New Snap On vs HF "Quality test"?

[1Bad55Chevy]

When did People start comparing the quality of their SO boxes to HF boxes by pulling all their drawers out to see if it flips over? I saw this at the Chevy house on Friday and it really confused the hell out of me. In my mind its more about weight distribution and having more tool box then tools but I am not that smart...

Maybe you SO guys can explain this to me because I dont get it...

 

[AEAdam]

It’s dumb, meaningless, click bait. To be honest, I’ve never seen a comparison that really looked at quality and features. All comparisons end up discussing cost. We got it, HF boxes are cheaper.

I couldn’t give 2 craps about sheet metal thicknesses. Probably #1 for me is basic layout. For example, I do not prefer the drawer layer or top compartment depth on the HF 5 drawer cart. It’s still a great cart for the money. Just think the drawer layout is goofy.

#2 would probably be drawer catches.

#3 is ease of drawer movement, side to side deflection, binding etc.

#4 drawer depths, sizes, locations

#5 casters

TBH, I don’t think drawer weight capacity really matters in the real world if #3 and #4 are well thought out. And total weight capacity is just plain BS.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

People don't understand what to look for beyond simplistic things. Visually impressive one get the views.

People don't appreciate trade offs in design, manufacture, cost etc. or why those choices were made.

People like to think they're clever for having outed a more expensive thing for seemingly not being any better than cheaper things.

 

[CoThG]

It’s dumb, meaningless, click bait. To be honest, I’ve never seen a comparison that really looked at quality and features. All comparisons end up discussing cost. We got it, HF boxes are cheaper.

I couldn’t give 2 craps about sheet metal thicknesses. Probably #1 for me is basic layout. For example, I do not prefer the drawer layer or top compartment depth on the HF 5 drawer cart. It’s still a great cart for the money. Just think the drawer layout is goofy.

#2 would probably be drawer catches.

#3 is ease of drawer movement, side to side deflection, binding etc.

#4 drawer depths, sizes, locations

#5 casters

TBH, I don’t think drawer weight capacity really matters in the real world if #3 and #4 are well thought out. And total weight capacity is just plain BS.

Rousseau boxes are superior in this regards with their interlock preventing multiple drawers being open simultaneously.

 

[zendriver]

A "Snap On vs HF" anything, draws clicks.

What's else matters, in today's world?

 

[bigfunwmu]

Rousseau boxes are superior in this regards with their interlock preventing multiple drawers being open simultaneously.

That's not superior, that's annoying.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

That's not superior, that's annoying.

Our Lista cabinets at work are the same way. Totally pisses me off every time I have to grab some tooling.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I don't care what brand of box it is, if you are foolish enough to pull out every drawer to see if your box will tip over, I hope it smashes your foot.

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Not only can you get hurt, but destroy your box and you get to pick up all your damn tools.

 

[Wamsutta]

Of all the great discussions we could be having about Snap-on, we have to talk about this stupid ****.

 

[Pinne]

I'm always shocked at how empty some of these boxes are - filled with foam. I wouldn't pull all the drawers out at once in my box.

 

[badmatt]

That's not superior, that's annoying.

You can order them with out this.. and remove it on boxes with it installed.

 

[Kasal]

Rousseau boxes are superior in this regards with their interlock preventing multiple drawers being open simultaneously.

My Beta toolboxes have the same system. It can be a bit annoying sometimes, but I couldn't stand seeing all my tools on the floor.

 

[seber]

Sheet metal thickness and weight capacity are damned important to me. I have some drawers loaded to the max with really heavy things. Think about tap and die stacks, or in my case, drifts and punches, drill bits and burrs or files. But I definitely do not open multiple drawers together.

 

[AEAdam]

Sheet metal thickness and weight capacity are damned important to me. I have some drawers loaded to the max with really heavy things. Think about tap and die stacks, or in my case, drifts and punches, drill bits and burrs or files. But I definitely do not open multiple drawers together.

Sheet metal gage thickness doesn’t really impact drawer strength directly. Maybe because I’m an aircraft person I just take this for granted. You can make a stiff drawer out of thin sheet metal.

Machinists, metal workers etc, shouldn’t even be considering, let alone discussing, merits of automotive tool boxes. Most automotive box manufacturers don’t offer boxes that fit their requirements.

We have tool controlled EPIQs at work. But drill bits, what I would call tooling, are still largely stored in LISTA boxes, designed for that sort of stuff.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Why? & who would be dumb enough to do this? Seems more like an IQ test.

