Need help in regards to buying a secondhand tool box

[NinnyCTSV]

Most of my career I have always worked out of some service cart never really justifying needing anything larger. My current job I am 1 of 2 technicians and the overall job requirements are a lot higher than anywhere I’ve worked previously. More requirements= more tools. And I’m just flat out running out of room in my little Jsc480 As stated in a previous post I work at a secured facility so the option of buying a box in payments off the tool truck is out of the question. I’ve got my eye on 3 brands and I need others expertise. The box will be purchased secondhand and the budget is around 2500-3000. I need a box with depth so please don’t mention any boxes from xxxx department store. I’d prefer at least 2 full length drawers, 3 would be ideal (1 deep for sockets and 2 shallow for wrenches.

The 3 brands I have in mind are Mac, Matco, and snap on. In that order. Coworkers in the past that have had some form of a Mac box, to me the drawers always felt tohe most solid. Matco has to me the best looking boxes however I’ve had a lot of quality control issues with my most recent Matco cart and the warranty isn’t there anymore to replace anything should it break again. Snap on is last cause I’ve always hated the plastic drawer locking tabs. Matco is pretty straight forward in regards to the lineup 4s, 5s, and 6s. However I don’t know where tech, tech 1000 etc stand. I believe the macsimizer is top of the line? And lastly I don’t even know where to even start with snap ons kra, Krl, etc.

And of course how to warranties go about, what is covered etc. should the slides fall to bits, locking mechanism fail, etc

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Do you know how big of box you want? Don't rule out talking to your local tool trucks. Some of these guys have used boxes and like to wheel and deal on them. I bought an older Matco 54"x 24" this way. They don't need to get into your place of work. You can set up a time and place to meet up with them. Most of these guys seem pretty flexible when they have a sale to make.

 

[78C-10]

I would go with a Macsimizer, in your price range you should be able to find a good used one. I have one here at work and it's built like a tank. Really thick metal and has a good finish. I have the MB1357 with the full width drawers all the way down. I love it.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

For some reason I thought I mentioned length. Ideally anything over 54”. Triple bay would be great so I’d have room to grow. That’s exactly why I like the macsimizer as their boxes seem the most durable. As far as their slides, casters, locks. Where do they stand as far as warranty? And would you pass up anything in their tech lineup to hold out for a macsimizer?

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Do you know how big of box you want? Don't rule out talking to your local tool trucks. Some of these guys have used boxes and like to wheel and deal on them. I bought an older Matco 54"x 24" this way. They don't need to get into your place of work. You can set up a time and place to meet up with them. Most of these guys seem pretty flexible when they have a sale to make.

^ My first thoughts, too.

 

[Wamsutta]

Having handled both boxes, I can tell you the build quality of the Macsimizer and the Tech 1000 is the same. The difference being the Tech 1000 doesn't have the beveled corners on the front of the box and the drawer arrangements are different. The box you want to stay away from is the Economizer series; that box is not made by MAC and it's pretty much junk.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

This is honestly the first time I’ve heard that model. But I will for sure avoid it

 

[619DioFan]

You should look at stricklytoolboxes.com. for 3,000 you can get a brand new 72 inch by 30 inch deep 17 drawer box. different colors and 5 year warranty.

 

[NUTTSGT]

You should look at stricklytoolboxes.com. for 3,000 you can get a brand new 72 inch by 30 inch deep 17 drawer box. different colors and 5 year warranty.

Yep, I was just going to say that you might want to check out one of the GJ sponsors.

https://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

 

[NinnyCTSV]

You should look at stricklytoolboxes.com. for 3,000 you can get a brand new 72 inch by 30 inch deep 17 drawer box. different colors and 5 year warranty.

I’ll take a look. What has me more interested in the truck brands is ive had coworkers with snap on boxes and carts that look like they were dropped out of a car and rolled 100 feet and snap on still warrantied the slides, handles, shocks, etc for the life of the box. I don’t know the warranty of the Mac or Matco but again that’s my sole reasoning otherwise I’d buy 1 of the mentioned brand new

 

[Wamsutta]

The Snap-on will be easier to get parts for because they're available right online. You say you don't like Lock 'n Roll, but if you get a box old enough, it won't have it.

