I have to ask...

[DDavis89325is]

With this thread, I am in no means bashing or "hating" in any way or trying to start up anything.

I just bought a new roller cart toolbox from a store. I paid $80 all said and done for this toolbox...

When I compare the specs to very similar versions made by Snap-On and Matco, the box I bought actually holds more weight and is only a few cubic inches less in storage, barely smaller. Mine has ball bearing roller drawers and 4 swivel casters (w/ 2 locking casters), the Snap-On box does not have 4 swivel casters and no ball bearing drawers. All boxes have lockable storage for pry-bars, screwdrives, ect on the sides.

What makes this Snap-On box $600 more than the box I bought? This is assuming I paid full price for the box I just bought. Hood shocks on the Snap-On box were one thing I wish I did have. The Matco version had ball bearing drawers but had one less drawer and no hood shocks, but was still $300 more than what I would have paid, had I paid full price.

I just don't understand where these companies can charge the price they do when other companies have comparable boxes for 75% less.

With the cost of some of these boxes, even smaller "starter" boxes you could buy a new car/truck among many other things.

I'm not saying Snap-On, Matco, Cornwell, Mac boxes aren't very nice boxes, well built and great looking boxes with endless accessories and options.

 

[Mickey O]

Load that thing up to it's stated capacity, roll it around, over some expansion joints, etc. and you'll know why.

We also pay workers in this country enough to feed themselves and their families.

 

[Merkava_4]

I just don't understand where these companies can charge the price they do when other companies have comparable boxes for 75% less.

One factor worth mentioning is the carts are purchased on an interest free payment plan most of the time - so the interest charges are built into the initial price...

 

[kmorgancraw]

Load that thing up to it's stated capacity, roll it around, over some expansion joints, etc. and you'll know why.

We also pay workers in this country enough to feed themselves and their families.

I know that MAC at least sells their big tool cart for like $700 and it is built in China...Snap On, MAC and Matco all know the fruits of cheap overseas labor.

 

[mrshaun]

Well first all some are painted and some are powder coated.
Lifetime warranty on the snap on box. might be on matco. your cart Not sure.
snap on and matco have prybar racks inside the box. does yours?
ball bearing slides on all of our carts
4 swivel casters. that is a downfall at times but you can push it against the wall ral easy go to snapon.com and read the specs and metal thicknesses and compare. might be surprised at the work that goes into some of the tools.
also on a tool box go to

www.theundisputedchamp.com I love that site

 

[mrshaun]

any more questions or comments just fire away. I have one of those carts in Midnight blue on the truck as we speak

 

[speed bump]

Warranty, better casters, better slides, and yours didn't show up at work you actually had to go get it.

 

[Mickey O]

I know that MAC at least sells their big tool cart for like $700 and it is built in China...Snap On, MAC and Matco all know the fruits of cheap overseas labor.

I noticed that recently on the Snap On website, a tool cart from China, very sad.

 

[mrshaun]

the blue point cart is from overseas.

the new krsc46 is an awesome cart. i am selling them as fast as i get them. Waiting on a deep cranberry and a black one to show up..... they have held up well especially guys that migrate all day long on concrete.... No problems at all and only 1495.00

 

[DDavis89325is]

Some interesting stuff. I'll have to check that site out!

It's nearly impossible this day and age to only buy USA made products...

I could have had the box shipped to the store and assembled if I wanted...

 

[mrshaun]

what happens if it breaks? who fixes it. do they send you parts?

 

[Mickey O]

what happens if it breaks? who fixes it. do they send you parts?

They send you instructions on how to drill out the rivets on the slides and where to purchase a new pair.

 

[srmofo]

Do you work on cars daily? If your just a home hobbiest I wouldnt recommend a higher quality box because you dont need the durability. If your just getting started in this field you will learn quickly that you can buy quality or quanity.

