High everyone im new to this site but i wanted some input on what would be a good choice for my first tool box. Im still in school right now and hope to get a job at a dealership when im done. I was looking at the snap on krsc46 but wanted to get some input on if that is a good choice for my first tool box. Thanks
My first tool box as an auto tech
- Thread starter ruby9090
- Start date
dirtmister16
Banned
starting out, my personal feeling is get a harbor frieght box to start with. lots of reviews here on them.
my personal box is a 26" ballbearing griplatch, but i don't work in a shop right now. save the money on a high end box and buy the tools you need, and later upgrade as you see fit.
ive debated finding a older snap on narrow box like my dad has they are nice setups.
the other good option i think, is looking at carts. they are going to be needed regardless of postion, so for a starter box they would be great in my personal opinon.
hope my thoughts were of help.
my personal box is a 26" ballbearing griplatch, but i don't work in a shop right now. save the money on a high end box and buy the tools you need, and later upgrade as you see fit.
ive debated finding a older snap on narrow box like my dad has they are nice setups.
the other good option i think, is looking at carts. they are going to be needed regardless of postion, so for a starter box they would be great in my personal opinon.
hope my thoughts were of help.
davesnothere
Well-known member
For the same price as that cart you could probably pick up a good used double bay roller.
I agree. Get the HF box for cheap and then invest in good tools first. Second I would recommend getting a great cart. Snap-On and Matco make awesome carts that will hold a ton of stuff and you will use it constantly. When I was working a mechanic I only had a simple Craftsman box on the bench and a decent cart that I built out of 2x4's and plywood. Don't laugh! I spent my money on the tools I needed and worked on organization to use what I had. I graduated from college and stopped working as a mechanic. What was nice is I left the job without a $4k truck tab like some guys I know but have a ton of awesome tools which I put in my grip latch box in my home shop.
fury9
Well-known member
Snap-on KRL1022, used
JJThrasher
Well-known member
I assume you're on the SO Student Excellence and Matco Tech Ed programs right? If not, get on them.
You can buy certain SO toolboxes for 50% off brand new, plus SO will get you a certificate that you can trade the box in at full retail value anytime within 5 (iirc) years on another box.
Matco does a buy a tool box (at a discount) get a free tool cart deal. They probably have other deals, but I'm, less familiar with them than SO.
IMHO I wouldn't get that "box". Its actually a tool cart. The issue is, its so big, its the size of a small box which is overkill for a tool cart. If you want an actual cart I'd look at a smaller one that'll be more mobile.
For a box, I'd look at something like a KRA5311FPBO which is ~$1450 + tax with the student discount and as I said you can trade it in for the full $3K value down the road. Buying an actual box has the advantage that you can add a top chest to it for even more storage.
Of course that all assumes you have the money for a truck brand box. Harbor Freight and Menards both have quality boxes that are friendly for a starting tech on a budget.
Some final works of advice.
Worry more about your tools than the box that holds them. Your tools make you your money, your box just sits there and stores them. You'll generally get more respect working with quality tools out of a cheap box, then having an expensive box filled with **** tools.
Just my $.02
You can buy certain SO toolboxes for 50% off brand new, plus SO will get you a certificate that you can trade the box in at full retail value anytime within 5 (iirc) years on another box.
Matco does a buy a tool box (at a discount) get a free tool cart deal. They probably have other deals, but I'm, less familiar with them than SO.
IMHO I wouldn't get that "box". Its actually a tool cart. The issue is, its so big, its the size of a small box which is overkill for a tool cart. If you want an actual cart I'd look at a smaller one that'll be more mobile.
For a box, I'd look at something like a KRA5311FPBO which is ~$1450 + tax with the student discount and as I said you can trade it in for the full $3K value down the road. Buying an actual box has the advantage that you can add a top chest to it for even more storage.
Of course that all assumes you have the money for a truck brand box. Harbor Freight and Menards both have quality boxes that are friendly for a starting tech on a budget.
Some final works of advice.
Worry more about your tools than the box that holds them. Your tools make you your money, your box just sits there and stores them. You'll generally get more respect working with quality tools out of a cheap box, then having an expensive box filled with **** tools.
Just my $.02
Streetsweepergto
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2012
- Messages
- 37
I'm 1 year outta tech school and my krl722 Is out of space.
Choose wisely.
