Used low end SO/Mac boxes vs new harbor freight box?

[Don Nguyen]

I thought I was set on a harbor freight 72" tool box, until I went to go look at one in person until I went on craigslist and noticed that I could get a SO/Mac box of similar size but slightly deeper for around $2000.

This would be for garage use. With the way I currently see it, if a used SO/Mac box is about double the price of a new 72" harbor freight US general box, but the SO/Mac box will have a lifespan twice as long, then the value seems like it will be there.

However, my experiences with a variety of tool boxes are limited. I've am used to using tools out of my friend's SO Epiq box, so my perspective is a bit skewed when it comes to the HF US general box quality.

Anyways, my question is are the lower end 4s, tech 1000, KRA, classic, etc, lines from the various truck box manufacturers' quality difference significant enough to warrant the price difference of $2000 cost vs the harbor freight $1000 cost box?

Thanks in advance.

-Don

 

[mcmtech]

For home use? I'd save the cash and get the hf box. The tech 1000 and classic boxes are better built for sure, but for home use maybe a bit spendy, although if you keep your eyes open there can be deals to be had. 56 inch tech 1000 boxes I've seen in the 700-1000 range.

 

[warweapon762]

For home use? I'd save the cash and get the hf box. The tech 1000 and classic boxes are better built for sure, but for home use maybe a bit spendy, although if you keep your eyes open there can be deals to be had. 56 inch tech 1000 boxes I've seen in the 700-1000 range.

Also keep an eye out for business closures in your area. We had an old Nypro plastic factory close down in our are and scored all their Snappy stuff for work at dirt cheap prices. 56" boxes were like $300 or so from what I remember.

 

[Don Nguyen]

Also keep an eye out for business closures in your area. We had an old Nypro plastic factory close down in our are and scored all their Snappy stuff for work at dirt cheap prices. 56" boxes were like $300 or so from what I remember.

I would like a 72" box or something closer to that. I originally thought I wanted a box that was 30", but I think that may end up taking too much floor space in the garage, so a 24" or so would be ideal.

If I got a smaller box now, I may end up needing a second box, which at the moment, I think I'd rather have one bigger box overall than two smaller boxes. However, I am not 100% set on that. Would have to weight the variables/pros/cons.

-Don

 

[thegroundpounder99]

To answer your question, yes. I was at HF today and looked at the 72" and I thought it was a POS especially for the money.


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[crewchief888]

If I got a smaller box now, I may end up needing a second box, which at the moment, I think I'd rather have one bigger box overall than two smaller boxes. However, I am not 100% set on that. Would have to weight the variables/pros/cons.

-Don

call me old (school) but i'm in the multiple smaller boxes camp.

i have the option to move boxes around, and fit them in the available space i have to work with in my cramped garage.
i have 2 sets of (mechanics type) tools, one in the garage, and more in my service truck.

back when i got started, in the mid 80's, 36" wide box was a HUGE box,
when the double/triple bank boxes came on the market, there were a LOT of (fairly new) truck brand boxes available on the used market.

 

[Ponchoguy]

call me old (school) but i'm in the multiple smaller boxes camp.

i have the option to move boxes around, and fit them in the available space i have to work with in my cramped garage.
i have 2 sets of (mechanics type) tools, one in the garage, and more in my service truck.

back when i got started, in the mid 80's, 36" wide box was a HUGE box,
when the double/triple bank boxes came on the market, there were a LOT of (fairly new) truck brand boxes available on the used market.

+1 for this. Old Sears Craftsman (a dime a dozen and cheap/well made) do it for me.

 

[Don Nguyen]

call me old (school) but i'm in the multiple smaller boxes camp.

i have the option to move boxes around, and fit them in the available space i have to work with in my cramped garage.
i have 2 sets of (mechanics type) tools, one in the garage, and more in my service truck.

back when i got started, in the mid 80's, 36" wide box was a HUGE box,
when the double/triple bank boxes came on the market, there were a LOT of (fairly new) truck brand boxes available on the used market.

Thanks for the input. Hearing the pros/cons of having one single larger box vs multiple (2) smaller boxes will definitely help refine my final decision on the right box to get.

-Don

 

[Griff93]

Another nice thing you can do with multiple boxes is make one for standard tools and one for metric tools.

 

[Don Nguyen]

Another nice thing you can do with multiple boxes is make one for standard tools and one for metric tools.

Everything I work on is always metric. There is a small amount of items that I actually work on that use standard.

-Don

 

[toddoky]

Everything I work on is always metric. There is a small amount of items that I actually work on that use standard.

-Don

Understand that the drawers in a 30" deep box will give you more organizational freedom than two smaller boxes with the same combined cubic inch capacity will.

 

[rsanter]

You better not pay 2000 for a tech1000 box. I paid $700 for mine and regularly see them in the $1200 range
I like the HF box but the tech1000 is a way better box if you have the space for the extra depth

Bob

 

[Brownsfan]

You better not pay 2000 for a tech1000 box. I paid $700 for mine and regularly see them in the $1200 range
I like the HF box but the tech1000 is a way better box if you have the space for the extra depth

Bob

I would say for the double bank no. But a really nice triple bank tech series 2000 is right in line. I had a double bank tech series for 15 years. That thing was a tank.

 

[jrobb316]

Comparing HF to a tool truck brand is no comparison at all. I have a Macsimizer 1300B in my garage I will be selling shortly. Its build like a tank, literally its 800 pounds for a deep double bank box. Wood top and all, and i'll probably list it for $1500 and see what happens.

