Yeah that’s what I’m saying, 6 grand is 6 grand. I can float 3-4 grand without financing. But 6k is more in finance range for me, I’m 23 and have no tool debt at the moment and it’s pretty nice. The reason why I’m thinking about this so much is I’m young and have a long career ahead of me still. I know I said i want to avoid tool truck boxes, but maybe it’d be worth it if I find a box I can keep for 30+ years.
Best tool box for the money
- Thread starter Sugarfryz
- Start date
Yeah that’s what I’m saying, 6 grand is 6 grand. I can float 3-4 grand without financing. But 6k is more in finance range for me, I’m 23 and have no tool debt at the moment and it’s pretty nice. The reason why I’m thinking about this so much is I’m young and have a long career ahead of me still. I know I said i want to avoid tool truck boxes, but maybe it’d be worth it if I find a box I can keep for 30+ years.
Well you pretty young, If I was you I find a used matching 2 bay classic and do a good haggle on it .
Run that setup for a few years and if career looks solid keep eye out in advance of actual desperate need for upgrade to KRL or epiq or Matco used boxes .
Getting into finance at your age over a box not great IMO .
Good thing with used boxes is most depreciation already gone so any future resale you reclaiming most of what spent, buying new simply rapes your wallet.
I run my own shop and could afford buy new if had to but I don't, I preplan my needs and keep an eye and ear on used boxes and grab a deal, may take 6 or 9 months but if plan in advance it no bother and for the savings hard to ignore .
I've owned a lot of truck boxes used, flipped a few to by next one ect and doubt it cost 3K out of my pocket for current 3 matco boxes locker and end cab that accumulated over last 10yrs .
Trading boxes with dealers is a losers game, same as trading a used car, you lowering your bargaining power and more money out of pocket .
you didn't like finance on first box and it don't get sweeter second time round ...
Run that setup for a few years and if career looks solid keep eye out in advance of actual desperate need for upgrade to KRL or epiq or Matco used boxes .
Getting into finance at your age over a box not great IMO .
Good thing with used boxes is most depreciation already gone so any future resale you reclaiming most of what spent, buying new simply rapes your wallet.
I run my own shop and could afford buy new if had to but I don't, I preplan my needs and keep an eye and ear on used boxes and grab a deal, may take 6 or 9 months but if plan in advance it no bother and for the savings hard to ignore .
I've owned a lot of truck boxes used, flipped a few to by next one ect and doubt it cost 3K out of my pocket for current 3 matco boxes locker and end cab that accumulated over last 10yrs .
Trading boxes with dealers is a losers game, same as trading a used car, you lowering your bargaining power and more money out of pocket .
you didn't like finance on first box and it don't get sweeter second time round ...
Crabman
Well-known member
After reading this thread, I am tempted to go look at this one.
https://smd.craigslist.org/tls/d/brandywine-snap-on-roll-box/6965418608.html
https://smd.craigslist.org/tls/d/brandywine-snap-on-roll-box/6965418608.html
If you can float 3 or 4K you could jump to a used krl epiq or used 5s 6s (old 85 series nice big boxes too)
Main thing is how do you like the classic box layou you got, if it works for you and adding a second would give you layout you could work out easily then it low cost route for a tidy presentable setup .
You paid the price for the classic so might as well use and enjoy it if can .
If you can't then you got shift it on and then you will see the financial hit from being pulled into truck dealer easy credit and overpriced entry level boxes .
The tools are what counts, you get more done and experience grow faster with right tools and as a young guy that priority for buying.
Main thing is how do you like the classic box layou you got, if it works for you and adding a second would give you layout you could work out easily then it low cost route for a tidy presentable setup .
You paid the price for the classic so might as well use and enjoy it if can .
If you can't then you got shift it on and then you will see the financial hit from being pulled into truck dealer easy credit and overpriced entry level boxes .
The tools are what counts, you get more done and experience grow faster with right tools and as a young guy that priority for buying.
danski0224
Well-known member
The 8,000 pound load capacity... really?
That's over 650 pounds per drawer.
