Latest Harbor Freight Tool Challenge

[bmrisko]

I think it was. He delivered it in disguise, though. I guess he was being ironic.

So, with that logic (which some people have), if I buy the clubs that Phil Mickelson has, I will ultimately be able to walk on a golf course and be just as good. Wow...some people's logic defies me sometimes!

 

[CGarcia]

I hAve the hf box, and really like it. I have to mention, I was reading the thread that was posted about someones SO box that fell over, and there was a lot of debate, and someone said that a cheaper box would of exploded, but the owner of the so box wants it replaced because it unusable and maybe unsafe from the damage. So it makes one wonder, what is the point in spending so much on a SO box. I like quality, but it's hard to justify

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

So, with that logic (which some people have), if I buy the clubs that Phil Mickelson has, I will ultimately be able to walk on a golf course and be just as good. Wow...some people's logic defies me sometimes!

You know, I bought some kind of German knives and some really expensive cookware for my wife last year at Christmas. Don't ask the brand because I don't care. I do know that they would pay for a lot of tools. She's always been a great cook, but for some reason when I use them, I still can't cook like a chef? Craziness.

 

[mrholeshot]

SO boxes DO NOT hold their value.

Let's do some math:

New SO box - $2600
Est. value after a couple years - $1300 best case. (see CL)
Depreciation $1300

HF Box - $400
Est. value after a couple years - $100
Depreciation - $300

There are reasons to get the SO box but holding their value is not one of them.

I picked up a set of Snap-On 650/655 combo for 450 dollars in nice shape. It came with a HF side box. So so much for the resale value. I run across Snap-On and Other truck brands all the time for little to nothing. Easy credit is what sells Snap-On, MAC, Cornwell, Matco boxes. If it wasn't for that they would be a rare find. If everybody had to dig out all the cash at once most techs would own a Craftsman or HF box.

I have no idea where you get your resale values from. I had two of the HF boxes in my shop when closed it. I had 330 in each box. I had no problem getting 200 a peice for them and that was after 3 years of use and to a good friend that I cut a deal.

Just because you see a box on CL listed at 1300 doesn't mean thats whhat it sells for. I bought a MAC Tech 1000 that was listed on CL for 1200 dollars and took it home for 500. I sold it to one of my techs for 1000 dollars at 30 dollars a week from his check.

I have already sold the HF sidebox off the boxes I just got for 100 dollars to my son. They cost 199 new or 160 with a 20% coupon.

My Macsimizer takes up a lot of room in my garage, It's 96 inches long and 29 inches deep. Because I have retired I have given much consideration into downsizing my boxes because I don't need near as many tools, I now have 4 sets of tool boxes in my 26X32 garage. I asked a dealer how much he would be willing to spend to buy my Macsimizer. 2500 dollars which is less than 1/4 the value they cost new. he would sell them on credit for 5000 dollars. I just decided to keep them and look at them. It's not just about the % of what you paided but how much you lose in cash value. Even if you did manage to find someone to give you 1300 dollars for the box You lost 1300 dollars over 3 years. It cost you 325 dollars per year to store your tools. With the HF box if you paid 350 for it and used it for 3 years and you sold it for 100 dollars(you would have people beating down your door at that price) you paid 250 dollar to store your tools over three years at 83 dollars per year. Realisticly you could get 200 for a used HF 41 inch box easier that 1300 for the used Snap-On in a cash sale. That would be 50 dollars per year.

Despite the fact that HF boxes are imported and the others are made in the US you do the economy more good by spending your money in other places than the tool truck. For what the payment cost on a nice mega dollar tool box you can buy a new American built truck. That keeps a lot more Americans in a job buying tires, oil filters, service department, dealerships, aftermarket parts, brake pads, etc than just the tool man and box builder. While I enjoy having a nice box and Ive already been down this road from floor sweeper to garage owner and everything inbetween I know the one plce that I've really screwed up was buying tool boxes every year or two. I've been making payment to tool men longer than morgage companies.

Maybe just maybe the influx of nice toolboxes out of Asia will drive down the price of toolboxes from the Big 4. The big 4 have gotten out of control on tool box prices. I think they need to be knocked off their pedestal and put into the real world. No tool box is worth 30,000 dollars but they are getting common.

 

[mjozefow]

Will anyone be restoring HF boxes in 50 years?