I use to think that way when I just had a basic set of tools in my craftsman box and was a noob in the auto repair business. Then I started noticing that the drawers weren't deep enough, long enough, or wide enough. Then they got tough to open when loaded (even though I had "ball bearings" like the expensive ones). I eventually learned what the difference was.

If the carts werent so akward to pick up, you could easily lift yours by yourself. This is not true with the higher ends because of the thicker steel.

Hardware is also more rigid and durable

just look at the pics you posted. notice how beefy our castors are? what about the handle? these may seem insignificant, but once you have a few hundred pounds in it, you'll notice the difference.

Also compare the measurements, not just what it looks like. You'll probably find that our carts are larger in size.

And dont forget that big old logo on the side of it. Brand recognition is given away for free. Its built into that price somewhere.

 

[Merkava_4]

It's nearly impossible this day and age to only buy USA made products...

Yes but you can certainly try. A tool cart is not that big of a deal, but all my tools have to be made in USA or by a country who trades fairly and doesn't purposely devalue their currency; which in effect is protectionism. I figure if they're gonna play protectionism, we ought to play protectionism too.

 

[srmofo]

Your slides are riveted on?

Add that to the list. Ours uses bolts/creative engineering so the load isnt resting on the small hardware

 

[Kurt4440]

I just purchased one of those $80 service carts a couple of weeks ago. I have not put it together as it is a birthday present for my 10 year old son.

 

[daveblank]

With this thread, I am in no means bashing or "hating" in any way or trying to start up anything.

I just bought a new roller cart toolbox from a store. I paid $80 all said and done for this toolbox...

When I compare the specs to very similar versions made by Snap-On and Matco, the box I bought actually holds more weight and is only a few cubic inches less in storage, barely smaller. Mine has ball bearing roller drawers and 4 swivel casters (w/ 2 locking casters), the Snap-On box does not have 4 swivel casters and no ball bearing drawers. All boxes have lockable storage for pry-bars, screwdrivers, ect on the sides.

What makes this Snap-On box $600 more than the box I bought? This is assuming I paid full price for the box I just bought. Hood shocks on the Snap-On box were one thing I wish I did have. The Matco version had ball bearing drawers but had one less drawer and no hood shocks, but was still $300 more than what I would have paid, had I paid full price.

I just don't understand where these companies can charge the price they do when other companies have comparable boxes for 75% less.

With the cost of some of these boxes, even smaller "starter" boxes you could buy a new car/truck among many other things.

I'm not saying Snap-On, Matco, Cornwell, Mac boxes aren't very nice boxes, well built and great looking boxes with endless accessories and options.

Don't compare to Matco's CART2D compare it to the MSC4. With that said, all of the cheap ones that I have seen are made of a thin metal, smaller slides, cheaper casters..., If you had them side by side, you would definitely see the difference.

Perfect example---look at the corner post of yours where it meets the bottom drawer. It doesn't. The others you posted have the drawer section tied into the corner posts. This will add strength to the cart & support to the drawer section.

 

[mrshaun]

compare apples to apples and see who wins the taste test... Snap on tested, Tech approved.

 

[babzog]

If your just a home hobbiest I wouldnt recommend a higher quality box because you dont need the durability. If your just getting started in this field you will learn quickly that you can buy quality or quanity.

That's true too for the hobbyist or non-pro. I bought twice the rear struts for the same money and received less than half the quality. Much less, in fact. You get what you pay for.

 

[Stick Figure]

Load that thing up to it's stated capacity, roll it around, over some expansion joints, etc. and you'll know why.

We also pay workers in this country enough to feed themselves and their families.

Mine is loaded up pretty good, and i roll it around all over the shop all day, never even had to tighten a bolt on it.

The real downsides to this cart are:

the prybar/ screwdriver area isn't deep enough so most of the good brand screwdrivers/ pry bar handles won't fit and shut the lid. If you use some craftsman screw drivers they will fit just fine. Snap on pry bar handles won't clear, neither will matco screwdrivers/pics etc.

The top is a bit flimsy, and if someone wanted your items, it wouldn't be very hard to bend the top back.

