Help ID a snap on tool box
- Thread starter JKU
- Start date
that's a good way to see it ssdave. I guess the question then becomes, am I better off spending $350 (maybe less) on this used SO with the extras Craftsman top and SO side box, or $389 for a new HF? I'm not into the names or bragging rights, just want something that will not fall apart in a year from normal use not abusing it (it's for personal use not in a pro garage).
rsanter
Well-known member
I have had several of those boxes over the years.
They are rock solid and will outlive you.
The issue is they are out of date, people are just not looking for that size box anymore.
I think the bottom and side box are worth $200-$250 no prob. The issue will be how many people want it.
If that size and configuration works for you then go for it.
About the only thing I could use that for would be a mobile work car, grinder station, etc
Bob
They are rock solid and will outlive you.
The issue is they are out of date, people are just not looking for that size box anymore.
I think the bottom and side box are worth $200-$250 no prob. The issue will be how many people want it.
If that size and configuration works for you then go for it.
About the only thing I could use that for would be a mobile work car, grinder station, etc
Bob
InsanePyro
Well-known member
InsanePyro
Well-known member
InsanePyro, somebody ought to nominate you for their "MOST VALUABLE CUSTOMER award". Taking a US General over a comparable Snap-on box is a choice only the most dedicated HF fanboy would make. That takes some special brand loyalty to achieve.Congratulations!
Or I don't want to spend as much as a used truck costs on a toolbox
CombatNinja
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That box is so much more robust than the janky **** you can get from Harbor Freight. The pervasive mentality amongst the American consumer nowadays is that new = good. That is why everything is plastic and lasts about a year.
If that size and type of box is what you need, you won't come close to the quality for the money. You might have to--brace yourself--put in some work and refurb it if you want it to look great. But if you are just looking for a workhorse for a real, working shop just degrease it, lube up the drawers and use it. Harbor Freight junk literally crumbles in the face of real work. It is kind of like bringing a brand new little Ford Ranger with the 4 cylinder out to the job site and trying to use it like a real truck. It will last about a month before it literally falls apart. That Snap-On is an F350 in comparison.
I'm not pretending to be the arbiter of what represents good value for money on your local Craigslist but I hate to see people slam a price for a used item just because it is used.
If that size and type of box is what you need, you won't come close to the quality for the money. You might have to--brace yourself--put in some work and refurb it if you want it to look great. But if you are just looking for a workhorse for a real, working shop just degrease it, lube up the drawers and use it. Harbor Freight junk literally crumbles in the face of real work. It is kind of like bringing a brand new little Ford Ranger with the 4 cylinder out to the job site and trying to use it like a real truck. It will last about a month before it literally falls apart. That Snap-On is an F350 in comparison.
I'm not pretending to be the arbiter of what represents good value for money on your local Craigslist but I hate to see people slam a price for a used item just because it is used.
I agree that new stuff especially made in China is mostly junky. I read so many people saying "my 15 year old Craftsman" or whatever is still good. well thats because it's 15 years old when things were not made to be disposable. Their stuff now is probably nowhere as well made. I just got back from HD (Husky) and HF (USG) and the drawers feel flimsy. By no means I'm no expert but I'll check the SO this afternoon and go by feel. I'm also trying to find out the model # to make sure parts are still available if I have to replace something.
InsanePyro
Well-known member
I really don't think my USG box is flimsy at all, and yes I have been around and used Snappy boxes. Really didn't see the price being worth it. I had a (granted smaller) Waterloo box and it feels just as sturdy.
thanksmyguy
Member
search around this site to see if you can find the specific box: http://vintagesnapon.com/index.php?page=Tool Storage/Tool Storage KRA series
Here is my 2cents regarding old Snap On boxes for a home garage. I got these three boxes for $160. The smaller, older box was super rusty and not useful in the state it was in when I bought it. I had it sandblasted and powdercoated by some guy for $100. Looks great now, the dent add character I reckon. I might get the other two bigger boxes blasted and powdercoated one day.
The slides on these older boxes needed to be deep cleaned and I rewaxed them, they slide decently for how old they are.
Key however is the fact that I am a homegamer, so I don't use these as hard as a pro would. For my silly little garage setup, its great. They're certainly not perfect (you can see the locks are all missing), but they do feel solid after all these years. One difference though to keep in mind is the drawer height of these older boxes is not as tall as compared to the newer drawers...its harder to fit larger tools in the drawers, so you have to really plan out where to put specific tools.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/BuOcr9Y" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/BuOcr9Y">Snap On Boxes</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Here is my 2cents regarding old Snap On boxes for a home garage. I got these three boxes for $160. The smaller, older box was super rusty and not useful in the state it was in when I bought it. I had it sandblasted and powdercoated by some guy for $100. Looks great now, the dent add character I reckon. I might get the other two bigger boxes blasted and powdercoated one day.