The SO boxes are better, it is all a matter of price point. I'm not a fan of how flimsy the HF box feels anyway. It is adequate, but does not give that feeling of confidence.

Id go Masterforce if I were in the market for a cheaper box I think.

 

[mrholeshot]

You're absolutely right, I've always told my wife that when she goes to the dealership for service make sure to check out the tech's individual bay where her car will be worked on and only allow them to work on it if that tech has a Snap-On toolbox and tools. Because ultimately that determines if the job gets done correctly!

That makes about as much sence as not going to a concert unless the lead guitarist is playing a Gibson guitar because thats what ultimately determines how good the Music will be. The guitar means nothing if you don't play well and a really great player could get it done on a well tuned Korean Sammick. If she ask a Tech to see his tools she may not come home,

 

[mrholeshot]

Will anyone be restoring HF boxes in 50 years?

The SO boxes are better, it is all a matter of price point. I'm not a fan of how flimsy the HF box feels anyway. It is adequate, but does not give that feeling of confidence.

Id go Masterforce if I were in the market for a cheaper box I think.

We won't know that for 50 years. Who would have thought 40 years ago that Made In Japan Gibson Knock off guitars would bring big money.

No doubt the Snap-On is built better. The HF 41 inch box is anything but flimsy. It feels as Solid as the Snap-on as far as structure and drawers.

I'm seriously considering taking one and taking all the red wrinkle paint off and doing a nice custom paint job on one.

Who would have thought 70 years ago that people would be restoring Craftsman boxes? I can remember 40 years ago people were tossing Craftsman tool boxes in the trash dump because the casters were bad and drawer slides were worn.

 

[johnny1290]

Some people buy a porsche to drive to work, some people drive a used Isuzu Rodeo, in my case heh heh both get you to work, one depreciates less than the other, but damn one is sure prettier than the other!

Nothing wrong with driving a Porsche, if you can afford it.

Me? I buy used. I have a top and bottom snapon from the 70's that could use some paint and love but it works fine, cost $170, and most importantly was convenient to pickup when I had my rental truck.

If I were a pro, I'd buy cheap boxes till I'd been doing it a decade or two, then decide if I could afford maybe a nice used snapon box.

In the meantime why not the HF box if it holds enough tools and doesn't buckle and the drawers still open easily? I took a quick look at them the other day, they seemed nice enough to me, and better than the cheapie craftsman ones.

EDIT: I read one thread where someone put snapon logos on their box. I thought that was the funnniest thing ever. Way to go!

Oh, and Im still not sure if that guy was kidding about the 'look for snapon tools when you get your car fixed' thing.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

It is adequate, but does not give that feeling of confidence.

Haha, I don't know if "confidence" is worth thousands to me. I'm confident it will hold tools, which it what it was built to do.

 

[Stephenw]

You could store your tools in a cardboard box, something from Harbor Freight, or a high end Snap-on.

All will get the job done.

Do you want to take the bus to work? Would you rather drive a Yugo? If you could afford it, would you drive a Ferrari?

Anyone who says a Harbor Freight box is almost as good as Snap-on is kidding himself.

I have a KRL1003. Is it worth the money? You have to decide if you want to take the bus or drive a Ferrari.

 

[mrholeshot]

Do you want to take the bus to work? Would you rather drive a Yugo? If you could afford it, would you drive a Ferrari?

.

No I wouldn't drive the Ferrari Not even if I could afford it. At one time I could have (not now) afforded a Ferrari or about anything else for that matter. I drove my 95 Chevy W/T shop truck 30 miles each way everyday. I'm not saying the Snap-On boxes arn't nice. Ive been on the buying end of them all my life. From experiance I can say there are better ways to spend your money. It all depends on your wants and what you can afford. The HF boxes give the young tech, homeowner or even a pro the ability to buy a set of boxes at a good price without owing your soul to the tool man

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I'm seriously considering taking one and taking all the red wrinkle paint off and doing a nice custom paint job on one.

That is my next project when I get some time. Dismantle the entire box, media blast, maybe some Bondo, primer, paint, and clear coat. I have some paint scheme ideas in mind, but I keeping them to myself for now. LOL.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Harbor freight has two lines of toolboxes. The cheaper line has a crinkle finish to it. These US General ones have a kind of eggshell finish. It's not a gloss, but it's not a textured paint, either. It's also not the fire engine red that you'd expect it to be. It's got a little more of a pinkish red hue to it.

