New Snap On box at good discount, worth it?

[81turbota]

Hey everyone,

My SO guy showed me nice box, KRL1032 with stainless top, 2 full length top drawers, for a cash price of $7000. It’s brand new on the pallet, $14,395 list. No damage. I’ve always been a fan of US general boxes filled with SO tools, but it seems like a nice upgrade.

No matter which way you slice it, $7000 is a lot of money. Is it worth it in the grand scheme of things? I know some SO drovers give you full list trade in value later on down the road or similar.

FWIW I can find used KRL1032’s in good shape for about $4000-4500. What say you?

Thanks

 

[dsimatt]

Unless you out grow it then it will be the last tool box you need to buy. It's really nice buying new and you can finance if needed but I'd go used if they are in good shape.

 

[81turbota]

That’s what I’m thinking. No real need to upgrade from this, if I need more space I can add a side or top.

He said $8000 credit, $7000 cash. I can swing the cash but it’ll limit next years project purchases.

 

[Yarpo]

I really think tool boxes come down to two things, your disposable income and your intended uses. If you have extra disposable income and want a new box because you want a new box, go for it. Or, if you're a professional and find your other cheaper tool boxes are not holding up or you figure a new box would give you more space or you want a box that'll last the rest of your life, also go for it.

I'm a fan of the cheaper boxes, but I have no doubts that the Snap on boxes are amazing. I've worked along side people with them and I found them to be built like tanks. I never had any issue with my Us General or Homak box, but If I had 7k to spend you can bet I'd have a Snap On box. That's my opinion. I can't comment on the value because I haven't looked at the market and the market seems to vary from region to region, but 50% off list price seems to be common on boxes, so not good, not bad?

 

[81turbota]

Thanks for the insight. I’ve bought plenty of tools from the SO guy but never a new box. I don’t know how his “deal” compares to ones others encounter from their respective dealer.

I don’t really need to upgrade boxes. My US General 72 has been serving me well, it’s getting a little squeaky and it’s not a big fan of heavy loads but its a very good box.My work has a blank check for SO and I use them exclusively on their dime which strongly influences my home use choices.

I’m still on the fence about it. 50% is great and all, but $7000 is a lot and can be spent on other things.

 

[finn]

Put the $7k in an investment account. A $7000 box isn’t going to earn you a dime over the next 25 years.

 

[Shane6377]

Since you already have a box this is a want not a need. It's your money but I always ask people if they have:
a)18mo. salary in a savings account
b) put 10% in a retirement account
c) only debt is a mortgage

If you can answer yes to all three then go for it. If not, there's probably a better way to use $7,000 since you already have a box that meets your needs.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[81turbota]

Excellent advice, I agree fully. Financial stability is very important regardless of potential purchase.

The answer to each of your questions is yes. I guess I should rephrase the question, is 50% off MSRP a “good” deal with those established with SO dealers? If so, does the benefit of being the original owner outweigh the value of buying used?

With that said a few of my classic cars would appreciate some paint over a different tool box. I won’t buy the SO box simply to replace my perfectly functional US General. I am more interested in the benefits of buying new from SO at a discount and if that discount offered is a good one or average.

I have been handing down most of my old tools to my younger brother who is getting established. If I were to upgrade he would get the US General box.

 

[dsimatt]

That’s what I’m thinking. No real need to upgrade from this, if I need more space I can add a side or top.

He said $8000 credit, $7000 cash. I can swing the cash but it’ll limit next years project purchases.

Unless you really need it and have to have new I'd just wait and cherry pick the best used box around you.

To answer your question 50% is really a good deal, if you truly need it.

 

[sberry]

We pull enough drawers around here that an upgrade to HF would be worth it. At 7 large not so much. But I will agree that if you want it you want it. Its not fatal. I was never a fan of that stuff, I went Sears early on and got a lot of it one shot and now. I was in auto school and already had some shop and pitiful short on more complete set of hand tools and everything was just changing to metric. I did get a box bigger than the package set I think, still that generic ****, not as good as a new HF really, they cost the same in dollars today.
I bought an air sander, a good one was 400$, this 79, used it 20 years and wore it right out, should have replaced it sooner. But am on my second, it cost 79 and 10 or 15 years in to it. I did put a generic bearing I had on the shelf in the head a long time ago, thing works perfect yet.
If you are 40 you will never wear out a HF box, I use the same stuff I started with and aint above a can of spray paint if I care. As a going working concern depending on my environment like a storage box and a cart where I can sub sort to get to the hi use pieces, I can walk over to a box for something if I really need it and I like to duplicate the utility tools which include combo wrenches.
My Bud came to his garage cabin, brought a new HF setup, he was giggling. Said he just found HF, said he would have to rethink it if he had to start over.

