Who else made boxes for Snap-on over the years??

[1982fxr]

I mean companies that were/are not subsidiaries. didn't Beach in Canada make some of them back in the 70's? Did Waterloo ever supply Snap-on?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Think MBC did.

 

[bobcatdan]

As far as I know, MBC was the only manufacturer SO used and put their name. When SO began making their own boxes they appear to have bought the right to MBC's design because from what I can tell is the boxes stayed pretty much the same. I don't think SO ever used rebadged beach boxes. Some top boxes have the same odd drawer layout, but you can say that about a lot of drawer layouts different manufacturers used. In the early 2000's, there was a blue point/ KIQ line of boxes that may or may not have been in house. I don't know for sure, but until told differently, I'd lean in house. Under the Williams name, there are SPG international made boxes.

 

[zkling]

MBC, Beach, and snap on I don't think waterloo did in the past. I think they might make some of their newer lower end (portable bluepoint) boxes. Waterloo uses some specific design details that stand out pretty well compared to others. Mac,matco, proto, cornwell, crafsman, SK, wright?, husky all were made by waterloo at one point in time. IIRC.

Why do you ask?

 

[Cope]

MBC, Beach, and snap on I don't think waterloo did in the past. I think they might make some of their newer lower end (portable bluepoint) boxes. Waterloo uses some specific design details that stand out pretty well compared to others. Mac,matco, proto, cornwell, crafsman, SK, wright?, husky all were made by waterloo at one point in time. IIRC.

Why do you ask?

Matco made all their boxes. Before they were in the tool business, that's all they did was make boxes

 

[wafrederick]

Matco still makes their toolboxes to the customer's specs,custom ordered by the customer.Made in Jamestown,NY.Matco was still in the tool business with Mac Tools,1946 to 1979 and they split from Mac in 1979.

 

[1982fxr]

MBC, Beach, and snap on I don't think waterloo did in the past. I think they might make some of their newer lower end (portable bluepoint) boxes. Waterloo uses some specific design details that stand out pretty well compared to others. Mac,matco, proto, cornwell, crafsman, SK, wright?, husky all were made by waterloo at one point in time. IIRC.

Why do you ask?

no specific reason, just wanted to know and knew I would get pretty good answers here.

 

[lbgradwell]

...didn't Beach in Canada make some of them back in the 70's?

MBC, Beach, and snap on I don't think waterloo did in the past.

Beach?! Really? That's news to me...

I've never heard the claim before and, to be honest, I doubt it very much!

 

[Farmall450]

AFAIK just MBC as others have said.

 

[Murphy4570]

Snap-On made their boxes for rebrand, to put the shoe on the other foot. Caterpillar brand toolboxes are/were made by Snap-On. Basically Classic series boxes with different colors and CAT branding.

 

[wild cowboy]

On a related note - who is the cheapest brand to buy to get Waterloo quality? - I care ZERO about what name is on the box, just want the best quality for the least bucks - and I hate those boxes that each drawer has to be unlocked way over on the right hand side to open it!

 

[mopar01]

On a related note - who is the cheapest brand to buy to get Waterloo quality? - I care ZERO about what name is on the box, just want the best quality for the least bucks - and I hate those boxes that each drawer has to be unlocked way over on the right hand side to open it!

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

On a related note - who is the cheapest brand to buy to get Waterloo quality? - I care ZERO about what name is on the box, just want the best quality for the least bucks - and I hate those boxes that each drawer has to be unlocked way over on the right hand side to open it!

uh...Waterloo?

 

[panknuckshovel]

On a related note - who is the cheapest brand to buy to get Waterloo quality? - I care ZERO about what name is on the box, just want the best quality for the least bucks - and I hate those boxes that each drawer has to be unlocked way over on the right hand side to open it!

If you are looking along the lines of used or craigslist keep an eye out for the craftsman pro. Not the currrent lineup, the ones from a few years ago. Rebadged waterloo magnum. A couple of the 36" stacks have popped up around me recently listed at 4-500.

