Choosing a tool box - Matco, Mac, Snap On

[diiulio]

I have been looking for a 40" wide roller cabinet to replace my older narrow Craftsmen. I am thinking of spending a few more dollars than a new Craftsment or Kobalt so I can get something that will last a long time.

I am trying to spend around $800. So far, I missed a good deal on a Mac Tech 1000 for $900 that needed a new lock and another good deal a nice Matco.

So, right now I found a Mac Select Series (model 4890), brand new with stickers still on the handles for $800 that is about 2 yrs. old, but never used. I also found a $800 12 year old Mac box that has been used well. I think the new Mac would be a better box, but what is your thoughts on the old vs. new Mac's? Is $800 a good deal for the Mac Select?

 

[justinmc]

You should be able to find a decent used S/O, Mac or Matco box in that price range. I've seen Snap On KRA models selling for $800-1000 lately on craigslist, etc. I actually just sold a Matco 45" wide proformance box for $650. So they are certainly available out there. Just be patient.. there are some seriously good deals on boxes right now.

 

[Rockwieser]

Just got a kick a$$ deal on mine for 300.00 bucks from HD 41" black and stainless steel.

 

[diiulio]

Justinmc, are you saying to pass on the Mac I pictured for $800 and wait for something different?

Rockwieser, that's not bad, but I already have a Craftsmen and am looking for better quality in my next box.

 

[justinmc]

Justinmc, are you saying to pass on the Mac I pictured for $800 and wait for something different?

Rockwieser, that's not bad, but I already have a Craftsmen and am looking for better quality in my next box.

Oh I didn't realize you had found the Mac for $800 and were considering it. Looks like a good buy to me. I forget though. Whats the depth on those smaller Tech 1000 boxes? IMHO try to find a S/O or Matco with the 20" depth vs. 18" The extra couple of inches in the drawers is what really defines a higher end box from a standard C-man or Kobalt type box. Keep that in mind when looking. However $800 is a decent price on that box.

Edit.. I noticed thats a Select series box.. IIRC Select is the bottom of the line Mac stuff which is essentially the same or similar to Husky pro boxes.

 

[diiulio]

Alright, since it is a Select series I should pass then?

 

[justinmc]

Alright, since it is a Select series I should pass then?

I dunno... I'd do some research. Unless you have the $$ burning a hole in your pocket. I don't really think the Select series is that much of an improvement over most "consumer" grade boxes.

Anyone else want to chime in here?

 

[Rockwieser]

Justinmc, are you saying to pass on the Mac I pictured for $800 and wait for something different?

Rockwieser, that's not bad, but I already have a Craftsmen and am looking for better quality in my next box.

I was not offering and it is defanitly better then a craftsman box. Especially there new ones that are trash! Seems like everything they make is trash

 

[komobu]

Check out the Torin 56 inch box through northern handyman. It has really good quality and wont break the bank. Here is a link: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200321997_200321997 or http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200358128_200358128

Good Luck
Pat

 

[dfndr]

FWIW, I bought a used Snap On that was 29 in deep. I really like it and the 18 and 20 inchers now seem puny.

 

[diiulio]

Rockwieser, I knew you weren't offering. I was saying thanks for the recommendation.

komobu, I have seen that box, but the Torins you linked are $1200 and $1300 plus $180 shipping for me. For $1400-1500 I can easily get a SO or Mac box used. I don't know the quality of the Torin, but I am not looking to spend that much anyway. I am trying to stay around $800.

I think I am going to pass on the Mac Select series and hold out for a SO or Tech 1000 within my price range.

I am in no rush so I don't need something today. I can wait a month or two to find the right box for the right $. If anybody has any other recommendations please let me know.

Thanks for your input so far.
Jason

 

[diiulio]

dfndr1234, congrats. Can I ask how old? condition? and how much you paid? No worries if you don't want to divulge $ paid. Do you have a pic?

 

[krusty the clown]

i believe the other "cheap outfits" are proto's plant (the former beach plant).

 

[Red Green]

Diiulio

The box you have a pic of doesn't seem to have enough short drawers for my taste. I have a Tech 1000 and have been very happy with it other than the bump to open and close the drawers.

