Snap-On top box; Any value in Special Editions?

[Souljer]

Hi,

Found this on Craig'sList.


A KRA 4114 that has un-painted drawer fronts. Seller claimed they are stainless steel front plates. As I understand it, this is a special edition.

Is it supposed to be commemorating something? Any one know why this particular variation was made or for how long? Other special editions have red pull rails or specific colors. Besides the obvious ones like Harley or Corvette, etc. why make or buy a special edition box? Is there any value? Aren't they simply the same as the standard boxes?

This one was listed for $675.00 Isn't that kind of low, or am I missing something and that's crazy over priced?

Please let me know what you think.
Would you buy a Special Edition box? Why?
Or you don't really care and would buy it just because it's got the correct functionality for you at the moment. Any special stuff would not be factored in your choice.

 

[Souljer]

P.S.
I ended up getting the Snap-On box.

So as a bump back to the front, let me rephrase the question:
Do you think the above box is a good deal? Turns out it's not "practically brand new". It's got some scuffs and scratches on the top and front. but the rest of the paint does look shiny and new. It's not old that's for sure.

A comparable in size and configuration I quickly looked up just to have some context:


So in this case it's only a few hundred more to get the Snap-On. I considered that within the ballpark and playable. So I went for it.

Still don't know what the special edition was for but I was looking for black or grey. My bench has a stainless steel top, so this combined everything in a strange coincidence kind of way.

Opinions/ comments welcome.

 

[canuckian]

If I was looking for a toolbox and came across a SE box at a good price, sure I'd buy it. that being said, there are few if any special edition boxes that I've seen that I'd pay more for than a standard version. I mean, sure, if I had a hugger orange Camaro with rally stripes, I'd probably pay a little more for that box if I was looking, but not a lot more. The corvette and Harley boxes seem to do well on Ebay sometimes though.

 

[Travisnd]

If I was looking for a toolbox and came across a SE box at a good price, sure I'd buy it. that being said, there are few if any special edition boxes that I've seen that I'd pay more for than a standard version. I mean, sure, if I had a hugger orange Camaro with rally stripes, I'd probably pay a little more for that box if I was looking, but not a lot more. The corvette and Harley boxes seem to do well on Ebay sometimes though.

Me being a Camaro guy WOULD pay extra for the Camaro box, just like anything else, to each his own!

 

[Souljer]

Thanks for the reply Canuckian,

Was this a good price? I actually got it down to $650. Here's a clip from the Snap-On page for the normal version of this box.


I agree with you and was not actually putting any value on the Special Edition aspect as I was looking for larger tool storage not a collectable. In my searching I actually avoided SE variations like Harley, Corvette, etc. just because I wasn't interested in marrying a design that I would tire of or outgrow. This one just happened to be a clean, elegant design in the colors I was looking for.

 

[Souljer]

Me being a Camaro guy WOULD pay extra for the Camaro box, just like anything else, to each his own!

Hi,

Yes indeed.
If you like Snap-On for example, every box is a special edition.

 

[boro_boy70]

I think alot of the Special Edition boxes are probably worth less, or at the very least make it harder to sell. They limit the potential buyers to those interested whatever is on the box. There was a Snap On "Ducks Unlimited" box on craigslist forever, but unless you wanted a forest green box with ducks on it, who would buy it.(and he wanted way too much for it becase it was a "special edition") Also the guys with the Dale Jr. Budwieser #8 boxes probably aren't going to sell those as easy as a plain red box. Those Matco boxes with the wild graphics are the same way IMO.

 

[canuckian]

Thanks for the reply Canuckian,

Was this a good price? I actually got it down to $650. Here's a clip from the Snap-On page for the normal version of this box.

I agree with you and was not actually putting any value on the Special Edition aspect as I was looking for larger tool storage not a collectable. In my searching I actually avoided SE variations like Harley, Corvette, etc. just because I wasn't interested in marrying a design that I would tire of or outgrow. This one just happened to be a clean, elegant design in the colors I was looking for.

in my area, that would be about as fair of a price as there was for that top box. Prices change a lot depending on where the box is being sold. I'm sure there are a lot of people on this forum who wouldn't have paid more than a few hundred for that box simply because comparable ones in their area are priced lower and that's what they're used to seeing. Either that or they're a little more frugal and don't see the value in the box.
I'd say if you're happy with the box, you got a decent deal, especially if you compare it against the retail price. Now, go fill it up and enjoy it!

