Meet me between Harbor Freight and Snap-On... (Tool Carts)

[arcticjp]

I am looking for a new high quality full bank tool cart, for general vehicle maintenance, and performance mods on Sports Cars, Trucks, Off-Road Vehicles, and Snowmobiles.

Initially what caught my eye was a Snap-On KRSC343, which seems to be the "best" choice... but obviously includes the typical Snap-On high price.

Searching for a less expensive option led me to the U.S. General 34 in Full Bank Service Cart. This seemed fairly decent, especially considering the price, but I am looking for something a little bit more refined.

What are my options for the middle ground? I have been searching for months in my area for a good condition used Snap-On, but nothing has come up.

Specifically looking only at carts in this size range, with an open top, that are easily mobile within a relatively small shop.

Would you pony up the $2k+ for a new tool truck box?

 

[CS454]

I picked up a used Matco JSC453 (3 drawer, 6 drawer is JSC483) and couldn't be happier with it. They don't seem too popular and honestly I can't figure out why.

Couple coworkers have the earlier MSC4 carts and much as I actually prefer them aesthetically, they don't seem to wear as well. I've posted pics of mine before below.

Let's see your mobile tool chest and how you organized it.

I currently have my main tool boxes along the wall of the shop but I really need something that I can wheel over to car. Please share your mobile tool carts and how you like it and how you organized it

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Mike S.]

One of the guys at work recently bought a ~73" tripple bank toolbox from Extreme Tools when I was looking into a small service cart. I only mention this because I had never heard of the brand and it got me to check out their service cart offerings.

The build quality is pretty decent on the full size toolbox. Extreme Tools has a 41" open top 6 drawer service cart in the $1,800 range, which in nearly the cost of the Snap-On box that you're looking at, but it will give you a little more room for storage if you can use the space.

 

[mhejl]

I bought a used like new KRSC43 sliding top a few years ago, before the HF service carts came out, for around $1k. I really don't like flip-top carts (BTDT).

I replaced the top 4" drawer with 2 2" drawers which is perfect for ratchets and screwdrivers. The drawers and 1 pr of slides wasn't cheap - around $400. That's not an option on the USG service cart.

Today, I'd probably pick the Icon 36" cab but they're not currently available. I have a 73" and its every bit as good as my SO KRL.

 

[F-22]

Well, maybe check out European brands. Hazet is known for some nice tool carts. Also Beta, Stahlwille, Gedore... Unior makes decent toolcarts too.

Bahco is also worth checking out, It's owned by Snap On but i'm not sure where the toolboxes are made. The one I've seen are quite well made though.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have to say the hf cart is still a good value for a decent product, stands up to everyday abuse pretty good. A bought a few for the job site, they take a good beating.

 

[Maxcustody]

For my new shop that was recently completed I bought the KRSC430 Snap-on Box and love it. Yes it is expensive, but I feel the cost was justified to me and it is what I wanted.............

 

[2ndGearRubber]

As the price of carts has come up, snap on becomes less expensive.

LIFETIME warranty matters, if you're using it to make a living. Not "lifetime" but they discontinued it and now you can't get slides replaced. Fwiw I see the 32" wide snap on float on local selling sites for 1200 to 1500. Asking price BTW.

My Montezuma cart is 36ish wide. 20 deep, 6 drawer with flip top. I've replaced all the slides once, and the casters once. Slides are 20 a set, casters I have maybe 90 bucks in? I paid 600 plus tax as a hookup price new from a local distributor. A similar cart is 1000-1200 now from the premium import barnds like extreme. The HF 6 drawrt is a hot deal, but smaller than what i have now. Over 5-6years I've had it, thats an incurred cost of 220. I did need to cut new drawer liners, that's like 75 bucks. IDK if snap on warranties that. Of they did, that's all of 300 bucks.

So, with my incurred cost of 220 bucks, with comparable sized imported carts at say 1100, the tool trucks look less pricey over time vs that 1320 over 5 years of less than delicate daily use. Cheapest snap on cart is 1900ish, plus tax. List, might negotiate that. Could be truck account, could be snap on credit. That's a whole different aspect of the situation not really worth discussing as it's so individual.

