Having learned the hard way to ask the SF Oracle, first...

I have a need for two (2) metal storage cabinets: One for the garage, for portable power tool storage, and a 2nd for the man cave, for ammo (and probably powder) storage.

I'd like them to be lockable, preferably the type where one door secures the other, that door with a bar that secures it top and bottom.

They need to be somewhat economical. I'm not looking to stop thieves, so much as discourage them--even if only mildly. (Even my safe won't stop them.)

Best I could find to meet my criteria is this: Kobalt 30-in W x 72.37-in H x 20.5-in D Steel Freestanding Or Wall-mount Garage Cabinet

and I can pick them up locally or have them delivered to my home.

Anybody got any ideas for anything that can beat this?

I've tapped into the Oregon State Surplus Property auction for 'like new' metal drawers/filing cabinets/etc.

They all are locking style, sometimes one of them needs a little TLC.

Great for the man cave & reloading chamber. Keeps all your stuff out of sight.

While the price has gone up over the years, it still is possible to find a first rate locking metal filing cabinet of most configurations, in the $20-100 range. U-Haul.

My cleaning gear & hand tools plus a load of other stuff, is at home in an old metal desk with 6 drawers & a couple pull out work surfaces, $20.

Out in my barn there's a lateral drawer storage file. Each has a given (& labeled) content: saws/buffer/drills/ air tools, etc. Even got some like new under-the-work bench drawers for $30. Sure beats my old set up.

Kinda expensive but the metal lockers made to store paint and fit the bill. The metal is a little thicker but not heavy like a safe. The ones I have seen lock securely.
We used to call them paint lockers in the service.
I'd like to have a couple of these myself.

I would consider these.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RID...est-48R-OS/300748574

not as pretty but should met all your requirements.

You can add casters and locks to make it portable and lockable.

I wanted what you are looking at but everything that was not crazy expensive was flimsy.
I ended up with Underbed Truck Boxes from Tractor supply. The metal is nice and thick, very nice seal to keep moisture out, and the locking mechanism is quite stout.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/...x-48-in?cm_vc=-10005

I built a riser and incorporated mine into a work bench.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
I wanted what you are looking at but everything that was not crazy expensive was flimsy.
I ended up with Underbed Truck Boxes from Tractor supply. The metal is nice and thick, very nice seal to keep moisture out, and the locking mechanism is quite stout.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/...x-48-in?cm_vc=-10005

I built a riser and incorporated mine into a work bench.

those are quite nice. but a bit spendy I would think. buy 4 nd you could have got another safe for ammo and powder.

Can anybody comment on putting bulk power in strong metal boxes. I thought this was a no-no


this isnt super tough but is what I want for the same reasons you give!

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/...715&wl17=1o1&veh=sem

Check around your are. There is probably a place that sells used office equipment.

Bob

I put two GLADIATOR storage cabinets in my garage for tool storage . Got them from Lowe's .

quote:

Originally posted by sig2392:
I would consider these.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RID...est-48R-OS/300748574

not as pretty but should met all your requirements.

You can add casters and locks to make it portable and lockable.

For the tools in the garage I rather want it as non-portable as possible

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
I wanted what you are looking at but everything that was not crazy expensive was flimsy.
I ended up with Underbed Truck Boxes from Tractor supply. The metal is nice and thick, very nice seal to keep moisture out, and the locking mechanism is quite stout.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/...x-48-in?cm_vc=-10005

I built a riser and incorporated mine into a work bench.

I'd have to do the calculations, but that looks like a lot less storage for about the same money.

quote:

Originally posted by rbert0005:
Check around your are. There is probably a place that sells used office equipment.

Probably, but most metal office cabinets are even more flimsy than what I'm looking at.

quote:

Originally posted by selogic:
I put two GLADIATOR storage cabinets in my garage for tool storage . Got them from Lowe's .

I looked at the equivalent Gladiator. More expensive for less storage. Appeared to be no more substantial than the Kobalt. Single-point lock.

Thanks for the ideas, everybody!

I have some similar to the gladiator that I bought at Sam's for a little over $200 each -some assembly required. For my ammo I needed something that would handle more weight. I found a used Stonghold cabinet on CL. It is 60 wide and 72 tall with 5 shelves. Each shelf can support up to 1900 pounds. The exterior is made of 10 gauge steel. They are spendy new and shipping is high as the thing weighs around 800 lbs empty. Maybe you can find a used one.? I gave 600 for mine delivered. They are really nice.

Already checked the local CL, Bluecobra. Thanks for the hint, though.

Read the reviews of the Kobalt. Turns out it's flimsier than it looks. So that's out.

Global has a nice unit for around $200, but shipping on two of them would be... $200!. I don't think so.

Maybe the $290 Husky cabinet, but I think it's only a single-point locking system.

Guess I'll just have to keep looking.

(If I have to, I'll build my own from HDF.)