Choose wisely.
toddacimer
Well-known member
KRSC is a great cart/small box. Its mobile, versatile and has a lot of usable space. I wish I had kept mine but my krl7022 is great for storing tools so I can't complain. I'd choose a krsc as a mobile work station over a harbor freight box any day but if you are going to tuck the box in a corner you might not be able to justify the cost of mobility
MattPersman
Well-known member
I think that KRSC46 is a great choice starting out, it holds a ton of stuff is built to last a lifetime can choose your color, moves around nicely and lifetime warranty you can always buy a large box later in a few years when you start making more money and have some experience
Realistically you can hold like 95% of what you would need as a normal technician in that cart.
Do it you will love it.
Realistically you can hold like 95% of what you would need as a normal technician in that cart.
Do it you will love it.
Fast LT1
Well-known member
I've been out of school for 3 months but I Have acceled quickly in this field. I'm already a driveability and diagnostics tech and I'm turning more hours and making more money than other guys at my shop that have years of experience on me. That being said I've already stuffed my snap on krl1022. I can't really see buying a bigger tool box so I will probably buy a single bank master series box and park it next to the 1022 for extra storage. The krl1022 is probably the smallest box I'd buy if you were seriously going to stay in this field.
rsanter
Well-known member
Get the box from HF
Spend some money on some nice tools
In a few years when you upgrade to a bigger and better box then the HF one will go home with you to be your home box
Bob
Spend some money on some nice tools
In a few years when you upgrade to a bigger and better box then the HF one will go home with you to be your home box
Bob
+++1. And sign up for Harbor Freight coupons, so you can snag the HF box for even less. They might take a printed out coupon?
As for the SO/Matco boxes, does that program let you get the student discount within a year or so of finishing school? That way in a few months or so if you decided you wanted a high quality box and that you like working on cars still, at that point you could take advantage of the student discount and then take the HF one home for your home box.
Yea I have the student discount while I'm in school that's why I was looking at a cart to start with because even when I'm ready to buy a bigger box I can still use the cart. As an entry level tec will I have space for a box like do most dealerships give the new guy their own bay? I have a decent collection of tools now and towards the end of my school ill have about a $6000 budget for tools and a box.
You'll have space for a box for sure, I'd say. But $6000 grand is NOTHING if you're thinking about buying a truck brand box and tools. The US General box is more than capable, and even if you pay full price for it you'll have well over 5 grand to buy tools with.
SiGmA_X
Well-known member
Used SO would be my choice. I'm definitely not a fan of the HF rollers. The drawers are super shallow and they just feel like **** compared to my Matco cart.
The HF 4/5 drawer utility carts on the other hand, I think those are a good value. The Truck brands don't have much better quality at a LOT more money.
I'd say spend 2-3k on a used box and 3-4k on used and new tools.
The HF 4/5 drawer utility carts on the other hand, I think those are a good value. The Truck brands don't have much better quality at a LOT more money.
I'd say spend 2-3k on a used box and 3-4k on used and new tools.
JJThrasher
Well-known member
The student discount cuts as soon as he's out.
Is your $6K budget cash, or are you going to use the SO line of credit? If you haven't looked into the credit they basically automatically approve you for $6K unless you have a horrible credit history. That also include 60 days (iirc) same as cash. There is a $1K minimum to use it though. The interest is high, but it also isn't compounded. If you ask your rep they should have a chart that explains the rates, monthly payment, ect.
As I mentioned I really think that cart is a bad size. Its too small to be a box and to large for a cart. If it were my money I'd buy a good toolbox now and worry about getting a cart later.
As for getting a used SO. I wouldn't unless he gets a crazy good deal on one. I usually see people asking 40-60% of the original cost for used SO boxes. That's the price he can buy a new one for now, plus he gets the trade in deal later.
Is your $6K budget cash, or are you going to use the SO line of credit? If you haven't looked into the credit they basically automatically approve you for $6K unless you have a horrible credit history. That also include 60 days (iirc) same as cash. There is a $1K minimum to use it though. The interest is high, but it also isn't compounded. If you ask your rep they should have a chart that explains the rates, monthly payment, ect.
As I mentioned I really think that cart is a bad size. Its too small to be a box and to large for a cart. If it were my money I'd buy a good toolbox now and worry about getting a cart later.
As for getting a used SO. I wouldn't unless he gets a crazy good deal on one. I usually see people asking 40-60% of the original cost for used SO boxes. That's the price he can buy a new one for now, plus he gets the trade in deal later.