Really they aren't that bad, especially for the money. Just the only americans making money off of them are the people that work at harbor freight, the people that work at the shipping company that distribute them to the stores, and of course the guys starting out in the field that need something to hold their tools, but can't afford to spend $1000 + on a cart.

 

[airdale]

Not dissing your cart, just I wouldn't put too much stock in what a manufacturer claims as weight capacity unless it is a certified rating (usually only obtained for critical safety reasons). Is there any regulation that says they must use x% safety margin? I discovered while shopping for industrial platform carts, that upgrading the casters can increase the manufacturers weight rating for the cart. I've also seen eye hooks with say a 350# weight rating, then an included statement saying "Not intended for overhead lifting". The ones certified for overhead lifting are much, much more expensive. All said, just enjoy the cart. Are there any similar U.S. made carts for less than double that price? I don't know just asking. Sounds like you would have bought U.S. if the price was close enough.

 

[Mickey O]

Mine is loaded up pretty good, and i roll it around all over the shop all day, never even had to tighten a bolt on it.

The real downsides to this cart are:

the prybar/ screwdriver area isn't deep enough so most of the good brand screwdrivers/ pry bar handles won't fit and shut the lid. If you use some craftsman screw drivers they will fit just fine. Snap on pry bar handles won't clear, neither will matco screwdrivers/pics etc.

The top is a bit flimsy, and if someone wanted your items, it wouldn't be very hard to bend the top back.

Really they aren't that bad, especially for the money. Just the only americans making money off of them are the people that work at harbor freight, the people that work at the shipping company that distribute them to the stores, and of course the guys starting out in the field that need something to hold their tools, but can't afford to spend $1000 + on a cart.

I'd look for a quality used one or fabricate one like I saw in some of the other threads (a nice HD one even made from an old school TV stand). To each his own, I just don't like buying China made stuff for many, many reasons. Your saving a few bucks on some purchases but paying for it at the gas pump, jobs, wages, etc. I also prefer to support the blue collar working men and women in the country I live in. I don't think it's our job to support every country that's chooses to over populate the world, Then there's the selling of weapons to enemy countries that are used to kill our service men and women, not to mention N. Korea. I suppose when the Chinese get almost the entire market they'll lower their prices even more, then again maybe you'll end up paying close to the prices quality American goods go for. I was at Wal Mart this evening and looked at the made in China ratchets and the price are right up there with Craftsman. I could go on for hours. Of course there is also the quality issue. I just hope I'm not around long enough to say "I told you so".

 

[airdale]

any more questions or comments just fire away. I have one of those carts in Midnight blue on the truck as we speak

That, I would love to have!
Maybe some day. Uh, honey, I really needed to buy this cart to do that project of yours, that's why I've been putting it off.

 

[DDavis89325is]

I do work in the Automotive business and with the current economic situation I can't afford to spend the big bucks for a cart that is fairly comparable to what I did buy.

The picture I posted of the box I bought is missing the brace on the bottom that connects the chest portion to the legs of the cart ( I know it's there because the people at HF who assembled it, did it wrong...)

Kurt- Your son is lucky to have such a nice box.

 

[Kurt4440]

DDavis - I thought you were going to say my son was lucky to have such a nice Dad.
He works on cars with me, even my E30, and I want him to learn how to be organized and work efficiently.

 

[mrjsl]

We also pay workers in this country enough to feed themselves and their families.

I used to think that way till I actually visited some manufacturing plants in Asia (not China).

i visited a city larger than NYC, and there was a LOT of manufacturing in the area. Every one of you has something in your home that was made in this area. The people who worked in the factories did not make the kind of money they do here, but they were far better off than people who did not work in the factories. People in general lived in such squalor that it was comparable to the difference between an American factory worker, and an American who flips burgers at McDonalds. The overall standard of living is just far lower than it is here. I did notice there was no such thing as a junked out car. If there was a car, someone was driving it or working on it. There was no such thing as scrap metal - someone already picked it up. If there was a way to turn a buck, someone was on it - no one there was afraid to work.

