Best tool box for the money

[Sugarfryz]

So I’m a professional auto mechanic, I already own a snap on tool box and cart, it’s a classic double bay. The time has come that both are completely stuffed

All my tools are paid off, and the debt I went in for the toolbox got old real quick. I’m happy to spend money on quality tools, but the box doesn’t make me any money.

Should I wait for a good price used box?

Does anyone have any recommendations for high quality tool boxes that aren’t from a tool truck and aren’t horrendously overpriced? I know there’s a legitimate need for high quality tool boxes, and if you got the money to spend more power to you. I just want some options first

 

[tool_scrounge]

Are you looking only for new, or is used an option?

 

[plinker]

Lista would be an option, otherwise a clean used Snap-on KR/KRL or Matco 5S/6S box. Proto had some decent looking boxes as well, fairly reasonable too. I think they had different tier boxes similar to the truck boxes (IIRC).

 

[Shelbylex]

Used Snap On if you have some time to look for it. DIY guys like me often prefer smaller combos due to space limitations and you may find a great deal given the time.
What is your approximate budget and what size you prefer?

 

[clinebarger]

I'm also a professional auto mechanic, I can tell you from many years of experience that your current box is over-stuffed with tools you don't use very often or at all.

Every Mechanic is guilty of this including myself! Blow molded cases are the biggest offender. I bought a large lockable Fire Cabinet for all those bulky cases for a couple hundred.

Then it's time to weed through all the broken tools you think one day you will see that brands tool truck & get it fixed.....Either throw them away or send them off to get fixed/replaced.

Junk/Part/Bolt/Nut drawers.....In your $5,000 tool box?? You can buy a cheap HF box for **** like that.

Make holders/hangers for tools you use most often, I don't like opening drawers for my most used tools.

Rethink the entire organization of your toolbox...I know we get used to things being a certain way, But it can usually be improved.

Mechanics love to have back-up tools....But do you really need 7 of the same socket/wrench/screwdriver/plier in your work box??

Then on to the tools you do not use.....Take them home & put them up somewhere, If you do need them....Bring them the following day! Or ask another tech to use his ONE time.

I congratulate you on being tool debt free & realizing the zeros on your check are more important!

 

[regguy1]

see video review:

https://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/tool-vault-62-22-drawer-tool-cabinet-with-top-chest.html

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Your's are the best for Your money because they are paid for. I am in agreement with the Guys above that suggest some re-evaluation, re-arranging, decluttering, and tossing the blow molded cases that are not needed. If Your lacking a top chest or side cabinet, they can be added, or find a used KRL triple bank. Wouldn't hurt to mention Your interests to Your Snap-on Dealer.

 

[CafeTools]

Get a harbor freight 44 that is the same color as your snappy.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I'm also a professional auto mechanic, I can tell you from many years of experience that your current box is over-stuffed with tools you don't use very often or at all.

Every Mechanic is guilty of this including myself! Blow molded cases are the biggest offender. I bought a large lockable Fire Cabinet for all those bulky cases for a couple hundred.

Then it's time to weed through all the broken tools you think one day you will see that brands tool truck & get it fixed.....Either throw them away or send them off to get fixed/replaced.

Junk/Part/Bolt/Nut drawers.....In your $5,000 tool box?? You can buy a cheap HF box for **** like that.

Make holders/hangers for tools you use most often, I don't like opening drawers for my most used tools.

Rethink the entire organization of your toolbox...I know we get used to things being a certain way, But it can usually be improved.

Mechanics love to have back-up tools....But do you really need 7 of the same socket/wrench/screwdriver/plier in your work box??

Then on to the tools you do not use.....Take them home & put them up somewhere, If you do need them....Bring them the following day! Or ask another tech to use his ONE time.

I congratulate you on being tool debt free & realizing the zeros on your check are more important!

thats a pretty blanket statement.. what gives you the right to tell the guy to get rid of his ****? how do you know what he works on? how do you know that he doesn't own his own shop and needs a few more tools than oil change and tune up basics..

I have two double bank snap on boxes completely filled. no doubles except two sets of screw drivers. no blow molded cases (those are in the packed lockers). no nuts and bolts in my box. thats what the lista cabinets are for. I own my own shop and rebuild large diesel engines, work on semis, dozers, cars, trucks, buses, chainsaws, hot rods and frankly everything with an engine and a few things without. I have a side cabinet full of machining tools for the mill and lathe for all the custom work I do. I won't even talk about my welding and fab box.....