My temptress is the 40" snap on. That will probably be my next cart when the Montezuma dies. I've broken the welds on the hinge to lid attachment, so I drilled 2 holes and added a nut and bolt. I'd still need to buy some add ons, mostly from HF, for the snap on. It goes for 2100ish, for the 40".

 

[javyLSU]

Unless you want something custom or have a very specific color combination in mind, I see KRSC326 carts all day long on FB marketplace for $1200, sometimes new with the protective wrap still on the lid. If you want the Snap-on (which it sounds like you do) I’d pick one up used - but you might need to expand your search area if you’re not finding anything good.

Depending on if you’ve got an established relationship with your Snap-on rep, that could be an option. They’re usually willing to deal on a box if they know you’re ready to buy.

 

[arcticjp]

For my new shop that was recently completed I bought the KRSC430 Snap-on Box and love it. Yes it is expensive, but I feel the cost was justified to me and it is what I wanted.............

I really like the blue! Looks to fit right into the shop! How has it been?

 

[arcticjp]

Unless you want something custom or have a very specific color combination in mind, I see KRSC326 carts all day long on FB marketplace for $1200, sometimes new with the protective wrap still on the lid. If you want the Snap-on (which it sounds like you do) I’d pick one up used - but you might need to expand your search area if you’re not finding anything good.

Depending on if you’ve got an established relationship with your Snap-on rep, that could be an option. They’re usually willing to deal on a box if they know you’re ready to buy.

I will have to expand my search, and wait for the right one.. good call.

 

[arcticjp]

As the price of carts has come up, snap on becomes less expensive.

LIFETIME warranty matters, if you're using it to make a living. Not "lifetime" but they discontinued it and now you can't get slides replaced. Fwiw I see the 32" wide snap on float on local selling sites for 1200 to 1500. Asking price BTW.

My Montezuma cart is 36ish wide. 20 deep, 6 drawer with flip top. I've replaced all the slides once, and the casters once. Slides are 20 a set, casters I have maybe 90 bucks in? I paid 600 plus tax as a hookup price new from a local distributor. A similar cart is 1000-1200 now from the premium import barnds like extreme. The HF 6 drawrt is a hot deal, but smaller than what i have now. Over 5-6years I've had it, thats an incurred cost of 220. I did need to cut new drawer liners, that's like 75 bucks. IDK if snap on warranties that. Of they did, that's all of 300 bucks.

So, with my incurred cost of 220 bucks, with comparable sized imported carts at say 1100, the tool trucks look less pricey over time vs that 1320 over 5 years of less than delicate daily use. Cheapest snap on cart is 1900ish, plus tax. List, might negotiate that. Could be truck account, could be snap on credit. That's a whole different aspect of the situation not really worth discussing as it's so individual.

My temptress is the 40" snap on. That will probably be my next cart when the Montezuma dies. I've broken the welds on the hinge to lid attachment, so I drilled 2 holes and added a nut and bolt. I'd still need to buy some add ons, mostly from HF, for the snap on. It goes for 2100ish, for the 40".

This is my thought as well. I have hopefully many decades of this next box being in my shop, so a couple of extra Benjamin’s might be worthwhile… buy once, cry once?

 

[m6z]

I don't think there is much in-between those two.

Sunex, Homak and the other import options are double the price of the HF cart and if you're spending that much money go ahead and pony up a a few hundred more bucks and get the Snap-on.

 

[CGarage]

I mean this sincerely, I felt the HF version of the S/O roll cart was heavier duty and built from thicker steel material.
I could not believe how flimsy the S/O version felt when I saw one in person. Not like the older boxes from the 80s and 90s from S/O that wer really “stout”.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have a 43" Snap On cart at home, and the HF at school/work. I can't imagine there is anything in between.
The Snap On is nice, modular (I replaced the bigger draws with more shallow), and support is second to none.
The HF is MUCH more solid than the older cart, price is great, and it's really good bang for buck.
I'm spoiled in that I got the SO cart at the SEP price, but you really can't go wrong with either I think.

