Shopping for new tool box.

[Nortonscustom]

Hi guys, I'm shopping for a new tool box and looking for opinions or experience any of you might have. The company I work for has a rule that Mech's are only allowed to have a 26" wide tool box so my choices are kind of limited. I have more or less narrowed it down to the Snap-On KRA 4008e & KRA4014d or the Proto J442719-5RD & J442742-7RD. They both come in at about the same weight and storage capacity but haven't seen either first hand to judge overall quality. Are there any others out there that are worth looking into? Thanks.

 

[toadjammer]

It depends on what type of work you are doing. You mad need wrench drawers and you may need large tool drawers. If you are using alot of sockets I would try to organize them in the top of the box like I have seen others do. If you have to have room for large prybars and extensions you could get a small holder that hangs on the side of your box.

 

[Merkava_4]

The company I work for has a rule that Mech's are only allowed to have a 26" wide tool box so my choices are kind of limited.

What about 27 inches....will the bastards go one more inch?

 

[autoace]

Tool boxes are Snap-ons strong point, they really are very good! I like the blue color Snappy uses on the boxes. Here is one of the rare cases I side with the SO.

 

[Vulturej]

Both tool boxes you mentioned are good quality, I think you would be happier with the Snap On. It has a sturdier feel than the Proto. Either way you will have a nice tool box. Good luck!

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Do any of the Montezuma made ones (Craftsman maybe), fit? This might be a good top box, to give him more drawer room, for other tools.


Just a thought.

 

[Merkava_4]

This Kennedy would be nice for you, but it's 27 inches wide; which means it's illegal.

 

[Nortonscustom]

Both units have enough storage for what I need. I'm using an old Craftsman box now but the bottom is rusted out badly and a careless forklift driver at my last job tweaked the top chest out of whack. The company provides us with large wheeled cabinets and flat bed golf-carts to tow them with. We put all our larger stuff in those. Mainly wondering what the quality difference (if any) is between the two different makes.


And yes, I'm sure I would be fine with 27" box. The story as it was told to me was, a few years back at another of our plants a bunch of the Mechs got into a bit of an arms race when it came to tool boxes. And before long they had a dozen or so Mechs parking RV sized tools boxes in the maintenance shop. So now they give each mechanic one wagon and limit boxes to "26" series"


I forgot all about Kennedy! I'll have to look into those as well.

 

[simonb]

i have a matco toolbox, double bay still in my garage, sealed, never opened. i paid so much for it thinking i am going to work for a place that needed a toolbox; i ended up going to a place that has built in toolboxes. i am willing to sell it for 1000 less than i paid and still no one wants to buy it; i guess matco doesnt hold value?

 

[Merkava_4]

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ What's the part number on that Matco box?

 

[Underdog]

I would buy a cheaper box like a Craftsman because if you ever move to a new job you might want to upgrade to a large roll cab. I bought a used SO Krl off CL and could never go back to a 26" box again.

 

[Chris Adams]

Nortonscustom, what area are you in? Some of the guys have pretty good deals local, but a post to the whole country equals buy it online or from dealer.

 

[Scooterfish]

If you are near a Menards look at their Master Craft. I think under $500 for a top & bottom 26". Way above anything I have seen at Sears

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

Craigslist always has boxes that size, with the money you'll spend it there, you have some left to spend in the ******* bar.....

 

[-B-]

Could you push it to 30" ? if so go Lista you will have the storage of a bigger box in a small foot print.

 

[Nortonscustom]

Underdog, yeah if I ever leave this outfit I still have my 50" double bay and chest that's been my main box for years.

Chris, that's my nightly routine, trading times, craigslist, ebay.

Scooterfish, I've looked at those a couple of times and you're right I think they are a great deal and on par or better than Craftsman's current offerings. But showing up with a green imported tool box would have an adverse affect on my work environment.........

Jimmy, now you're talking!

B, That's the make of the wagons they provide us and they're built like a tank! Ours all have hard wood tops and a vice mounted on the corner so they double as mobile work bench. God knows what they spent on them given there's 18 of us in our dept.

I talked the local Snap On dealer today and he said he's got a repossessed 26" he would be willing to deal on. It was funny, he said he would be happy to help me get started with a nice little beginner box.........and just when I finally reached the grizzled old mechanic stage of my career...

 

[-B-]

B, That's the make of the wagons they provide us and they're built like a tank! Ours all have hard wood tops and a vice mounted on the corner so they double as mobile work bench. God knows what they spent on them given there's 18 of us in our dept.

I talked the local Snap On dealer today and he said he's got a repossessed 26" he would be willing to deal on. It was funny, he said he would be happy to help me get started with a nice little beginner box.........and just when I finally reached the grizzled old mechanic stage of my career...

I know the box you speak of and it can be quite reasonable compared to a SO it is an even better deal when it is a scratch and dent sale. I was just at the factory yesterday and picked up counter height 7 draw box for a 1/3 of new because of a few scratches and burrs they are very nice people there. While there they too me to the show room and showed me the cart then on the dock showed me a scratch and dent cart man i was so tempted but lack room . ( it took me 2 weeks just to make)

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

This Kennedy would be nice for you, but it's 27 inches wide; which means it's illegal.

