Snap-On Toolboxes?

[Chaznsc]

Can I ask a question without getting tossed out?

What's the obsession with toolboxes like Snap-On and other high end brands? I mean, I've got a nice Kobalt box, but I've got less than $100 ******* in it. I see boxes not much bigger than mine that go for thousands and thousands.

Can someone explain the difference? I sincerely want to know.

chaz

 

[nehog]

Well, you can have a VW Jetta for about 18K or you can get a Mercedes Benz S350 for about 90K. Both will get you to your destination in about the same time, both will last about the same length of time if you take care of them.

Does that answer the question?

 

[Chaznsc]

Well, you can have a VW Jetta for about 18K or you can get a Mercedes Benz S350 for about 90K. Both will get you to your destination in about the same time, both will last about the same length of time if you take care of them.

Does that answer the question?

No, it doesn't.

 

[Rusty32]

The devil is in the details. But for me I would mostly say size. I would rather push 1 big snap on box around the shop than 4 craftsman boxes.

 

[kustom53]

here's my thing. I like quality, I like the feel. For me, a huge selling point is the drawer set up and the drawer depth. Being able to fit all of my metric wrenches in one drawers and my sae in another is important to me. These boxes are investments, the only time you EVER have to get another one, is when you outgrow your old one.

 

[R68GTO]

I don't get it either.

 

[bdamico]

This isn't a serious question. You know that. The snap-on box is vastly superior to your Kobalt box in basically all ways. The issue is you don't see the marginal value to snap-on box over your own vs. the added cost -- others do. Nothing they can say will make you understand. Nothing you say can make them understand.

 

[Chaznsc]

This isn't a serious question. You know that. The snap-on box is vastly superior to your Kobalt box in basically all ways. The issue is you don't see the marginal value to snap-on box over your own vs. the added cost -- others do. Nothing they can say will make you understand. Nothing you say can make them understand.

Untrue......there's got to be a difference, and I would like to know. I won't ever own one unless I steal it bit I see so many for sale for prices I could never ever even think about.

The Kobalt box is nice, but I know it's not as nice as a higher end box, but it's a lot nicer than my rolling craftsman. But I've got less than 200 ******* in both.

 

[Todd.Brock]

If you are serious, it's size, gauge of sheet metal, weight capacity, 29" drawer depth, configurability,
Durability through higher quality materials, a dealer that shows up at the shop, truck financing. While the cost may not be easy to swallow, there are a lot of factors that separate a $100 Kobalt box and a $5-10,000 truck tool box.

That being said, for a homeowner avg joe who doesn't need a snap on or whatever, they can get by with a craftsman, HF etc. Lots if technicians make a living with non truck tool brands. Hell I don't need a snap on, but it sure is nice.

There is a difference between the boxes, is it worth the premium? That's up to you.

 

[brownbagg]

its all because snap on cost the most. its like the harley davidson and the peterbilt, not that much better, but they cost the most.

remember when lexus came out, it was just a toyota but since it cost so much, everybody had to have it

 

[rmsg0040]

COO - USA vs china

Weight - I got a mastercraft roller cabinet that weighs 100lb, also got a snap on top chest thats half the size but weighs 107lbs

Drawer capacity - lista for example have a 440lb drawer capacity

Quality - thin guage vs thick gauge, fit and finish, etc

Customization - store boxes WYSIWYG, high end many options to fit your preference

Variety - store boxes limited, truck boxes many styles

Warranty - store boxes may have it, may not, whereas truck boxes are for life and easier to warranty

Personal choice - some ppl have a timex, some have a rolex

 

[kustom53]

amen

 

[bobemmerich]

Quality, Durability, Depth, warranty, Service, Made in USA, Etc...
Now, that being said, I don't own one. I have a C-Man bottom and Husky top and a Kennedy combo unit. Until recently I had a Williams box (made by S-O) but sold it as I didn't need it. Let me tell you, there IS a difference in construction and materials. It was 40+ years old, and still functioning. I'm actually having sellers remorse.

 

[lineman]

chaz,

I still haven't heard an answer to your question. You have got the obsession part right that's for sure. I suppose there is some truth to the saying "a fool and his money are soon parted"

 

[PugetDude]

Untrue......there's got to be a difference, and I would like to know. I won't ever own one unless I steal it bit I see so many for sale for prices I could never ever even think about.

