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Craftsman aims its V-Series tools at the professional. After spending some time with a socket set and ratcheting wrenches, I can say they are definitely better than the usual Craftsman line and most tools priced to compete. Overall, the line is a huge step in the right direction for a brand that’s been through the wringer over the past couple of decades. What about the toolboxes, though? Today, we’re taking a look at the Craftsman V-Series mobile workstation to see if it, too, ranks a cut above the rest.
On paper, there’s a lot to like about this workstation. It’s big and offers plenty of storage space. It also has a good variety of drawer sizes, providing room for various tools and equipment. It’s built with some sturdy materials and is backed by a pretty solid warranty. Better than all of that, however, is that it’s assembled in the USA. Even if it’s more expensive than what you’d usually pay for Craftsman toolboxes, that alone is worth it for many.
The Bottom Line
| Craftsman V-Series Mobile Workstation | |
|---|---|
| Quality | 9/10 |
| Warranty | 8/10 |
| Value | 7/10 |
| Storage Capacity | 8/10 |
| Overall | 8/10 |
Pros
- Well-built
- Looks great
- Plenty of storage space
- Assembled in USA
- Decent warranty
Cons
- Too big to use as mobile work station in typical garage
- Expensive for the DIYer
The Rundown on Craftsman’s V-Series Mobile Workstation
Before we get into the actual review, let’s get through the specs on this monster. Starting with the size, this Craftsman V-Series mobile workstation measures 63 inches wide and has a 40-inch height. It has a total of 11 drawers, with a variety of widths and depths to help accommodate different tools. It also comes with some liners to keep said tools from sliding around.
Each drawer has a weight capacity of 150-200 pounds, and the unit has a total weight capacity of 3,000 pounds. The locking casters and push handle on the side allow you to move all of that gear around with relative ease, which is where the “mobile” in the name comes from.
The robust nature of the Craftsman V-Series mobile workstation does give confidence in that weight rating. 16-18 gauge steel with I-frame construction is surely beefy enough. The thing is a tank, and even with the ball-bearing drawers fully extended, it feels incredibly sturdy.
Craftsman delivers a nice fit and finish to boost the professional feel. It’s wearing a sleek black exterior with red accents on the drawers. The 2/3-inch thick butcher block top really rounds off that pro-level vibe. It’s also rocking a six-outlet power strip on the side, complete with two USB ports to help it function as the main toolbox in any setting.
As for the part you’ve been waiting for, the retail price of this unit is $1,799.99 and comes with a 10-year limited warranty. That’s a lot for a toolbox for the average DIYer, but it is assembled in the USA. Even if it uses globally sourced parts, that’s a lot better than what we often see with similar workstations and toolboxes in lower price ranges. It’s also worth pointing out that, again, this does target the professional. Comparing it to similar workstations from other pro-grade brands, including Proto, this is actually a great value option for that setting.
Testing the Craftsman V-Series Mobile Workstation
I’ve had the Craftsman V-Series mobile workstation since mid-spring. I’ve taken so long to review it because testing toolboxes is, well, slow. Sure, I could just shake some drawers and make a snap judgment, but I figured it’s best to keep it in rotation for a while and see how it holds up.
Testing this unit has simply been using it as my primary workstation over the duration of several projects. Some of the jobs it’s served me through include the massive Heidts suspension conversions I conducted on my ’69 Charger. It also seen me through countless normal maintenance jobs over the several months it’s been here.
Prior to its arrival, a similar 42-inch Husky workstation served the very same purpose I used this Craftsman for. At the time of purchase, that Husky cost just around $350.00, and I absolutely love it. So much so, that the Craftsman V-Series mobile workstation had a bit of an uphill battle considering the price difference. Even a similar 2000 series with accessories included is roughly half the cost, which is also made in the USA, and that is hard to get around.
That said, the price really is the only complaint I have about it. The quality is worlds apart from the old Husky I have. While that’s definitely a solid piece that I highly recommend to the DIYer on budget, the V-Series model is better in just about every way. The added size is awesome for holding both hand and power tools and some of the diagnostic equipment I like to keep in the shop. The casters also raise this thing 8 inches off the ground, which I take advantage of by keeping my oil catch cans beneath it.
The size is something to be very aware of when purchasing something like this, though. While the wheels do help you with moving it around, it’s still way too big to just drag across a two-bay garage like mine. However, you could easily bump down to a slightly smaller version if mobility is especially important in a relatively tight workspace.
Again, the Craftsman V-Series mobile workstation feels incredibly sturdy. Even after months of use, the drawers still feel tight and operate smoothly. So, the quality is there to back the price. I also really like how the finish is holding up after all this time. I do need to get some sort of topper for the butcher block, though. It’s just too nice for me to toss heavy parts on.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Craftsman V-Series mobile workstation is an awesome entry to the line. It’s also great to see this workstation and other Craftsman toolboxes being assembled in the U.S. While it’d be better to have even more of the manufacturing process here, at least a portion of it is keeping our workforce alive.
Along with the America factor, storage capacity, quality construction, and the warranty are all details I truly appreciate. Pricing is a bit high, but it’s really not bad when you consider production, quality, and who its intended for. That said, you definitely don’t need to buy it for the functional benefits. Again, you can easily go with a 2000 series workstation if you want to save a bit of money. And while my Husky box is no longer available, you can stand to save even more by going with a similar Yukon piece. However, if you want a really quality, pro-level box that’s built here in the USA, the Craftsman V-series mobile workstation is a serious contender.