HF 44 vs. Snapon Classic 60

[tjpavlov]

Okay, so I was going to order up a Harbor Freight 44 inch box and probably just pay for the shipping fee. I have been thinking about this for way too long. I have considered the bigger HF box, but the 44 seems fine for me.

But then I saw this on Craigslist, but the deal seems too good to be true:

http://providence.craigslist.org/tls/4161600487.html

It apears to be a Snapon Classic 60, never used. It seems like the person probably bought it with the student discount and now is looking to unload it since he got a dealer job that provides boxes. That is just a guess though. It seems to good to be true.

So this is more than I wanted to spend, but it a heck of a deal. It has been listed for about a month, which seems strange. Am I missing something? Why is this not sold?

Should I buy it over the HF?

I am not a mechanic. This will be for basic homeowner tools that I accumulate over the years. I've never going to turn wrenches like a lot of you guys (although I admire the work that you do and am amazed by it).

All opinions appreciated!

 

[Creditor]

That looks like it is either a KRA4107 or a KRA2107. If it's a 4107, it's a smoking deal. If it is a 2107, they use super cheap slides and trim on those boxes, I would probably pass.

If it is indeed a Classic 60, then you need to go get it before someone else does.

 

[bobcatdan]

It is not a classic 60, classic 60 have three shallow drawers. I say it is a kra 4107 based on the casters, they look to be the 6"x2", kra2107 have 5" caster. Overall storage is about the same between 4107 and the classic 60. The 60 is 36 x24 vs 40 by 19 for the 4107. Me personally, I would by the SO of HF, but then again, I have bought kra4107 brand new in the past so I may be bias. I also own a classic 60 .

 

[zkling]

I'd call and figure out want exact model it is. Agree with bobcatdan it is not a classic 60, for sure.I have a feeling the current owner is just out of school and bought that with the program.

 

[MattPersman]

Those 44 HF are crummy compared to any so box

 

[erty67]

for a "basic homeowner", save the money and buy the HF box for half the cost.

 

[Aetsh]

My brother has that SO bottom, it's Ok, but it feels cheap and flimsy. Esp the slides and when you have the drawers open. Save your money and buy the HF for half the price.

 

[nuklbstr83]

for a home box, buy the HF . they are pretty decent. and you'll have an entire summers worth of beer money left over.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Okay, so I was going to order up a Harbor Freight 44 inch box and probably just pay for the shipping fee. I have been thinking about this for way too long. I have considered the bigger HF box, but the 44 seems fine for me.

But then I saw this on Craigslist, but the deal seems too good to be true:

http://providence.craigslist.org/tls/4161600487.html

It apears to be a Snapon Classic 60, never used. It seems like the person probably bought it with the student discount and now is looking to unload it since he got a dealer job that provides boxes. That is just a guess though. It seems to good to be true.

So this is more than I wanted to spend, but it a heck of a deal. It has been listed for about a month, which seems strange. Am I missing something? Why is this not sold?

Should I buy it over the HF?

I am not a mechanic. This will be for basic homeowner tools that I accumulate over the years. I've never going to turn wrenches like a lot of you guys (although I admire the work that you do and am amazed by it).

All opinions appreciated!

That Snap on (finish) is real nice...I mean reaaaaaaaal nice. But you don't need it. Just get whatever holds tools which means whatever you can afford. You should just look at the consumer stuff. Home depot, harbor freight, sears, lowe's. Actually, at home a 44" is probably more than you need but if it's in your price range and you still buy stuff then you'll probably end up filling it up.

 

[Evan(CA)]

The SO will be head and shoulders above the HF quality wise but 800 is not a great deal IMO. If you need something now then buy the HF, it's fine for a home box. If you can wait and want something much nicer for just a few hundred more then start searching CL regularly. Use a site like SearchTempest.com to search all CL cities within driving distance. The deals are out there if you are willing to make the extra effort.

 

[monomach]

The HF 44 and 56 boxes are in professional shops all over the country.

If they're good enough for those of us who make/made money using them, they're good enough for your house. Save the money and get the HF. I couldn't be happier with mine.