Pretty sure that is the 34" box. Still would be nice. I think for a top/bottom combination, that is the best size.

 

[Merkava_4]

Pretty sure that is the 34" box. Still would be nice.

I think you're right, but it's available in a 27"

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

Good thing this thread came up, I was wondering if any one had used one of the tool box's UAP/NAPA sell's and maybe know who make's them? I really need to get a bigger box, but Snap On might be a little out of my price range. I am kind of limited as i just finished up school and have a small budget and would like to Finance a box over time so that i can get my bigger tool chest.
I like the Snap on Classic 96, Triple Bank as well as the Matco Double bay box's but i don't think there is a dealer here in Canada.
Right now i am looking at a 56" International But i Don't know about there quality and draw lay out, not may small draws and how they would hold up to being opened and closed 100 times a day.
Craftsman "high end" box here in Canada is only 19" deep, i am looking for 24" or better. This is the one my local Sears has CRAFTSMAN MD Professional 13-drawer The top bottom and side.
Any idea's, feed back would be a lot of help.

Edit: Sears does have a 22" but i really hate the draw lay out. CRAFTSMAN MD 10-drawer Cabinet

 

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

Hey my 2 cents,
SO combo from SO.com=$2,590.00
Kennedy combo = $1,076.50
SAVED $ =$1,513.50
That would buy a **** load of FOAM DRAWER LINER or more tools!!!

Richard(TR TOOL SUPPLY)

 

[bb1970]

This is $519 at Costco. 26"x54". 705 lb. max. capacity.

 

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

STOP THE PRESSES!!!!
HARBOR FREIGHT SELLS STOREHOUSE BRAND 11 DRAWER ROLLER CABINET for $199.99 reg.price$299.99,forget the SO and Kennedy save over$2,390.00.
Still have money to buy that HF -Pittsburgh brand 4-pcs.swivel spark plug socket set for only $9.99!!
P.S. That leaves $2,380.02 for foam drawer liner WOW!!!!!

I don't know why the goverment buys USA made tools from us.
Richard(TR TOOL SUPPLY)

 

[Merkava_4]

STOP THE PRESSES!!!!
HARBOR FREIGHT SELLS STOREHOUSE BRAND 11 DRAWER ROLLER CABINET for $199.99 reg.price$299.99,forget the SO and Kennedy save over$2,390.00.
Still have money to buy that HF -Pittsburgh brand 4-pcs.swivel spark plug socket set for only $9.99!!
P.S. That leaves $2,380.02 for foam drawer liner WOW!!!!!

I don't know why the goverment buys USA made tools for us.
Richard(TR TOOL SUPPLY)

"That's a brilliant deduction my dear Watson!"

 

[GDA]

For a toolbox, I'd suggest you work the local CL. You can save a ton of money and still find one that works to meet your needs. Buying a toolbox new just doesn't make much sense based on all the posts of finds I've seen on this board.

 

[harrycaul]

Saw this mentioned in another thread which I can't find. $514 shipped, made in Canada.
http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com/ProductList.aspx?OEMID=&CategoryID=88&SubCat=1
They carry other International boxes and are also on eBay.

 

[sk farmer]

STOP THE PRESSES!!!!
HARBOR FREIGHT SELLS STOREHOUSE BRAND 11 DRAWER ROLLER CABINET for $199.99 reg.price$299.99,forget the SO and Kennedy save over$2,390.00.
Still have money to buy that HF -Pittsburgh brand 4-pcs.swivel spark plug socket set for only $9.99!!
P.S. That leaves $2,380.02 for foam drawer liner WOW!!!!!

I don't know why the goverment buys USA made tools from us.
Richard(TR TOOL SUPPLY)

do you sell them stuff at toilet seat and claw hammer prices? did you ever list your company website?

 

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

We haven't needed a web site,since we sell by bidding on contracts and our customers have a copy of our catalog to call and order from.I have spoken with a few members on GJ and said I would help them with the WRIGHT tool purchase's,since they can be hard to find.
I have been online selling garage stuff such as cabinets,racks,etc. before.If I do start a branch of TR TOOLs to do online sales it all becomes a "beat the others guys price deals".If anyone is interested in trying the WRIGHT brand call us ,say your from the GJ and we'll give you a 22 1/2% discount on WRIGHT tools and free shipping over $199.That should stir up some **** round here!!!
We own Garage Medic,LLC dba TR TOOL SUPPLY our duns#82-936-5555,CCR registered,CAGE code the whole bit.The answer to the toilet seat I WISH it was that way but it is mostly bid out ,3 bids,lowest bid gets the contract etc.
Thanks,
Richard (TR TOOL SUPPLY)

 

[-B-]