I'm not here bragging, but get off the dudes back. he's obviously at the point where he needs another box. he didn't ask for what can i do to minimize stuff.


OP... look on CL and FB marketplace for a used snappy. you are not going to be happy with the quality of the HF and other box store budget brands. I tried to go that route myself. You can buy a lot of used box for little money, a lot of times you can upgrade to a three bank and sell your double and be out no cash in the end if thats what you want. Congrats on being debt free from the tool guy. been there for about 10 years. I've been buying and selling used snap on boxes for the last couple years on the side. let me know if you need any pointers. Low ball people, and have cash and a trailer ready to go pick it up....

 

[Mr_B]

Buy another classic double bay used and you got a 4 bay.
Moving to 3 bays gains little space but eats fair bit of money/time .
Used matco mac about best bang for buck, snapon nice but these days harder find and generally overpriced used even for poor condition examples.

I went matco as could find so many bargain used examples of 75 85 and proformance series boxes.
currently own 3 used matcos and end cabinets and spent less than 3K .
I had a 7525 and added a second as way more storage over going 3bay and only cost me 800bucks for a second used 2bay, the trend continued and I add to what I got .
If you want cheap new then about the best quality/value is masterfore 72"

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Been on the same boat. Lista/vidmar in similar configuration are close in price to a comparable truck box with super-duper rebates and such. Don't invest in the classic platform, trade it in, and got to a KRL/Epiq. IME high quality boxes for the professional, with spare parts available, are very hard to find. Montezuma/extreme/etc. are solidly built, not on SO level, but solid. But how long will slides be available? I've already replaced a few on my KRL. That's why I don't bother with mac/cornwell/matco - it seems they can discontinue a line of boxes, and just walk away from supporting them.



Buy used snap on on craigslist, sell your classic. I prefer the 90 days deferred interest, and just pay off the purchase before that. Wait for the "rock and roll" truck, tell your dealer you want to upgrade, but are in no hurry. Wait for the deals. Yes, it ***** paying the money, but you make a living out of this box. IMO a box with good slides and drawer layout does make you money.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Buy another classic double bay used and you got a 4 bay.
Moving to 3 bays gains little space but eats fair bit of money/time .
Used matco mac about best bang for buck, snapon nice but these days harder find and generally overpriced used even for poor condition examples.

I went matco as could find so many bargain used examples of 75 85 and proformance series boxes.
currently own 3 used matcos and end cabinets and spent less than 3K .
I had a 7525 and added a second as way more storage over going 3bay and only cost me 800bucks for a second used 2bay, the trend continued and I add to what I got .
If you want cheap new then about the best quality/value is masterfore 72"

Going from a KRA2422 (double) to a KRL 1022 (double) nets over 3000 cubic inches. 9563 vs 6391. This is using the taller and better laid out "10" series KRL, not the shorter "7".

Depending on shop layout, OP may not have room to just stack boxes forever and clog the place up.

 

[Mr_B]

Going from a KRA2422 (double) to a KRL 1022 (double) nets over 3000 cubic inches. 9563 vs 6391. This is using the taller and better laid out "10" series KRL, not the shorter "7".

Depending on shop layout, OP may not have room to just stack boxes forever and clog the place up.

He may or he may not, if working in situation only allowed one box then it a pain but running 2 2 bays is efficient storage to bucks and you not selling/trading simply adding 1 more.
I don't rate boxes by cubic capacity, tends never reach the numbers in real world loading.
25-28" depth boxes don't really take much space plus counter top space invaluable in daily efficiency .
Everyone's preference and working space/rules going be different but point is no need sell out and chase 3 bays when running 2 doubles can work wonders .
Shame he got pulled in on a classic on credit, a used krl or matco would of saved a fortune, had more drawer footprint and been easy add to over time with used units if so wished ...

 

[bwringer]

Most folks here aren't even considering that the bang for the buck winners are at Harbor Freight, hands down, end of story.

For the same money, would you rather have, say, a toolbox and a new motorcycle, or just a name brand toolbox? The cost difference is NUTS.

Seriously, go look at them in person before you dismiss them.

If HF is off your list and that's non-negotiable, then do what you want and buy the designer label of your choice.

But your question WAS "Best tool box for the money", not "Best tool box never mind the money".