The 6k is cash I didn't want to do the credit the interest is way to high 26% the only thing I was worried about with a bigger box like the kra is I wouldn't have room to put it where I start working I was originally looking at the kra5311 cause its only $1400 compared to $3400 new but wasn't sure if I would have a place for it just starting the job
regguy1
Well-known member
methomas70
Well-known member
$350 can buy you a whole lot of USED tool box if you're patient.
And, you'd likely get all/most of your $350 back when it's time to move up.
And, you'd likely get all/most of your $350 back when it's time to move up.
JJThrasher
Well-known member
26% holy... They either saw you coming or you have bad credit. Even if you have no credit the rate isn't normally that high.
As others have said, you'll have the space to put your box don't worry about that. If they won't give you space for a box, they better be providing all the tools.
Do you have a job/source of income right now? Also how much longer do you have on your program?
As others have said, you'll have the space to put your box don't worry about that. If they won't give you space for a box, they better be providing all the tools.
Do you have a job/source of income right now? Also how much longer do you have on your program?
I would get the KRSC 326 or 46 if you have the SEP discount. Those can hold you off for a while and can last you the rest of your career. I had the 46 and it is pretty large and can hold a lot. I don't think you will have a opportunity to buy a new one at that price again. You can always buy a KRL later when you run out of room. And still have a nice cart.
Bouchard93
Well-known member
where are u located I know where a nice snap on cart is for 600$
crewchief888
Well-known member
when i got started back in '83 i had a 26" kennedy top and roller.
i added on to it with a side box, and mid boxes. overall it was just too much weight for the roller to handle.
rough const eq shop floors really did a number on it, and i was out of room again.
in '86 i traded most of the boxes in on a new kr550/555b, within 3 or 4 years i was out of room again. i picked up a matching side box, more side boxes, a 26" roller cab, and an additional kr 655 roller.
my advise is to start with a smaller/less expensive box, as your tools outgrown the box, upgrade your box, and take the old boxes home. that way you'll always have something to keep tools, supplies ect in.
if i needed a box for my garage, (i dont) i wouldnt hesitate to buy one from HF.
we use the black HF carts at our heavy eq shop, (we have 3 service trucks at our location) they havent fallen apart, and seem to be holding up good so far.
put your money in quality tools, that will "survive" daily use.
nice, shiny, expensive, carts & boxes can wait.
i added on to it with a side box, and mid boxes. overall it was just too much weight for the roller to handle.
rough const eq shop floors really did a number on it, and i was out of room again.
in '86 i traded most of the boxes in on a new kr550/555b, within 3 or 4 years i was out of room again. i picked up a matching side box, more side boxes, a 26" roller cab, and an additional kr 655 roller.
my advise is to start with a smaller/less expensive box, as your tools outgrown the box, upgrade your box, and take the old boxes home. that way you'll always have something to keep tools, supplies ect in.
if i needed a box for my garage, (i dont) i wouldnt hesitate to buy one from HF.
we use the black HF carts at our heavy eq shop, (we have 3 service trucks at our location) they havent fallen apart, and seem to be holding up good so far.
put your money in quality tools, that will "survive" daily use.
nice, shiny, expensive, carts & boxes can wait.
scarney1988
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 13, 2013
- Messages
- 508
The automotive industry can be very unforgiving.
Tool boxes produce no billable hours. They can, however, increase you efficiency if you lay them out properly (otherwise you will just have a large unorganized box).
inches^3=inches^3 and would suggest you consider all manufacturers based upon drawer configurations etc....
If you work in a dealership you will need less tools due to manufacturers sending them tools and billing them later.
I have had a double bank heritage series box box, craftsman 26", and a few other configurations (lower end truck boxes).
At the end of the day, I work in a new car dealer and have a 26" craftsman top and bottom. My box is full of tools (snap on, MAC, matco, craftsmen, cornwell, etc...) while many others have snappy credit lines of >5k or more and a truck credit of >1k and hide when the snapon guy comes in.
The decisions you make now will effect your profitability and productivity in this industry. Attitude, tools, willingness to learn, employer that fosters growth (teaching and dealing with your inevitable mistakes), etc... will all play a part of your rise or fall.
MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR FIRST TOOL BOX IN THIS INDUSTRY IS YOUR FIRST "OPPURTUNIY" BECAUSE IT CAN EITHER FOSTER GROWTH OR FOSTER LOATHING.
