Quality Tool Chests Proto vs Snap on?

[davidless]

hi all,
I'm looking to get a quality tool chest. Can anyone tell me if there is any difference between Proto professional series vs Snap on?
Both seem to be made from the same gauge steel, 14, 16, 18
Both are made in the USA
Only difference is the price, not sure if Snap on is worth the extra coin?
I'm leaning towards the Proto

Any opinions?

David

 

[Tim37]

I would go with proto and save the money. It wouldn't suprise me if proto made some of the Mac boxes they are both owned by stanley

 

[dsp1]

I tried e-mailing proto about what parts on the box were "global components" and what were made out of the 14, 16 and 18ga. steel. Unfortunately, I was informed that it was sensitive information that they don't share. You may also want to look at the SHD series by SPG International. Made in Canada and re-badged in the U.S. by Williams. I contacted them and was given the following:
Top- 16ga
Outside Wall- 18ga
Inside Wall- 18ga
Drawers- 18ga
Bottom Channel- 14ga
Bottom- 16ga

 

[Cope]

The Snap on or Matco boxes will be better built; the question you have to answer is are they worth the difference to you.

 

[Cab037]

I bought one of the proto boxes after the first of the year. It is very well built and weighs a ton! It seems to be on par or better than the Snap-On KRA that I bought earlier.

 

[davidless]

I bought one of the proto boxes after the first of the year. It is very well built and weighs a ton! It seems to be on par or better than the Snap-On KRA that I bought earlier.

Well I did some calculation on weights, lbs per cubic in for further comparison:

Proto: .020 lbs/ CI
Snap on Master Series(KRL): .016 lbs/CU
Snap on Classic (KRA): .015 lbs

I took the listed weights and divided by listed volume

David

 

[zkling]

The proto boxes are nice. One thing that may or may not matter to you with the truck brand boxes is the support aspect. Kinda fishy that they will not disclose the COO of their materials. Trying to hide something?

 

[bobcatdan]

The proto box pictured is the same as a Mac tech series. Proto also has versions of the 57" and 67" macismizer boxes. Proto and Mac are both owned by Stanley. If you like Mac boxes, you will like Proto.

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap-on uses 18ga steel for the inside walls. You have to be very careful when removing the drawer slides or the wall will bend. The inside wall should be made using thicker steel in my opinion. Another area of the box that should have thicker steel is the drawer bottoms. If it was up to me, there would be no 18ga steel in Snap-on boxes.

 

[1950mercury]

I'd buy the proto

 

[davidless]

You know I've always believed when buying anything, especially tools, buy the best you can afford, or spend a little more until it hurts, that way you only have to buy it once.

Now that I've got a little extra money, I'm rebuilding my tool collection (divorce) with all American made stuff, and I am buying Snap On for the stuff I use mostly and Williams or proto or even craftsman for the stuff I don't use as much, as long as it is American made.

But trying to justify 4000 for the master series or 2500 for the Classic series and still having less weight and 18 ga steel is just plan stupid in my book, I guess unless of course you look at the re sale value because of the brand name(which I always take into consideration).

1300 proto vs 3900, and heavier per CI seems like a no brainer.

Unless I'm missing something.

David

 

[Wamsutta]

^^ You're not missing anything. I have a KRL box and it will be my last one.

 

[stikman56]

You know I've always believed when buying anything, especially tools, buy the best you can afford, or spend a little more until it hurts, that way you only have to buy it once.

Now that I've got a little extra money, I'm rebuilding my tool collection (divorce) with all American made stuff, and I am buying Snap On for the stuff I use mostly and Williams or proto or even craftsman for the stuff I don't use as much, as long as it is American made.

But trying to justify 4000 for the master series or 2500 for the Classic series and still having less weight and 18 ga steel is just plan stupid in my book, I guess unless of course you look at the re sale value because of the brand name(which I always take into consideration).

1300 proto vs 3900, and heavier per CI seems like a no brainer.

Unless I'm missing something.

David

Yep, I think the Proto would be a much better value. Resale value....hell, you are going to lose a ton on a box that's 4 grand, any way you care to look at the numbers, you still lose a lot. How much you going to lose on a box that's 1300 bucks? Scrap it, you still only lost 1300 bucks. Sell the Snap-On box down the road, My bet is you lose a lot more. Always going to come out on top when you sell the lower dollar box, unless you bought used to start with.

