Post your Snap ON 428, 429, 430 pictures as well as MBC tool mid boxes

Shelbylex · Sep 11, 2018

Good afternoon.
I recently had a thread about potential Snap On vs MBC mid box which I will hopefully have a chance to buy tomorrow.

I decided to create a thread for 428,429,430 and MBC mid boxes. We have toolbox threads, but nothing dedicated to mid boxes. Some people like them, some people do not care about them.

It appears to me that they are relatively rare, but I am sure that there are a lot of proud owners who would share with us their mid boxes.

Please show us the picture not only of the front, but also sides and drawers from the side.

Please write the year of the model and where is the stamp located on the box.

Enjoy! :beer:

P.S. Some members restored their boxes - please add links to your restoration projects or post the pictures if you did not show your work yet

Username already in use · Sep 11, 2018

Cool thread. I like the mid boxes because I'm always looking for more drawer space!
I picked this one up 2 weeks ago at the flea for the heavy sum of $30. SnapOn 429A box dated 1974. Stamp is right in the middle of the box on the back side.

If anyone has a spare key with the code 1481...

I'll add more pics of the sides and drawer slides when I get a chance.

TheCraneGuy · Sep 16, 2018

Here’s my new edition.

Motochick · Sep 17, 2018

The 2 drawer is a Snap On KRA-429, 1963. The 3 drawer is a Yorktown from the early 70's.

Shelbylex · Apr 16, 2020

I was looking for intermediate box and recently found an older version of it:
Snap On KRA-420 Per collectingsnapon.com they were produced between 1950 and 1955. I have a KRA-56 box from 1955 and it has a next generation emblem. Thus there is a possibility that they were produced 1950-1954 (unless the emblem change was during 1955 year making both emblems potentially placed on the boxes in 1955

P.S. I will ask administrators to add KR-420 to the models to be added to this thread

thehorse13 · Apr 17, 2020

Here's my 10 dollar KR421 mid box before and after cleanup. It was posted on LetGo along with a late 60s Proto top box.

Mine is dated 1957 and the stamp is in the center bottom of the rear.

Shelbylex · Apr 17, 2020

This looks fantastic! Thehorse13, you saved it!

damon18 · Mar 29, 2021

I've got an inherited Snap-on KR-56/351 combo, and been watching for a decent deal on a a 26 inch intermediate chest to get a few more drawers.

Browsing Facebook Marketplace I spotted this mixed stack, listed for $150 or $60 per box.

It was 10pm, and it had only been posted for 30 minutes, so I quickly messaged the seller that I would take the middle box for $60, or if he wanted me to take them all to make it easier, I'd pay the $150.

Unfortunately I was about 5 minutes too late, someone else had made a deal just before me. Needless to say I was very disappointed. So I asked the seller to tell the buyer that I'd pay $80 if he wanted to re-sell the middle box.

It turned out the buyer lived almost 1 1/2 hours away from the seller (I'm about 25 minutes from seller) and was going to pickup the boxes that night at 12:30AM (I couldn't believe it, seemed crazy, it was a rainy night).

The buyer actually contacted me and was interested in the $80 offer but now said he wouldn't pickup until past 1am and wanted to meet me on this way back home at an interstate exit 20 minutes from me. Starting to sound kind of dicey, and it got worse.

Later he (buyer) messaged that he had car trouble and wouldn't pickup the box until 2:30am but still wanted to meet. I told him the meet location was just too far out of the way for me in the middle of the night in the (now very heavy) rain.

So the buyer offered to deliver to my doorstep if I would pay $100 for the Snap-on box. So at 3:15am the buyer pulled into my driveway in a driving rainstorm, and carried the box to my porch.

It was beautiful, a 1978 KRA-429B three drawer that is in nearly unused condition.

Long weird story but a happy ending, even found a bonus of six 3/8 and 1/4 drive USA Kobalt (didn't know Kobalt had USA made) sockets when I removed the drawers.

Shelbylex · Mar 29, 2021

Got to love it, Damon! Congratulations!

Now you need to start looking for KRA-420! (Post 5)

damon18 · Mar 29, 2021

Shelbylex said:
Got to love it, Damon! Congratulations!