FOR A STARTER BOX I WOULD RECOMMEND GETTING A NON TRUCKBRAND BOX WHICH OFFERS THE INCHES^3 AND DRAWER CONFIGURATION YOU LIKE SO THAT YOU CAN FOCUS ON GATHERING TOOLS AND EVENTUALLY GET A GREAT BOX WHICH IS BIG ENOUGH FOR YOUR TOOLS, AND NOT THE OTHERWAY AROUND.
Welcome to hell.
Sean
Tool boxes produce no billable hours. They can, however, increase you efficiency if you lay them out properly (otherwise you will just have a large unorganized box).
inches^3=inches^3 and would suggest you consider all manufacturers based upon drawer configurations etc....
If you work in a dealership you will need less tools due to manufacturers sending them tools and billing them later.
I have had a double bank heritage series box box, craftsman 26", and a few other configurations (lower end truck boxes).
At the end of the day, I work in a new car dealer and have a 26" craftsman top and bottom. My box is full of tools (snap on, MAC, matco, craftsmen, cornwell, etc...) while many others have snappy credit lines of >5k or more and a truck credit of >1k and hide when the snapon guy comes in.
The decisions you make now will effect your profitability and productivity in this industry. Attitude, tools, willingness to learn, employer that fosters growth (teaching and dealing with your inevitable mistakes), etc... will all play a part of your rise or fall.
MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR FIRST TOOL BOX IN THIS INDUSTRY IS YOUR FIRST "OPPURTUNIY" BECAUSE IT CAN EITHER FOSTER GROWTH OR FOSTER LOATHING.
FOR A STARTER BOX I WOULD RECOMMEND GETTING A NON TRUCKBRAND BOX WHICH OFFERS THE INCHES^3 AND DRAWER CONFIGURATION YOU LIKE SO THAT YOU CAN FOCUS ON GATHERING TOOLS AND EVENTUALLY GET A GREAT BOX WHICH IS BIG ENOUGH FOR YOUR TOOLS, AND NOT THE OTHERWAY AROUND.
Welcome to hell.
Sean
SiGmA_X
Well-known member
**** THAT. I read it as $6k cash!! DO NOT EVER TAKE OUT A LOAN OR CREDIT CARD AT THAT RATE!!! I am a student with meh credit and my credit union Visa is around 8%, and around your needed limits... Wow! I had no idea SO Financing was so expensive, but it makes sense. I bet they have a LOT of defaults...
When you buy tools, pay cash. If you don't pay cash, get 0% financing (truck account) and budget to pay it off in 1mo or less. As a tech, you should be budgeting some % of your income to tools. Some months that cash will just sit in your checking account, some months you'll use the cash you've been accumulating for months for a big purchase (eg new roller).
If you're just starting out, you definitely don't need debt. What if you lose your job? I'd go with a HF roller and quality USA used tools. Add on as you go. Start saving for more things.
I should also note, I was able to use my SO SEP discount for 2yrs after graduating my auto program. Maybe that isn't normal, but I know a lot of folks who did that too... And Mac is cool with university professors signing order forms, FWIW. Some non automotive tech friends did this. Pretty smart.
Those Costco boxes (I forget the brand) are pretty nice. I like the older (06-8ish) config a lot better, but the new ones are still nice. Definitely something to look at. My friends shop has 2 of them and he has one at home too, they're great. Almost as nice as the 5x $ SO's that sit in the next bay over. Drawer config isn't quite as nice, that's about it...
I got lucky when I started. My boss had me use his tools, as I was more so his apprentice. This continued on for my duration of stay with that shop. I picked up a large Mac UC and added a ton of tools to my collection, and started primarily working out of my box. This was pretty nice because it let me spend my earnings on tools vs take out debt for tools. I know that isn't possible at most places - but I did interview at a few locally that were looking for first year techs, and offered full tools for use or purchase from the shop down the road. I had no idea that even existed, but 3 shops offered that.
I really like these carts. I really am not a fan of the rest of the HF boxes though. But they would be great for a starter. August sales are coming up, too.