 

[CGarage]

Put the $7k in an investment account. A $7000 box isn’t going to earn you a dime over the next 25 years.

Agreed. Buy Berkshire, Microsoft, and Google. This is a great post.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I paid 5600 for my 1033 about 6 years ago. It was the display box on the truck, so a few little nicks. Sounds about ballpark for a brand new one. However, I would ask about financing. Often they will give you a discount for using their in-house financing program. Then you instantly pay it off the next week and you saved some money.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Agreed. Buy Berkshire, Microsoft, and Google. This is a great post.

Not sure what OP does for a living, but a box 100% earns you money. It's called organization and people who don't make a living out of a box don't seem to comprehend that. It also holds $50k+ worth of tools in a generally secure area.



For home use, I'd say overkill. Buy one with a few dents on craigslist for 4500 instead. Doing repairs yourself is likely a waste of time/money relatively anyways. With 7k one could day-trade and make some cash above those slow and steady stocks you named. Everything is relative. Actually, with 7k I could probably get a better return than those guys swapping engines in my spare time. Again, all relative.

 

[sberry]

Its better than paying full price.

 

[BigBoreFan]

buy gold.

 

[jumpdrive]

If you don't need that minty-fresh new smell, you could score a like-new 68" EPIQ for the same money. Without the power top they are 5K give or take.
There should be no problems staying under 7K with a top.
If you choose a common color combination, the chances of scoring a hutch or locker for a great price down the road go up dramatically.
Your resale will also be better.

I have multiple Masters and EPIQ boxes.
IMHO, a like-new EPIQ wins over a new Masters every day of the week.
Two accidental scratches and a ding later, the only thing going for the Masters over an EPIQ will have disappeared.
If you're going to fulfill the want, buy it once.
There is nothing that tops an EPIQ.

 

[Shane6377]

Not sure what OP does for a living, but a box 100% earns you money. It's called organization and people who don't make a living out of a box don't seem to comprehend that.

I think everyone comprehends just fine. The OP stated he already had a box that was fine. So in that sense it won't earn him any more. It's just a $7000 change.



Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[CGarage]

buy gold.

Bad advice.

 

[CGarage]

Not sure what OP does for a living, but a box 100% earns you money. It's called organization and people who don't make a living out of a box don't seem to comprehend that. It also holds $50k+ worth of tools in a generally secure area.



For home use, I'd say overkill. Buy one with a few dents on craigslist for 4500 instead. Doing repairs yourself is likely a waste of time/money relatively anyways. With 7k one could day-trade and make some cash above those slow and steady stocks you named. Everything is relative. Actually, with 7k I could probably get a better return than those guys swapping engines in my spare time. Again, all relative.

You can organize a US General just as easily and effectively at ~1/8th the cost (assuming purchasing new). A Snap-On is not 8x better or more efficient than a US General or similar.
My advice is for OP to look for a clean, used tool box at a deal and use the savings to buy more tools or invest for your future.

The day trading is a dumb idea, also.

 

[pi_guy]

Just to throw a point out there, have you ever touched a KRL 1032 or 1033?
If you have you might realize that no other box manufacturer makes a drawer that size.
I keep my measuring tools in one that do not fit in any other drawer.

As much as you all seek the cheap alternative some times they don't exist in cheap.....

 

[CGarage]

For $7K, I’d recommend buying a US General and keeping any high falutin’ measuring tools in a shop cabinet that I’d buy for $200. And re-allocate the balance of the funds towards more productive uses.

 

[Wamsutta]

The steel is not thick enough to be worth $7000. And I mean that literally.

 

[Parrothead]

Hey everyone,

My SO guy showed me nice box, KRL1032 with stainless top, 2 full length top drawers, for a cash price of $7000. It’s brand new on the pallet, $14,395 list. No damage. I’ve always been a fan of US general boxes filled with SO tools, but it seems like a nice upgrade.

No matter which way you slice it, $7000 is a lot of money. Is it worth it in the grand scheme of things? I know some SO drovers give you full list trade in value later on down the road or similar.

FWIW I can find used KRL1032’s in good shape for about $4000-4500. What say you?

Thanks

Summary: No.