Now you need to start looking for KRA-420! (Post 5)

Yes, the 420 matches the age and logo of my top and bottom, it would be the holy grail for this stack. At least if I ever find one I know I can sell the 429B for a ton. A 1988 version just sold at auction this month on eBay for $560 with 17 bids.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1988-Snap-On-KRA-429F-3-Drawer-Mid-Tool-Box-I-40652-/383976285080

This 429B doesn't look too out of place with the older 56/351 boxes though, and I like having three drawers.

Only issue is that the key that came with it, won't turn the lock. The lock is marked J236 and seems original, so maybe the seller just had the wrong key.

Shelbylex · Mar 29, 2021

Your combo looks great! I am just being a perfectionist!

Impressive how much those boxes go for! I guess I need to keep an eye out for them!

Is the key original SO?
You can go two ways: there is a company who still makes keys for SO - you can order one (but it would not have SO name on it). $9
Alternatively a good locksmith can change pints in the lock so it would be good for the key you have!
Damon, can you make couple of pictures of insides of the drawers of your bottom box if it has the dividers? Never saw one like this in real life

damon18 · Mar 29, 2021

Shelbylex said:
Is the key original SO?

I don't know, it's so worn out it's smooth with no markings. (see pic) Makes me think it's not the original key because the box doesn't show that kind of wear.

Shelbylex said:
You can go two ways: there is a company who still makes keys for SO - you can order one (but it would not have SO name on it). $9

I've bought Snap-on keys from https://www.ldvusa.com/ before so that's probably what I'll do.

Shelbylex said:
Damon, can you make couple of pictures of insides of the drawers of your bottom box if it has the dividers? Never saw one like this in real life

Will do, the bottom box does have a slide tray on one of the drawers, I didn't even know that until I was moving them to do this and couldn't get the drawer out right away.

damon18 · Mar 29, 2021

Shelbylex said:
Damon, can you make couple of pictures of insides of the drawers of your bottom box if it has the dividers? Never saw one like this in real life

Is this what you mean? The two drawers don't have permanent dividers, doesn't look like they ever did.

The top of the two drawers does have a removable sliding tray.

One thing weird/annoying about the bottom box is when the cover is down on the open section, it locks the two drawers, OK, but there is no good way to open that lid without the key since there is nothing to grab hold of?

I was wondering if the KR-56 top box was supposed to have a removable tray on the top section? Seems like I've seen some pictures with them.

The last pic with the big grey totes contains all the tools I removed from Grandpa's stack so I could move it. Tons of dirty tools I need to clean and sort. Lots of them I'll need help identifying.

mikeinri · Mar 29, 2021

Damon,

You are WAY braver than me. Meeting someone that late, let alone middle of the night, with a changing story and them knowing you had cash when they got to you, and AT YOUR HOUSE??? Wow.

Great score, though. I also didn't know Kobalt had made in USA anything!

BTW, it's very possible that the owner never used the key. My boxes are in my garage and have only been locked once, just to see if the locks worked...

Mike

thehorse13 · Mar 29, 2021

For those that don't know, Kobalt tools for Lowes used to be made by Williams, right here in the USA. Williams, of course, is a Snap-On brand.

mikeinri · Mar 29, 2021

Of all the box store tools, I've always liked Kobalt the most, and I think that's all Chinese stuff. Maybe I'll start looking for some USA Kobalt!

Mike

Shelbylex · Mar 29, 2021

Thank you, Damon! It's a great bottom box!
I think there is a possibility of the top box having a tray - I saw pictures somewhere as well. I have a 1955 version of it which came with a key, but without a tray. One interesting benefit of this box - the top compartment is deeper than my 1963 KRA-58A (9 drawer) and is more convenient for storing deep sockets. This is my go-to box for more commonly used tools. I used Home Depot liner in it ($10 if I remember correctly) - for smaller drawers I think it looks better. For deeper drawers in bigger boxes I use cut up black yoga mat which you can get for $5 in 5Below store.

snapmom · Mar 29, 2021

my well used 429 with a 70 code.

Shelbylex · Mar 29, 2021

Looks good, Snapmom! Please add the picture of the whole stack!

damon18 · Mar 29, 2021

thehorse13 said:
For those that don't know, Kobalt tools for Lowes used to be made by Williams, right here in the USA. Williams, of course, is a Snap-On brand.

