Going from a triple bank to multiple small boxes or carts???

[Strouty]

I have a snap on KRL1023 and I am toying with the idea of trading it in for two smaller boxes or maybe even three carts. What say yee? I am staying within the snap on family, so you can post other brands all you want, but I am not interested.

This is in my own private shop, no employees. I have two designated areas, one is more for metalworking the other is for automotive and general things.

 

[RedRabbit]

It depends where/ how you work. If you have a smallish bay that's not too busy the. 1 big box should be fine. In my shop I have my 72" SO and cart I keep duplicates of commonly used tools.

 

[Strouty]

Sorry I will add to my first post about my work.

 

[nine4gmc]

How far are the designated areas from one another? If there are close, keep the big box but if they are too far, get two smaller boxes. You will end up with more **** to move around if you get more boxes though.

 

[sleepy127]

I think I would stay with the one box and then maybe get a small tool cart. Going from a big box to multiple smaller ones would seem like a waste though I am not sure what kind of a deal you may get out of it. I use a main box and then I have other stuff for welding on a job specific cart.

 

[Strouty]

How far are the designated areas from one another? If there are close, keep the big box but if they are too far, get two smaller boxes. You will end up with more **** to move around if you get more boxes though.

The bays are about 20' apart, no big deal. I kind of like the idea of having two boxes, because they are easier to maneuver than the one triple bank. I do move it, frequently.

 

[upgrading]

Keep the triple bay as a "Mother-ship" in your auto/general area.
Get a Snap-on cart when ready.

 

[Strouty]

I think I would stay with the one box and then maybe get a small tool cart. Going from a big box to multiple smaller ones would seem like a waste though I am not sure what kind of a deal you may get out of it. I use a main box and then I have other stuff for welding on a job specific cart.

Keep the triple bay as a "Mother-ship" in your auto/general area.
Get a Snap-on cart when ready.

Well no matter what happens I am getting a new box, even if it is the same one. The dealer is bringing the "rock and roll" truck to my shop next week and I have heard that the deals are too good to pass up. I can pick any drawer layout I want as well as color and there is no extra charges. I was considering just buying drawers for my box, but they would be almost $2000. I have considered a cart and triple bank, so I am looking at what they offer.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I personally wouldn't mind having a couple of carts. My buddy has a Snappy cart that is all drawers and it holds a ton of tools due to the number and depth of the drawers! Configure a couple of carts in different ways and you could have a really versatile setup.

 

[Strouty]

I personally wouldn't mind having a couple of carts. My buddy has a Snappy cart that is all drawers and it holds a ton of tools due to the number and depth of the drawers! Configure a couple of carts in different ways and you could have a really versatile setup.

I am glancing at them now, I could see three carts in my future.

 

[bczygan]

I am separating my automotive into a shed and leaving metalworking in the garage.

Woodworking will go in another shed.

So keeping most automotive tools in the garage seem incorrect.

But how to split them up?

I have a HF 42" roller and their red service cart.

The problem is the shed has a wood floor and is a step up from grade and the sidewalk is a step up to the back yard. And putting all the automotive stuff in that shed would mean doing auto repair in the side street.

The ultimate answer is a garage/shop in the back yard.

For right now, I think putting one of them in that shed will get tools out near all the other auto supplies.

Keeping the other one in the garage will allow auto repairs and give me tools for the metal shop. Plus I have numerous hand carry boxes and some Kennedy boxes for machining tools.

I also have 2 different vertical compressors that can be used and a pancake for portable.

I have enough wrenches and sockets to make 2 setups.

Fasteners are another thing. Which ones stay in metalwork and which go to household supplies or woodworking?

When you separate functions, you have to split up support tools and materials.

Then, if they aren't duplicated, you have further to walk to get something done.

I use a woodworking bar clamp to compress my caliper, so one goes in auto. The rest go in woodworking.

I need SAE wrenches in metalworking, but also in woodworking, for the machines. Metric in auto, but also in metalworking if I'm making something metric.

It gets complicated.

I am going to get the metalworking compressor out of the garage/shop for noise. And also the blast cabinet for dust. But they both need to be nearby.

Arbor press will be in the metal shop, but could also get used for auto things.

One drill press will stay in metal, and one will go to woodworking.

Time to make a plan.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

And trays and hand carry boxes will be used for plumbing and electrical repairs.

May set up an electrical and electronics bench somewhere.

