Now I like a cold beverage.........

[CAT_serviceman927]

So I went to Lowe's this morning just to see if I could spot any good deals. What I saw was this:

https://www.kobalttools.com/

Now I like a cold beverage and I love tools, but come on. Do we really need a tool box with built in lights, radio, and refrigerator. And I thought it couldn't get any worse than the Craftsman AXS boxes. I guess Lowe's proved me wrong.

[speed bump]

search function works wonders.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18847&highlight=kobalt+tool+boxes

[Moose-LandTran]

I want to put a VW Gamma radio an 6 CD changer in my toolbox.. :lol:

[Deafautotech]

yeah... it is great for person who want look good in their garage... i would be damn if snap on has made one like that... it sould be stupid!! the toolboxes are mean to be hold or storage the tools or equipments!!

[hamburglar]

LOL, I think that thing is cool.

/start opinion
/professional mechanics, don't read.

Since nearly all hobbyist tool guys, which anything called Kobalt is aimed at, really don't need a huge toolbox anyway, it might as well have a bunch of bells and whistles. The idea of cramming some 800 lb. chest of drawers with stuff you hardly ever use has always cracked me up anyway. I think nearly everyone would be better served with a good quality tool cart (or top box) for wrenches/screwdrivers/sockets and to just keep all the other stuff on a shelf or in a cardboard box somewhere.

I remember doing just fine for years with one of those two drawer Craftsman portable toolboxes complete with raised panel wrenches plus a few power tools. Since, for most amateurs, this tool thing is more about wants than needs, the whole expensive toolbox concept strikes me more as an esthetic than a practical issue.

/end opinion

[rsanter]

its a box for home hobbiest wanna bees

bob

[Moose-LandTran]

Ok, the fridge is overkill. Besides, you want a proper fridge in your garage. Something to hold gallons of drinks.

The radio, to some extent, is a good idea. I always listen to music when i work, as it helps me concentrate. That's why when i get a side locker for my box, i'm going to make a top compartment for my radio and CD changers.

Aside from that, i got a free radio, need to find something to do with it.

[Ducroix]

now the radio isnt a bad idea but a fridge is a little far out there, I like to move my toolbox without having to unplug it

[nissan_crawler]

LOL, I think that thing is cool.

/start opinion
/professional mechanics, don't read.

Since nearly all hobbyist tool guys, which anything called Kobalt is aimed at, really don't need a huge toolbox anyway, it might as well have a bunch of bells and whistles. The idea of cramming some 800 lb. chest of drawers with stuff you hardly ever use has always cracked me up anyway. I think nearly everyone would be better served with a good quality tool cart (or top box) for wrenches/screwdrivers/sockets and to just keep all the other stuff on a shelf or in a cardboard box somewhere.

I remember doing just fine for years with one of those two drawer Craftsman portable toolboxes complete with raised panel wrenches plus a few power tools. Since, for most amateurs, this tool thing is more about wants than needs, the whole expensive toolbox concept strikes me more as an esthetic than a practical issue.

/end opinion

Some of us like to be organized. Cramming a pile of shit in a toolbox isn't organized or practical, and it wastes valuable time, IMHO.

As for the mention of not wanting to unplug it before you move, this is for homeowners that usually never move their box.

[Fedwrench]

The combination may suck but, the individual components have merit. Start with the radio, most techs have some sort of sound system sitting on their tool box. The ones I've seen range from a small portable boom box to an fm or xm receiver and CD with 3 foot speakers. One guy that worked next to me had a small TV between his speakers.
As for the fridge, a small fridge to keep a few cans and snacks cold is a good idea. It gets expensive and time consuming walking to the lounge to use the coke and snack machines. Matco had a promo a few years back where you got a free black Matco logoed mini fridge with a certain purchase. There were more than a few sitting on work bench shelves then.
As for unplugging your tool box to move it, that's what your tool cart is for. How many auto techs actually move their main box regularly?
Think about how many hours a day a tech spends with his toolbox. Since his toolbox is a home for his tools, it only makes since that it also has an entertainment system and sort of kitchen too.:bounce:

[jay50]

now the radio isnt a bad idea but a fridge is a little far out there, I like to move my toolbox without having to unplug it

Next thing will be the sauna with hot and cold running women....:shocking::lol_hitti

[hamburglar]

Think about how many hours a day a tech spends with his toolbox. Since his toolbox is a home for his tools, it only makes since that it also has an entertainment system and sort of kitchen too.:bounce:

Kind of what I was getting at is that a pro wouldn't use that brand of box (I suppose, if nothing else, that it's worth something as a marketing device to have a big-ass Snap On box), and that a hobbyist doesn't need a big box at all. There's normally no need to lock everything up or keep your tools separate from your neighbors.