 

[Air21]

I've been debating the same thing. I have my eyes peeled for a KRA5318 but I'm afraid the depth will disappoint me and the price might not make me smile and GJ hints the quality might not either.

 

[Brownsfan]

Comparing HF to a tool truck brand is no comparison at all. I have a Macsimizer 1300B in my garage I will be selling shortly. Its build like a tank, literally its 800 pounds for a deep double bank box. Wood top and all, and i'll probably list it for $1500 and see what happens.

That's a good price and it should sell quick. I sold my double bank Tech series for 1600 3 years ago. The Macsimizer boxes are awesome. Really under rated if you ask me. They are just as nice as a KRL snap on. If I buy another truck brand box it will be a Macsimizer.

 

[jrobb316]

That's a good price and it should sell quick. I sold my double bank Tech series for 1600 3 years ago. The Macsimizer boxes are awesome. Really under rated if you ask me. They are just as nice as a KRL snap on. If I buy another truck brand box it will be a Macsimizer.

Yeah it SHOULD sell quick and I hope it does. Its one of the originals from the 90s, the MAC dealer said they actually built them too heavy back then, and I believe him, its a beast. Only selling because my KRL1023 will be coming home soon and a Vidmar locker.

Air: The KRA series are pretty underwhelming when compared to a Macsimizer or a snapon KRL. Definitely not as stout. The extra depth of the drawers does make a huge difference.

 

[Brownsfan]

If you were closer to me I would be all over it. It's time to upgrade my box. After I sold my Mac I bought the stupid stainless box with a radio because I got it really cheap. My buddy is a manager at Lowe's and marked it damaged for me because the box/crate was messed up. And delivered it free. It's actually a really nice home box but I want a larger bottom roller for the bench space.

 

[jrobb316]

If I have a hard time selling it locally (I'm in Milwaukee) maybe we can work something out. I could always go for an extended weekend trip to Buffalo (I love that city).

 

[Don Nguyen]

You better not pay 2000 for a tech1000 box. I paid $700 for mine and regularly see them in the $1200 range
I like the HF box but the tech1000 is a way better box if you have the space for the extra depth

Bob

I am comparing the 72" HF box to a similar length sized truck box, which would most likely be a triple bank, unless they have double banks in those lengths as well.

Comparing HF to a tool truck brand is no comparison at all. I have a Macsimizer 1300B in my garage I will be selling shortly. Its build like a tank, literally its 800 pounds for a deep double bank box. Wood top and all, and i'll probably list it for $1500 and see what happens.

From my understanding, a Macsimizer box is on the higher end of Mac boxes. I am mainly trying to see if the lower end Mac/SO boxes are worth the price difference ($2000 vs $1000) between them and a HF box.

I've been debating the same thing. I have my eyes peeled for a KRA5318 but I'm afraid the depth will disappoint me and the price might not make me smile and GJ hints the quality might not either.

What's the depth on that KRA? I think I would be happy with 24". 30" may be too much for my garage. I will have to go and do some more measurements and hopefully be able to visualize it.

 

[jrobb316]

Why settle for low end when you can get high end in your price range?

 

[Don Nguyen]

Why settle for low end when you can get high end in your price range?

Looking to see experiences, pros, cons, and opinions. If the value is not there, even though it is in my price range, would not justify me spending that amount. I can probably find a "more used" KRL or 5s/6s Mac box, etc, for slightly more than $2000, but then that'll start a snowball effect of, "For X amount more, I can get this."

Primarily, I've put a lot of thought into it, I figured now is a good time to discuss it with others to help refine my final decision.

-Don

 

[Vigo]

Comparing HF to a tool truck brand is no comparison at all

I'd say it depends what truck brand stuff you are talking about. Obviously there is a lot of top notch stuff out there, but i've never been impressed with the Classic stuff, and i've spent a lot of time working out of a friend's SO ~40" top and bottom (Something like KRA4810FPBO top and KRA4107FPBO bottom, but not exactly sure) and honestly i don't think it's worth any more than the HF stuff.

 

[Mikerodrig27]

For home use, I'd probably stick to the cheaper boxes unless you find a good deal on a professional box used. HF boxes are almost overkill for the home user and will take a long long time to wear out. In fact, a lot of people use them professionally with no issues.

I'd like to have a nice professional box at home but for the price difference, I'd rather buy a HF box. I think the 56" series is a decent box. You could get the lower and then when you need the space down the road get he upper.

 

[Don Nguyen]

For home use, I'd probably stick to the cheaper boxes unless you find a good deal on a professional box used. HF boxes are almost overkill for the home user and will take a long long time to wear out. In fact, a lot of people use them professionally with no issues.

I'd like to have a nice professional box at home but for the price difference, I'd rather buy a HF box. I think the 56" series is a decent box. You could get the lower and then when you need the space down the road get he upper.

I actually don't really like upper/top boxes. I like having a working space on top of the box.

Although, those hutches look pretty interesting, allowing you to hang your tools and have a shop light in there, etc.

 

[gobeer net]

I worked in dealership service dept for 7 years and saw many boxes. A few entry level techs had HF boxes. They usually quit the trade or upgraded and sold their HF box to the next entry level/LOF tech. In my opinion these boxes held up well. I never saw one get retired. I think they are more than suitable for home/hobbyist use.

I bought my 52" HF a few years ago and am very happy with it. Some hate the latches, I don't even think about them now. If the 7x" is as good as the 52" it will hold up well to home/light commercial use.