 

[markl]

The HF boxes are excellent for the money and feel better than the others, Home depot, lowes, Craftsman. I have the 44 top & bottom and side which are now full and I am buying another 44 bottom. Buy the HF and use the money you save to buy more tools.

 

[bobcatdan]

I don't understand where people say the kras are flismy and crappy. I had a 4107/4114 combo with a full locker used daily for years. About the last two years I had that baby was full, was too cheap to go bigger, but wouldn't stop buying tools either. The drawers took the weight like a champ. The casters are the best you going to find on a box size, it rolled very easy. Buy the SO and you will have something to pass to your kids. I'm curious to see how many HF boxes are still around in 10 years, especially when HF stops supporting parts for them.

 

[Stooge]

not much to add, but that box has been on CL for a few months now, (my CL ritual includes checking the close by states) i think it started out around $1200 so he'll probably take anything reasonable.

 

[Danglerb]

I don't understand where people say the kras are flismy and crappy. I had a 4107/4114 combo with a full locker used daily for years. About the last two years I had that baby was full, was too cheap to go bigger, but wouldn't stop buying tools either. The drawers took the weight like a champ. The casters are the best you going to find on a box size, it rolled very easy. Buy the SO and you will have something to pass to your kids. I'm curious to see how many HF boxes are still around in 10 years, especially when HF stops supporting parts for them.

Drawer slide is a drawer slide, get the right size and any vendors parts should be OK, same for most of the other bits, not a real issue.

OTOH I have a dented Craftman friction 28" rollaway I paid $120 new, and can't see wasting any more money than I need to hold the tools I prefer spending my money on. Better to have Snapon wrenches in a HF box than vice versa.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

for a home box, buy the HF . they are pretty decent. and you'll have an entire summers worth of beer money left over.

While I enjoy a cold frosty adult beverage from time to time, Wasting your "Left Over" money on something you just end up flushing down the drain after a headache isn't any good either.
Personally, I'd go with the SO...bring a fist full of cash, be ready to take it home, and be ready to walk away as well...Offer him a reasonable amount. In the long haul, you wont regret it.

KRA's are really nice boxes for the money. Same can be said for the MAC Tech Series...IMHO, between the TECH and KRA...lots of bang for the buck. Genuinely well built boxes for the money.
The argument/benefit of the HF 44" is mostly financial...no denying that for $375.00 you wont find something comparable new.

 

[Moose97]

I agree with those that say go with the 44" HF box and spend the other $400.00 on tools. The Snap-on is a nice box. Much nicer that the HF. But it's your home shop. Who gives a rip what brand box you have? Get the tools to do the jobs you don't want to pay somebody else to do.

 

[monomach]

I don't understand where people say the kras are flismy and crappy. I had a 4107/4114 combo with a full locker used daily for years. About the last two years I had that baby was full, was too cheap to go bigger, but wouldn't stop buying tools either. The drawers took the weight like a champ. The casters are the best you going to find on a box size, it rolled very easy. Buy the SO and you will have something to pass to your kids. I'm curious to see how many HF boxes are still around in 10 years, especially when HF stops supporting parts for them.

Funny lesser-known fact: the HF 44/56 boxes have thicker steel than the KRA series. It's 14/16, the same as the KRL series. The KRA series is 16/18. Sooooooo...that HF box very well might be around longer. It's got better casters and slides than the HF, but the steel construction itself is indeed flimsier.

...and really, you could buy amazing casters and slides for the HF and still end up with a better box than a KRA for less.

 

[j p smith]

Sounds like we need to know the actuall part number off the back of the box.

 

[bobcatdan]

Funny lesser-known fact: the HF 44/56 boxes have thicker steel than the KRA series. It's 14/16, the same as the KRL series. The KRA series is 16/18. Sooooooo...that HF box very well might be around longer. It's got better casters and slides than the HF, but the steel construction itself is indeed flimsier.

...and really, you could buy amazing casters and slides for the HF and still end up with a better box than a KRA for less.

Dumb question, if a kra is made of thinner metal, why does it weigh 35 lbs more then the "beefier" hf?