 

[jim1987]

I'll be the irrelevant guy that adds useless information no ones wants, just to get it out of the way.


Harbor Freight.

 

[sonvolt]

I have a Proto roller 6 drawer cabinet in an industrial setting for over a year and no issues. I'm not pushing 200 lbs per drawer but find it excellent quality for the $$, it was around $700.00.

 

[lynnbilodeau]

I believe in paying a premium for hand tools even if the difference is slight. However, when it comes to tool boxes, I go the other direction. In fact, I am just now replacing my 1960's gray craftsman because it is really getting worn. I don't want the cheesiest thing out there, but frankly, even Proto is expensive. As between SO and Proto, no doubt I would buy the more inexpensive of the two. Properly cared for, either one will outlast you.

 

[DennisH2014]

Get the Proto! I personally have a 40" Proto Stack, and at work we have Snap-On, Matco, Gladiator and Harbor Freight boxes. My Proto easily has the best construction and feel in my opinion. Also a far better value as opposed to tool truck brands.

 

[stage20]

have you asked your truck guy about a used box, or found a used box on trade in? might can kill a lot of cost with used snap on or even matco.

if you are looking for new, hard to beat the price difference of the proto, though ive never put my hands on one.

 

[Art From De Leon]

You know I've always believed when buying anything, especially tools, buy the best you can afford, or spend a little more until it hurts, that way you only have to buy it once.

Now that I've got a little extra money, I'm rebuilding my tool collection (divorce) with all American made stuff, and I am buying Snap On for the stuff I use mostly and Williams or proto or even craftsman for the stuff I don't use as much, as long as it is American made.

But trying to justify 4000 for the master series or 2500 for the Classic series and still having less weight and 18 ga steel is just plan stupid in my book, I guess unless of course you look at the re sale value because of the brand name(which I always take into consideration).

1300 proto vs 3900, and heavier per CI seems like a no brainer.

Unless I'm missing something.

David

I agree

 

[bobcatdan]

Get the Proto! I personally have a 40" Proto Stack, and at work we have Snap-On, Matco, Gladiator and Harbor Freight boxes. My Proto easily has the best construction and feel in my opinion. Also a far better value as opposed to tool truck brands.

Your combo was a real deal when it had Huskey badges on it back it 2000. The combo sold for less then a $1000. Really gave craftsman a run for their money during the short time Huskey tried to be a proud USA brand. The box is from the Canadian made Beach company, which was bought out by Stanley and rolled into their own.

 

[Skin]

I would go with proto and save the money. It wouldn't suprise me if proto made some of the Mac boxes they are both owned by stanley

Proto doesn't make tool boxes. They use to be, if they aren't still, made in Canada. Some models now are made for them by MAC and mirror the tech series.

The proto boxes are nice. One thing that may or may not matter to you with the truck brand boxes is the support aspect. Kinda fishy that they will not disclose the COO of their materials. Trying to hide something?

If its like the rest of the competition the drawer slides and casters as well as trim pieces can be imported. Nobody sells a tool box that's 100% USA made.

 

[DrBaker]

Another vote for Proto.

I have the 66" that weighs around 750LB empty if I remember correctly. That thing is a tank.

I also have a 50" workstation with top chest. The quality on these boxes is top notch. A bit pricey, but it will last.

 

[bobcatdan]

The majority of Proto boxes are variations of a comparable Mac. Proto has a larger range on the low end that Mac does not. Also they where and probably still do have a line of Vidmar based boxes. The overwhelming simple answer to this question is, if you like a tech 1000 over a classic 78, then the Proto is for you. From bumming around the old internet, I see very enticing prices on Proto boxes, especially the larger the box. I actually like the Proto styling and drawer arrangement of their version of a 67" macismizer over Mac, plus I think it was just over 1/2 at the cheapest price I've seen.

 

[Adam.C]

hi all,
I'm looking to get a quality tool chest. Can anyone tell me if there is any difference between Proto professional series vs Snap on?
Both seem to be made from the same gauge steel, 14, 16, 18
Both are made in the USA
Only difference is the price, not sure if Snap on is worth the extra coin?
I'm leaning towards the Proto

Any opinions?

