Snap On Epiq query

[Badattitude]

Looking for comments, good or bad, from any Epiq owners about the overall quality and function. Especially if you went from a KRL to an Epiq.

Last fall I attempted to trade my KRL 1003 towards an 84" Epiq. Didn't happen as the numbers were to far apart for what I'd gain. However, today the cards are on the table again and the negotiations are in the works. Our old snappy guy returned, replacing his replacement who bailed out. He seems intent on making this deal happen, so time will tell and fingers crossed.

No doubt I want one if the deal is there, but I don't need one. Last fall the toolbox truck or whatever they call it, made a visit to my dealer. I saw the box and was impressed. But what I'd really like to know is any drawbacks or concerns with using it daily. Likewise the pluses would be good to know. I did read one thread here awhile ago about moving the box around the shop and having problems with the casters. Mine will sit against the wall and stay put so no worries there. But this is the type of info I'd like to know beforehand.

-84" in blue...but still kinda hung on red or even cranberry

-no powerbank...prefer drawers!

-powerhouse is a must have depending on the total $$ and would like to hear comments if you have it.

-is just your plain basic stainless top available and as an option or standard equipped? I ask just in case I don't get the powerhouse.

-hate the wheels! I could live with them if I had to, but they don't appeal to me. IIRC I was told last fall I could change them out. Anyone know?

-drawer locks...like them or not? tried them last fall and seemed ok but don't really remember. no complaints with what my KRL has


I'm sure my snappy guy could answer some of this next week along with digging into the catalog for info, but figured I'd through it out here to see if any discussion would develop.

Thanks in advance!

 

[AndrewV]

There's a hole thread devoded to deffects/issues with it, but only other one is from when it was released.
But no epic here.

 

[Badattitude]

Didn't know nor have I seen the thread you mention.

Have a link or thread title?

 

[SS5150]

I've got a black 84" epiq all drawers with powertop. I haven't had any issues with mine, I've had it a little over three years. Parked against the wall and stays there unless I drag it out to clean under it. I came from a Macsimizer. Drawer latches took time to get used to the 'click' but normal now. I kind of wish the shallow drawers were just a little deeper, otherwise mine has been good. Worth the money.

 

[tjmonsen5]

Yes plain stainless top is available, but not popular. Power top is just so cool! Powerhouse is good if you don't have a work center. With a work center I think it's redundant.
You can change out the wheels but you would lose weight capacity. Each epic caster is rated at 2000 pounds for 8k total capacity.
I like the drawer latches, they are spring loaded to hold the drawer shut. The end catches are metal encased in plastic, much stronger tha the lock n roll design.
If you for some reason hate the drawer latches, you can remove them and then you are left with the original snapon drawer pulls, but you cannot add lock n roll.

 

[Wamsutta]

Didn't know nor have I seen the thread you mention.

Have a link or thread title?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=242202&highlight=epiq&showall=1

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=242202&highlight=epiq&showall=1

Some of the Epiq boxes have problems rolling across the floor. All four casters are not tracking in the same line. It's still a mystery as to whether the frames are out of square or if there's something wrong with the casters.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=242202&highlight=epiq&showall=1

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=242202&highlight=epiq&showall=1

Some of the Epiq boxes have problems rolling across the floor. All four casters are not tracking in the same line. It's still a mystery as to whether the frames are out of square or if there's something wrong with the casters.

It's not much of a mystery. I wish people would stop blaming SO and making it out like it's a "defect". It's physics. The same thing happens on a mobile gantry crane in the shop with the same type of casters.
The casters have the ability to swivel all the way around or be locked in one position. Casters like to trail their mounting point. When you lock it, and then push it "backwards" (wheel forward of it's mounting point) it want to drift to one side or the other to the limit of the slack in the lock device. This often results in two casters going toe in, or out, fighting each other and resulting the chattering across the floor.....if it chatters, unlock the casters and let them pivot around to match the direction you want to roll the box....

 

[Fcvapor05]

It's not much of a mystery. I wish people would stop blaming SO and making it out like it's a "defect". It's physics. The same thing happens on a mobile gantry crane in the shop with the same type of casters.
The casters have the ability to swivel all the way around or be locked in one position. Casters like to trail their mounting point. When you lock it, and then push it "backwards" (wheel forward of it's mounting point) it want to drift to one side or the other to the limit of the slack in the lock device. This often results in two casters going toe in, or out, fighting each other and resulting the chattering across the floor.....if it chatters, unlock the casters and let them pivot around to match the direction you want to roll the box....

