Anyone have a Lista Technician box?

[Linda@Lista]

I took this picture today. this drawer holds ~60 springs, easily 350-400lbs. this Lista box is about 12 years old, normally it's on our race trailer, going from St. Pete, FL to Edmonton Canada, from Watkins Glen, NY to Long Beach, CA. I doubt a fancy SO box would survive that. note this is not the heaviest drawer, the one on the bottom holds lead weight plates, god knows how many pounds in there.

Thanks for this awesome photo! Do you think I could share it with our Facebook fans to show how sturdy the drawers are?
Thanks!
Linda@Lista

 

[Linda@Lista]

Hi guys! I've heard you like photos so here are some recent photos from our lobby of our Lista boxes. I hope you like em

 

[Yojinbo]

I got an email about the new technician boxes and I think its a long time coming. I have a ton of old 30" wide Listas that the US Gov had configured for aircraft maintenance (push handles, casters, latches, etc) and I always wondered why Lista did not go after the line tech market with wider pre-packages boxes.

Not to disagree with Linda, but I think Lista started in Switzerland as a brand circa 1945 or earlier). I have some old green Lista cabinets that are older then I am (think 1960's) and are marked "made in Switzerland".

Also, by way of caution, have a look at the new Listas before you plop down the money. The last few replacement drawers I have ordered (I am always reconfiguring my shop) have been the same good old drawer, but a new slide mechanism.

The new mechanism (seen in white in the photo above) is lighter then the OLD, OLD Lista slides and much lighter then the less-old HEAVY Lista slides. The new slide incorporates modern materials such as plastics and is clearly OEMed by Fulterer.

I like the old way better (this could be the family motto, in fact) but my new slides have not ever failed in any way. They are fully painted - whereas the old ones seemed to be bare cold rolled steel. I remain a huge Lista fan, but most of the recommendations about Lista that I hear don't involve the new slides.

Linda, Thanks for wading in to comment and share. You are at a crossroads on the internet where tool polishers, working techs, grumpy old men and brand fanboys converge. (yes, I realize that many of you fall into 2 or more of these categories - I know I do)

 

[Linda@Lista]

I got an email about the new technician boxes and I think its a long time coming. I have a ton of old 30" wide Listas that the US Gov had configured for aircraft maintenance (push handles, casters, latches, etc) and I always wondered why Lista did not go after the line tech market with wider pre-packages boxes.

Not to disagree with Linda, but I think Lista started in Switzerland as a brand circa 1945 or earlier). I have some old green Lista cabinets that are older then I am (think 1960's) and are marked "made in Switzerland".

Also, by way of caution, have a look at the new Listas before you plop down the money. The last few replacement drawers I have ordered (I am always reconfiguring my shop) have been the same good old drawer, but a new slide mechanism.

The new mechanism (seen in white in the photo above) is lighter then the OLD, OLD Lista slides and much lighter then the less-old HEAVY Lista slides. The new slide incorporates modern materials such as plastics and is clearly OEMed by Fulterer.

I like the old way better (this could be the family motto, in fact) but my new slides have not ever failed in any way. They are fully painted - whereas the old ones seemed to be bare cold rolled steel. I remain a huge Lista fan, but most of the recommendations about Lista that I hear don't involve the new slides.

Linda, Thanks for wading in to comment and share. You are at a crossroads on the internet where tool polishers, working techs, grumpy old men and brand fanboys converge. (yes, I realize that many of you fall into 2 or more of these categories - I know I do)

Thanks for the comment Yojinbo! You are absolutely correct, Lista did start out in Switzerland. Lista has been in Holliston since 1968.

 

[american lockpicker]

I wonder are there any other brands of tool boxes that are made in Switzerland now?

 

[marcusicp]

Can these boxes be configured how we want? I am looking at a few but they all seem to have one or two drawers that I wish were moved or different sizes.

 

[csargents1546]

From what I have read on their site, you can order the drawers in any combination that you want. THat is what has got my attention. Almost all others you have a select number of options for drawer layout.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

the thing with tool trucks is that they will move your box if you move, thats what you're paying for... I'm pretty sure lista doesn't have tool trucks that do that, and considering how heavy these boxes are you better be able to move them yourself or have a very stable job.

my junk is too big for the tool truck , i let my new employer pay for the flat bed

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

LISTA should get some trucks and financing arm to sell those fancy file cabinets LOL

 

[Dust]

I am really liking that two-bay box. I just would like to have more 4" deep drawers instead of 2".