 

[Merkava_4]

other than the bump to open and close the drawers.

Change your gray detents to black detents....

 

[Rockwieser]

what about HF something like this :
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90320
only 480.00
then buy the top for 370.00
just an idea the HF ones are pretty nice I think.

 

[Chris Adams]

Trouble is, brand doesn’t mean a dang thing.
Even ‘cheap’ Mac boxes are great, but are they worth the bucks? Not unless you are in it professionally.
Matco makes what I think are the best boxes and you can snag them cheap on Craig’s list.
But at retail? My best double bay box sold for 4500 bucks.
You can’t compare that to my 700 buck Mac or 700 buck Waterloo.
But it’s worlds better than my best Craftsman Industrial that sold for 1300 bucks, which is a better box than the entry level Mac or Waterloo.
See what I mean?
Apples and oranges.
The HF boxes are a real bargain, but don’t expect Matco or Mac quality.
And every brand has different levels of quality, and there are old boxes in every brand, confusing every comparison.
Basically you have to put your hands on the box you wish to buy.
Buying by brand is like buying a car by brand. You got to drive it.
Say you like Chevy. So do you want a Vega? Or a Cobalt?
All the brand comparisons are like that.
Ford makes some great cars, Chevy makes some great cars, but they both make some junkers and have made worse.

Check out the bearings, check out the slide action, check out the locking mechanism. Look at how the slides look. Check the metal in the sides of the box. Check the weight of the box. Heavier is better in every brand I have (8 brands right now).
Ball bearings? Of course. While the older Mac and Snap-on have very nice friction slides it’s not worth investing in something that has no resale. Most people only want Ball bearing, but remember, all ball bearing slides are not created equal. Or even close to equal.
The newest Husky boxes I’m messing with have lighter ball bearings than Craftsman, or even HF.
Look at the width and weight of the slides while you are looking at drawers.
Look at how the slides are secured to the drawer.
Bottom end boxes are riveted, mid range boxes are clipped. Oddly, higher end boxes are often riveted too.
Put some weight in the drawer. Slide it. Check out how hard it is to pull it open from fully closed. Check how hard it is to FULLY close it. Detents can be the biggest pain to use. I’ve got boxes that I hate to open because I have to slam them shut (Waterloo with the plastic clips on the back).
Really check out the lock. Some boxes are a pain to lock (Husky late production)
Keep in mind that rebuilding a ball bearing slide is VERY easy. Most people don’t know that. You can buy ball bearings very cheaply and replacing a dozen or three bearings can make many older Craftsman/Waterloo/Husky etc. drawers work like new.
If the drawer doesn’t work right, don’t assume oiling/greasing it will make it better. It often makes it worse. Light oil seem to work best, but I’ve never made one ‘all better’ with an oil can.

 

[ossaguy]

Trouble is, brand doesn’t mean a dang thing.
Even ‘cheap’ Mac boxes are great, but are they worth the bucks? Not unless you are in it professionally.
Matco makes what I think are the best boxes and you can snag them cheap on Craig’s list.
But at retail? My best double bay box sold for 4500 bucks.
You can’t compare that to my 700 buck Mac or 700 buck Waterloo.
But it’s worlds better than my best Craftsman Industrial that sold for 1300 bucks, which is a better box than the entry level Mac or Waterloo.
See what I mean?
Apples and oranges.
The HF boxes are a real bargain, but don’t expect Matco or Mac quality.
And every brand has different levels of quality, and there are old boxes in every brand, confusing every comparison.
Basically you have to put your hands on the box you wish to buy.
Buying by brand is like buying a car by brand. You got to drive it.
Say you like Chevy. So do you want a Vega? Or a Cobalt?
All the brand comparisons are like that.
Ford makes some great cars, Chevy makes some great cars, but they both make some junkers and have made worse.

