Montezuma Tool Boxes ??

[leev766]

I am a diesel mechanic, and its time for a bigger tool box. I have a hard time paying the money the big 3 tool guys want for their boxes. I have checked out Montezuma tool boxes at Strictly Tool Boxes, the boxes look good, prices look good. I have seen some of the posts on here about them. I am wondering if there is any body out there that uses one of these boxes for professional use. How long have you had it, how are the drawers (especially the big drawer) when loaded, and how is the paint job, any rust spots? Some of the cheaper boxes in my shop tend get rusts spots around the bottom after only a few years. I have had my Snap On for 15yrs, and it is still in good shape, can I expect this from a Montezuma? Thanks for any info.

 

[walrus]

. I have had my Snap On for 15yrs, and it is still in good shape, can I expect this from a Montezuma? Thanks for any info.

My experience is there is a reason one costs way more than the other.

 

[tonydanzah]

there is a reveiw by nissancrawler you need to look for.

 

[Freakazooid52]

Ive had one of their 41"rollcabs for 2 years now, no problems.

The slides arent very easy to move when no weight is in the drawer but after some weight they move easily.

My top drawer is loaded with sockets and no problems what so ever with the drawer sagging or opening.

For what they cost there well worth it if you cant afford a truck box.

I chose the path of a cheaper toolbox filled with quality tools over a snap on box with nothing in it.

 

[Toolhorder]

I chose the path of a cheaper toolbox filled with quality tools over a snap on box with nothing in it.

I choose the path of a Snap On toolbox filled with Snap On tools.

I do like the triangle shaped Montezuma box. Thinking I'll get one someday and use it on a cart or something.

 

[mrholeshot]

My experience is there is a reason one costs way more than the other.

While I won't knock the quality of the Snap-On box. most of the cost is because you buy a name and credit. To me the only thing really special is the paint but most companies now powdercoat so it's a wash. The first Snap-On box I was about too buy the dealer brought a box in the shop I was working in (used KRA roll cab) and poured brake fluid in one of the drawers, locked the box and when he came back the next week he opened the box and wiped the fluid out of the drawer with no damage to the paint. It was the only box on the market that could pull it off at the time so it was a big deal. As far as the construction of the boxes the Macsimizer is stronger and has better slides. The Snap-On is a better looking box. I've seen a few of the Montezuma Elite boxes and they look as good as the Snap-On and feel as strong as the Macsimiser at 1/3 the cost. I havent been up close enough to the Standard Montezuma to give a real opinion.

 

[Tim-Bob]

I have just purchased the Montezuma Elite 72" roll cab and I am very pleased with it so far.

I've been wrenching for 25 years, 23 out of a Snap-On KR655 with mismatched top chest. I work with a guy who has the Snap-On Classic 96 and there isn't much of a comparison: the Montezuma is better, IMHO.

It is way bigger, and the metal is thicker and the box feels sturdier. There are 2 sets of slides each for the deep drawers. There are 6 spring loaded casters for support. Finish wise, it is equal in every way except the handles. The Montezuma handles are not a bent and squished piece of chrome tubing, they are very solid and HEAVY. Rolls as easily as you could expect 2500lbs of box and tools to roll on our dirty and rough floor. On the smooth spots, it's really great!!

My top drawer is loaded with sockets, ratchets and extension. Loaded. Zero flex or issues so far. Very smooth and solid. Opens and closes more easily due to the load, compared to empty drawers. The detents on this unit are very positive. It even comes with optional bumpers to make then a little easier to open and close, as they are quite stiff.

I can't speak for durability, but I see no reason it shouldn't last at least as long as my 655. In all honesty, I think it is built better than it, too. One on-going issue I had with the 655 was the drawer slides giving out regularly. The Montezuma slides are appreciably heavier than the Snap-On slides in mine and my co-workers. This is necessary due to the depth of the drawers, and it shows.

As for the higher lines of Snap-On boxes, I don't know how it would compare. I do know there is no way I'd pay that much for a box. A comparable top line box was listed in our latest Canadian flier where the payments worked out to $15,000 at the end of term. I'm sure it's a great box, but come on!

 

[Toolhorder]

I have just purchased the Montezuma Elite 72" roll cab and I am very pleased with it so far.