We haven't needed a web site,since we sell by bidding on contracts and our customers have a copy of our catalog to call and order from.I have spoken with a few members on GJ and said I would help them with the WRIGHT tool purchase's,since they can be hard to find.
I have been online selling garage stuff such as cabinets,racks,etc. before.If I do start a branch of TR TOOLs to do online sales it all becomes a "beat the others guys price deals".If anyone is interested in trying the WRIGHT brand call us ,say your from the GJ and we'll give you a 22 1/2% discount on WRIGHT tools and free shipping over $199.That should stir up some **** round here!!!
We own Garage Medic,LLC dba TR TOOL SUPPLY our duns#82-936-5555,CCR registered,CAGE code the whole bit.The answer to the toilet seat I WISH it was that way but it is mostly bid out ,3 bids,lowest bid etc.
Thanks,
Richard (TR TOOL SUPPLY)

Some things do not add up you must have a web site if you are dealing with the government as all purchase orders are done electronically not by phone or paper.

 

[Chris Adams]

Some things do not add up you must have a web site if you are dealing with the government as all purchase orders are done electronically not by phone or paper.

Electronically, via IP does not mean you must have a public web site accessable via URL.
You don't need an established URL to deal with the govment, not yet anyway.

 

[Garage_Mahal]

My local HF, as I discovered yesterday, does not have any toolboxes in stock.

 

[Nortonscustom]

Well like they say, patience is a virtue. Went to a machine shop auction today and among the items were three brand new KRA008E and KRA4014Ds. Got the pair for $600. The other two were picked up by the Snap On dealer who sold them originally. Got talking to him and after the auction he keyed both boxes the same and gave me a bottle of touch up paint for free. And to top it off, gave me a hand putting them in my truck. A real class act! He will definitely be getting my business in the future. Also picked a set of 5-C collets and a Last-Word indicator for $50. All in all it was a pretty good day.


Norton

 

[volvo420coupe]

If your employer only will allow you to use a hobby sized toolbox, I would find the best deal I could on a c-man roller bearing. Then Paint it all ugly and stick stupid stickers on it. when they give you grief let them know the only toolboxes worth investing in are at least 54" wide, so thats why your using this POS. (tell them you bought it that way too.

 

[bry@n]

Well like they say, patience is a virtue. Went to a machine shop auction today and among the items were three brand new KRA008E and KRA4014Ds. Got the pair for $600. The other two were picked up by the Snap On dealer who sold them originally. Got talking to him and after the auction he keyed both boxes the same and gave me a bottle of touch up paint for free. And to top it off, gave me a hand putting them in my truck. A real class act! He will definitely be getting my business in the future. Also picked a set of 5-C collets and a Last-Word indicator for $50. All in all it was a pretty good day.


Norton

Good for you. I think that was a good price and looks like you made a good contact. I am glad it worked out for you in the end.

 

[mikemolzahn]

Diesel Crawler..


Craftsman just came out with a whole new Professional line of toolboxes. Might want to get a copy of their new catalog and check them out.


Mike

 

[plinker]

Good thing this thread came up, I was wondering if any one had used one of the tool box's UAP/NAPA sell's and maybe know who make's them

My Dads cousin had a Napa box at a yard sale that was not a very good one(flimsey,thin metal,ete..) it was an low end International box.

Napa has better boxes made by International.

 

[GDA]

Well like they say, patience is a virtue. Went to a machine shop auction today and among the items were three brand new KRA008E and KRA4014Ds. Got the pair for $600. The other two were picked up by the Snap On dealer who sold them originally. Got talking to him and after the auction he keyed both boxes the same and gave me a bottle of touch up paint for free. And to top it off, gave me a hand putting them in my truck. A real class act! He will definitely be getting my business in the future. Also picked a set of 5-C collets and a Last-Word indicator for $50. All in all it was a pretty good day.


Norton

Congratulations on the new set of toolboxes! Very high quality and ones that will probably be worth exactly what you paid for them a couple years down the road, if you ever want to upgrade.

Its cool to see threads like this where others who are willing to wait and look around, usually end up scoring a great deal.

 

[fotoflojoe]

Well like they say, patience is a virtue. Went to a machine shop auction today and among the items were three brand new KRA008E and KRA4014Ds. Got the pair for $600. The other two were picked up by the Snap On dealer who sold them originally. Got talking to him and after the auction he keyed both boxes the same and gave me a bottle of touch up paint for free. And to top it off, gave me a hand putting them in my truck. A real class act! He will definitely be getting my business in the future. Also picked a set of 5-C collets and a Last-Word indicator for $50. All in all it was a pretty good day.


Norton

Nice find.

Funny, I was going to recommend that Snappy, as it's the one that I have (minus the top box). Got it new 25 years ago, and I still use it almost every day. But then, I read the original post, saw it was from back in April, so I initially held back.

Question: What is a "Last-Word indicator?

 

[X1 Mike]

Question: What is a "Last-Word indicator?

Last word is a dial indicator made by Starrett

http://www.starrett.com/download/261_p146_149.pdf

 

[Nortonscustom]

A Last Word indicator is made by Starrett. They are super handy for all sorts of machining and setup work.

Norton