I have a Lista cabinet with 400 pound rated drawers. The slides are beefy. The weight can't be "in the middle" of the wide drawers, or else the drawer bottom drags on the top lip of the drawer face below it, and it takes less than 400 pounds to make that happen.
A little premature to call BS, but...
VinceG
Well-known member
Don't ket a KRL 722 it is not much bigger than what you have. Get a KRL 1022 or bigger.
I work in shops as a consultant, I’m seeing more of the Tool Vault boxes showing up in place of a truck brand box. One of my buddy’s is a heavy line tech at Chevrolet, he recently sold off his Snap On box and replaced with with Tool Vault. I asked him several times if he was satisfied and each time he says yes. He sold off his old 56” snap on with hutch and purchased a 72” tool vault with hutch and side cabinet, he said he still put money in his pocket from the deal.
mikehaugen
Well-known member
Matco Tool*Box-REDUCED ASKING PRICE
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/d/milwaukee-matco-toolbox-reduced-asking/6965645970.html
Scam?
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https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/d/milwaukee-matco-toolbox-reduced-asking/6965645970.html
Scam?
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Yeah, I was wondering - in your OP, you mentioned that you wanted to avoid tool truck boxes (but at the same time you did mention used boxes as well). On a secondary box, you can definitely get something less expensive that a Snapon/Matco/MAC etc, but as was mentioned by Mr B, good used tool truck-type boxes tend to hold their value very well. So, your first post did make it seem like you wanted to consider boxes under $1K, but if you're willing to spend up to $3K and buy used, then it does seem like some of the tool truck boxes can be had at fairly reasonable prices.
Proximity seems to be everything, unless the seller is willing to pallet it up, and freight ship it, and you're willing to buy without seeing in person - then proximity to the seller is less of an issue. Otherwise, I've noticed a lot of nice inexpensive tool truck boxes on eBay, but their locations have been all over the place -- that seems to be the biggest issue -- proximity to a deal. And, even if you live close to a deal - your other issue on a good used box deal is that somebody else scoops it up before you. So, something to consider is how much time you want to spend hunting down the right used box (if you're now willing to consider something like the Husky, Menards Masterforce, Craftsman, Kobalt boxes, etc, etc).
The above said, when looking on eBay, I did come across this 21 year old nice looking 67" tall blue Matco in Wisconsin, with side chest, for only $2400. The seller even says he's willing to crate it and ship it, if you're interested.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Matco-Tool...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
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Are you sure that HD sells that EXACT box without a raisable 1" solid wood top? I did see a similar box, but it was thinner gauge steel and not as heavy duty as the box I posted. Actually, I kinda like that box for myself, if I had the room -- the 1" top that can be elevated as a work bench is a really cool option, and the fact that it's heavy 19 gauge steel and has a built in power strip with USB ports - at that price - is a pretty decent deal.
At any rate, after reading the OPs latest posts, it does seem he really wants a tool truck box after all -- but he's willing to at least try to hunt down a nice used box. When you consider a lot of these higher quality Craftsman, Masterforce, Husky, Kobalt, and yes, HF (esp the ICON line) are going for well over $1K, it makes some of these $2k - $3K tool truck boxes look like relatively reasonable deals.
kythri
Well-known member
OP:
https://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/
Look at their Tool Vault Elite TV-7217MZ or Montezuma Elite MTZ-7217MZ.
https://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/
Look at their Tool Vault Elite TV-7217MZ or Montezuma Elite MTZ-7217MZ.
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toolvault montezuma, extreme etc all cost 3K+ for decent stuff but it not worth a lot if want move it on in future .
You be way wiser if not in a hurry to put some effort into looking at used boxes from snapon matco and mac as no more expensive or lot cheaper if buy to your requirements not desires and if you haggle a bit the price you pay be about same you likely get back if need/want sell it on in future .
I expect the icon boxes be better quality over stricklytoolboxes, I handled 2 toolvault models and they nice but not that heavy duty beside couple of spendy models
You be way wiser if not in a hurry to put some effort into looking at used boxes from snapon matco and mac as no more expensive or lot cheaper if buy to your requirements not desires and if you haggle a bit the price you pay be about same you likely get back if need/want sell it on in future .
