I Don't Understand The ICON Pricing Structure - Tool Chests

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

The competing Snap-on is the KMP 72". It retails for $1199. Actual cost from a driver is much less. HF is already above Snap-on price just for the mid level.

Any pictures of this KMP box?!

 

[Ton ton]

The competing Snap-on is the KMP 72". It retails for $1199. Actual cost from a driver is much less. HF is already above Snap-on price just for the mid level.

Awesome.

 

[jonshonda]

I really wish people would stop comparing US and Asian manufacturers. I'm not saying SO pricing is justified, but material costs, labor, and overhead for US manufacturing is sky high compared to ANYTHING Asian.

 

[carterbeauford]

Serious question, as a small business owner. Do guys that buy tool truck tools make a return on their investment? Like do you make money using them? Like more than you had before the Snap On truck showed up?

 

[username2]

I really wish people would stop comparing US and Asian manufacturers. I'm not saying SO pricing is justified, but material costs, labor, and overhead for US manufacturing is sky high compared to ANYTHING Asian.

I'm assuming this leaves out Japan.

I'm a person who is perfectly happy storing power tools in a lateral file cabinet, but I did get to thinking. Is there an equivalent to Snap-on/Matco/Mac on large tool chests in Japan or Europe (aside from overseas arms of those companies)?

The biggest Hazet box, which is pretty expensive itself, looks to be about 44", the Stahlwille boxes look very similar (same manufacturer?). Maybe Europeans simply don't buy Imperial Battle Cruiser rolling things with drawers.

edit: In my search for Japanese tool chests, I happened to run into this. Very cool.

https://ec.f-gear.co.jp/category/PG1SG035/4989433855073.html

 

[Tduby]

+1
and even more so as he interested in 72" size as masterforce 72" is about best price to spec 72" store box going if hold out for sale/rebate price .

+2 the drawer layout isn’t the best but the quality and I absolutely love the lift to unlock handle I bought a blue 72 a little over a year ago for $1200 after rebates

 

[Wasatch]

I never heard of Extreme--you ought to post a link and pic of your new box. I own a U.S. General cabinet, and didn’t mind spending a few hundred for an HF box. For a retired DIYer like me, it’s fine. But if were to drop thousands on a box, I’d go used Snap-on/Mac/Matco. I wouldn’t consider an Icon box at that price point.



HF has always been hit or miss. I can see why a young DIYer, living paycheck to paycheck, would shop HF out of economic necessity. But the jack stand recall (actually two recalls in just a few months) was really damaging. I haven’t shopped HF since then. BTW, welcome to the site.

Thanks for the welcome!

I just tried to post a link to the Rollcabs combination set I purchased, as well as a link to the Extreme Tools website. However, I learned Garage Journal does not allow one to post links or photos until they have a minimum of five posts. This is my second post...

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I really wish people would stop comparing US and Asian manufacturers. I'm not saying SO pricing is justified, but material costs, labor, and overhead for US manufacturing is sky high compared to ANYTHING Asian.

Environment costs are also a driving factor I'm sure. Kinda like the chrome process, much easier in less strict countries.

Serious question, as a small business owner. Do guys that buy tool truck tools make a return on their investment? Like do you make money using them? Like more than you had before the Snap On truck showed up?

That cant be said for any tool. Buy a bushing press set and you need to do a half dozen bushing to break even.

And yes, having a secure, strong, reliable, and organized area for your tooling "makes" you money. Mostly in efficiency.

 

[seber]

That’s an awesome mark down 15 grand to $1200 where can I get one? (Or five)

Finally, “snap on beats Harbor freight”


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When I first did a search for Snap-on 72", google brought up two pics of the KMP for $1,199. One of those referred to the Snap-on website. Now when I do the same search all I get is HF for that price. Guess I'll have to recind that statement.

 

[SlowPoke-Canada]

Is the Icon 72 overpriced or is the USG 72 underpriced? I haven't seen either in person but if the USG 72 is on par with the smaller cabs and carts in terms of build quality, I'd say it's priced low, if not a loss leader. Factoring in materials and landed costs, I can't see much if any profit.

 

[jonshonda]

I'm assuming this leaves out Japan.

Great point. I shouldn't have lumped Japan in with the others! It appears as if they make very high quality items and take pride in innovation.

Environment costs are also a driving factor I'm sure. Kinda like the chrome process, much easier in less strict countries.

I relate what China is currently doing to the industrial revolution in the US. Very little regard for the environment or workers safety (we didn't know any better at the time), but we learned from our mistakes and continue to improve.

 

[Skin]

Any pictures of this KMP box?!

I think that was a drunk post. Cheapest large Snap-on box is the classic 73 which is 7 grand. The one with the power drawer is a few hundred more.

There is a slightly cheaper model around $6500 but the layout is terrible with it being 3 bays top to bottom so the length is entirely wasted.

The HF boxes are nicer than these low tier Classic and Heritage boxes in more ways than one too including things like better slides and casters on the HF boxes.

 

[Farmall450]

I disagree.

Craftsman tools have never been considered a “tool truck equivalent” which is the market that icon is going for.

No doubt there are exceptions but over the years the only shop I’ve ever seen a wrench using craftsman tools was in a Kmart auto center.


