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Heavy Metal Doctor

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Joined
May 26, 2010
Messages
5,417
Location
Mason Dixon Line
I feel your pain:mad:

Yep...but it's gonna happen....you cringe, you cuss, maybe you cry a little.....but you remember it is a tool for work and will get some dings / scratches and whatnot...
My worst was a 4 lb sledge slipping through my fingers mid-swing and slamming into 2 drawers on the front my box. That was my first KRL about 15 years ago - I traded it in and still got what I paid back on it.

Boss was "helping" in the shop during some body work and got paint on the edge of one drawer of my box a week or so back, along with fiberglass resin on some Instinct screwdriver handles.:mad:

I'm not sure I have a pic in here:

 

alpinewhite

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Aug 4, 2012
Messages
1,315
Location
Orange County, California, USA
This may be a sore subject but I'd ask anyway:

A) If a tech were to get a new truck box, he'd spend tens of thousands and make payments.

B) Another choice is to get a HF box and locker and not make payments.

I understand that truck boxes are better but by a factor of 8 or more? I don't think so. I'd rather get a 56" or 72" HF and lockers on either side. Sure, the quality will be subpar compared to a Snappy but it's only 1/8 the price.

Am I missing something? Pardon my ignorance. I guess if I ask my wife about her Louis Vuitton purses, I will get a similar answer.
 

Zeroek

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Joined
Jan 19, 2008
Messages
1,091
Location
Indiana
Impulse buys are probably one answer. People see one on the tool truck and end up with it. I'm buying a 44" HF box next check. And then later down the road I'm gonna get on Strictly toolbox and get a box from there. If I'm gonna owe a tool guy it'll be for tools.
 

Matt_C

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Joined
Apr 24, 2014
Messages
218
Location
London, UK
Look at it this way. If those HF boxes are discontinued, which major chain stores do often do, will you still be able to get parts for it down the line? Will the box be warrantied if the runners fail or a caster snaps? Will the box stand up to the daily rigours of professional use?

I saw a video on YT about a HF box, where the owner was having to brace the underside of the box, as the steel it was made from, and it's construction, wasn't strong enough to support it when loaded with tools. Even on it's side, with no load bearing on it, he was able to demonstrate the flex using just his hands.

I had a cheap box once - lasted only a few months on my van before it was so twisted and distorted I couldn't even open the drawers. I've had a SO box on my van for ten years now (and the box is easily double if not triple that age) and it's been spot on; not a bend or a twist on it.
 

Zeroek

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Jan 19, 2008
Messages
1,091
Location
Indiana
My current toolbox is a cheap husky. Buying a cheaper box will leave me the money to buy good tools. I can buy a nicer box later on. Some people may require a more heavy duty box per job and environment. I work in a dealership where my box don't move and I have A HF cart that takes most of the moving and drawer opening and closing.
 

Skin

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Joined
Feb 24, 2010
Messages
11,713
Location
Boston
Am I missing something? Pardon my ignorance. I guess if I ask my wife about her Louis Vuitton purses, I will get a similar answer.

A truck box is a statement product. Its no different than buying a nice car/SUV/truck. You could lambast those owners in exactly the same way. Do you know what the depreciation is on a 50k vehicle after 5 years?

Also more color choices, automotive grade paint finish, far better support for replacement components, and substantially larger. The latter is probably one of my biggest pet peeves about the HF boxes, they're all about 20" deep which means the drawers are about 18.5".

I'd also wager few boxes are purchased in the 8-10k range, probably more like 4-6 thousand.
 
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Matt_C

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Apr 24, 2014
Messages
218
Location
London, UK
Worked side by side with a man with a 56 inch HF box for 3 years, loaded fully, beaten daily. He still preferred it over his previous Snap On box. Tool Snobs are a funny breed. Myself, I worked at a shop with a cheap Craftsman 26 inch stack for 10 years, never a failure on that box either.

