KRSC46 vs HF 44"

[cgv69]

Never thought you'd see these 2 compared didja?

The Scoop -> I'm not a pro nor do I have a ton of tools but I have outgrown my Craftsman top chest tool box. I am a big believer in buying quality tools (90%+ of my tools are either US or German made) but I've always had an issue with spending big money on tool storage. A. Because I don't have it and B. Because that kind of money always seemed better invested in tools and not the box the tools are stored in.

With that in mind, I was all set to buy a HF 44" 13 drawer roll cab. I like the drawer layout of it and they seem to be decently built for the price. I also figured I would mount my craftsman top chest on top of it for even more storage. The thing is, I have been seriously looking at getting the Snap On KRSC46 6 drawer rollcart instead because...

1. It would be nice to have a box I can easily roll over to the project I'm working on.
2. It's smaller size is actually an advantage for me in my small shop.
3. I kind of dig the layout of the roll cart style box (with the built in screwdriver and pry bar storage) compared to the standard roll cab layout.
4. If I'm being honest, I am somewhat of a SnapOn junkie and it would be nice to put my quality tools in an equally quality box. The whole pride of ownership thing.

Price wise I'm pretty sure I can get one for ~$800 which is 2x more than the HF box but I think its actually a better value (considering the build quality and resale value) then the $350 HF box?.

My only real concern with the KRSC46 is it's not a platform that is easy or cheap to expand on later on should I have the need?

So basically it comes down to: Get the HF box based on price and greater storage capacity or get the KRSC46 for its superior build quality, mobility, smaller foot print and long term value?

BTW - Can someone give me some exact measurements for the KRSC46? Specifically I'm looking for draw sizes and the size of the main compartment on top (i.e. - not including the 2 side screwdriver\prybar sections).

Thanks

 

[DEMAYO]

Lordy I want both. I'm broke hack though.

 

[cgv69]

Lordy I want both. I'm broke hack though.

Yeah, both would be awesome but that's not going to happen without a lottery win

 

[jf781]

Could always add a side box to the snappy if you need more space

 

[jjjrmx5]

I think the big question you need to ask yourself is how much storage do you currently need, and how much to you plan to need in the future and how quick.

I have a Snap-on service cart. I love it.
I have a 5-dwr HF service cart. I love it.

But I keep the bulk of my tools in larger roll cabs that actually have the space to store tools. And lots of them.

The 44" (really a 41") HF bottom roll cab is a good box that will last most folks a lifetime to fill and to use (excepts the pros and techs of course.)

The Snap-On rollcart will eventually fill up and then you WILL have to seek additional storage unless you feel the cart is the limit of how many tools you will acquire in the next 2 to 3 decades.

Buy the rollcart but put a dollar a day into the big box fund as you will need one or buy the HF box and spend the money on tools to fill it.

----Flips coin-----

LOL

 

[cgv69]

Could always add a side box to the snappy if you need more space

True but those side boxes are not very cost efficient from a cost vs capacity standpoint. I'm not too worried about the space as I'm pretty sure the standard KRSC46 will have all the storage room I will need for the foreseeable future assuming I organize my tools right.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I'd do the HF cart with a HF sidebox with these installed:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-TWO...653?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c7f49225

All the flash without the cash!

 

[countryroad82]

If you want to keep things mobil and also have enough storage, why not get the HF 44" box and also get the 4 or 5 drawer cart? You would still save a ton of money and have the best of both worlds. I have the KRSC46 and absolutely love it, but if you are wanting to save some cash you could do both of the HF boxes for less than the SO. Just food for thought anyway. Here is a link to mine and how much junk actually fits in the thing http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143728

 

[cgv69]

If you want to keep things mobil and also have enough storage, why not get the HF 44" box and also get the 4 or 5 drawer cart? You would still save a ton of money and have the best of both worlds. I have the KRSC46 and absolutely love it, but if you are wanting to save some cash you could do both of the HF boxes for less than the SO. Just food for thought anyway. Here is a link to mine and how much junk actually fits in the thing http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143728

Your thread is a big part of the reason I'm seriously considering the KRSC46!

BTW - can you get me the measurements for the top section and draws? Just looking for width and depth. On the top I'm wondering if it has enough room for a full set of Hansen trays (1/2, 3/8, 1/4) plus hopefully a few other rails?

To your suggestion - while buying the HF 44" box and one of their carts would be cheaper and offer a lot more storage, it would actually be counter productive. One of the things I like about the KRSC46 cart is the amount of storage space it contains within a very small foot print. That's a good thing in my relatively small garage. The 44" box and a separate cart would eat up twice as much room.

I'm really thinking the KRSC46 would be perfect for me and offer all of the space I can see needing in the foreseeable future? Yes it will kind of **** paying twice as much for less storage but I think the quality and functionality differences between the 2 will more then make up for that. If I do somehow end up outgrowing the KRSC46, I can always upgrade it later one.

 

[TDWendt]

What did you decide?

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

snap on krsc46 is tool cart, it has lid,
as the hf 44 is just tool box..