 

[zkling]

On a related note - who is the cheapest brand to buy to get Waterloo quality? - I care ZERO about what name is on the box, just want the best quality for the least bucks - and I hate those boxes that each drawer has to be unlocked way over on the right hand side to open it!

Harbor freight. Waterloo makes a large line ranging from tin foil to truck brand quality. I'd be willing to bet they produce the most non industrial cabinet tool boxes for US companies.

Beach?! Really? That's news to me...

I've never heard the claim before and, to be honest, I doubt it very much!

I'm fairly certain that Beach made a few specific boxes for snap on canada as well as craftsman Canada.

Matco made all their boxes. Before they were in the tool business, that's all they did was make boxes

My first hand expereince of going through the boxes, talking to the manufactures and ordering parts supports my comments made above. One you start seeing the ins and outs of the older boxes it becomes pretty evident. The two biggest factors to focus on are sheet metal folds and slide design.

 

[Mr.Ric]

I'm fairly certain that Beach made a few specific boxes for snap on canada as well as craftsman Canada.

I'd have to see it to believe it.

Close to certain that only MBC, and Algona stamp, which Snap on absorbed in 1931, produced Snap on boxes. I'm probably ignorant as far as the modern stuff goes, but prior to 1979, I don't think it's probable or possible, and especially not from a competitor.

 

[zkling]

I'd have to see it to believe it.

Close to certain that only MBC, and Algona stamp, which Snap on absorbed in 1931, produced Snap on boxes. I'm probably ignorant as far as the modern stuff goes, but prior to 1979, I don't think it's probable or possible, and especially not from a competitor.

Well then, put the time in, do the research and get back with us. It's my educated guess, nothing more, nothing less.

You do realize technically MBC and snap on were competitors while MBC was making boxes for snap on?

 

[Mr.Ric]

Partnership with exclusivity does not a competitor make. Beginning in 1938, virtually every innovation that I can recognize showed up in the Snap on box first, followed by possibly the Huots, beach, craftsman etc. MBC didn't begin labeling with their own brand, as far as I know, until 1954, and only with product dressed down and delayed, following introduction of the Snap-On product. Now if there's something specific you know of to back up yor assumptions, please offer it up, I'm pretty darn old, but I still try to learn something each day.

 

[zkling]

Partnership with exclusivity does not a competitor make. Beginning in 1938, virtually every innovation that I can recognize showed up in the Snap on box first, followed by possibly the Huots, beach, craftsman etc. MBC didn't begin labeling with their own brand, as far as I know, until 1954, and only with product dressed down and delayed, following introduction of the Snap-On product. Now if there's something specific you know of to back up yor assumptions, please offer it up, I'm pretty darn old, but I still try to learn something each day.

In the 60's and 70's MBC offered almost 1 for 1 identical and in some cases superior boxes alongside the snap on badged ones. Sometimes they would throw a different drawer arrangement, but you could easily tell which box came from the other. Just as how waterloo has made their own brand, but I'd be willing to bet percentage wise their own brand is not sold nearly as much as the rebranded (ex. craftsman) boxes they make. Have you ever paged through any of the old MBC catalogs?

 

[FJ 432]

Trying to keep score.

MBC made only boxes? Agreed?

MBC made boxes for Snap On for a period of time. 1940's to 50's. agree?

Beach made boxes for SO? Canadian rebranded?

 

[Mr.Ric]

Let's stay on the rails here, the point for consideration was about beach making Snap On boxes. I don't believe it could have happened, that's all I was saying.
I think beach produced some great products, brought innovation and pushed the envelope, but NEVER made a box for Snap On.
Waterloo? I'm not laughing, it would be sad if it were true though.

 

[PCO6]

I've never heard of a Beach / Snap-on connection either. BTW - Snap-on made boxes here in Newmarket from the early '80s up to about 3 or 4 years ago when it unfortunately closed down.

 

[lbgradwell]

I'm fairly certain that Beach made a few specific boxes for snap on canada as well as craftsman Canada.

