Need tool box advice

[IsaacJ]

I've been following this forum for a while and found more info, tips, and advice than I could possible use. Right now I'm looking for a new tool box, I am currently attending automotive classes and have already outgrown my current tool box (snap on 40" heritage series) through my snap on student program I can get a snap on classic 78 for $2500. I want a tool box that I won't soon outgrow or wear out. My question is, will the classic be adequate for day to day use as a professional technician, or should I shop around for a used krl or Macsimizer in the same price range? Also, the montezuma and extreme tool boxes look very nice and I have yet to find a bad review about them. I hate to pay for a China built tool box when I can get a snap on for roughly the same price, but they do seem well built, and I'm not a stickler on what name is on my box, just what works.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Why not go to harbor freight and look at their boxes? Everyone and their dog sings their praises about their boxes.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I have a Classic series box (the ones that Snap On rebrands for Cat, 40" size as you have now) as my issue box. It works OK, and I'm a heavy equipment tech. The Classic/Heritage series drawers are 125lb capacity drawers, not the heavier 200lb capacity found in the Masters and Epiq series.

I believe Snap On was running some kind of deal where you can get the full retail value of the box you buy as trade in on another box. Ask your rep about that and any other incentives.

Personally I'd see what is available used vs. jumping on the boxes available to the students.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Here is a big one http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-s...ossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-67681.html $799 plus they have coupons every once in a while.

 

[stearn786]

Keep an eye on Craigslist. I was going to buy a Classic 78 with my student discount a couple of years ago, but I found a used Krl 1022 for the same price. I like the layout and the extra space. Classic 78 is big enough for at least a couple years as an auto tech though.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Here is a big one http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-s...ossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-67681.html $799 plus they have coupons every once in a while.

The reason I didn't suggest such is he says he would prefer a US made box.

Personally I think the HF, and Extreme/Montezuma boxes are a screaming deal for a new tech but I can understand his desire for a US made box.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

One key thing is that he mentioned if they were in roughly the same price, The US general box is more than half off at full price compared to a snap on box. I like USA stuff as much as the next guy but if I get a better product or better price compared to a USA made item I will purchase the better value item.

 

[Karl_B]

I've got an older Matco Pro-formance toolbox. It's very well made and in great shaped, but I've become really annoyed with the drawer layout. For the money, the Harbor Freight tool boxes look good, but if the drawer layout doesn't work for you, you will grow to hate your box. I've been keeping an eye out for tool boxes on craigslist and there are occasionally some deals even my tight wallet might open up for. You can also talk to your tool truck guys about traded boxes. I have a few friends who have gotten used, like new, boxes for about half of the promo prices.

My best advice is to find one that fits how you work and pay whatever you have to.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I bought a brand new KRL722 for a couple hundred (literally) more than that Classic 78. Spanking new, took it out of the crate myself, bought off the truck. Patience is your friend. I made do with a $300 Husky/Waterloo box for a couple years before that came along, but I'm glad I did, I could probably sell the Husky for what I paid, and the KRL for not much less if I wanted to.

Personally, I think KRAs are the worst bang for the buck. They're better than most 'cheap' boxes, but they're still ***-out expensive. I think $2500 is even expensive for what that is. I remember hearing about the full-retail tradein as well, but I imagine they've got you by the balls on your new box there, knowing you won't get nearly that much through any other channel. Giving retail in trade sounds great, but if that's in lieu of any other deals, you probably wouldn't come out ahead.

 

[herfalerf]

I bought a box about six months ago and was also considering the classic through the student program. I ended up going with a Matco 4s for a number of reasons. The student price was better for one, got it for 2300 and got a free 3 drawer cart included. Was able to sell my old Matco cart for 400 so that brought my cost down to 1900 for a box and a cart. Matco also had a better color selection. And to me the Matco 4s series feels a hell of a lot more sturdy than the cheaper snap-on boxes of comparable price. The classic and heritage boxes feel flimsy to me.

 

[IsaacJ]

I've visited my local harbor freight, and yes, their boxes are a great deal, and I wouldn't feel bad owning one, the only concern is how they would hold up in a professional environment, I see lots of homeowners using HF, but not many professional techs, I feel that they're on par with my current snappy. I know snap on is proven and had stood the test of time, I'm just not so sure about harbor freight, montezuma, extreme, etc.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Get a triple bank.