But.. dude.. snapon *****... etcetera

 

[warmpancakes]

Im on my second 84 epiq snap on swapped the first one out under warranty, they are tanks My box is 1174LBS empty you arent gonna roll it around a shop alone once its full

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Looking for comments, good or bad, from any Epiq owners about the overall quality and function. Especially if you went from a KRL to an Epiq.

I'm a KRL owner, do not own an EPIQ, but from my dealers mouth.. There is no "Quality" difference between a KRL and an EPIQ, both are built the same with the same sheet metal gauges, same slides, etc.

Where the difference lies is in FEATURES and Asthetics/Styling. So comparing the two, really boils down to whether you like the way they look/trim, the Impulse drawer retention vs Lock n Roll, drawer configs available, and other things. Dont make the purchase/upgrade decision based on quality cause for all intents & purposes, mechanically the KRL and EPIQ stand shoulder to shoulder.

 

[MattPersman]

Love the box I have a 68" wish I had gotten an 84 but that's life

It's not really made to be a mobile work center or cart for the guys that do it a KRSC46 will work better and hold plenty for your job.

 

[warmpancakes]

Where the difference lies is in FEATURES and Asthetics/Styling. So comparing the two, really boils down to whether you like the way they look/trim, the Impulse drawer retention vs Lock n Roll, drawer configs available, and other things. Dont make the purchase/upgrade decision based on quality cause for all intents & purposes, mechanically the KRL and EPIQ stand shoulder to shoulder.

Yep my epiq was next to a 1023 for a few days same basic box, now the matco thats also in the garage HUGE DIFFERENCEmatco feels like a childs toy

 

[chadster1]

It's not much of a mystery. I wish people would stop blaming SO and making it out like it's a "defect". It's physics. The same thing happens on a mobile gantry crane in the shop with the same type of casters.
The casters have the ability to swivel all the way around or be locked in one position. Casters like to trail their mounting point. When you lock it, and then push it "backwards" (wheel forward of it's mounting point) it want to drift to one side or the other to the limit of the slack in the lock device. This often results in two casters going toe in, or out, fighting each other and resulting the chattering across the floor.....if it chatters, unlock the casters and let them pivot around to match the direction you want to roll the box....

Stop it with your reason and logic. Noboby wants to read that here.

 

[Wamsutta]

It's not much of a mystery. I wish people would stop blaming SO and making it out like it's a "defect". It's physics. The same thing happens on a mobile gantry crane in the shop with the same type of casters.
The casters have the ability to swivel all the way around or be locked in one position. Casters like to trail their mounting point. When you lock it, and then push it "backwards" (wheel forward of it's mounting point) it want to drift to one side or the other to the limit of the slack in the lock device. This often results in two casters going toe in, or out, fighting each other and resulting the chattering across the floor.....if it chatters, unlock the casters and let them pivot around to match the direction you want to roll the box....

If what you're describing is the actual issue, then a simple caster swap would solve the problem. I'd put the previous generation Faultless casters on. They always rolled real good.

 

[Waggoner72]

I'd be willing to trade my casters if you ended up getting the box....... I like the chrome..

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

If what you're describing is the actual issue, then a simple caster swap would solve the problem. I'd put the previous generation Faultless casters on. They always rolled real good.

I just leave mine unlocked and have yet to experience any chatter.
With the Epiq's all swivel / lock in any position casters, I like being able to push the box in any direction -- much nicer than the old routine of having to move other stuff around so you had space that you could "parallel park" (due to one set of fixed casters) a big KRL. I can put my box straight in the hole between benches along a wall with just a few extra inches between them and I can pull one end out to get to the outlet behind the box, if needed.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Stop it with your reason and logic. Noboby wants to read that here.

Thanks for that!
.

 

[Wamsutta]

I just leave mine unlocked and have yet to experience any chatter.
With the Epiq's all swivel / lock in any position casters, I like being able to push the box in any direction -- much nicer than the old routine of having to move other stuff around so you had space that you could "parallel park" (due to one set of fixed casters) a big KRL. I can put my box straight in the hole between benches along a wall with just a few extra inches between them and I can pull one end out to get to the outlet behind the box, if needed.

That's fine if you're moving the box short distances, but if you had to move the box around an aircraft hanger everyday like those guys do, leaving all the swivel locks unlocked would get old quick.

 

[Fcvapor05]

That's fine if you're moving the box short distances, but if you had to move the box around an aircraft hanger everyday like those guys do, leaving all the swivel locks unlocked would get old quick.

Good thing locking the casters takes 2 seconds then.