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Many good points being made here! If I could do it all over, I would have started out with a good tool cart. It saves a lot of time to roll it right up to the job, no screwing around, the tools are right there within reach, that is what will make you money. You can equip a good sized cart for 90% of your daily needs, once you get it set up right. Try to find good used boxes, when the need arises. Focus on tools first. Avoid debt, but do not hesitate to make purchases that will benefit you.
popper
Well-known member
Take a little advice from a retired mechanic, the tool box don't make you any money. Spend your money now on tools that will make your job easier. Don't go out and buy some monster box that will take you years to pay off when you could spend the money on tools. There are lots of used and more economical boxes out there that will be fine for now.
popper
John Lynch
popper
John Lynch
Choose wisley in what you purchase. In other words spend your money once. I got a cheap small cart to start out and filled it all with high quality basic tools, wrenches sockets, the basics. Once I had the basics and new I could get by, I upgraded to the last box I hope to ever purchase which is a 68" EPIQ.
Be careful with what you buy used. Air tools can be a waste used and other tools may not end up warrantied by your snap on Rep unless you can convince him you already owned it prior to meeting him. I won't buy used unless I get a killer deal but sometimes I'll stalk eBay until I get that deal. Like my SAE FD+ set of wrenches I got them half off in near mint condition 3/8"-1" for $230 shipped. You can save a lot of money with eBay and Craig's list but be careful.
Be careful with what you buy used. Air tools can be a waste used and other tools may not end up warrantied by your snap on Rep unless you can convince him you already owned it prior to meeting him. I won't buy used unless I get a killer deal but sometimes I'll stalk eBay until I get that deal. Like my SAE FD+ set of wrenches I got them half off in near mint condition 3/8"-1" for $230 shipped. You can save a lot of money with eBay and Craig's list but be careful.
bry@n
Well-known member
I think that cart for 4700 is worth it. Smaller then a box, bigger than a cart. It will serve you well in the beginning. It will also be way better made then the US General. I would go for the SO KRSC....
Starting out you need tools, not box. Sure it looks pretty but trust me, the other guys in the shop will be laughing about how empty that big nice box is and will become increasingly annoyed with your constant borrowing of tools.
Buy IR air tools, HF Box, and fill it with nice hand tools. Once you have become familiar with how the game works, paid of your previous tool debt, and have been promoted beyond lube guy then start looking for a decent deal on a used box of your choice.
Buy IR air tools, HF Box, and fill it with nice hand tools. Once you have become familiar with how the game works, paid of your previous tool debt, and have been promoted beyond lube guy then start looking for a decent deal on a used box of your choice.
26% is for everyone I overheard him say that to someone. I have about 10 months left of school I don't have the money right now but will about a month before school is out. Most of my hand tools I have now are a mix of snap on Cromwell and craftsman the tools I wanted to get from snap on while I'm in school with the discount where torque wrenches impact sockets cordless impact guns and some other stuff I can't remember I wrote a big list. I'm kind of leaning towards the cart because its only $700 and would prob stick with me my entire career. The craftsman boxes I looked at were like $500 hf was $300.
Snap-On impacts are overpriced, even at 50% off with the discount. You can purchase the JH Williams (Industrial brand of Snap-On) set for less. They're the exact same sockets minus the branding. I think its worth it to get the 3/8 and 1/2" Flex head techangle torque wrenches though.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNZ85U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
vs
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682298&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
Consider spreading your money around a bit. Snap-On isn't the end all be all of tools. MACs chrome extensions (regular and locking) are the nicest due to their double knurling and Matco has their pinless impact swivels and extra long ratcheting flex wrenches. Its worth shopping around.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNZ85U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
vs
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682298&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
Consider spreading your money around a bit. Snap-On isn't the end all be all of tools. MACs chrome extensions (regular and locking) are the nicest due to their double knurling and Matco has their pinless impact swivels and extra long ratcheting flex wrenches. Its worth shopping around.
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MattPersman
Well-known member
I would buy 2 carts for 700 each right now if I could that is a very good price
This is pretty solid advice.
celticbhoy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2013
- Messages
- 540
This is exactly what i'm doing.
richfinn
Well-known member
Have a look through the tool cart thread, I started out of a cantilever toolbox and a 2 shelf trolley (very similar to mooses old set up) to sit it on and managed for a year. If your changing oil and rotating tyres how many tools do you actually need??
It always annoys me to see young techs with massive toolboxes like its some badge of honour. Most but not all of the decent techs I know don't really care about tool boxes they put all their cash into cars and motorbikes.
It always annoys me to see young techs with massive toolboxes like its some badge of honour. Most but not all of the decent techs I know don't really care about tool boxes they put all their cash into cars and motorbikes.