How do you justify the cost of a high end tool box?

[slick64]

Just curious. I've been a professional mechanic for almost 10 years now. I have never bought a new toolbox. I have a big mac box now with a side cabnet thats about 10 years old. I payed $2500 for it used 3 years ago.

I just can not figure out how a $6,000-$10,000 tool box is going to make me more money than my $2500 used box. I've been tempted to trade it in on a new shiney box on the Strap-on truck.

Also, What are you paying for? I can buy a bad *** state of the art croch rocket that does 200mph for the price of a tool box that sits there and holds tools.

I don't understand where the cost comes from. especially when you can buy things that actually does stuff for way less money.

I know this sounds like a rant and maybe it is a little bit, But I would honestly like to know why these boxes cost so much money.

Mike

 

[mikeyr]

it wont make you more money but it will make you smile a little more when you see it with all your tools nicely stored. I paid a fortune for my tool box with workbench top included and I smile every time I go out there.

That is all you get for the money, some satisfaction.

The high end Snap-on "might" be better built than others in such a way that it will last 3 lifetimes instead of the normal 2 lifetimes, so your heirs will be able to sell it for more money if that is important to you.

 

[Stanger]

I don't get it either, you're not alone.

 

[Junkman]

Some people have more money than they need, and will spend it on things that make them happy. Others have their priorities in the wrong place and spend money on things that they don't need, and can't afford. Have you ever been to a gambling casino, and see the people that are sitting there dropping coins into the slot machines hoping for a big payout. For most of them, it never comes, but they continue to put their money in hoping against all odds that they will be the next lucky winner.

 

[Merkava_4]

Also, What are you paying for? I can buy a bad *** state of the art croch rocket that does 200mph for the price of a tool box that sits there and holds tools.

One of those will kill you; the other one will just stare back at you.

 

[Steve V.]

When you buy a high end tool box and take care of it, it will last your lifetime. Once you pay for it, it will never cost you another penny (if you take care of it). Sure, it will depreciate but if you keep it it will never devalue, if you know what I mean. The tool box will help you make money if you are a mechanic. The bike won't.

A crotch rocket will depreciate faster and start the second you drive it off of the lot. It will cost you money for as long as you own it. Gas, regular maintenance, and parts. I don't know about where you live but where I live there are too many cars to go out and get on a bike. I like living and there are too many idiots who don't pay attention and/or see bikes (that's why I used to own dirt bikes).

When you are 70 years old you can go out in your garage and look at that tool box and relive a lifetime of memories. Will the crotch rocket even be there? I doubt it. Then one of your kids will inherit the tool box and start their own memories. Of course I'm talking about keeping your current high-end box.

Steve

 

[strizzy]

Toyota vs. Lexus, Chevy vs. Buick/Cadillac (comparable models of course)...

I'm a base model truck with no payments kind of guy...

 

[russlaferrera]

Slick64, Best answer I have to why they cost so much, is because they can get so much for them. What is something worth? Whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

Everyone has their preference on what is important to them! Most people can only see their way of thinking. Why buy a motor cycle when you can own a Snap-On tool box, buy a new home, or a new car , how about a ....see what I mean.

 

[edgewater]

I like to buy boxes (and other expensive things) from those who could not afford them and are now selling them to get cash.

The box I posted in the tool box thread cost me $3800 with not one scratch on it and about a year old. It lists of 10,200 from snap on.

 

[DavidtheDuke]

Same reason as a lot of other people. It's like an investment I can trade down the road. A kinda expensive bank account to keep me from wasting on beer

 

[dxdexter]

I see both points of view.

When I worked professionally in the trade for eight years, I had a $350 box and roller cabinet. I still have it as a second box (25 years old) in the basement and I'm certain it would last three lifetimes. When I wanted to upgrade a few years back just to be able to fit everything, I paid $3500 for a Canadian made box (GRAY)and I don't even work as a mechanic anymore.

Although I think an expensive Snap-on box is somewhat of a status symbol, in the trade, if it makes you happy and you feel you can perform better, then more power to you. Its your money spend it as you see fit.

