Used KRA or New US Gen

[daithi]

In the market for a new toolbox. In between wanting the 44" and 56" US Generals. I don't think I quite need the space of a 56" (I also have a 5 drawer cart and would want to add a locker), but the double blank split and only one full length drawer on the 44" put me off when I saw it in person - the drawers are actually not as wide as the 5 drawer cart!

Saw a picture of the new Series 3 boxes and it looks like they have an extra full length drawer which makes the 44" appealing again. No pricing out yet but add 10-15% to the current prices and guesstimate $650 USD (890 CAD) for the 44" or $1000 USD (1465 CAD) 56".

Was browsing Facebook last night and someone's selling a SnapOn single bank 40" box for $900 CAD. It has some scratches and he says there's a dent but I can't make it out from the photo.

Not sure exactly what the model is, there's no sticker in the photos but it looks like a KRA. Does anyone know where the model number might be written? I'm not one to get ***** over the SnapOn badge - just wondering how it would compare to the USG. Not many other options in Canada (and I live pretty rural so 2nd hand market ***** bigtime).

 

[CGarage]

The model will be stamped into the center of the back wall of the box. Look on the box.
Try offering $700. I think the Snap-On boxes are nicer than USG, but I have nothing against USG for the money.

 

[Tynee]

If it looks like this, it's the KRA-4107. I don't know if they still stamp the model # into the back on the newer boxes, or if it's JUST on the sticker, I can't recall.

I have the top box that goes on top of it in a double-bank design, the 4810. I've compared it closely with the USG equivalent, and I'd pay about 50% more for used KRA than I would for the USG. YMMV. I don't NEED to upgrade my bottom box, but if I could find the KRA 4107 for $600 USD or less, I'd buy it and sell the husky I'm in now.

ETA: If it matters, the 4107 is only 18" deep. I understand the new USG is 21-1/2". That extra depth in the drawers can be nice for your longer breaker bars, extensions, ratchets, etc, but I find the wider drawers handle just about all the long items I own in my home garage.

 

[Blackmarket]

I don't know what the warranty policy is on the US G for drawer slides or wheels. But, the Snap On will replace all drawer slides and wheels if they go bad. I've had both replaced on a used box I purchased. Not all the drawers at once, but the lower roller slides broke when my box tipped over once. Food for thought.

 

[cgrutt]

If it looks like this, it's the KRA-4107. I don't know if they still stamp the model # into the back on the newer boxes, or if it's JUST on the sticker, I can't recall.

I have the top box that goes on top of it in a double-bank design, the 4810. I've compared it closely with the USG equivalent, and I'd pay about 50% more for used KRA than I would for the USG. YMMV. I don't NEED to upgrade my bottom box, but if I could find the KRA 4107 for $600 USD or less, I'd buy it and sell the husky I'm in now.

ETA: If it matters, the 4107 is only 18" deep. I understand the new USG is 21-1/2". That extra depth in the drawers can be nice for your longer breaker bars, extensions, ratchets, etc, but I find the wider drawers handle just about all the long items I own in my home garage.

I have that same box in black. IiRC there was a white sticker that had model number etc on it inside box on side. Unfortunately I took off all the ink on sticker while cleaning it up (I think I used denatured alcohol but could have been acetone).

ETA sticker may have been on back or bottom of box, inside below drawer.

 

[cgrutt]

I don't know what the warranty policy is on the US G for drawer slides or wheels. But, the Snap On will replace all drawer slides and wheels if they go bad. I've had both replaced on a used box I purchased. Not all the drawers at once, but the lower roller slides broke when my box tipped over once. Food for thought.

I purchased mine used (top and bottom) and replaced all of the slides. Snap-on charged me for the slides. I think it was about $300. Not sure if they said it was because I wasn't original owner or if it was because the slides on box still worked but I wanted new slides and was OK with paying for them.

 

[Mr_B]

KRA of that era are not that super special, if it close enough to you take a look and if interested enough make an offer .