I've been wrenching for 25 years, 23 out of a Snap-On KR655 with mismatched top chest. I work with a guy who has the Snap-On Classic 96 and there isn't much of a comparison: the Montezuma is better, IMHO.

It is way bigger, and the metal is thicker and the box feels sturdier. There are 2 sets of slides each for the deep drawers. There are 6 spring loaded casters for support. Finish wise, it is equal in every way except the handles. The Montezuma handles are not a bent and squished piece of chrome tubing, they are very solid and HEAVY. Rolls as easily as you could expect 2500lbs of box and tools to roll on our dirty and rough floor. On the smooth spots, it's really great!!

My top drawer is loaded with sockets, ratchets and extension. Loaded. Zero flex or issues so far. Very smooth and solid. Opens and closes more easily due to the load, compared to empty drawers. The detents on this unit are very positive. It even comes with optional bumpers to make then a little easier to open and close, as they are quite stiff.

I can't speak for durability, but I see no reason it shouldn't last at least as long as my 655. In all honesty, I think it is built better than it, too. One on-going issue I had with the 655 was the drawer slides giving out regularly. The Montezuma slides are appreciably heavier than the Snap-On slides in mine and my co-workers. This is necessary due to the depth of the drawers, and it shows.

As for the higher lines of Snap-On boxes, I don't know how it would compare. I do know there is no way I'd pay that much for a box. A comparable top line box was listed in our latest Canadian flier where the payments worked out to $15,000 at the end of term. I'm sure it's a great box, but come on!

Will Montezuma replace the slides forever? How about the trim pieces? The struts if you have a hutch? You get what you pay for.

15K for a box seems like a lot but it's not the worst investment I see people spend money on. People drop 30K on a car that's worth nothing in 10 yrs.
My SO box was made in 97 and it's still making me money. Matter of fact Snappy replaced half the slides and lock n roll pieces on it recently and I touched up some small scratches and buffed it out. Looks awesome still.

 

[RAYJAY]

My experience is there is a reason one costs way more than the other.

its called more more profit for the low life tool companys............ ...IMO what does the box do for you ??? locks only keep honest people out , and really guys it tool storage. how does a High $$$$ box make me more money???? than a cheap box

jeff

 

[Tim-Bob]

Will Montezuma replace the slides forever? How about the trim pieces? The struts if you have a hutch? You get what you pay for.

15K for a box seems like a lot but it's not the worst investment I see people spend money on. People drop 30K on a car that's worth nothing in 10 yrs.
My SO box was made in 97 and it's still making me money. Matter of fact Snappy replaced half the slides and lock n roll pieces on it recently and I touched up some small scratches and buffed it out. Looks awesome still.

The box has a five year warranty. I do expect to buy slides at some point, but these are definitely beefier than my old ones. I can buy 4 more of these boxes for the price of the high end Snap-On in the flier, and have enough left over to buy several replacement slides. I personally don't concern myself with trim pieces, and these would require some serious effort to take off. However, if they did require replacement, 90 degree chrome with adhesive is not too expensive. The finish is powder-coat, and seems very durable and high quality. Gas struts are dirt cheap too, although I don't require them on my new roll cab.

Like I said, I have a Snap-On box that I've used for 23 years, and it has been great. The new box seems to be better built and more solid. Indeed, the paint on the new box is better too, but that is probably due to the evolution of finishes. For $700 more I could have had a Snap-on Classic 96, smaller and not as well built(IMHO), very similar finish quality, and with a lifetime warranty on the slides and trim. As for the high end model, I simply can't afford $15K for a toolbox. My decision was based on my needs, and the best information I could come up with.

I agree that you get what you pay for. Unfortunately, sometimes you pay a premium for a name. I'm not looking to start an argument, but I most certainly did not buy this based solely on price. There are plenty of sub $1500 72" roll cabs out there. I wouldn't use them at work because they are too flimsy, and wouldn't last. Based on my research on this box, and first hand experience with the Classic 96, I decided that this box was the best deal of the two and would survive the use I put it through. Ask me again in 5 years if I would still make the same choice. Unless it falls apart, I think it was the best choice I could have made.

