Please Help Me Decide on a Box
- Thread starter Rockuf8
- Start date
Been thinking about the Viper boxes again. I can get [2] 33" boxes through Sears for under $900, that's a picked up price.
So what about [2] 33" Black viper boxes side by side. They're not as wide as [2] 41's, but have 14 full width (30.5") and taller drawers than the shallow 41" drawers and 2" taller at 42.625".
I would remove the drawer pulls (they screw in), the side handle and caster bracketry and have them all powdercoated in either a flat or high gloss black for a monochromatic color scheme and a unique look.
I created a photoshop rendering for myself to see how I would like them.
So what about [2] 33" Black viper boxes side by side. They're not as wide as [2] 41's, but have 14 full width (30.5") and taller drawers than the shallow 41" drawers and 2" taller at 42.625".
I would remove the drawer pulls (they screw in), the side handle and caster bracketry and have them all powdercoated in either a flat or high gloss black for a monochromatic color scheme and a unique look.
I created a photoshop rendering for myself to see how I would like them.
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55cadillacking
Well-known member
Those look menacing in flat black. I think that's a great direction to go.
Thanks, they're not really flat back, the black Viper boxes are powdercoated in what seems to be a satin black, they're not really a gloss black from what I've seen in photos.
Do you think it's enough storage, those two together? I figured 14 30.5" drawers might be decent.
Do you think it's enough storage, those two together? I figured 14 30.5" drawers might be decent.
thedeatons
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2011
- Messages
- 372
Are you open to any other brands? Snap On?
I have a KRSC46 in Extreme Green that I love. It holds more tools than my double stack Craftsman, and it rolls to any project with ease. I roll it down my driveway to work on other people's cars, it's just so easy to move. Very much like the Vipers you mentioned above. (You can find ones like mine on Craigslist at times)
I personally would forego the powdercoating option. That is a TON of time you will spend on getting everything ready, disassembly, etc. Then the powdercoaters won't plug a hole or two or five, and you will have to fix that, or there will be a fisheye and it will drive you crazy.... I would just find a production made box that you like, and be done with it.
James
I have a KRSC46 in Extreme Green that I love. It holds more tools than my double stack Craftsman, and it rolls to any project with ease. I roll it down my driveway to work on other people's cars, it's just so easy to move. Very much like the Vipers you mentioned above. (You can find ones like mine on Craigslist at times)
I personally would forego the powdercoating option. That is a TON of time you will spend on getting everything ready, disassembly, etc. Then the powdercoaters won't plug a hole or two or five, and you will have to fix that, or there will be a fisheye and it will drive you crazy.... I would just find a production made box that you like, and be done with it.
James
Yeah I LOVE the White, Orange or Black Snap On SS, but they're really pricey, finding one used has proven to be quite difficult.
I also like the white Viper 41"s but haven't seen any photos anywhere except for a lame stock photo which makes it look 12" deep. Same problem with the 33" box, I've seen just one pic in a catalog. I'd like to get sense of how big two of them side by side would be, so I've been measuring and visualizing other boxes to get an idea.
I've had a ton of truck and car parts powder coated and I have a few guys I use that are very good, they'll plug the holes on the pulls, or just cover them in powdercoating green tape. So I'm not worried about that, it's a lot of work, but in the end having a unique box is kinda cool. Plus $900 for both was a great deal for the amount of space and quality I'd be getting.
There are so many options out there it's ridiculous.
Modifieddriver
Well-known member
40mm Solid Rubber Wood
What the hell is solid rubber wood
What the hell is solid rubber wood
They have them in my local Costco still.
>Rockuf8 I love the look of the Ulti-Mate cabinets, and I think your garage is going to look great no matter what you decide for a toolbox. But I think you are obsessing too much over color and configuration, and not paying any attention to the quality of the boxes.
I think instead of ANY of these options, you should shop for a used Snap-on KRL or Mac Macsimizer. While it's not too likely to come up with a used white box, black is somewhat less rare. I would look for a 29" deep triple bank, and you will be set. Granted, even used, this will be a bit more costly than a Chicom setup, but not by a huge amount; especially relative to all the money and effort you are putting into your garage already. A nice professional grade (used) triple bank can certainly be had for anywhere between $2,500 and $4,000. And I am talking pristine condition. At the lower end of that price range, you are generally looking at only red boxes though. You will appreciate the quality difference every time you reach for a tool. Good hunting.