 

[SASORacing]

Im on my second 84 epiq snap on swapped the first one out under warranty, they are tanks My box is 1174LBS empty you arent gonna roll it around a shop alone once its full

How on earth could you get a brand new box under warranty? Frame tweaked during transport?

 

[Wamsutta]

Good thing locking the casters takes 2 seconds then.

Yeah, and then see how well the box rolls with two of the swivels locked... Does it roll like a normal box?

 

[Fcvapor05]

Yeah, and then see how well the box rolls with two of the swivels locked... Does it roll like a normal box?

Uh.. yeah...

 

[Badattitude]

Well I tried to do a multi quote reply the manual way...only way I know how...using 2 tabs. Then got crossed up and lost it somehow after about half way thru. I did see the tab for muti quotes and tried it, but no idea how it works. I'll play with it more another time. So for now I'm stuck replying to each of you in a separate post...

 

[Badattitude]

I've got a black 84" epiq all drawers with powertop. I haven't had any issues with mine, I've had it a little over three years. Parked against the wall and stays there unless I drag it out to clean under it. I came from a Macsimizer. Drawer latches took time to get used to the 'click' but normal now. I kind of wish the shallow drawers were just a little deeper, otherwise mine has been good. Worth the money.

Thanks for chiming in with the positive...esp the "worth the money"!! How shallow are we talking? Pliers, screwdrivers, chisels/punches, etc still fit in them? I don't remember the click with the latches. I'll have to pay closer attention next time I see one. I don't think it would be a deal breaker though

 

[Badattitude]

Yes plain stainless top is available, but not popular. Power top is just so cool! Powerhouse is good if you don't have a work center. With a work center I think it's redundant.
You can change out the wheels but you would lose weight capacity. Each epic caster is rated at 2000 pounds for 8k total capacity.
I like the drawer latches, they are spring loaded to hold the drawer shut. The end catches are metal encased in plastic, much stronger tha the lock n roll design.
If you for some reason hate the drawer latches, you can remove them and then you are left with the original snapon drawer pulls, but you cannot add lock n roll.

Plain is not popular? hmmm...I'll keep that in mind
Is the power top and power house only sold as a combo? No need for the power top as I have a 4 gang outlet behind my box that is level with the top of my box.

Excuse the ignorance but what is a work center? Do you mean a PC? I do have a PC station in one of my bays and I share the PC with another tech. But since majority of vehicles I see need access for info or programming, I got my own laptop and mdi. Even have my own IP addy. I do want the powerhouse depending on the total $$, but can go without and just store my LT like I already do...in a case in a drawer with my tech 2 and candi.

Woah...never considered the wheel capacity!! Thanks for pointing that out! I would have thought the KRL wheels or something similar would have been sufficient. I'll have to investigate this matter further. Worse case I live with the fancy bling wheels

Since I had no problems with my lock&roll drawer latches, I doubt I'll have one with the new style. Just need to pay closer attention next time and also see what this click deal is about. Considering the noise level in the shop most days, I doubt I'd hear it if that's what SS5150 was talking about

 

[Badattitude]

Some of the Epiq boxes have problems rolling across the floor. All four casters are not tracking in the same line. It's still a mystery as to whether the frames are out of square or if there's something wrong with the casters.

Thanks for the link

 

[Badattitude]

It's not much of a mystery. I wish people would stop blaming SO and making it out like it's a "defect". It's physics. The same thing happens on a mobile gantry crane in the shop with the same type of casters.
The casters have the ability to swivel all the way around or be locked in one position. Casters like to trail their mounting point. When you lock it, and then push it "backwards" (wheel forward of it's mounting point) it want to drift to one side or the other to the limit of the slack in the lock device. This often results in two casters going toe in, or out, fighting each other and resulting the chattering across the floor.....if it chatters, unlock the casters and let them pivot around to match the direction you want to roll the box....

Thanks for the explanation heavy metal! I did browse the other threads regarding this concern, but fell asleep before I finished them. When I get time I'll go back and review them and the others I found using the search function. I did try and search before I started this topic and it didn't come back with much. Yet after I took a look at the thread that he posted a link to, I tried the search again and it came back with plenty.

I'll just leave my casters unlocked and now worry about it. It will remain parked against the wall once in place. I did want to look into adding the 3rd set in the center(not included I'm guessing) for additional weight support.

I would like to know more about the caster design. Do they lock in a specific place like a detent? Or do they lock anywhere in a 360* pivot...which I highly doubt. Anyone have a close up pic like the one someone posted of a KRL(?) caster?