Going to put as much on wheels as possible, especially break and shear, when I get them.

The advise to keep a mother ship, and get another box, sounds good for you.

Where to set up the forge and anvil though?

 

[Strouty]

I could see getting a couple of these and then a smaller cart maybe?

https://store.snapon.com/KRL1056-Se...Single-Bank-8-Drawers-Royal-Blue-P649489.aspx

 

[Carves]

X 2 with bczygan and the others.

I thought a few, small rollerboxes, would be a good thing in the shed when I got it built.

Idea was to poke 'em all under a shelf in the rack system.

Trouble is ... I end up with a bunch of little roller boxes scattered everywhere - when I'm doing a job.

For my needs ... I shoulda stayed with a "mothership" area and a trolley to chuck needed tools on, to do a job.

 

[nine4gmc]

Is the triple bank being used to it's full potential? Do you need the tools that are in it in both places? Do you have duplicates of those tools or would having more boxes mean you need to also purchase seconds/thirds of some of what you already have?

If you only have one really huge complete tool set I would keep the big box. If like me, you have several smaller sets of commonly used tools, then get multiple boxes.

 

[Strouty]

Is the triple bank being used to it's full potential? Do you need the tools that are in it in both places? Do you have duplicates of those tools or would having more boxes mean you need to also purchase seconds/thirds of some of what you already have?

If you only have one really huge complete tool set I would keep the big box. If like me, you have several smaller sets of commonly used tools, then get multiple boxes.

The current box is slightly underutilized because of the deep drawers. I want to do away with all the deep drawers and end up with several more.

I do have multiple sets, but I understand the risk of separating them.

I am kind of spit balling this off you guys.

I was thinking keeping wrenches and 3/8" sockets in one box. Then have 1/4" and screw drivers along with specialty stuff. Then maybe 1/2" drive and 3/4" drive? I don't need to have the 3/4" drive in a fancy box, just tossing out ideas.

 

[nine4gmc]

I definitely would not separate into 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" etc.

 

[bob15]

I wouldn't separate the sockets up, except maybe the 3/4" drive (if not used often). If anything, i would buy a couple smaller sets (1/4 & 3/8) for the smaller carts/boxes....find an older used Bonney or Snappy socket sets to stick in them. Maybe just a deep set of each and maybe a DOE or DBE wrench sets. Nothing fancy.

i would definitely keep the mother-ship box.

Have you look at any swap meets for carts or boxes? One of our swap meets always has the snap-on/blue point carts and the smaller snappy boxes for sale....new. Couldn't say what models they are, as I've never been interested in another box and never really looked close that them.

 

[bczygan]

Try working it backwards from the tasks you do, or will do.

I was surprised how few tools it took to do my front brakes (Pads and rotors) on the Pontiac 6000.

Be generous on the tasks you might do, and where you would do them, then assemble the tools needed. 90% of my tools will never get used. Some tools I need multiples of for different locations cause I use them for all kinds of tasks. Tape measures and cutters and screwdrivers and hammers are needed in lots of tasks and in lots of places.

And it's funny that you don't like the deep drawers, when most of the guys on here don't like the shallow ones.

Bill

 

[Strouty]

I am buying new, snap on only. If the deals are as good as I think it will be a no brainer.

 

[Strouty]

And it's funny that you don't like the deep drawers, when most of the guys on here don't like the shallow ones.

Bill

That was the same thing the driver was saying. Since I have a large stock room and some big cabinets I have places to store all the big stuff. I want plenty of room for the smaller things.

 

[shockwave]

I have a big 84 epiq and a large Cornwell cart and the cart freed up a lot of space in my box.

My cart has my main wrenches and both 1/4,3/8 and pressure testers where 1/2 I keep in my box with power tools and suspension tools aswell as hammers

I would keep the box and start with mid size cart and see how you like it

 

[pi_guy]

In my world I travel to clients and depending on what I am doing I stock my travel box with what I suspect I will need. I load plastic bins with odd sized stuff like compression tester, fuel pressure, leak down and cooling system tester and other non hand tools. & depending on if I am engineering the car or just providing electrical or electronic support I pick and choose what would be best.
I just acquired a KRL 1032 and now looking to add a KRL 1033 to the mix. The 1032 I keep hand tools in it, the 1033 will be for measuring tools and other odd sized stuff.
I converted my Taco box into a fabrication box, drills, files, taps & dies, clecos and most stuff related to fabrication.
Then I have carts with assigned functions, one is for electrical stuff, other is for battery powered hand tools, & one is a computer cart.
Then I use Dorman drawers for related functions, I keep one filled with crimping tools and connector tools. With the exception of the 3 foot battery terminal crimper that fits in a bin.
I do not think there is a perfect system as something always seems to need to fit out side of the allocated area. I find it is a hit or miss proposition and it takes constant tweaking to stay on top of it.
And what I have found that what ever crate that has the tool or part I need will be in the middle of the truck and will have to take out most of the crates to get the one I need.