 

[mrholeshot]

Will Montezuma replace the slides forever? How about the trim pieces? The struts if you have a hutch? You get what you pay for.

15K for a box seems like a lot but it's not the worst investment I see people spend money on. People drop 30K on a car that's worth nothing in 10 yrs.
My SO box was made in 97 and it's still making me money. Matter of fact Snappy replaced half the slides and lock n roll pieces on it recently and I touched up some small scratches and buffed it out. Looks awesome still.

A good roller slide cost about 30 dollars. Yeah I can see paying 12,000 dollars more for getting that warranteed

 

[Dwyer77]

Here's a review that I just finished up writing on my experience with Montezuma and Strictly Tool Boxes:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1165584#post1165584

 

[Toolhorder]

A good roller slide cost about 30 dollars. Yeah I can see paying 12,000 dollars more for getting that warranteed

From HF maybe. Slides are pretty expensive when you need 6-7 sets at a time.
I'll put money on the fact that it's not as strong as a Snappy box. For most of the people of GJ that's not a problem but I'm a professional tech so I buy the best tools period.

 

[vssjim]

I think the SO box deal is overrated as I have had a Craftsman labled Waterloo 56" wide 30" deep top and bottom for twenty years with no parts needed and I use it at work every day and all the drawers are full and heavy.

 

[mrholeshot]

From HF maybe. Slides are pretty expensive when you need 6-7 sets at a time.
I'll put money on the fact that it's not as strong as a Snappy box. For most of the people of GJ that's not a problem but I'm a professional tech so I buy the best tools period.

The roller slides in my wood box are better than Snap-On slides. (Not joking) and were less than 30 dollars a pair. Snap-On uses a good slide but it's still not the greatest. I've been a professional tech for over 40 years. Sometimes the most expensive isn't the best. The Montezuma Elite may or may not be as strong as the Snap-On but it isn't that much to building one. There is 7-10,000 dollars differance in price. If you need 6-7 sets at one time you better be looking into a new box or keep your box off the bottom of the pool. Beleive it or not there are alternatives to Snap-On, Always have been, always will be. I've been all down the Snap-On highway all my life. I know what I'm talking about. Snap-On's Motto "There is a differance" is very true. The differance is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and one of there other Mottos "Nothing even comes close" is about the biggest line of horse **** ever. There are a lot of pros on this forum. Being a pro is about the quality of work you do, your ethics, your skill level and being equipted to do the job. Nowhere has Snap-On cornered the market on any of the above. Snap-On makes great hand tools and great tool boxes. The name doesn't make you a great technician.

 

[Toolhorder]

I think the SO box deal is overrated as I have had a Craftsman labled Waterloo 56" wide 30" deep top and bottom for twenty years with no parts needed and I use it at work every day and all the drawers are full and heavy.

Yeah well I've looked at those boxes and they aren't even comparable. I could store my tools in a kitchen cabinet from Home Depot too but it wouldn't be as strong as what I have now.
I was just looking at one yesterday at Sears and the handle for the side was mild tube steel and they just flatted the ends and bent them over and bolted them to the side. That would be broken the first time I loaded my tools in and moved it across the shop.

Would you really admit it wasn't as good though? That's what I think when anyone posts that the C-man they've had forever works just fine in a pro shop.

 

[mrholeshot]

Yeah well I've looked at those boxes and they aren't even comparable. I could store my tools in a kitchen cabinet from Home Depot too but it wouldn't be as strong as what I have now.
I was just looking at one yesterday at Sears and the handle for the side was mild tube steel and they just flatted the ends and bent them over and bolted them to the side. That would be broken the first time I loaded my tools in and moved it across the shop.

Would you really admit it wasn't as good though? That's what I think when anyone posts that the C-man they've had forever works just fine in a pro shop.

What flavor kool-aid was on the Snap-On truck this week? I guess you have never seen one of the older Industrial Craftsman boxes.

 

[sk farmer]

From HF maybe. Slides are pretty expensive when you need 6-7 sets at a time.
I'll put money on the fact that it's not as strong as a Snappy box. For most of the people of GJ that's not a problem but I'm a professional tech so I buy the best tools period.

i very rarely agree with mrholeshot, but take a grand of that money and buy your own slides and forget about. invest the rest in the place of your choice and live happily ever after knowing you have a nest egg for future tool purchases or fun money. most people can't see the forest through the trees. pretty incorrect asumption that you are one of the few "professional" techs here. i get real leary of people who throw that term around.