 

[Karl_B]

If the Harbor Freight box looks like it will work for you, just remove the U.S. General logo before you roll it into the shop. Without that badge, it's a lot harder to tell it isn't a more expensive box.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153445 is a good place to see some pictures of the big box store tool boxes. You might also see about the deals Strictlytoolboxes offers, being a site sponsor and all. I've seen some nice boxes from Proto, as well, but I can't speak to their pricing.

 

[JonnyMac]

The classic 78 is more than capable of performing in a workshop environment.
I have a hutch on mine but if you have a top box, side lockers amd overhead locker if you need more room.
Of course the master series boxes are bigger and better etc but on a student budget $2500 is a great price Imo

 

[Ruger_556]

I've been following this forum for a while and found more info, tips, and advice than I could possible use. Right now I'm looking for a new tool box, I am currently attending automotive classes and have already outgrown my current tool box (snap on 40" heritage series) through my snap on student program I can get a snap on classic 78 for $2500. I want a tool box that I won't soon outgrow or wear out. My question is, will the classic be adequate for day to day use as a professional technician, or should I shop around for a used krl or Macsimizer in the same price range? Also, the montezuma and extreme tool boxes look very nice and I have yet to find a bad review about them. I hate to pay for a China built tool box when I can get a snap on for roughly the same price, but they do seem well built, and I'm not a stickler on what name is on my box, just what works.

What about Proto? Essentially the older design MAC toolboxes rebadged. Made in the USA. I bought the 57" when I was in school for $2800, it's a fair amount bigger than a Classic 78 too. A 78 is a good box (It'll be fine in a shop) but a bit on the small side really.

 

[IsaacJ]

ok, so from my research and your guys' opinions...... I have even more options than I bargained for! lol
really though, one thing i don't like about the HF is the lack of full width drawer and the depth, is this a big deal or not? I have fondled a buddies KRL with full length, DEEP drawers and it was awesome. The only boxes I see that are really deep (25" and over) are the higher end boxes, the classic 78 is only 24 inches deep if I understand right.
To those that have the really nice, deep boxes with full width drawers:Is it worth it?
And to those with HF and other boxes with shallower, narrower drawers: Do you wish they were deeper/wider? and to both: why?

 

[Ruger_556]

ok, so from my research and your guys' opinions...... I have even more options than I bargained for! lol
really though, one thing i don't like about the HF is the lack of full width drawer and the depth, is this a big deal or not? I have fondled a buddies KRL with full length, DEEP drawers and it was awesome. The only boxes I see that are really deep (25" and over) are the higher end boxes, the classic 78 is only 24 inches deep if I understand right.
To those that have the really nice, deep boxes with full width drawers:Is it worth it?
And to those with HF and other boxes with shallower, narrower drawers: Do you wish they were deeper/wider? and to both: why?

Yes, deep and full width drawers are amazing... I upgraded from a Craftsman with small drawers. Wouldn't ever go back.

 

[just a noob]

You should be able to get a triple bay tech series from Mac for less money. I like the feel of the Mac box over the kra type of boxes.

 

[TheePsycho]

I know I just bought a krl722 from my dealer for $2800 with the stainless top and my coworker bought a triple bay with the stainless top for $5,000. If you wait long enough you can usually get a deal. I know the day I was getting my box the Matco guy showed up with a brand new 6S double bay in grey and red with a stainless top. Although he wanted $5,000 so it wasn't much of a deal to me.

 

[JKennedy]

To the tool truck guys work with you if you're a new customer? Price wise..

 

[TheePsycho]

Depends on your truck guy really. I know my truck guy will give you a nice discount on the box he has currently on the truck but not as good of a deal if he has to order it. My box was a one time special order he could get a discount on. Unfortunately he could only get it in one color but the color isn't bad.

 

[Moose97]

As to the depth of drawers, I prefer more shallow drawers than I have on my boxes. Don't like digging for tools.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[firebox40dash5]

To the tool truck guys work with you if you're a new customer? Price wise..

I dunno about new, I'd been around a couple years when I bought mine, but I believe my $2700 toolbox purchase was about 2x what I'd spent on the truck otherwise in those 2 years. So it's not like my dependable spending habits were putting his kids (or grandkids in this case) through college.

