Help me choose a new toolbox

[G-Ram]

Well after 2 years of heavy use, opening and closing drawers 12 hours a day for 2 weeks straight, rolling it back and forth, my SPG International roll cab is on its last leg. Bent caster, broken detents, and messed up slides on the heavy socket drawer. I'm sick of nursing it along hoping it lasts another 2 week rotation... I'm a third year apprentice and want to buy a decent box. I have been seriously eyeing up the 50" Proto 450HS 12 drawer, but the mechanic I work with doesn't think it's worth the $. I'm also quite fond of the Classic 78. Both are very similar in size, weight, and cubic inches of storage. Only difference is the price, $2800 for the Proto, $5200ish for the Classic... Except for Ruger_556's (I think) review on here, there are no reviews of the Proto box. So wise ones of Garage Journal, help enlighten me and make the right choice!

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[G-Ram]

Old box for reference

I may or may not keep my top box depending on how much space I have


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[lugnut71]

I suggest finding a used snap on krl 761 or replacement model krl722, very nice boxes and can be had used for 1500-3000 bucks.

 

[lugnut71]

Actually there has been times when a brand new one can be bought for 3000-3500 bucks

 

[JUNK-MAN]

Are you willing to spend the $$$ on the Snap-On?? If you are then go with the SO only because if you are to beat the **** out of the Snap-On box there is a warranty on drawer slides, locks and casters and you can get side and top boxes if you need more room I don't know if that stuff is available on the Proto. I don't know, it's YOU'R choice not mine but I'd go with the Snap-On. Good luck.

 

[G-Ram]

don't know, it's YOU'R choice not mine but I'd go with the Snap-On. Good luck.

You're right, it is my choice. Just looking to make the RIGHT choice there will always be someone out there that knows more than I do, so I see no harm in simply asking [emoji106]


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[G-Ram]

I suggest finding a used snap on krl 761 or replacement model krl722, very nice boxes and can be had used for 1500-3000 bucks.

My problem is location. Not much comes up for sale here. To drive 8+ hours one way to pick up a used box isn't very cost effective, but I am open to used ones


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[rodsnratfinks]

I think you would probably be better off buying a high end truck brand rollaway used than a low line box new. Craigslist is full of crazy good deals for like new boxes from the big three. Also, the dealers themselves sometimes sell trade ins for very reasonable prices, and if you buy your used box from a dealer, they will probably get your back in the future, or even throw a tool or two to sweeten the deal. That said, a Craigslist buy is often still a better option in terms of how much box you will get for your dollar.

 

[scissorman]

I just picked up a Tool Vault 72" 17 drawer box from www.strictlytoolboxes.com and I'm very impressed with the quality and it was only $2975 delivered.

 

[Wamsutta]

Get the Proto. The Snap On box is loaded up with thin 18 gauge.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Snap On doesn't really cover a lot on the classic series, if I recall. Doesn't it have like a one year warranty? I'd either buy a Masters/Epiq series or a Macsimizer as they have lifetime warranties.

 

[kythri]

I just picked up a Tool Vault 72" 17 drawer box from www.strictlytoolboxes.com and I'm very impressed with the quality and it was only $2975 delivered.

I can't recommend this enough. I got my 72" Tool Vault in November of 2013, and I absolutely love it.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Since you are considering Proto, why not take a look at Lista or Rousseau? They both make bulletproof custom boxes that often come out to about half what an equivalent Snap On would run you.

 

[oldldh]

Since someone else has already broken the "Imported" box ice...

Behold---

A thousand pounds of goodness...

www.strictlytoolboxes.com

Extreme 55" Professional Roller Cabinet...EX5511RC...$ 2,795.00...

55" x 30" x 46 1/4"...

HEAVY DUTY!!!

 

[bobcatdan]

Protos are the same Mac! If you know somebody with a Tech 1000, that will tell you everything you need to know about Proto.

 

[bobcatdan]

Snap On doesn't really cover a lot on the classic series, if I recall. Doesn't it have like a one year warranty? I'd either buy a Masters/Epiq series or a Macsimizer as they have lifetime warranties.