 

[zkling]

Dumb question, if a kra is made of thinner metal, why does it weigh 35 lbs more then the "beefier" hf?

Volumetric differences? Maybe HF has a special blended, low density steel.

 

[monomach]

Dumb question, if a kra is made of thinner metal, why does it weigh 35 lbs more then the "beefier" hf?

There's no 44" KRA to compare with, so I'm guessing you're talking about 55/56.

My catalog claims KRA 2411 and 2422 weigh 412 lbs. The HF website claims the 56 weighs 441 lbs.

Unless you're talking about the 40". In which case, it's deeper than the HF 44.

 

[Mickey O]

I've got several KRA boxes, they are about 100 times better then the HF box, I'd get the Snap-On box. Also resale is way higher on the Snap-On (should you want to upgrade to a KRL or larger KRA), they can't give those HF boxes away out here.

 

[monomach]

I've got several KRA boxes, they are about 100 times better then the HF box, I'd get the Snap-On box. Also resale is way higher on the Snap-On (should you want to upgrade to a KRL or larger KRA), they can't give those HF boxes away out here.

Mickey, you're so full of **** every time you mention HF. Some stuff is good enough to be used in a professional setting...AND IS by guys actually making a living with it, yet many times I've seen you claim that they have zero items worth using.

You're just a COO snob.

...and the resale value, if we talk %, is higher on HF. Of course Snappys have a higher resale value in actual dollars...they start off astronomically higher because many suckers pay for the badge on the front.

 

[DTB]

I don't get into the COO wars,or the HF bashing. I will say that my friend has a crinkle finished HF 44" box. I own a Classic 78. It feels just as sturdy as the Snap On comparably. I will also say that when I got the Classic 78 I was a little disappointed about it. People talk about these big heavy tank toolboxes but it really didn't seem like it to me. I wouldn't of payed retail for one new.The one benefit to the Snap On is support years down the road versus possibly not getting anything for the HF. If we were comparing the 56" HF to the 56" Classic 78,Id guess they are probably almost tied, with the Snap On having the upper hand due to parts availability.That being said,$799 vs $4300...I wouldn't complain if I got 3,4,5 years out of the HF. As far as the original question goes,if the Snap On is not owed against,everything clear and meets your needs I'd probably opt for it.But around here good toolbox deals are next to none.

 

[crewchief888]

it's an easy choice...

what box does the OP want?

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I will also say that when I got the Classic 78 I was a little disappointed about it. People talk about these big heavy tank toolboxes but it really didn't seem like it to me.

When people talk about big heavy tank boxes, they aren't referring to a Classic Series...

Chevrolet makes the Spark and Corvette...both are Chevy's but there's a tiny bit of difference between the two.

 

[Evan(CA)]

Here you go OP. Go buy this right now!

http://southcoast.craigslist.org/tls/4228615025.html

I really have no idea why anyone buys a new box. You can find quality boxes dirt cheap all the time. I'm sure there are probably more in the OP's area if he cared to look but I'd jump on the KR1000 above. Show up with cash and I bet you take it home for 600-700.
I bought a KRL7002 for 1100, A KRA2312 with a side box and extras for 500, a KR550 and KR555 combo for 460. The deals are out there you just have to put in a whopping 10 mins a day searching Craigslist. SearchTempest.com is your friend.

 

[bowmard]

Funny lesser-known fact: the HF 44/56 boxes have thicker steel than the KRA series. It's 14/16, the same as the KRL series. The KRA series is 16/18. Sooooooo...that HF box very well might be around longer. It's got better casters and slides than the HF, but the steel construction itself is indeed flimsier.

...and really, you could buy amazing casters and slides for the HF and still end up with a better box than a KRA for less.

If tjpavlov uses the readily available Harbor Freight coupons, for $800 he can pick up the 44" bottom box, 44" top box and be real close to having enough to snag a side box as well. It took a lot of thought (soul searching) but a year ago that's what I did. I compared Sears boxes to the Harbor Freight box and saw little difference. I gave my outgrown 26" Craftsman roll around boxes to my son. My Harbor Freight box set is full and I have no difficulty rolling it around on concrete floors. I have no complaints with the HF Chinese made box.

