68" Epiq... Should I?

[chrisnazzy]

here is an updated picture. i removed the left bottom large drawer and ordered 2 smaller drawers. these large drawers are supposed to be for large boxes and such and mine always turn into junk drawers. So now that they are 2 smaller drawers i can use them for sockets and wrenches

Hey there.

Thanks for the updated pic. Your yellow box was the only one I remembered whose it was so I was glad I could attribute it to you in my original post. I had another more recent pic of your box saved too but it had a couple blue drawers so I posted the older one.

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[chrisnazzy]

What I really would like is Strouty’s exact box but in yellow.



Not sure I can justify the space it will take up though, as well as the added cost. It is a pretty significant bump in price.



But, if it’s what I need, I probably can make it work. I do have some other equipment purchases I would like to make this year, I don’t know if I can justify spending my whole cap ex budget on a new toolbox lol. Especially when it is essentially a luxury purchase.

If you want a custom drawer configuration it is a $0 upcharge when ordered on the R&R truck. That's how lots of guys on here add & delete drawers to customize to their desired layout. It's also $0 charge to order with blacked out handles, wheels and SO badges.

I'm trying to buy a house in the next six months but I'll most likely end up getting a new Epiq next year sometime. For me it was always a choice of a 68" w/ dual lockers or an 84". Realistically the 84" makes more sense for me size and $$ wise. It will have a custom drawer config for sure!

This pic is the 84" powerdrawer model I'll get. I'm going to have the 10" deep drawer on the right replaced with a 4"/6" to match the left and middle banks. I'm going to split the 3rd wide drawer into two 2" drawers giving it four wide drawers. I'm also going to do three 2" drawers on the top left above the powerdrawer. This brings drawer total to 18. 4 more than my KRL1001 and every drawer is significantly bigger too! Should be all I'd ever need. If it ever wasn't I'll add lockers but the box would be the last I ever buy.


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[AngryBeaver]

I guess I'm one of the few that prefers the masters over the epic. I think the drawer layouts **** unless you special order them. I like a 3 bank with super wide drawers. its amazing how much those wide drawers will hold. Look int o a KRL1032 or KRL1033. they were running stupid specials on them last year and a lot of dealers bought a ton of them. your dealer might have one in his storage unit or one of his dealers in he region may have access to a yellow one.

Price for that KR1000 isn't bad. they aren't worth much more than 1K in pristine condition on the used market.

no one pays list. and honestly still paying 6500 after trade and rebates sounds high to me. either that, or your dealer doesn't like you all that much haha.

good luck in whatever path you choose.

 

[Mr_B]

no one pays list. and honestly still paying 6500 after trade and rebates sounds high to me. either that, or your dealer doesn't like you all that much haha.

good luck in whatever path you choose.

Yeh for box dealer got on truck and probably wants rid of it not a fantastic price.
Like I say, never trade a box with a dealer, hard cash and walk away if deal not special and wait for them come back with better deal (generally offer *** bucks in tool credit)
always sell the box online as dealers just adding difference to you purchase price and telling you it 900 bucks .

 

[Tattedhank]

If you want a custom drawer configuration it is a $0 upcharge when ordered on the R&R truck. That's how lots of guys on here add & delete drawers to customize to their desired layout. It's also $0 charge to order with blacked out handles, wheels and SO badges.

I'm trying to buy a house in the next six months but I'll most likely end up getting a new Epiq next year sometime. For me it was always a choice of a 68" w/ dual lockers or an 84". Realistically the 84" makes more sense for me size and $$ wise. It will have a custom drawer config for sure!

This pic is the 84" powerdrawer model I'll get. I'm going to have the 10" deep drawer on the right replaced with a 4"/6" to match the left and middle banks. I'm going to split the 3rd wide drawer into two 2" drawers giving it four wide drawers. I'm also going to do three 2" drawers on the top left above the powerdrawer. This brings drawer total to 18. 4 more than my KRL1001 and every drawer is significantly bigger too! Should be all I'd ever need. If it ever wasn't I'll add lockers but the box would be the last I ever buy.


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My new Epiq is coming next week. I order the same layout but without the power drawer. I also changed the drawer configuration a little bit to get more drawers. I traded the first 4" drawers in the middle and right banks for two 2" drawers in each bank. This way I have three 2" drawers in the middle and right banks. This way I don't lose any shallow drawers when getting the three extra wide drawers. I attached an image for clarity.