The slides on these older boxes needed to be deep cleaned and I rewaxed them, they slide decently for how old they are.
Key however is the fact that I am a homegamer, so I don't use these as hard as a pro would. For my silly little garage setup, its great. They're certainly not perfect (you can see the locks are all missing), but they do feel solid after all these years. One difference though to keep in mind is the drawer height of these older boxes is not as tall as compared to the newer drawers...its harder to fit larger tools in the drawers, so you have to really plan out where to put specific tools.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/BuOcr9Y" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/BuOcr9Y">Snap On Boxes</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
so I went ahead and pulled the trigger for $320. Turns out it's a KRA-380E which would make it 1987-ish. Drawers worked, no dents, only surface rust, size works for my purposes. I'm from the they-don't-make-it-as-they-used-to school so figured that with a bit of sanding, paint and oil it should be good for at least another 25 years. I couldn't convince myself of this for the new units from HD or HF which I checked out this morning. I want to thank everyone's opinion and insight which helped in my decision. So maybe I overpaid, but I feel it was worth it for me and what else could I have gotten at this price? I'll enjoy the renovation process which my wife won't let me even think about until I finish painting the bedroom and laying down the new floor (now I have incentive to finish the job). And as a bonus, there was even a phillips bit stuck behind one of the drawers 
thanksmyguy
Member
JKU - I can't hardly recommend enough that you find someone who can sandblast and powder coat the drawers and box. Just need to take the drawers out (use the little tool, if you google you can figure out how to) and deliver then pickup.
In my opinion, well worth it...you would get a like new finish and quality will be way higher than sanding and painting on your own.
See pics of my before/after attached:
In my opinion, well worth it...you would get a like new finish and quality will be way higher than sanding and painting on your own.
See pics of my before/after attached:
Attachments
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Nicks garage
Well-known member
I have on old black snap on tool chest and roller, I didn’t give much for it but the quality is fantastic, it has made in Canada on it I think..
I was going to repaint it but ended up filling it with tools and it doesn’t bother me now it’s in use, all the sliders roll perfect and it has a trim you slide under each handle that locks them in please the cheaper boxes don’t tend to have
I was going to repaint it but ended up filling it with tools and it doesn’t bother me now it’s in use, all the sliders roll perfect and it has a trim you slide under each handle that locks them in please the cheaper boxes don’t tend to have
For sure that would be the best quality job. Cost will be the issue so if I go that way, will have a while to wait to git'er done. Sometimes I'd rather learn and do it myself plus it gives me an excuse to um, maybe... get a set sander, compressor and start an air tool collection?I've seen some of the restorations others in this forum have made. Man there's patience and talent out there.
CombatNinja
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Good on you for taking the plunge with this old box. A little bit of elbow grease and she will be better than anything you could touch for that money. Go to your local Lowes now that they are pimping Craftsman hard and look what $350 gets you in a tool chest. Maybe a 3-drawer 27" wide box made in China from their lowest line.
I helped my younger brother refurb a Snap-On box he scored at a yard sale. The box was from 1994, the same year he was born so he felt they were 'kindred spirits' of sorts. Instead of powder coating, he had a buddy that works at a truck accessory joint spray the whole thing in bedliner. It is pretty much indestructible at this point.
I helped my younger brother refurb a Snap-On box he scored at a yard sale. The box was from 1994, the same year he was born so he felt they were 'kindred spirits' of sorts. Instead of powder coating, he had a buddy that works at a truck accessory joint spray the whole thing in bedliner. It is pretty much indestructible at this point.
B.S.A. (ret.)
Well-known member
Another vote for, "You made the right choice". I was in a similar situation a few years ago and bought a HF U.S. General 27" stack to supplement mty1990's vintage Craftsman set-up (picture of it is my avatar). Within 4 months, I noticed a very distinct "list to starboard" on the new stack as it couldn't handle approximately half of the weight that my old Craftsman had for the past 25 years or so. It got sold off at a steep discount!
I now have 2 more old Snap-On 27" stacks as I expanded my tool inventory even more since then. I paid between $300 - $450 for the roller cabinets and about $100 each for the chests and mid boxes. Not exactly a steal, but "lifetime-plus" durability and total peace of mind!
I now have 2 more old Snap-On 27" stacks as I expanded my tool inventory even more since then. I paid between $300 - $450 for the roller cabinets and about $100 each for the chests and mid boxes. Not exactly a steal, but "lifetime-plus" durability and total peace of mind!
