• Space to mount a vice or other tools
• Rocking system to lower workbench on legs
• Very stable

hat We Like

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy to move around
• Limited drawer width
• No customization available

2. Stor-Loc MM2 Mobile Chest (MSRP $7,000)

The Stor-Loc MM2 has 11 drawers and has a stainless steel surface.  The riser is designed for tool storage in a workstation application.  Mig welded corners, no frills with solid feel.

Founded in 1982, Stor-Loc’s has a good reputation in the industry and makes modular storage and CNC units.

What We Like

• Stainless steel top
• Forklift tubes (cool idea)

What We Don’t Like

• Limited info on product      
• Website not very helpful

3. Harbor Freight – US General – (MSRP $1,199)

High impact rubber mat on top.  Suspension casters to stabilize while moving over bumpier surface.  Double slides on some drawers. 16-gauge steel on the back, side and drawers of box.  Spring latch to keep drawers closed.  Nice drawer liners.

What We Like

• Price
• Raised lip on top
• Spring casters
• Often comes on specials.

What We Don’t Like

• No soft closing
• 2 key lock design

4.  Snap on EPIQ KETN602B7PBO – (MSRP $12,690)

The EPIQ Roll workbench from Snap on has nice smooth large drawers at the top and smaller deep and shallow drawers lower.  The bed liner top is surface coated with a substance like the one used on truck bed liners.  The liner makes using this unit as a workbench a real things if the price is right for you.  Every knows Snap-on, but good read about their starts in the 1920s in WI, USA on their website.

What We Like

• Heavy solid workbench
• Good service and reputation
• Good warranty

What We Don’t Like

• The price… ouch
• A little high for a workbench

5. Dragon Fire – 17 Drawer – (MSRP $3,499)

The Dragon Fire workbench is one of the largest of our review.  It is built with 14 Gauge tubing and drawer fronts.  The workbench is built with the working person in mind and has 6 electrical outlets and 2 USB ports. A good mix of large and smaller drawers.  Some drawers have the double sliders for added weight capacity (300 pounds).  Quality product since 2016 made in PA USA.

What We Like

• Very heavy solid workbench
• All steel with powder coating finish
• Good drawer mix of large and small drawers.

What We Don’t Like

• Limited colors and models.
• Casters make the working surface high

Final Verdict

The final verdict will be created with feedback from users of the workbench.

The values will be added, and a final winner will be announced on Oct 31^th 2020.

The following items will be used to decide the best workbench 2020:

Features,

Gauge of top,

Price

Versatility

Hinges on post allow one-handed opening of drawers for full display of heavy-duty content

The Penner family has been in the metal fabrication business since 1967 and has gone through a succession of tool boxes and work benches. They were disappointed with how many of those boxes and benches simply didn’t last when it came to dealing with heavy tools and a dusty atmosphere, so they decided to create their own boxes.

Not only are Swivel Storage Solution tool boxes and work benches heavy duty, but, as the name indicates, they also feature a swivel hinge rather than the traditional slide-out drawer system.

The swivel hinge is built around a steel post and isn’t bothered by dust or debris. It also allows drawers to be opened with a single hand, and to be opened for full display of everything inside; nothing is hidden in the back recesses.

Swivel boxes are made from fewer parts than traditional tool boxes, but are built strongly enough that someone can stand in a drawer without damage to the drawer or the box.

The boxes are produced in a variety of sizes and setups, from corner units and rolling boxes topped by a work bench surface for use in a garage to units designed to fit into a truck or van.

Depending on the design, 12-, 14-or 16-gauge steel is used. Boxes and drawers are powder-coated. Prices range from $1,000 to $5,000.

For information on Swivel Storage Solutions tool boxes and work benches, visit the www.toolboxdistributors.com website or call (800) 877-3956

Work still in progress will provide updated, but so far he LOVES all the storage with dedicated drawers for all his small stuff! Customer Quote: “ended up mounting the 51s on the end of the cabinet and it turned out really good. Didn’t want to take up any space on tabletop and had the room. Very happy with this unit it will last me the rest of my life.Thanks so much!”

What is new in Tool Storage?

Whether you are a weekend garage warrior or a Pro shop fabricator you are going to find a storage solution for your tools that you love Mainly so that your tools are easily accessible where you are working at this moment.

Tool storage comes in many different varieties and colors, dictated by your need and budget. From makeshift solutions at the Container Store to high end, unique ergonomic work benches. There is a solution for every imaginable storage requirement.