 

[chrisnazzy]

My new Epiq is coming next week. I order the same layout but without the power drawer. I also changed the drawer configuration a little bit to get more drawers. I traded the first 4" drawers in the middle and right banks for two 2" drawers in each bank. This way I have three 2" drawers in the middle and right banks. This way I don't lose any shallow drawers when getting the three extra wide drawers. I attached an image for clarity.

Can't wait to see it! I've got a couple pics saved where people have done three 2" drawers under the 3 wide drawers but I've never seen an 84" done that way. What color combo did you choose?

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[Tattedhank]

Can't wait to see it! I've got a couple pics saved where people have done three 2" drawers under the 3 wide drawers but I've never seen an 84" done that way. What color combo did you choose?

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I chose gun metal gray with titanium trim and the black out package. I am going to put on red or carbon fiber drawer protectors. I was just re-reading your post and saw your idea about getting four wide drawers, which is a cool idea! I have never seen one like that before, is it even possible?

 

[chrisnazzy]

Re: 68" Epiq... Should I?

I chose gun metal gray with titanium trim and the black out package. I am going to put on red or carbon fiber drawer protectors. I was just re-reading your post and saw your idea about getting four wide drawers, which is a cool idea! I have never seen one like that before, is it even possible?

I've never seen one either but I'm confident and I've been told it can be done. In this pic another GJ'er, lugnut71 ordered his 84" double bank Epiq w/ extra 2" drawers. It normally only comes with one. Since they make a 2" drawer already in that width it should be an easy swap. Basically where the three wide drawers will be on yours will look like this boxes upper four drawers.

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[Duster346]

Yeah man, absolutely!!

 

[WittHay]

Whats with all the nice boxes, I thought it was HF or nothing on GJ. lol

The Mac dealer had a yellow and black Macsimizer on the truck similar to the Tech series in the picture. I thought it looked really sharp. He sold it to a guy that works at Finnings Cat

Around here the heavy duty guys seem to prefer the KTL over the Epiq. I have always liked the KRL but would definitely consider a Epiq at the right price and drawer layout

 

[mikehaugen]

just a quick question for the experts here... are the old KR boxes equivalent to the current KRL series?

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

My dealer has a KETN682 Epiq on his truck for a very reasonable price.

It would be replacing a tired KR1000.

List is $14,215 with a show discount of $6,216, and a $900 trade in, as well as a $1500 EC rebate. Brings my total to $6024 after the sales tax.

I have wanted a yellow box ever since I saw Von Dutch's yellow snappy box. I do like the black and yellow on this box a lot.

What says the masses?

It sounds like to me, that you really want a yellow box. It also sounds like you want to make sure you get a box that will be sufficient enough for the rest of your life, and you are willing to pay the cost for that...

That is exactly why I think you should spend the extra and get the 84 in yellow, and consider your drawer configuration.

Alot of guys here are going to recommend more shallow drawers, but it depends on your requirements.
Since you run your own shop you probably have cabinets with cases or specialty equipment/tools. I'd imagine you would still have more of a reason for bigger drawers than alot of others here. Expecially if you specialize in certain repairs that require frequent but larger tools.

Anyways....

That yellow box is more than just sharp, its ****. I think you will like it alot, I just think you are already spending quite a bit for one but unsure if it will be everything you need. This is why I think you should spend a bit more than the large amount you already are, and get something you know you wont regret. Even if it's good enough now, as your shop grows so will your box. In the long run, imo, you'd be saving money because you wont have to trade it in for 1300 5 years from now. It sounds like that concerns you, and if you are questioning it or have doubt, it's probably true.

 

[xin]

My new Epiq is coming next week. I order the same layout but without the power drawer. I also changed the drawer configuration a little bit to get more drawers. I traded the first 4" drawers in the middle and right banks for two 2" drawers in each bank. This way I have three 2" drawers in the middle and right banks. This way I don't lose any shallow drawers when getting the three extra wide drawers. I attached an image for clarity.

ORANGE favorite color and easiest to see in drawers!

 

[Tattedhank]

Re: 68" Epiq... Should I?

I've never seen one either but I'm confident and I've been told it can be done. In this pic another GJ'er, lugnut71 ordered his 84" double bank Epiq w/ extra 2" drawers. It normally only comes with one. Since they make a 2" drawer already in that width it should be an easy swap. Basically where the three wide drawers will be on yours will look like this boxes upper four drawers.

Yeah, that makes sense. That is going to be a sweet set up! Keep us updated, I can’t wait to see it!

