Let's see your toolbox.

[wrenchr]

Here’s my newest roller tool box that I acquired for my garage makeover. Along side is my old Craftsman set. I purchased the top and bottom boxes 40 years ago and the mid maybe 30 years ago. .

As you’ll see I’m a old fan of Craftsman’s tools. Vise grip, pliers and adjustable wrenches:

Wire strippers, snips, along with pipe, strap, and chain wrenches:

Picks, pry bars, air impact wrench and sockets:

Nut drivers, hex wrenches:

Sockets, 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” regular & deep well, 12 & 6 point. SAE in left drawer and Metric in right:

Combination wrenches, 6 and 12 point. Stubby and gear wrenches. Again SAE in left drawer and Metric in right:

Screw drivers and ratchets:

Sears card tapped out???

 

[Jononon]

Someone here fabbed up their own with pieces of aluminum dowel or something... was it here??? Hell, maybe it was on another board. It was very cool though...

It was here, but I fail at searching

 

[Ducroix]

You can disagree all you want, but they are basically the same thing, serve the same function and one is not really that much different than the other. You can pay $X.** for the Sears version from China, or you can pay $.** for the HF ones. Let your wallet be the judge. The Ernst socket holders are well-documented on this board, as well as the Hanson socket trays and the Mechanics' Time Saver organizes.

Someone here fabbed up their own with pieces of aluminum dowel or something... was it here??? Hell, maybe it was on another board. It was very cool though...

I have the sears ones they are made in the u.s.a but for socket storage I would of gone HF had I though of it, probably still will

 

[OldCarGuy]

How do you like taht IR 235???? I have one, but I'm not convinced I like it. Not enough power for what it is...

The 1/ 2" IR235 puts out 500 Ft-Lbs of torque. More than enough to break most anything loose on a car. If feel that you’re not getting enough oomphs out of you 235, I’d suggest that you use a larger diameter air hose. You’d be surprised how much a 1/ 2" diameter hose increases the output of an air impact wrench.

When my 235's fall short on a job, I go to my 3/ 4” IR 261 air impact wrench that puts out 1,100 Ft-Lbs. torque. If all else fails, I bring out the big guns for the really stubborn bolts. My Chicago Pneumatic 1" with a 6" anvil and 1800 ft-lbs of torque.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Hey OCG.
I know from your other posts that you have a LOT of experience working on cars, machining, custom fabrication, basically doing anything and everything.

I noticed that you have a lot of the newer Craftsman stuff. I'm wondering where your old, seasoned tools are. I figure you must have stuff from the 60's and 70's.

I have been collecting tools for over 50 years. And can account for most all of them. I have my seasoned tools in a large Kennedy storage box in the belly of my motor home and in a large Kennedy tool chest at a storage facility I own five miles from home. I also have some in my 30' by 50' attached workshop.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Sears card tapped out???

Nope,,, I have Never carried a balance on any of my credit cards...

 

[bchee]

I have been collecting tools for over 50 years. And can account for most all of them. I have my seasoned tools in a large Kennedy storage box in the belly of my motor home and in a large Kennedy tool chest at a storage facility I own five miles from home. I also have some in my 30' by 50' attached workshop.

Even with all that space in your new shop you still need a storage facility. That is an unimaginable amount of tools. That Kennedy chest must be like a tool museum.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Sears card tapped out???

LOL, You must not be familiar with how OCG does business!

 

[wrenchr]

Nope,,, I have Never carried a balance on any of my credit cards...

Just messin with yuh!!!

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

here are my side job toolboxes

 

[wilbilt]

I actually bought socket rails today I cant slam the drawer closed or they fall over

Any updated pics of your box?

Just curious.

 

[Ducroix]

Any updated pics of your box?

Just curious.

Lol I will take new pictures this weekend

 

[Elroy]

Nope,,, I have Never carried a balance on any of my credit cards...

Now these is a wise statement. Take note. Be wise and NOT in debt. This country should be so wise.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

without debt , you will never get nothing done , until you drown in it

 

[wilbilt]

without debt , you will never get nothing done , until you drown in it

Been there, done that.