I'm sure they are. Fortunately, I don't know any personally.
 

alpinewhite

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Aug 4, 2012
Messages
1,315
Location
Orange County, California, USA
A truck box is a statement product.
My point, though, was that if monthly installments are being made for a toolbox, then, the person can't afford it. Why not start with a cheaper box paid for in cash. Then, once money rolls in, upgrade. That way, there's no cost of borrowing in the form of interest.

This is no different that buying a small house first. Once it appreciates and income is higher, a home upgrade can be done. Buying a mansion from the get-go is not wise.
 

alpinewhite

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Aug 4, 2012
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Orange County, California, USA
Oh, and btw, before finding GJ, I never noticed what toolboxes exist in repair places. I never gave a damn. And I wrench!!!

People who don't wrench, more so, don't give a damn even more. They just want their cars fixed. I guess the "statement" is only being made to the fellow wrenchers in the shop.

Please don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with owning truck boxes (I own a 56" Dale Earnhardt Snappy). I just don't think it's financially savvy to own them but resort to making payments on them. The same goes true with people who own luxury cars. I would rather own a fully-paid Toyota over a Lexus to which I have to pay interest on my monthly payments.
 
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Outlawmws

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Aug 9, 2011
Messages
39,090
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The Badlands
Guys: can we stop the ******* contest about "whose is bigger"? The mods are not particularly shy about eliminating people that disrespect others opinions here...

Talk about tool boxes, not about what you saw on a U-tube about "A cheap toolbox" or stoop to insults to "make a point" which never does make any points...
 
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331CID

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Joined
Dec 25, 2013
Messages
84
u9e4unez.jpg

Mac bottom, tractor supply Jobsmart top, and no name side cabinet I got for ten bucks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

mechanicalmoron

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Joined
Apr 28, 2014
Messages
178
Guys: can we stop the ******* contest about "whose is bigger"? The mods are not particularly shy about eliminating people that disrespect others opinions here...

Talk about tool boxes, not about what you saw on a U-tube about "A cheap toolbox" or stoop to insults to "make a point" which never does make any points...

Not trying to piss at you or anything.... but it looks like you're being a bit dramatic, I enjoyed the conversation, it's heated and passionate, but not unreasonably so.

I'll bring in some pictures of my tiny box later, and fix everyone's ego about their width.
 

WhiffySpark

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 22, 2009
Messages
6,252
This may be a sore subject but I'd ask anyway:

A) If a tech were to get a new truck box, he'd spend tens of thousands and make payments.

B) Another choice is to get a HF box and locker and not make payments.

I understand that truck boxes are better but by a factor of 8 or more? I don't think so. I'd rather get a 56" or 72" HF and lockers on either side. Sure, the quality will be subpar compared to a Snappy but it's only 1/8 the price.

Am I missing something? Pardon my ignorance. I guess if I ask my wife about her Louis Vuitton purses, I will get a similar answer.

Deeper and taller drawers make a big differene sometimes

"tens of thousands" is that techs choice. Most are under 10k.

I knew a tech that had a Mr Big and a Pit Box

:bowdown:
 
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gagreen

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Mar 22, 2013
Messages
779
Location
Colorado
Lol this is a show off thread. It's like going onto a watch forum and telling everyone your Timex is a good as someones Rolex.

You all are extremely misinformed on actual cost of snap on boxes. No one pays anywhere close to msrp of the truck. Truck credit for buying a box can be had at zero percent interest as well. My new krl came off the truck on truck credit because he wanted it sold and agreed to carry me at 0 percent. The misinformation and nonsense you all spout about your hf being as good as any truck brand box is just laughable. Box envy is ugly. Don't hate on people for having something nicer than yourself or bash them for buying cheap. Realize there is a difference in quality tho.
 
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gatewaysysop

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Joined
Nov 11, 2008
Messages
3,286
Location
Arizona
Guys: can we stop the ******* contest about "whose is bigger"? The mods are not particularly shy about eliminating people that disrespect others opinions here...

Talk about tool boxes, not about what you saw on a U-tube about "A cheap toolbox" or stoop to insults to "make a point" which never does make any points...

:+1: - completely agree.