 

[plinker]

I prefer some type of drawer latch, Not a huge deal breaker though. The lock 'n roll works decent, takes a little getting used to at first, but if it's latched the drawer will stay shut. Menards Masterforce drawer latch set up is a bit nicer, you dont even notice it when opening the drawer (drawer lip hinges up when pulled releasing latch).

From what I gather, Matco considers slides to be normal wear items, no warranty. They also seem to change box styles every so often. Not sure what parts availability would be.

Before I bought my KRL1023, I figured out how I wanted to organize the box using a printed off pic from Snap-on's site, then figured out where I wanted what and and if the box would work the way I needed. It worked out pretty well doing that.

 

[plinker]

The Snap-on will be easier to get parts for because they're available right online. You say you don't like Lock 'n Roll, but if you get a box old enough, it won't have it.

I think you can remove the lock 'n roll latches and install detents, FWIW.

 

[Mr_B]

I like the old matco 75 and 85 series in 25" or 30" depth, the 25" can be found at silly cheap prices if hunt around, I got 2 7525 bought used and they been faultless and used daily for years.
Mac not bad, lot will be down to what used box comes up and drawer layout you like .
I always aim buy cheap enough as to not worry if have pay out for 3 or 4 sets of slides .
Matco been pretty good when I wanted slides, as old discontinued but they gave me dealer numbers and tracked 2 sets down in time, newer stuff they better on warranty but big part down to luck who you talk to and how you approach them with request, warranty on any truck brand not what it use to be so consider that when making an offer on a box and build some insurance into your price .

 

[Mr Ratchet]

From what I gather, Matco considers slides to be normal wear items, no warranty. They also seem to change box styles every so often. Not sure what parts availability would be.

I got two slides replaced for free from my Matco driver. I bought my box used form a Snap on truck and it's from the late 80's early 90's.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

Man i think I’ll conside the snap on box a little more. Just window shopping they seem to have more options with at least 2 full length drawers. Which for me is a big deal for whatever reason.

 

[ptgarcia]

Here's a brand new 11 drawer orange Macsimizer in La Verne for $4k. I know its over your budget but you may be able to get them to come down a bit since it is a scratch and dent model.

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tld/d/macsimizer-11-drawer/6507494141.html

 

[WhiffySpark]

Man i think I’ll conside the snap on box a little more. Just window shopping they seem to have more options with at least 2 full length drawers. Which for me is a big deal for whatever reason.

Don’t be shy on the driver. You may be able to get into a new 1023 for that. Friend traded in a craftsman 25 lower and walked off with a 1033 for 3k

 

[NinnyCTSV]

So I guess it’s been a while since I’ve really checked out the cornwlell stuff but I see Kennedy is making their boxes now? Thoughts on the current lineup? I see their boxes new are selling for just around my budget within a thousand or so

 

[NinnyCTSV]

This is why I’m considering

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/for/d/tool-box-cornwell/6471044545.html

 

[Mr_B]

I would stick with mac or matco used or if in hurry go new tv-elite or extreme 55"x30" all of which well within your original budget, no stretching it.
I like matco best but when buying used, condition and bargain comes before brand preference but don't compromise on drawer layout or you never be happy with purchase .
used snapon nice but generally prices silly and anything good gone too quick.
My best used buys always been matco .
Cornwell will be stretching beyond budget for not greatest of boxes .

 

[Wamsutta]

This is why I’m considering

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/for/d/tool-box-cornwell/6471044545.html

Three rows of narrow drawers. May or may not be practical.

 

[Mr_B]

This is why I’m considering

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/for/d/tool-box-cornwell/6471044545.html

Like I said in other post sometimes the deal decides the brand.
If that like an hours drive from you take look and see how drawers work for you and how stout it feels.
If seems good enough and tidy enough make an offer with hard cash .
Only downside is a 84" 30" deep box and around 46" tall so big hunk to transport/move, the drawers on those don't open full depth and have about 2-3" hang in at back but that minor gripe .
nice trim and top, drawer layout would work for me .
I would look at that asap as anything decent and local needs be acted on quick, triple banks go quick and that pretty cheap but don't let that stop an offer to start with .

 

[kythri]

What has me more interested in the truck brands is ive had coworkers with snap on boxes and carts that look like they were dropped out of a car and rolled 100 feet and snap on still warrantied the slides, handles, shocks, etc for the life of the box.

Snap-on officially does not extend their warranty to anyone but the original purchaser.

There's tons of reports of second-hand buyers getting warranty service, but just be aware, you could be denied if you buy used.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Did you talk to any of your truck drivers?