Beach certainly manufactured for just about everyone in Canada - Gray, Sears, Canadian Tire, Eaton's - but I'd be very interested in seeing the Snap-on product. If you can even remember where you heard the story, I'd like to check it out...

We've seen Beach products re-branded for a British outfit called Autopro too. And, for the first time ever, I saw just last week a Beach chest branded as a "Brentwood"! No idea who that was/is...

 

[zhome888]

Not sure

 

[1982fxr]

i had a snap-on box, 80's or 90's? that had Canada stamped on back in the usual Snap-on stamp area. who made it if not Beach?

 

[lbgradwell]

i had a snap-on box, 80's or 90's? that had Canada stamped on back in the usual Snap-on stamp area. who made it if not Beach?

Snap-on!

BTW - Snap-on made boxes here in Newmarket from the early '80s up to about 3 or 4 years ago when it unfortunately closed down.

 

[Japjeep]

Don't know about new stuff, but the plant next to the Long Branch arsenal made tools and everything else up until about 1980. Had a huge Snap On sign you could see for miles. It was ultra modern before the war, even stamped Enfield rifles and Sten machine gun parts back then.

 

[1982fxr]

Snap-on!

so Snap-on has/had a box manufacturing plant in Canada? I did not know that

 

[lbgradwell]

so Snap-on has/had a box manufacturing plant in Canada? I did not know that

They did. As PCO6 said, a plant in Newmarket for decades.

If Beach ever produced for Snap-on - and I think it very unlikely as I have never seen a Snap-on-branded box that looked remotely like Beach production - I would have to think it would date to before the dedicated Newmarket plant.

Snap-on certainly produced in Canada for many decades prior to the 1980s, but I can't say for certain that storage items were produced.

Japjeep, do you know for certain that boxes were made in Mimico?

Jan 25, 2011
Snap-On Tools closing Newmarket facility
Newmarket Era
By Teresa Latchford

More than 100 people will be looking for employment come April.

Snap-on Tools Company LLP is closing its doors, leaving 116 employees out in the cold at the end of April.

Employees of the manufacturing facility at 145 Harry Walker Pkwy. N. that produces tool storage units for the vehicle repair and industrial markets, were called into the cafeteria this afternoon and told the plant is packing up and moving to the United States, according to an employee who asked not to be named for fear of losing his severance pay.

"We were all told to go home. Some have been working here for over 30 years," he said.

"There was no warning. It's quite a shocker and it's really upsetting."

This announcement will leave some families stranded as the facility employed multiple members of families, including husbands, wives and children, he added.

"I don't really understand because we were busy and seemed to be doing well," he said.

"Well, we all have no choice but to look for work elsewhere now."

Snap On Tools spokesperson Rick Secor confirmed the facility will close after April 29 as it is consolidated with a similar tool box manufacturing facility in Algona, Iowa.

It's a business decision based on rationalizing tool box facilities, he said.

"We don't need two identical facilities in North America."

Many factors were taken into consideration in making what Snap-on Tools president Chris Potter said was a difficult decision.

"This plan in no way reflects on the quality of our Newmarket associates or on the support of the Newmarket community," he said.

Snap-on Tools has production plants throughout the United States and Canada employing more than 3,000 people worldwide.

 

[Japjeep]

Japjeep, do you know for certain that boxes were made in Mimico?

No, sorry I don't. I know they must have had a press line, my cousin delivered roll and thin plate steel there years ago (late 60's).

 

[PCO6]

Snap-on certainly produced in Canada for many decades prior to the 1980s, but I can't say for certain that storage items were produced.

Japjeep, do you know for certain that boxes were made in Mimico?

I have a mid '60s Snap-on box (KC 532) and it was made in Canada. I'm pretty sure that it was made in Toronto (Mimico / Long Branch) but I don't know for sure.

The old Newmarket plant on Harry Walker Pkwy. and the office / warehouse on Gorham St. have been vacant since 2011 as the above article says. Hopefully the old employees have found work here in Town. I know they took a lot of pride in producing Snap-on boxes. I'd hate to think they are producing widgets now.