David

I had a look at the specs for the Proto 450HH top box and the Snap On KRA2405 and the KRL1251. I appreciated your attempt to apply some verifiable data to this complicated subject. If you take the volume in cubic inches and use that to divide the weight of the box you get:

Proto 450 235lbs/12037 = .0195
KRA2405 281lbs/14333 = .0196
KRL1251 306lbs/16528 = .0185

This can provide a sense of how heavily constructed a box is. I think these numbers are pretty comparable, but they may not tell the whole story. I don't think you could find a person who owned or used a KRL box to say that it was in any way weak or flimsy in any way. Its a 5" deeper box than the other two. My guess is, it is the heaviest constructed of the three.

Other comparisons you could use are drawer capacities. The KRL uses heavy duty drawer slides 227lbs per drawer versus 120lbs for the Proto and KRA. Realistically, would you need this in a top box? One thing I like about the KRL (don't own one, but I have worked out of them) is that you can open the drawer from one side and the drawer doesn't rack or bind at all. Other boxes really want to be opened from the center of the drawer. And that can get annoying. If at all possible, it would be nice to touch and feel these. Failing that, I would seriously considering the heavy duty drawer glides. Failing that, determine if the KRA or Proto can accept double slides.

In terms of resale, the Snap On KRL will be best. Snap On generally has a certain cache in the market place. But I personally find top boxes undesireable. I, like many other pros and amateurs alike, prefer bottom boxes only. Also these top boxes are designed to match specific bottom boxes. Therefore, I would consider purchasing a matching top and bottom. Resale may suffer otherwise. Failing that, I'm sure you could find an older KRL top box which may suit and be far cheaper than a new Proto.

 

[davidless]

I had a look at the specs for the Proto 450HH top box and the Snap On KRA2405 and the KRL1251. I appreciated your attempt to apply some verifiable data to this complicated subject. If you take the volume in cubic inches and use that to divide the weight of the box you get:

Proto 450 235lbs/12037 = .0195
KRA2405 281lbs/14333 = .0196
KRL1251 306lbs/16528 = .0185

This can provide a sense of how heavily constructed a box is. I think these numbers are pretty comparable, but they may not tell the whole story. I don't think you could find a person who owned or used a KRL box to say that it was in any way weak or flimsy in any way. Its a 5" deeper box than the other two. My guess is, it is the heaviest constructed of the three.

Other comparisons you could use are drawer capacities. The KRL uses heavy duty drawer slides 227lbs per drawer versus 120lbs for the Proto and KRA. Realistically, would you need this in a top box? One thing I like about the KRL (don't own one, but I have worked out of them) is that you can open the drawer from one side and the drawer doesn't rack or bind at all. Other boxes really want to be opened from the center of the drawer. And that can get annoying. If at all possible, it would be nice to touch and feel these. Failing that, I would seriously considering the heavy duty drawer glides. Failing that, determine if the KRA or Proto can accept double slides.

In terms of resale, the Snap On KRL will be best. Snap On generally has a certain cache in the market place. But I personally find top boxes undesireable. I, like many other pros and amateurs alike, prefer bottom boxes only. Also these top boxes are designed to match specific bottom boxes. Therefore, I would consider purchasing a matching top and bottom. Resale may suffer otherwise. Failing that, I'm sure you could find an older KRL top box which may suit and be far cheaper than a new Proto.

Well said, but lb. for lb. the Proto top box is heaver per volume than the $4000top of the line KRL. Not sure how, but the numbers don’t lie. Just can’t justify even if it has dual sliders and a nice orange color available.

I went back and forth with roll always vs top boxes on a heavy duty roll cart. I just like the idea of the top box having a more comfortable drawer height. I don’t like to bend down to open drawers and reach for my tools.

I plan on building a custom roll cart out of 8020 so I can get a perfect height for the drawers. I also don’t need to extra capacity of a stacked roll away, plus the added weight can make it more difficult moving around if I choose to. Since it’s for my garage I don’t think a will miss having or needing a work surface a roll away can offer. I am buying a butcher block work bench.

OK ,I’m getting closer to talking myself into the Proto, LOL

 

[Adam.C]

Just for anyone else reading along: The OP and I used a "toolbox density" calculation as a means of comparing different tool boxes. We took the weight of the box and divided that by the published cubic inch volume of the box. d=m/v. This can provide a rough sense for how stout a tool box is and helps cut thru some of the hype surrounding sheet metal gage thicknesses.

But there are also several problems with this approach. Boxes with a greater number of shallow drawers like the Kennedy 315XB, will appear "denser" i.e. better constructed, when in fact they are not. It also fails to consider the actual construction of the box. Corner gussets, caster support, and the number and spacing of spot welds, all greatly effect the service life and quality of a tool box.