I’ve never spent $7k on a car, I’m certainly not spending it on a metal box. From a financial perspective it makes little sense, especially if Harbor Freight is telling the truth about stocking replacement parts.

https://www.harborfreight.com/parts

 

[jumpdrive]

There's a lot to be said for working with quality.
That is worth something.
Not everything needs to be the cheapest one can get away with or the cheapest item that could possibly be found on the scratch and dent pile and by stacking coupons after pleading with the manager for a bigger discount at the bargain one-off store.
Not everyone wants or needs to be that way.
Some people like, appreciate, and can afford nice things.
Some people also appreciate the service that price tag includes. Not everyone, but there are some.

I would be curious to see how many of the haters have no problems spending 7K per year on booze, cigarettes, lottery tickets, and other utterly wasteful expenditures.

A top of the line toolbox that can last the rest of your life in some cases is not a bad investment if it is enjoyed and used. How many haters have purchased cars, motorcycles, boats, racing 4-wheelers and other such items for many thousands of dollars and lost their a$$ on them?

If it's cared for, that top of the line box will still bring excellent resale value many years from now. There is no 7K loss.

You only live once.
If you can comfortably swing it, buy the best you can afford and enjoy the heck out of it. Haters gonna hate.

 

[CGarage]

The asset is illiquid as there are not multiple buyers lined up willing to spend $7K to take it off his hands. I spend money on quality and believe in the philosophy of “buy once, cry once”. That being said, he can get an alternative product that will meet his needs for a fraction of the cost. It has been said here many times that the tools make the money, not the box. He is better off allocating any savings from not spending $7K on a tool box to more worthwhile pursuits that have a better chance of making him a return and not depreciating.

 

[CGarage]

Your dealer wants a lot at $7K. Did you see this thread? https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334674
Personal opinion. I prefer multiple smaller boxes to one ultra large box. It makes moving them around easier while in the shop and provides added flexibility.

 

[Wanna Ride]

It's not about the "cost", it's about the "value". And value doesn't necessarily mean a "good deal".

There's a lot of variables in determining "value". In other words, do you need it? Can it offer a return of investment? Will it make you more efficient? More secure? Will it retain resale value? Is there a market of buyers if and when you resell? Can you afford to move that cash from wherever it's at, and turn it over to the Snap-On dealer? Does that movement of cash, compromise some other purchase, or equity? And sometimes... you have to buy something, just because you WANT it. And at the end of the day, this is the GARAGE Journal forum board, not the FINANCIAL PLANNER forum board. So some guys are never going to say, "go for it", but others will!

Some of these questions you've already answered, and only you can truly answer them, based on your complete situation. I'm sure you know how to make the right decision for your situation, and many others seem to think you should make that decision, based on their needs, desires, or impulses. Like most on here, I love my tools and related gear, and fortunately I don't have to work out of a toolbox every day any more, so I now have a lot more disposable income for "projects" and other hobbies and interests. But it took over twenty-five years of acquiring a garage full of tools, and spending a lot of money, to work on nothing more than those hobbies now.

You're smart to ask for general input. I often do the same, if for no reason other than to possibly hear something that I hadn't already thought of or considered. But remember, the Snap On fans will typically say, "go for it" and the Harbor Freight fans will likely say, "don't do it". Either way, if you buy it, post some pics... because we all love tool pics, despite our desired brand loyalties!

 

[WittHay]

I consider a new Snap-on box for home use the same a new Harley, ATV, snowmobile, getting the nicest 3/4 or 1 ton pickup instead of the plain 1/2 ton. Its a new toy for yourself.

If it is going to cause problems with the better half or you are stretched a little too thin on monthly payments dont do it.

$7000 on payments is not that much in the scheme of things. I think the majority of people will not keep that $7000 in a investment account, they will spend it on things or hobbies that depreciate more than a Snap-on tool box.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You can organize a US General just as easily and effectively at ~1/8th the cost (assuming purchasing new). A Snap-On is not 8x better or more efficient than a US General or similar.
My advice is for OP to look for a clean, used tool box at a deal and use the savings to buy more tools or invest for your future.

The day trading is a dumb idea, also.

You mean two us generals to have comparable space. Assuming you have the space in the first place.


Day trading example was just to show the idiocy of " invest it bro" advise. 2008 rolls by again and everybody cries. OP obviously doesn't NEED this box. Need is not the question he asked about. Nobody needs anything, outside of food water shelter.

 

[930dreamer]

This one is $3500

EDIT-its a 1022

OR $4000

 

[CGarage]

You will have a much easier time recovering your money with the $3500 option compared to the $7000 option if you need to sell. There is not $3500 difference between that box and the $7000 box your dealer offered you. The box doesn’t make the money. The tools and knowledge makes the money. If you need a stainless top you can have that fabricated easily and inexpensively.