I painted mine to match my Craftsman boxes. I used satin black on the drawers and gloss red on the rest. The nice thing about the lack of sheen on the Harbor Freight boxes is that it makes it easier to repaint.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Will anyone be restoring HF boxes in 50 years?

There are those of us who don't see the value of restoring a 50 year old snap-on box either, other than for simply having something to to.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

SO boxes DO NOT hold their value.

Let's do some math:

New SO box - $2600
Est. value after a couple years - $1300 best case. (see CL)
Depreciation $1300

HF Box - $400
Est. value after a couple years - $100
Depreciation - $300

There are reasons to get the SO box but holding their value is not one of them.

So the Snap-on depreciated by 50% while the HF depreciated by 75%. There, the Snap-on holds its value better.

It's easy to put a spin on just about anything.

 

[Bull]

I have a KRL1003. Is it worth the money? You have to decide if you want to take the bus or drive a Ferrari.

I dunno about this analogy. I mean, driving a Ferrari is an entirely different dynamic experience than riding a public bus. But, all toolboxes sit there and hold tools, for the most part. The only dynamic part of the process is opening and closing the drawers, which might very well be light years ahead on a SO, I would not know.

 

[wbclassics]

This made me laugh. A lot.

It was a joke right?

Yes, it was. I was hoping that the sheer absurdity of what I was suggesting would have been enough to get the point across...

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I dunno about this analogy. I mean, driving a Ferrari is an entirely different dynamic experience than riding a public bus. But, all toolboxes sit there and hold tools, for the most part. The only dynamic part of the process is opening and closing the drawers, which might very well be light years ahead on a SO, I would not know.

Gotta agree here. I doubt anyone gets an adrenaline surge from opening and closing the drawers on a Snap On box every day. If you do, go get an exam.

I would compare it more to a pair of jeans. A cheaper brand will cover your *** just the same as anything. Why spend the money on Abercrombie or whatever the kids wear these days? For the name? Maybe they use slightly better materials or look slightly better?

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

Yes, it was. I was hoping that the sheer absurdity of what I was suggesting would have been enough to get the point across...

Wouldn't surprise me for some one to say that and not be joking around here sometimes...

 

[Torq'er]

SO boxes DO NOT hold their value.

Let's do some math:

New SO box - $2600
Est. value after a couple years - $1300 best case. (see CL)
Depreciation $1300

HF Box - $400
Est. value after a couple years - $100
Depreciation - $300

There are reasons to get the SO box but holding their value is not one of them.

I bought two of the red HF 5-drawer tool carts two years ago for $160 each.
Listed one on CL last week for $125 obo, and had 6 responses within 45 minutes.
I responded to everyone that called that the first person to show up with $125 took it, and within an hour of listing it I had $125 cash in hand.

That box was always loaded heavy and the drawer sildes worked as good the day it left as the day I got it.
Rolled it through a dirt/gravel lot almost daily, up and down the trailer ramp every weekend, and shaken lake mad while riding in the trailer to and from races and service calls.
Solid as a rock - never had to re-tighten a fastener.

Good as new after two years of rugged use, and no reason to believe it wouldn't continue to do the job flawlessly for many years to come.

My Matco 4s two-bay is a great box, but I got it from the dealer as a repo and it definitely didn't hold it's value for the previous owner.
You wouldn't believe me if I told you how much I paid, but he lost well over $3k on a $4k box that was less then three months old.

Quality and value are two different things, and people confuse the two more often then not.

 

[Torq'er]

And I didn't mean to imply anything in regard to Davefr's use of the word value.
I just quoted him to show that based on my experience, I believe the HF boxes will hold their value much better then most peoples perception.

Sorry for any confusion Dave.

 

[expatriated]

Who's the member that tests the HF stuff? Like the HF vs CMan ratchet thread.

Get him on this one. Someone donate each one of these boxes and have him fill each drawer full of Merk's girlfriends until it gives. Then we'll know which one is better and we can put an end to this theoretical debate about whether a Rolex is better than a Timex...

 

[1969]

Does anyone dare to guess what is about to happen to this thread ? Oh well, maybe I'm wrong.