 

[gerryw]

Another thing to consider regarding special editions is that you will have a hard time finding say a matching top box, or side cab.
Keep in mind if you are building a box a piece at a time. Imagine a hugger orange bottom, and a ducks unlimited top lol!

Gerry

 

[scott917]

most of whats been said above I agree with. if you find the right person a SE box could bring a little more money. I myself have not seen a SE box that I would pay a premium for. i'll even go as so far to say that if i found a SE box that was priced right, I would take all the decals off and just have a plain box.

just my .02

S

 

[Skyline]

Some SE boxes do better than others. To me, the dark green /gold trim KRL special anniversary box is about the ugliest I've seen to date, and I'm not alone in thinking that; you see them selling very cheaply, (a 29" triple bank KRL with triple top can be had for $3k in this color...roughly half plain red). Baby blue Bel Air boxes always get a pretty good premium. I think the Camaro boxes are particularly nice, and plain orange boxes sell very well anyway. The Mustang boxes, by comparison, are not as sharp. I had an Angell Sampay KRA box I had a real hard time reselling; not too many folks want a toolbox with a woman on it. The Harley boxes all seem to do very well, and sell at a good premium. The NFL boxes do OK, but obviously you've got to be a fan of the particular team to buy one. Up north, I'd bet the snowmobile boxes (ie..Polaris) do pretty well. And there are WAY more John Deere fans than there are JD boxes to go around....those seem to get very good prices.

But I would bet virtually everyone who owns a Dale box thinks it's lined with 24k gold. I've never seen one of those priced sensibly. Does anyone actually want them???

These days, color can make a big difference in resale value. It seems folks are bored with Snap-on Red, and colors like orange, yellow, blue, bright green, silver, black, etc can do a little better than the red.

There will always be those techs who see them only for their utility, but the days of all red toolboxes are definately behind us. I am perfectly happy with my plain red KRL though.

 

[tjmonsen5]

Anytime you pay less than half on a Snap-on item in good shape, its a good deal!

Special edition is just a paint job... to some people its worth it, others could care less.

 

[richfinn]

Hi,

Found this on Craig'sList.


A KRA 4114 that has un-painted drawer fronts. Seller claimed they are stainless steel front plates. As I understand it, this is a special edition.

Is it supposed to be commemorating something? Any one know why this particular variation was made or for how long? Other special editions have red pull rails or specific colors. Besides the obvious ones like Harley or Corvette, etc. why make or buy a special edition box? Is there any value? Aren't they simply the same as the standard boxes?

This one was listed for $675.00 Isn't that kind of low, or am I missing something and that's crazy over priced?

Please let me know what you think.
Would you buy a Special Edition box? Why?
Or you don't really care and would buy it just because it's got the correct functionality for you at the moment. Any special stuff would not be factored in your choice.

They sold 3 versions of the boxes in the UK as a 80th anniversary edition (maybe even 90th??) they were all black with either red/blue/silver drawers.

Heres one I found which says 40th anniversary???????????????????

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Snap-Tool...xes_Storage&hash=item3cc6d37f31#ht_500wt_1204

 

[Souljer]

Another thing to consider regarding special editions is that you will have a hard time finding say a matching top box, or side cab.
Keep in mind if you are building a box a piece at a time. Imagine a hugger orange bottom, and a ducks unlimited top lol!

Gerry

Orange + Ducks?
Hmm, maybe if you had sky blue walls...
Why not. Who wouldn't want to start each day with a hearty laugh!

I had thought of exactly the issue you touch on here though. I was not interested in any colors really. Only wanted Black or Gray (Arctic Silver) or something along the same lines. Which is exactly what I found.

The guy was willing to sell the matching bottom box. Identical to the set shown in RichFinn's eBay post. However he only mentioned it when I was there and I do not have the extra money. Also I don't think both would have fit in my truck anyway. I am considering it though. I could have a few smaller cabs or one 2 or 3 bank KRL in black as a base under my workbench, which would still match this top box close enough in my opinion. I was planning on a black KRL and am building the bench to accommodate same for future instillation.