 

[derek_m]

If you still need to compare capacities, the KR1000 has the following:
34,158 cubic inches, 9,687 square inches and 2,500 lbs.
Empty weight is 675 lbs.
(15) 27" deep drawers plus top tray.

Found these from an old flyer. I really like my KR1000. It's showing age but seems much more stout than a lot of the newer ones. I plan to have mine professionally repainted.

 

[dr_clyde]

I’m leaning towards a custom order triple bank at some undetermined future date. This box just doesn’t have the drawer layout that I want. I’m not gonna pay 6k for a box and have it not be what I want.

I don’t need a toolbox right now. It was one of those things where it would be a want not a need.

I have 2 KR1000 boxes. One is in really nice shape, that’s my daily driver and it’s not going anywhere. The trade in box is in much rougher shape, and I bought it with the idea of someday repainting it. I use it for overflow and low use tools.

I would make the Epiq my daily and keep my good KR1000 for the “shop box”.

I’ll keep shopping.

 

[AngryBeaver]

just a quick question for the experts here... are the old KR boxes equivalent to the current KRL series?

some will say yes. I will say no. the newest one you'll find will be 1992 or 1993. I think they started making them in 1986 or so.


they are 52" wide. 47" high and 29" deep. The older versions didn't have drawer retaining clips or detents. Later models had the lock and roll plastic retaining drawer slide clips. they have fairly weak slides compared to KRL boxes from the mid 90's and they have a spring loaded caster assembly which caused a lot of issues with them tipping over on rough concrete floors back in the day.

KRL1001 replaced that KR1000 series. it was 54" wide, 29" deep and 47" tall with one wide drawer. KRL1003 was the triple bank and KRL1004 was the first Double XXL (two 54's put together with a sold top.)

when the two wide drawers came out, they changed the model number to KRL1022 for the double bank and KRL1023 for the triple. those started in 1999 or 2000ish and are still made today. KTL's are the exact same boxes with three wide drawers. (KTL1022 or KTL1023). the KRL1032 is a three bank 72" with 69" super wide top two drawers and instead of being a conventional three bank layout, the left bank and middle bank are combined for super wide lower drawers (basically the same drawer as the top drawer on the KRL1001 or 1022 but all the way down. ) These look like double banks if you aren't paying attention. they were called the Wide Guy when they made them in the early 2000's and just brought them back 2 years ago.. The KRL1033 is a three bank with the same super wide top two drawers but conventional 1023 layout for the rest.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I've never seen one either but I'm confident and I've been told it can be done. In this pic another GJ'er, lugnut71 ordered his 84" double bank Epiq w/ extra 2" drawers. It normally only comes with one. Since they make a 2" drawer already in that width it should be an easy swap. Basically where the three wide drawers will be on yours will look like this boxes upper four drawers.

This was how I spec'd out my Extreme green 84" I was quoted 10K (9,995 to be exact) after trading in my like new 1022, hutch and side locker for the epic with ss non power top off the rock and roll truck. when you custom order drawer layouts on the R&R truck, it doesn't cost you any extra money. when you order one from your dealer, it does. I would have gotten another 2K off if I traded in my side cab. That was a tough pill for me to swallow, especially considering how you can't get an 84" with full width top drawers. I hate the looks of the epic 84"s in the wide drawer configuration. The center trim is so thick and bulky and runs all the way to the top, it looks like a 60" box with a side cabinet added on. weird, but a pet peeve of mine.

I asked about full width top drawers two years ago and was told by R&R and snap on corporate that they did not offer that on the 84"s due to the way the box was constructed. there wasn't enough support for the rest of the box if they took the center supports out to make an 80" or whatever width top couple drawers.....

I ended up buying a KRL1032 wide guy for 5K brand new, no trade from my dealer as an end of the year leftover. And, I absolutely love it. Its just not the color I wanted. To get the same box in EG, it would have cost 10K..... so at a 5K price difference, I dealt with the color I didn't really want and actually love it now. after I bought and sold a couple KRL1022's, it literally cost me 2K out of pocket. can't beat that with a stick...

I’m leaning towards a custom order triple bank at some undetermined future date. This box just doesn’t have the drawer layout that I want. I’m not gonna pay 6k for a box and have it not be what I want.

I don’t need a toolbox right now. It was one of those things where it would be a want not a need.

I have 2 KR1000 boxes. One is in really nice shape, that’s my daily driver and it’s not going anywhere. The trade in box is in much rougher shape, and I bought it with the idea of someday repainting it. I use it for overflow and low use tools.