 

[Badattitude]

Im on my second 84 epiq snap on swapped the first one out under warranty, they are tanks My box is 1174LBS empty you arent gonna roll it around a shop alone once its full

Holy smokes!! almost 1200#s?? My KRL is about 900 and I thought that was heavy.

I saw your thread about swapping but didn't read it all yet. I'll be sure to go back as I'd like to know why you traded out

 

[SalukiATO]

I think the casters can be locked at each 45 degree increment. The Rock&Roll Truck guy mentioned locking them in different orientations so the box can't move when parked.

He was saying the Power House is mostly redundant with a Hutch.

 

[Badattitude]

I'm a KRL owner, do not own an EPIQ, but from my dealers mouth.. There is no "Quality" difference between a KRL and an EPIQ, both are built the same with the same sheet metal gauges, same slides, etc.

Where the difference lies is in FEATURES and Asthetics/Styling. So comparing the two, really boils down to whether you like the way they look/trim, the Impulse drawer retention vs Lock n Roll, drawer configs available, and other things. Dont make the purchase/upgrade decision based on quality cause for all intents & purposes, mechanically the KRL and EPIQ stand shoulder to shoulder.

Great info dave so big thanks headed your way!!

My original intention for trading out of my KRL is the need for more room. I have no interest for a top box or side cab. Of course now that I've seen a few hutches here at GJ, I'm thinking about adding one if I go with the new Epiq...see what you guys did to me What I didn't know and wasn't told last fall was I can alter the drawer layout. That just changed everything. What I do remember is the drawer count remained the same as my KRL and even though the cubic storage increased, I felt I wasn't gaining the extra room. Going to have to look into this more and see what my options are.

 

[Badattitude]

Yep my epiq was next to a 1023 for a few days same basic box, now the matco thats also in the garage HUGE DIFFERENCEmatco feels like a childs toy

interesting and didn't know this either...a guy in the shop has a 1023

but I don't think it's 84"
I could be wrong

wish I was on top of all the specs like some of you are.

I'll be hitting up my old snappy guy with a zillion questions for sure now lol and I'm confident he's in the know, unlike the last guy

 

[Badattitude]

I'd be willing to trade my casters if you ended up getting the box....... I like the chrome..

I'll keep you in mind if the deal happens. But be forewarned....if I can swap them out for something else, it'll happen when the deal is made and snap on will likely want the bling wheels back. If the weight limit is in fact an issue, then I'll leave them alone

 

[Waggoner72]

I'll keep you in mind if the deal happens. But be forewarned....if I can swap them out for something else, it'll happen when the deal is made and snap on will likely want the bling wheels back. If the weight limit is in fact an issue, then I'll leave them alone

Ok, cool. Appreciate it

 

[chadster1]

interesting and didn't know this either...a guy in the shop has a 1023

but I don't think it's 84"
I could be wrong

wish I was on top of all the specs like some of you are.

I'll be hitting up my old snappy guy with a zillion questions for sure now lol and I'm confident he's in the know, unlike the last guy

Couple of tips. The Snap-on Franchisee conference is in 2 weeks. Try to nail down your options before then and see what kind of price he can get you from the show. The order book has been released so he should know whats available and at what kind of pricing he can get. The best deals of the year are usually found on product ordered at the annual SFC.

If you don't get an SFC box, tell your dealer you want to see the Rock N Roll toolbox truck. The RnR guy can usually get boxes a little less expensive than the dealer can on his own. You also want to make sure you take advantage of the rebates offered by Snap-on Credit. Even if you plan on paying cash for the deal, sign the contract, take advantage of the rebates and then pay it off in full the next week.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

What I didn't know and wasn't told last fall was I can alter the drawer layout. That just changed everything. What I do remember is the drawer count remained the same as my KRL and even though the cubic storage increased, I felt I wasn't gaining the extra room. Going to have to look into this more and see what my options are.

Not only can you move the stock drawers layout around in a box once you buy it, you can order any drawer count or arrangement you like - as long as it fits the box structure. Say the drawer bank area is 20" tall - stock layout is 1 - 6" 1-4" and 5 -2's you can ask for 5 - 4" deep drawers or 10 - 2" deep ones or whatever you can dream up. I swapped the 8" deep small bank drawer that comes stock for a 4" and 2 - 2" ones since I also got a side locker to store bulky stuff.
There is no extra charge for this or difference in the cost of the box, but you will most likely have a longer wait to get the box. I found the only problem was they throw the stock set of liners in the box a the factory, so I was short 2 pieces which the SO man had to give me off his truck stock.

Besides all that, the drawer bank widths are different between KRL's and Epiq's. It differs between banks, but they are all a little wider in Epiq's, if I am not mistaken. So, same drawer count is still a bigger box in an Epiq.