 

[jeepnut24]

Snap On has LIFETIME warranty, is made in AMERICA which means allot if you are american, they have a high resale value, you can trade them in just like cars, and if someone sees a technician with a Snap On tool box and tools they feel that the person is a professional, yes you buy the name but you also buy the respect, its like a club in a way, you are in or your not. And the biggie is that you can finance a Snap On box.

How is being able to finance a good thing... That just means they aren't affordable to begin with. A lot of us could finance a porsche or high end house, doesn't mean we should...

 

[jeepnut24]

Will anyone be restoring HF boxes in 50 years?

If it was passed on from a father or grandfather someone will. I would bet good money people said the same thing about tool boxes 50 years ago.... Then again, 50 years ago people probably saw them more as a box to hold tools rather than an investment....

 

[Bull]

Does anyone dare to guess what is about to happen to this thread ? Oh well, maybe I'm wrong.

Do you think it's out of hand? Ryan's the boss, so if he does, then I will defer to his judgment.

But I don't see any drama in here, or people being jerks to each other. Just looks like folks talking, to me

 

[1969]

No , I don't think it's out of hand......... just seems like it's back to the SO vs HF deal.

 

[SLAUGHTERHAUS FAB]

How is being able to finance a good thing... That just means they aren't affordable to begin with. A lot of us could finance a porsche or high end house, doesn't mean we should...

For me being able to finance was a good thing because at the time I bought mine I needed an upgrade, it needed to be big and professional.There was no way I could have bought anything up front that met the requirements but I could make weekly payments. I wouldn't have even been able to buy a harbor freight at that time. It worked out well for a poor college kid getting ready to enter the field of auto repair.

 

[mrholeshot]

Who's the member that tests the HF stuff? Like the HF vs CMan ratchet thread.

Get him on this one. Someone donate each one of these boxes and have him fill each drawer full of Merk's girlfriends until it gives. Then we'll know which one is better and we can put an end to this theoretical debate about whether a Rolex is better than a Timex...

That was me and in reality I've actually tested the boxes. I owned two of the HF boxes in a rugged Professional enviroment for 3 years. The were fully loaded (41 inch bottom box) and they got rolled all over the shop, everyday. They took the abuse more than my Macsimizer(never moved, drawers not slammed very often) and held up very well. In three years time I never had a problem or failure. Are they as nice as Snap-On? No They do however offer a very solid value for very little money. I thought enough of them that when I closed down my shop I bought a new set (top, bottom and full lenght side) so I could narrow down my tools to a serious hobby level. When I can sell my Macsimizer for somewhere close to it's worth I'll do so but that doesn't seem to be the case as of right now. I may sell it to one of my sons who are auto techs. I have all confidence the HF box will do me great. If I didn't I wouldn't have bought the 3rd one. The fact that buying the roll Cab, Top Box and two full length side cabs for under 850 dollars is just icing on the cake.

Is a Rolex netter than a Timex? Yes But both keep great time. I wish when I started out that there were values like this.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

OK guys,

I have stayed out of this "debate" until now but this is starting to get stupid. I don't care if you are in the "buy American" crowd or the "Chinese is cheaper" crowd. It makes no difference if you like Harbor Freight or if you like Snap-on. No one cares if you like crinkle paint or smooth or stainless steel.

If the person buying tools or tool boxes or cars, TV's, radios or ANYTHING else wants to buy it, it is THEIR money to spend as they see fit. Whether you think they are throwing money away or putting Americans out of work, it is THEIR choice THEIR money, THEIR decision and THEY will live with the consequences.

If you don't like the choices a person makes, keep it to yourself. If someone comes on here and asks an opinion about a tool or a box, load up your guns and come out shooting. If someone comes on here and shows something they just bought, be proud for them. They are doing the best they can in THEIR situation and are happy with the choice they made. Don't belittle them for wasting money buying a "pro" tool or for buying "HF junk".

Each of us will have our own idea of "value" and this will vary for some and be cast in stone for others. If you disagree with their choice, keep it to yourself unless they ask for an opinion. I have some very nice tools and boxes because I WANTED to buy them. Not for an investment, or because I'm a pro or even that I'm stupid (my wife would chime in on that...). I enjoy having and owning nice things (including my guns) and will buy them despite anyone else's opinion of whether it is "smart" or not.