Check out the bearings, check out the slide action, check out the locking mechanism. Look at how the slides look. Check the metal in the sides of the box. Check the weight of the box. Heavier is better in every brand I have (8 brands right now).
Ball bearings? Of course. While the older Mac and Snap-on have very nice friction slides it’s not worth investing in something that has no resale. Most people only want Ball bearing, but remember, all ball bearing slides are not created equal. Or even close to equal.
The newest Husky boxes I’m messing with have lighter ball bearings than Craftsman, or even HF.
Look at the width and weight of the slides while you are looking at drawers.
Look at how the slides are secured to the drawer.
Bottom end boxes are riveted, mid range boxes are clipped. Oddly, higher end boxes are often riveted too.
Put some weight in the drawer. Slide it. Check out how hard it is to pull it open from fully closed. Check how hard it is to FULLY close it. Detents can be the biggest pain to use. I’ve got boxes that I hate to open because I have to slam them shut (Waterloo with the plastic clips on the back).
Really check out the lock. Some boxes are a pain to lock (Husky late production)
Keep in mind that rebuilding a ball bearing slide is VERY easy. Most people don’t know that. You can buy ball bearings very cheaply and replacing a dozen or three bearings can make many older Craftsman/Waterloo/Husky etc. drawers work like new.
If the drawer doesn’t work right, don’t assume oiling/greasing it will make it better. It often makes it worse. Light oil seem to work best, but I’ve never made one ‘all better’ with an oil can.

On my Craftsman locker( which is a Warerloo,I believe ) It has those plastic clips on the back too,and they also were a pain to get un-stuck.I was easily able to remove some of the plastic material from the clips on a belt sander so it just gently grips the drawers now.I remember it was easy to do,and made a huge improvement,thought I'd pass it on.

 

[simonb]

i had 2000 to spend

i needed a regular double bay box
i got the matco 4000 series because everyone that i came across loves their matco box; it truly is a great box.
with the student discount i paid 1200 which is amazing for that box-
the snap on i was looking at was 2000 with a 400 gift certificate and was smaller;

money was not an option for me whatsoever- i choose quality for investment any day- it just so happens the matco box was just better; not just better value; but better quality;

but you ant go wrong with either;

few people i know have mac boxes, but they should be fine
craftsman is cheap.

 

[eschoendorff]

Obviously Nissan Crawler hasn't chimed in yet. He has an amazing toolbox setup and it's a .... gasp..... Craftsman.

Granted, most of the Craftsman stuff at Sears is utter ****, but the Professional line might be just the ticket.

People, in general, seem to be all too willing to spend obscene amounts of money on a toolbox - especially if it has a magic logo on it. If you can afford to wait, the box you want will eventually come along at the price you're willing to pay....

 

[chammyman]

crawlers isn't exactly standard though, hes added a lot to it and improved it rather nicely.

I'm with simonb, when buying get the quality then worry about the price.

 

[diiulio]

Thanks for everyone's input. I agree, I am looking for a higher quality box, I don't care what it says on it as far as manufacturer. I have seen the pics of NissanCrawler's professional box and it is a nice box, but I rarely see any C-man Pro box's for sale.

Yes, I passed on the Mac Select series b/c I believe I can find a better quality box for similar price. I missed a beautiful Matco box top & bottom including tools for $1500, and I mistakenly passed on buying a Tech1000 for a good price too.

I am in no rush and wouldn't mind having drawers deeper than the 18-20", so I will wait until the right box shows up.

 

[billymade]

Patience is a virtue; with the economy the way it is and the car biz down, your choices are only going to get better as time goes on! Keep your eyes peeled; someting that fits your needs is bound to pop up when you least expect it!

 

[simonb]

i for one think it is better to make a purchase quick and get it over with; yea, you might get something for cheaper if you keep waiting, but is it really worth it? if you are looking for a box with a retail value of $10,000 then maybe you will find a deal that will save you $1000 or more; if you are looking at oxes that are $1,500 then just buy one already, what are you going to save $300 6 months from now; wait and wait and wait and you will never make the purchase;

the economy is up and down, when it will be up the box will be more expensive and when it is down you wll wait to strike on a good deal.

the thing that fits your need pops up after you make the purchase and you dont need it- ALWAYS AFTER

its like buying a car- when you are looking for a good deal, no one has one; but after you buy it- a hundred people come out their cave and tell you they will offer a better deal...bla bla bla;

do you what think;

thanks my 2 cents

 

[Hawk321]

Take a look at TORIN cabinets...offered by norther....worked with them and for less than 500$ they are really good, and if you have a welding machine, then make at the bottom and at the top two latches....and thes latches you can connect with a stable bar....

a lot of bmw guys are doing that...personally I can't find big disadvantage between Red Torin and SO.