 

[MadMechMaster]

Near a Menards? If I were back in the game, I would serously be looking at the 72" or56" in the masterforce line.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/tool-storage/tool-chests/masterforce-reg-72-x-24-15-drawer-mobile-tool-cabinet/me7215tc1gmm/p-1490163928178-c-9188.htm

 

[bp460]

If you are near a Menards, go take a look at a Masterforce box in person. I think they are the best value for an import box.

-Brad

 

[Parrothead]

Harbor Freight is coming out with their new Icon tool box line aimed at professionals. If you’re willing to wait, I’d certainly give them a look. 265 lb drawer slides, 16/18 ga steel and a lifetime warranty.

Just skip to 5:45 to avoid the rambling and get to the specs.

 

[Bretny]

HF boxes have come a long way in the last few years. Why dont you stop by a store and feel how smooth they are and the quality. I just bought a 5drawer mechanics cart for a baby changing table. Some day it might make it to the garage.

If this is for your home use why not setup a peg board or like suggested file cabinets for bulky items not often used. Most of my goto tools are on a peg board right by my vise and tool box.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The HF stuff is.decent quality, but you're not going to be slamming drawers 40+ hours a week and have it survive. Even loaded somewhat reasonably, they will die eventually. Parts? I have no idea. Available in ten years? They're decent yes. They're a joke compared to even a KRA box. I had a 5 drawer cart, even considered a fleet of HF boxes for work. So I'm not some hater whose never touched one. It's like wanting to go 4wheeling, so you buy a jeep patriot.


For the claim of HF plus motorcycle, or pro level box- that's a nonsense argument. Motorcycle isnt making you **** for money, or storage.

A double bay KRA isnt a big box for someone who fixes cars for a living. If our shop floor was flat, I'd consider things of that size for a cart.

 

[bobcatdan]

thats a pretty blanket statement.. what gives you the right to tell the guy to get rid of his ****? how do you know what he works on? how do you know that he doesn't own his own shop and needs a few more tools than oil change and tune up basics..

I have two double bank snap on boxes completely filled. no doubles except two sets of screw drivers. no blow molded cases (those are in the packed lockers). no nuts and bolts in my box. thats what the lista cabinets are for. I own my own shop and rebuild large diesel engines, work on semis, dozers, cars, trucks, buses, chainsaws, hot rods and frankly everything with an engine and a few things without. I have a side cabinet full of machining tools for the mill and lathe for all the custom work I do. I won't even talk about my welding and fab box.....

I'm not here bragging, but get off the dudes back. he's obviously at the point where he needs another box. he didn't ask for what can i do to minimize stuff.


OP... look on CL and FB marketplace for a used snappy. you are not going to be happy with the quality of the HF and other box store budget brands. I tried to go that route myself. You can buy a lot of used box for little money, a lot of times you can upgrade to a three bank and sell your double and be out no cash in the end if thats what you want. Congrats on being debt free from the tool guy. been there for about 10 years. I've been buying and selling used snap on boxes for the last couple years on the side. let me know if you need any pointers. Low ball people, and have cash and a trailer ready to go pick it up....

You need to watch some tool box tours. 90% of the guys bitching they need a bigger box have toolboxes full of trays and cases. If they would ditch the stuff, their box would be half empty.

 

[ekimneirbo]

Buy a Harbor Freight Box. Remove the US General Label. Buy a Snap On label off Ebay for about $15 and stick it on the box........

While Snap-On does provide some good professional tools that Harbor Freight doesn't compete with, a tool box only stores tools.....and satisfies egos. If you are a Nascar mechanic you need a showboat tool box. If you work anywhere else, your mechanical skills will quickly become apparent to everyone ....good or bad, and Snap On box or not.

If it doesn't hold up to professional use, buy a new one in five years and sell the old one.
Still way ahead costwise.

 

[AngryBeaver]

You need to watch some tool box tours. 90% of the guys bitching they need a bigger box have toolboxes full of trays and cases. If they would ditch the stuff, their box would be half empty.

no I don't. I spent two years downsizing from two triple banks and a double to two doubles held together with an end cab. Did you even read what I wrote? obviously not, because there isn't trays and cases in my box. I also added sliding drawers to all the 4" deep drawers. to maximize space.

Everyones needs are different. not everyone does oil changes and warranties front end work, some of us do a tad more.

a triple bank 24" deep classic box holds less than a double bank krl 1022. a Krl1022 holds more tools in usable functionality than a top and bottom classic double bank. People that work out of boxes day in and day out realize this. the rest of the work thinks that a triple bank is bigger than a double... it makes the difference between two drawers of wrenches and one. it makes the difference between two socket drawers and one and so on.