If I had continued in the trade I may even have a $6000 box, especially if I was a member of this site.

 

[krusty the clown]

in my case i needed more storage room and the "high end" boxes (in my case a 3 bay macsimizer) were the only one's that had the room i needed. after years of trading up from used box to used box i felt i deserved someting brand new. i probably wouldn't have if it weren't for the fact that the truck brands will take trades and offer financing. i couldn't have been able to plop down 10 grand out of pocket and hope i could sell my old box.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

I have no justification nor the money to purchase a high end tool box. Being as my chests are never rolled anyway, the large craftsman boxes I have suit my needs just fine with no problems.

Buy for what you need and can afford IMO. Sure Snap On/Matco/Lista/Mac make some awesome rigs, but all of them are beyond my budget and really are beyond my needs.

 

[Deafautotech]

I am happy to own snap on toolboxes because i paid 1,200 dollars for KR1200 and 2,500 for KRL1001B from my snap on guy as i bought used one. i did broke the drawer's slide but i dont need to pay for new slide because it is under of warranty (lifetime). that reason i need boxes that come with lifetime warranty and service in my dealership where i am work there as Heavy Line Technician where i used a lot of tools....

 

[Danglerb]

Expensive boxes get "sold" using a well crafted system. If you toured the showroom of a car dealership and had a salesman go over the latest models you would be buying a lot of cars.

Durability, quality, etc. is a great reason to buy a USED box at half or less of the price of new. Same comment to the investment, the day you buy it the value drops like a rock.

 

[davestlouis]

I have a large MATCO ProFormance top and bottom in my garage at home, bought them used for about 1/2 the cost new, and did it partially because I ran out of space in my smaller Cornwell, and partially just because I wanted a big shiny box...got my neighbor beat, for the moment.

 

[rsanter]

its all just the BLING factor.
that and mix in the keeping up with the jonses.

I know some of the tool truck drivers will set up small rivalries over who has the biggest box.
I have a couple of nice boxes, but I bought them used for a deal and they will still last me a lifetime.

bob

 

[ar2stp48]

Reason:...........Q u a l i t y

I have never bought a Snap On box new; I have been lucky to find some very good bargains on a couple of boxes. Taken care of, these will last for my son to use. I have the Craftsman set, and they are ok; but the quality isnt the same.

Just my opinion.

 

[pl_silverado]

I was 17 or 18 when i bought mine. Instead of blowing money on beer or pointless nonsense, i bought a Snap-on KRL1003 with stainless steel top for $ 4000.

I was never one to blow money on junk or waste it. I'd much rather add another ratchet or wrench to my collection than go out and drink on friday night.

 

[Deafautotech]

I was 17 or 18 when i bought mine. Instead of blowing money on beer or pointless nonsense, i bought a Snap-on KRL1003 with stainless steel top for $ 4000.

I was never one to blow money on junk or waste it. I'd much rather add another ratchet or wrench to my collection than go out and drink on friday night.

that reason why i rather to investment in good box instead waste it... Even other reason i bought Used Harley (2003 Road King CLassic with lot of extra chromes) to keep make good payment so i dont blow my money for no reason... i am always love to go out for a ride....

 

[jay50]

that reason why i rather to investment in good box instead waste it... Even other reason i bought Used Harley (2003 Road King CLassic with lot of extra chromes) to keep make good payment so i dont blow my money for no reason... i am always love to go out for a ride....

You are wise in your purchases.
Just don't spend any $'s on women; they are not an investment, just a constant repair bill...

You have heard the old saying..."You don't have to buy the cow just to enjoy the milk"...

 

[Deafautotech]

You are wise in your purchases.
Just don't spend any $'s on women; they are not an investment, just a constant repair bill...

You have heard the old saying..."You don't have to buy the cow just to enjoy the milk"...

your advise are almost same with other members on this forum to tell me to enjoy my life like ride on my Harley or investment on tools to make living...

Thank you for the good ADVISE!!!