 

[CGarage]

I only own European and American made boxes. That said, I have been to a HF and examined closely the rolling tool cart (I think it is 6 or 8 drawers). I am willing to wager that the gauge thickness of steel used in construction is thicker than the equivalent Snap-On rolling cart. This really surprised me. I realize the HF boxes are made in China, there may be some issues with attention to detail in construction, but at 1/5th the price, I do not see the Snap-On rolling cart being 5 times better or worth 5 times the cost of the HF version.

 

[neophyte]

Sheet metal gage thickness doesn’t really impact drawer strength directly. Maybe because I’m an aircraft person I just take this for granted. You can make a stiff drawer out of thin sheet metal.

Machinists, metal workers etc, shouldn’t even be considering, let alone discussing, merits of automotive tool boxes. Most automotive box manufacturers don’t offer boxes that fit their requirements.

We have tool controlled EPIQs at work. But drill bits, what I would call tooling, are still largely stored in LISTA boxes, designed for that sort of stuff.

Hailo Ladders from Germany are made by a company that may have made components for the aircraft industry, at least at one point.
I doubt most tool box manufacturers would have the same experience trying to make ultra light products out of sheet metal, that still have high strength, especially if it costs the same or less to just use heavier sheet metal, rather than a more complex manufacturing technique, that is harder to adjust with product changes such as dimensional changes, or changes to different component manufacturers such as drawer slide manufacturers.

 

[ecotec]

I only own European and American made boxes. That said, I have been to a HF and examined closely the rolling tool cart (I think it is 6 or 8 drawers). I am willing to wager that the gauge thickness of steel used in construction is thicker than the equivalent Snap-On rolling cart. This really surprised me. I realize the HF boxes are made in China, there may be some issues with attention to detail in construction, but at 1/5th the price, I do not see the Snap-On rolling cart being 5 times better or worth 5 times the cost of the HF version.

I don’t own one of the USG full bank carts, but I also think that they are great.

I think that they would be perfect for a student in auto tech school, depending on the school. A good amount of them require a cart, not a double or triple bay bottom box. There are exceptions.

I think that they make good 90% carts (carts for the most common tools used for the vehicles you have or work on) for any garage. Even a professional could lay these out for the work that they do 90% of the time.

 

[Sumboodie]

I don't care what brand of box it is, if you are foolish enough to pull out every drawer to see if your box will tip over, I hope it smashes your foot.

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Not only can you get hurt, but destroy your box and you get to pick up all your damn tools.

I was sent to HR after telling a worker they must be retarded after they pulled drawers out to STAND on like stairs to get the tools in the top... of a like 5ft tall toolbox... that had a step stool against the side of the box.
They flipped it over and about crushed themselves.
Took months to find all the tools and it tweaked the box pretty bad.

 

[reader2580]

Our Lista cabinets at work are the same way. Totally pisses me off every time I have to grab some tooling.

We have a Lista cabinet at work that the drawers would not open at all due to the interlock system getting jammed. It was an hour ot two to fix it.

 

[AEAdam]

I only own European and American made boxes. That said, I have been to a HF and examined closely the rolling tool cart (I think it is 6 or 8 drawers). I am willing to wager that the gauge thickness of steel used in construction is thicker than the equivalent Snap-On rolling cart. This really surprised me. I realize the HF boxes are made in China, there may be some issues with attention to detail in construction, but at 1/5th the price, I do not see the Snap-On rolling cart being 5 times better or worth 5 times the cost of the HF version.

We get it. WE ALL GET IT. The HF boxes are cheaper than snap on. Can’t we EVER compare these tool storage solutions without ONLY resolving the discussion with these exact same words?

Regarding the first half of your post, not sure about you, I don’t bring micrometers to tool stores. Not sure how you could possibly know the difference in sheet metal.

I can tell you I was recently considering a HF 5 drawer box for my heavy equipment tools (not that they are heavier than....):

My little Snap On KRSC33A is only 33" wide, 3 drawers, and is 30lbs heavier than the HF 37" wide 5 drawer. Snap on lists their roll cart's capacity at 1200lbs, and HF at 700lbs, but what does that even mean? And no way I have 200lbs of tools in my roll cart. So who cares about the shipping weight or caster capacity?

Now, if you think heavy duty casters, drawer slides and thick sheet metal are indicators of a tool box that will operate easily for many years, then maybe such things are worth looking at. But for many of us non-pros, I'd question whether we will ever use our boxes enough for them to be impacted by wear.

I guess if you asked me (and I note that no one has), I like my little KRSC33A. The drawers are all 3-5/8" deep and I find them very usable. I like the smaller size of it and I like the drawer slides and latches. That's it. Its roughly the size and config and how the drawers feel. Everything else to me is just noise.

 

[T45]

Snap-on is the ultimate rorsach blot test on GJ

 

[Ohio Andy]

I'm going to get comparison between snap-on and Rousseau would be more interesting.