I think instead of ANY of these options, you should shop for a used Snap-on KRL or Mac Macsimizer. While it's not too likely to come up with a used white box, black is somewhat less rare. I would look for a 29" deep triple bank, and you will be set. Granted, even used, this will be a bit more costly than a Chicom setup, but not by a huge amount; especially relative to all the money and effort you are putting into your garage already. A nice professional grade (used) triple bank can certainly be had for anywhere between $2,500 and $4,000. And I am talking pristine condition. At the lower end of that price range, you are generally looking at only red boxes though. You will appreciate the quality difference every time you reach for a tool. Good hunting.
I have been scouring Craigslist for exactly that, a quality SO, Matco or Mac, lightly used box. It's not easy finding one, but that's part of the fun I guess. Problem I've encountered is how different two peoples views can differ on what is considered "excellent" condition.
Where are you located?
There seem to be no shortage of used boxes around here. Also, there is at least one seller on eBay (in DE) that has a large inventory of very nice used boxes, and he does ship. But his prices are at the top of the market...closer to 50% of list.
I don't know if you'd consider this, but the way I got my current KRL box, (a 29" deep double bank with top box and side locker,) was to buy it FULL of truck-brand tools for $7k. I kept what I needed and then sold most of the tools on eBay. Box was just about free by the time I was done, (almost $17k list price). And it is in pristine condition. But I've seen set-ups like mine for about $4,500 empty.
You're a hustler man, that's awesome, not sure I could put up that much $ with the plan of recouping most of it through ebay sales, although I used to sell a ton on ebay.
I'm in North NJ, been looking as far as PA/DE/NY for used boxes. I saw the seller you're talking about on ebay, but he didn't currently have anything that I liked enough to consider, he may be within driving distance for me I think, maybe 3-4 hours IIRC.
Hotrod barn
Well-known member
Check with your local MAC,SNAPON drivers they buy used boxes also take them in on trade.you might find a good deal with them.
55cadillacking
Well-known member
Will Snap-On and Mac reps deal with Joe Public? I always thought you had to be in the trades.
55cadillacking
Well-known member
I'll just flag down the next truck I see, and ask!
Here's some:
http://cnj.craigslist.org/tls/3549816663.html
http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/tls/3543751986.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/3486828004.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/3477735252.html
I would use something like "Search Tempest" and check every day. Maybe two or three times a day. Widen your search a bit to a few hundred miles. With the economy the way it is, and showing no signs of recovery, there are many folks who are desperate to sell. Don't be afraid to make a low offer. Explain that you can be there with cash and a trailer within 24 hours. If they refuse your reasonable offer, and you are still interested, call them in a few weeks to see if they will reconsider.
There are a LOT of people who think it should be NO problem getting at least 50% of list price for their used Snap-on box. In reality, most sell for closer to 25% of list. You can search "Completed Listings" on eBay, and look for a similar box that actually sold. There are tons that were priced too high and never sold. But look at the ones that sold. You might share this information with a seller if they seem at all rational; it might help you get them down to "market" price.
http://cnj.craigslist.org/tls/3549816663.html
http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/tls/3543751986.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/3486828004.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/3477735252.html
I would use something like "Search Tempest" and check every day. Maybe two or three times a day. Widen your search a bit to a few hundred miles. With the economy the way it is, and showing no signs of recovery, there are many folks who are desperate to sell. Don't be afraid to make a low offer. Explain that you can be there with cash and a trailer within 24 hours. If they refuse your reasonable offer, and you are still interested, call them in a few weeks to see if they will reconsider.
There are a LOT of people who think it should be NO problem getting at least 50% of list price for their used Snap-on box. In reality, most sell for closer to 25% of list. You can search "Completed Listings" on eBay, and look for a similar box that actually sold. There are tons that were priced too high and never sold. But look at the ones that sold. You might share this information with a seller if they seem at all rational; it might help you get them down to "market" price.
Thanks! I saw all of them except that weird stainless looking drawers/black box, none of the other ones are the right color.
I found a dude with a 3 bank orange Matco asking $3,695 which sounded REALLY high to me. That's about 60% of original price I'm thinking.
Texted him today, told him a buddy who lives an hour from him (4hrs away from me) would stop by to look at it, he texted me back later today asking when I thought my buddy would make it there, sounds desperate maybe?
I found a dude with a 3 bank orange Matco asking $3,695 which sounded REALLY high to me. That's about 60% of original price I'm thinking.