 

[SteveU]

Just curious. I've been a professional mechanic for almost 10 years now. I have never bought a new toolbox. I have a big mac box now with a side cabnet thats about 10 years old. I payed $2500 for it used 3 years ago.

I just can not figure out how a $6,000-$10,000 tool box is going to make me more money than my $2500 used box. I've been tempted to trade it in on a new shiney box on the Strap-on truck.


Mike

Used toolbox @ $2500 + Mohawk 10K lift @ $6000 + New tools @ $1500 seems like a better buy than a $10,000 toolbox to me. You could make more money with this combination, depreciation would be irrelevant and everything would be able to be passed down to your kids.

 

[babyjay8495]

I always had a hart time paying $2000 for a box, when i could buy a cheap craftsman for 300 and still have 1700 to buy tools with. I have 4 different 26" wide boxes, about 5 feet tall, when i run out of room i buy the cman on sale for 200 and can still afford to put tools in it when i'm done.

 

[nissan_crawler]

When you buy a high end tool box and take care of it, it will last your lifetime. Once you pay for it, it will never cost you another penny (if you take care of it). Sure, it will depreciate but if you keep it it will never devalue, if you know what I mean. The tool box will help you make money if you are a mechanic. The bike won't.
Steve

My dad is still working out of a 50 year old craftsman toolbox. It was used every day on the farm for heavy tools. It's been hauled over 3,000 miles while full of tools. (Two people can't lift just the chest.)

My Craftsman box weighs over 2500 lbs and gets rolled back and forth across a 1/3 mile long building and holds up fine. Even "low end" boxes last a lifetime if you take care of them. I can't justify the cost of a "high end" box, because the only difference will be that I paid $8,000 for the snap-on that does the same as the Craftsman I got on sale for $1800. I can do a lot more things with $6200.

 

[caspian65]

I've never worked as a mechanic, but I hear about techs with toolbox payments... meaning they financed them. I'm sure that a lot of the younger guys see the old pros with nice boxes and figure they need to have one. The probably do not realize the cost savings from new vs. used. It's no secret that just about any used SO box can be had for 25-35% of original list price. The used boxes require cash though, where a new one could be financed and they just have a monthly payment.

I would never buy a new box, just doesn't make any sense. Bought my KRL1003 for 35% of what it costs new, it was about 2-3 years old. Sure, it has a couple minor marks here and there, but who cares? It's not like I'm rolling the box out onto a show field to have it judged.

 

[Mike83]

Now, you could buy a $7500 Snap-On or Mac nice and new and pass it on to your kids. Wonderful. You could also spend $2500 on a used Snap-On or new Craftsman Professional. If you invested the other $5000 at 5% interest, after 35 years you could give your kids a decent toolbox, and fill it with the $21,460 you made. Think about it

 

[dxdexter]

The argument that an expensive box does the same as a cheaper box , so buy the cheap one, makes no sense. Its all personal preference. It what makes the capitalist system work.

It is exactly the same as the following ridiculous statements:

• Buy a moped instead of a Harley, they both ride your *** from place to place.
• Buy a 12" B&W TV,it shows the same program as the 54" wide screen.
• Buy Craftsman hand tools, they are just as good as Snap-on.

 

[eschoendorff]

The argument that an expensive box does the same as a cheaper box , so buy the cheap one, makes no sense. Its all personal preference. It what makes the capitalist system work.

It is exactly the same as the following ridiculous statements:

• Buy a moped instead of a Harley, they both ride your *** from place to place.
• Buy a 12" B&W TV,it shows the same program as the 54" wide screen.
• Buy Craftsman hand tools, they are just as good as Snap-on.

Agreed, but this is a damn box. If someone wants to spend $8K ona box, more power to them... but there are plenty of people doing just fine working out of Craftsman boxes. A fool and his money......

 

[rsanter]

buy a new box for $8000 or buy a used (nearly new) for $6000, or wait a few years and buy a used one for $2500-$3500 (or less if you are lucky)

bob

 

[nissan_crawler]

Agreed, but this is a damn box. If someone wants to spend $8K ona box, more power to them... but there are plenty of people doing just fine working out of Craftsman boxes. A fool and his money......

