Snap On's tool box challenge - opinions needed.

[TheCarbideRat]

Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy.

 

[CBradio]

You have welders, eager techs, and some time. Maybe let them fab up some 'custom' carts. IE, a job box (knaack etc) and a decent craftsman or used snap on roll cab, but without wheels, and put those on some sort of roller frame.

What i'm thinking of is Nissan Crawlers old craftsman box, but maybe a 36 inch cab/chest combo with a job box all on one frame. Post 724 in this link.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=266320&highlight=nissan+crawler#post266320


But longer than that, and on a complete custom frame made of 2x2 or 2x4 channel or tube, with HEAVY duty casters for rolling. This would also give them a chance to customize their own box for how they would like it and would give them a boatload of pride in their stuff.

 

[Vinko]

@Grooveking: what kind of distance and over what kind of surface are these techs having to push boxes weighing over 120 lbs? Depending upon the box, I'd imagine this would be quite cumbersome. I push around a lot of weight every day. If conditions aren't ideal, I don't see this as very efficient. In fact, I've been thinking about some of the issues you describe (though on a smaller scale) and I think there are more efficient ways of doing things. like: certain tech stations, smaller, leaner kits based upon the particular repair or maintenance; or knowing the general repair before hand, getting particular tools (or a range of tools) from a tool crib.

 

[TheGrooveking]

The floors are smooth flat concrete, as to distance it may be as much as 1,500 ft in one direction. As to ideal, they have electric carts they can tow their carts with, we provide them all the steel/supply they need and allow them to fabricate while on the clock.

TheGrooveking

 

[Joe69]

I have had Cman, Mac, Snap-on, and currently have a Matco box. The Matco and Snap-on seem to be similar quality. I love my matco box. The biggest reason I bought Matco, is my Matco dealer is ten times better than our SO dealer.

Joe

 

[crewchief888]

You have welders, eager techs, and some time. Maybe let them fab up some 'custom' carts. IE, a job box (knaack etc) and a decent craftsman or used snap on roll cab, but without wheels, and put those on some sort of roller frame.

What i'm thinking of is Nissan Crawlers old craftsman box, but maybe a 36 inch cab/chest combo with a job box all on one frame. Post 724 in this link.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=266320&highlight=nissan+crawler#post266320


But longer than that, and on a complete custom frame made of 2x2 or 2x4 channel or tube, with HEAVY duty casters for rolling. This would also give them a chance to customize their own box for how they would like it and would give them a boatload of pride in their stuff.

The floors are smooth flat concrete, as to distance it may be as much as 1,500 ft in one direction. As to ideal, they have electric carts they can tow their carts with, we provide them all the steel/supply they need and allow them to fabricate while on the clock.

TheGrooveking

if they are going to be using "tow vehicles" to move boxes, then a sturdy steel frame with boxes attached to it would be the way to go.
just an idea, look at an old SO "taco wagon", they had drawers in the front, and open storage in the back.
maybe a steel frame, with large pneumatic tires, lista/vidmar cab, lockable storage locker on the back for large items. steel top with a vise, and enough space to bolt down a top box
i'd stay away from any boxe that you'd have issues with parts, like slides, and locks.
i'm assuming you have an industrial supplier there, i'd try to make sure what ever you have, you can get replacement parts/ warranty through them, and not have to jump through hoops to get a slide assemby ect.

 

[WSMC633]

This seems like the most logical solution to me

 

[CBradio]

But what you have there is like....a 15K solution.

 

[WSMC633]

But what you have there is like....a 15K solution.

Uhhhhh yeah.... It was kind of a joke.

 

[56dodgeguy]

I have recently studied and bought 2 cornwell custom series tool boxes, they are as good as any snapon box or mac,I traded in my light wieght mac box.These cornwell custom series boxes are built just as strong as any!! If you don't believe me just have your cornwell dealer take out a drawer and look for yourself.Cornwell has been around for a long time,since 1919.No I don't work for cornwell,I'm just a regular guy that did some research before I bought a new box.I don't know what the old boxes were like but mine has a lifetime warranty.

 

[mikebramel]

I had a Matco MB5625( two bay, 29" deep) from the last decade or so. Built like a tank. Certainly heavier than the new KRL three bank I have. Those Matco boxes are $1500 on craigslist and don't sell around here

 

[healing]

Looks like a custom job if they are going to tow the boxes. I am thinking montezuma boxes mounted along withheavy duty drawers of your choice. Service truck heavy duty stuff.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/montezuma-toolbox/36-montezuma-tool-boxes-crossover-tool-chest.html

 

[DieselFxr]

Been very happy with my Cornwell. It doesn't get moved very often that's what the tool cart is for. I have had it for about 8 years.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I have a Snap-on KRA. A lot of people refer to it as "entry-level Snap-on" and yes, it is the cheapest of their line, but it's very good.

Don't complain, some people like myself wish they have what you have. Entry level or top of the line

 

[JonnyMac]

Got a used classic 78. Sturdy feel, great value for its size, good options for expanding.
I find the full width drawer combined with the depth is excellent.
I think they are an awesome option..

 

[truckdriver]

4 year old thread.