 

[Toolhorder]

The roller slides in my wood box are better than Snap-On slides. (Not joking) and were less than 30 dollars a pair. Snap-On uses a good slide but it's still not the greatest. I've been a professional tech for over 40 years. Sometimes the most expensive isn't the best. The Montezuma Elite may or may not be as strong as the Snap-On but it isn't that much to building one. There is 7-10,000 dollars differance in price. If you need 6-7 sets at one time you better be looking into a new box or keep your box off the bottom of the pool. Beleive it or not there are alternatives to Snap-On, Always have been, always will be. I've been all down the Snap-On highway all my life. I know what I'm talking about. Snap-On's Motto "There is a differance" is very true. The differance is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and one of there other Mottos "Nothing even comes close" is about the biggest line of horse **** ever. There are a lot of pros on this forum. Being a pro is about the quality of work you do, your ethics, your skill level and being equipted to do the job. Nowhere has Snap-On cornered the market on any of the above. Snap-On makes great hand tools and great tool boxes. The name doesn't make you a great technician.

I've heard all this before. It's always from the guys that have inferior tools. Same guys that don't have ASE's, state licenses, etc..
I'm going to stop posting in this thread, it's America buy whatever floats your boat.

 

[walrus]

. The Montezuma Elite may or may not be as strong as the Snap-On

I have a Montezuma top chest sitting on a Snap On roller that I've had for 20 years or so. While I like the Montezuma top chest it isn't near the quality of the Snap On box. The Steel isn't as thick, the slides aren't as good and the finish isn't as good. I would buy another Montezuma box. My experience buying it from Strickly Tool Boxes was first rate, it came when they said and the price was right. I guess you could wear out a few Montezumas for the cost of a Snap On box and that might be the right way to look at it. But to say the quality of a Montie is the same or close to the same of a Snapie box is just plain wrong

 

[Toolhorder]

I have a Montezuma top chest sitting on a Snap On roller that I've had for 20 years or so. While I like the Montezuma top chest it isn't near the quality of the Snap On box. The Steel isn't as thick, the slides aren't as good and the finish isn't as good. I would buy another Montezuma box. My experience buying it from Strickly Tool Boxes was first rate, it came when they said and the price was right. I guess you could wear out a few Montezumas for the cost of a Snap On box and that might be the right way to look at it. But to say the quality of a Montie is the same or close to the same of a Snapie box is just plain wrong

That's what I'm saying. I buy a toolbox ONE TIME. That's how I look at any tool purchase. Sure I can buy 20 HF tools for the price of the SO tool but why? My kids will still have my tools someday and they'll be worth something not just chi com junk.

 

[mrholeshot]

I've heard all this before. It's always from the guys that have inferior tools. Same guys that don't have ASE's, state licenses, etc..
I'm going to stop posting in this thread, it's America buy whatever floats your boat.

I have my ASE Master A1-A8, L1 and Master Engine machinist. I owned my own shop for over 15 years, I've owned countless toolboxes, many of them Snap-On (still have a few). I don't own inferior tools. Just all of them arn't Snap-On although many of them are. I'm certainly qualified to discuss it with you but you need to come down off your high horse and quit thinking you are the only world class tech here. Lot's of guys smarter than me, lots not as informed as me. Contrary to your beleif you ain't on top of the heap here. I'm not even close

 

[NWphotog]

I have a Montezuma top chest sitting on a Snap On roller that I've had for 20 years or so. While I like the Montezuma top chest it isn't near the quality of the Snap On box. The Steel isn't as thick, the slides aren't as good and the finish isn't as good. I would buy another Montezuma box. My experience buying it from Strickly Tool Boxes was first rate, it came when they said and the price was right. I guess you could wear out a few Montezumas for the cost of a Snap On box and that might be the right way to look at it. But to say the quality of a Montie is the same or close to the same of a Snapie box is just plain wrong

How does the 20 year old SO compare to a new SO? How does the Montezuma compare to a new SO? I would think most brands were much more HD 20 years ago.

