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Gearwrench Extreme Tools Toolbox: Space and Storage Solution
Hey everyone, Brian from Workshop Adhikam here. When we took a look at this Gearwrench Extreme Tools toolbox, we had a hard time fitting some of our larger tools in there like band saws and other items. It didn’t really leave us a battery drawer. We felt like we had a ton of space, but we had to reinvent how we were putting a lot of things together. We used to have two toolboxes that held everything; this toolbox has more than enough space for what we needed. But we did need some space for some of our larger stuff, so we decided to utilize a side Locker.
Why a Side Locker?
I’ve never had a side Locker before and let me tell you, it is kick-ass. If you don’t have a side Locker, check them out. You can make them fit just about any toolbox. This one attaches with a plate on the bottom of the toolbox, and it can go on either side. There are two bolts that hold the plate up, and when you push the side Locker up against the toolbox, there are six bolts that thread into the toolbox. Tighten those, and this guy is in place.
Key Features and Specifications
This side Locker weighs about 157 pounds and is made of 19-gauge steel. It has three drawers on the inside, all with ball-bearing slides. The top two drawers have 100-pound slides, while the bottom drawer has two slides, making it a 200-pound drawer.
There are adjustable shelving units in here, and the bottom, which could also mount casters if you wanted, is 14-gauge. When it ships, expect a large box weighing around 257 pounds. The side Locker also has separate locks on the door, independent from the rest of the toolbox.
Power and Storage Solutions
One thing that I have missed immensely from my old Milwaukee toolboxes is the power on the inside. So I tried something out that may or may not work. I took the holes on the side of the unit (which would allow me to bolt the Locker to either side of the toolbox) and ran an extension cord through them. Then I attached a power strip inside the Locker so that I can keep my lights, chargers, and other electric tools in one place.
This bottom drawer is where I’ve been storing some extra batteries, and I’ve also been bringing a lot of my air stuff back for working on tires and other tasks. The side Locker offers a ton of room to put just about anything you need.
Drawer Details
The drawers in the Locker feature a style similar to old-fashioned Craftsman drawers. When you open them, they’ll open full width, but when you close them, there’s a small detent that holds them in place. They’re not soft-close drawers and aren’t as smooth, but they’re definitely decent quality and work well for storing items that won’t be accessed as often as those in the main toolbox.
Finding the Right Side Locker for Your Toolbox
If you watch a lot of YouTube videos, you’ll find that many people go to Harbor Freight to buy a side Locker, then adapt it to fit their toolbox. Prices for these Lockers can vary immensely. Amazon had one for $1,954.07 with free shipping, Acme Tools listed it at $1,756.99, and Production Tool Supplies offered it for a staggering $3,164.00.
However, you can find a suitable side Locker for around $900, and you might not have all the branding labels you’d get if you went with a more expensive option. Extreme Tools also has side Lockers listed on their site for around that price point.
Mounting and Usage Options
You could potentially mount a side Locker on each side of your main toolbox. There are two holes on each side of the toolbox to allow you to mount a handle if you decide to do this. However, I could only fit one side Locker in my workspace due to a gas line and other obstacles, but having another side Locker would undoubtedly be a great option.
Conclusion
In summary, I’m loving the extra room provided by the side Locker. It still needs some organization, but it’s an excellent solution for storing larger items and tools. If you’re looking for more space and practical storage options, a side Locker is an excellent idea. They’re affordable and can be easily mounted to any toolbox you have.
Leave some comments below about your experiences adding extra space to your toolboxes and whether or not you’ve used a side Locker. Give this video a like, and please remember to subscribe to our channel for more great content. Thanks for your time, and have a great day!
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
have you guys looked at dragonfire tool box?
Wonder if this locker would work my 56 us general ?
But they won’t make a hutch 🤦
Wow, just wow! I won one of these from Gearwrench. Insane to see how big it is🤯
Why do all of your tools look so unused?
When you put a extension cord through the hole did you put a grommet in the hole to protect the cord?
Just use a hydraulic punch and make a hole in the locker and put in a magnetic harbor freight power strip in the locker.
That would be pretty epic if one of those batteries blew up… Not sure if I'd store em all together like that
Good video
Love the way the drawers line up with the top box. Such a perfect setup.
As for running power. I'd mount a power bar at the back wall inside the cabinet but I'd leave the door open when charging your batteries just for the sake of ventilation and a possible fire hazard
Looks like a sweet set up. Wish I had the room for that damn. Lol thanks for showing new stuff.
Doesn't look wide enough
I would have found a nice power strip. Cut the male plug off it and then added an aftermarket plug. Then just use double-sided tape to mount the power strip to the back wall of the cabinet. In other words, eliminate the extension cord and just run the cord from the strip through the box holes.
I love that rollaway and great clip! I would like to add a locker on my rollaway, but it's a stainless steel CPSL box (which I love and don't want to part with!) and I can't find anything that would work. Any help from anyone out there would be most appreciated!!!
You'll be fine putting power in the cabinet. I did the same thing in mine
Anything more then $200 for a side locker is expensive.
Anything more. I can make my own out of wood.
Well I'm going to just tell you a second extension cord through a hole it's not a smart idea special on Steel you need to get a plastic grommet and there they got play different styles you can even probably get a strain relief if you want to strain relief cuz I cord overtime will get cut you don't want any accidents usually the standard sizes 7/8 or 22 mm please do something about that four more important news cheers with a beer
I have that craftsman motorcycle jack too Brian!! Lol, that's an awesome side locker, good luck with it bud!!
Love the channel 👍…happy you finally got the side locker. Makes a huge difference. Notice how the drawers in the locker line up with the drawers on the chest? Nice touch. ..those side lockers are by extreme tools, they cost $985. ( except your gearwrench model) ..love my extreme tools 72” cabinet,hutch and 2 side lockers.($4800) 150lb per pair of slides…900lb casters..latch style drawer pulls on all drawers..
You gotta be loving that box right ??
Do you give away some of your other two boxes that you don’t use let me know at bikebuilderman@ Gmail.com
Pretty nice side locker! I like the drawers inside!
My motto is you can never have enough tools, nice tool box and the side cabinet sweet
Very nice but not
Finacially affordable
For me but i like.
Nice set,wish I had the space to fit those
It looks nice! I would add a cable clamp (or at least a grommet) where the extension cord passes through the locker wall. Watch for heat buildup in the locker.