Never again.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Now these is a wise statement. Take note. Be wise and NOT in debt. This country should be so wise.

I don’t understand our younger generation today. What’s the big hurry to have the fanciest new car, plasma TV‘s, or the biggest and most expensive tool box? Credit cards and over extended debt is forcing youngsters live pay check to paycheck and is the downfall to so many families today. Depending on your credit score, you’ll pay $4,000.00 more for a $20,000.00 car than if you paid cash. And that’s if you take out the loan for only four years! So after you paid cash for five cars, the sixth one is free…. Now that’s a real savings.

Credit cards debt are a bigger pitfall to get caught up in with their impious rates and late fees. Plus once you carry a balance, the interest starts the day you make a purchase! Use credit cards wisely. I only use cards that give me 2% cash back and pay off the balance every month. And by watching the closing dates, I use the banks money interest free for almost two months. And at the end of the year I receive a rather large tax free bonus check.

Lastly, on a purchase where they advertise 90 day same as cash or a year’s free interest, negotiate an out-the-door cash price. Most likely you would receive 4% or more discount. Then put it on a credit card and have two months to pay for it.. All the above worked for me.

 

[Theo]

Re: Credit

Peoples thirst for "stuff" easily overpowers their common sense unfortunately. Just about every damned time I buy something I have to ask myself if I want this thing, or need this thing.

If I simply want it I go through this whole thing in my head about why I want it and its cost in the long run. By the time I'm done I fell so guilty I seldom want the stupid thing anymore.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

without credit , we would not be selling these disgustingly overpriced cars , homes , tools credit and the profit from credit is what this whole economy is built on , used properly , it is a good thing , but...............

 

[Theo]

without credit , we would not be selling these disgustingly overpriced cars , homes , tools credit and the profit from credit is what this whole economy is built on , used properly , it is a good thing , but...............

True. It's a financial tool. Sometimes even if you have the cash it makes sense to use credit. Bu using credit to live beyond your means is plain stupid.

 

[wilbilt]

without credit , we would not be selling these disgustingly overpriced cars , homes , tools credit and the profit from credit is what this whole economy is built on , used properly , it is a good thing , but...............

No overpriced cars or homes here. My mortgage payment is probably less than many people's electric bill, and my cars are all paid for.

It is very easy to use credit improperly and bury oneself. I learned that a long time ago, but my neighbors are all living on the edge.

 

[krusty the clown]

credit is what has floated our economy for some time now and the bill is coming due. like most i abused my credit when i was younger and learned from it, most never learn. but this thread is supposed to be about toolboxes............

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

most of my junk is over 20 years old is was bought with truck credit

 

[Theo]

but this thread is supposed to be about toolboxes............

Okay, I'll give you credit for that.

 

[wilbilt]

this thread is supposed to be about toolboxes............

True. My mortgaged toolboxes are all gone. The boxes I have now were either free or cheap.

Of course, they are ugly as sin, but what the hell...

 

[krusty the clown]

True. My mortgaged toolboxes are all gone. The boxes I have now were either free or cheap.

Of course, they are ugly as sin, but what the hell...

the new box i ordered will be financed at 9.9%......not the usual 19% thats the norm with so, mac and matco's company financing) and it will be paid off early.

 

[Rickochet]

I remember those days all too well. The Snap On dealer was the service technician's "best friend." So was the Mac, Matco, Cornwell, Proto and every other tool dealer you can think of. Of course, 99% of mine was Snap On and all of my tools in the huge boxes are sitting in my garage only used on my stuff when I really need them.

Over 20 years ago, I decided to get out of the dealership wrenching career and went to work as a heavy equipment mechanic at a large electric utility company. About a year later I transfered into a shop that repaired various electrical equipment-- what a blessing!

I then went back to school to obtain some degrees and I have been managing the large shop for over 12 years. I don't miss the wrenching or the tool payments! But I do still enjoy using the vast array of tools I bought so many years ago. And I still buy some of the specialty tools to work on my airplane.... however, most of them are not Snap On.....