Anyone that owns or runs their own shop is going to need 200% more than and any average dealer tech. hell there are guys here that have 40' walls of tool boxes...

 

[HaroRider]

Extreme Tools Triple Bank.

 

[Elsinore13]

doubletap

 

[Elsinore13]

$3250.00 off of Craigslist. Just sayin’. Looked for the better part of a year for the right deal and this was it. Box was 10 years old but they are tanks. Cleaned up nice.

 

[rsanter]

That partly depends on the size of box, what you are using it for, and how picky you want to be for configuration and color verses “just one that works”

Use is a great place to start but can be hit and miss as to what comes up and how long you have to wait.

Harbor freight is great for the ‘smaller’ ‘big boxes’, but beyond that you need to look at someone like strictly toolboxes.com. You have have the option to look at the industrial sector like lista and such.

If it is a box that will be moved a lot, then you may want to look at getting a pit cart. They are more sound for moving or towing (short distance) than a toolbox is.
If you work in a large plant this could be a great option

Cash is the other issue, do you have the cash to lay out? You may need $2000 to $7500 to get a big box like you may be looking for. One option is to buy a box with all the tools and then sell off the tools. You will put more out up front but likly will have less into the box in the end

 

[ed_v]

If you are near a Menards, go take a look at a Masterforce box in person. I think they are the best value for an import box.

-Brad

I couldn't agree more

Ed

 

[Bretny]

Mabe the OP works hourly and not flat rate. Does this mean he needs a red box and not black?

The way i see guys shining up there $10k boxes i would be looking at the used market and not used off the truck..if you want a big name brand.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Have any of you seen that now old Chevy ad vid where that load a couple of pickups with bricks and twisted the frame, and the Ford tailgate buckled ? That was a daily use for my box. I guess I should have built a better cart for it. Seriously, does your box have to do that ?

Drawer slides, I've fixed a few. Millwright tools are not dainty. If you can't fix a drawer slide, maybe you should taken your mother's advice and became an accountant. The trick is to buy a ball bearing drawer slide at HD, or where you can get it the cheapest, knock it apart for the ball bearings .I found I would lose a couple of ball bearings on a repair. They all use the same size. I bet the Span-On boxes don't have German Accuglide, think that's brand name of the inventers, and also the best made.

 

[bobcatdan]

no I don't. I spent two years downsizing from two triple banks and a double to two doubles held together with an end cab. Did you even read what I wrote? obviously not, because there isn't trays and cases in my box. I also added sliding drawers to all the 4" deep drawers. to maximize space.

Everyones needs are different. not everyone does oil changes and warranties front end work, some of us do a tad more.

a triple bank 24" deep classic box holds less than a double bank krl 1022. a Krl1022 holds more tools in usable functionality than a top and bottom classic double bank. People that work out of boxes day in and day out realize this. the rest of the work thinks that a triple bank is bigger than a double... it makes the difference between two drawers of wrenches and one. it makes the difference between two socket drawers and one and so on.

Anyone that owns or runs their own shop is going to need 200% more than and any average dealer tech. hell there are guys here that have 40' walls of tool boxes...

I did read your post, now where did I say you need to ditch the trays. I said there are a lot of guys out there that think their box is full because they are using their second wide drawer to hold 20 screwdrivers in trays. Honestly I think we have very similar ideas on storage. I paid for X amount of storage and I'm going to use every last cubic inch. At work, I work on a very mixed fleet ranging from electric carts to dump trucks. Mainly due to space limitations, I use my 36" wide classic with a kra62 road chest on top for my box. I have everything I need to work on 10 different brands. I have my big set at home. There I get by just fine with my krl1022. From there I hung a bunch of specialty tools I honestly don't use much amy more on peg board and stuff I wanted to stay in boxes on the shelves. For the shop owner I can understand wanting a monster box to show off, but considering the amount of tools they don't use much, a lot could be stored away in cabinets much like how dealers store their specialty tools.

 

[Sugarfryz]

The snap on dealer tried to get me to upgrade to a triple bank classic for more space. But I feel like that’d give me barely any more room. I wanna make one more tool box purchase that maybe I have a chance to add in to if needed. I do t mind spending for quality, but only if it’s worth it. I don’t see 10k plus in a tool box where I’m paying for the name. I looked at strictly tool boxes, I really like the 30 in drawers. Seems like that would add way more than a triple bank classic. I’m looking at a double bank with 30 in drawers and putting a top box on it.