 

[daithi]

Probably KRA based on the picture. He says there's a dent but can't make it out in the photos

 

[Tynee]

Yeah, I'd say that's a 4107. I'm with whoever said offer him $700CAD and see if he bites. You'll get your money's worth out of that box.

 

[NFH2740]

The KRA will depreciate very little from this point and is higher quality.

Be advised, the toolbox warranty only applies to the original owner.

 

[CGarage]

Probably KRA based on the picture. He says there's a dent but can't make it out in the photos

Go check the drawers and check for internal / underside damage / rust.
Offer 700 Canadian and see what happens. If you are in a rural area, less competition for you and your offer.

 

[Mr_B]

Probably KRA based on the picture. He says there's a dent but can't make it out in the photos

It a KRA4107FPCM .
20" deep 40" wide & 39 to 40" high roughly .
If size/layout works for you and it close enough go take a look & do a deal .
If drawer liners junked and fair few marks dents make your offer reflect that .
Check frame and drawer function/fitment/slides well
It not a KRL box so don't expect mega quality but could be a good value buy if tidy enough and deal can be done .
will hold more resale value over going new HF box which can be sweet if want move to different box setup in the future ...

 

[seber]

I would avoid any KRA model. They are made to compete with store brands. For what they cost, the store brands are a better buy. In any case HF is a better box. Now if you can find a KRL, then you are talking serious quality.

 

[Mr_B]

used at the right price and condition they could be a good buy vs new box store offerings, gives you some more options of layout over the box store offerings .
Certainly never want buy a KRA new but used it can be a good option as box store offerings no longer silly cheap .

 

[daithi]

I would avoid any KRA model. They are made to compete with store brands. For what they cost, the store brands are a better buy. In any case HF is a better box. Now if you can find a KRL, then you are talking serious quality.

Interesting, I've seen this in a few places now. There's 5 guys in my shop (including me).
There's 2 SnapOn guys (one diehard fan and one previously worked at a shop that heavily subsidized everything he bought so why wouldn't he) - both of them have KRAs. I just assumed from reading the KRL was the "best box" that that's what they had but I checked around the shop out of curiosity - lo and behold - KRA's.
The other guys have US General and International (Canadian co, gone out of business).
Then there's me. I have a 21" friction slide, 3 drawer, dented Waterloo. And a 5 drawer cart. Every drawer is overflowing in both. So I need an upgrade but any of the 3 brands I've mentioned above is good enough quality for me.
I often wonder what people are doing to justify spending so much money on toolboxes. No judgement, it's up to the individual what to do with their hard earned $. But I'm starting the trade in my 30s; if a Husky HD or USG lasts 10-12 years and I replace it once halfway through my career with the same I'll come out way ahead of the Snappy guys who drop 10k on a box. Leaves me money to spend on my hobbies and not work.
Anyway the KRA sold (and I'm guessing it went for asking price as he knew I was keen to drive 2 hours at the weekend). So this is all educational.

 

[cgrutt]

