Let's see your toolbox.

[mikefromme]

^^^^^ I think we just found Harbor Freights best friend ^^^^^^

I've been reading on here how great these tool cabinets are for the price... But there wasn't any stores local.

HF just opened stores in the State and I couldn't resist.
Figured I could make a down payment on a single snap-on roller OR buy all these.

These cabs are the only thing I have ever bought from HF.

 

[ADSR]

Looks awesome! i love it!

 

[MikeF2316]

I've been reading on here how great these tool cabinets are for the price... But there wasn't any stores local.

HF just opened stores in the State and I couldn't resist.
Figured I could make a down payment on a single snap-on roller OR buy all these.

These cabs are the only thing I have ever bought from HF.

Now we need to see pics of every drawer!

 

[MuggsyWheaten]

Thought I would finally post what I got. I've been lurking around for awhile. Gone through the first 200 pages of this thread and read MechanicNamedJohn's entire HF investment thread. I've seen great stuff on here so far, and it makes me want to buy everything already.

I'm just starting out. Going to school to be an aircraft mechanic. These just came in and haven't been used yet. Some of it's even wrapped up still. It's all Mac. Student discount for almost everything when I bought it was 60% off new.

Just wanted to show my stuff, and feel free to chime in on what I need to get next.

And also, I know some of the students are going with Snap On right away because we also get 50% off new from them. I would love some input on if some of their stuff is better quality or mainly just preferences . I mostly went with Mac because I would save a little over $1000 for the exact tool list.

Mac tool cart
<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/3F99E864-3909-4671-87B4-683284A2BDCA.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/3F99E864-3909-4671-87B4-683284A2BDCA.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3F99E864-3909-4671-87B4-683284A2BDCA.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/3B7873AD-A716-49D6-9425-D1AAA1EF94EE.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/3B7873AD-A716-49D6-9425-D1AAA1EF94EE.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3B7873AD-A716-49D6-9425-D1AAA1EF94EE.jpg"/></a>

Top Drawer
<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/09C92A2B-0ECB-4B8C-A43A-38DFC5CA6AAB.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/09C92A2B-0ECB-4B8C-A43A-38DFC5CA6AAB.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 09C92A2B-0ECB-4B8C-A43A-38DFC5CA6AAB.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/77519317-FB95-40B5-8CDF-9043D67D0AE6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/77519317-FB95-40B5-8CDF-9043D67D0AE6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 77519317-FB95-40B5-8CDF-9043D67D0AE6.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/96D00B1E-60DC-4DA9-BD05-86778FF155F2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/96D00B1E-60DC-4DA9-BD05-86778FF155F2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 96D00B1E-60DC-4DA9-BD05-86778FF155F2.jpg"/></a>

First Drawer

<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/C06C61BE-22AA-4DE4-8F44-3A4797D6C928.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/C06C61BE-22AA-4DE4-8F44-3A4797D6C928.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo C06C61BE-22AA-4DE4-8F44-3A4797D6C928.jpg"/></a><a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/0A28E8AF-A262-40C5-AF59-488222EFACC5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/0A28E8AF-A262-40C5-AF59-488222EFACC5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0A28E8AF-A262-40C5-AF59-488222EFACC5.jpg"/></a>

 

[MuggsyWheaten]

... Continued...

Second drawer
<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/410916DB-22DD-42D5-AD7E-9E904E3EFBDD.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/410916DB-22DD-42D5-AD7E-9E904E3EFBDD.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 410916DB-22DD-42D5-AD7E-9E904E3EFBDD.jpg"/></a>

Third Drawer
<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/AC1D4C15-B996-477F-B0BF-64E2B61FBD2F.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/AC1D4C15-B996-477F-B0BF-64E2B61FBD2F.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo AC1D4C15-B996-477F-B0BF-64E2B61FBD2F.jpg"/></a>