 

[Maxcustody]

I really like the blue! Looks to fit right into the shop! How has it been?

Thanks, I love it! Works great and fits all the tools for the new shop. Easy to pull around wherever I need it. No regrets at all.

 

[shawhite]

What about matco, Cornwell and Mac. I see them come up used near me for cheaper than snap-on and they are close to equal in quality.

 

[arcticjp]

I don't think there is much in-between those two.

Sunex, Homak and the other import options are double the price of the HF cart and if you're spending that much money go ahead and pony up a a few hundred more bucks and get the Snap-on.

This has been what I have noticed, as it seems like recently the gap has been closing.

 

[arcticjp]

What about matco, Cornwell and Mac. I see them come up used near me for cheaper than snap-on and they are close to equal in quality.

I’ll look more into these, main concern here is long term support and serviceability. Similar to Snap-On?

 

[809]

Mobile Toolboxes - Service | Rousseau Automotive International

www.rousseau.com

 

[809]

https://www.listaintl.com/products/toolboxes-and-carts/toolboxes

 

[TJMtl]

Like above, I was going to recommend Rousseau, or Tekton which is a rebadged Rousseau.

I have a used KRL1022 and for about 1/2 the list price of a new one I got a brand new 60" Rousseau for my other tools.

 

[autobon7]

I’ll look more into these, main concern here is long term support and serviceability. Similar to Snap-On?

I routinely see Cornwell and Matco carts pop up on marketplace for $3-4 hundred. Great price and very good quality.

 

[Zewnten]

What about matco, Cornwell and Mac. I see them come up used near me for cheaper than snap-on and they are close to equal in quality.

Can't speak to matco but cornwell is absolute very quickly. Had flip top cart and could not get any parts for it, luckily I bought it for $500 but I don't think I'd bother with them if you're interested in long term support. Coworker had an older Matco tool box and he claimed Matco also had this problem and the one time I talked to my Matco dealer he beat around the bush but basically couldn't deny they have had this problem. Snap On almost always has parts availible for years.

 

[Shocker]

I have restored a bunch of boxes and tool carts and have always been able to get parts from the factory. Mac has always been the best at providing parts in my experience.

I restored a 1970's Cornwell tool cart, 40" and they sent me wheels and 4 pairs of slides no problem.

That is just my experience. If you can find a good Matco cart, I think those are the sweet spot for price and quality.

 

[Fedwrench]

If I was in the market for a cart, I'd get the Harbor Freight full drawer bank unit. I like the fact that it doesn't have any skinny drawers. At list price it's cheaper than similar offers from sunex & homak and roughly 1/4 of a similar truck brand cart. It offers maximum storage with a minimum footprint.
However, if you want the Snap on, by all means get one.
Who know what the future will bring in long term product support. I have a Cornwell 60 inch, Kennedy made unit along with their 7 drawer tool cart and I can't get any repair parts for either unit. If I can get 5-10 years out of a cart, I think I've gotten more than enough out of the investment. If you don't need the top till storage area, another option would be the 36 inch wide Icon unit.

36 in. x 25 in. Professional Roll Cab, Green

Amazing deals on this Green 36X25 Icon Roller Cabinet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

People have posted here of picking these up on clearance for like half price which would be a great deal

 

[Zewnten]

I have restored a bunch of boxes and tool carts and have always been able to get parts from the factory. Mac has always been the best at providing parts in my experience.

I restored a 1970's Cornwell tool cart, 40" and they sent me wheels and 4 pairs of slides no problem.

That is just my experience. If you can find a good Matco cart, I think those are the sweet spot for price and quality.

How? I tried and was told basically since the split from their previous tool box maker parts are non existant.

 

[Shocker]

How? I tried and was told basically since the split from their previous tool box maker parts are non existant.

Well, I had a good relationship with the local Cornwell guy. I am not a pro, but I have bought a lot of Cornwell stuff for myself. I was born close to the headquarters and did tours there when I was a kid.