I am really liking how it's even less expensive than the comparative Snap-On box I was looking at (Classic 96 KRA2432).

I know the PrevenTip system is in place for a reason, but if it were available as an option and not standard equipment, Lista boxes would probably sell a lot more to technicians. Well, that, and increased marketing. My coworker has never heard of Lista, and he's been wrenching for thirty-five years.

 

[moop187]

im really interested in buying a lista toolbox, preferably like the yellow one posted above, however what ive always disliked was how deep their boxes are, it makes it difficult to move the box in-between cars, does anyone know if lista makes tool boxes that are 460mm or less deep?

 

[Linda@Lista]

Can these boxes be configured how we want? I am looking at a few but they all seem to have one or two drawers that I wish were moved or different sizes.

I know someone already answered this but you can definitelly configure the drawers to what makes sense to you.
Linda@Lista

 

[larry_g]

im really interested in buying a lista toolbox, preferably like the yellow one posted above, however what ive always disliked was how deep their boxes are, it makes it difficult to move the box in-between cars, does anyone know if lista makes tool boxes that are 460mm or less deep?

The Lista web site is posted above and there you will find all the specs.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Linda@Lista]

you guys bring up some real good info on Listas... I've used them before but never for storing tools. I've worked in a lot of different parts departments. Truthfully.. I have had problems with them in parts departments. Drawers not closing right.. etc etc. Maybe the ones used for storing auto parts are designed differently??? As far as Snap on boxes not being able to take abuse?? I personally haven't seen a snap on drawer slide give out (maybe the old "vintage" ones)... I'm not saying it doesn't happen.. I just haven't seen it.

Dan

Hi metalhead
You mentioned issues with the slides. I'm going to link you to a video that talks about our drawers and slides. The video covers the topic in a far more informative way than I ever could.

Let me know if you still have questions.

 

[shamrock12]

Are those Lista Technician boxes fully configurable? I mean, can the drawers be moved around to our liking? And if we want to put some additional drawers (in smaller sizes), can that be done too?

 

[Ironhorse]

Are those Lista Technician boxes fully configurable? I mean, can the drawers be moved around to our liking? And if we want to put some additional drawers (in smaller sizes), can that be done too?

I know you can change out the drawers with smaller or larger ones...just like a snap on box...but I do know the older drawer slides do not work with the new boxes from Lista. Drawers do but not the Slides...so yes you can kinda configure them as you need..as far as drawer size depths. I have owned every box made...and I use lista and snap on only...for tools lista cabs..just do not seem to make sense, snap on does..but for parts or bins...they are number #1. I do not like the fact they stuck there boxes on the american chopper show...that set up is about 40K...so it is bs for the normal guy....really they should have charged him for all of those boxes...good luck on them. Check Motorhead out for some scratch and dent ones...a little money off.

 

[Vvmvbb]

snip
...for tools lista cabs..just do not seem to make sense, snap on does..
snip

Why?

 

[jdsac]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse View Post
snip
...for tools lista cabs..just do not seem to make sense, snap on does.

What doesn't make sense is paying almost double for a snap on box that
isn't built nearly as strong. Lista's hold nearly double the weight per drawer, have better slides / dividers etc. The only reason to buy a snap on box is to join the weekly payment to the truck club.And to get one of these:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sideshowbrian/6479598585/


Trust the other posters, your tools won't know the difference and you will have a lot more money to spend on things to put in the drawers.
I have some Listas that were made in Switzerland (very old) that came from an industrial parts room. Outside or a few dings (cosmetic damage only) they need nothing- drawers are fine.

 

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse View Post
snip
...for tools lista cabs..just do not seem to make sense, snap on does.

What doesn't make sense is paying almost double for a snap on box that
isn't built nearly as strong. Lista's hold nearly double the weight per drawer, have better slides / dividers etc. The only reason to buy a snap on box is to join the weekly payment to the truck club.