 

[Tim-Bob]

I can state that the Montezuma Elite that I have feels more solid than my co-workers Snap-On Classic 96. It is also at least as solid as my old Snap-On KR655, probably more so. It is 23 years old, so I think that qualifies as an older one.

As for the cheap crushed tube handles, that is exactly one of the things I didn't like about the Snap-On Classic 96. The Montezuma I have is quite the opposite. The handles are massive and solid.

I am going to post a review of it after I've had it for a while.

 

[walrus]

How does the 20 year old SO compare to a new SO? How does the Montezuma compare to a new SO? I would think most brands were much more HD 20 years ago.

That may be a factor, I don't know. I don't wrench professionally on cars anymore so my knowledge of new Snap On boxes is limited. Like I said, I'm happy with my purchase but I question whether it would stand up to the every day use a pro wrench puts on a box. On the other hand it appears pro wrenchers like their Montezumas so......

 

[dwm]

Tim-Bob, I think you made an excellent choice. The smart person buys the best he can within his budget, instead of putting himself in massive debt. You did your homework and made an intelligent decision. Anyone that disrespects that is either a ***** or envious of the cash you still have in your wallet while still having a box that gets the job done for you and will do so for many years to come.

I've seen the Montezuma Elite boxes, and I think they're excellent boxes. I also really like the looks of the 56" Black Out box and if I was in the market for a 56" roller it'd be at the top of my list. Especially since I could buy 2 for the price of a single Classic 78 and have money left over.

 

[vssjim]

Yeah well I've looked at those boxes and they aren't even comparable. I could store my tools in a kitchen cabinet from Home Depot too but it wouldn't be as strong as what I have now.
I was just looking at one yesterday at Sears and the handle for the side was mild tube steel and they just flatted the ends and bent them over and bolted them to the side. That would be broken the first time I loaded my tools in and moved it across the shop.

Would you really admit it wasn't as good though? That's what I think when anyone posts that the C-man they've had forever works just fine in a pro shop.

They never sold the box I own in a store it had to be shipped from Waterloo so you are full of it you don't even know the box I own and have never touched one so get you facts straight if you plan on telling me the box is a pos.

 

[Toolhorder]

I have my ASE Master A1-A8, L1 and Master Engine machinist. I owned my own shop for over 15 years, I've owned countless toolboxes, many of them Snap-On (still have a few). I don't own inferior tools. Just all of them arn't Snap-On although many of them are. I'm certainly qualified to discuss it with you but you need to come down off your high horse and quit thinking you are the only world class tech here. Lot's of guys smarter than me, lots not as informed as me. Contrary to your beleif you ain't on top of the heap here. I'm not even close

I looked back through the thread and NOWHERE did I say I was a "world class tech" nor did I say I was top of any heap. Relax guy, it's not a ******* match. Buy whatever toolbox you want and I'll buy what I want.

 

[Toolhorder]

They never sold the box I own in a store it had to be shipped from Waterloo so you are full of it you don't even know the box I own and have never touched one so get you facts straight if you plan on telling me the box is a pos.

Hmm okay, you must have the special waterloo box that isn't like all the ones I've ever seen that were cheap? I've seen plenty of them actually. A co-worker had one and threw a prybar through the side of it and it came out the other side. It's not the rolex of toolboxes pal.

 

[Toolhorder]

I kinda dig this one for a cart,

http://www.montezumamfg.com/photo_crossover.php?image=26-crossover/PR2606MZC_(open).jpg

 

[wornoutoldman]

I keep my tools in a shoebox

 

[vssjim]

Hmm okay, you must have the special waterloo box that isn't like all the ones I've ever seen that were cheap? I've seen plenty of them actually. A co-worker had one and threw a prybar through the side of it and it came out the other side. It's not the rolex of toolboxes pal.

You are no pal of mine, just because you don't know doesn't slow you down is a trait I don't think much of.

 

[Toolhorder]

You are no pal of mine, just because you don't know doesn't slow you down is a trait I don't think much of.

Let's just agree to disagree and let's move on.