 

[jumpdrive]

There is a huge market for high end boxes.
It is understandable many here do not know.
Most DIY'R or basic homeowners do not deal in such things.
Not knowing or not understanding a market does not make it "bad" or "wrong."
It is also understandable many cannot afford such things and in turn bash what they cannot have to justify different purchases.
Everyone has a budget. There is no shame in that.
I want a new Ferrari but I also want a retirement income some day so I need to make a choice. But, that doesn't mean I bash Ferrari for their prices or whine that a Chevy is just as good because I am unwilling or unable to spend for the Ferrari.
Just because cute sayings get repeated over and over doesn't mean they are the gold standard or chapter and verse and case closed.

Here are a few links to a very reputable reseller of high end boxes.
I have personally dealt with him.
He buys and sells all day long and has a large following.
He picks up and delivers several states away.
If the OP is in his service area or can trailer to his location, his current inventory is worth a serious look. He gets new stuff in all the time.

68" EPIQ black - $4850
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-68...818296?hash=item1cce55de78:g:2ogAAOSwWXddYuHv

KRL1163 with top and a Hutch - $7000
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Or...685046?hash=item1cdd3a8876:g:SpkAAOSwTO9dyhG3

KRL1163 - $4100
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Ex...903278?hash=item444e26366e:g:2A0AAOSwjjdd7iqv

84" EPIQ with power top - $7000
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Bl...168417?hash=item4447e815e1:g:eDMAAOSw7vBdmSdU

These are just a few of what he has.
He has an Ebay store and Facebook page.
The prices are negotiable.

The be-all end-all ICON boxes....
Here is a 68" EPIQ, stainless power top, with a hutch AND a locker.
He posted yesterday the price is now down to 10K even. If you don't want the locker he can take off a few thousand if you like.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Wh...094945?hash=item444ea33521:g:FmEAAOSwiMBd9SRN

How much does the comparable ICON cost?
Is the ICON 30" deep?
Is the weight rating the same?

What will be the resale value of the imported ICON box in 10 years, if it makes it that long?

 

[sberry]

He came back and clarified it,,, said he has hobby cars etc and asked if it was a good deal,,, probably is.

 

[pi_guy]

The steel is not thick enough to be worth $7000. And I mean that literally.

Looks like your becoming a cheerleader for the dark side, heard they have cookies.

I have had SO boxes for more than 40 years and they make me money. I have put my taco box through hell. Supported cars built Hewland gearboxes on it and built many assemblies.

Out side of storage and tool security at job sites if you do work on it, it shares in the profits generated from the job.

Plus the boxes in question have a drawer configuration produced by no one else.

 

[81turbota]

Thank you all for the insight. Great information shared in this thread.

From what I’m reading this particular deal isn’t the best, there is better value to be had with lightly used boxes. As pointed out by many $7000 will go a long way in the used segment.

Layout was mentioned earlier. A master series or EPIQ with the full length drawers is awesome. This is an important feature I want in a future box.

I work in aerospace and am issued tools and boxes. At home is strictly DIY automotive, motorcycle and fabrication. Do I really need a box full of SO tools to rebuild an old Soviet sidecar motorcycle rig? No, a hammer and crescent wrench would probably do. I just enjoy using high quality tools.

The HF box is fine, at this point I’m going to pass on this particular box. I will be on the lookout for a used box to get better value for money spent while maintaining a high quality standard.

 

[CGarage]

What brands do they issue you at your aerospace job?

 

[81turbota]

What brands do they issue you at your aerospace job?

Snap On. I’m currently working from an older KR-791/761 stack. We are .gov and go through Snap On industrial.

As for hand tools it’s mostly SO, with some Proto that comes from MSC or Grainger. Fluke, Simco Ion, Tektronix, CDI, Knipex, Wiha, Williams, Starrett, Mitutoyo, Atlas Copco, Cherry, Dotco and Klein can be found in our work area.

You’ll see Kennedy, Craftsman and Waterloo boxes in some of the smaller R&D shops but the main projects are SO.

 

[CGarage]

Very nice. Too bad they won’t offer you an option to buy your old work box.

 

[Robert Haas]

If you have 7 grand to invest get serious looking at the used market. You can buy top level current generation Snappy boxes for 25 cents on the dollar.

 

[VinceG]

Well I like to have nice stuff at home there are plenty of thing we could do with out or a cheaper version of . I like to have a nice toolbox at work in a color I like because I spend 10hrs a day with it. I don't worry about resale value. I own a KRL 1022 with a hutch and bulk end cabinet. Buy what you like and enjoy it no matter what brand.