The Kobalt box is nice, but I know it's not as nice as a higher end box, but it's a lot nicer than my rolling craftsman. But I've got less than 200 ******* in both.

Taking this a step further, you could store your tools in cardboard boxes for free. Get the heavy waxed ones that fruit comes in if you're feeling pretentious.... They'd work just fine.


As for the Snap-On boxes, perceived value is subjective, some see it, others don't. You obviously don't. (I don't either BTW- would rather store my extra cash in a Vanguard account than a SnapOn toolbox.)

 

[rob in nh]

i have an old snap on box and an old c man, both close to 50 years old. the snap on will still roll while the craftsman won't. snap on is definitely the better choice

 

[85camaro]

Is the Snap on box built better? Sure it is.

Is the Snap on box built so much better as to justify the hundreds to thousands of dollars more than it costs for your Kobalt? Nope, not at all.

It all boils down to image. Any Kool-Aid with that Snap on box anyone?

 

[zkling]

Keep in mind, I don't have one of the fancy new ball bearing boxes either, but a few older vintage boxes.

In one word. Efficiency followed up by life cycle fatigue.

What I mean by efficiency is that you can fit quite a bit more tools into a quality box than you can a cheaper box. On the cheaper boxes you are weight limited per drawer. On the more expensive boxes you are space limited per drawer. My main box is a craftsman top and a waterloo bottom. Bother older decent boxes. They are good boxes, but one must keep in mind how much weight you put into the drawers before things start to sag and bend. We also have an older Matco bottom box and a vintage snap on top box. They just can't compare to the craftsman boxes.

For instance I have a drawer FULL of hammers in the matco bottom, no problems, drawer slides fine and doesn't sag. If I did this to the craftsman or waterloo I would have to spread the hammers out in different drawers otherwise one drawer would be destroyed in short time. If not impossible to open and close.

Another example is I keep my sockets all in the top compartment, because quite frankly if I maxed out a drawer with sockets I think I would wake up to a drawer falling through my tool box. Or at the least heavily deformed. Now for the home guy, that opens his box a few times a week is this something to be extremely concerned about, no. Just imagine if your living depended on your box working, opening your drawers maybe a few hundred times a day. I think after a few months you will answer your own question.

My personal opinion is that Lista / Vidmar and the like are the ultimate in tool storage, but they are more commonly seen in new production factories compared to repair shops. If I was forced to change careers tomorrow where I needed to make a living out of my tool box. I would get a used lista cabinet and put some casters on it if need be.
Just my 2¢

 

[Awfulcanawful]

Go to Harbor Freight and buy a screwdriver. Get the "same" screw driver off of the Snap-On Truck. Use them both a week and tell me they are the same. The tool boxes work the same way.... you pay for the quality.

 

[GTA Matt]

Well, you can have a VW Jetta for about 18K or you can get a Mercedes Benz S350 for about 90K. Both will get you to your destination in about the same time, both will last about the same length of time if you take care of them.

Does that answer the question?

This pretty much sums it up. It's what you can afford vs. what you want. Some people are fine with a cheap car, and some want a high end car. Both will get you from A to B, but one may be more comfortable and have better features.

Personally, I work very hard for my money, and I wanted something to show for it that I could be proud of and didn't want to compromise one bit. I can afford it and I wanted it, so I bought a $20k+ box

 

[Tool Fanatic]

Its all about what you use the tool box for. As a professional tech in a busy shop, you are constantly opening and closing drawers and putting a lot of weight in them. The box needs to last through this kind of abuse for the life of the tech. Its a lot of money for a box, most techs only buy one big box and that's it. It needs to last them their entire career. Its also about size, you cant buy a really big box from home depot or craftsman. The big boxes are only had from the big time tool guys. Here is a pick of my box when I mocked up the new motor and trans for a friends car. Its really 2 tool boxes because that's just how it worked out for me at the time. 22 drawers, 2 lockers and open work space. Its still crammed full.

 

[dfreeman616]

Can I ask a question without getting tossed out?

What's the obsession with toolboxes like Snap-On and other high end brands? I mean, I've got a nice Kobalt box, but I've got less than $100 ******* in it. I see boxes not much bigger than mine that go for thousands and thousands.

