Tool box advice?

[Broncobilly]

I am looking at purchasing what will most likely be my last tool box. I'm 46 and looking for a quality box, which will last at least 20 years. I have been working out of an older Craftsman 40" upper and lower box, which has served me well.
I have gradually aquired enough tools, that my old Craftsman box is becoming way too full.
A friend of mine, who is a mechanic by trade - has recommended an Extreme 55", a Montazoma, and the top of the line International. About 55" to 57" is what I am looking for. My budget is $4000 max. I am not a professional tech, but an avid hobbiest. Any input on choosing a box is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Bill

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[toyotadriver]

If you want to spend that much, buy Snapon. I would personally just buy a box from Harbor Freight. They are well made and I'm sure they would last the rest of your life.

 

[Broncobilly]

If you want to spend that much, buy Snapon. I would personally just buy a box from Harbor Freight. They are well made and I'm sure they would last the rest of your life.

If I went Snapon I would have to buy used, as just a 56" lower box, is way over $4000. The 56" Harbor Freight box looks decent, but there is some slop in the drawers (side motion). My box isn't going to be moved alit, so maybe I can get away with the Harbor Freight?

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[CJM8515]

I have a loaded down HF 44" with side cabinet and a 30" 2 tier chest from HF. No complaints at all.

 

[James-W]

i don't have a Harbor Freight tool box but several people on this forum do have one. I have a friend who has one as well. Everyone who has one seems to think they are a decent box and they are pretty happy with their purchase. Not saying there aren't better tool boxes out there, just saying the Harbor Freight ones are decent and the cost isn't terrible.

 

[ken w.]

I'm also considering a bigger tool box. I leaning towards the big HF box. I've looked at it and compared it too other boxes and it seems pretty nice.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I've been working out of 2 40" Craftsman slider chests with top boxes, and I realize that, after 40 years & 2 rebuilds, it's time for them to be replaced. Has to do with tool organization, having working locks, and well, I want something that will last my lifetime, and a good part of my kids as well... and having expansion room.

So... I'm thinking of plunking down on an 84" Epiq, probably a side locker and a workstation top. Even used, they're not cheap, but every one I've seen sets up well. I have a question, tho... is there any reason one could not put a smaller workstation on top (say, I dunno, 56") and leave a flat work area on the side of the box? Has anyone done this, or are there hookup and support issues from doing this?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I am looking at purchasing what will most likely be my last tool box. I'm 46 and looking for a quality box, which will last at least 20 years. I have been working out of an older Craftsman 40" upper and lower box, which has served me well.
I have gradually aquired enough tools, that my old Craftsman box is becoming way too full.
A friend of mine, who is a mechanic by trade - has recommended an Extreme 55", a Montazoma, and the top of the line International. About 55" to 57" is what I am looking for. My budget is $4000 max. I am not a professional tech, but an avid hobbiest. Any input on choosing a box is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Bill

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Sounds like you might need to check out a forum sponsor.

https://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

 

[Broncobilly]

Sounds like you might need to check out a forum sponsor.

https://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

NUTTSGT, thank for the link! I didn't know about them. Do they offer a discount for GJ members?

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[NUTTSGT]

NUTTSGT, thank for the link! I didn't know about them. Do they offer a discount for GJ members?

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Not sure but they do offer free shipping in the lower 48. They have a spot on the homepage of the forum.

 

[Broncobilly]

Not sure but they do offer free shipping in the lower 48. They have a spot on the homepage of the forum.

Ok, thanks!

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[jeepinerdeep]

That kind of budget will squeak you into a new Lista.

https://www.americanworkspace.com/262-lista-toolboxes

You are also into used Snap On KRL, used Mac Tech 1000 or Macsimizer territory depending on options and double/triple bank. Maybe even with cash to spare. The Proto versions of the Mac boxes are harder to find but the same tank build quality.

Are you used averse? All of the above are workhorses that have been around for a long time.

They are also all what I would consider full depth. Watch your dimensions. I don't find 18" deep units that useful.

 

[climb.on]

Have you considered Lista, Lyon & Vidmar boxes? I bought all my boxes used (Lista & Lyon) and repainted them. I'm a fair bit under 4k with my bench completed. I do have a decent amount of labor in it, but theres like 36 drawers there. Not mobile though. I just set it up today in my new shop. American Workspace has some pretty sweet deals on scratch & dent Listas from time to time.