Well...I have had both...and Lista cabs and tools just do not work...the drawer slides have plastic rollers..so loaded down with tools and getting opened and shut all day long...they get worn out in about a year...yes I did just that with a lista...Snap on boxes are built to be opened and shut..well lets see 50 times a day...By no means am I saying lista cabs are not good I have both...Lista for all the bike parts, nuts and bolts and my mill tooling...do I open the drawers up 50 times a day on the lista cabs..no..and they are the new style lista's. If you have both which I guess you do with that response..pull your lista drawer all the way out...pull the plastic tab back ( the lock tab, it is the only way to get your drawer out )..remove the drawer, pull your slides out and tell me what the wheels are made of??? Yep Plastic. Lista cabs run about 2700ea for the ones I have...for 2700 you can get a pretty nice snappy box...so I would say there both matched...I had to buy 5 lista's...so over 10k...and your telling me that the over priced snap on box for 10k will not do a great job? wrong...for the same price you have about the same storage..and you have a better resale value out of your snappy box...lista's come in 2nd...my 2 cents

 

[Ironhorse]

View attachment 224930
View attachment 224931

Also how many tools can you get in one drawer??? You need to look into this again...these are just in my garage...the my shop has the large ones. One other note..why does lista's drawers lock when one is open? Yes I know for safety..but the foot print on a lista will not allow you to open more then that for tip over...my snappy box...hmm three top drawers open with no issues. And I do not have to floor bolt my Snappy box down..my listas..yep..floor bolts..the rolling lista's which I have also owned...are great for a few tools..but the space *****...the butcher block is great...and gee why did I sell all three of them after having them for a month? They do not do the job a snap on box does...if Lista was built for tool storage why was the company not founded on that? Tooling, Parts,Etc...not day to day work...or am I wrong and every garage in america has a lista cab in it?? do not think so...every aircraft hanger...yes and they have both.

 

[BBALL DAD]

Just an FYI! ----
The Snap-on tool boxes can be ordered in different drawer configurations.
The large drawers on the Snap-on tool boxes have double ball bearing slides that give them a capacity of 450 pounds and you can add a second set of slides to any drawer that is 4 inches tall or larger. I think everybody would agree that a 2" tall drawer would not need to handle 450 pounds.
Snap-on is a tool storage tool box not a parts bin converted to handle tools. A lot of research goes into how a Snap-on tool box is configured in regards to drawer size, location and capacity.
I could go on and on about legit differnces between Snap-on and anybody else but just watch the attached link and it tells it all.

http://www.theundisputedchamp.com/

http://www1.snapon.com/display/231/ToolNews/PressReleases/2009/FrostSullivanBestToolStorageCat.pdf

 

[BoostAddiction]

Just an FYI! ----
The Snap-on tool boxes can be ordered in different drawer configurations.
The large drawers on the Snap-on tool boxes have double ball bearing slides that give them a capacity of 450 pounds and you can add a second set of slides to any drawer that is 4 inches tall or larger. I think everybody would agree that a 2" tall drawer would not need to handle 450 pounds.
Snap-on is a tool storage tool box not a parts bin converted to handle tools. A lot of research goes into how a Snap-on tool box is configured in regards to drawer size, location and capacity.
I could go on and on about legit differnces between Snap-on and anybody else but just watch the attached link and it tells it all.

http://www.theundisputedchamp.com/

http://www1.snapon.com/display/231/ToolNews/PressReleases/2009/FrostSullivanBestToolStorageCat.pdf

I wasted time looking at the attached link, and saw nothing that would help to understand why you are apparently so attached to your Snap-On stuff.

I'm sure it's fine and all, but the Lista boxes are cheaper, stronger, more configurable, and made right here in America.

Of course, they don't have the tool truck logo, so maybe that is the real problem?

 

[The Boss]

Linda,

LOVE your cabinets! The one on the right in this picture is one of yours. Don't mind the look on Max's face - he just snapped up a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter like it was a piece of chocolate. He'll be fine - just feeling a little guilty about it.

 

[marcusicp]

Just an FYI! ----
The Snap-on tool boxes can be ordered in different drawer configurations.
The large drawers on the Snap-on tool boxes have double ball bearing slides that give them a capacity of 450 pounds and you can add a second set of slides to any drawer that is 4 inches tall or larger. I think everybody would agree that a 2" tall drawer would not need to handle 450 pounds.
Snap-on is a tool storage tool box not a parts bin converted to handle tools. A lot of research goes into how a Snap-on tool box is configured in regards to drawer size, location and capacity.
I could go on and on about legit differnces between Snap-on and anybody else but just watch the attached link and it tells it all.

http://www.theundisputedchamp.com/

http://www1.snapon.com/display/231/ToolNews/PressReleases/2009/FrostSullivanBestToolStorageCat.pdf

I have never seen any way to configure a Snap-On box to your liking past color options. Got a link?