[eschoendorff]

Ultimate poser box.

[russlaferrera]

This is only the beginning. Wait until they start making drawers that open/close like DVD players, they will be much better than ball bearing. Then they will make them operate by remote/voice activated.

[l_bilyk]

yeah... it is great for person who want look good in their garage... i would be damn if snap on has made one like that... it sould be stupid!! the toolboxes are mean to be hold or storage the tools or equipments!!

Go look at what snap on is doing these days with the lights and stickers.. they are not far off the mark

[spencerian]

Oh, come on... I like the box.
It would work well for me.
Radio, check. I need music.
LED lights in the top lid, check. I like to see what's in my top shelf.
Fridge, check. I have to walk through the rest of the shop to get drinks.

I have been around many mechanics.
Here's what I see in their toolboxes:

tools
broken tools
repair manuals
bolts/nuts/clips that never made it back on the car
radios
food
spare parts


I have yet to see a mechanic that has every drawer filled with tools, and tools only.
I currently have a computer on my top box. It's a small Dell with a small LCD. I use it for Alldata, work records, and music.

[Bigger Hammer]

The idea of cramming some 800 lb. chest of drawers with stuff you hardly ever use has always cracked me up anyway. I think nearly everyone would be better served with a good quality tool cart (or top box) for wrenches/screwdrivers/sockets and to just keep all the other stuff on a shelf or in a cardboard box somewhere.



lol, I'm in that boat too. My wife tried to buy me a stainless rolling chest from Costco. I told her I appreciate the thought, however, I would rather take that cool grand and buy tools with it instead. Even if it meant having to pile them up on a shelf for the time being.....to me it's like spending big bucks on a wallet.

On the flip side....I can totally understand why a professional auto tech would need to have such a beast. (The Snap-On type, not the Kobalt rolling entertainment tool holder.)

[eschoendorff]

I always listen to music when i work, as it helps me concentrate. That's why when i get a side locker for my box, i'm going to make a top compartment for my radio and CD changers.

Aside from that, i got a free radio, need to find something to do with it.

I sometimes listen to music when I'm working in the garage... but being who I am, I tend to really listen to the music and lose my focus on whatever else I was doing.

[dps]

As for the mention of not wanting to unplug it before you move, this is for homeowners that usually never move their box.

You gotta be kidding. I've worked in three different dealerships, and hang out in a fourth, and have NEVER seen a tech move any box unless management forced them for the annual cleaning and repainting of the floor.

I don't get the general put-down of homeowners; even if they're posers. I can just about guaranty that each person here has at least one part of their life that they thoroughly enjoy that a pro in that area could sneer at if he chose to.

[eschoendorff]

You gotta be kidding. I've worked in three different dealerships, and hang out in a fourth, and have NEVER seen a tech move any box unless management forced them for the annual cleaning and repainting of the floor.

I don't get the general put-down of homeowners; even if they're posers. I can just about guaranty that each person here has at least one part of their life that they thoroughly enjoy that a pro in that area could sneer at if he chose to.
Or, in my case, hundreds...:lol_hitti

[nissan_crawler]

Kind of what I was getting at is that a pro wouldn't use that brand of box (I suppose, if nothing else, that it's worth something as a marketing device to have a big-ass Snap On box), and that a hobbyist doesn't need a big box at all. There's normally no need to lock everything up or keep your tools separate from your neighbors.

I've seen several Kobalt boxes used by professionals, and many hobbyists need big boxes, also.

You gotta be kidding. I've worked in three different dealerships, and hang out in a fourth, and have NEVER seen a tech move any box unless management forced them for the annual cleaning and repainting of the floor.

I don't get the general put-down of homeowners; even if they're posers. I can just about guaranty that each person here has at least one part of their life that they thoroughly enjoy that a pro in that area could sneer at if he chose to.


I'll tell you right now, EVERY mechanic at work moves their box every day they work, and that's 500 mechanics. So yes, mechanics boxes do get moved. Our shop is about 1/4 mile long. My toolbox has made the trek many times.

I don't know how in the hell you got the idea that was a put down to homeowners. Most homeowners boxes I've seen have a spot in the garage where the toolbox stays. Hence, having it plugged in is no big deal.

[Moose-LandTran]

You gotta be kidding. I've worked in three different dealerships, and hang out in a fourth, and have NEVER seen a tech move any box unless management forced them for the annual cleaning and repainting of the floor.

I move mine every day. Between the stockroom (where it lives locked up overnight) to the spot it usually lives during the day, next the lift. If i'm doing a big job that's not on the lift, i move the box next to where i'll be working so i don't have to keep going back and forth.