 

[Sugarfryz]

Matco dealer also offered to sell me a 6s triple bay for 6 grand, still might consider waiting for a good used one but thought that was a good deal

 

[Sugarfryz]

Honestly am also considering just getting another classic double bay or 4s. They’re all over Craigslist for 1500

 

[Mr_John]

Does anyone have any recommendations for high quality tool boxes that aren’t from a tool truck and aren’t horrendously overpriced? I know there’s a legitimate need for high quality tool boxes, and if you got the money to spend more power to you. I just want some options first

I was thinking something like this (Model # HOLC5209BB1M) might add just enough space for your overflowing tools (@ over 24k cu in), and it's HD's heavy duty 19 ga steel model with a 1 inch solid wood top (that actually raises) and can support 1,800 lbs. It's only $549 (listed as a special buy), comes in black and red, and seems like it might meet at least your basic requirements of being something a professional can use, but is very reasonably priced. Also, HD's are everywhere, and you can schedule pickup for free and not have to deal with driving hundreds of miles for a Craigslist or eBay find, or paying hundreds in freight for something from Menards (yes, the Menards Masterforce chests are very nice, but no better than this, and if you don't live near one, it was about $250 in freight charges).

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The snap on dealer tried to get me to upgrade to a triple bank classic for more space. But I feel like that’d give me barely any more room. I wanna make one more tool box purchase that maybe I have a chance to add in to if needed. I do t mind spending for quality, but only if it’s worth it. I don’t see 10k plus in a tool box where I’m paying for the name. I looked at strictly tool boxes, I really like the 30 in drawers. Seems like that would add way more than a triple bank classic. I’m looking at a double bank with 30 in drawers and putting a top box on it.

IMO classic is not a platform worth investing in. Fine boxes, but they simply do not have room for growth. EPIQ is essentially unlimited, everything supports its own weight according to my dealer. KRL is limited, in that all the add-ons physically hang from the main box. A box, 2 lockers/side cabs, and a top box.


https://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/e...er-triple-bank-professional-tool-cabinet.html

This is 4k with liftgate. Extreme tool box has a stainless top included.


KRL 1023 - 13.3k, would typically come via truck already off the pallet. Rubber mat top, but an extreme tool box top was like 350, fits with about 2" of overhang off the back on a triple bank KRL.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/KRL1023DPBO


Snap on deal-truck comes in, 40% off is a common number thrown around. They got a truck full coming by my place again. Never any classic red though - mostly KRL dub/trip, and epiq dub/trip. 1023 is now 8k, - minus 2 or 3k for instant finance rebate (sign up, pay before interest hits), so 6k. 6k, less whatever they call your trade in. Just call it 6k, if you'll wait out a deal.



Will you pay 4k in cash? That 4k is also before you sell your current box; so the effective cost of the extreme will drop. But you need the cash flow for 4k. Is financing, or even 90 days deferred interest worth anything to you? Snap on will cover wear/tear on the box, not sure how much slides are for the extreme. I can't imagine it's crazy expensive. Snap on has more options to build on with, drawer layouts, and colors. The cubic inches of the two boxes I listed are comparable, IMO snap on offers better layouts.

(cont)

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I checked out lista, vidmar, extreme, montazuma, everybody. I looked at lockers, tops, 2 triples, a mr big, 2 84" epiqs, every option I could think of. I even considered making a "U" of four HF boxes, like a little nook of tools in the corner.


I've played the "6 boxes and a cart to unlock every morning" game. Didn't care for it. That's just me though. I had a hard time with buying online without ever putting my hands on the product. Maybe I'm being too hard on extreme and others? I got tired of having all of my wheel bearing tools within 5 drawers and 2 boxes.

That's all my opinion. If you have the floor space, you can add boxes. Snap on sells tumbler inserts so you can have 1 key for all of them. If you get another classic for 1500, it's always worth that in trade-in on something else.



Also, prioritize layout. Layout trumps everything IMO. A box of thin drawers is worthless to me, some people love them. What similar tools can be combined into "job" drawers? Like all the pullers and bearing splitters in 1 or 2 drawers? Or all the electrical testing stuff, ORGANIZED within 2 drawers? To me this adds objective value.

