Good first tool box?

[tommy boy]

Hey, so I am a 1st year automotive apprentice at a dealership down in Ontario and I am looking to start buying tools and of course that mean I have to start with a box but I don’t have a huge budget only around a $500-$1000. There are many options out there and it is hard to choose one especially do to how much a good one tends to. I currently have been looking at ether old old/vintage snap on ones since I have heard they had good build quality. But the thing that has caught my eye more recently is this one Mac tool cart (I have attached images below) and I have seen that they can fit a good chunk of tools but I am not sure if is actually a good option or not. So if you have any comments on the cart or have any other suggestions of box’s it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[jeffp1979]

Carts are great starting out. I had that same cart in blue for many years it will work very well for you. Starting out it is important to remember that tool truck bills get expensive quick, get quality serviceable base set of tools and build and add off of that.

 

[Rinspeed]

Welcome to GJ my friend and best of luck to you. If you are interested in driving down to western NY I will give you a very good deal on my old Snap On to help you out.

 

[kngelv]

I had that same cart. I like it as a mobile supplemental box but not a main one. If you have a bench nearby then it would be ok.

James

 

[bobg03]

Hey, so I am a 1st year automotive apprentice at a dealership down in Ontario and I am looking to start buying tools and of course that mean I have to start with a box but I don’t have a huge budget only around a $500-$1000. There are many options out there and it is hard to choose one especially do to how much a good one tends to. I currently have been looking at ether old old/vintage snap on ones since I have heard they had good build quality. But the thing that has caught my eye more recently is this one Mac tool cart (I have attached images below) and I have seen that they can fit a good chunk of tools but I am not sure if is actually a good option or not. So if you have any comments on the cart or have any other suggestions of box’s it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Imma gonna step outside the box, tools are a major investment and a good one for someone who is gonna do it for a living.

If you're just starting out you're gonna accumulate tools, for a starter box with your budget I'd look into the USG line for their mechanics cart, not the 4 or 5 drawer either the larger cart. It will give you room to grow. At your pricepoint this box should last you some time as you fill it. Later after you decide that it's not cool enough for a professional mechanic you can replace it with a better box and either bring it home or sell it to another apprentice.

If the folks you work with are telling you it's gotta be a Major Player Box and you subscribe to that idea while just starting out welcome to the debt addiction.
YMMV good luck in your career.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

The HF tool boxes or carts are a great option. Or if you get a really good deal on a used truck brand box or cart.

 

[1982fxr]

Ask the tool truck guys what they have for trade ins.

 

[tyyost]

Hey, so I am a 1st year automotive apprentice at a dealership down in Ontario and I am looking to start buying tools and of course that mean I have to start with a box but I don’t have a huge budget only around a $500-$1000. There are many options out there and it is hard to choose one especially do to how much a good one tends to. I currently have been looking at ether old old/vintage snap on ones since I have heard they had good build quality. But the thing that has caught my eye more recently is this one Mac tool cart (I have attached images below) and I have seen that they can fit a good chunk of tools but I am not sure if is actually a good option or not. So if you have any comments on the cart or have any other suggestions of box’s it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Since you are in Canada I am not sure all the Harbor Freight suggestions will get you very far.
You question is fair, that cart is a worthwhile starter box, you can do a ton of work out of a tool cart. As your skills and toolset evolves you will want a bigger box, but it likely 80% of what you need will store in that cart.
This thread will give you about a million ideas of how people who use these carts everyday get it done. Good luck!

 

[mikedodge]

Being an apprentice are you always moving around to different bays or have a permanent spot? If you're moving around a lot and need to move your bjx around or run back and forth to get to that cart could be handy. But if you're not that cart doesn't hold all that much and you'll out grow it.

You're already in a dealer, have a look around and see what the other younger guys who haven't been pulled in by snap-on or Mac yet are using for boxes.