 

[diiulio]

Well, if it seems to be too good to be true, it is. I won the auction and when I went to arrange what time to pick it up for tomorrow, he said 'it wasn't mine to sell.' I don't know if that means it was stolen or he thought it would sell for more and doesn't want to give it up. I did a search on the sellers name, phone number, etc. and based on the research I don't want to deal with the area or the person, I will leave it at that.

Chalk another one up to another bad ebay deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250341569758&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015

 

[krusty the clown]

so.......did you pay for it? report it to ebay?

thats why i don't deal with someone who has no transaction history.

 

[diiulio]

At first I was going to pay cash after seeing it in person. Then when I found the address of the person didn't match address of the ad (the internet is almost scary regarding what you can find out about people) and the actual address is a bit of a sketchy neighborhood, plus an article I found about the seller 'assaulting two police officers and reaching for one of their guns', I didn't think having cash on me would have been a good idea or even going down there may not be safe. So, at that point I knew the deal was shady, so when I called him I was glad he backed out, because I was hesitant about driving down into Camden on a deal that seemed out of sorts.

Long story short, I did not lose money. I gave him negative feedback and I don't think there is any other actions I can take with ebay.

 

[justinmc]

At first I was going to pay cash after seeing it in person. Then when I found the address of the person didn't match address of the ad (the internet is almost scary regarding what you can find out about people) and the actual address is a bit of a sketchy neighborhood, plus an article I found about the seller 'assaulting two police officers and reaching for one of their guns', I didn't think having cash on me would have been a good idea or even going down there may not be safe. So, at that point I knew the deal was shady, so when I called him I was glad he backed out, because I was hesitant about driving down into Camden on a deal that seemed out of sorts.

PS.. I have looked at alot of toolboxes on ebay. That photo looks VERY familiar. I have a feeling that guy setup an ebay auction and lifted the photo off another auction. Probably figuring someone would buy it and then pay him for shipping and he would basically scam them. Either way.. smart move doing some research before heading down there. Sounds like it was trouble waiting to happen and thats simply better left alone.

 

[vc-onthepc]

ebay and toolbox sales wow ... now i love ebay and use it very frequently ,but ... on toolboxes rememeber what you see as there are shady people out there who list the same toolbox over and over even after selling it . one in particular i remmeber was a guy in fla selliing a 2 snap on boxes loaded with tools from a mechanic who worked at a mercedes dealer and retired . it sold no less then 4 times before i contacted ebay and suggested that it was fradualent . after that i didnt see it listed anymore . so i would suggest you pay attention to all the toolbox ads you look at and see if anything sells while you are deciding to see if its sold twice or more . my 2 cents

 

[drivinhard]

Obviously Nissan Crawler hasn't chimed in yet. He has an amazing toolbox setup and it's a .... gasp..... Craftsman. Granted, most of the Craftsman stuff at Sears is utter ****, but the Professional line might be just the ticket.

Craftsman's Pro boxes are rebadged Waterloo Magnum Series boxes. You can buy the Magnum boxes (new) online a lot cheaper than the Craftsman Pro boxes. I bought my 36" combo a couple of years ago for about $15xx plus shipping ($1610 to my door IIRC) vs about $2000-$2300 at Sears depending on what sales they are running. ~29,000 cube inches of storage. The construction/quality is great for the price point. Lifetime warranty.

I even ordered the Sears "Craftsman Professional" emblems directly from Waterloo as they make/stock them as well The only other differences are the magnum drawer pulls/locks are smooth, instead of rib'd for the Craftsman, and the lock plates and side handles are chrome/silver on the Magnums, vs body painted color on the Craftsman.

http://www.waterlooindustries.com/productdetail.asp?UnitNumberID=MG3608

I don't have a good pic of mine on the computer but here's one with it in the background

 

[Deafautotech]

Damn, that is much more garage space! It is enough room for mine as krl1203 and krl1003! Ha ha ha

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm wondering why the Corvette has it's body panels taken off.

