Lista vs. Snap-On

[Nicnumber1]

Like the title says, which would you guys prefer in a high end home shop? This is not a debate on quality or even price, strictly on layout and design.


You can throw Vidmar in there too, I am more talking about overall storage. This is to include woodworking,fabrication, electrical, and supplies into the scope of organization.


Okay, let me rephrase “mechanic” type box be it Snap-On, Matco, or whoever versus what I call “Lab type” instrument storage.

Thanks!

 

[farmall400]

I have both. I prefer the snap on boxes for tool storage. Drawers seem smoother to me and the finish is better. They also look a lot better in my opinion.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

...where's the popcorn?

 

[Shiftless]

...where's the popcorn?

to that ^^^^

 

[rustyjames]

Shouldn't we add Vidmar in this discussion too?

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Now, I'll go ahead and feed the fire:

In all honesty, I'd prefer Snap On **IF ** you have a dealer. If not, then it's mostly a wash because you'll be spending big money either way and service to support it will likely be equal PITA to get, but I'd still lean toward Snap On because the products are more tuned for mechanics tools than Lista.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I have 2 Listas right now, a 56 and a 24, and am specing out 2 more, a 56 and a 40 that those 2 will be replacing my triple bank Mac in early 2018. ( Home shop also just like you are asking for )


On the Lista:

The thing with Lista is that if you are ordering new, you can spec out all the drawer depths and chassis widths to correctly fit what **** you want to put in them. Instead of the other way around on a mechanics box, where you have to fit your **** in the 2 or 3 configs they offer. I think that is actually a disadvantage for mechanics, so I'm gonna disagree with Doc on that one. Too many shallow drawers on mechanics box that eat up cost and don't provide a lot of storage.

In addition to the nearly infinite config possibilities -Lista caster, slides and tops are as nice, if not nicer than a mechanics box, so no lost ground really.

On the SO ( or Mac or Matco ):

I think mechanics boxes are slightly more attractive to the eye, and have better locking systems.

 

[Nicnumber1]

This wasn’t a Brand debate, as stated in original post. I am asking about user interface over a wide variety of tool types and storage.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Used snap on.

Buy based on the drawer layout you want. Easily get 50% off "retail" on craigslist; I see the occasional KRL triple bay listed for 3k.

 

[taumac]

I would say Vidmar or Listas. I like the fact that if you have a say few Vidmars it’s easy to swap and move drawers around to where you want them. Also with the ability to have deep drawers allows you to store bulky tools and equipment.

 

[Nicnumber1]

Shouldn't we add Vidmar in this discussion too?

I have 2 Listas right now, a 56 and a 24, and am specing out 2 more, a 56 and a 40 that those 2 will be replacing my triple bank Mac in early 2018. ( Home shop also just like you are asking for )


On the Lista:

The thing with Lista is that if you are ordering new, you can spec out all the drawer depths and chassis widths to correctly fit what **** you want to put in them. Instead of the other way around on a mechanics box, where you have to fit your **** in the 2 or 3 configs they offer. I think that is actually a disadvantage for mechanics, so I'm gonna disagree with Doc on that one. Too many shallow drawers on mechanics box that eat up cost and don't provide a lot of storage.

In addition to the nearly infinite config possibilities -Lista caster, slides and tops are as nice, if not nicer than a mechanics box, so no lost ground really.

On the SO ( or Mac or Matco ):

I think mechanics boxes are slightly more attractive to the eye, and have better locking systems.

Perfect response. I’m debating selling my Snap-Ons in favor of more customizable storage.

 

[PelicanPines]

Nobody has said HF yet???

Harbor Freight.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Perfect response. I’m debating selling my Snap-Ons in favor of more customizable storage.

The 2 pieces of advice are to 1) measure anything you want to store, then add at least 1/4" before you pick your drawer depths. I have these 2 now that were scratch n dent so I didn't get to pick the depths, but it gave me a good idea which depths I liked. 2) hang a spare key in the shop, both lista cabinets one with and one without a lock cylinder will lock by themselves about once every 3months.

 

[ishiboo]

He said for storage of supplies/etc. Lista hands down. The dividers are awesome.