Heavy duty -benches with built in drawers for tool storage combine a work surface with easy accessibility to your tools, is what you are looking for. Presenting your tools in a well-organized system  allows you to choose the right tool for the job with ease.

 The problem with tool storage

Over time, wear and tear take their toll on storage solutions, the locking mechanisms jam, the ball bearings on the draw slides cease up, the rough handling of tools dent and disfigure the thin steel drawer- most are constructed with 20 – 24 gauge sheet metal, the castor locks do not work adequately leaving the bench to roll around when working on the surface. This leaves you with longevity, durability and functionality issues in your toolbox and you are forced to replace older storage units with newer alternatives.

What you want is to take a close look at the latest innovation in Tool Storage. Engineered from the ground up to provide robustness, durability, and versatility to meet your needs for a workbench and Tool Cabinet in one offering that solves the problems you experience now.

There is innovation in Tool Storage solutions

Built on a sturdy metal bar frame, that can be wheeled on castors to a desired location, lowered onto its legs and have leg levelers to level it exactly to minimize vibration.

A design with multiple different sized drawers for storage of large power tools, small hand tool sets, miscellaneous nuts, and bolts and all neatly categorized for easy organization and access.

Robustness and usability built into the design, the drawers are designed to hold up to 400lbs of weight but open and close easily with minimal applied force. The drawers close positively to ensure they do not open in transit and do not roll out and hang open as soon as you turn your back on the cabinet.

Patented design and engineering solutions present a unique solution, drawers mounted on a single 1” cold rolled steel shaft that is unaffected by dust and debris and with zerk fittings in each drawer to allow occasional lubricating to ensure smooth pivoting action throughout the life of the cabinet. The unique swivel design drawers separated by nylon spacers can handle weight while gliding open and shut with minimal effort. The rare earth magnets on the closing mechanism make for a solid close and the durable solution.

Rubber liners reduce the friction of tools on the 10-gauge steel plates that the drawers are fabricated from and the flat draw bottoms prevent items from getting stuck in the drawers.

The sturdy ¼” steel plate top makes a perfect work surface for mounting a vice or other ancillary equipment.

This innovative Tool Storage unit exists – superbly finished in powdered coated paint it would be an asset in any garage or workshop with different sizes and combinations of storage solutions to meet your specific requirement. Modular in design to allow for customization of storage size to meet your needs. Watch this video to see people’s reactions to the product.

Please visit our web store at https://toolboxdistributors.com/shop and enter discount code swivel20 for 20% off.

Heavy-duty tool storage with patented swivel drawer systems that can hold up to 400lbs. Rolls on heavy duty castors with foot locking break, can be lowered onto metal tube legs. Has a ¼” steel Work surface.

Also, visit www.clamca.com

Supply chain problems persist, factory floor capacity for steel production remains diminished, consumer needs and spending patterns have changed, and the biggest factor—a once-in-a-century pandemic—remains a potent global force whose resurgence is uncertain and one whose remaining effects have yet to be realized.

The pandemic hit manufacturing hard. One of the first shockwaves stemmed from government categorization of essential and non-essential businesses. Some manufacturers in the latter category were forced to completely shut down or drastically reduce production. Others deemed essential were stretched to the limit trying to keep up with demand. As the pandemic wore on, consumer needs and spending patterns also drastically changed, causing further disruption and response—some experiencing unprecedented demand and success, while others struggled to remain relevant.

The reason

Low interest rates, to nurture the fragile economy, led to a huge boom in the building industry, which quickly sopped up the excess lumber idling in yards because of the pandemic onset. This has led to the demand for lumber increasing rapidly over the past few months, supply has not been able to catch up, resulting in an increase in lumber’s cost to the consumer of 340% or more locations.

Steel is another commodity that has experienced substantial price increases. The state of the steel market is a by-product of several domestic and international events. This is not a Swivel Solutions -only issue, it is more of a global supply problem that every business and every consumer is facing.

The effects

Normal fluctuations of steel prices are around a penny or two (plus or minus) month-over-month, depending on what is taking place in the market. 

• August, September, and October 2020: The price of steel increased about+7.5%

• December 2020: The steel price had a major uptick of about +20% from August 2020. 
• January 2021: The price of steel had jumped up +37% from August 2020.
• February/March 2021: The price of raw, bare steel is up over +75% from August 2020.

Now that you have some background on the current state of the steel supply shortage and price increase, you might be asking yourself what this means for you, the consumer.