Can someone explain the difference? I sincerely want to know.

chaz

Trying to answer for myself without what others have said, since in the end it boils down to was it worth paying that much more money. I recently traded in a used snap on top/bottom (26" wide x 18" deep bottom) and mac bottom (51x24) for a snapon krl1023, which is 72x29. the depth provides a lot more room without taking up wall space, which is important at my shop. it's also taller, which means that single box has more room than the other 3 boxes i had. you can't get that kind of room for much less and still have a work surface. then there's the add ons like a hutch, although it certainly is possible to build one.

another factor for me is i was able to upgrade without the hassle of selling my old stuff (which, by the way, i bought used for far less than the trade value i received). with that is paying weekly versus all at once, although i that could be done on a credit card, etc. also, lifetime warranty is nice.

another thing i noticed, my new box fully loaded rolls really easy, better than my old mac empty. the mac was a tech series, middle level quality.

also, i like having my tools spread out and not digging through 3 layers to get what i want, makes things faster, and helps make sure everything is back where it belongs.

 

[bbmach]

Similar analogizes to above: Panasonic vs Sony TVs. In rough numbers, the Panasonic is probably 80% the TV the Sony is, for 40% less. Is that last 20% better image quality worth a 40% premium to you? Some will say yes, some will say they can't see a difference (and they really can't partly because it isn't important to them).

From an engineering side, the last 20% better costs as much, if not more than the original 80%.

And of course, some will always say "my Panasonic is just as good as the Sony but I saved X amount of money" whenever the subject of TVs comes around in a conversation trying to justify their less expensive purchase. That's OK - it's your money, spend it on what you find valuable.

iPad vs Kindle / Waffle House Steak vs Morton's / Haynes vs Factory Shop Manuals / Tailored suits vs Off the rack

Value is a different proposition to everyone and everyone compromises sometime - what do you compromise on?

For the record, I still work out of a Matco top and bottom I bought used for $600 in 1989 – the tech next to me was trading it in to Snap On. I financed it and when I ran out of room, I hung a Mac side box on it. I don’t turn wrenches for a living any longer, but the toolbox still looks and works the same as the day I bought it and it has been moved eight times.

Good enough is good enough for some, and not for others.

 

[devilsnight]

How many times a day do you open each drawer? For me, at least 10-20 times. Every drawer, every day of the week. 100+ pounds in my bottom 3. No need to worry about about a light weight box tipping over from too much weight in an opened drawer(happened to one of my 26" craftsman boxes years ago, all the ball bearings fell out of the tracks ). plus a good selling point, my box was made to order in the usa, my choice of drawer layout, 15 colors and 2 trims. ask for that at your local box store!

 

[Curmudgeon]

I have Snap-On, Craftsman, U.S. General, and a couple of boxes that have no name on them. I bought my first Snap-On in 1971. It was a used box that the dealer had taken in trade on a new box, so I don't have a clue how old it is today, but probably pushing 50 years, maybe more. It's still as functional as the day I bought it. Just has a few more scars. Great box.

I have Craftsman boxes I bought in the mid 70s and they are very good, but not as good as the Snap-On. Still going strong though. I have more Craftsman that I bought about 15 +or- years ago and they are junk, but I'll admit they were the low end Craftsman. I needed more space and they were on sale.

The last box I bought was a U.S. General from HF. It's every bit the equal of the Snap-On. It's very heavy and the drawer glides are tight and smooth. Most people on this forum probably don't remember when U.S. General was an independent company. I'm not sure when HF bought them, but they weren't always a HF brand. The brand has been around longer than HF. My next purchase will be two 44" U.S. General roller cabinets. For the price they can't be beat.

There are those who will say that the Snap-On will maintain their value better than anything else. That may be true, but it's only important if you plan on selling your boxes someday. Over 40 years later I still own mine and have no intention of selling any of my boxes, Snap-On or otherwise. I just keep adding more. Someone else can sell them when I'm dead, and I couldn't care less what they're worth then. All I care about is how well they serve me while I'm alive.

My dad used Snap-On, my brother used Snap-On, and I used Snap-On back when, primarily because they were good quality and the Snap-On guy was the only tool truck that came around. It was convenient. But today I'm more concerned with value and functionality.

Snap-On boxes are absolutely great, but they just ain't worth the outrageous price. Where Snap-On is concerned, what it boils down to is ego and braggin' rights. There are too many guys out there who think owning Snap-On makes them something special. There are a lot of hacks who call themselves mechanics who are nothing more than parts changers. But by Gaawwd they have a Snap-On box.