 

[rsanter]

That tool cart is a god start if you are buying it used for a good price.
Otherwise look at the harbor freight or similar ones to start with

 

[BTL-A4]

Don't get sucked in to buying Snap-On and other tool-truck boxes. I'd suggest buying used and see what you like/need. You can probably sell them for what you paid when/if they don't work or you outgrow them. At some point, you will figure out what you need, then you can treat yourself to a new one.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would only go with a Snap on or Mac tool cart/box if you could get a good deal on a used one. Otherwise, the Maximum tool cart from Canadian Tire should be good enough if you are starting out. Unless you want to go a cross border shopping trip, I wouldn't bother with getting the US General boxes from Harbor Freight.

 

[Nutria]

I currently have been looking at ether old old/vintage snap on ones since I have heard they had good build quality . . .

I think that finding a used rollaway or stack is a great plan. More room and more steel for your money than a new cart. Room to grow.

 

[ZRX61]

I think that finding a used rollaway or stack is a great plan. More room and more steel for your money than a new cart. Room to grow.

That's how I ended up with over 30linear ft tool boxes, only three were bought new.

 

[john.k]

If you got facebook Market,get something off that ......just two days ago ,I got a real nice toolbox with a bit of rust around the bottom for $20 .......seller said 'bottoms rusted out' ...it wasnt ,just a bit around the edges that wire buffed off...........for a starter box ,theres at least $300 on retail saved............I recall ,my first toolbox got stolen,next one got run over by a grader ........so if I was starting out,no way would I have a lot sunk in a toolbox.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Not sure what the procedure/cost are, but you need to go to the US and to a Harbor Freight store. It's to choose from.

 

[crewchief888]

That's how I ended up with over 30linear ft tool boxes, only three were bought new.

i did the same thing at the last shop i worked at. i kept adding on to what i already had with used trade in boxes from the tool trucks. this was in the late 80's/early 90's when double bank boxes were starting to show up.
i still have some of the boxes in my garage and basement i had back then. today i have no use for boxes at work, all my stuff is in my service truck, and will be until i retire.

the dealer i work at now gives every new hire a HF 5 drawer cart ( choice of available color) to use when they get started. typically within a year or so they purchase a new HF double bank roller cab. 1 guy picked up a trade in SO roller cab and has almost filled it up with a lot of ICON, gearwrench and some assorted SO tools.

 

[ZRX61]

i did the same thing at the last shop i worked at. i kept adding on to what i already had with used trade in boxes from the tool trucks. this was in the late 80's/early 90's when double bank boxes were starting to show up.

Mine are sorted according to use. Biggest one is my main mechanic box, there's a couple for autobody & paint, one for welding, one for aircraft sheet metal, one for gun stuff, one for detailing stuff etc There's also a '53 or '54 vintage Craftsman roller than I keep my vintage tools in.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I would be looking for a larger cart in that budget, or a smaller box. Remember a toolbox has a finite life before things like slides and casters need replaced. So a well used pro brand might have less life remaining than a new, cheaper box.

The size you posted in the OP is a good size to start with. Remember, a cart can be used as your main work area even as you grow and acquire another box to be home base.

 

[AEAdam]

…a well used pro brand might have less life remaining than a new, cheaper box.

I might suggest the opposite. I bought a clapped out 20yr old pro box. My local rep warranteed slides, the casters were fine, just needed a good clean. This is one of several advantages to pro boxes. Mine is a 2000 or 2001 KR761, which is the predecessor to the KRL.

That said, I like the Mac cart you posted and I would choose that if the price was right. The split top boxes always intrigued me. You can cram a lot of tools in a tool cart.

 

[rancherbill]

..But the thing that has caught my eye more recently is this one Mac tool cart ...

Buy it, use it, and sell it when you need a bigger box.

Go to Princess Auto and get a bunch or ProPoint. Per haps they are still doing it, but if you talk to the manager, show your apprenticeship papers. They will sell anything and every thing at the lowest sale price over the last year.

Then you can be useful on the job by having tools. At a dealership ProPoint are going to work great except the vehicle specific tools.

 

[jsaw]

I would be looking for a larger cart in that budget, or a smaller box. Remember a toolbox has a finite life before things like slides and casters need replaced. So a well used pro brand might have less life remaining than a new, cheaper box.