Anytime you pay less than half on a Snap-on item in good shape, its a good deal!

Special edition is just a paint job... to some people its worth it, others could care less.

The box is in good shape a few scuffs aside. The bottom box had a significant dent in the back but was otherwise looked about the same; Not mint, but only light use with little wear.

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the support so I feel like it was a good deal even though it was an exhausting all day drive; 8hr 15min round trip -just drive time.

 

[rhastings80]

I would pay less. Most of them look ugly to me.

 

[Souljer]

I would pay less. Most of them look ugly to me.

Hi,

I agree.
As a matter of fact if I thought this one looked ugly I would have paid zero, because I would not have bothered to call about it.

Some people like black, some like colors, some like references to their favorite brands or hobbies. It's all good. Everyone likes something; No one has to like everything.

 

[crewchief888]

most limited editon boxes are targeted to a specific buyer, everyone else could care less about them.
IMHO they are worth no more or no less than a std red box.

i have a SO/harley 90th anv set, cranberry with polished trim.

bought them cuz i wanted them, and i like springers

they were one a of the few non-red boxes back then.

 

[Skyline]

Anytime you pay less than half on a Snap-on item in good shape, its a good deal!

That may go for hand tools, but if I was shopping for a used Snap-on box, I'd look to pay more in the range of 25-35% of new price.

 

[Jeeper]

That may go for hand tools, but if I was shopping for a used Snap-on box, I'd look to pay more in the range of 25-35% of new price.

I thought that percent was low but then did the math on mine. My KRL722 with top was at 32% and my KRA4114/4107 was at 48%. The latter was brand new and never had a tool in it.

 

[Souljer]

That may go for hand tools, but if I was shopping for a used Snap-on box, I'd look to pay more in the range of 25-35% of new price.

Hi,

Thanks for that. I had heard of the 50% guideline but was wondering if that was more for hand tools or maybe power tools but not sure if that applied to tool boxes. Of course there is the vintage and condition thing to consider sometimes.

Not in this case. I don't think it's more than 5 years old. It is in new to very good condition except for a few scratches.

If I did the math right 35% of $1700. is $595. I paid $55. more but I feel that's fair and in the ballpark for the condition and being the colors I was looking for. Also could have saved $200. and went with a brand new Craftsman for $450. Again I was looking for a bigger tool box or maybe a roll cabinet to put stuff in that was black or gray. I happened to find this top box and it turned out to be some kind of Special Edition. I was just curious about that aspect and wondered how the more experienced among us felt about it.

Part of making the choice is so I can check it off the list of things to do. Now I can stop looking for a while and do something else.

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate your input.

 

[Jeeper]

If I did the math right 35% of $1700. is $595. I paid $55.

Sounds like you did well. So much of that percentage is based on how old and used it is. The one you bought looks to be in good shape. Also factor in how long it has been out on Craigslist.

Part of making the choice is so I can check it off the list of things to do. Now I can stop looking for a while and do something else.

LOL, that's a good one. I thought that after I bought my KRL. Then i had to buy a secondary KRA. Yep, stopped looking too.

 

[Souljer]

Sounds like you did well. So much of that percentage is based on how old and used it is. The one you bought looks to be in good shape. Also factor in how long it has been out on Craigslist.


LOL, that's a good one. I thought that after I bought my KRL. Then i had to buy a secondary KRA. Yep, stopped looking too.

I said:

I can stop looking for a while...

I never said forever. I fully acknowledge that I'm interested in a KRL someday.
I'm interested in what your next Arctic Silver box will be...
Thanks and thanks for your help Jpr.
Oh yeah, meant to ask you; are the rails on the KRL welded on or connected with tabs like on the KRAs? I was surprised by this as it's the same construction as the cheaper boxes I've seen. I noticed some of the older Snap-On top boxes have the tracks welded onto the drawer which I thought added to the strength and durability of the whole.

It seems to be in good shape. I don't see any scratches on the metal fronts and no dents so far that I've noticed. I wonder if I can buy some touch-up paint from Snap-On for the scratches or maybe I can match it with some 1-Shot. As I mentioned the lower roller cab did have a good sized dent in the rear panel.

So the deal was not a give-away but still fair for everyone. That's all I was asking for anyway.