If you want Snap-On and can afford it, go for it. But don't look down you nose at the guy who CAN'T afford it. My manhood is not in question, I have nothing to prove to anyone, and my next box will be a U.S. General.

JP

 

[tank4114]

Well, you can have a VW Jetta for about 18K or you can get a Mercedes Benz S350 for about 90K. Both will get you to your destination in about the same time, both will last about the same length of time if you take care of them.

Does that answer the question?

if this analogy doesn't answer your question your retarded don't ask anymore questions

 

[lilredex]

My dad used Snap-On, my brother used Snap-On, and I used Snap-On back when, primarily because they were good quality and the Snap-On guy was the only tool truck that came around. It was convenient. But today I'm more concerned with value and functionality.

Snap-On boxes are absolutely great, but they just ain't worth the outrageous price. Where Snap-On is concerned, what it boils down to is ego and braggin' rights. There are too many guys out there who think owning Snap-On makes them something special. There are a lot of hacks who call themselves mechanics who are nothing more than parts changers. But by Gaawwd they have a Snap-On box.

If you want Snap-On and can afford it, go for it. But don't look down you nose at the guy who CAN'T afford it. My manhood is not in question, I have nothing to prove to anyone, and my next box will be a U.S. General.

JP

Pretty much how I see things too, from here. I have old Beach and Snap-On boxes all with friction slides, I don't see any difference. Then again, I'm just an old DIY-er that just wants to get things done.

 

[Chaznsc]

if this analogy doesn't answer your question your retarded don't ask anymore questions

"You're" LOL

 

[nehog]

Clarification since it appears I was unclear. A lot of what you are buying is name, and prestige. Possibly a MB is better built (not so in my experience, however, and I'll never have another MB unless it is free...) but functionality can be very similar.

I've a 12 year old Husky box from HD. It works well, I've had no problems with it (other than it isn't big enough!) It gets a lot of use, I lube the slides about once a year and I'm set. I also have a Snap-On box (smaller one) and IMHO the quality is very similar. The Snap-On box may have slightly heaver metal (I've not measured it) but other than that I really feel they are comparable.

Professional mechanics seem to be in that world where name is the important thing, if you don't have a Snap-On box you're not considered a professional. That's sad--most mechanics could do much better with a less expensive box, and using the difference to ensure their family's financial future. Sure if you have the money get the Benz (if you want it) but is it worth that much more?

 

[Bob-B]

This sort of discussion isn't only a mechanic thing. I come from the toolmaker/machinist side of things.

My dad was a toolmaker and bought a new wooden Union machinist box back in the 1940's because he thought Gerstner was tool expensive, and he didn't like Kennedy's metal box. Some of his co-workers thought he was crazy to even buy a new box. 30 years later, I bought a used Gerstner because that's what I wanted, and it was a good deal. Later, I bought a larger new Gerstner, and sold the smaller used 1 for more than I paid for it.

One of the best guys I worked with in a toolroom in the 1970's never owned a toolbox, new or used. Our benches had 2 lockable drawers. Jerry kept all his precision tools in cases (Brown & Sharpe and Starrett at that time) in 1 drawer, and his hand tools in the other. The rest of the department, 12 guys, owned either Kennedy or Gerstner boxes.

As others have said, it's your money - it's your choice.

 

[lineman]

Well said Curmudgeon, couldn't agree more. Some feel the need to project the facade of eminence at the detriment of their pocketbook.
The perceived quality of tool storage by some will not make them into a technician no matter how much money they spend.
I think that was the gist of the original poster's question.

 

[Lippyp]

I think when you make a living using your tools every day then you need a toolbox that will stand up to all those repeated openings and the abuse that a pro may heap on it. Does someone like me that uses his tools at the weekend need that? Probably not. I have one snap-on tool and thats a screwdriver someone left behind at my house when we had a bunch of building work done. My toolboxes are not Snap-on but a mixture of Clarke and Halfords heavy duty pro boxes and they've survived all I can chuck at them including overloading the drawers with blacksmithing tools for a while. They work for me and I could never justify the cost of even a used snap-on box when I could use that extra cash to buy additional tools.

Is Snap-on the best? Dunno possibly not but as a brand it has a huge following and as such is a decent investment in case you do ever need to sell it on. As has been said above in a number of posts, much as dressing in army surplus from head to toe does not make you a soldier owning a snap-on toolbox does not make you a mechanic.