 

[SS5150]

Thanks for chiming in with the positive...esp the "worth the money"!! How shallow are we talking? Pliers, screwdrivers, chisels/punches, etc still fit in them? I don't remember the click with the latches. I'll have to pay closer attention next time I see one. I don't think it would be a deal breaker though

You can lay out screwdrivers, pliers, etc in them, I think the issue I had was with a tray that I couldn't lay flat in one of them (and close it without scraping the drawer above), so I had to lose the tray. Not really a big deal to me but some people like trays.

I was originally after a 1023 but after comparing what I had (a 67" Macsimizer) I realized I wouldn't gain much. 88" Macsimizers, 1023s and the 84" were all about 5k plus my trade, & I had issues I didn't like with my Mac, so the Epiq was the best choice for me. I did the SO credit app as mentioned above to get a rebate (I think it was $1000, I don't recall anymore) but paid it off right after I received it.

The click isn't anything to concern yourself over. Its just the latches clicking shut when you close the drawer. No biggie.

I think the casters lock every 90 degrees but honestly I don't know for sure. I haven't touched mine since I got it.

Except for the guy that has the caster issue, I'd venture a guess that everyone else on the board with an Epiq is happy with their choice. I know I am.

 

[warmpancakes]

Not only can you move the stock drawers layout around in a box once you buy it, you can order any drawer count or arrangement you like - as long as it fits the box structure. Say the drawer bank area is 20" tall - stock layout is 1 - 6" 1-4" and 5 -2's you can ask for 5 - 4" deep drawers or 10 - 2" deep ones or whatever you can dream up. I swapped the 8" deep small bank drawer that comes stock for a 4" and 2 - 2" ones since I also got a side locker to store bulky stuff.
There is no extra charge for this or difference in the cost of the box, but you will most likely have a longer wait to get the box. I found the only problem was they throw the stock set of liners in the box a the factory, so I was short 2 pieces which the SO man had to give me off his truck stock.

Besides all that, the drawer bank widths are different between KRL's and Epiq's. It differs between banks, but they are all a little wider in Epiq's, if I am not mistaken. So, same drawer count is still a bigger box in an Epiq.

I custome ordered my replacement box and got rid of the deep drawers too, planned on getting a locker but a locker won't work in the new garage, but rumor is a epiq power cab will be released in Orlando in 2 weeks so that might be a option, as far as liner I though I would be short lines but snap on just sent 2sets of liners so I have like 13 spare

 

[SS5150]

I custome ordered my replacement box and got rid of the deep drawers too, planned on getting a locker but a locker won't work in the new garage, but rumor is a epiq power cab will be released in Orlando in 2 weeks so that might be a option, as far as liner I though I would be short lines but snap on just sent 2sets of liners so I have like 13 spare

I heard the powercab rumor too. One of the reasons I went drawers only was I thought a side powercab might be an option in the future.


I also heard that green trim might be an option next year.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

You can lay out screwdrivers, pliers, etc in them, I think the issue I had was with a tray that I couldn't lay flat in one of them (and close it without scraping the drawer above), so I had to lose the tray. Not really a big deal to me but some people like trays.

If you've been around a while, you might have noticed SO changed the trays that sets come in some years back. They made them juts thick enough to NOT fit well in shallow drawers - just like you describe. I think it's a tactic that they did on purpose to get you to buy bigger / more tool box if you like to keep the trays for organization

I heard the powercab rumor too. One of the reasons I went drawers only was I thought a side powercab might be an option in the future.


I also heard that green trim might be an option next year.

You mean a powercab as a separate add-on side box? Good idea. Lack of smaller items / configuration options is one minor complaint I have about the series. The other is I wish they would add color options to the matching roll cart (at least I think it matches - KRSC101 - never seen one in person) - stupid to have 12 color options for the boxes and only 10 for the carts.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

I bought a 68" about 2 years ago. Best move I could have made. I had it next to my classic 78 for a little while and it was night and day. The epiq IS a tank. I've moved it around full a few times and it's not that bad, it rolls smoothly and haven't encountered the wheel wobble, or pop whatever their calling it. As mentioned some of the drawers aren't as deep as I'd like to see, but still useable. Plier or wrench racks will not fit in them. The packaging that so screw drivers come in barely fit with a little rubbing.

Opening and closing an epiq is an awesome feeling. The drawers make a distinct thud when you close them that's like no other. By far the best box I've ever had the pleasure of working out of. I got the stainless top with the outlets on both sides.