Fourth Drawer
<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/0B9F4F9E-400A-4304-8260-516B327D3C5F.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/0B9F4F9E-400A-4304-8260-516B327D3C5F.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0B9F4F9E-400A-4304-8260-516B327D3C5F.jpg"/></a>

Fifth Drawer
<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/A29C3F4C-6CE2-42D6-BA0A-74650F235703.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/A29C3F4C-6CE2-42D6-BA0A-74650F235703.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo A29C3F4C-6CE2-42D6-BA0A-74650F235703.jpg"/></a>

Sixth Drawer
<a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/hvk21/media/Mobile%20Uploads/7A209CA8-5FB4-48D9-AB68-CE88CE53FE7D.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/hvk21/Mobile%20Uploads/7A209CA8-5FB4-48D9-AB68-CE88CE53FE7D.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 7A209CA8-5FB4-48D9-AB68-CE88CE53FE7D.jpg"/></a>

 

[cburnscrx]

Thought I would finally post what I got. I've been lurking around for awhile. Gone through the first 200 pages of this thread and read MechanicNamedJohn's entire HF investment thread. I've seen great stuff on here so far, and it makes me want to buy everything already.

I'm just starting out. Going to school to be an aircraft mechanic. These just came in and haven't been used yet. Some of it's even wrapped up still. It's all Mac. Student discount for almost everything when I bought it was 60% off new.

Just wanted to show my stuff, and feel free to chime in on what I need to get next.

And also, I know some of the students are going with Snap On right away because we also get 50% off new from them. I would love some input on if some of their stuff is better quality or mainly just preferences . I mostly went with Mac because I would save a little over $1000 for the exact tool list.

Looks good. 60% off list is pretty good. As for the Snap On vs. MAC I think a lot of it is preference. The only thing I have heard is that the Snap On flare nut wrenches are the best, bar none. I can't verify this personally but many, many non fanboys have confirmed it as well. Seems like you have your act together, so pick and choose your spots with the truck. 50% or 60% off expensive is still expensive. There are some things you won't want to compromise on, but others you can certainly save money by getting other brands.

 

[kool_BOY8323]

I've been reading on here how great these tool cabinets are for the price... But there wasn't any stores local.

HF just opened stores in the State and I couldn't resist.
Figured I could make a down payment on a single snap-on roller OR buy all these.

These cabs are the only thing I have ever bought from HF.

3 grand goes a long way on boxes at HF. not so far on the **** on truck.

 

[Airframer]

I'm just starting out. Going to school to be an aircraft mechanic. These just came in and haven't been used yet. Some of it's even wrapped up still. It's all Mac. Student discount for almost everything when I bought it was 60% off new.

Just wanted to show my stuff, and feel free to chime in on what I need to get next.

Buy things as you need them; that cart should last you a good while as far as space goes.

While you have the discount, be sure to pickup some SnapOn flare nut wrenches. You're also going to want more phillips drivers- at least a long PH2.

Other things you will need, but not necessarily from the truck:
1. safety wire pliers
2. pick sets, large/small
3. crows feet
4. speed handle
5. gearwrenches (or similar)

Can't come up with more at the moment, but buy things as you need them and not in anticipation of a possible future use. Just listen, learn and do. Don't pick up the whiners' bad habits. Best of luck.

 

[mikefromme]

3 grand goes a long way on boxes at HF. not so far on the **** on truck.

Thanks to coupons and sales -- as shown I have $2385 into them

For 3k I could have added another 44" to the train

 

[MattPersman]

Problem with Mac vs snap on is dealer availability Mac dealers have dwindled away in the last 10 years some people have never even seen one. So warranty concerns in the future become more of a hassle for many people across the country.

 

[jmscollinsiii]

What is the total length of it? Looks awesome by the way!

 

[mikefromme]

What is the total length of it? Looks awesome by the way!

Overall length is 193.5"

Each roller without the handles is 42" and the side cabs add ~17"

 

[regguy1]

Tool Vault from Strictly Tool Boxes

 

[lightning02]

Tool Vault from Strictly Tool Boxes

Mine should be here in 2 weeks. I ordered the same setup.