If you work in a dealership/workshop where you're allocated a bay and the box is safe in its place overnight, then there's no reason to move it.

[eschoendorff]

I've seen several Kobalt boxes used by professionals, and many hobbyists need big boxes, also.




I'll tell you right now, EVERY mechanic at work moves their box every day they work, and that's 500 mechanics. So yes, mechanics boxes do get moved. Our shop is about 1/4 mile long. My toolbox has made the trek many times.

I don't know how in the hell you got the idea that was a put down to homeowners. Most homeowners boxes I've seen have a spot in the garage where the toolbox stays. Hence, having it plugged in is no big deal.

Yeah, but you have to remember - you are a mechanic in a very different environment than the traditional auto mechanic....

In any case... most of us will probably not move our boxes very often. For all the other garage posers like me, a cheap box will suffice... until a REALLY GREAT deal on a Snap On box comes along... :D

[a390st]

When you work in your own bay every day with your lift right in the middle of it, there is very little need to move a cart. It was a little different situation where I worked, but I moved mine less than once a year at my old shop. I had a tool cart that I would put tools on when I moved around, but there was never any reason to move the box.

[Moose-LandTran]

Before i bought my Snap-on box i had a 26" top box and a 22" cantilever box that lived on my cart. That was most of my tools, so it was easy moving it all around. In the last shop i had the same setup but with two 22" cantilever boxes.

If i had my own bay and lift i'd only have the cart to put tools and stuff on literally right next to me. I don't even use it much now.

[SpiderGearsMan]

I move mine every day. Between the stockroom (where it lives locked up overnight) to the spot it usually lives during the day, next the lift. If i'm doing a big job that's not on the lift, i move the box next to where i'll be working so i don't have to keep going back and forth.

If you work in a dealership/workshop where you're allocated a bay and the box is safe in its place overnight, then there's no reason to move it.

but you work on aircraft
not the same deal as an auto shop
we get to flat rate and sell flushes

[SpiderGearsMan]

one guy thought my side cab was a refrigerator
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k251/ynoham/S5030431-1.jpg

[Moose-LandTran]

No, i work on VW-Audi Group cars and maintain a fleet of rental and leased cars/vans.

I get the same amount each week, regardless of how much work i do. I also do private jobs and work evening/weekends.

[SpiderGearsMan]

sorry , meant to quote nissan crawler -hee hee
you work on 9 irons

[Moose-LandTran]

No, i work on these:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/Golf%20Doktor/24062008074.jpg

[SpiderGearsMan]

GOLF REPAIR -just having fun

[hamburglar]

No, i work on VW-Audi Group cars and maintain a fleet of rental and leased cars/vans.

I get the same amount each week, regardless of how much work i do. I also do private jobs and work evening/weekends.


Do you have a crate of door latches somewhere or did they improve that?

Not to pick on VW especially (you just reminded of it) but that strikes me as a curious example about modern cars. I swear I would rather have a 1987 16V GTI than a new one...probaby 1/2 the manufacturing cost and 2/3 of the 'road hugging' weight (apologies to Pontiac).

[Moose-LandTran]

Do you have a crate of door latches somewhere or did they improve that?

I have bits of door lock all over the office and stock room.. And a complete MK IV tialgate lock mechanism and complete MK V door lock mechanism too..

In South Africa, you can buy a brand new MK II GTI. They're still in production there.

[hamburglar]

I have bits of door lock all over the office and stock room.. And a complete MK IV tialgate lock mechanism and complete MK V door lock mechanism too..

In South Africa, you can buy a brand new MK II GTI. They're still in production there.

Really? That's kind of cool.

I wonder if I could order a Harlequin model MK II Golf Rallye from SA?

[Moose-LandTran]

I'll ask my friend if they still make the Harlequins. I know they still make MK IIs, and apparently the MK IV is the "new" Golf over there.

[nissan_crawler]

but you work on aircraft
not the same deal as an auto shop
we get to flat rate and sell flushes

Agreed. However, nobody was talking about a specific kind of mechanic. I was just pointing out that saying "professionals don't move their boxes" is a little ignorant, when a shop of 500 move them all the time. Personally, more professionals I know (including auto mechanics) move their boxes more than homeowners do. Hell, my home box hasn't moved since I pulled it out of the crate and pushed it into place 6 months ago.

[speed bump]

My box at home moves more than my box at work. The only times the boxes at work move is when we have to get behind them, my home box top box tends to like to ride in the truck so I don't have to deal with other peoples tools.

