Need a tool box, help me decide

[sruchris]

I finally decided to upgrade my Chinese POS tool box. I saw these three boxes on CL. Any thoughts? I have about $500 to spend. I'm going to look at #1 this weekend as it might have too much rust.

1. http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/tls/3463999648.html

2. http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/3449769735.html

3. http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/3431935500.html

 

[neonlazer]

#1 Looks looks really cool..HOT if you restored it..lol

 

[ken w.]

I think you would like # 3 the best. It's nice to have a side box.

 

[FJ 432]

Three excellent choices. I don't think you can go wrong. I would like to see the inside of the craftsman box but I would say #1 is my favorite.

 

[regguy1]

I just sold these on CL for $600.00 2 weeks ago, they're not Snap-On I put on the logos. I'd keep looking, those CL ones look pretty beat up and some are mis matched.

 

[stratman977]

I'd offer $300 on the first one if its not really rusty. I got a cornwell box in similar condition and vintage as that 1st mac box for $175 and put another $200 into it restoring it.

Skip the others you will regret not having a matching set.

 

[davesnothere]

Of those options, id shoot for #3.

 

[sruchris]

I'm not interested in performing a restoration, so let's hope box #1 isn't too rusty. Thanks for the input!

 

[zkling]

I would go and check out each one in person, pull out each drawer, look at the rust spots. I have fallen victim to "craigslist pictures" before and will no longer base a purchase on a picture.

I would start with #2. Ad says "it has to go today so make me an offer"
Looks like a pretty nice setup. I wouldn't pay $500 for it. Assuming all drawers work well. Wonder what the drawer configuration on the craftsman top box is?

The first one looks rather overpriced IMHO. There was a flawless, same setup on my local list for ~4 months for $600. He reduced it to $400 and it sold. But again it was freshly painted.

I don't blame you for not wanting to restore a tool box. Beyond cleaning / lubing. I try to avoid tool boxes that can't be used right away. Unless you have the setup and experience to paint lots of sheet metal. I have restored multiple machines and one small 3 drawer top box. Repainting the machines was SO much easier and less time consuming. Remember that internal rust can hold moisture and propagate even to your tools.

If I was in the area I would definitely go and pick these up though...

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/3472594434.html

Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.

 

[CWP1616L]

Out of those three I'd pick door #2.

 

[Farmall450]

I think you would like # 3 the best. It's nice to have a side box.

Agreed. you get the most with it!

 

[Hammer1963]

Number 3 offers the best bang for the buck. They all need work and are good units. When you find what your looking, start a new thread so we can check it out

 

[crewchief888]

if i wanted stuff to match, i'd take #1.

if i wanted a larger roller cab, and may want to add a matching top in the future, then #2

#3 i wouldnt waste the $0.25 it took to make the phone call.

a lot of the paint faded mac and matco boxes from that era were real turds,
i saw many of them with faded paint, and loose slides, still in the cardboard box.
at least mine waited 10 weeks before it started to fade.....

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I'd call ad #2, go look at it, and if in decent shape, see if you can get the Snap On roller for $200. I'd also be interested in seeing if you can get the Matco side box on the third ad, or the middle and top boxes for a reasonable price.