"Toolbox density" can be used to differentiate between consumer grade and pro-grade boxes. But generally, so can price. In my study of 40" roll cabs, the sub $1000 boxes all had the lowest density numbers (HF, Craftsman, Montezuma). Unsurprisingly, these boxes also had the lower grade drawer slides. The $2000+ boxes had the highest densities, and greatest drawer capacities, best casters, etc.

In my study, only 2 boxes stood out: The HF44" box was at or near the bottom in every measure. Importantly for many here, it was half the price of the next lowest ranked box, the Craftsman Premium. For folks who don't need much in a box, this was by far the best value. The Lista HS series 94 offered nearly double the drawer load capacity of the comparable Snap On models and was 1.5X heavier.

In this particular instance, Proto has 2 different published numbers for its volume. It is also unclear whether the published weight is the shipping weight or net weight of the product. Using a bit of common sense, it appears these top boxes are all roughly comparable in terms of material thickness. I don't think anyone would be disappointed by low quality material thicknesses in any of these.

The decision between the boxes (neglecting price) then comes down to the quality of the struts, drawer locks and slides, and the depth of the drawers. Snap On typically sizes drawers to allow for the storage of specific tools, 1-1/2" combination wrenches on edge, 1/2" deep sockets in Hansen racks. It would be a good idea to ensure the drawer sizes will be sufficient for your needs.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Go with Harbor Freight they are very nice and well built for the money. Down the road if you wanted to sell you wont lose much.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a ToolAholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

 

[DrBaker]

hi all,
I'm looking to get a quality tool chest. Can anyone tell me if there is any difference between Proto professional series vs Snap on?
Both seem to be made from the same gauge steel, 14, 16, 18
Both are made in the USA
Only difference is the price, not sure if Snap on is worth the extra coin?
I'm leaning towards the Proto

Any opinions?

David

Have you considered the Proto 66"? I have the lower and love it.

The density math comes out to .022, drawer slides are 200lb, and depth is 27".

SO are also awesome. Boxes take a big depreciation hit. If new, go Proto. If used, get either based on best deal you can negotiate.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

Saving money isn't always the right way to go if you prefer USA witch I do myself then get Snap-On, Snap-On and Mac are really the only brands I trust when it comes to tools/tool boxes besides the occasional other USA brand. Snap-On boxes/tools will last a lifetime , if you buy a Snap-On box there's a good chance that box will last for a good 60 years or so then it'll start getting more of a collect-able than user but still a Snap-On is a wise infestment if you want a USA box that will last.

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap-On boxes/tools will last a lifetime , if you buy a Snap-On box there's a good chance that box will last for a good 60 years or so then it'll start getting more of a collect-able than user but still a Snap-On is a wise infestment if you want a USA box that will last.

That used to be the case with the KR series like the KR1000. But when the KRL series came out in the early 1990s, they really lightened the box up a lot by introducing 18ga steel on the inside wall and other places they suspect the customer wouldn't notice. When I ordered my KRL box, I was expecting a heavy built box like my boss's KR1000 and another co-worker's KR660. I was bitterly disappointed when the KRL box showed up. The first thing I noticed was the spring board drawer bottoms. Then several years later while tugging on one of the drawer slides to remove it, the inside wall got bent up. I'll never buy another Snap-on box unless it's a very old one.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

That used to be the case with the KR series like the KR1000. But when the KRL series came out in the early 1990s, they really lightened the box up a lot by introducing 18ga steel on the inside wall and other places they suspect the customer wouldn't notice. When I ordered my KRL box, I was expecting a heavy built box like my boss's KR1000 and another co-worker's KR660. I was bitterly disappointed when the KRL box showed up. The first thing I noticed was the spring board drawer bottoms. Then several years later while tugging on one of the drawer slides to remove it, the inside wall got bent up. I'll never buy another Snap-on box unless it's a very old one.

Yeah all my Snap-On stuff is older they have went out on the quality on some of the newer boxes. The older ones are built like tanks, mine (the one in my avatar) even fell off a truck once and never thought of giving up, new ones don't last near as long but I still recommend Snap-On over Proto.

 

[davidless]

That used to be the case with the KR series like the KR1000. But when the KRL series came out in the early 1990s, they really lightened the box up a lot by introducing 18ga steel on the inside wall and other places they suspect the customer wouldn't notice. When I ordered my KRL box, I was expecting a heavy built box like my boss's KR1000 and another co-worker's KR660. I was bitterly disappointed when the KRL box showed up. The first thing I noticed was the spring board drawer bottoms. Then several years later while tugging on one of the drawer slides to remove it, the inside wall got bent up. I'll never buy another Snap-on box unless it's a very old one.

