Kennedy roll cab-opinions?

[993James993]

I'm really in the market for a used Snap-On set up to store my tools in the garage I'm building. I've been watching craigslist for several months without much luck.

Over the weekend I saw this Kennedy cab on cl. I have three Kennedy machinists tool chests that I'm very happy with, and one of them would fit right on top of this roll chest.

Does anyone have a similar set up for mechanic's tools? How does Kennedy compare to Snap-On? I know that it's a nice box but will it stand up to a couple hundred pounds of tools or would i be overloading it?

 

[arkangel06]

Kennedy makes nice box's as for wight I could not tell you post up the price of what hes asking...

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Kennedy boxes are very strong. I wouldn't worry about it holding up. Only drawback with that box that I can see is that it's only 26" wide. If that doesn't bother you, and the price is good, go for it.

 

[993James993]

Kennedy boxes are very strong. I wouldn't worry about it holding up. Only drawback with that box that I can see is that it's only 26" wide. If that doesn't bother you, and the price is good, go for it.

Lookin, how can you tell about the width? The chest I would put on top is 26 3/4. The seller said it was 27 or 27 1/2.

The price is $175, probably negotiable but the seller will deliver so I won't negotiate too hard.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Is that a 275 or a 295? The difference is one is 27" wide and the other is 29" wide.

I've used that box, the 295 for over 25 years in an industrial maintenance based setting. It has seen a lot of abuse and keeps on ticking. If that was made after 1995 you may be able to upgrade to ball bearing slides, mine wasn't but the friction slides work very well. The only gripe I have is that the lower storage area is kind of a pain, since you have to lean down to get into it, or to reach the back you'll have to get on your knees.

I have mine on a Kennedy Versa Cart and have a 5 drawer hang on cabinet bolted to it also, so all in all mine is at 63" wide and I've put a piece of 1/2" plywood on each piece and covered it with a sheet of 1/2" thick PVC ( used to work on a lot corrosive liquid based equipment). I mounted a Wilton vise to it, so it is my rolling bench.

TheGrooveking

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Lookin, how can you tell about the width? The chest I would put on top is 26 3/4. The seller said it was 27 or 27 1/2.

The price is $175, probably negotiable but the seller will deliver so I won't negotiate too hard.

That's a universal width. It will be just wide enough for your chest to fit on it, that's what I was implying in the first post. I'm guessing it will be 26 3/4" wide...that's the width on an old Waterloo and Craftsman rollaway I have.

EDIT: possibly a littler wider...I didn't realize they made them 29" wide per Grooveking's post above

 

[Stick Figure]

I've got a smaller roll cab, and wasn't super impressed with its strength, but it was rather abused when i got it. Really not sure what the previous owner had done, but it took a jack in opposite corners to square it back up while i welded up the seems to get it back to square. The bottom is still a bit deformed (where the casters bolt up) and thus has a bit of a wobble. I would give you more info on how old the unit was, but when i emailed the company to find out aprox age on the box, and to see about ordering some parts, my email was ignored.

Personally i would hold out for a Snap-on much better built, and better customer service.

 

[arkangel06]

for $175 its really worth picking it up

 

[TheGrooveking]

I've got a smaller roll cab, and wasn't super impressed with its strength, but it was rather abused when i got it. Really not sure what the previous owner had done, but it took a jack in opposite corners to square it back up while i welded up the seems to get it back to square. The bottom is still a bit deformed (where the casters bolt up) and thus has a bit of a wobble. I would give you more info on how old the unit was, but when i emailed the company to find out aprox age on the box, and to see about ordering some parts, my email was ignored.

Personally i would hold out for a Snap-on much better built, and better customer service.

Definitely that cab was abused. I have four Kenneday roller cabs and a few SnapOn's and can report that I've had more than a 1,000 pounds on my Kennedy 295 and it handled it with no damage. One thing since there are more Kennedy's in industrial facilities than SnapOin, you more likely to see a Kennedy that was hit by a forklift.

TheGrooveking

 

[993James993]

Thanks for posting everyone. If the box is wide enough and things work out, I plan to buy it based on the advice given here.

 

[arkangel06]

Thanks for posting everyone. If the box is wide enough and things work out, I plan to buy it based on the advice given here.

good stuff for that price you cant go wrong

You will like your new box!

 

[back2class]

I have that exact one. It is well used but rock solid as it has no issues. Having had several Snap-on boxes I will tell you it is about the same as my older KR friction boxes I have had quality wise. Thats not to say I am super impressed with my snap-on's but quality wise and function wise about the same. The kennedy is lacking the double walls of some snap-on frames but 100% not of any use in a box of these demensions. I paid $50 for mine and there is a nicer version that has seen some use for $150 on CL in my area. So unless that box it is in great shape I would try and pay less. And as mentioned, the bottom drawer is a cabinet not a drawer.

also, I have sen several of the huge newer cornwell carts. They are about twice the size and most appear to be like new for $500 asking prices lately. Much better to pick one of those and spend a little more.

 

[stock z/28]

Hello,

I have several of the Kennedy roller cabinets wit 1 on the Versa cart that was mention earlier and I have been very happy with them.