The most striking difference between their factories and ours are that their factories employ more people, and they had far less robotic automated equipment. In fact, they used the same type of machines American factories did in the 60s and 70s.

I came away with a different perspective on the whole deal. People in America in general aren't as willing to work as hard as the people I saw there. They definitely earned my respect.

 

[Stick Figure]

I'd look for a quality used one or fabricate one like I saw in some of the other threads (a nice HD one even made from an old school TV stand). To each his own, I just don't like buying China made stuff for many, many reasons. Your saving a few bucks on some purchases but paying for it at the gas pump, jobs, wages, etc. I also prefer to support the blue collar working men and women in the country I live in. I don't think it's our job to support every country that's chooses to over populate the world, Then there's the selling of weapons to enemy countries that are used to kill our service men and women, not to mention N. Korea. I suppose when the Chinese get almost the entire market they'll lower their prices even more, then again maybe you'll end up paying close to the prices quality American goods go for. I was at Wal Mart this evening and looked at the made in China ratchets and the price are right up there with Craftsman. I could go on for hours. Of course there is also the quality issue. I just hope I'm not around long enough to say "I told you so".

First i invite you to go through the craigslist ads around the LA area, If you can find a LOCKING cart that holds close to the harbor model for even double the price i would be amazed.

As far as buying only american products, i find it a bit hypocritical that you think its any different to buy one product from a company that still sells stuff from other "evil" countries. The same people you are supporting buying that Snap on wrench are the same ones that decide what tools to rebadge as blue point w/ a china origin. So even buying that USA made Proto, you are still supporting a company and management that support buying and selling china/taiwan/india/malaysia/etc goods.

 

[Merkava_4]

As far as buying only american products, i find it a bit hypocritical that you think its any different to buy one product from a company that still sells stuff from other "evil" countries. The same people you are supporting buying that Snap on wrench are the same ones that decide what tools to rebadge as blue point w/ a china origin. So even buying that USA made Proto, you are still supporting a company and management that support buying and selling china/taiwan/india/malaysia/etc goods.

Not necessarily... You are buying American made products from a company that sells imported products along with their domesticly produced products, yes ... BUT ... you're buying the American made product and not buying the Asian product. It's what I call, "voting by part number." Eventually when they add it all up, they'll get the message.

 

[Stick Figure]

Not necessarily... You are buying American made products from a company that sells imported products along with their domesticly produced products, yes ... BUT ... you're buying the American made product and not buying the Asian product. It's what I call, "voting by part number." Eventually when they add it all up, they'll get the message.

i have my doubts that they will. Remember for every person like yourself is at least one if not more people that are just starting off that will only be able to pick up a set of Blue Point wrenches. Good example of this is the kid we just hired. I don't know exactly what he's making, but i know its between $10-$15 an hour, and i know w/ the price of rent and gas out here that he won't be getting a complete set of Snap on tools anytime soon.

 

[Merkava_4]

i have my doubts that they will. Remember for every person like yourself is at least one if not more people that are just starting off that will only be able to pick up a set of Blue Point wrenches.

What are Blue-Point wrenches costing these days? I haven't even bothered to check. I'm thinking I could probably buy American made Proto for not too much more...

 

[Mickey O]

First i invite you to go through the craigslist ads around the LA area, If you can find a LOCKING cart that holds close to the harbor model for even double the price i would be amazed.

As far as buying only american products, i find it a bit hypocritical that you think its any different to buy one product from a company that still sells stuff from other "evil" countries. The same people you are supporting buying that Snap on wrench are the same ones that decide what tools to rebadge as blue point w/ a china origin. So even buying that USA made Proto, you are still supporting a company and management that support buying and selling china/taiwan/india/malaysia/etc goods.

Do you attend your kids sports games and root for the other team?