I also have things from HF that are one off tools that will never be used again. I own a blast cabinet and parts washer from there that do just as nice a job (once fixed) as tools costing 3 times as much. I tend to go cheap where the tool is not a hand tool or a safety item. If I need to handle them, I like a nicer quality (to my point of view) tool to hold in my hands. Note that this is MY opinion and in MY GARAGE, my opinion is the ONLY one that counts.

Your garage, your rules, my garage, my rules. How about we return to the spirit of this board and get back to talking about USING the tools instead of arguing about where they come from or what they are stored in?

 

[Bull]

I really don't see this as an argument. Is anyone getting hot under the collar?

The thread did start as a comparison from an ad, stacking these brands one against the other. So I don't think the thread has really become anything that it didn't start out to be.

 

[expatriated]

That was me and in reality I've actually tested the boxes. I owned two of the HF boxes in a rugged Professional enviroment for 3 years. The were fully loaded (41 inch bottom box) and they got rolled all over the shop, everyday. They took the abuse more than my Macsimizer(never moved, drawers not slammed very often) and held up very well. In three years time I never had a problem or failure. Are they as nice as Snap-On? No They do however offer a very solid value for very little money. I thought enough of them that when I closed down my shop I bought a new set (top, bottom and full lenght side) so I could narrow down my tools to a serious hobby level. When I can sell my Macsimizer for somewhere close to it's worth I'll do so but that doesn't seem to be the case as of right now. I may sell it to one of my sons who are auto techs. I have all confidence the HF box will do me great. If I didn't I wouldn't have bought the 3rd one. The fact that buying the roll Cab, Top Box and two full length side cabs for under 850 dollars is just icing on the cake.

Is a Rolex netter than a Timex? Yes But both keep great time. I wish when I started out that there were values like this.

I've appreciated your comparison tests alot. I hope to see more in the future.

And I wasn't implying a Rolex is better than a Timex. I personally don't think they are but I won't argue with someone's $5k block of Swiss steel on their wrist if they paid their money for it.

I agree with Georgia--your money, then spend it like you want.

 

[King Bojack]

If it was passed on from a father or grandfather someone will. I would bet good money people said the same thing about tool boxes 50 years ago.... Then again, 50 years ago people probably saw them more as a box to hold tools rather than an investment....

It's hard to say exactly what will happen in 50 years. HF might have grown into a formidable tool empire with row after row of tools that SO quality or whatever for half the price. If that happens you can be assured some one will be restoing classic US General boxes.

Kids used to shove Mickey Mantles in their bike spokes or leave original Millenium Falcons in their sand box. So who knows with HF tools.

 

[nismomans13]

I just really don't get it. I mean i would like a SO box or another uber expensive one, but in reality I don't wrench everyday. Maybe if I did I could appreciate the cost of a truck brand box, but i've seen the 56 and 72in boxes at HF and they feel quite sturdy. Hell they feel much more sturdy than my Cman 41in top and bottom box.

As for the SO or whatever gives the illusion of a professional, thats all it is, an illusion. I've seen guys roll into the race track with 150k Porsches, and get their *** handed to them by a guy in a 5000 dollar civic. Tool brand means nothing, as long at it works is all that matters.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

OK guys,

I have stayed out of this "debate" until now but this is starting to get stupid. I don't care if you are in the "buy American" crowd or the "Chinese is cheaper" crowd. It makes no difference if you like Harbor Freight or if you like Snap-on. No one cares if you like crinkle paint or smooth or stainless steel.

If the person buying tools or tool boxes or cars, TV's, radios or ANYTHING else wants to buy it, it is THEIR money to spend as they see fit. Whether you think they are throwing money away or putting Americans out of work, it is THEIR choice THEIR money, THEIR decision and THEY will live with the consequences.

If you don't like the choices a person makes, keep it to yourself. If someone comes on here and asks an opinion about a tool or a box, load up your guns and come out shooting. If someone comes on here and shows something they just bought, be proud for them. They are doing the best they can in THEIR situation and are happy with the choice they made. Don't belittle them for wasting money buying a "pro" tool or for buying "HF junk".

Each of us will have our own idea of "value" and this will vary for some and be cast in stone for others. If you disagree with their choice, keep it to yourself unless they ask for an opinion. I have some very nice tools and boxes because I WANTED to buy them. Not for an investment, or because I'm a pro or even that I'm stupid (my wife would chime in on that...). I enjoy having and owning nice things (including my guns) and will buy them despite anyone else's opinion of whether it is "smart" or not.