As far as value Im not real sure what they are worth. The reason I say that is that I recently won a similar lower cabinet with roller bearing drawers and a top chest that has standard slide drawers. Its a very nice box but I dont have any place for, so I listed it on the local CL for $550. and only had 1 call, with no buyers. So Im not sure of cash value for a used box, but I think they were well built.

 

[crewchief888]

when i started wrenching i had a set of kennedy boxes,
before i bought my KR550/555 i had 2 3 drawer middle boxes, a top box and a SO side cabinet on that poor roller cab no problems at all. i traded the kennedy's in, got back what i paid for them on trade.

i'd grab it for that price
but i need another toolbox like i need another hole in the head.....

 

[jteck75]

Here's a generic image of my Kennedy box,it's the Napa SS series,but it is identical to the Kennedy Maintenance Pro,minus the emblem. It's been a great box,highly recommended. I gave $2400 for it brand new at Napa,it was shipped direct from the Kennedy plant in Van Wert Ohio.

 

[wreckercologist]

I say get it. Not a bad price on a good quality box. Those Kennedy's are no frills, no flash, but tough and durable.

I've been pleased with the Kennedy's i've owned in the past.

 

[Vinko]

I'd love to get a one of the smaller Kennedy top chests sometime, if I ever come across a deal.

 

[rodm1]

You can over load the large drawer easily. I've broken mine years ago and known several others just keep the drawers under the weight limit. They are good boxes I don't think they're in the Snap On league.

 

[Stick Figure]

Definitely that cab was abused. I have four Kenneday roller cabs and a few SnapOn's and can report that I've had more than a 1,000 pounds on my Kennedy 295 and it handled it with no damage. One thing since there are more Kennedy's in industrial facilities than SnapOin, you more likely to see a Kennedy that was hit by a forklift.

TheGrooveking

I'm thinking more like someone tried to set something really heavy on top of it. My disappointment was more with the company not returning my email than the box itself. The box is just metal, it was fixable and works great for what i am using it for now. I just wish i wouldn't have had to rig the broken slides rather than just buying new.

I'd love to get a one of the smaller Kennedy top chests sometime, if I ever come across a deal.

I will have one up for grabs in the near future. I'm just waiting to finish my restoration on my snap on top box. I would rather sell it to someone on the board for cheap than mess with craigslist.

 

[993James993]

Is that a 275 or a 295? The difference is one is 27" wide and the other is 29" wide.

TheGrooveking

I spoke with the seller today. It's 29" wide. He's about 90 miles away and will bring it to town tomorrow. If all is as described I'll buy it tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for the advice!

 

[Mickey_D]

I have that same box and have and have 600 pounds of vises in the bottom bay and on top and the drawers are stuffed. Probably weighs in at 1000 pounds of stuff in it plus the weight of the box and it still rolls. Besides that one, I have 4 other Kennedy cabinets between 27" and 34" inches and they are very well made boxes. The only thing that seems to wear on them is that eventually the drawer slides can gall if not lubed every 10 or so years, but replacements are available from Kennedy for reasonable money.

 

[993James993]

Thanks again for all the feedback and suggestions.

The seller brought the box and it was as described. It is a five drawer 295 model, the sixth drawer being an open bay with a lid that closes to match the drawers. It's a little rougher than I imagined but it's mostly clean, straight and sits solidly. It has friction drawer slides and they all work fine. I'll clean it up and lubricate the slides this weekend and take a photo or two to post. I'll probably start filling it up with tools as well.

All in all I'm pleased with my purchase.

Does anyone know if I can order a key from Kennedy? Any recommendations for drawer liners?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Does anyone know if I can order a key from Kennedy? Any recommendations for drawer liners?

You should be able to get the key from them...though it may be cheaper to take the lock into a locksmith and get it.

For drawer liners, I use black rubber carpet runner. You can buy a 6' X 27" wide roll for about $12 at Home Depot. That should give you plenty for the whole rollaway.

 

[Tool Pants]

Kennedy has info on their site for replacement keys. Roll cab is going to have a different style lock than in my pictures.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44670&page=2

 

[dieseldodge01]

Locks can be ordered through Kennedy, the tubular security locks are around $10, not sure what the standard locks costs, its been about 3 years since I replaced mine. You can't go wrong with a Kennedy box, I know of one that is around 40 years old and is still in excellent shape.

 

[993James993]

As promised here are some photos of the box. I cleaned it with Simple Green but the paint looked faded so I put a light coat of WD40 on as well.

I bought some shelf liner and cut to to fit the drawers

The drawers slide all the way out giving access to stuff in the back

 

[arkangel06]

Dude YOU ****!!!

 

[993James993]

Dude YOU ****!!!

Haha! Thank you

This is more storage than I've ever had in one box. My tools have been spread out among seven boxes and this way I can at least start to group them by type.

 

[back2class]

what are the dimensions?

 

[993James993]

what are the dimensions?

The cabinet is 29" wide X 20" deep X 35 1/8" high (including casters-the actual box is 29" high). The three top drawers are 25" W X 18 1/2" D X 1 1/2" H. The three lower drawers are 3 1/2" H. I didn't measure the bottom shelf as it doesn't seem that useful for every day tools.