He also called me a couple other times with other specials he was aware of. One was a KRL1022 for about $5k, the other was a 1023 for somewhere between $6k and $7k. Those were both Snap On special prices to order one, not just deals on a particular box or color they wanted to move. Neither are stupendous bargains, but they're both a bunch lower than retail.

 

[Karl_B]

You can also tell your truck guys what size box you would like and what you are willing to pay. Then if they get a promo on a new one or a used one in trade, you should be on their radar to make a sale. You could also ask if they ever have damaged boxes, if you can handle an ugly box.

 

[92integra]

if you really dont care about a name then that 72 inch harbor frieght box is for you. i'm a student right now as well and i know of 3 guy's who have been using their hf box's for over a year and they are good as new. but who's to say how they will be in 10 years, if you really want name brand box do as others have said and buy used or get good with a tool man who goes to your shop, they can get killer deals when they have go to dealer expos. i'm was in your shoes last year ready to drop 2500 bucks on a triple bay matco box, talked to my SO guy and a week later he sold me an older matco 5280 for 300 bucks a well used box but for 300 bucks who cares. i know i want a HF 72 becuase i could buy 12 of them for the price of an epic, and i know 12 would probably last longer than 1 SO box

 

[Alienbaby17]

Here's the thing as I see it, every young guy coming up through tech school wants a big, nice Snap On, Mac or Matco box. Their teachers all had them, the older, more experienced guys at the shops they work at all have them and the new guys want to fit in. They don't want a HF or even Craftsman box. They want to be like the other guys and have a $$$ big box.

I've been doing this almost 20 years. When I turned 30 I upgraded the KRA I'd had since tech school and bought myself a new KRL 1022. I got an awesome trade in on my old box and even came out ahead over what I bought it for. I figured I'd been doing it ten years, I wasn't going to be quitting soon and I deserved it. I haven't regretted that.

However, anytime a rookie or newbie asks me about buying a new, big box I always suggest that they get a modest box and fill it with good tools- for now at least. Then once they've made a real commitment tongue profession aftershave few years try can trade it in or upgrade and bring byte other one home. None of them ever listen.

If you can buy a box that you won't lose money on in a future trade that sounds like a smart idea to me. Personally I think the best value is always in a used box if you can swing paying for it all at once.

 

[stikman56]

if you really dont care about a name then that 72 inch harbor frieght box is for you. i'm a student right now as well and i know of 3 guy's who have been using their hf box's for over a year and they are good as new. but who's to say how they will be in 10 years, if you really want name brand box do as others have said and buy used or get good with a tool man who goes to your shop, they can get killer deals when they have go to dealer expos. i'm was in your shoes last year ready to drop 2500 bucks on a triple bay matco box, talked to my SO guy and a week later he sold me an older matco 5280 for 300 bucks a well used box but for 300 bucks who cares. i know i want a HF 72 becuase i could buy 12 of them for the price of an epic, and i know 12 would probably last longer than 1 SO box

True, I have the 56 inch and the 44 inch. They hold up fine. 44 inch is loaded and I roll it around as my roll cart. You CANNOT match the strength and build of this tool box at that price. I looked. The review ( for the OP) with pictures and measurements wall thickness etc. is on here somewhere, look it up, you'll be surprised.

 

[IsaacJ]

I think my next box will be a HF, or extreme, for the full width drawers, unless I get a screaming deal on a krl. I'll probably make due with my current box for now, it's full of mostly snap on (purchased through my student discount, all Debt free) I don't want to be one of those new hot shots with a bigger box than I need, but I also want to get a box that I won't have to upgrade in the future, why buy more than once? I think the 72" montezuma looks like a great deal, but I'll hold off for the moment.

 

[wornoutoldman]

This will get you in the game http://fortdodge.craigslist.org/for/4702667458.html

 

[IsaacJ]

that is almost the exact same thing i have now, the only difference being that my box has 6 full length drawers instead of it being broken into two banks. This is what I have now, and I'm already running out of room to put tools. http://store.snapon.com/KRA2106A-Series-Roll-Cabs-Roll-Cab-Single-Bank-6-Drawers-Red-P650738.aspx