I also have things from HF that are one off tools that will never be used again. I own a blast cabinet and parts washer from there that do just as nice a job (once fixed) as tools costing 3 times as much. I tend to go cheap where the tool is not a hand tool or a safety item. If I need to handle them, I like a nicer quality (to my point of view) tool to hold in my hands. Note that this is MY opinion and in MY GARAGE, my opinion is the ONLY one that counts.

Your garage, your rules, my garage, my rules. How about we return to the spirit of this board and get back to talking about USING the tools instead of arguing about where they come from or what they are stored in?

Wow. Take a breath and calm yourself. I didn't see where anyone called anybody stupid for liking either or said you should spend your money in any way. I don't care how people do a lot of things, but I will give my opinion on this DISCUSSION forum all day. I also come here to see others' opinions on tools that I may or may not want to buy. That doesn't mean I'm only going to buy what everyone else likes. I wouldn't have mostly CMan stuff if that were the case. Why else are we all here if not to talk about tools. It isn't getting out of hand at all. Have you ever worked on a car with your buddies? I don't know how you are, but my friends and I talk and BS when we are in the garage. Hell we do that when we are "working" too.

Can we talk about tools and tool boxes now?

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

OK guys,

I have stayed out of this "debate" until now but this is starting to get stupid. I don't care if you are in the "buy American" crowd or the "Chinese is cheaper" crowd. It makes no difference if you like Harbor Freight or if you like Snap-on. No one cares if you like crinkle paint or smooth or stainless steel.

If the person buying tools or tool boxes or cars, TV's, radios or ANYTHING else wants to buy it, it is THEIR money to spend as they see fit. Whether you think they are throwing money away or putting Americans out of work, it is THEIR choice THEIR money, THEIR decision and THEY will live with the consequences.

If you don't like the choices a person makes, keep it to yourself. If someone comes on here and asks an opinion about a tool or a box, load up your guns and come out shooting. If someone comes on here and shows something they just bought, be proud for them. They are doing the best they can in THEIR situation and are happy with the choice they made. Don't belittle them for wasting money buying a "pro" tool or for buying "HF junk".

Each of us will have our own idea of "value" and this will vary for some and be cast in stone for others. If you disagree with their choice, keep it to yourself unless they ask for an opinion. I have some very nice tools and boxes because I WANTED to buy them. Not for an investment, or because I'm a pro or even that I'm stupid (my wife would chime in on that...). I enjoy having and owning nice things (including my guns) and will buy them despite anyone else's opinion of whether it is "smart" or not.

I also have things from HF that are one off tools that will never be used again. I own a blast cabinet and parts washer from there that do just as nice a job (once fixed) as tools costing 3 times as much. I tend to go cheap where the tool is not a hand tool or a safety item. If I need to handle them, I like a nicer quality (to my point of view) tool to hold in my hands. Note that this is MY opinion and in MY GARAGE, my opinion is the ONLY one that counts.

Your garage, your rules, my garage, my rules. How about we return to the spirit of this board and get back to talking about USING the tools instead of arguing about where they come from or what they are stored in?

 

[Vinko]

SO boxes DO NOT hold their value.

Let's do some math:

New SO box - $2600
Est. value after a couple years - $1300 best case. (see CL)
Depreciation $1300

HF Box - $400
Est. value after a couple years - $100
Depreciation - $300

There are reasons to get the SO box but holding their value is not one of them.

It does seem, if CL and Ebay and some of the local ads around here are any indication, that SO definitely hasn't held it's value in this current economy.

I remember when I first started posting here a few years ago, and boxes were still fetching a decent price compared to what they are now. That time seemed to me mark the rumblings of the decline of the used market value for the tool truck boxes.

 

[Vinko]

I picked up a set of Snap-On 650/655 combo for 450 dollars in nice shape. It came with a HF side box. So so much for the resale value. I run across Snap-On and Other truck brands all the time for little to nothing. Easy credit is what sells Snap-On, MAC, Cornwell, Matco boxes. If it wasn't for that they would be a rare find. If everybody had to dig out all the cash at once most techs would own a Craftsman or HF box.

I have no idea where you get your resale values from. I had two of the HF boxes in my shop when closed it. I had 330 in each box. I had no problem getting 200 a peice for them and that was after 3 years of use and to a good friend that I cut a deal.