I would make the Epiq my daily and keep my good KR1000 for the “shop box”.

I’ll keep shopping.

Don't settle, unless you are buying some crackhead priced used box. ordering different drawers and slides from your dealer is not cheap. I priced two 2 2" drawers to replace the 4" in my KTL1023 and they were 360ish a piece, plus another set of slides.... 1K for two drawers??? Epic drawers are even more expensive due to the multiple components. ITs cheaper to buy a used box, swap what you need and sell the used box yourself. lol. Read what I wrote to Chris above and think about a KRL1032/KRL1033. I simply cannot go back to a 54-60" wide socket and wrench drawer after having an almost 6' wide drawer.. After having this box for a year and a half, and having an epic cart, i'd pick the KRL 99/100 times again. the epic cart while is truly awesome, the latch assembly makes your finger nails dig into the drawer and before you know it, the drawer is scratched all to hell and looks like ***. I know they make protectors that I'm sure cost 1K but its one of those things that bugs the **** out of me.

 

[Wamsutta]

I don’t need a toolbox right now. It was one of those things where it would be a want not a need.

My Snap-on dealer once told me that while "need" is OK, "want" works just fine for him too.

 

[chrisnazzy]

This was how I spec'd out my Extreme green 84"

I too have my reservations about going with an Epiq. I've always liked my KRL/Masters Series and I've thought long and hard about just adding to it like you did with green one. I have never minded the Lock n Roll latches and am still not 100% convinced that I love the feel and sound of the lift up Epiq drawer latches.

If I was going to get a 72" wide Master's Series it certainly would have the two full width drawers. This is the model I've considered.
The "perfect" set up for me would be a custom drawer configuration 68" w/ two lockers (one of them with the powerdrawer). This would appease my OCD because my biggest hangups about the 84" is the inability to have the drawer lines carry all the way across the box (I know I have a problem) I'm just not sure I want to spend that much or give up nearly 11 feet of garage wall for that setup. The sad part is I really only would need one locker but my OCD wouldn't be okay with the asymmetry either. If I did go with a 68" however, this would be my drawer config.

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[2ndGearRubber]

For those who have gotten custom layouts on the rock-n-roll truck - the KRL is included in the no added cost to swap drawers around? Do they limit what you can do or how many drawers? I'd pick something like a KRL1163 and swap maybe a half dozen drawers around.

Would make a nice friend for the 1033. I'd probably be set for life at that point.

 

[L.Cheapo]

For those who have gotten custom layouts on the rock-n-roll truck - the KRL is included in the no added cost to swap drawers around? Do they limit what you can do or how many drawers? I'd pick something like a KRL1163 and swap maybe a half dozen drawers around.

Would make a nice friend for the 1033. I'd probably be set for life at that point.

Yes, KRL was included last year on the R&R truck.
There were no limits, so long as the drawers physically fit. IIRC, there is/was an large odd depth drawer--3" or 5" and that required a certain depth immediately below it, as the slide mounts are 2" apart vertically.
Worth asking to be sure, though.

The R&R truck's "deal" wasn't even close to the lower price my dealer will gladly sell me the box for, minus the drawer mods, of which I didn't need anyway.

 

[Wamsutta]

The guys with all the super thin custom drawers layout must keep their blow molded cases in the trunk of their car I'm assuming.

 

[dr_clyde]

The guys with all the super thin custom drawers layout must keep their blow molded cases in the trunk of their car I'm assuming.

Blow mold cases are designed by toolbox makers to sell more boxes.

They either go on a shelf, in a locker, or the case goes in the trash.

They are a massive waste of space.

 

[70staged]

If you can swing it, I would get the 84” box. I bought my 68” epiq with 1 locker and top drawers thinking I would not run out of room. Well it looks like I am going to be wrong. Locker is full, has extra drawers in there also, not box is dang near full and top is pretty well full. I am going to be needing another locker after a bit. I wish I got the 84”

 

[Wamsutta]

Blow mold cases are designed by toolbox makers to sell more boxes.

They either go on a shelf, in a locker, or the case goes in the trash.

They are a massive waste of space.

They keep all the applicable pieces of the kit in one secure area. I think they are worth the space wasted.

 

[clinebarger]

They keep all the applicable pieces of the kit in one secure area. I think they are worth the space wasted.