To keep it as simple as possible: It means there is extraordinarily little steel to be had and what can be had is pricey.

Toolboxes are expensive because they are a type of security gadget to protect your tools. For this reason, they are made using high-quality unbreakable materials that come at a premium cost. Most of the toolboxes are manufactured using high-quality steel and this material is even more expensive to buy for the reasons shared above.

Toolboxes are shipped to customers and sales outlets on wooden pallets, which are affected by the price increase and shortage of lumber.

Clamca Toolbox Distributors and Swivel Storage Solution have not increases the prices of the toolboxes in 9 years, but with the increase above, we have put out a new price list.  We the heavy duty steel workbench that serve as 2in1 workbench with swivel drawers, the price support the high quality of the product and our ability to stand behind our limited life time warranty.

Call us or email us to a quote to outfit your garage, work truck, work van or your work station at your factory.

www.clamca.com

https://toolboxdistributors.com/shop

Trucks keep the economy moving. There are an estimated 15.5 million trucks on the roads. Trucks are utility vehicles with specific purposes, and they have a high demand for uptime and to keep them moving. They are also mechanically complicated and so breakdowns are generally fixed in situ.

Trucks will always need tools whether for their own maintenance or if it is a utility vehicle a toolbox to store the required tools for specific jobs an onboard toolbox is a necessity on a truck of any kind.

 Contractors may need multiple toolboxes to carry their tool assortment for different tasks they may need to perform.

Portability and Accessibility

These are the most important factor for mobile mechanics as they need a portable tool chest or easy access to tools right at the job site. For that purpose, the tool chest needs to be as light as possible; this can be achieved using higher gauge steel. Mobile mechanics may have to compromise on other important parameters such as strength and storage capacity to achieve the required portability.

The ideal mobile storage solution

Swivel Storage offers multiple solutions for mobile storage, whatever your need maybe without compromising the strength and durability of the toolbox.

Let us look at some unique mobile storage options that Swivel Storage offers

Different Sizes, different numbers of drawers, different weatherproofing depending on location, lockable storage for security reasons, ability to mount in the truck storage well or on the back of the bed.

Heavy duty mobile storage toolbox to make your life easier. Secure storage that stands up to hazards of any road conditions. Sealed grease-able drawers to keep all contaminates from effecting the functionality of the toolbox.

Designed to stand up to vibration from mobile service. Dirt or dust will not affect hinge or drawer performance. Low resistance…easy operation even when loaded. Drawers close properly every time with one hand. No binding. Never dig in the back of a drawer again.

Weatherproof

A weather seal on the main door keeps out moisture and dust. Dirt and dust will not affect the drawer performance as the hinges are dust resistant.

The low resistance opening and shutting of the drawers is an easy operation even when loaded and the positive closure of the drawer every time means no flapping drawers spilling out tools. This swivel drawer means you will never dig in the back of the drawer again.

Durable construction

12-gauge frame and 14-gauge drawers that are fully welded give the toolbox its heavy-duty construction. The durable powder coating will protect the exposed steel from oxidation and rusting. The strong T-handle with secure locking system provides security for your high dollar tools and the Anti-skid mats mean tools stay put during transportation. Greaseable fittings in each draw allow easy lubrication access to maintain your mobile storage toolbox

Swivel Storage Solutions provides a solution for every mobile storage need that you may have. Reach out to a Swivel Storage Solutions Representative today to discuss your wants.

www.clamca.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXQcD1jS9erWeAHOpE_xPg

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The heavy duty workbench video should show how you are currently using it. How the heavy duty workbench helped you organize.  If you can highlight what you like about our 2 in 1 workbench and what we can do to our 2 in 1 workbench to make it better.  If you have other brand of workbench such as Snap-on, Matco, craftman or lista we would like you to compare the space and the strength difference.  The swivel storage Pro603512 has a ¼ steel worksurface and we would love to know how that differs from other workbench and if that is important to you.

Our heavy duty truck boxes also qualify for this amazing program. You can do a walk around your current utility truck and show us how you use. Highlight how this differs from what you used before. Don’t worry if you think you are being negative! We want honest feed back on the 2 in 1 workbench and heavy duty work truck.

Lastly, if you have any co-workers or friends that would like to comment, that can be added to your video as raw footage.  To be clear, we want honest opinions, so it will not hurt our feeling if you give us pointers on how to make our product better…. And you will still get the $150  😊