Has been a long time since the Williams made tools were available? Will be watching for Kobalt USA at estate sales now.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Mar 30, 2021

damon18 said:
So the buyer offered to deliver to my doorstep if I would pay $100 for the Snap-on box. So at 3:15am the buyer pulled into my driveway in a driving rainstorm, and carried the box to my porch.

It was beautiful, a 1978 KRA-429B three drawer that is in nearly unused condition.

Long weird story but a happy ending, even found a bonus of six 3/8 and 1/4 drive USA Kobalt (didn't know Kobalt had USA made) sockets when I removed the drawers.

That is a crazy story. Glad it worked out for you.

I've had a couple of 429s that I re-sold. Haven't found the right one yet.

mikeinri · Mar 30, 2021

damon18 said:
Has been a long time since the Williams made tools were available? Will be watching for Kobalt USA at estate sales now

Here's what Wikipedia says, FWIW...

"Lowe's and manufacturing partner J.H. Williams launched Kobalt in 1998,[1] with the intention of competing against rival retailers Sears and The Home Depot and their respective Craftsman and Husky tool brands.[2]

In 2003, the Danaher Corporation began producing the majority of Kobalt hand tools.[3][4]

In 2011, Lowe's ended its arrangement with Danaher and switched to a different supplier for its mechanic's hand tools,[5] JS Products of Las Vegas, Nevada.[6] Screwdrivers continue to be supplied by Great Neck.[7] The same year, the Kobalt line expanded to include cordless power tools,[8] manufactured by Chervon.[9] The current (2020) miter saws are manufactured by Rexon Industrial Corp. Taiwan."

So, 1998-2003???

Mike

thehorse13 · Mar 30, 2021

mikeinri said:
Here's what Wikipedia says, FWIW...

"Lowe's and manufacturing partner J.H. Williams launched Kobalt in 1998,[1] with the intention of competing against rival retailers Sears and The Home Depot and their respective Craftsman and Husky tool brands.[2]

In 2003, the Danaher Corporation began producing the majority of Kobalt hand tools.[3][4]

In 2011, Lowe's ended its arrangement with Danaher and switched to a different supplier for its mechanic's hand tools,[5] JS Products of Las Vegas, Nevada.[6] Screwdrivers continue to be supplied by Great Neck.[7] The same year, the Kobalt line expanded to include cordless power tools,[8] manufactured by Chervon.[9] The current (2020) miter saws are manufactured by Rexon Industrial Corp. Taiwan."

So, 1998-2003???

Mike

Yep. It was for a few years only and the Kobalt tools made by Williams said so on the package. Made by J.H. Williams, USA.

If you come across an estate sale and happen upon some complete Kobalt sets, look on the package. It's marked for sure. This is how I've turned up dozens of sets.

mikeinri · Mar 30, 2021

Nice!

Ole Slewfoot · Jul 12, 2021

KRA 429A 1972 mod didn't even get home before I put it to work

snapmom · Jul 13, 2021

my sack

Smokeshow69 · Jun 26, 2023

Picked up these 2 mid chests today as part of a barn clean out. They are super straight and not beat up but are missing their slides and logos. KR420. Snippet of the 1953 catalog.

slanehouse · Oct 20, 2023

Picked a 429A up today for $45. I didn’t check the date. Wasn’t even looking for one but every time I see a box with those 70’s drawer handles I am compelled to buy it, since I got the bottom box for free and picked up a Taco Cart for $200. All matching handles.

I’m surprised the color red is different. Different factories?

I’m seeing some with badges and some without. Does anyone know the reason for this?

Shelbylex · Feb 25, 2024

Snap On KRA 429 1969

Saved from the dumpster - PO was planning to get rid of it.
... Key is not SO original and the numbers do not match (I did not try to put any PB blaster in it to see if it turns with lubrication...)

... If anybody is missing drawers - let me know. Top 2 are in good condition (will need some sanding for the front). The bottom one has a tiny hole...

I wonder if these drawers are interchengeable with other boxes/chests...

Post your Snap ON 428, 429, 430 pictures as well as MBC tool mid boxes

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