 

[Gregster]

 

[mikefromme]

Not seeing a toolbox.

 

[AndrewV]

Overall length is 193.5"

Each roller without the handles is 42" and the side cabs add ~17"

Not questioning what you did man, it's a beast as it sits. And did you bolt all the sections together, to make it a lot tougher, and ridged? If so i see a lot of usable work space, with a butchers block, and vices.
And are the keys universal, throughout?

But im wondering about what you do, as the need of that much storage. Wouldn't mind seeing some of it to.

 

[mikefromme]

Not questioning what you did man, it's a beast as it sits. And did you bolt all the sections together, to make it a lot tougher, and ridged? If so i see a lot of usable work space, with a butchers block, and vices.
And are the keys universal, throughout?

But im wondering about what you do, as the need of that much storage. Wouldn't mind seeing some of it to.

I did bolt all the sections together -- took a few shims under the wheels to make everything line up thanks to cracked and uneven floor.

I'm planning to make a butcher block top for the middle section -- probably just use framing lumber after I run it through my planer and jointer.

I could probably fit all my tools in one top/bottom/side set. But when I started putting tools in it I got annoyed with not having enough deep and wide drawers. So I bought another roller and thought 'wouldn't it be neat if...'

I'm going to use some of the drawers for small parts storage (small engine, chainsaw and 2 stroke stuff) And some of it is going to be for household type stuff -- batteries, flashlights and **** that never seems to have a home.

I'll post drawer pics once I fill it up some. Worst part is that none of the keys match.

 

[AndrewV]

Good point with the odds, and ends from the house. I can see a hole side cab being dovoted to nuts and bolts alone.
But for the keys, doesn't hf sell key kits? If so ide color them, or go to hd and have some facy keys cut , for that for the indidual combo. But would be cheaper to just get sleeves for the keys.

 

[jakemac]

Worst part is that none of the keys match.

Call HF customer service and order two 5 piece keyed alike sets (HF item #12892). They are not available through the stores or online. You will need to order two sets, and they won't be the same key, but it will at least get you down to two keys for the whole set. It will cost about $40 with shipping for each set, so $70-$75 for two sets shipped.

You can try to get them to send you two sets with the same key, but I don't think that they can do that. Something will get lost in translation between the call center and the warehouse.

 

[Rosso]

This is my toolbox and contents. It's not a Snap on box obviously i removed the tacky chrome badges and replaced it with the SO names.

 

[Rosso]

Next few drawers.....

 

[Rosso]

And the last few drawers.

 

[ooba tooba]

My Mac setup in my garage. Handikit Ive had a while. Snap on 30's rollaway I just scored at a vintage shop in Detroit the other day. Had the '46 receipt in the bottom cab.

 

[nuklbstr83]

who the hell cares if a box says snap on. i dont get it, why are so many people caught up with removing the logo from their box and putting SO badge. if its not a snap on, big freakin deal. is this what gets people to sleep at night? there is so much more important stuff in life than what brand box a guy owns. this has always blown my mind how people are so caught up with being ashamed of having a brand-x box.

rant over.

 

[mikefromme]

who the hell cares if a box says snap on. i dont get it, why are so many people caught up with removing the logo from their box and putting SO badge. if its not a snap on, big freakin deal. is this what gets people to sleep at night? there is so much more important stuff in life than what brand box a guy owns. this has always blown my mind how people are so caught up with being ashamed of having a brand-x box.

rant over.

6.5/10 on the rant -- But I agree with you. 40 years from now our grandkids are going to go to estate sales and think they scored a snap-on box only to be disappointed when they come home and post their 'score' on here.

 

[archirelic]

who the hell cares if a box says snap on. i dont get it, why are so many people caught up with removing the logo from their box and putting SO badge. if its not a snap on, big freakin deal. is this what gets people to sleep at night? there is so much more important stuff in life than what brand box a guy owns. this has always blown my mind how people are so caught up with being ashamed of having a brand-x box.

rant over.