Good point
Similar to what I calculated for weight per volume. At the price of the snappy KRL it should be all 14 ga. or at least significantly heaver than the competitors for the price difference.

I don't mind spending the coin if there is a considerable difference in quality, but I just don't see it, unfortunately it's a sight unseen purchase so all I have to go on is everyone's opinion and the weight calc. I did.

I sure like the snappy combination wrenches I bought though.

David

 

[Adam.C]

You don't say where you are located. A KRL1251 top and bottom box sold on ebay (read, not the cheapest place for Snap On boxes) for $1500.

There is at least one KRL1251 on eBay now for under $1000. That's an excellent box for half the cost of a new Proto. Chances are, boxes like that won't depreciate much which is why so many of us think such boxes are great deals.

I think you are smart to consider these narrow boxes. I find them outdated. Before now, I wouldn't have considered these sorts of setups, preferring the roll cab base with a wood top. But these narrow models (at 3' wide they aren't THAT narrow) seem to be going cheap.

 

[Wamsutta]

At the price of the snappy KRL it should be all 14 ga. or at least significantly heaver than the competitors for the price difference.

Yes absolutely. For the amount of money Snap-on charges for their boxes, every single piece of sheet metal in the whole entire box should be 14 ga.

 

[Adam.C]

Yes absolutely. For the amount of money Snap-on charges for their boxes, every single piece of sheet metal in the whole entire box should be 14 ga.

OMG guys. 14 ga sheet metal doesn't make a better box. Anyone who thinks any of these premium boxes are too thin needs to think again about how they are using their box.

This reminds me of the people who recommend a restaurant based on how much food you get.

 

[Brownsfan]

Go with Harbor Freight they are very nice and well built for the money. Down the road if you wanted to sell you wont lose much.
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I am a ToolAholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

I must have missed the part of the original post asking about the.HF box. I could have sworn he was asking about Proto and Snap On.

 

[Cope]

I must have missed the part of the original post asking about the.HF box. I could have sworn he was asking about Proto and Snap On.

You didn't, and he did.

 

[ZRX61]

I'd go with the Proto purely because it isn't SnapOn.

 

[Ruger_556]

hi all,
I'm looking to get a quality tool chest. Can anyone tell me if there is any difference between Proto professional series vs Snap on?
Both seem to be made from the same gauge steel, 14, 16, 18
Both are made in the USA
Only difference is the price, not sure if Snap on is worth the extra coin?
I'm leaning towards the Proto

Any opinions?

David

I like my Proto box, I did a review on here awhile back...

Have you ever handled a modern MAC (Proto is for all practicality the same) box? If not you should, from what I've seen people either love them or hate them. MAC/Proto use detents which some people do not like.

They have an issue with the slides where they "catch" a bit halfway out on the sequencing tab. Apparently MAC has redesigned them to fix the issue but I'm not sure when Proto will be using the new slides. I called them to see if they would exchange the slides on my box and they hadn't heard anything on it yet. Once you load the drawers and use them for a few months you don't really notice it, if you don't close the drawer past the detent they won't catch when you open it the next time so usually I just don't latch the couple drawers I'm working out of until I move the box.

I tried e-mailing proto about what parts on the box were "global components" and what were made out of the 14, 16 and 18ga. steel. Unfortunately, I was informed that it was sensitive information that they don't share.

Drawer slides on my year old box are from Mexico, I ordered a few more to put double slides on a couple drawers and they were made in the USA. Not sure what that means but take it for what you will

Proto doesn't make tool boxes. They use to be, if they aren't still, made in Canada. Some models now are made for them by MAC and mirror the tech series.

Well if you want to get all technical about it Stanley tool company makes both brands Proto has both Tech series and Macsimizer equivalent boxes, the 57" and 66" box get 200lb slides and they're punched for double slides if you want to add them.

 

[Wamsutta]

OMG guys. 14 ga sheet metal doesn't make a better box. Anyone who thinks any of these premium boxes are too thin needs to think again about how they are using their box.

This reminds me of the people who recommend a restaurant based on how much food you get.

The steel should not flex when you press on it with your bare hands. That's what 18 ga. steel does.