Latest Harbor Freight Tool Challenge
- Thread starter ImportTuner
- Start date
i'll bite...
im not familiar with that particular SO box, BUT, if someone were looking for a new box, and those 2 were in front of them, why chose SO? Where are you really seeing the difference? Are the slides THAT much better? Are the caster's THAT much better? Does the thickness of the metal matter as much as people make it out to? Ive never seen a box crumple up from too much weight..
just sayin....
edit* other than the drawer config of course, i.e if you need a 8" deep drawer you obviously go SO..
im not familiar with that particular SO box, BUT, if someone were looking for a new box, and those 2 were in front of them, why chose SO? Where are you really seeing the difference? Are the slides THAT much better? Are the caster's THAT much better? Does the thickness of the metal matter as much as people make it out to? Ive never seen a box crumple up from too much weight..
just sayin....
edit* other than the drawer config of course, i.e if you need a 8" deep drawer you obviously go SO..
OP
Specifications from the website ...
From Snap On website
KRA4813D
Features:
Top Mat
Drawer Liners
Tubular Locks
Lock 'n Roll® Drawers
Double Wall Construction
Interchangeable Drawers
Heavy Duty 6" x 2" Casters
Ball Bearing Drawer Slides with Quick Disconnect
Double Slides on Top (Full Width) Roll Cab Drawer
2800 lb. load capacity
From Harbor Freight website
#90320
Industrial quality, all steel construction with chrome handles and trim
Internally welded joints for durability
11,528 cubic inch storage capacity
2900 lb. load capacity
Heavy duty ball bearing slides on all drawers
Lockable drawers (key included)
Four 5'' casters (two fixed and two swivel with brake)
Nonslip rubber mats in each drawer and on top
Rustproof powder-coat finish
From Snap On website
KRA4813D
Features:
Top Mat
Drawer Liners
Tubular Locks
Lock 'n Roll® Drawers
Double Wall Construction
Interchangeable Drawers
Heavy Duty 6" x 2" Casters
Ball Bearing Drawer Slides with Quick Disconnect
Double Slides on Top (Full Width) Roll Cab Drawer
2800 lb. load capacity
From Harbor Freight website
#90320
Industrial quality, all steel construction with chrome handles and trim
Internally welded joints for durability
11,528 cubic inch storage capacity
2900 lb. load capacity
Heavy duty ball bearing slides on all drawers
Lockable drawers (key included)
Four 5'' casters (two fixed and two swivel with brake)
Nonslip rubber mats in each drawer and on top
Rustproof powder-coat finish
crashbumper
Well-known member
I wonder if the HF ads in Hot Rod and other magazines is a result of the slipping economy?
I had NEVER seen a HF ad outside of the flier I get in the mail. Now, they have two full page ads in nearly all auto magazines. Were they perhaps denied advertising before, and now that magazines need money they let them in? Or perhaps the downturn has sent more people to HF instead of Sears/Lowes/Home Depot and they can now afford more direct marketing?
What's next, commercials?
I had NEVER seen a HF ad outside of the flier I get in the mail. Now, they have two full page ads in nearly all auto magazines. Were they perhaps denied advertising before, and now that magazines need money they let them in? Or perhaps the downturn has sent more people to HF instead of Sears/Lowes/Home Depot and they can now afford more direct marketing?
What's next, commercials?
crashbumper
Well-known member
Everone knows that magazine/newspapers are dying every day... So any advertising a magazine can get nowadays is well received I imagine. Hell, arent there ***** pills and *** chairs advertised in the back of some auto magazines?
I understand specs, hell I have a KRL collecting dust in my garage..
my point is, what does the SO box REALLY give someone that the HF box doesnt?
rsanter
Well-known member
HF is likly looking to counteract or prevent their sales from dropping due to the economy. the other thing is that they may just me getting more agressive and trying to grow their market share.
I had that HF box at work (I bought it for my department to use) and its a decent box. nowhere near as nice as the snap on box.
the one I had bought I was looking at the structure under the box which consisted of some cheap looking angle iron and the welding looked like it was dont cheap and quick by a beginner.
I dont like the wrinkle finish but I suspect its done to cover up the flaws or loose tollerances they are using to build the thing.
on the other hand its a good value for the money and I would recomend it over many of the cman boxes
bob
I had that HF box at work (I bought it for my department to use) and its a decent box. nowhere near as nice as the snap on box.
the one I had bought I was looking at the structure under the box which consisted of some cheap looking angle iron and the welding looked like it was dont cheap and quick by a beginner.