Thread topic says "Let's see your toolbox", it does not say, "Let's discuss the merits of high dollar boxes vs. [insert brand here]". Reading comprehension is your friend, folks.
 
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Matt_C

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Apr 24, 2014
Messages
218
Location
London, UK
Not trying to piss at you or anything.... but it looks like you're being a bit dramatic, I enjoyed the conversation, it's heated and passionate, but not unreasonably so.

I'll bring in some pictures of my tiny box later, and fix everyone's ego about their width.

Likewise - mines only 26" wide, and not a patch on a 44, 56, or 77" cab!

My point was, before I was called a tool snob or accused of having a ******* contest with anyone, that there's reasons truck brand boxes cost a lot more than the cheaper store brands, other than just the name.

In my case, I had really no choice but to go for a SO box - Mac boxes aren't common over here, and other truck brands like Matco and Cornwell are even more scarce. I went for one of the "own brand" boxes from the well know industrial tool suppliers over here, and as I said before it lasted a matter of months. Road life is hard, and it wasn't up to the job.

I didn't buy a brand new box from the SO man though - I couldn't afford it. Used was the way to go for me. And since taking the lid off, I don't even have a badge on my box, so no one looking at it, other than another tech if he knows what he's looking at, would know it's SO. My customers sure don't, and like someone else said - I'm sure they couldn't care less.

(although to raise another point - if a guy turns up on your drive to fix your car, or in my case replace the glass, do you think they customer would be more "at ease" with a guy that turns up with a pro looking box (brand regardless, I'm just talking about the well known look or a red, drawer filled box) or a guy that rocks up with a horrible plastic box, or bag, that needs to spill half his tools out on the floor before getting to the right one? I know what I'd prefer to see, and I think most customers would be the same. I'm not talking about brands, or anything like that - just that classic first impression we all make when we see someone, and their kit, for the first time)
 

Outlawmws

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Joined
Aug 9, 2011
Messages
39,090
Location
The Badlands
Not trying to piss at you or anything.... but it looks like you're being a bit dramatic, I enjoyed the conversation, it's heated and passionate, but not unreasonably so.

I'll bring in some pictures of my tiny box later, and fix everyone's ego about their width.

I'm not being dramatic. The "conversation" doesn't belong in a thread called "lets see your tool box". I've seen to many other threads get closed, deleted or offending posts get deleted for where this is heading, not to mention the bannings that sometimes go with it...

If anyone wants to "discuss" the merits of one box over another, fine, lower the temp. and discuss it. Anyone feels the need to escalate as was happening here; take it to your own thread... :3gears:
 

alpinewhite

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Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Messages
1,315
Location
Orange County, California, USA
Deeper and taller drawers make a big differene sometimes
That's what I was searching for. Good answer.

You all are extremely misinformed on actual cost of snap on boxes. No one pays anywhere close to msrp of the truck. Truck credit for buying a box can be had at zero percent interest as well.

Good to know. I'd make payments too if it's zero percent. Thanks.

I'm not being dramatic. The "conversation" doesn't belong in a thread called "lets see your tool box".
Agreed. It's just that before discovering GJ, I never knew one could get a loan with a toolbox as collateral. Now, I know so.
 
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BK13

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Joined
Mar 1, 2013
Messages
2,692
Location
PDX, OR
Hey, what are you guys doing posting actual pictures of your boxes is a "show off your tool box" thread? LOL

Nice looking boxes, men.

Afazz, do you have a top box on your setup? It looks from that angle like your socket drawer is awfully low, but as a former coworker used to say, it's probably an obstacle delusion (optical illusion).
 
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afazz

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Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
860
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Afazz, do you have a top box on your setup? It looks from that angle like your socket drawer is awfully low, but as a former coworker used to say, it's probably an obstacle delusion (optical illusion).

I do have a top box, it's a KRL722/KRL791 combo. I was standing on a stool to get a clean photo of the entire drawer. Here is the whole box, but many of the drawers have been stuffed full and reorganized since this post:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2000673&postcount=6144
 

Fcvapor05

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