The size you posted in the OP is a good size to start with. Remember, a cart can be used as your main work area even as you grow and acquire another box to be home

I work out of My tool cart which contains My most used tools.

If You get a good one, You will be able to use it for the rest of Your career

Start out with the cart and add more boxes as You get more tools

 

[nadogail]

Buy the largest tool box you can afford, you will eventually fill it up.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I might suggest the opposite. I bought a clapped out 20yr old pro box. My local rep warranteed slides, the casters were fine, just needed a good clean. This is one of several advantages to pro boxes. Mine is a 2000 or 2001 KR761, which is the predecessor to the KRL.

That said, I like the Mac cart you posted and I would choose that if the price was right. The split top boxes always intrigued me. You can cram a lot of tools in a tool cart.

Depends. Buying anyone but snap on may mean they discontinued the parts and you can't get slides, casters, etc. I'd ask a rep if they'll warranty something before buying a beater on marketplace hoping to get the moving bits rebuilt for free.

He could buy that Mac cart, and Mac may not even produce or stock parts. So even if they would warranty it, they effectively can't. Snap on is king in this dept.

 

[rust in the eye]

Carts are great, sliding top ones not so much for me. I quickly sold off the one I thought would be a good idea.
Mac doesn't make their carts but price them like they are special.
Harbor Freights carts are just as well made(perhaps same maker) at a fraction of the $$.

 

[AEAdam]

Carts are great, sliding top ones not so much for me. I quickly sold off the one I thought would be a good idea.
Mac doesn't make their carts but price them like they are special.
Harbor Freights carts are just as well made(perhaps same maker) at a fraction of the $$.

MAC is a company I've avoided. I know they make some great products, but I'm not super comfortable paying a premium for Asian made stuff that I can buy elsewhere. Rebranding frustrates/annoys me. Snap On does it and it annoys me there too.

That said, I believe MAC boxes are made in USA, some in my home state. I believe they share a line with Stanely Vidmar, which are high quality, industrial grade boxes. I think its possible you could buy a MAC box that you would be very impressed with.

The HF USG boxes in my opinion, are all pretty cheesy compared with US made boxes I've used (and own). They may well be more than good enough. Their low price makes them easy to recommend. But I woudln't call them high quality or well made boxes. I would totally own USG boxes if I didn't have access to the boxes I have (I was patient and lucky). I'm sure I'd be as happy with USG as I know all of you are. But side by side....I think most of you would pick the MAC over USGeneral. ICON is probably a better comparison, but lacks the price advantage.

 

[rust in the eye]

MAC is a company I've avoided. I know they make some great products, but I'm not super comfortable paying a premium for Asian made stuff that I can buy elsewhere. Rebranding frustrates/annoys me. Snap On does it and it annoys me there too.

That said, I believe MAC boxes are made in USA, some in my home state. I believe they share a line with Stanely Vidmar, which are high quality, industrial grade boxes. I think its possible you could buy a MAC box that you would be very impressed with.

The HF USG boxes in my opinion, are all pretty cheesy compared with US made boxes I've used (and own). They may well be more than good enough. Their low price makes them easy to recommend. But I woudln't call them high quality or well made boxes. I would totally own USG boxes if I didn't have access to the boxes I have (I was patient and lucky). I'm sure I'd be as happy with USG as I know all of you are. But side by side....I think most of you would pick the MAC over USGeneral. ICON is probably a better comparison, but lacks the price advantage.

I could be wrong about those carts but they sure look just like some "imported" ones sold elsewhere. I shouldn't have made such a statement(as fact) without knowing. I'd wager they are imports.
My old MB1500 was made here, it's a tank. It was beat to death by a previous owner who used the drawer fronts as a workbench, actually anvil would be more appropriate. One of the drawer fronts was beaten down at least an inch. I banged the metal back into a form that resembled straight, rattled canned a close color touch-up and dismantled, cleaned and lubed everything. All the drawers now glide effortlessly.
Here is what I found for a current model sliding top Mac cart, I stand corrected: https://www.mactools.com/products/uc3720slf-fb
"Proudly made in the U.S.A. with global materials"