Exactly. As much as I poop on these "buy snap-on" threads, I do have some snap-on stuff. Hell, I've spent over $500 on the truck this year, and we're only 2 months into the year. HOWEVER, that was because the other brand of tools could NOT get the job done.

A Craftsman toolbox will get the job (of storing tools) done just fine. Now, I will agree that I wouldn't use a home owner grade for a mechanic, but that should be obvious. My Pro model has held up great.

Now, if you want a snap-on box just because, so be it, it's your money. However, the people that think Craftsman boxes don't work and you must buy snap-on, drive me nuts.

 

[slick64]

The argument that an expensive box does the same as a cheaper box , so buy the cheap one, makes no sense. Its all personal preference. It what makes the capitalist system work.

It is exactly the same as the following ridiculous statements:

• Buy a moped instead of a Harley, they both ride your *** from place to place.
• Buy a 12" B&W TV,it shows the same program as the 54" wide screen.
• Buy Craftsman hand tools, they are just as good as Snap-on.

Ok, Now I get it. I can understand this argument. People by them because they want them. This is why I drive old cars and motorcycles when I could afford a new trouble free car.
Thanks, thats what I was looking for.

Mike

 

[slick64]

Agreed, but this is a damn box. If someone wants to spend $8K ona box, more power to them... but there are plenty of people doing just fine working out of Craftsman boxes. A fool and his money......

I have a good friend who is a Jaguar tech. He's one of the best I've seen. He is one of the highest payed techs and turns more hours than just about anyone I have ever met. He is easily pushing $100k per year and lives in a beutiful house and drives a payed for Jaguar himself. He does all of this working out of $600 Cosco box and probably doesn't own 15 tools that say snap-on on them.

Now my friend, Roberto, is a freak of nature but it goes to show you it can be done with out high priced tools and boxes.

Mike

 

[wrenchr]

I would invest in more tools and buy a craftsman box or???

 

[Benw455]

Do you need a tax write off? Is so buy a big box and use it as a write off. If not buy the big SS Box at sams as save a few bucks.

 

[Steve V.]

My dad is still working out of a 50 year old craftsman toolbox. It was used every day on the farm for heavy tools. It's been hauled over 3,000 miles while full of tools. (Two people can't lift just the chest.)

My Craftsman box weighs over 2500 lbs and gets rolled back and forth across a 1/3 mile long building and holds up fine. Even "low end" boxes last a lifetime if you take care of them. I can't justify the cost of a "high end" box, because the only difference will be that I paid $8,000 for the snap-on that does the same as the Craftsman I got on sale for $1800. I can do a lot more things with $6200.

I agree, but he was asking about high end boxes. My dad has an old set of Craftsman boxes (Gray) that he probably bought in the 1970's. Loaded to the gills and they work fine because he takes care of them. I have a set of Craftsman boxes that my wife bought for me in 1984 and they have so much in them I bought a used set of MAC boxes (good deal on CL) that look like hell but I'm going to refurbish them. At least one of the previous owners should be horse whipped for the way those boxes were treated. My Craftsman boxes look new. When I get done with the MAC boxes they will look new. Back to the original post. That's why I told him to keep what he has.

Steve

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I have a good friend who is a Jaguar tech. He's one of the best I've seen. He is one of the highest payed techs and turns more hours than just about anyone I have ever met. He is easily pushing $100k per year and lives in a beutiful house and drives a payed for Jaguar himself. He does all of this working out of $600 Cosco box and probably doesn't own 15 tools that say snap-on on them.

Now my friend, Roberto, is a freak of nature but it goes to show you it can be done with out high priced tools and boxes.

Mike

behind every great fortune lies a great crime

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

if somebody wasn't buying these big boxes new , then they wouldn't be used then

 

[wrenchr]

if somebody wasn't buying these big boxes new , then they wouldn't be used then

Good Point!!

 

[Merkava_4]

ToolmanTom has recently bought TWO of those BRAND NEW!

I know how much he paid, but I'm going to let him tell you.