Hazet boxes? Why all the hype

[Frank]

Wandering around a VW forum I keep hearing about these funny blue tool boxes that look like a childs wagon painted blue. I'm not knocking them, its just that I don't see what all the hype is about. Seems like they have a following in Europe the way Snap-On does here. ANy fans on here?

 

[eschoendorff]

They are definitely a novelty to me...

 

[billymade]

The VW/Porsche scene is a ********* group of enthusiasts; the air cooled scene in particular is a unique group and really enjoys collecting things related to a earlier era. The Germans are very detailed in their tools and Hazet supplied many of the these trolleys as the authorized tool supplier to Volkswagen dealerships, with all the tool sets to service a typical VW back in the air cooled era. Aircooled VW freaks are legendary in their fanatical search and collecting of anything vintage VW related. Check out this thread to get a sense of the history of these tool boxes and how they were supplied to the VW dealers in days gone by...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=156061&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24030
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16982

On a historical sidenote: how many toolbox systems are still currently being sold, after being made for over (probably) 60 years and the design is essentially unchanged? Plus, people are still using on a daily basis and they seem to really love them; that is unique! Only a German company would continue to make something for this long and essentially leave the design unchanged!

 

[vssjim]

Just a pricey tool cart, they was a lot of them around along time ago when the dollar was high and the dm was low. But when the euro is high they cost so much that sales drop off fairly fast. Its a tool that people ask about until they find out the cost.

 

[nordstar]

I think the major difference between a Hazet tool cart and a Snap-on box that is bigger than most euro cars is that a VW or Porsche tech doesn't need that many different tools. The cars all use pretty much the same tools so you don't need a big honking box. The Hazet cart is small and compact uses its vertical height well and can be compacted to roll under a bench. It is just a very well thought out system for a unique work environment.

 

[Fedwrench]

Those little blue boxes have a strong cult following that little else equals except for maybe the German cars themselves. The original Assistants draw big money on Ebay that would make what those plastic handled Snap on screwdrivers go for seem like pennies. Everybody has there favorite brand tool that may not make any sense to another person. They don't do anything for me but, I admire the feelings a simple tiered wagon can bring out of people.

 

[v8garage]

I never saw one of these until billymades post but they look super cool, especially the older ones

 

[Bolster]

I like 'em, would not kick one out of my shop, they have an odd and charming VW-bug quality to them. But I DO like the ability to close up a drawer and keep the dust off.

 

[Roadsters.com]

One reason for their following is because of the Hazet tools themselves. They have made many special, dedicated tools for mechanics and also for factories, and in many cases they are the tool you need for a particular operation on a particular car.

The few Hazet tools I have are really superb. Fantastic steel. Built to become heirlooms.

Dave
http://www.roadsters.com/

 

[paramudduck]

My uncle wants one to go with his way too many VEEDUBS.

 

[autoace]

I have Hazet tools, but no Hazet box. The tools are A1, I can't report about the boxes yet.

 

[Frank Elson]

I don't go into many professional shops here without seeing at least one Hazet box, either just sitting in a corner, or actually being used.
There must have been a good sales drive some time ago.
Yes, they're just a cart but they do look different and cool.

 

[stricht8]

I have one because it's collectible and cool. If you check out old Mercedes dealership service bay photos from the 1950s you will see this box.

 

[billymade]

stricht8, got any pics, where did you get it from and what did you have to pay for it? Do you live in the USA or Europe?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Those look cool. Thanks for the pics, Billymade. Would still like to see some actual pics of some of these.

I wouldn't mind one, if anybody wants to ship me one!

 

[stricht8]

I bought it new in box off of ebay about 3 years ago for $700. I'm in the US (Boston). Here are some pics.

stricht8, got any pics, where did you get it from and what did you have to pay for it? Do you live in the USA or Europe?

 

[vssjim]

All of Hazets tools are real high quality but as I said before they really sold alot of stuff back when the DM was low and the dollar was high because you could get top knotch tools for pennies on the dollar. That was when all the euro car parts companies sold tools as well and most of the tools were german made quality tools.