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

another smart guy who got out of the shop , at least you don't get paid the busboy wages anymore

 

[garfunkle24]

another smart guy who got out of the shop , at least you don't get paid the busboy wages anymore

What does that make those of us still in the shop...?

 

[Rickochet]

What does that make those of us still in the shop...?

If you really enjoy the work, it makes you a happy camper. If you don't enjoy the occupation, it will make you desire to look for another job that is less stressful, has good benefits, and doesn't cost a good portion of your pay check every week to buy new tools.

If you are in a dealership environment, I can empathize with you. I really liked wrenching until I started a family. That's when you truly realize what a difficult life working for a dealership is. The dealership I worked at was about as great as they come, but still falls way short of what many occupations have to offer today.

If nobody wanted to work in a shop, we would be in BIG trouble today as those who are sharp enough to repair today's modern marvels are using their God given gifts & talents. However, I really believe that a talented wrench should be well compensated for their abilities. Hopefully, if you like it, you are getting paid well for it!

 

[hamburglar]

.. However, I really believe that a talented wrench should be well compensated for their abilities. Hopefully, if you like it, you are getting paid well for it!

I hear what you are saying, but if auto mechanics were well compensated about the only cars worth fixing would be nearly new. It seems to me that modern manufacturing practices sort of imply unrepairability (or rather, a lack of economic incentive to repair)...and it moves up the food chain over time. As complicated as a modern PC really is under the covers, there's no point in fixing one. The same can be said for appliances, TV's, etc. Cars are well on their way there.

 

[wilbilt]

If nobody wanted to work in a shop, we would be in BIG trouble today as those who are sharp enough to repair today's modern marvels are using their God given gifts & talents. However, I really believe that a talented wrench should be well compensated for their abilities. Hopefully, if you like it, you are getting paid well for it!

+1

I think to be successful today, a tech needs to concentrate on a specialty and take advantage of any and all training offered. The opportunities for a good livelihood are there, but you must market yourself and your capabilities.

I tried to shift direction, but at the time, the dealers were looking for lot boys, not techs. I have been out of the shop for about nine years now. I don't think I will ever be going back.

Best of luck to those sticking it out!

 

[joshboogie]

OK I took some better pics today. Here ya go.

 

[Ducroix]

Here are some updated pics a little more organized, one day I will take my camera into work and take some good pictures rather than my cellphone

My Wrench Drawer With New Additions Thanks to a certain board member

Screwdriver Drawer, Now Organized For The Most Part

My Few Pliers

My Body/Electrical/Trim Drawer

1/2Inch Sockets

3/8Inch Sockets Mostly Organized I just need to get some rails for the 12point sockets

1/4Inch Sockets

Many new additions which you cant really see because they blend in but Wilibit can probably pick them out

 

[wilbilt]

Many new additions which you cant really see because they blend in but Wilibit can probably pick them out

Good to know they blend in...
I hope they filled in OK. If you can't use them, trade them for something you can.

I think I see that short Proto 17mm by itself in the middle of the drawer.

Those shorties can be lifesavers; I wish I had an entire set.

 

[Ducroix]

I like that shorty it has come in handy already, do they still make them or are they just expensive

 

[Merkava_4]

Hey Ducroix, your should get the dividers that slide in those slots at the outer perimeter of the drawers. That box of yours is just like a Lista.

 

[wilbilt]

I like that shorty it has come in handy already, do they still make them or are they just expensive

Still available from Proto and MAC as far as I know. Not astronomically pricey.

 

[Ducroix]

I am going to look into that then, they would come in handy when removing steering racks

 

[Deafautotech]

I am going to look into that then, they would come in handy when removing steering racks

wow, are you have more tools in that box?? or it need fill it up?

i like the super short socket that mac tools offer but i am starting to notice that mac tools are change from made in usa to oversea... so i am edge about that stuff....

 

[Ducroix]

I am going to, I am suppose to get real good discounts when I start school so I am holding off, and only buying what I need