I expect the icon boxes be better quality over stricklytoolboxes, I handled 2 toolvault models and they nice but not that heavy duty beside couple of spendy models
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2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
If OP is 23 with no debt, and cash to float, hunt craigslist for a used snap on KRL. Based on your height compare the 7xx and 10xx KRLs. The 10xx have an extra 4 inch drawer.
I don’t have NO debt, just no tool debt and am not eager to get back into it. For the time being I may just **** it up for a bit, and take my time to find a good used one. I know I can finance a box for 60 a week but that adds up.
3-4 years ago I bought the classic for 5k and came with 5 grand of tools, thought awesome really did well. Being naive I didn’t realize that 5 grand came with a 25% APR. I was younger at the time and could really do more than the minimum, I was doing oil changes and light jobs not making much.
I see this is a decision where I gotta decide what’s best for my budget and needs. Thanks for all the feedback guys
AngryBeaver
Well-known member
MY coworker bought the same classic box with tools you did as well... he did the same thing with the interest and paid it off in 4-5 months.
I was able to find him a KTL1023 off of craigslist for 3500. I talked the guy down to 3K.
you will not believe the difference going from a classic to even a double bank KRL1022. not only is it 4" taller, you get an extra 5" of usable depth. used 1022's can be found stupid cheap.
I started off with a KRL722 and top chest. the KRL722 is the exact same size box as you have now. I got it cheap and it was red.... I traded that to the snap on dealer even up for a classic 96 (three bank) with a hutch. that was a lateral move and didn't gain any storage, although I could throw **** on the work surface and close the hutch at the end of the day... fast forward a few years and i was ready to buy a house.. I had plenty of cash down for the house, but my credit was horrible so I traded that classic in on a KRL1022 in the green I wanted with a hutch and made payments for a year until I got my credit straightened out. I will say, that having a packed three bank classic and moving into a double bank KRL 1022, I had three open drawers. the width and depth of the bigger drawers made miles of difference.
but anyways... you can get a lot of box for 3-4K cash. you just have to look around and be ready to buy when you find the one or color you want. you could even see your classic for 1500-2K (you'll have to sit on it quite awhile to get 2K depending on the area) but could leave you with cash in your pocket after you've upgraded.
Another thing, if you find a good used box, shipping them isn't expensive at all. I've shipped two 1022's through fastenal. one was 280 bucks from ohio to texas. the one from ohio to NYC was 160ish.. that's me putting it on a pallet and dropping it off at the fastenal terminal. the receiver has to have a way to pick it up. just another option if you're looking.....
Good luck
lethal-6
Well-known member
From reading this you are being pulled in multiple directions. If your out of space you need to look at a much larger box. Minimum 72" wide and 30" deep. It would be well worth getting a Mac Maximizer 7530 or their 8827 box. Other wise look for a large 6s or an epic 68 or 84. You will definitely have much more room. Also watch the Drawer layout. Good luck on Your search, just remember your a professional buy what work day in day out proven in the field.
Another option to look at is Kennedy chests. Both MSC and Zoro have them.The pictures on their websites are ****, you need to go to the Kennedy website to figure out what you want and then find it on the MSC or Zoro sites.
The "maintenance pro" line, in particular, has deep drawers and heavy gauge steel.
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The "maintenance pro" line, in particular, has deep drawers and heavy gauge steel.
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homebuilt burner
Well-known member
greg13
Well-known member
Pick up a service cart and put the most used tools in there, that will free up a lot of space in your box.
I have one, it’s a 6 drawers krs46 that I move around all day with me. It’s stuffed. I can’t put anything else in there. For the time being I’m going to clean out as much as I can, get rid of my bolt drawer, and organize junk so I can at least stop leaving the new tools I buy on top of my box and have somewhere to put them. I’m just gonna wait until I find the deal I want
Lista same price as Snap On no? I love Listas and they can take abuse but they aren't cheap.
When I do a big purchase, I never get in a hurry and find the right deal.