[SpiderGearsMan]

Al's toolbox never moved for 30 years
with above ground lifts there is no place to go

[Moose-LandTran]

Proof they do move (sometimes!):

Usual home, by the lift.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/Golf%20Doktor/30072008104.jpg

Next to my long-term project.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/Golf%20Doktor/29072008101.jpg

I would use the cart more often, but we tend to keep all the "in progress" cars right up and around the lift, otherwise we park them further down "Golf Doktor Alley". :)

[billymade]

Here is some info on the South African Gold "R" line; still old school style!


http://www.vw.co.za/models/citi/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Citi
http://www.araba.ws/araba/userpics/2007-Volkswagen-Citi-R-Line-Reborn-GTI-for-South-Africa-A-640%7E0.jpeg
http://paultan.org/archives/2007/03/03/volkswagen-golf-gti-mk1-reincarnated-presenting-the-volkswagen-citigolf-18ir/

[dps]

okay Moose, I'm not gonna tell you how pretty that box is anymore until the long-awaited screwdriver tour...

[Moose-LandTran]

I was thinking about that yesterday, but i figure i'll hold off the tour until all my screwdrivers are here, and they're all laid out perfectly.

Don't worry, i'm as keen to show them off as you are to see them! :lol:

[Charles (in GA)]

lol, I'm in that boat too. My wife tried to buy me a stainless rolling chest from Costco. I told her I appreciate the thought, however, I would rather take that cool grand and buy tools with it instead. Even if it meant having to pile them up on a shelf for the time being.....to me it's like spending big bucks on a wallet.

On the flip side....I can totally understand why a professional auto tech would need to have such a beast. (The Snap-On type, not the Kobalt rolling entertainment tool holder.)

Its kinda like a gun collector that spends money on the toys, but doesn't want to spend the money on a gunsafe to keep them in.

I wished I could say that my box only weighed 800 lbs. I've thought about rolling it to the loading dock to actually weigh it, but I might not want to know what I'm pushing/towing around the hangar at work, I'm sure its well over a grand, and that is lightweight compared to most auto tech boxes.

Charles

[hamburglar]

Its kinda like a gun collector that spends money on the toys, but doesn't want to spend the money on a gunsafe to keep them in.

I wished I could say that my box only weighed 800 lbs. I've thought about rolling it to the loading dock to actually weigh it, but I might not want to know what I'm pushing/towing around the hangar at work, I'm sure its well over a grand, and that is lightweight compared to most auto tech boxes.

Charles

In my mind, gunsafe = rust unless you go to some trouble.

If you're pushing a half ton around in a hangar, I expect you're solving a problem that the amateurs rarely have...namely portability of the whole shebang plus the ability to lock up everything.

The whole giant toolbox vs. no giant toolbox issue for home garages is probably best left to another thread, but honestly I can't see the point of spending $500 /drawer to squirrel away things (tap and die sets, corded drills, etc. etc.) that I rarely use. Even if I felt the need to have a heavy things on wheels, I'd rather have multiple smaller ones.

For the home guys, I'd say that it usually just boils down more to esthetics than reality since a couple of Rubbermaid containers + a road chest would do just about as well for practically everybody.

[Rockwieser]

So I went to Lowe's this morning just to see if I could spot any good deals. What I saw was this:

https://www.kobalttools.com/

Now I like a cold beverage and I love tools, but come on. Do we really need a tool box with built in lights, radio, and refrigerator. And I thought it couldn't get any worse than the Craftsman AXS boxes. I guess Lowe's proved me wrong.

come on now...if I had the money I would buy it. I plan to put my little college fridge in the garage anyway as well as an AC window unit.:bounce:

[MarkH]

There is always a marketer out there looking to part a fool and their money.

I will go with my separate fridge, if it blows I do not have to look for anything special to replace it, my separate TV, if it blows I do not have to look for anything special to replace it, my separate stereo if part of it blows no special parts to replace. I have seen so many things like this a few years old with parts that do not work and you cannot find the replacement or it is so costly you do not get it.

So reliable plain vanilla for me. I have reached the point that reliability and maintainability trumps lookin' cool or whatever it is called now.

We also move boxes. The Snap on TUG may be the way we end up going pushing boxes around with Bobcats in not easy on them.

[SpiderGearsMan]

Proof they do move (sometimes!):

Usual home, by the lift.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/Golf%20Doktor/30072008104.jpg

Next to my long-term project.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/Golf%20Doktor/29072008101.jpg

I would use the cart more often, but we tend to keep all the "in progress" cars right up and around the lift, otherwise we park them further down "Golf Doktor Alley". :)

is that a real shop , or do you rent fifty spaces in urban car park ?

[Moose-LandTran]

Is it a real shop. In the corner of an underground car park.