 

[BFHtime]

When it comes to customizable drawer layout, I think you should take a look at Matco. They offer much more customization than Snap-on. I am bias toward Snap-on for most things where quality matter or makes a difference. I have had great Snap-on service and not good service too. Depends on the driver. My next box will probably be a Snap-on. That said Matco offers more customization options. The best thing Matco does is make good boxes, IMO.

I have read on this sight that Lista has changed suppliers for parts over the years. Where Snap-on will repair just about anything or replace it, when it comes to old slides and what not.

I prefer the manny shallow drawers as I have many hand tools, and don’t like to move two layers of **** to get to the tools on the bottom, (I often have to do this). I feel stuff I put in deeper drawers could for the most part go in a wall locker. I feel the wall locker is more cost effective, especially in a home garage. Those blow molded cases take up a lot of volume.

 

[BFHtime]

He said for storage of supplies/etc. Lista hands down. The dividers are awesome.

This guy makes a great point.

 

[LXCam]

Well I have a 54" SO box 30" deep and my main wrenching box is 29 drawers of lista magic not including 4 other lista cabinets I use for other purposes. I like the additional depth of the snappy but didn't much care for the drawer depths, it's really suited to laying your tools flat which ***** for me. All in all I'm perfectly happy with the lista set up I built. The link in my sig is the thread, but if you aren't able to see the Photobucket stuff it doesn't do ya any good.


Just the same here is the finished product that's adjacent to my lift.

 

[mechanic217]

I have 3 SnapOn , 1 Lista, 1 Vidmar, I prefer the Lista or Vidmar and will be selling the SO to buy more.

 

[zkling]

You'll get more versatility and storage capability for your money with Lista and other industrial brand cabinet makers. However they are targeted towards the industrial sector and thus they lack the bling and *** appeal (smooth glossy paint, highlights, trim) of the truck brands.

You MIGHT get better long term support out of snap on though. The modern Lista tool boxes have plastic rollers, and I don't know how long they will hold up and what Lista's plan is when they are worn.

 

[hautpot]

listas are terrible for repair and warranty. They don't utilize space well. The drawer unlock design on the 2000s-ish? year made cabinets and rollbox are asinine and backwards.

they didn't hold up to the machine shop. The only positive is they have dedicated CAT holders for the CNCs.

 

[WittHay]

In a money is no object home workshop, the custom built industrial boxes win hands down. The drawer configurations and sizes are endless. Hardest part would be figure out what you need, and not change your mind after a year or two.

Couple of pictures of stationary Rousseau boxes vs. Snap-on Mr. Big and triple bay

 

[L.Cheapo]

For the record, you can customize the drawer depth and quantity of Snap On boxes too. Its usually free when the Rock n Roll cab truck is around.

 

[packet]

Lista/vidmar all the way. Way more customization. The drawers hold 2-3x the weight of a normal toolbox, and the dividers in the drawers are life savers. No giant drawers full of tools that slide around. Just organized drawers and everything has a place. Way easier to find things, and way more useful.

 

[Skin]

listas are terrible for repair and warranty. They don't utilize space well. The drawer unlock design on the 2000s-ish? year made cabinets and rollbox are asinine and backwards

Lista NA became part of Stanley Vidmar 5 years ago so this all may of changed however I've read nothing but good things about Lista's legacy parts support. Just have to get ahold of a CSR who knows what they're doing but they apparently keep as many molds and drawings on hand as possible to manufacture parts as needed.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

For the record, you can customize the drawer depth and quantity of Snap On boxes too. Its usually free when the Rock n Roll cab truck is around.

The R&R truck guy doesn't need to be around. I've custom ordered drawer layout just with my regular dealer...whatever discussion if takes to arrange can happen by phone. The only thing that SO annoys me with in this department is for some reason drawer customization is free on bottom roller boxes only. If you want to change a top box around, you have to buy whatever drawers at a separate cost...really ridiculous IMO when the drawers are the SAME PARTS and the customer is spending thousands of dollars.

 

[Mr_B]

^
yes that pretty silly and situation needs be improved ...