 

[MikeF2316]

6.5/10 on the rant -- But I agree with you. 40 years from now our grandkids are going to go to estate sales and think they scored a snap-on box only to be disappointed when they come home and post their 'score' on here.

And then some sharp dude will discover in the Garage Journal archives someone bragging about how they stuck the Snap on badge on that very box...

 

[nuklbstr83]

whys the trunk open?

 

[Revere Cycles]

who the hell cares if a box says snap on. i dont get it, why are so many people caught up with removing the logo from their box and putting SO badge. if its not a snap on, big freakin deal.

Me neither, it's like putting a BMW badge on a Honda; there's nothing inherently wrong with the Honda, so why go through the effort to make it into something it is not?

 

[mkIValh]

wow

 

[zkling]

who the hell cares if a box says snap on. i dont get it, why are so many people caught up with removing the logo from their box and putting SO badge. if its not a snap on, big freakin deal. is this what gets people to sleep at night? there is so much more important stuff in life than what brand box a guy owns. this has always blown my mind how people are so caught up with being ashamed of having a brand-x box.

rant over.

Our society is highly concerned with status and image.

Me neither, it's like putting a BMW badge on a Honda; there's nothing inherently wrong with the Honda, so why go through the effort to make it into something it is not?

IMHO it says alot about how much the owner values their image and status.

 

[AV tinker er]

Our society is highly concerned with status and image.

This was true for me years ago, but if I went back I would have zero problems pushing a HF box across the hanger floor today.

 

[Ruger_556]

This was true for me years ago, but if I went back I would have zero problems pushing a HF box across the hanger floor today.

Normally I would agree with you on this but after pushing my c-man box around the new job for 3 weeks a pro box is in the near future. It's the only "homeowner grade" box in the shop and I have enough trouble with people trusting me to work on their truck (I'm the youngest in the shop at 19 and I look a lot younger than that). You can almost see the color drain from their faces when I roll my box out

 

[AV tinker er]

Normally I would agree with you on this but after pushing my c-man box around the new job for 3 weeks a pro box is in the near future. It's the only "homeowner grade" box in the shop and I have enough trouble with people trusting me to work on their truck (I'm the youngest in the shop at 19 and I look a lot younger than that). You can almost see the color drain from their faces when I roll my box out

It takes time to build a reputation, I would rather have an experienced guy work on my car with HF tools than someone that can't find the dipstick with $50k of SO tools/box.

So work hard, learn all you can, and start earning their trust. You'll start getting repeat customers.

 

[Ruger_556]

It takes time to build a reputation, I would rather have an experienced guy work on my car with HF tools than someone that can't find the dipstick with $50k of SO tools/box.

I would too but customer confidence is worth quite a bit to me (and more so to my employer). I need a bigger box anyway but this has been the final nail in the coffin for that box

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

Tool Vault from Strictly Tool Boxes

NOW that's amazing!!
I'd love to have a box like that

Bravo!

Adam

 

[Audicon]

Is that a Novitec front bumper cover?

 

[Blazin8556]

To the fella ranting about snap on boxes. I bought a 3 bay master series box. Not because it's snap on but because i got a great deal on it with a rhino lined stainless top. Bout a $10k rig for $4800


Sent while under my truck...breaking stuff more

 

[nuklbstr83]

^^^^^ im not ranting about SO boxes, im ranting bc it's so dumb how people are ashamed to own a brand x box. i too own SO boxes & tools. but i also own HF boxes & cart. i dont remove the labels from the HF boxes. if anything, id remove the SO logo and replace with HF logo so no one steals my stuff.

people need to get over themselves. customers dont care what box you own, as long as you fix it right the first time & dont bamboozle them.

and if people were to look at someone and ridicule them for what they own, thats their own sick demented problem. skills, ability, and grit out weigh any logo.