Classic have the same warranty as any other SO box, lifetime.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

My mistake. I thought I heard they don't honor the lifetime warranty on those.

 

[G-Ram]

Since someone else has already broken the "Imported" box ice...



Behold---



A thousand pounds of goodness...



www.strictlytoolboxes.com



Extreme 55" Professional Roller Cabinet...EX5511RC...$ 2,795.00...



55" x 30" x 46 1/4"...



HEAVY DUTY!!!

Wow... This changes everything, thanks!!


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[JonnyMac]

Scan craigslist and ebay... for $3000 you can get an awesome box.
I've got the classic 78 with a hutch and love it, well designed and well made....

 

[Brownsfan]

Get the Proto . Same as the Mac tech series only cheaper. I have the Mac version and have had it since 2002. No issues what so ever.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Well after 2 years of heavy use, opening and closing drawers 12 hours a day for 2 weeks straight, rolling it back and forth, my SPG International roll cab is on its last leg. Bent caster, broken detents, and messed up slides on the heavy socket drawer. I'm sick of nursing it along hoping it lasts another 2 week rotation... I'm a third year apprentice and want to buy a decent box. I have been seriously eyeing up the 50" Proto 450HS 12 drawer, but the mechanic I work with doesn't think it's worth the $. I'm also quite fond of the Classic 78. Both are very similar in size, weight, and cubic inches of storage. Only difference is the price, $2800 for the Proto, $5200ish for the Classic... Except for Ruger_556's (I think) review on here, there are no reviews of the Proto box. So wise ones of Garage Journal, help enlighten me and make the right choice!

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I just paid 5500 for an epiq off the truck. I would never py that for a classic

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Another thing I was thinking, is ten drawers going to do it for you? Unless you are the type to pile tools in the drawers, (or have really large tools), there aren't a lot of tools tools that need that deep of drawers. Then you are losing valuable functional real estate.

 

[G-Ram]

Scan craigslist and ebay... for $3000 you can get an awesome box.
I've got the classic 78 with a hutch and love it, well designed and well made....

Found a nice 78 for $2200 but it's a 16+ hour round trip, slim pickins in my area. Can't cross the border either so I'm limited to Canada-only.

I just paid 5500 for an epiq off the truck. I would never py that for a classic

Used I assume? Don't get to deal with the snap on guy around as I work in the middle of nowhere, literally

Another thing I was thinking, is ten drawers going to do it for you? Unless you are the type to pile tools in the drawers, (or have really large tools), there aren't a lot of tools tools that need that deep of drawers. Then you are losing valuable functional real estate.

I will most likely keep my top box


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[WhiffySpark]

No brand new. Not used

 

[Mastermind]

Let me start by saying this, I own and use a 68" epic. I'm not impressed with the classic boxes for the price. Proto is not unheard of, just more industrial of a brand. If it's the same as the Mac tech series, it's not bad, had one for years, but it did start caving from being overloaded. Socket drawer slides were getting bad and the top corners were buckled to the point the long drawer rubbed on the top and bottom and drawers below rubbed on the bottom of it. Snap on guy tried telling me my epic was hard to open because there wasn't enough weight in it. Finally got him to order me different detente and it took 4 men to take the top drawer out.
I would look into lista myself, when I was at the honda dealer could get a great price on them. Search lista on here, a lot of guys like them.
4 series Matco boxes feel beefier than the classic series to me. But if you are buying outright, lista.

 

[Ruger_556]

Proto is not unheard of, just more industrial of a brand. If it's the same as the Mac tech series, it's not bad, had one for years, but it did start caving from being overloaded. Socket drawer slides were getting bad and the top corners were buckled to the point the long drawer rubbed on the top and bottom and drawers below rubbed on the bottom of it. Snap on guy tried telling me my epic was hard to open because there wasn't enough weight in it. Finally got him to order me different detente and it took 4 men to take the top drawer out.

Most are Tech series basically. The 57" and 66" boxes are Macsimizer clones with heavy slides etc...

 

[tjpavlov]

Check costco.com for a great deal on the extreme.

 

[zkling]

Not sure how your location would factor in, but I'd certainly check out Lista.