 

[Strouty]

I thought about a 1033, but that top drawer would get damn heavy and I think I would get tired of opening and closing it.

 

[Not Bob]

When it was time for a new box I thought hard about 3 carts, but really wanted a hutch. So I went with a KRL722 ( prefer the shallow drawers ) a KRA work center ( much taller than the KRL ) and a KRSC326 cart.

These are at work, they don't get moved, I have a small Matco cart if I need it. My most used tools are in the top of the 326, I put this together for efficiency (I work flat rate) as I'm not opening drawers all day, price, ( got a nice deal on the box and hutch ) and they fit into the hole in my work bay.

It might look pieced together, but this set up is what works for me.
View media item 43226

 

[Bran Diezel]

The big box has everything, the green box has what I use every day, the black is diagnostics, the stainless on the end is under the workbench and has punches, chisels, hammers, drill bits, grinders, saws, etc.

 

[Bran Diezel]

Oh and this for specialty tools, and a smaller version with fluids, chemicals, rags, etc.

 

[crewchief888]

my personal preference is multiple smaller boxes.

easier to move around if needed, more versatile to reaarange as space and storage needs arise.

i dont have anything larger than a SO kr 550/555b.

right now, my poor little 19x22 garage is packed full around the outside walls.

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

Haven't gone from bigger to smaller, but I'll toss my vote out for a couple of the KRSC43 carts. I got one last year, and it's just the right size. I have it loaded down, and it's almost too heavy...

 

[Strouty]

I really like those karts. If I stay with the mothership, that may be the cart I go with.

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

I've been impressed so far.

 

[Strouty]

Have you had any issue with the tops not opening with stuff stack on it? That is why I like this style, because the flip up lid ones are always covered with stuff.

 

[sberry]

Cheaper to keep er. I am with the crowd that would simply add a remote box or cart.

 

[Strouty]

I may add a cart, but I am almost certain that I am getting another box. Just to get the drawer configuration that I would like.

 

[bob15]

I am buying new, snap on only. If the deals are as good as I think it will be a no brainer.

I know you said new. Dealers sometimes go to swap meets to sell their stuff, at better prices.....including boxes.

Seen: Snap On, Mac and a Cornwell truck at swap meets in the past 25 years.


can you change the drawers in the mothership? Buy different depths and change yours around?

 

[Strouty]

The drawers are about $300 and up, I would have to spend about $2000 to get the setup I would like. The rock and roll truck offers big incentives and special offers as well as top dollar for the trades. I won't really know for sure until next week when the truck comes, but I am seriously interested if the numbers work.

Some of the guys were getting 7 to 9k for trades, 30% of list on new box, free custom drawers and color choices, most boxes also got a free stainless top and some got free hutches. I want to hear the numbers, I figure worst case, I buy just a cart at a deal.

 

[twertsy]

How far are the designated areas from one another? If there are close, keep the big box but if they are too far, get two smaller boxes. You will end up with more **** to move around if you get more boxes though.

Truer words were never spoken.........trust me!

 

[Strouty]

Coming from the guy that used toolboxes instead of wallpaper.

 

[kctyphoon]

id hate having to move things back and forth constantly.. what about just getting a smaller box to keep in the second work area and just getting a second (maybe cheaper) set of tools so you dont have to move anything around? im not a mechanic, but even when i have to do the ocassional job i have a full set of tools in a big box i have in my basment,, and a smaller set of tools in a rolling box/tote i use to bring outside in the driveway..

ive gotten fed up more than once having walking in and out of the house 50 times..

 

[Strouty]

I guess my original point of the smaller boxes or carts was to be able to bring them with me. Right now the mothership is off to one side and I would like to have it in the middle, but there really isn't enough room to keep it there. I could move it back and forth, but it is like parallel parking a boat.