Am I crazy?

[drabe7]

I am a diesel tech student who is one year into the 2 year program. I have currently have a SO KR 537A and 557 combo I got dirt cheap. The problem is, is that that box is whooped. The casters are shot, slides stick and it is slightly tweaked. I would of kind of like to replace it with a HF 44" box. I do get the SO student discount but it is just out of the question even with financing. I only have money during my internships which is only 4 months out of the year. I graduate next year. Am I crazy for wanting to sell the SO for the HF?

 

[joejeep92]

No. Paid for decent box and if someday you want that logo back you can pay cash after a couple years on the job.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Just get the HF box....You can always upgrade down the road...

 

[IFMJohn]

I'm finishing up my tech school. I purchased a Matco box for cheaper than what snap-on wanted. I also like the matco boxes more.

If you wish, you may PM me and I'll let you know what I paid for it and what our discount with Matco is (it's better than our discount with snap-on). I'm not going to post it everywhere though, even though I'm sure anyone could find out the student discount if they try hard enough.

 

[91bronc300]

Just keep the emblems when you sell the snap-on boxes. Then put them on the harbor freight box. The perfect crime.

 

[drabe7]

I'm finishing up my tech school. I purchased a Matco box for cheaper than what snap-on wanted. I also like the matco boxes more.

If you wish, you may PM me and I'll let you know what I paid for it and what our discount with Matco is (it's better than our discount with snap-on). I'm not going to post it everywhere though, even though I'm sure anyone could find out the student discount if they try hard enough.

We get a MAC student discount too but even that is just out of the question. I cant afford $100/month for a tool box where as I could probably get close to what I need for the HF by selling the SO

 

[IFMJohn]

We get a MAC student discount too but even that is just out of the question. I cant afford $100/month for a tool box where as I could probably get close to what I need for the HF by selling the SO

I completely understand. If the money isn't there then it isn't there. I want a new crew cab, long bed, f350 6.7L powerstroke. I bought an 06 Toyota Corolla with 118k miles on it. Sometimes you gotta work within your finances.

I'd buy the harbor freight box to start out. It doesnt seem to be a bad box.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I'd sell get some slides and casters for that snap on box from Snap On and then sell it and buy an HF box.

Good on ya for not falling into the "gotta have a fancy box" trap

 

[Jarhead0408]

I'd do the swap.

AFAIK slides aren't available for that combo anymore.

By any chance, you aren't anywhere near VA/NC/SC are you? I've always been a fan of that combo.

 

[monomach]

I wish more kids coming into the field had enough sense to start off with a HF box. They're thick and heavy. You can go your entire career with HF boxes and save a crazy amount of cash.

Everyone is in such a hurry to put themselves in debt when they start wrenching.

 

[drabe7]

I'd do the swap.

AFAIK slides aren't available for that combo anymore.

By any chance, you aren't anywhere near VA/NC/SC are you? I've always been a fan of that combo.

No I am from central NY. If I were closer I'd give you first shot. Looks like I'm getting a new box. The only reason I got it was because I found for way less than its worth. The locks work great too

 

[Bruce57]

I'd fix the Snap On box and keep it. Probably your most economical choice and you'll still have a good box.

 

[SnowDrifter]

I like HF boxes

Cheap box, more money to fill them with tools

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I'm not a professional wrench, but I sold a Snap On KRA series box and a Matco service cart and got two 44" HF boxes and have been pretty happy with them. I don't ever move mine around the garage, so they should last me for a long time.

 

[p_mori7]

Get the HF box. Take care of it. It will last you a long time. You'll be smiling all the way to the bank by not having that monthly payment.

 

[allinon72]

Tool boxes don't make you money, get the HF.

 

[PelicanPines]

You should UPGRADE to the HF box. ok ok... I mean upgrade as... it will be a new quality box unlike the quality "tired" box you have now.

Don't forget to lube the new HF... for some reason... the china lube they apply drys out by the time it gets here.

 

[Onedivinehammer]

Let me begin by telling you I'm the furthest there is from a professional mechanic; so take what I say in stride. I'm on the other side of the fence. I'd rather have an old, once high-quality, box in beat up shape than a shiny new debatable medium-quality one. That goes for a lot of things. Give me a beat up old pick-up from the 60's over a pristine new Scion. Anyways, would you be pocketing money after selling the SO, and buying the HF? Or is it really just an even swap? New slides/used casters seem to me to be a cheap fix. Any pics?

 

[plinker]

I have the same box set up (537 & 557), it's looks kinda beat up & I replaced the slides that were bad. Paid 300$ IIRC.
I started out with that set-up where I work now & replaced it with a Masterforce 41" top & bottom a few months later, The 41" later got to the point where it was too small and as it would happen the Snap-on guy had a KR1000 for a fair price. It's could be bigger too, but I'm not buying another box (for work anyway).

I would hang on to the KR boxes you have, fix them up and use them at home, if doable/practical. Then pick up either a HF or Masterforce box and go from there.