If you want a snap on, consider used. Watch CL and Facebook marketplace.
Another option is buy a HF and see how long it lasts. If you’re worried about guys at work harassing you about it, remove the label.
Personally, a brand new snap on box is not worth the money. The mechanics in the factory where I work use Craftsman (Waterloo) and Proto boxes and tools. The company won’t buy much Snapon. They also use a ton of Kennedy mechanic tool boxes.
If you want a snap on, consider used. Watch CL and Facebook marketplace.
Another option is buy a HF and see how long it lasts. If you’re worried about guys at work harassing you about it, remove the label.
Personally, a brand new snap on box is not worth the money. The mechanics in the factory where I work use Craftsman (Waterloo) and Proto boxes and tools. The company won’t buy much Snapon. They also use a ton of Kennedy mechanic tool boxes.
dthor68
Well-known member
Wow! I thought it was a good statement. Little touchy today? He calls himself AngryBeaver, guess that explains.
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Michael Klein
Member
Milwaukee brand never let me down. I have had this Milwaukee Drawer for over a year and it for all my needs. I use it to keep all my heavy wrenches organized in the drawers and separate from my smaller tools.
seber
Well-known member
I keep hearing "go look at Harbor Freight" I have two HF stores that I go into whenever I am near them. In five years I have not once been able to open a drawer on a HF cabinet. I don't understand people who will buy something they cannot inspect. What made you believe it was a good buy if all you can see is the outside of the case?
I had time to kill yesterday and wandered around HF, mostly to look at the ICON box on display. Every box I tried the drawers opened fine (once I found the latch on the 56" and 72" USG models)
OP is a Pro, so the box will get used a lot.
HF is about the cheapest boxes out there, so besides the thickness of the metal used, what about the rollers, bearings?
That's the only way I know to evaluate something for heavy use w/out actually using it for 10 years or so.
HF is about the cheapest boxes out there, so besides the thickness of the metal used, what about the rollers, bearings?
That's the only way I know to evaluate something for heavy use w/out actually using it for 10 years or so.
When I worked at the Porsche shop. the owner used to buy his boxes from the tool truck guys who repo'd them. He had a bunch of them. They were usually around 6 months old and in really good shape. The tool truck guys already made their commission so selling it again was gravy and they were willing to wheel and deal. You just have to have your cash in hand if you want the good deals.
The OP was asking this question a couple years ago...
But FWIW, the US General line has fine slides/bearings/casters/etc. The only real downside is the latch design is kinda fiddly. Homak and others have better latches (as does HF's ICON line), but they come at a big premium.
I've been looking to upgrade and consolidate a few Craftsman boxes for a larger centralized roller cabinet. I'm a DIYr guy so the ultimate-awesome park a semi on it, isn't necessary.
I've been looking a the US General series 2 (who hasnt?) pieces and while they're good value they leave me flat on a few spots. Namely the latches would jsut drive me nuts, and I wasnt a fan of the slides either.
I was more impressed/liking the Masterforce pieces sold through Menards, specifically its also full 24" deep vs 21-22" on the USG. Which in reality are both way better than my ~18" Craftsmans today.
With shipping, the Masterforce kit is tickling the used SnapOn/Matco etc market. I'm not seeing too many in my area so I'll reach out to the truck guys and see what repo/used stuff they know about.
I've been looking a the US General series 2 (who hasnt?) pieces and while they're good value they leave me flat on a few spots. Namely the latches would jsut drive me nuts, and I wasnt a fan of the slides either.
I was more impressed/liking the Masterforce pieces sold through Menards, specifically its also full 24" deep vs 21-22" on the USG. Which in reality are both way better than my ~18" Craftsmans today.
With shipping, the Masterforce kit is tickling the used SnapOn/Matco etc market. I'm not seeing too many in my area so I'll reach out to the truck guys and see what repo/used stuff they know about.
I think montezuma makes the Menards masterforce boxes. I’ve had my eye on the 56” but am not real crazy about the drawer layouts. I wish the drawers were wider on one bank vs having the same sized drawers on both banks.