 

[Toolhorder]

I keep my tools in a shoebox

lol,
you can buy 100 shoe boxes compared to one Montezuma extreme. Why spend the money? You can fill your 100 shoe boxes with tools and the Montezuma guy will be so jealous with all the money you saved

 

[mrholeshot]

I looked back through the thread and NOWHERE did I say I was a "world class tech" nor did I say I was top of any heap. Relax guy, it's not a ******* match. Buy whatever toolbox you want and I'll buy what I want.

You open the door with your better than thou attitude. Like everyone who commented on a Montezuma box was a homeowner and not a pro tech with no ASE's or state licence. I've actually seen some homeowner garages that would make most pro techs drool. I thought you were going to stop posting in this thread

 

[protechmobileautorepair]

OMG WISH I WOULD HAVE FOUND THIS THE FIRST DAY I HAVE PLENTY TO SAY. THIS IS NOW APRIL 29TH 2017 AND I BOUGHT ONE OF THESE FROM MENARDS IN FOREST LAKE MINNESOTA FOR MY WORK VAN.
ITS HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE, NOT WORTH BUYING.
FIRST. put box into my work van, no troubles there. Put a tool box on top from corner to corner and the box on top DROPPED INTO THE CENTER OF THE TOP. WHich means its sagging. The metal is thinner then the big companies. I paid over $350.00 for the box and thought what a good deal.
WRONG-The slides BREAK VERY EASY-----GUESS WHAT?
I called the company in 10 months after buying this product on theirs. THIS COMPANY IS FROM CANADA.
I WAS INSIDE OF ONE YEAR WARRANTY----WHAT A SHOCK-----THEY DONT COVER ANY PART THAT IS MOVING!!!
I said what the **** DO YOU COVER? JUST THE BOX---WTF. PAYING 300 FOR A SHELL AND HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE SLIDES.
WAIT THERES MORE----THEY ARE ON BACK ORDER--WTF--YEAH IM PISSED.
I get online and find the company called QUALITY TOOLS IN THE USA IS DISTRIBUTING THESE BOXES FOR MONTEZUMA.

BUYERS BEWARE---YOU WILL BUY CHEAP THIN METALS, TOOL BOX WITH NO REPLACEMENT SLIDES IN STOCK--WHICH WILL COST YOU OVER $25.00 FOR ONE SET AND PAY FOR SHIPPING ALSO.

I BEEN WAITING FOR A MONTH NOW AND JUST CALLED THIS QUALITY TOOLS AGAIN AND LEFT A NASTY MESSAGE. MY SLIDES WERE PAID FOR AND ON BACK ORDER......TOLD THEM WHY THE HELL YOU SELL JUNK IN THE USA AND DONT HAVE PARTS IN STOCK.
I PAID OVER $350.00 AND JUST FOUND OUT NO WARRANTY ON SLIDES IN FIRST YEAR.
GOING BACK TO BUYING SEARS FOR IN STATE JUNK, DONT BUY CANADIAN.

 

[WittHay]

I didn't know that the corporate head office of Montezuma is located in Surrey, BC Canada

 

[emort007]

I had a Montezuma Elite 72 Tool box for years, and have never once had an issue with it. Super heavy duty, and a beast. Also one heck of a great value compared to the Snap-on or matco equals.

I semi-retired last year, and sold the box to a co-worker. He also loves it and hasn't had any issues with it. Next year will be 10 years old without out issues.
What more could you ask for in a box?

I did a review of it on YouTube here a few years back.
Here is the link :http://https://youtu.be/k19UYcKvHAQ

 

[manwithtools]

Way to revive a ******* match from 7 years ago - and with your first post BTW....good luck with buying that Sears junk you refer too.

You might want to take this up with Menards too.



BTW, welcome to Garage Journal. You might think about how you setup your first post on a forum in the future.

 

[Ericgst]

Hmm okay, you must have the special waterloo box that isn't like all the ones I've ever seen that were cheap? I've seen plenty of them actually. A co-worker had one and threw a prybar through the side of it and it came out the other side. It's not the rolex of toolboxes pal.

The 30" deep Craftsman box was a one off that you cannot compare any other craftsman box to. I don't have one, but know of two of them used in a heavy equipment shop and they are awesome. I wish I could get my hands on one.