 

[youngridge]

Go HF, they are perfect for the home garage, I personally dont like there drawer latching system, but all around good boxes.

 

[scarney1988]

Did not read any replies but a HF 44 inch will be more than adequate for your needs. In reality it is probably more than most home owners need. The benefits of a snapon box will not be felt by a casual homeowner (other than bragging rights). Full disclosure: I spin wrenches and use both a old 26" CM and Snappy box at my place of work.

 

[ElectroLight]

Mickey, you're so full of **** every time you mention HF. Some stuff is good enough to be used in a professional setting...AND IS by guys actually making a living with it, yet many times I've seen you claim that they have zero items worth using.

You're just a COO snob.

...and the resale value, if we talk %, is higher on HF. Of course Snappys have a higher resale value in actual dollars...they start off astronomically higher because many suckers pay for the badge on the front.

I think I'll put on some popcorn

 

[phantomrebel]

If you have a Menards near you go with a masterforce box they have them in everthing from 25inch to 72 inch and the 56 inch set is only 100 dollars more then then hf 56inch set up plus it has a lifetime warranty.to each their own but i can't justify spending what snap on wants for a box.

 

[DTB]

When people talk about big heavy tank boxes, they aren't referring to a Classic Series...

Chevrolet makes the Spark and Corvette...both are Chevy's but there's a tiny bit of difference between the two.

The point was, why justify spending that amount on a lower/cheaper level Snap On box when you could get comparable quality for much less else where. Does making it a Snap On box justify 3 or 4 times the price?

Sure I could buy a loaded Escalade but I could get a loaded Yukon or Suburban on the same chassis a heck of a lot cheaper.

 

[Skin]

Funny lesser-known fact: the HF 44/56 boxes have thicker steel than the KRA series. It's 14/16, the same as the KRL series. The KRA series is 16/18.

This is wrong unless something has changed in the last few years. Last time I checked KRLs and KRAs share the same overall steel construction. KRLs simply come with much better slides, better trim, wheels and with far more layout/color options.

 

[DTB]

Aren't the drawers the same,but the KRL actually uses a heavier "shell"? Or so I've read...

 

[454ragtop]

Here you go OP. Go buy this right now!

http://southcoast.craigslist.org/tls/4228615025.html

I really have no idea why anyone buys a new box. You can find quality boxes dirt cheap all the time. I'm sure there are probably more in the OP's area if he cared to look but I'd jump on the KR1000 above. Show up with cash and I bet you take it home for 600-700.
I bought a KRL7002 for 1100, A KRA2312 with a side box and extras for 500, a KR550 and KR555 combo for 460. The deals are out there you just have to put in a whopping 10 mins a day searching Craigslist. SearchTempest.com is your friend.

No expert on SO boxes, but I don't think that's a KR1000. The divider strip between the banks, and it doesn't look to be 29"-30" deep to me. Any true experts want to chime in?
Jim

 

[Skin]

but the KRL actually uses a heavier "shell"? Or so I've read...

No I don't believe so unless its changed very recently. Even Snap-Ons site only goes this far for the KRLs

14 and 16 gauge is used as needed for specific components.

I saw the "thicker metal" thing debunked myself some years ago. KRLs are built sturdier, e.g. braced better, which is to be expected especially since they come in larger sizes with higher load ratings, but they're not using different steel for the basic construction betweel KRLs and KRAs.

 

[Evan(CA)]

No expert on SO boxes, but I don't think that's a KR1000. The divider strip between the banks, and it doesn't look to be 29"-30" deep to me. Any true experts want to chime in?
Jim

Whoops, missed that. All the skinny drawers immediately make me think KR1000. I don't know the model of that box off the top of my head but I've seen it before. I think it's ~50"x22"

 

[zkling]

No expert on SO boxes, but I don't think that's a KR1000. The divider strip between the banks, and it doesn't look to be 29"-30" deep to me. Any true experts want to chime in?
Jim

That is a KR660

I think I'll put on some popcorn

Agree with monomach or not, but he is very much correct.