 

[Stick Figure]

What are Blue-Point wrenches costing these days? I haven't even bothered to check. I'm thinking I could probably buy American made Proto for not too much more...

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=20363&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

$140 ..... i would go Proto over the Blue Point as well, but buying them isn't near as easy. I personally would be buying a LOT more SK stuff if it was easily available to me.

Do you attend your kids sports games and root for the other team?

Ba ha ha ha ha you think i can afford kids? I only make 50k a year and live in southern california.... about the only way i could afford a kid is if i got on the 20 kids and a lot of government assistance program. I think they gave me a brochure on how to do that when i crossed the boarder to move here.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Do you attend your kids sports games and root for the other team?

Geez, c'mon...what a dumb thing to say.

 

[back2class]

You want an honest answer?
I have this cart so I can actually give some insight. I have alos owned snap on boxes (not carts)
It is not junk. It does take a few shortcuts that would add expense like a quality locking system for the top. It is the lock that is flimsy, the top is heavy steel.
It is 85% of the quality of a top shelf truck brand item and 10% of the price. It is a much better value.
That said, someone pushing this thing around everyday for years may find the extra $900 worth it. Some of the shortcuts used to keep costs down would catch up in that situation.

But IMHO the guts are nearly as good if not as good as a $1000 cart. It really comes down to better slides (maybe) slightly better casters (on some) and a better locking system. Essentialy the only wear parts and not the bulk of the expense of building one of these. The rest is all the same as any fool can tell. Just 4 solid uprights bolted to the body. This cart is thick steel (thicker than my old Snap-on box and others I have seen and well formed. Where casters bolt to the bottom shelf is a little weak. Some people may convince themsleves that Snap-On uses magic sheetmetal or casters from the lunar rover.

My guess without having all of them lined up is this HF one would be no better or worse than some of the lower end truck versions.

You are not dumb. At best, slightly better slides, casters and minor higher quality finish details do not add up to $900 more in expense. I would guess any import cart by blue point would have a production cost very close to this ones.

Kind of think of it this way. They all have the same basic quality base unit. The top ones finish it out to be the best it can be and HF takes it the other way and figures where it can cut corners. Makes you realize how much a brand like SO can mark something up!

It may be no different than the craftsman vs. snap-on wrench debate. Yes, the Craftsman may be 95, 97 or even 99% as good. But if that snap-on wrench takes off one more nut a year the craftsman would have rounded off...well. Over a few years the Snap-On set will have paid for itslef in saved labor and headache. Perhaps even one falure like this alone could cost a pro more than the better wrench set.

 

[Danglerb]

This forum is as predictable as a typical family dinner, nothing changes from year to year except the turkey on the table.

 

[nissan_crawler]

This forum is as predictable as a typical family dinner, nothing changes from year to year except the turkey on the table.

Yep, and I'm smelling a troll.

 

[DDavis89325is]

Lol, good quote Danglerb.

Nissan Crawler- I hope you are not suggesting that I am "trolling" here with my topic. I explicitly explained in my original post that I do not want to cause any trouble or arguments, but I knew with a topic like this, it is unavoidable. I am simply looking for honest differences between the boxes. Now this is a touchy subject because there are people on here who make a living selling these boxes, and in no way do I want to insult them. I'm just curious what makes these boxes cost so much more.

 

[Mike83]

what happens if it breaks? who fixes it. do they send you parts?

For $600 savings, you assume the risk that if it breaks you have to fix it yourself and buy some parts. Hell, you could buy a new one for the amount you save over the Snap-on cart.

I buy USA made as much as possible, but I just don't have enough money to be THAT patriotic! lol

 

[NUTTSGT]

Interesting comparison on the carts.

 

[norry]

This forum is as predictable as a typical family dinner, nothing changes from year to year except the turkey on the table.

Yep, and I'm smelling a troll.

Are you insulting my turkey cooking skills? Hey look buddy, if you think it's so easy to cook a turkey, then you're welcome to do it yourself, you know