 

[speed bump]

I'm wondering why the Corvette has it's body panels taken off.

Because, without projects tools are useless.

 

[drivinhard]

Because, without projects tools are useless.

And vice versa

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Check out the bearings, check out the slide action, check out the locking mechanism. Look at how the slides look. Check the metal in the sides of the box. Check the weight of the box. Heavier is better in every brand I have (8 brands right now).

Ball bearings? Of course. While the older Mac and Snap-on have very nice friction slides it’s not worth investing in something that has no resale.

Well built quality toolboxes will always have resale IMHO

 

[Chris Adams]

Well built quality toolboxes will always have resale IMHO

Yeah, I said that till I tried to sell some friction boxes.
Examples;
12 drawer Craftsman rollaway from 85. No dings, marks, worked perfectly. Paint was perfect, heck, it was shiny, looked like new. All 12 drawers worked as new.
Got 112 bucks for it after trying to sell it for 3 months.

Kennedy top chest, like new, 6 drawer friction. Really like new as it had been stored with instruments in it for 15 years.
Got 45 bucks for it after trying for 3 months.

Mac 10 drawer rollaway from the 90's. Had side tool tray, other nice things. Excellent condition. Shiny with 10 smooth drawers. Got 110 bucks for it after 2 months.

I sell ball bearing 5 drawer chests 26x16x19 non-Griplatch for 110, usually takes about 8 hours.
The lowest Craftsman 4 drawer ball bearing rollaway usually brings 125, in about 8 hours.

I think the older high quality boxes really appeal to some people. However, those people are few and far between, and are very careful with a buck.
Frankly, resale on a new tool box seems to run 15-30% of cost the last year I've been tracking them. Now I suspect it will go way down...

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Yeah, I said that till I tried to sell some friction boxes.
Examples;
12 drawer Craftsman rollaway from 85. No dings, marks, worked perfectly. Paint was perfect, heck, it was shiny, looked like new. All 12 drawers worked as new.
Got 112 bucks for it after trying to sell it for 3 months.

Kennedy top chest, like new, 6 drawer friction. Really like new as it had been stored with instruments in it for 15 years.
Got 45 bucks for it after trying for 3 months.

Mac 10 drawer rollaway from the 90's. Had side tool tray, other nice things. Excellent condition. Shiny with 10 smooth drawers. Got 110 bucks for it after 2 months.

I would've jumped on those!

I think the older high quality boxes really appeal to some people. However, those people are few and far between, and are very careful with a buck.

Guilty as charged on both counts!

I have over a dozen boxes and rollaways, and they're all friction slide. My newest box is a Craftsman rollaway from 1994. Ball bearings are nice, and I'm sure I'll pick up one along the way, but people that pass up a good, well built friction slide box don't know what they're missing

 

[Chris Adams]

People say they want them, Lookin4'67Galaxieconv, but when the cash hits the palm, they want ball bearing.

Oh, forgot the lowest return one. Nice 4 drawer intermediate box 1988 Craftsman, perfect condition except for one tiny scratch on the top, covered by the top box. 0.00 bucks.
Tried to sell it for 6 months. Highest offer, and that was in e-mail thus not likely to show up, 25.00 bucks. So I donated it.

I did get some people that wanted it in other states but shipping tool boxes is like playing Russian Roulette with three cylinders loaded...
Which is why the classifieds here aren’t useful for box sales.

Got a nice 26x18x13 Black three drawer Craftsman friction intermediate box right now, nice shape, shiny. Sold new for 299. No offers at 110 right now…
Did get two people that called wanting to know if it was ball bearing… Didn’t know what friction meant, I guess.


So anyway, when buying boxes today I highly recommend going for the ball bearings even though they actually are more prone to failure. Friction slides don’t lose their balls…

 

[itb76]

I got this Kobalt box a year ago last May. I'm sure it's not the quality of a Snap-On, but it's a huge improvement over the homeowner Craftsman it replaced. It's chock full of tools, and travels to the race track with me on an open trailer. Ball bearings still work nicely. Was about $600 new. No regrets.