 

[lbgradwell]

I have a mid '60s Snap-on box (KC 532) and it was made in Canada. I'm pretty sure that it was made in Toronto (Mimico / Long Branch) but I don't know for sure.

There's more info in the What's up with canadian SO tools thread from a couple of years back...

In 1946, the manufacturing plant was in rented premises in Long Branch, ON (in the most south-west corner of Etobicoke). I'm not sure if this was the first year at this location or as a manufacturer in Canada.

In 1951, a brand new company-owned building housing Manufacturing & Canadian Administration was built at 41 Cranfield Road, Toronto. This remained the plant address until 1967.

I believe the HQ and manufacturing then moved to the Concord location at 8271 Keele Street (even though this location was already occupied by Snap-on from 1956) in a building now occupied by Clover Tool Manufacturing. I know Snap-on was still present at this location in 1979.

I do not know what occurred after that...

Here's some dates I've compiled as I was planning an article on the topic...:



Snap-on Tools of Canada Limited


*1927: First Cdn branch in Montreal - 488 La Gauchetiere St.

*1928: First Toronto branch

1929: Branches at:

1008 La Gauchetiere St., Montreal
54 Dundas St. W., Toronto
735 Pacific St., Vancouver

1931: Branches at:

1008 La Gauchetiere St., Montreal
54 Dundas St. W., Toronto
945 Davie St., Vancouver

1933: Branches at:

1008 La Gauchetiere St., Montreal
54 Dundas St. W., Toronto
1209 Burrard St., Vancouver

1937: Branches at:

1008 La Gauchetiere St., Montreal
504 1/2 Church Street, Toronto
1211 Granville St., Vancouver
80 Lombard St., Winnipeg

1939: Branches at:

1008 La Gauchetiere St., Montreal
130 Laird Drive, Leaside, Toronto
1211 Granville St., Vancouver
80 Lombard St., Winnipeg

1941: Branches at:

751 Jean Talon St. W. (Park Extension), Montreal
130 Laird Drive, Leaside, Toronto
1211 Granville St., Vancouver
80 Lombard St., Winnipeg


1941 - 44: General Office, 662-G Pelissier Street, Windsor

1945: Branches at:

10232 103rd St., Edmonton
751 Jean Talon St. W. (Park Extension), Montreal
130 Laird Drive, Leaside, Toronto
1209 Granville St., Vancouver
662 Pelissier Street, Windsor
279 Fort St., Winnipeg

1946: Branches at:

10232 103rd St., Edmonton
111 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, London
751 Jean Talon St. W., Montreal
130 Laird Drive, Leaside, Toronto
1209 Granville St., Vancouver
662 Pelissier Street, Windsor
279 Fort St., Winnipeg

Factory at Long Branch, ON

1946: Factory at Long Branch, ON (Rented premises)

1948 Branches at:

10232 103rd St., Edmonton
111 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, London
751 Jean Talon St. W., Montreal
130 Laird Drive, Leaside, Toronto
1209 Granville St., Vancouver
238 Garry St., Winnipeg

Factory at Long Branch, ON

1950: Branches at:

10232 103rd St., Edmonton
111 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, London
751 Jean Talon St. W. (Park Extension), Montreal
2010 Albert St., Regina
130 Laird Drive, Leaside, Toronto
1043 Davie St., Vancouver
238 Garry St., Winnipeg

Factory at Long Branch, ON

*1951 - 67: 41 Cranfield Road, Toronto (Brand-new company-owned building housing Manufacturing & Cdn Admin)

1953: Branches at:

10232 103rd St., Edmonton
465 Nightingale Avenue, London
27 Pearl St., Moncton
751 Jean Talon St. W. (Park Extension), Montreal
2070 Albert St., Regina
130 Laird Drive, Leaside, Toronto
1043 Davie St., Vancouver
1699 Portage Ave., Winnipeg

1955: Branches at:

10232 103rd St., Edmonton
465 Nightingale Avenue, London
27 Pearl St., Moncton
190 Rockland Road, Montreal
2070 Albert St., Regina
10 Bermondsey Road, Toronto
1043 Davie St., Vancouver
1699 Portage Ave., Winnipeg

1958: Branches at:

3625 Blackburn Road, Calgary
10504 122nd St., Edmonton
10 Parkdale Ave. N., Hamilton
465 Nightingale Avenue, London
27 Pearl St., Moncton
190 Rockland Road, Montreal
466R First Ave., North Bay
1362 McIntyre St., Regina
10 Bermondsey Road, Toronto
1043 Davie St., Vancouver
1699 Portage Ave., Winnipeg

*1960: Branches at:

3625 Blackburn Road, Calgary
10 Parkdale Ave. N., Hamilton
465 Nightingale Avenue, London
27 Pearl St., Moncton
274 Bates Road, Montreal
1335 Depencier Road, North Bay
1362 McIntyre St., Regina
10 Bermondsey Road, Toronto
1043 Davie St., Vancouver
1699 Portage Ave., Winnipeg

1956 - 79: 8271 Keele St., Downsview

 

[PCO6]

lbgradwell - Thanks. That's interesting stuff. Regarding the Long Branch plant, it was mentioned in an earlier post that it was next to the arsenal (amoury). I'm sure that is the complex on the south side of Lakeshore Blvd. at the foot of Dixie Rd. Marie Curtis Park is to the east of the amoury so Snap-on must have been to the west in the industrial area. That's actually in Mississauga (Toronto Township back then). I think most if not all of the buildings are still there. I used to train there for lacrosse and boxing back in the late '60s and early '70's and know those buildings failrly well.

 

[crewchief888]

i had a snap-on box, 80's or 90's? that had Canada stamped on back in the usual Snap-on stamp area. who made it if not Beach?

Snap-on!

so Snap-on has/had a box manufacturing plant in Canada? I did not know that

i have a KR277 side box stamped canada.
and without a date code

seems like a couple other boxes i bought around the same time were made in canada

 

[zkling]

i have a KR277 side box stamped canada.
and without a date code

seems like a couple other boxes i bought around the same time were made in canada

In the late 80's into the early/mid 90's they moved production of the smaller boxes and accessory boxes to Canada. Now I'm pretty sure even some of the larger boxes come out of canada. And IIRC they have a cursive script to the COO. Those are not from Beach.

 

[PCO6]

zkling - My mid '60s box has Snap-on in the cursive script logo style of the period centered over MADE IN CANADA in caps which is centred over KC-532

 

[bobcatdan]

The only reason beach comes up as a supplier is because of the KC 506 top box SO offered in the late 70's for a few years. It has the same odd drawer arrangement as the rather common beach top box. No other boxes match. Rollaways are vastly different. Beach supplied boxes to and then was bought out by Stanley. Proto's 26" and 41" boxed are the modern day continuation of Beach boxes. Proto still offers a top box with the four narrow row arrangement.

 

[lbgradwell]

The only reason beach comes up as a supplier is because of the KC 506 top box SO offered in the late 70's for a few years.

Thanks for that. 1979 seems to be the only year & I can see why people think Beach may have been involved!

I think this requires more study...

 

[crewchief888]

In the late 80's into the early/mid 90's they moved production of the smaller boxes and accessory boxes to Canada. Now I'm pretty sure even some of the larger boxes come out of canada. And IIRC they have a cursive script to the COO. Those are not from Beach.

zkling - My mid '60s box has Snap-on in the cursive script logo style of the period centered over MADE IN CANADA in caps which is centred over KC-532

i pretty sure i bought this box around '84-'85.

it's got the cursive script at well.

the stamping is vertical, not horizontal,

maybe thats a thing

 

[mykvr6]

my KRA top and bottom are stamped canada. I bought it around 1999 from a coworker and he had gotten it from a coworker a couple years before that IIRC. Id have to look at it again to see if it has any date codes. Looks identical to current KRA stuff