I dont like the wrinkle finish but I suspect its done to cover up the flaws or loose tollerances they are using to build the thing.
on the other hand its a good value for the money and I would recomend it over many of the cman boxes
bob
Stuey
Well-known member
I'm guessing durability, better quality control, and more pro-oriented customer service.
I hear you on the customer service.. of course I had to push a button or 2 to get my KRL swapped out ( top of the box was warped)..
I dont like the crinkle finish but I also dont like the random weld spots on the front of the SO boxes...
durability....I dont know. comparing the 2 boxes posted in this thread I mean.. Im sure the SO box feels "heavier" when opening the drawers, which is something I equate to being a better box. but if they both hold the weight, and keep holding the weight, does it really matter..
resale value obviously goes to the SO.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You need to take this ad at face value and not read too much into it. First, of all, harbor Freight ads are showing up everywhere. They are expanding and putting their name out there with 20% off coupons in alot of the ads too. Secondly, the main point of the ad is why pay close to $2600 for a box when you can get a similiar box for $400. An arguement that has been discussed at length in these pages. An arguement that in today's sluggish economy with techs clocking fewer hours, or with there being little extra cash for tools after bills may make sense. I don't think anyone at Harbor Freight is trying to say that their box is as good as Snap on's. I think they're saying if you need a box, ours is only $400 come and get it. I was once told that except for being able to find your tools faster, a box doesn't make you any money. 
Same as the ***** pills.
Stick Figure
Well-known member
Hopefully that means the 72" will show up in stores soon as well. The bottom is back on the web.... http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=67428
As far as the original .... my harbor box has lasted me 2.5 years so far ... daily abuse in a shop, and been moved FULL of tools several times including 1600 mile trip across the country. Could a Snap On do that? Of course, but at the time i bought it was because i had well out grown my old craftsman box, and could no longer use pegboard and non locking carts in a shop of my own, so i needed something cheap, and available now. Less than a $1000 for all 3 pieces was a winner. Only major complaint i wish i could have gotten black that red finish is a %#$@% to keep clean. If i had the money i would rather have the snap on, but i don't regret my purchase for a second.
crashbumper
Well-known member
I have the same roll cab advetised above and I love it. It's almost full, so I have an excuse to get a bigger box. I'll still probably get another HF box (or side add ons) because I just can't justify the cost of an SO (even used).
We all know, truck brand tool boxes are overpriced, but I would skip the HF boxes, and go with one of the extreme tools, brand boxes. At least for a main box. One of my boxes is a Waterloo Traxx box, and the HF box seems comparable, except for the crappy crinkle finish.
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
While I seriously doubt the HF casters could hold up, since the one thing rates them at 2900, and I believe that ad, shows 3500lbs (number games).
Anyone have the weight per drawer info on the Snap-on one? You can download the manual for the HF one and the total drawer weight is 475lbs of tools it will hold. (not much and certainly wouldn't be anywhere near their total weight listed)
That said, the HF does have one advantage (not price), it is that in a shop with Snap-on toolboxes, it doesn't scream steal or break into me.
Anyone have the weight per drawer info on the Snap-on one? You can download the manual for the HF one and the total drawer weight is 475lbs of tools it will hold. (not much and certainly wouldn't be anywhere near their total weight listed)
That said, the HF does have one advantage (not price), it is that in a shop with Snap-on toolboxes, it doesn't scream steal or break into me.
Only problem I see with that box is the tall slide out drawer. I would have thought it would have been door that would swing open and have storage for larger plastic case items such as puller sets. With that configuration that is alot of wasted space I think.
r6_cannibal
Well-known member
I like the pull out because it has what effectively looks like pegboard on the back, allowing one to attach a shelf, hooks, or use the full height for a midget or something.
I've seen the HF boxes but have not owned one. They feel similar to the craftsman boxes but without the higher price tag. The one thing I have not liked about the HF boxes is the drawer length. If they were just a couple inches longer I'd have replaced my old friction slide Cornwell roller.
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
why the hatin on snap on ? if that is what the man wants ........