For example, I think snap-on is 227 lb per set and Rousseau I thought it was 400...

I don't have any super wide deep drawers. On my deep drawers are under 36 in wide

I have to admit I don't understand how well drawer slides hold up if you use them close to capacity...

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

We get it. WE ALL GET IT. The HF boxes are cheaper than snap on. Can’t we EVER compare these tool storage solutions without ONLY resolving the discussion with these exact same words?

Regarding the first half of your post, not sure about you, I don’t bring micrometers to tool stores. Not sure how you could possibly know the difference in sheet metal.

I can tell you I was recently considering a HF 5 drawer box for my heavy equipment tools (not that they are heavier than....):

My little Snap On KRSC33A is only 33" wide, 3 drawers, and is 30lbs heavier than the HF 37" wide 5 drawer. Snap on lists their roll cart's capacity at 1200lbs, and HF at 700lbs, but what does that even mean? And no way I have 200lbs of tools in my roll cart. So who cares about the shipping weight or caster capacity?

Now, if you think heavy duty casters, drawer slides and thick sheet metal are indicators of a tool box that will operate easily for many years, then maybe such things are worth looking at. But for many of us non-pros, I'd question whether we will ever use our boxes enough for them to be impacted by wear.

I guess if you asked me (and I note that no one has), I like my little KRSC33A. The drawers are all 3-5/8" deep and I find them very usable. I like the smaller size of it and I like the drawer slides and latches. That's it. Its roughly the size and config and how the drawers feel. Everything else to me is just noise.

This is pretty much the same argument you can have on the watch forum.
Yes my seiko will keep time for 35 dollars, yes I spent X amount on rolex or why did you spend money on rolex when you could have a 35 dollar seiko quarts.

Its all bit circular. You want a snapon tool box and can afford one? I am very happy for you, I am happy that you support US based manufacturing.
Cant afford snapon ? Thats ok buy harbor frieght.

 

[vwishndaetr]

People like to think they're clever for having outed a more expensive thing for seemingly not being any better than cheaper things.

I must admit I get satisfaction out of the ousting. Especially because I've had people laugh in my face for not using a SO torque wrench like they're the only ones that work accurately. I hope the HF folks keep ripping on the SO folks until the day the SO folks get off their high-horse (which will be never, because sNaP-oN).

 

[Sbusmech]

When did People start comparing the quality of their SO boxes to HF boxes by pulling all their drawers out to see if it flips over? I saw this at the Chevy house on Friday and it really confused the hell out of me. In my mind its more about weight distribution and having more tool box then tools but I am not that smart...

Maybe you SO guys can explain this to me because I dont get it...

I've done it, it quite impressive because the SO Master Series boxes are 28" deep and drawers extend all the way out. I worked with a guy who had a really nice top of the line Matco triple bank box and he could open the bottom drawer and and stand in it. I'm not a tool snob by any means but the only box I'd take from HF would be an ICON box, but even those are only 25" deep, but it look's like the Gen 2 Icon boxes are addressing that issue. Tool Truck box prices are crazy priced and glad I got mine long ago.

 

[CoThG]

I'm going to get comparison between snap-on and Rousseau would be more interesting.

For example, I think snap-on is 227 lb per set and Rousseau I thought it was 400...

I don't have any super wide deep drawers. On my deep drawers are under 36 in wide

I have to admit I don't understand how well drawer slides hold up if you use them close to capacity...

Rousseau drawers are all typically rated at 400lbs. With Snap-On, it depends on how many slides are on the drawer and what series.

 

[CoThG]

I must admit I get satisfaction out of the ousting. Especially because I've had people laugh in my face for not using a SO torque wrench like they're the only ones that work accurately. I hope the HF folks keep ripping on the SO folks until the day the SO folks get off their high-horse (which will be never, because sNaP-oN).

 

[vwishndaetr]

Nice thumbnail... Didn't need to bring Paris into this!

 

[zendriver]

The real irony is and I said it here a hundred times (seemingly), Harbor Freight has never made much claim of comparison of quality, to anything from Snap On, Honda and all of the rest of the products they "beat". They sell products with similar features and functions. If they happen to look almost exactly the same, might just be a coincidence.

But price? We all know that is a different story.

 

[AEAdam]

The real irony is and I said it here a hundred times (seemingly), Harbor Freight has never made much claim of comparison of quality, to anything from Snap On, Honda and all of the rest of the products they "beat". They sell products with similar features and functions. If they happen to look almost exactly the same, might just be a coincidence.

But price? We all know that is a different story.

Maybe because HF blantantly copies Snap on, the comparisons are the goal. HF is so behind so many of the arguments on GJ that just don't need to be happening, to your point. True they don't compare quality or any quality adjacent anything really.