As stated above I have the KRA top and bottom and, other than the fact that I wish it were bigger, am pretty happy with it. I agree that the HF would be a better value if purchased new but I bought mine used, for $1,000 and loaded with mostly Snap-on and other truck store tools. Replaced all the slides with new ones from Snap-on and sold off most of the tools that came with it and made back more than I paid for it. So hard to say HF is better than that. I have alot of tools and box is pretty much at or above it's capacity and drawers slide very smoothly. I can rack them side to side when opened but they don't do that in normal use. Only real complaint with box is I don't like the narrow drawers and would prefer to have two deep drawers vs four narrow ones. I have been looking at both US General and ICON boxes as I really could use another box (currently weighing single 73" vs stacked 56"). I would say, just anecdotally, that the KRA is very similar to the US General but I think the slides on the KRA are better (heavier, drawers don't rack side to side as much, but only comparing on an empty USG). The drawer construction seems to have similar rolls on sides and folded tab on back. They feel about same thickness. The ICON box feels significantly stronger. Anyway, hope this helps.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Interesting, I've seen this in a few places now. There's 5 guys in my shop (including me).
There's 2 SnapOn guys (one diehard fan and one previously worked at a shop that heavily subsidized everything he bought so why wouldn't he) - both of them have KRAs. I just assumed from reading the KRL was the "best box" that that's what they had but I checked around the shop out of curiosity - lo and behold - KRA's.
The other guys have US General and International (Canadian co, gone out of business).
Then there's me. I have a 21" friction slide, 3 drawer, dented Waterloo. And a 5 drawer cart. Every drawer is overflowing in both. So I need an upgrade but any of the 3 brands I've mentioned above is good enough quality for me.
I often wonder what people are doing to justify spending so much money on toolboxes. No judgement, it's up to the individual what to do with their hard earned $. But I'm starting the trade in my 30s; if a Husky HD or USG lasts 10-12 years and I replace it once halfway through my career with the same I'll come out way ahead of the Snappy guys who drop 10k on a box. Leaves me money to spend on my hobbies and not work.
Anyway the KRA sold (and I'm guessing it went for asking price as he knew I was keen to drive 2 hours at the weekend). So this is all educational.

USG and similar will not last 10 years. That's the reason. I see them last a few before the slides are trashed. They can't handle a drawer full of bearing splitters and press adapters.

Whether that is relevant to your use, is an entirely different story.

FWIW, if you're getting paid piece work you need to ditch the "don't spend money on work" mentality. You'll starve on work and beat yourself up trying to save money not buying tools.

EDIT - IMO your tool investment, no toolboxes, at a minimum should equal a college education. At an absolute minimum, bargain hunting for deals.

 

[CGarage]

USG and similar will not last 10 years. That's the reason. I see them last a few before the slides are trashed. They can't handle a drawer full of bearing splitters and press adapters.

Whether that is relevant to your use, is an entirely different story.

FWIW, if you're getting paid piece work you need to ditch the "don't spend money on work" mentality. You'll starve on work and beat yourself up trying to save money not buying tools.

EDIT - IMO your tool investment, no toolboxes, at a minimum should equal a college education. At an absolute minimum, bargain hunting for deals.

Normally, I agree with all of your posts. A few comments.
1) Many idiots prematurely wear out drawer slides by being dumb and loading up upper and mid-level drawers with heavy equipment rather than placing it in the bottom drawers where it belongs. That is user error in my view.
2) I always believed in having multiple, smaller tool boxes than one large box. This also helps to spread out the load.
3) Tools needs to be a priority. The more kinds of tools you have (provided you know how to use them), the more work and jobs you can take on because you have the tools + know-how to do them.
4) There are a lot of colleges which offer inexpensive education. About 20 years ago, I went to a Goodyear truck center in a more rural part of town. I was floored to learn that my mechanic, from a foreign country working in the US (who could barely speak English), had spent over $30K in Mac Tools when he showed he his giant box. That stuck with me. He also failed to properly bleed the brakes on the brake job which I paid him to perform. Was not happy about that and my pedal which had to travel half way down to engage.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Normally, I agree with all of your posts. A few comments.
1) Many idiots prematurely wear out drawer slides by being dumb and loading up upper and mid-level drawers with heavy equipment rather than placing it in the bottom drawers where it belongs. That is user error in my view.
2) I always believed in having multiple, smaller tool boxes than one large box. This also helps to spread out the load.
3) Tools needs to be a priority. The more kinds of tools you have (provided you know how to use them), the more work and jobs you can take on because you have the tools + know-how to do them.
4) There are a lot of colleges which offer inexpensive education. About 20 years ago, I went to a Goodyear truck center in a more rural part of town. I was floored to learn that my mechanic, from a foreign country working in the US (who could barely speak English), had spent over $30K in Mac Tools when he showed he his giant box. That stuck with me. He also failed to properly bleed the brakes on the brake job which I paid him to perform. Was not happy about that and my pedal which had to travel half way down to engage.