 

[Flyordie]

The snap on dealer tried to get me to upgrade to a triple bank classic for more space. But I feel like that’d give me barely any more room. I wanna make one more tool box purchase that maybe I have a chance to add in to if needed. I do t mind spending for quality, but only if it’s worth it. I don’t see 10k plus in a tool box where I’m paying for the name. I looked at strictly tool boxes, I really like the 30 in drawers. Seems like that would add way more than a triple bank classic. I’m looking at a double bank with 30 in drawers and putting a top box on it.

Ok, you said to avoid tool truck brands...

Do you have a Lowes nearby?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...wer-Steel-Rolling-Tool-Cabinet-Red/1000615539

I'd honestly check the Craftsman 3000 series out. Much higher grade steel, these are powdercoated, not dipped. 10 year warranty. (although Waterloo typically holds onto parts for 15-18 years) The slides are 175lb rated.. though 120lb is the 10 year wear life expectancy in industrial use cases. This is an industrial rated roller. USA made in Sedalia, MO.

Just something to look into maybe?

 

[WittHay]

Shouldn't a double bay Classic stacked (top box) and a locker for the blow mold cases along with a good sized cart be enough storage for a dealer mechanic? Minimum of SAE, should be shop supplied special tools. Dont have complete sets of everything.

The independent shops around here that work on a wider range of vehicles. The KRL/ Epiq and Mac double bays seems to be the choice, Triple bays are usually found in the HD equipment and truck shops. More working room

Imported boxes are still a big cash outlay for a sight unseen box. Tool truck box financing helps with cash flow. Lots of customizing and color options on truck boxes.

 

[Sugarfryz]

That HD box is the equivalent of an HF box with deeper drawers. Fairly similar to the masterforce (I have those, and have compared) with similar drawer sizes. Better for workbenches in a home shop, but not necessarily better for automotive. Like the HF box, it's not particularly space efficient vs how much floor space it takes up. It has 24" drawers as opposed to 30" on a KRL.

I've been looking at these Husky boxes a lot, and I intend to buy 5 to 8 boxes for garage workbench storage when they go on sale for a decent price. I wouldn't use them for a professional toolbox, but think they're a good value for under the bench storage drawers. The adjustable height top is good for a mobile workbench in a woodworking or home shop, but not very ideal for a mechanic. They're $100 cheaper without the adjustable top.

Like all of these similar semi-pro boxes, they start to shine in the limited up front cost market segment, but fall behind in the space efficiency and professional use race. That's their tradeoff to keep the cost lower.

It really boils down to what space the OP has, and his price range. If I was considering another classic series, I'd give these a look to compare. the KRA
classics are 24" deep, so they're not more space efficient than the HF or Husky. The size efficiency of the Husky is similar, but they cost less than 20% of what a new KRA does. The quality and design is better on the KRA. So is the warranty and service. Is it worth it? Hard to know, that's a personal judgement only the buyer can decide.

On a KRL, the choice is less clear. At 30" depth, and taller, they start storing a lot more tools and working better in a similar floor footprint. Still much more expensive, but providing substantial benefit for that expense. If space in a professional environment is a benefit, they have a huge advantage. I paid less (used, excellent) per cubic inches of storage for my KRL than I would have buying HF on sale with coupon. I wouldn't trade my KRL for two of these Husky's, at about equivalent price that I paid for the KRL. New price KRL? I'd have to really think that one through. Nice to have the better box, but it's a lot of money new......

I’d absolutely love the krl and up with the 30 in drawers, but the price is nutty. I’ll probably wait for a deal. Not taking up a ton of space is a big factor too. Seems like there’s no right answer, just gotta find what works and what I’m willing to pay

 

[Mr_B]

Matco dealer also offered to sell me a 6s triple bay for 6 grand, still might consider waiting for a good used one but thought that was a good deal

Honestly am also considering just getting another classic double bay or 4s. They’re all over Craigslist for 1500

6 grand is 6 grand and earn you more spent on tools, you can find good used matco low 2K and even under 2K

The advantage with the classic double is it cheap used so buying another your cheapest upgrade and simplest route and look okay with 2 matching boxes.
Don't do trade in on you classic as you don't get value from that .
You can low ball sellers on classics and most happy negotiate as they slow to shift .
If you like your classic and think a second 2bay will do you then go that route as should be able sort that for under 1.5K quite easily .

If not sure on classic a move to krl or matco be good but going cost more and take more time find nice used but be lot of box for decades if make effort, don't rule out 2 doubles as doubles tend sell for more depreciation over triple bays