They are a complete waste of space in a tool box, If you want secure....Buy a lockable fire cabinet, You can even fasten it to the wall & build/fabricate a better locking system.

 

[mikehaugen]

some will say yes. I will say no.

thank you for the detailed response. The reason I ask is because I see a lot of them around that appear to be in nice shape for what seems like a reasonable price. Most of the time they are the 7xx series. Ok, I'm done hijacking the thread.

 

[Wamsutta]

They are a complete waste of space in a tool box, If you want secure....Buy a lockable fire cabinet, You can even fasten it to the wall & build/fabricate a better locking system.

No I didn't mean secure in that way. I mean secure as in keeping all the pieces together with the main tool. Like a fuel pressure tester with all the different lengths of hoses, fittings, and adapters. If you take everything out of the blow molded cases and spread them out throughout all the drawers in the box; when you go to use the fuel pressure tester; you're not going know where all the pieces and adapters are at. Those cases save you valuable time at the expense of some space.

 

[chrisnazzy]

And then these were just debuted last month @ SFC2019. If $$ was of little concern I would not need to ponder anything else...... except whether I'd want yellow or orange.

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[Wamsutta]

Where are all the Harbor Freight U.S. General people in this thread?

 

[clinebarger]

No I didn't mean secure in that way. I mean secure as in keeping all the pieces together with the main tool. Like a fuel pressure tester with all the different lengths of hoses, fittings, and adapters. If you take everything out of the blow molded cases and spread them out throughout all the drawers in the box; when you go to use the fuel pressure tester; you're not going know where all the pieces and adapters are at. Those cases save you valuable time at the expense of some space.

I agree.....I keep all my testing/specialty tools in their original blow molded cases. But not in my tool box! Cabinets are far more efficient at storing these items.

 

[Wamsutta]

I agree.....I keep all my testing/specialty tools in their original blow molded cases. But not in my tool box! Cabinets are far more efficient at storing these items.

Why didn't you say that in the first place?

 

[mikehaugen]

Why didn't you say that in the first place? [emoji38]_hitti

Well he did say "complete waste of space IN A TOOLBOX" [emoji41]

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[Fluelikesymptoms]

I agree I like blow molded case for reasons wamsutta mentioned. I will always keep my torque wrenches and new digital caliper in case (old one goes in tool bag.) Anything with a bunch of adapters like bearing/seal drivers, stay in blow molded case.

That said I also agree that blow molded cases are a waste of space when placed inside a tool box. The only things that belong in a blow molded case inside the tool box is a torque wrench, and fuel line quick disconnectors ( I say this because I've had to buy 100k sets of them.) Most tools that I have in blow molded cases, I wouldnt store in my box anyways but in a cabinet or on a shelf. Like my slide hammer and attachments, I keep that in its case, underneath the work bench.

One thing I think blow molded cases are really useful though is extra parts, drill/driver bits, and extra Allen keys ect..

Anyways, I hope you find the box your looking for Dr. Clyde, I think your making the right decision.

 

[Heap64]

We are still here, just wiped some drool off my chin.

Where are all the Harbor Freight U.S. General people in this thread?

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[woody 73]

So did the op ever buy that box ? Strange in an odd way but I dislike yellow (one of the colors that I can see), I like red but that is just me...

I know in my area tool boxes go for some high dollar figures so $6000.00 seems like a good deal, hell used boxes go for that and without tools, I need to find one of those cheaper area to look for a good deal...Sigh

 

[AngryBeaver]

I too have my reservations about going with an Epiq. I've always liked my KRL/Masters Series and I've thought long and hard about just adding to it like you did with green one. I have never minded the Lock n Roll latches and am still not 100% convinced that I love the feel and sound of the lift up Epiq drawer latches.

If I was going to get a 72" wide Master's Series it certainly would have the two full width drawers. This is the model I've considered.

just because I havent *****'d out my pics enough...lol my cranberry is a 1032. looks like a double, but its a triple...

 

[michelin]

And then these were just debuted last month @ SFC2019. If $$ was of little concern I would not need to ponder anything else...... except whether I'd want yellow or orange.

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Dream box this! Saying this as an owner of 84” Epiq.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Dream box this! Saying this as an owner of 84” Epiq.

Yep! Full width drawers and the left bank drawers are all 8" wider than the 84". You of course lose the left bank but you get all the added storage of dual lockers with 6 additional drawers (one being a powerdrawer) two pull out shelves and two stationary shelves. Oh yeah and the hutch. I'm going to talk myself into one of these someday!

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