 

[DieselDad]

A former coworker of mine ordered a montazuma from the strictly toolboxes website it was a great box and he said he was happy with their service.

 

[Air21]

Heres what I'm dreaming of one day... the only thing I wish was that it was maybe a little deeper

 

[85_ss]

here is the Lista website. http://listabox.com/why-lista/choose-4-styles.php
you can also order them from here for a little less money. http://www.motorheadextraordinaire.com/262-lista-toolboxes

I can't recommend Lista enough. you can have it built how you want. I used them in the Military and they are built to last. every draw can hold 440 pounds. I recently bought a Snapon KRSC246 only because lista couldn't give me a better deal. Lista wanted 2400 after freight for #TSHW900-0807-M - HW900 8 Drawer Single Bank Toolbox 40.25W x 28.5D x 39.375H Through the snapon student program i got the krsc246 for half of list price. If i would have had more money i would have bought the lista.

 

[gasongasoff]

Well after 2 years of heavy use, opening and closing drawers 12 hours a day for 2 weeks straight, rolling it back and forth, my SPG International roll cab is on its last leg. Bent caster, broken detents, and messed up slides on the heavy socket drawer. I'm sick of nursing it along hoping it lasts another 2 week rotation... I'm a third year apprentice and want to buy a decent box. I have been seriously eyeing up the 50" Proto 450HS 12 drawer, but the mechanic I work with doesn't think it's worth the $. I'm also quite fond of the Classic 78. Both are very similar in size, weight, and cubic inches of storage. Only difference is the price, $2800 for the Proto, $5200ish for the Classic... Except for Ruger_556's (I think) review on here, there are no reviews of the Proto box. So wise ones of Garage Journal, help enlighten me and make the right choice!

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I have the 12-drawer 450HS. It's basically a MAC Tech 1000, only the drawer pulls are different. If you're interested, check out Zoro. They sell them for $2300 to $2439 with free liftgate shipping (and less if you wait for one of their coupon sales). My only complaint is the drawers "stop" halfway and you have to pull again to extend them fully. Proto is sending me new slides, so maybe I just got a defective one.

 

[merbie]

Harbour freight? Come on someone had to....in all seriousness I would look at the Krl line over the classic


Merb

 

[mowersplus84]

what about a masterforce box from menards if theres one near you . they make an excellent toolbox

 

[sonvolt]

I have the smaller version of the Proto you posted. I have had it for over a year with no issues. I work for a machine tool builder and move the box approx once a week loaded with tools, no issues but I wouldn't expect there to be. Great box for the $$ this far.

 

[kythri]

Check costco.com for a great deal on the extreme.

Heads up that the Extreme on Costco's website is not the same Extreme that was posted here.

The Extreme posted here is the 55" wide by 30" deep model.

The Extreme on Costco's website is the 56" wide by 20" deep model.

 

[IFMJohn]

I believe all snap-on dealers have access to this promotion. My dealer posted this on his Facebook page a few days ago.

You could turn your bottom box in for $2500 towards a new KRL722.

Just food for thought.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Man, there are so many 722s around these days. I predict that they will depreciate more than most other models because of their ubiquity. They sell used for ~$2000 all the time. There's almost always one on Craigslist around here.

 

[charlie.schroeder]

I have found with my 722 that its just not big enough, the drawers are too shallow

 

[G-Ram]

I have the 12-drawer 450HS. It's basically a MAC Tech 1000, only the drawer pulls are different

Good to know thanks

I believe all snap-on dealers have access to this promotion. My dealer posted this on his Facebook page a few days ago.

You could turn your bottom box in for $2500 towards a new KRL722.

Just food for thought.

Will be getting in touch with the local dealer regarding this [emoji106]

Man, there are so many 722s around these days. I predict that they will depreciate more than most other models because of their ubiquity. They sell used for ~$2000 all the time. There's almost always one on Craigslist around here.

I live in a city of roughly 100,000 people, and not one snap on box for sale. Next closest city is an 8+ hour drive

I have found with my 722 that its just not big enough, the drawers are too shallow

I could live with 24" deep vs 18"



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