 

[bbmach]

What's funny is the non-professionals have such strong opinions of what professionals need. When you get paid for 18 minutes to do a job that takes 25, messing with loaded toolbox draws that don't open smoothly unless you pull it from directly in front is a time (and money) waster.

There is also an appearance, perception issue. What do you think the average customer thinks when he sees the same $100 toolbox he has at home sitting in the shop? "Oh look, he's frugal and understands that a tool box just holds tools, he must be good!"

Of course, the same goes for the expensive box that is beat up and filthy. It works both ways.

Self-righteousness is never pretty.

 

[waggie]

I think Chaznsc is asking a legit question. Snap On boxes do cost a lot more and to the uninitiated, it seems like an absurd amount to pay for a tool box.

Chaznsc, there is a difference between big box store tool box such as Kobalt, Craftsman and Snap On, Matco. Unfortunately, if you're a home-user, there won't be much difference. If you're storing 10 or 15 screwdrivers, you probably won't notice the difference. Once you load it up with 70 pounds of sockets, ratchets and extensions... etc, you'll see that Kobalt will begin to suffer.

some of the difference include but not limited to: thickness of the material used, design for repeated use/abuse, 100lb drawer slide vs. 250lb (or more) slides.

I have owned consumer grade toolboxes, and tried to load it up like industrial grade boxes. It consumer grade boxes just don't hold up. There's no way to convince you unless you owned one or see one in action.

 

[-Brent-]

Weird thread.

If you own your Kobalt for long enough you'll see why there are companies that build higher end boxes. I've got a fleet of vintage Cman boxes with way more cubic inches of storage than a typical roller cab and top, and I'd pretty much trade them all for one though. I can't fit long tools like prybars, my torque wrench, or level, etc., and add to that I've got to be cautious about the weight per drawer.

I've seen a KRL drawer loaded with impact sockets to the point that my drawer would most likely be sitting on the floor, torn from its home.

It's why I don't go hauling a 10k lb trailer around with my 2wd drive Dakota - same principle.

 

[graffix000]

About 6 months ago, I sold my craftsman 40" roller with full width center drawer and top box with grip latch and ball bearing slides. This was my garage box for about 5 years and worked well.

I bought a used KRL1022 and filled three boxes into the krl with a few drawers left over. The biggest thing for me on the new box is the depth of the drawers. They seem like they are twice as deep as the CM box.

This was a big purchase for me as it is a hobby, but going on 6+ months, I ask myself why I didn't look into getting one sooner. While it is expensive, even used like what I bought, it will last me the rest of my life. If the option to make the same decision came up again, I would do it 100 out of 100 times.

My latest issue is that I am moving in two weeks and will have to move this behemoth... Not looking forward to that as it was a lot empty.

 

[waggie]

I just want to add one thing, since I recently made some drawers out of sheet metal...

When making drawers out of sheet metal, every inch you make the drawer deeper while keeping the same height, it gets exponentially difficult. They're essentially five sided boxes. Since they're missing a the top of the box, so to speak, they become weaker and more flexible as they get bigger. Sure there are tricks to make the big drawers just as strong as the small ones, but that takes design, engineering and more complex fabrication.

 

[1Garageman]

It would be an easy choice for me. I don't do mechanical work for a living though.


Lots of $$$$$ VS

 

[Jsf721]

While I have never owned a Snap on Box I spent alot of time looking a used boxes before I purchased 2 Gladiator Boxes.

The Snap on Boxes are garanteed for life of the original owner. If you are a pro who uses the box heavily and daily it might make some sense. I will never wear out the drawers on my box and if I were to jump up in quality i would have purchased a Viper Box from Sears. They look nice and I get the higher quality feel than I did from my Gladiator.

In the end I chose gladiator because I did a whole Galadiator Garage and it matched and the price was right.

Snap on is great quality, I believe all USA made, and has great features / configurations, can be financed, and some snob appeal as well.

Can I ask a question without getting tossed out?

What's the obsession with toolboxes like Snap-On and other high end brands? I mean, I've got a nice Kobalt box, but I've got less than $100 ******* in it. I see boxes not much bigger than mine that go for thousands and thousands.

Can someone explain the difference? I sincerely want to know.

chaz

 

[Rocket1]

I had an older Craftsman box before I bought my Snap On. Both work but the quality of the Snap On is much better. I've looked at other cheaper priced boxes and I think the thickness of the metal and the quality of the slides is a lot different. I feel like the Snap On was worth the price