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Craftsman is all over aviation. Sure, they're collecting dust or have gone home since a guy's been able to afford Snap-on over the years...but make no mistake that Craftsman is a dominant force in every tech's box, especially the new ones

 

[Farmall450]

I think that was a drunk post. Cheapest large Snap-on box is the classic 73 which is 7 grand. The one with the power drawer is a few hundred more.

There is a slightly cheaper model around $6500 but the layout is terrible with it being 3 bays top to bottom so the length is entirely wasted.

The HF boxes are nicer than these low tier Classic and Heritage boxes in more ways than one too including things like better slides and casters on the HF boxes.

I just dug for the unicorn, too. Maybe a Costco/Sam's sort of SO

 

[The Fall]

I know guys who only buy from the truck. I don't know what it was like pre-Internet, but some folks only see the trucks, especially now that Sears is gone.

I just bought a Matco screwdriver last week. I only purchase selectively. Prices are high -- as are drivers' overheard -- but at least the quality is there with a lot of stuff. I'd rather buy from the industrial brands most of the time -- Wright and Proto -- and SK.

 

[bbmach]

Serious question, as a small business owner. Do guys that buy tool truck tools make a return on their investment? Like do you make money using them? Like more than you had before the Snap On truck showed up?

Time is money. Use tools everyday in a professional setting, and you'll break things - screwdriver tips, sockets, wear out ratchet heads, etc.

You can spend time each week heading to a HF store (or Sears in the recent past) on a regular basis to first buy and then to get them warranted as needed, or the store comes to you (with higher quality tools that don't have issues as often).

They also carry manufacture special tools, not readily available elsewhere...

No, tool trucks are not for everyone, but they aren't designed to be.

 

[Mr_B]

Time don't seem be money when they shooting **** with truck drivers ...
Lot of options these days .
I've ordered tools or replacement from napa and had them same day with parts delivery, order online and have in a few days.
Pick uo used locally, and all this can be arranged during a lunch break doodling online or a phone call .
You quite simply don't wear out or bust tools frequent enough need weekly attention and the basic tools going have duplicate secondary options within the shop .
I don't need a tool truck much more often than 4 to 6 weeks really and it only really my MAC guy as their warranty on drill bits and punches etc is useful.
Huge amount specialist tools best bought off the truck more direct to oem or better tooling option, same with air and battery tools really, even scan gear is less from snapon than couple decades ago .
tool trucks are useful in professional business but if that all you use it costing you time and money in this era .

 

[justanengineer]

Serious question, as a small business owner. Do guys that buy tool truck tools make a return on their investment? Like do you make money using them? Like more than you had before the Snap On truck showed up?

My father averaged better than original retail when he sold off most of his professional tools bought from the 50s-90s a few years ago, so beyond usage, yes there is ROI. Depending on the job at hand, there’s also ROI in terms of durability. The USG and other cheap boxes often don’t last more than a few years, esp in heavy industry where boxes roll miles and see real use/abuse over time, so over a career you’re looking at replacing quite a few cheap boxes vs buy/cry once. The other aspect to this that folks miss is that a tradesmans box and tools are a reflection of them. Show up with **** and youll be run out of a lot of shops, esp the high end ones that pay best.

The biggest Hazet box, which is pretty expensive itself, looks to be about 44", the Stahlwille boxes look very similar (same manufacturer?). Maybe Europeans simply don't buy Imperial Battle Cruiser rolling things with drawers.

Europe has more of a “union mentality,” thus their shops tend to provide tools. Many that I’ve been in had cabinets, not boxes.


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[IMStuner]

For the price of Snap-On or Icon tool boxes why don't you guys look into Strong Hand ?

These boxs are built like a Tank and you can have them custom made to your specs. The one below are standard ones. I was looking at the Icon boxes but i think I'm going to go this route. I want something heavy duty and I want it to last.

https://strong-hold.com/product/american-flag-tool-cart-with-12-gauge-steel-top/
Description
This highly customized Mobile Tool Cart is a heavy-duty workhorse when mobility at the job site is needed. This durable tool and maintenance cart is constructed of 12 gauge steel and comes with a 12 gauge steel top.//The 6 inch high x 2 inch wide ridged, polyurethane, lockable swivel casters with brakes makes maneuvering a tool cart that can withstand up to a 2,000 lb load virtually effortless. A handle is provided for steering.//With an all-welded, wrap around body, Strong Hold tool carts are built for rough and tough industrial use and provide you the storage you need without taking up too much of your valuable shop floor.//This model includes 8 drawers in varying heights and sizes, all able to store up to 400 lbs.//This tool cart can also be lifted with a forklift or pallet jack when fully loaded.

 

[KenS]

Steven Cox, a professional mechanic, has an interesting take on ICON vs Snap-On over at YouTube:

This CHEAP Tool Cart Will Put Snap On OUT OF BUSINESS!

Just posting for the sake of discussion.

 

[carterbeauford]

Steven Cox, a professional mechanic, has an interesting take on ICON vs Snap-On over at YouTube:

This CHEAP Tool Cart Will Put Snap On OUT OF BUSINESS!

Just posting for the sake of discussion.

Put Snap On out of business with this ONE WIERD TRICK!

clickbait video title.