Here is my current set up, at least for some of my tools

 

[Rickster]

The Kennedy toolboxes are the most under-rated toolboxes on the market. Check the sliders at the cabinet mount, the newer boxes allow you to reposition the drawers and even change to roller bearing slides which you can buy from Kennedy. Check their website and they describe their modular system. I have a red one and I pulled the bin door cover out and replaced it with additional drawers and added some roller slides.

Also, I have something you might want. I picked up this Kennedy Machanics toolbox the same color as your base and it fits the 26 in wide boxes.

 

[993James993]

The Kennedy toolboxes are the most under-rated toolboxes on the market. Check the sliders at the cabinet mount, the newer boxes allow you to reposition the drawers and even change to roller bearing slides which you can buy from Kennedy. Check their website and they describe their modular system. I have a red one and I pulled the bin door cover out and replaced it with additional drawers and added some roller slides.

Also, I have something you might want. I picked up this Kennedy Machanics toolbox the same color as your base and it fits the 26 in wide boxes.

Hey Rickster, thanks for the tip repositioning the drawer and the Kennedy website.

At the Kennedy website FAQ
http://www.kennedymfg.com/Kennedy/FAQs/ it says:
********

I have a 5 drawer cabinet and would like to add drawers to the storage compartment on the bottom. Can this be done?
Yes! Your 5 drawer cabinet can be converted to a 7 drawer cabinet provided that it has a Universal Drawer Slide System (snap in / snap out). Please contact our Customer Service Department or call (800) 413-8665.​

********
I suspect that I do not have the Universal Drawer Slide System but rather the old style friction slide system. Can anyone tell from this photo? (looks like I have more cleaning to do....)

Thanks for the offer on the top box. I actually have a Kennedy machinist's box that is 26 1/2" wide that I plan to put on the top.

 

[993James993]

I finally had some time to take all the drawers out and clean the interior. I scraped all the hard caked grease from the slides and re-greased them.

Here is a before photo...

When I finished the drawers slide better but I neglected to take a new photo.

 

[Mickey O]

The Kennedy toolboxes are the most under-rated toolboxes on the market. Check the sliders at the cabinet mount, the newer boxes allow you to reposition the drawers and even change to roller bearing slides which you can buy from Kennedy. Check their website and they describe their modular system. I have a red one and I pulled the bin door cover out and replaced it with additional drawers and added some roller slides.

Also, I have something you might want. I picked up this Kennedy Machanics toolbox the same color as your base and it fits the 26 in wide boxes.

Yeah, they are great boxes, reasonably prices and made in the USA, they even make cabinets like Vidmar/Lista, they're very nice. Worth looking at their website, the have all types including a variety of colors and sizes as well as some with full ball bearing slides. And you can get some great deals on them, even the new ones, I could have gotten the Kennedy badged version of the Napa branded one above for $1600 OTD at a local industrial supplier. Still sticking with the small boxes.

 

[arkangel06]

The Kennedy toolboxes are the most under-rated toolboxes on the market.

Yeah its too bad They are great box's its just that they are found in industrial complxes I have never once seen one in an auto shop or such. The public doesnt even know they exist.

 

[993James993]

I've had this box almost 40 years now. It was a gift from my father when I was a kid. I think it looks as good now as it did back then. I should probably clean it up and remove the dust.

These are my other Kennedy kits. The small one was an ebay score and the bigger one was one of two boxes that my father had when he died. My son has the other one. I do have another middle box that mates to the large one that is not shown.

 

[993James993]

Does anyone familiar with the Kennedy roll cab know if I can replace the friction slides with ball bearing slides? Is it worth doing? Thanks!

 

[TheGrooveking]

Does anyone familiar with the Kennedy roll cab know if I can replace the friction slides with ball bearing slides? Is it worth doing? Thanks!

You have the exact model 295 I have and no you can not change out the friction slides for ball bearing slides. I found that with some decent lube and some weight in them the move better, which is weird but the weight for some reason helps. I believe in the mid to late 90's is when Kennedy changed over to the modular slide design. For the age of your cab it is fantastic shape!

TheGrooveking

 

[993James993]

Thanks Grooveking! I just lubed the slides with fresh grease. I have put a few tools in this cab but until my garage is finished I won't transfer the bulk of my tools to it.

Do the drawers in your cab line up with the case when closed? Mine have some play and I'm thinking of installing a wood drawer stop in the rear of the case so that they line perfectly when closed.

 

[Rickster]

Yea, your pic showed the older style sliders with the carrires mounted in the box. The newer modular series Kennedy has retangular slots and the entire slider can be snaped up and forward off the box. Those are the ones you can buy replacement roller sliders for from Kennedy.

This from the Kennedy websit:

Can I change my standard drawer slides to ball bearing drawer slides?
If your existing tool storage unit has drawer slides that snap into the body of the drawer and snap into the interior wall of the box, then you are able to interchange the drawer slides. If the slides are welded to the drawer body and welded to the interior wall of the tool box, then you are not able to interchange the drawer slides. Please contact our Customer Service Department or call (800) 413-8665 for how to instructions.