I would say 30k, no toolboxes, would be the minimum to actually play in "all makes" auto repair. And make good money. You can try to push through with less, I did building my collection.

Timing chain on a Honda 2.4, radiator on a cayman, exhaust manifold on a Ford, intake manifold on a kia, brake lines on the subaru, clutch on the Mazda, ujoints and axle seals on the wranglers, pinion seals on the chevy, etc. You got a VW with evap pump codes, a cruze with boost issues, and crank no start on a mustang - and you're paying for the scan tools and everything else.


People properly laying out tool boxes is a big one. IMO people need to buy a bigger box, try to stuff everything in the old one, and kill the slides

 

[CGarage]

For the money, wall units offer more storage for less dollars.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

For the money, wall units offer more storage for less dollars.

Definitely for stuff that comes in cases. Tool boxes end up with lockers usually.

 

[Mr_B]

I use 3 filing cabinets for special tools in cases and some daily consumables on the shop floor, cheap clean strong and lockable .

 

[Walkers]

In case this hasn't been addressed yet, I bought my KRA boxes 30 years ago, friction slides and all. They were affordable for a young guy with a hobby garage. I build things full time for a living now, and while the mechanics portion is limited, I do use my tools to make my living.
I recently decided I needed another tool box and I bought that same box the OP is looking at for $600. It is a fine box for that price. It is in nice shape. The 18" depth is limiting, but not horribly. The 1-1/2" depth of the skinny drawers is probably the most limiting aspect, It matches right up to my old boxes perfectly. The slides need to be warranted. The Harbor Freight boxes, sadly are of at least equal quality, but now they are priced much higher than they used to be, so used KRAs are still attractive.
My dad passed away a few weeks back, but had given my son his KRA top and bottom, so I will need to make room for yet another set in here soon.

 

[daithi]

USG and similar will not last 10 years. That's the reason. I see them last a few before the slides are trashed. They can't handle a drawer full of bearing splitters and press adapters.

Whether that is relevant to your use, is an entirely different story.

FWIW, if you're getting paid piece work you need to ditch the "don't spend money on work" mentality. You'll starve on work and beat yourself up trying to save money not buying tools.

EDIT - IMO your tool investment, no toolboxes, at a minimum should equal a college education. At an absolute minimum, bargain hunting for deals.

The resident USG in our shop is 6 years old and looks/feels good as new. That being said boxes never move (maybe twice a year TOPS for shop deep cleans). Maybe in another 4 that story will change. Bearing splitters would be in the tool crib (shop tools).

We're paid hourly and I'm vehemently against flat rate/piece work. But that's a rant for a different thread.

For the money, wall units offer more storage for less dollars.

If I'm ever in a position to own a house with a garage I'll likely go the wall cab/filing cab route. Our boxes at work are all in the middle of the shop, in a kind of island

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The resident USG in our shop is 6 years old and looks/feels good as new. That being said boxes never move (maybe twice a year TOPS for shop deep cleans). Maybe in another 4 that story will change. Bearing splitters would be in the tool crib (shop tools).

We're paid hourly and I'm vehemently against flat rate/piece work. But that's a rant for a different thread.

If I'm ever in a position to own a house with a garage I'll likely go the wall cab/filing cab route. Our boxes at work are all in the middle of the shop, in a kind of island

If I could find a place that actually paid money for hourly, I wouldn't have an issue. I average about 50/hour in a commission system and shops act like $20/hour hourly is big money.


If they're supplying all the heavy stuff like ball joints presses and bearing tools, cheaper boxes make more sense. If one is just storing hand tools the weight drops considerably, especially if they're supplying 3/4 stuff.

With that criteria I'd be shopping by drawer layout first and foremost.

 

[Blackmarket]

The KRA will depreciate very little from this point and is higher quality.

Be advised, the toolbox warranty only applies to the original owner.

I was never asked if I was the original owner. Nor did I offer that info unprovoked. But, I've also purchased quite a bit of tooling from this particular tool rep.