 

[Mr_B]

^ reading his first post he works in secure facility so assume limited contact/dealings with tool trucks, with his budget and keeping to that the real deals are craigslist and being decisive/quick . Smart buy used not from trucks can be very affordable and set you up for decades of use or allow you upgrade in few years when something better comes along on the used market and if paid wisely and took care of the box you either loose no money or next to no money or even make few hundred bucks ...
I spent thousands on tools but boxes owe me nothing as went out my way buy and flip a few to cover boxes I kept, not so easy these days as easier sell due to online advertising and digital images, bargains come up but you got be prepared travel 100miles or so and be quick .

 

[WhiffySpark]

^ reading his first post he works in secure facility so assume limited contact/dealings with tool trucks, with his budget and keeping to that the real deals are craigslist and being decisive/quick . Smart buy used not from trucks can be very affordable and set you up for decades of use or allow you upgrade in few years when something better comes along on the used market and if paid wisely and took care of the box you either loose no money or next to no money or even make few hundred bucks ...
I spent thousands on tools but boxes owe me nothing as went out my way buy and flip a few to cover boxes I kept, not so easy these days as easier sell due to online advertising and digital images, bargains come up but you got be prepared travel 100miles or so and be quick .

I said truck because he can buy a new master series in his budget if he has a half decent driver

 

[Mr_B]

I said truck because he can buy a new master series in his budget if he has a half decent driver

He got no chance of getting a double bank master series new for his max budget and that his minimum size preference as ideally he wants triple bank .

 

[WhiffySpark]

He got no chance of getting a double bank master series new for his max budget and that his minimum size preference as ideally he wants triple bank .

He can get a new 7023 for $3-3500 off the truck. Trade in a pos and there you go.

Friend traded in a hand tool box on his and paid $3k with tax

 

[Wamsutta]

Big Proto 66''W x 46''H x 27''D
https://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j456646-12rd.html

 

[Boneebone]

I have a Matco MB7525 that I purchased used about 4 years ago.

It was built in 1999 and it was the predecessor to the current Matco 6s line.

In 2016 I wanted to add a hutch to it and had my dealer call to see what the current hutch model I could use to expand my box with.

They recommended the 25" deep 6s Hutch.

I ordered it with a stainless steel top and edge protector and it arrived a month later.

Besides having to drill holes in the top metal of the MB7525 so the hutch could be bolted to it, you would never know the 7525 was 19 years old, as the construction of the 7525 and the hutch are the same.

I eventually would like to add a side locker on both sides.

You can't go wrong with a older Matco MB box.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

It looks like my boss pulled some strings to get a tool truck to show up at my work due to me complaining so much haha but I opted to call the local cornwell dealer as I’ve had this particular dealer at my old job and the cornwell premium is a lot lower than the other 3. Once he starts showing up I’ll have to see what he has in his inventory in regards to used boxes within my budget. Or maybe he’ll be willing to work some magic on a new box that fits my requirements/budget.

 

[Mr_B]

He can get a new 7023 for $3-3500 off the truck. Trade in a pos and there you go.

Friend traded in a hand tool box on his and paid $3k with tax

3K with tax for a 7023 with a pos trade in , no chance , with a decent box trade in yes possible .

 

[Mr_B]

I have a Matco MB7525 that I purchased used about 4 years ago.

It was built in 1999 and it was the predecessor to the current Matco 6s line.

In 2016 I wanted to add a hutch to it and had my dealer call to see what the current hutch model I could use to expand my box with.

They recommended the 25" deep 6s Hutch.

I ordered it with a stainless steel top and edge protector and it arrived a month later.

Besides having to drill holes in the top metal of the MB7525 so the hutch could be bolted to it, you would never know the 7525 was 19 years old, as the construction of the 7525 and the hutch are the same.

I eventually would like to add a side locker on both sides.

You can't go wrong with a older Matco MB box.

I got 2 of the 7525 boxes and love them, real bargains potentially as well as don't get inflated used prices like snapon and the old MB boxes were built proper .

 

[WhiffySpark]

3K with tax for a 7023 with a pos trade in , no chance , with a decent box trade in yes possible .

Say what you want but I’ve seen it several times. I paid $5k for a 68 epiq mew off the truck with a power top, bk5600 and a bunch of free stuff. I traded in a craftsman stack