Remline tool box?

[Richard Givan]

Hi, all. I went this morning to look at a box a mechanic at a local Chevy dealer is selling. It's certainly big--more than I need to hold my collection of mostly Craftsman that I bought years ago and the motley crue of higher pedigree yet unmatched and well-worn tools my dad left me. The seller says it's a Remline box that he bought a short while back for about $1900 and wants to sell because it's too tall for him to see into the top area. He's about 5' 7" (I'm 5' 12", and I can just clear the lip myself).

The box is in nice condition except for a ding on one of the handles, but I don't know. It does have ball-bearing drawer glides (23 drawers in all plus a side cab.). I'm not that impressed with the quality, however. There's absolutely no badging on it, though he says it's a Remline box, made by the same people who make Stack-On (not to be confused with another company of the same initials). The lower cabinet is about 53" wide, and that does not fit any Remline box I can find on the web. Besides that, the drawers seem to have more side-to-side play than a really good box should have and I detect a general sense of light construction to it.

He wants a grand for it, I'm not sure it's worth it. I don't need a pro box if I'm being honest, but reading you fellows' posts have opened my eyes to the world of quality tools, and a guy can dream. I have just retired from work and am no great wrench, but it would be nice to get all my mechanics tools organized and centralized even if I'm not swinging them all day or even every day. I'm in no great rush, can keep a watch on Mr. Craig's list and see what turns up, but wonder if my concerns are unfounded. If anybody would care to enlighten me as to the provenance of this box, or if you have an opinion of its worth, I would sure appreciate hearing it. I have tried do attach a photo, but this is my first attempt, so who knows if it will work.

Cheers

 

[Richard Givan]

Second try at posting pic. Thanks for your patience.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Many here know much more than I do about the quality of boxes, and many other things for that matter, but I have never known Rem Line, or Stack-on to be hallmarks of quality. I think you should pass, by your own admission you say it did not have a quality feel, I think you should trust your gut and pass. I believe you can get a much higher quality box for your $1000 than that box. (Though it does look nice in the picture)

 

[rsanter]

the were at the recent SEMA show
I thought their boxes were decent but nothing to jump at
I think the quality is close to or at the level of some of the Cman boxes

the smaller cheaper stuff will have the stack on name on it
the better larger stuff will have the remline name

bob

 

[Richard Givan]

Thanks for your input, guys.

BTW, he conceded that he would take $900, I offered $700, he declined. I've got his number and he's got mine, so the deal is in limboland awaiting desperation on his part or reconsideration on mine.

One hand, this box would do me fine for as long as I live. On the other, would it sing to me when I open it?

 

[mkdive]

I would buy it for $800-$850. I like the color!

 

[OldCarGuy]

Let's see if he'll split the difference and make it $800.00.

 

[garfunkle24]

(I'm 5' 12",

We used to call that 6 feet

Seriously though, I would pass if I were you.

 

[krusty the clown]

i think you can find a better box for that money.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Let's see if he'll split the difference and make it $800.00.

If you think you want it bad, OCG suggestion is to me the best sign of a stand up guy when he will meet you in the middle while dickering. If the box is on par with Cman then the $800 might be alright.

 

[atvmech]

Id go for it....look at some of your big name boxes (snap on, mac, matco)...alot are made by waterloo...my craftsman box...made by waterloo....my brothers clarke box...nice by the way....is a waterloo....if the remline is as nice as it looks....id give 8 for it...no questions asked....

 

[Sniper55]

800 bucks for that much room that sounds like a deal to me i cant really see much from the pic the only problem i can see with it is that the caster look weak but you could always change them

 

[krusty the clown]

look at some of your big name boxes (snap on, mac, matco)...alot are made by waterloo...my craftsman box...made by waterloo.

waterloo has never made boxes for those three as far back as i can remember. i think cornwell may have used waterloo years ago.



edit: i just reread the tread, i'll retract my statement about the price. for $800 it's a good deal.........i thought he wanted $1900

 

[Richard Givan]

Another, possibly niggling concern--all the quality boxes I've seen seem to have three sets of casters when they get over 50" wide. This one only has wheels on the corners.