Just because you see a box on CL listed at 1300 doesn't mean thats whhat it sells for. I bought a MAC Tech 1000 that was listed on CL for 1200 dollars and took it home for 500. I sold it to one of my techs for 1000 dollars at 30 dollars a week from his check.

I have already sold the HF sidebox off the boxes I just got for 100 dollars to my son. They cost 199 new or 160 with a 20% coupon.

My Macsimizer takes up a lot of room in my garage, It's 96 inches long and 29 inches deep. Because I have retired I have given much consideration into downsizing my boxes because I don't need near as many tools, I now have 4 sets of tool boxes in my 26X32 garage. I asked a dealer how much he would be willing to spend to buy my Macsimizer. 2500 dollars which is less than 1/4 the value they cost new. he would sell them on credit for 5000 dollars. I just decided to keep them and look at them. It's not just about the % of what you paided but how much you lose in cash value. Even if you did manage to find someone to give you 1300 dollars for the box You lost 1300 dollars over 3 years. It cost you 325 dollars per year to store your tools. With the HF box if you paid 350 for it and used it for 3 years and you sold it for 100 dollars(you would have people beating down your door at that price) you paid 250 dollar to store your tools over three years at 83 dollars per year. Realisticly you could get 200 for a used HF 41 inch box easier that 1300 for the used Snap-On in a cash sale. That would be 50 dollars per year.

Despite the fact that HF boxes are imported and the others are made in the US you do the economy more good by spending your money in other places than the tool truck. For what the payment cost on a nice mega dollar tool box you can buy a new American built truck. That keeps a lot more Americans in a job buying tires, oil filters, service department, dealerships, aftermarket parts, brake pads, etc than just the tool man and box builder. While I enjoy having a nice box and Ive already been down this road from floor sweeper to garage owner and everything inbetween I know the one plce that I've really screwed up was buying tool boxes every year or two. I've been making payment to tool men longer than morgage companies.

Maybe just maybe the influx of nice toolboxes out of Asia will drive down the price of toolboxes from the Big 4. The big 4 have gotten out of control on tool box prices. I think they need to be knocked off their pedestal and put into the real world. No tool box is worth 30,000 dollars but they are getting common.

This was a great post with a lot of stuff to think about or debate. Agreed that if techs had to cough up the dough, there'd be fewer boxes truck boxes sold, but the whole raison d'etre of the tool truck model is payments. Sears seems to have gotten in the game a while ago with 12 months of interest free payments on boxes.

I don't know if the Big 4 need knocking down or not. They're having a hard enough time as it is. At least their toolmen are. I know SO's stock continues to do well.

I personally don't feel though I have no real evidence 'cept the experience of being involved with Chinese, Taiwanese and American manufacturing for forty years, that the Chinese will ever make as good a box as the Americans. At least on the scale that SO does.

I can see SO and the others restructuring their businesses, maybe even cutting out the toolman at sometime. They already sell a hell of a lot of boxes through industrial and government channels. The little guys who can't afford it, with some exceptions, go to the toolmen.

As for myself, I hate junk, so that's why I didn't want to buy a cheap box. Though I definitely see the financial argument for going with the HF boxes.

 

[Vinko]

Is a Rolex netter than a Timex? Yes But both keep great time. I wish when I started out that there were values like this.

The interesting thing about this analogy is that both Rolex and SO 30-40 years ago were a heck of a lot cheaper in comparison to what they are now.

 

[Rivethead]

I've read this entire thread and imo, both are nice boxes. I'm a starting out tech and have been using my Cman 11 drawer top and bottom box for 2 yrs now. I'm outgrowing it quickly and don't have the 4000 dollars for a SO the tool truck is trying to get me to buy. I'm probably going to go with the HF box and if I do, I'm going to see how many years I can get out of it. It's got a tougher finish, look, and construction compared to my Cman boxes, which i can grab a hold of and flex the metal bare handed. Can't do that with SO and this HF box. What I like about the HF box is that its got a rugged look to it and as i said, is pretty sturdy and constructed well. I would like a SO, because of their warranty, construction, quality, and looks, but I don't have the money to buy one out right and honestly would rather spend my money on other things. Personally, I would be happy with this HF and would not feel that I was settling by any means