 

[wornoutoldman]

i like this: http://www.lyonworkspace.com/product-category/modular-drawer-cabinet-double-eye-level/

 

[4x4gearhead]

For me i would have a truck brand toolbox if you are looking for quality for tools. Buy one used as mentioned above with a layout that would work, and for your supplies and such get vidmar bins. If they are built the same as ones in the 90s that i have personal experience with they wont disappoint, at times these can be had used too at equipment auctions or "going out of business" sales. So in my opinion i would say "both"

 

[racinfarmer]

Lista/Vidmar/Rousseau, hands down.

Not participating in the Snap-On circle-jerk may be worth the price alone.

 

[crewchief888]

if i wanted (or needed) an "all in one" type matching storage for everything the OP listed, i'd be looking at the lista/vidmar type cabinets.

personally, i keep woodworking and metal fab far away from each other.

 

[ishiboo]

Lista NA became part of Stanley Vidmar 5 years ago so this all may of changed however I've read nothing but good things about Lista's legacy parts support. Just have to get ahold of a CSR who knows what they're doing but they apparently keep as many molds and drawings on hand as possible to manufacture parts as needed.

Pretty sure Lista doesn't even have the parts needed to keep the drawer slides functioning on the older (but not that old) boxes. The absolute main component - the bearings - are NLA.

 

[pcmeiners]

Get a kick out of posters talking about lack of support for Lista or Vidmar cabinets support....

If the drawer slides are greased every 15-20 years of hard use, there will never be a need for support; yes I have seen metal to metal slide and bearing wear issues on used Vidmars/Listas... that is user abuse. With minimal maintenance every 15-20 years perhaps in a 100 years of hard use you might need to replace the bearing or if you load a drawer over 500 lbs. you might have a problem. Have 9 Vidmars. assorted sizes

"The absolute main component - the bearings - are NLA. "
Your on this forum and you can't configure a substitute or go on Ebay ?

NLA=No Longer Available

Yes Snap on boxes look great but I not paying for bling at top dollar.

 

[BFHtime]

What is NLA?
I like to guess acronyms, how about Nothing Like Anything else?

 

[BFHtime]

Did a quick search and the urban dictionary gave no longer available ��

 

[packet]

Get a kick out of posters talking about lack of support for Lista or Vidmar cabinets support....

If the drawer slides are greased every 15-20 years of hard use, there will never be a need for support; yes I have seen metal to metal slide and bearing wear issues on used Vidmars/Listas... that is user abuse. With minimal maintenance every 15-20 years perhaps in a 100 years of hard use you might need to replace the bearing or if you load a drawer over 500 lbs. you might have a problem.

"The absolute main component - the bearings - are NLA. "
Your on this forum and you can't configure a substitute or go on Ebay ?

Yeah I bought a bunch of Vidmar cabinets that were previously used to store Chinook parts on an Army base, and then set out in the desert uncovered for a few years. The manufactured date was 1981.

I cleaned out the sand from the bearings and replaced the lube. They slide great now with zero issues. If they can stand that kind of abuse, they're more than sturdy enough for any shop environment.

WRT Lista, I believe they changed from a metal bearing to a plastic one and the old metal bearings are NLA as a part. They make you replace the entire tray.

The bearings are standard bearings. Drill them out and replace with the same size bearing from pretty much anywhere and you're good to go.

 

[rustyjames]

I have a SnapOn and Vidmar and if I ever bought another my choice would be the Vidmar. The effort to open a Vidmar drawer is much easier than the Snappy. But, appearance wise the Snappy wins.

 

[Trey T]

if youre **** and QA is a major concern, go with Lista like aviation/aerospace techs.

 

[Wamsutta]

Try doing that with a Snap-on box. Yes, those are brake rotors.

 

[zkling]

Try doing that with a Snap-on box. Yes, those are brake rotors.

Horses for courses. Try this with a lista.... yes that is 2000 lb cap per shelf.

 

[L.Cheapo]

if youre **** and QA is a major concern, go with Lista like aviation/aerospace techs.

I have been in aviation over 20 years, and I have never seen an A&P own a Lista or Vidmar anything. The parts department, sure, but not being pushed across the hangar floor to work on something that flies. What I have seen is about 92% Snap On, 3% Mac, 2% Matco, 2% Extreme/etc, and 1% Craftsman/HF/Husky/etc. Maybe they're out there, but I havent seen even one at the Flight school, University, MRO, 135, 145, or corporate flight departments I've been a part of/visited. And thats a very large number at this point.