I am happy and proud of the way my snap on junk has weathered the storm
I am happy and proud of the way my snap on junk has weathered the storm
Underdog
Well-known member
The numbers
Snap On box $2595.00
6.5% sales tax $ 168.67
Total Cost $2763.67
HF box $ 399.00
less 20% - $ 79.80
6.5% sales tax $ 20.74
Total Cost $ 339.94
Price Diff. $2763.67-$339.94 ====== $2423.73
1 SO box = 8.1 HF boxes?
Snap On box $2595.00
6.5% sales tax $ 168.67
Total Cost $2763.67
HF box $ 399.00
less 20% - $ 79.80
6.5% sales tax $ 20.74
Total Cost $ 339.94
Price Diff. $2763.67-$339.94 ====== $2423.73
1 SO box = 8.1 HF boxes?
tool box doesn't get your job done, tool does.
if my budget is $5,000, i'd rather spend most of the money on tools then a tool box to hold them.
if my budget is $10,000, a decent tool box will help me do my job better and faster while looking cool. why not.
if my budget is $5,000, i'd rather spend most of the money on tools then a tool box to hold them.
if my budget is $10,000, a decent tool box will help me do my job better and faster while looking cool. why not.
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
whatever
22 years with the same tool box .....
22 years with the same tool box .....
The numbers
Snap On box $2595.00
6.5% sales tax $ 168.67
Total Cost $2763.67
HF box $ 399.00
less 20% - $ 79.80
6.5% sales tax $ 20.74
Total Cost $ 339.94
Price Diff. $2763.67-$339.94 ====== $2423.73
1 SO box = 8.1 HF boxes?
technically, since you brought the HF discount into the equation.....SO is running their 25% off right now so that brings their box down a good bit..
just sayin
Underdog
Well-known member
Thats true I just went by the SO website price. I'm sure you could get a sizable discount or free tools from the truck dealer.
SLAUGHTERHAUS FAB
Active member
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.
Wow you dug this thread up from the grave, Ill agree on every aspect of the Snap on Warranty but when you get to the "High Resale Value" I beg the differ. You may see alot of toolboxes with a High Used/Sale Price but in our economy they are not bringing near what there worth and havent for quite some time.
SnowBlaZeR2
Well-known member
Damn it. I read this whole stupid thread without looking at the dates.
bmrisko
Well-known member
That should only be a selling point if you make poor financial decisions. I'd rather put a purchase like that on a 0% interest CC and pay it off in 12 months....or just save up and pay cash.
And how many hours must a person work to pay off a SO box that they have financed? 
And if you are a hobbyist whose labor in the garage does not "pay," how do you justify the cost of such a box?
And if you are a hobbyist whose labor in the garage does not "pay," how do you justify the cost of such a box?
mrholeshot
MEMBER EMERITUS
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2010
- Messages
- 8,043
I didn't look at the date either as I had never seen the thread. I've owned three of the HF boxes and I still own some mega dollars boxes. In those two boxes listed the Snap-On has nicer paint, way better locks and a lifetime warranty. I used one of the HF boxes as a tool cart for 3 years. No problems other than a little tough to clean greasy fingerprint off of. As far as build quality of the structure I'll call it a draw. The HF box is a absolute Best Buy and will hold up under severe use for years. You can buy a lot of tools with those savings
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.
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.
Good point Dave. To me, this is a good justification to buy a clean used SO box instead of either of the new ones. No brainer.
Dale
djkyle65
Well-known member
I have yet to see this box anywhere
SnowBlaZeR2
Well-known member
I think it's going to take more than a couple years to find one of those boxes for $100. If you see one let me know and I'll take it.
Most of the SO I see are overpriced. People think they are going to get close to what they paid for it back. Maybe they shouldn't have bought them in the first place if they didn't want to keep it.
wbclassics
Well-known member
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!
You know why I love the pre-Christmas shopping season so much? All those $35k-millionaire auto techs pawning or selling their Snap-On gear on Craigslist because they need the money to buy their kids gifts.
SnowBlaZeR2
Well-known member
I think it was. He delivered it in disguise, though. I guess he was being ironic.
I like the boxes made by Waterloo better then the Harbor Freight boxes. I have seen the Waterloo boxes under several different brand names including one of the better models sold at Sears. Our local Farm&Ranch store carries a nice 72" box (top and bottom) that was selling for $800.00 a few weeks ago when I was there. I believe that it was a box made by Waterloo or whomever the parent company is due to the construction, style and location of the badgering. It looks to me that it is also the same manufacturer that makes the new boxes that NAPA auto parts is now selling. I believe I own a box from that same company that I purchased at Lowe's several years ago under the Kobalt brand name.