All I did was show him the box I was working on and told him what I needed. He got them for me without any issue. I will say that I stopped restoring boxes a few years ago and I would bet that I sold that box 8 years ago give or take.

 

[Zewnten]

Well, I had a good relationship with the local Cornwell guy. I am not a pro, but I have bought a lot of Cornwell stuff for myself. I was born close to the headquarters and did tours there when I was a kid.

All I did was show him the box I was working on and told him what I needed. He got them for me without any issue. I will say that I stopped restoring boxes a few years ago and I would bet that I sold that box 8 years ago give or take.

Fair enough.

 

[CGarage]

Can't speak to matco but cornwell is absolute very quickly. Had flip top cart and could not get any parts for it, luckily I bought it for $500 but I don't think I'd bother with them if you're interested in long term support. Coworker had an older Matco tool box and he claimed Matco also had this problem and the one time I talked to my Matco dealer he beat around the bush but basically couldn't deny they have had this problem. Snap On almost always has parts availible for years.

Snap-On does have parts available for years.

That said, the quality seems to be declining.

I needed replacement hardware for a tool cart and they did not replace the fasteners with stainless steel as was originally fitted, it was cheap hardware. Sad.

I’ve had similar experiences with other Snap-On “replacement parts” for tool carts.

 

[tarbellb]

Best bang per buck boxes- Tekton made by Rousseau (Canada)

7-Drawer Tool Cabinet, Red (36 W x 27 D x 41.5 H in.) | TEKTON

Our smallest rolling tool cabinet features 7 full-extension drawers, each with a 400 lb. weight capacity. Made in North America. 90-Day Trial. OCL33200.

www.tekton.com

 

[shawhite]

Best bang per buck boxes- Tekton made by Rousseau (Canada)

7-Drawer Tool Cabinet, Red (36 W x 27 D x 41.5 H in.) | TEKTON

Our smallest rolling tool cabinet features 7 full-extension drawers, each with a 400 lb. weight capacity. Made in North America. 90-Day Trial. OCL33200.

www.tekton.com

But that is not a tool cart

 

[tarbellb]

But that is not a tool cart they stopped offering the cart just a short period ago. I bet it could still be found out in the wild.

good point

I was piling on what Fedwrench was suggesting.

However, Tekton did offer a cart up until recently, same deal Rousseau made.

 

[shawhite]

I wish they would make a full bank cart with a top til and 5-7 drawers

 

[brownbagg]

at the power plant, all the service carts are kennedy

 

[speed bump]

I've had my Homak cart for about 12 years now and it's been solid. When they came out they were $500 promo at Napa, now they are like $1200. Not sure a new one is worth what a used snap on runs but it was a great deal at $500 for sure.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I've had my Homak cart for about 12 years now and it's been solid. When they came out they were $500 promo at Napa, now they are like $1200. Not sure a new one is worth what a used snap on runs but it was a great deal at $500 for sure.

When you could get that sized cart for cheap, which is a little bigger than a HF 36 which wasnt available at the time, it was a no brainer.

 

[GeoBruin]

I guess the question is, what do you get now for double the price of the US General?

 

[speed bump]

I guess the question is, what do you get now for double the price of the US General?

I haven't played with the HF much in the store but the Homak has heavier gauge metal than my old 41" HF box did (and that is thicker than the new ones). The hardware is overall better on the Homak and I like the drawer layout better but not $600 better.

Two things I do think the HF box is better for is it has a drawer latch system and the top is about 1-1/4" deeper which means it will fit bigger pry bars in the side (really my only complaint about the Homak).

Personally I would buy the HF box unless I found something I hated. I would buy a used Homak box if I found one (because I want to match my current cart) or a used Snap-on just to satisfy my basic tool ***** urges. I probably wouldn't pay $1200 for a new Homak unless I was spending someone elses money.

 

[Dig Doug]

My nephew just graduated college w/ an electrical engendering degree and I wanted to get him something that would last a lifetime per se….
his favorite color is orange

been thing of these…

about the same price, one is the cart the other is a 52in box… the box is a HDepot item