I guess I'll let it perk for a day or two before deciding. He has listed it a time or two before, last time for $1200. I do like the color. I've got a Racedeck floor on the way in graphite, silver and blue. Got to say this box would complement that scheme nicely. Do I sound gay, or what?

 

[krusty the clown]

Do I sound gay, or what?

apparantly only if you wax it

 

[vssjim]

Rem Line and Waterloo were not friends they were competitors.

 

[rsanter]

I think I would do $700 and I would even go $800 if you really want it

I think based on what I have seen of these boxes that $900 is top price for used if I wanted it

for home use you should be fine with it

bob

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Another, possibly niggling concern--all the quality boxes I've seen seem to have three sets of casters when they get over 50" wide. This one only has wheels on the corners.

I guess I'll let it perk for a day or two before deciding. He has listed it a time or two before, last time for $1200. I do like the color. I've got a Racedeck floor on the way in graphite, silver and blue. Got to say this box would complement that scheme nicely. Do I sound gay, or what?

Snap-on and I believe mac (not sure on matco) go up to 72" wide with just the 4 casters outboard on the box.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I'm not that impressed with the quality, however.

That's the line right there that would give me pause on buying it if I were you. Even if you get a good deal on it, if you're not all that happy with it, eventually you'll want to get rid of it and get something else...at least that's the way I am.

 

[Uncle Buck]

That's the line right there that would give me pause on buying it if I were you. Even if you get a good deal on it, if you're not all that happy with it, eventually you'll want to get rid of it and get something else...at least that's the way I am.

Nailed it good and proper!

 

[billymade]

Good call and sentiments; I would want and want you to buy a box that you feel happy, excited, is a pleasure to use, has a quality feel you can be proud of and something you can really enjoy! If you feel like you are taking "second best" or just because it is cheap... I don't think ultimately, you be happy with it and would be a shame to really not enjoy it; especially, at this time in your life.... you deserve something, that will be a joy to use! If you are questioning it; then, you probably will not be happy owning it!

 

[Frank Elson]

agreed.

I donlt know what $800 dollars means to you in your circumstances but that's £400 to me and, although not a fortune, I'd want something I was very pleased with, not even a little unsure.

 

[Richard Givan]

Thanks to all for your valued input. I can't imagine a resource with this kind of experience and passion for the topic that you fellows bring.

This box is all I need and more, but I can't help thinking something a bit nicer might surface if I wait. What I sometimes do when confronted with "sitting on the fence" choice like this is to let fate and the other guy make decision for me. I made an offer that's low but not insulting. Now it's up to him. I've got until spring and return of warm weather before I get busy painting, flooring, and whipping my garage into shape. Something else will turn up if he doesn't agree to sell it my way. Meantime, I can further my education reading your posts.

 

[billarch1960]

So did you ever buy the boxes???

 

[bob15]

So did you ever buy the boxes???

You realize this thread is 12 years old and the OP hasn't been on GJ in 7 years.

 

[mkdive]

You realize this thread is 12 years old and the OP hasn't been on GJ in 7 years.

Yeah, but it will bring us back.

 

[billarch1960]

You realize this thread is 12 years old and the OP hasn't been on GJ in 7 years.

One can always hope? Also, I am trying to figure out how this forum works. I just bought a sweet old 6 drawer box that I think is a Rem Line and want to be able to post pictures and ask questions, because I know all you folks are way more knowledgeable about this stuff than I am.

 

[bob15]

One can always hope? Also, I am trying to figure out how this forum works. I just bought a sweet old 6 drawer box that I think is a Rem Line and want to be able to post pictures and ask questions, because I know all you folks are way more knowledgeable about this stuff than I am.

Why not just start a new thread?