Texted him today, told him a buddy who lives an hour from him (4hrs away from me) would stop by to look at it, he texted me back later today asking when I thought my buddy would make it there, sounds desperate maybe?
Viper was nice enough to take and send me a video. Although I don't think it helped me decide on it, the video was rather unflattering.
I really don't see how much better a 24" drawer is than an 18" drawer. I think width would be more important to me than depth for wrenches, screw drivers and sockets. I guess it depends on how you have your drawer set up really.
I really don't see how much better a 24" drawer is than an 18" drawer. I think width would be more important to me than depth for wrenches, screw drivers and sockets. I guess it depends on how you have your drawer set up really.
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ZRX61
Well-known member
40mm Solid Rubber Wood
What the hell is solid rubber wood
Wood from Rubber Trees, cut down after they stop producing enough rubber to be economical to harvest.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubberwood
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hevea_brasiliensis
I bought 2 x 44in cabinets from Harbor Freight yesterday. You can spend crazy $ if you want to but these were as good if not better than the Craftsman and Snap-on boxes I checked out. I got them both for $730; 88in; 26 drawers. Someone here also did a review on different boxes you should read.
Turbo_Prop
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2012
- Messages
- 297
Yes, no and it depends.
The Mac, Matco, and Cornwell guys come to my house at the end the day on Friday, every other week. Sometimes I call them and tell them no need to stop or I will call them at the beginning of the week to tell them what I need so they will have it on the truck when they come by.
Wasn't always this way though. I started out having to track them down around town to buy stuff. Slowly working my way up to where I am now.
But, yes the tool truck guys will typically deal direct with the Joe public.
My advice though is to 1: not hit them up with warranty stuff right away, like the first year or so, 2: buy something every time you are on the truck. 3. Dont ask for freebies or discounts, in time they will come and get better.
Yeah I'm leaning towards the White Viper as I want a clean, sterile look to match the white Gladiator toolbench and white cabinets.
I may just get the Viper boxes, they're made rally well and I really want a white box and don't want to spend $3-5K. Trying to find a nice used white SO, Matco or Mac box on CL will take a lonnnng time.
So as I stated, I'm real close to ordering the Vipers.
[2] of the 41" Viper bottom rollers, and [2] of the 26" 5 drawer bottom rollers for underneath the white Gladiator tool bench (instead of the Ulti-MATE cabinets with wheels). I think drawers would be more useful for me than cabinets with all the various tools I have, I'm going to have plenty of cabinet storage and wil need more smaller drawers for odds and ends and smaller tools.
This is the look I'll be going for, did a rendering of the smaller roller w/ possible neutral wall paint color with white painted baseboard moulding in the garage. I don't care for the textured matte aluminum drawer pulls, I think they'll look better powdercoated in a gloss white to blend in with the box. The side handle and metal castor parts will look best black.
[2] of the 41" Viper bottom rollers, and [2] of the 26" 5 drawer bottom rollers for underneath the white Gladiator tool bench (instead of the Ulti-MATE cabinets with wheels). I think drawers would be more useful for me than cabinets with all the various tools I have, I'm going to have plenty of cabinet storage and wil need more smaller drawers for odds and ends and smaller tools.
This is the look I'll be going for, did a rendering of the smaller roller w/ possible neutral wall paint color with white painted baseboard moulding in the garage. I don't care for the textured matte aluminum drawer pulls, I think they'll look better powdercoated in a gloss white to blend in with the box. The side handle and metal castor parts will look best black.
Well, if anyone cares I just took the plunge and ordered two white 41" 9 Drawer Viper boxes, and two 26" roller cabinets (the one I rendered above) that will go underneath my white 8' Gladiator tool bench.
The folks at Viper are super nice, they took pics and a video of the white box for me, and they even offered to give them to me at the deep sale price that had ended on their site well over a week ago. $1,306 for two 41" boxes shipped, best price I could find anywhere on these boxes shipped.
Then Sears had the white 26" 5 drawer Vipers on sale for just $272 w/ FREE pick up, snagged two of those and my wife had various gift cards totaling nearly $47, and paying on my wifes Sears card gave me an extra 5% off so we paid $508 for both, also a phenomenal deal.
Can't wait to get them and start pcoating the various parts and get to finishing the garage including racedeck tiles.
The folks at Viper are super nice, they took pics and a video of the white box for me, and they even offered to give them to me at the deep sale price that had ended on their site well over a week ago. $1,306 for two 41" boxes shipped, best price I could find anywhere on these boxes shipped.