That said: I think the HF boxes are great. They offer storage solutions that are affordable for average people. And their offerings are really close to pro grade boxes in terms of layouts, configurations, and colors. We never had these sorts of options from Craftsman.

I guess, like the ratchet discussion, I think the metrics one would use to compare tools or tool storage are all wrong. Our discussions often respond to videos which are utter nonsense.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Rousseau drawers are all typically rated at 400lbs. With Snap-On, it depends on how many slides are on the drawer and what series.

I wondered about that since I noticed that snap-on said something about number of drawer slides. All of my cabinets have only two (one on each side).

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

I asked my buddy at the Chevy house what started this debate last week and he told me one of the techs bought a USG 72" and one of the guys with a SO box started putting him down about it. The debate went into quality and took a turn when they started making stupid claims like "if your rolling that box around the shop and all the drawers come open your box will flip and mine wont". Absolute stupidity.. I told my buddy they should make the techs call the customer and explain to them why their vehicle isn't ready for pickup after the box flips!

I didn't know this was a Tiktok/youtube challenge.... there are literally a thousand videos of guys doing this...

I dont understand the standing in the drawer test either.. a HF 56" box shows to be 366lbs so a 200lb person standing in the door still wont flip it empty (i get the HF slides are not rated for 200 lbs). Think about standing in the drawer with a 12" shoe, your not actually 30" (or whatever your drawer width is) away from the box so the weight is distributed much closer to the box.

Then you find nonsense like this all over the internet. I don't understand humans anymore

 

[shoggoth80]

I'm in the "play stupid games win stupid prizes" crowd. There's pretty much zero circumstances where you'd be at risk of all your drawers coming open that I can think of. Especially in a fairly controlled environment like an actual shop.

I don't entirely get the standing in your drawers thing. Depending on how you're built, that might add up to little to nothing proven. Some folks are very slight. Others are not. Best case scenario... You've got a tough box. Great! Worst case scenario is you injure yourself or someone else, and damage property. Not so great

I can say that I've bought several Series 3 US General boxes for guys at work, and nobody has complained about them. Personally I think they're a high value item. I've got an older generation five drawer cart that's been doing service for many years. I would put either of them head and shoulders above the old Craftsman boxes my father has as far as build goes.

Toolboxes don't make you money. They cost you money. Just doesn't seem like the flex that some people are convinced it is.

 

[mikey03]

Yea but which one is better HF or Snap on tool carts?

 

[zendriver]

The whole “controversy” looks like just another angle to get attention on the Internet

Seems to be working

Harbor Freight gets more free advertising and snap on friends get to weigh in on something else

Everybody wins.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have seen several boxes over the years where the drawers cascaded open while turning corners of factory isle ways, dumping box and tools all over the place. Nascar level turns tend to do that. Some production workers would point and laugh at the grand entertainment, then help pick them up. I used a fabricated external vertical retainer bar across the faces of all the drawers of my rolling box to prevent this. A padlock was used with it for security. If it tells you how much the box travelled inside the factory, it got named Mobile 1. The retainer bar hung on the side of the box when it was not in motion.

 

[seber]

Sheet metal gage thickness doesn’t really impact drawer strength directly. Maybe because I’m an aircraft person I just take this for granted. You can make a stiff drawer out of thin sheet metal.

Machinists, metal workers etc, shouldn’t even be considering, let alone discussing, merits of automotive tool boxes. Most automotive box manufacturers don’t offer boxes that fit their requirements.

We have tool controlled EPIQs at work. But drill bits, what I would call tooling, are still largely stored in LISTA boxes, designed for that sort of stuff.

Yes you can increase strength in other ways but they all have drawbacks. Smaller drawers or strengthening dividers make the drawer less usable. I am not a metal worker or machinist. Just a home hobbyist. Listas would be inappropriate in my garage.

 

[AEAdam]

Yes you can increase strength in other ways but they all have drawbacks.

No they don’t. Rolling the top (free) edges of a drawer, for example, can add section. Only downside is cost. You can see this feature in better quality boxes.

Higher quality welds, more of them, reinforcements, there are many ways to make a better mousetrap besides thicker metal.

Smaller drawers or strengthening dividers make the drawer less usable. I am not a metal worker or machinist. Just a home hobbyist. Listas would be inappropriate in my garage.

Agree to all above.

I guess my point is, I just never hear any of this conversation. Toolbox discussions all sound like Ron Burgundy‘s sales pitch for the all new Dodge Durango, discussing how many packs of gum fit into the glove box.

 

[badmatt]

These types of threads make my brain hurt…

Just buy whatever the **** you want.