Then Sears had the white 26" 5 drawer Vipers on sale for just $272 w/ FREE pick up, snagged two of those and my wife had various gift cards totaling nearly $47, and paying on my wifes Sears card gave me an extra 5% off so we paid $508 for both, also a phenomenal deal.
Can't wait to get them and start pcoating the various parts and get to finishing the garage including racedeck tiles.
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marty_p
Well-known member
^^^ That sir, rocks! 
Modifieddriver
Well-known member
At first I thought you were cranking my crank. I initially thought rubber wood was some sort of synthetic product
. Then I went to the links and read about rubber wood. Learned something, which isn't unusual. Thanks .I worked for a tire company for 27 years and knew about the origin of natural rubber, but I never heard a reference to rubber wood. Interesting. And because the rubber trees are in SE Asia and this box is probably manufactured over there, it's use for a tool box top makes sense.
4t64rd
Well-known member
I may be bias, but none of these toolboxes have quite enough stickers on them for my taste...
4t64rd
Well-known member
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Just checked up on the delivery of my two white 41" Viper boxes and find out it's now delayed. 
No longer will be receiving them Friday, the truck allegedly 'broke down', hope it didn't run off the side of the road, crash and smash the cargo.
Not surprised, this is the usual type of thing that happens to me.
Already had put in for the day off at work, I'll have to switch it tenatively to Monday, the woman said if they get going again soon that might be the day it would be scheduled for. I's just a bit annoying because it wouldn't be easy to take the day off if they call me the evening before.
No longer will be receiving them Friday, the truck allegedly 'broke down', hope it didn't run off the side of the road, crash and smash the cargo.
Not surprised, this is the usual type of thing that happens to me.
Already had put in for the day off at work, I'll have to switch it tenatively to Monday, the woman said if they get going again soon that might be the day it would be scheduled for. I's just a bit annoying because it wouldn't be easy to take the day off if they call me the evening before.
55cadillacking
Well-known member
Man, that's one thing I love about Sears. They do weekend deliveries and they are always on time. I usually get a call that morning to set up a specific time. I hope it isn't too much of a hassle. I bet your excitement is really adding to your anxiety! Hang in there!
Yeah man, I might get the two white Viper 26" boxes I ordered from Sears before these now. Should get an email on the 31st/1st about when I should pick them up. Figured they were small enough for me to pick up in my truck.
It's not a terrible thing though, I still have to get the ceiling sag fixed, so they would most likely be in the way anyway.
Shame on Viper for using a freight service that wasn't the usual one they normally use, just to save a few $. They told me this and apologized for any delay. Still no word on the status of my shipment. Looking up my pro number on the Roadrunner site still says shipment delayed as of 1/28.
Not sure how a company like this stays in business.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roadrunner-transportation-services-cudahy
Not sure how a company like this stays in business.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roadrunner-transportation-services-cudahy
Crusher47
Well-known member
Good luck, hope it comes in soon.... funny you mention the reviews of that transportation company....you ever see that show "Shipping Wars"? I'm amazed they stay in business too....I'm sure a lot of it is for the TV, but it does make you wonder
Never use roadrunner transportation.
Called them today to find out the truck has been repaired and the shipment is in Richmond, Indiana, approx 10-12+ hours away and most likely would be ready to be delivered to my house from the terminal by Monday or Tue early next week. Which was a surprise since the were allegedly stuck in New Mexico only on Tuesday. So I'm figuring ok I'll ask to have the day off early next week. Well I comw to find out they called my workplace after I had left looking to schedule an appt. for tommorow. Huh? Tomorrow was my original scheduled delivery day but they lost 3 days when the truck was broken down.
So now I'm like we'll hell if I knew this I would've kept my day off tomorrow. I don't know what's true anymore, what a fiasco.
Called them today to find out the truck has been repaired and the shipment is in Richmond, Indiana, approx 10-12+ hours away and most likely would be ready to be delivered to my house from the terminal by Monday or Tue early next week. Which was a surprise since the were allegedly stuck in New Mexico only on Tuesday. So I'm figuring ok I'll ask to have the day off early next week. Well I comw to find out they called my workplace after I had left looking to schedule an appt. for tommorow. Huh? Tomorrow was my original scheduled delivery day but they lost 3 days when the truck was broken down.
So now I'm like we'll hell if I knew this I would've kept my day off tomorrow. I don't know what's true anymore, what a fiasco.