 

[Super Sport]

The Extreme and Montezuma are import boxes that I believe are made by the same OEM (I think it is Quality Craft). The Masterforce boxes at Menards, Viper (used to be carried by Sears), and a host of other import brands I believe are all made by this company. They are good quality, and you're probably slightly better off finding parts in the future than you might for a HF box. I believe Extreme has a warehouse in IL somewhere where they often run scratch & dent sales, I'll see if I can follow up with any info on that.

Craftsman (Waterloo) boxes offer good product support should you need it down the road, but the boxes are often not the same quality as similarly-priced import boxes. Menards has also started carrying Waterloo brand and Waterloo-made Performax brand boxes.

The International boxes I have seen in person felt much like the Waterloo boxes, decent but not as good as some of the import stuff. Of course, they are made in Canada and likely cost more to manufacture than in China.

 

[Mr_B]

I'd look at used snapon, mac, matco.
lot of 55"size boxes come up as people upgrade.
If going new then the extreme 55", international SHD and the new masterforce all good for the cost and well under your budget.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I'd be looking here: https://www.lyonworkspace.com/produ...ts/double-59-58-wide/double-eye-level-59-14h/

 

[Broncobilly]

Have you considered Lista, Lyon & Vidmar boxes? I bought all my boxes used (Lista & Lyon) and repainted them. I'm a fair bit under 4k with my bench completed. I do have a decent amount of labor in it, but theres like 36 drawers there. Not mobile though. I just set it up today in my new shop. American Workspace has some pretty sweet deals on scratch & dent Listas from time to time.

I forgot abut Lista and Vidmar. I am not opposed to buying a good used Snapon or Matco etc box - but with my luck, I would end up with a knock off.

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[Partsguy57]

Watch for nice used snap on or the like. With patience you can pick up a nice box. I bought this box at a auction about 4 years back. Like new at a "hobby shop" wife had the auction come in when husband died. The tags with part numbers were still on the boxes so I googled the cost while waiting... 15000.00. New from snap on. Bought for 3500.00. I would prefer to buy quality used vs no so good new. I have made many great buys over the years and have a shop full of quality tools. ( box had even two drawers full of tools that were not cleaned out when auctioned)

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[Madc]

I would second a Lista box from the below sponsor. Fairly serious hobbyist, I bought a tool box and a parts cabinet from them three years ago, and smile every time I open a drawer- seriously.

Do you "need" that level of box?, probably not but that goes for most things. If you're mentally prepared to spend that much, thats half the battle. I understand the thought of "best buy" or good enough of a Harbor Freight box, but also tempted by having top quality items.

Good luck with your decision.

MADC


https://www.americanworkspace.com/262-lista-toolboxes

 

[Wileel]

If they are going to be parked Lista/Vidmar cabinets without a doubt, they should out last anything out there

 

[SouthLake]

with that much cash to spend, be patient and wait for a excellent condition snap on to appear on craigslist. they come up. just be patient. you will spend 1500-2500 and it will be the last box you will ever have to buy.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I agree with the used Snap On comments. I have several boxes for different purposes. I have a Mac at my side business which is a good quality box and better than the 40+ year old Craftsman box I was using. But it isn't as deep as I would like ideally. It will try to tip over if you have three or four of the drawers open at once. I got that one needing a little work and needing keys for $400 on craigslist.

I have a Snap On top and bottom at my home shop which I got used and full of tools, along with about 20 pounds of body shop dust for $1000. That one took a lot of cleaning and lubing. I need to take the drawers out again and clean out the white lithium grease that gets gummed up. But that is by far a superior box. It is much deeper and very heavy. I can have almost every drawer full of tools open and it will not tip. But it would be a ***** to roll around a big shop.

We have a US General at my day job which is a nice size and does the trick but is not any where near the quality of the Snap On. I think that one was in the $900 range if I remember right for brand new. I think it is about 6 feet wide. Again not quite as deep as the SO.

 

[maxpower_hd]

Oh yeah. My Snap On is from the mid to late 80's era. So I have confidence it will last as long as me anyway.

 

[Jhoff310]

I have the 42" HF box and swear by it. Yeah, there may be some slop in the drawers (side to side) when empty, but they are a pretty solid box for the money. I have mine overloaded, and have ZERO complaints. I am actually considering buying another 42" or upgrading to a 56" for more capacity.

Another option is to talk t your local tool truck guy. They take boxes in on trade, maybe he can hook you up with a few for the $4K mark

 

[bczygan]

4K will get you 4 of these:

Bill

 

[lugnut71]

Get on craigslist, there is some smoking deals on used snap on boxes. In my area the other day was a 76" epiq for 4500 bucks. You can get a nice master series for 2-4K easy if you look

 

[Broncobilly]

Get on craigslist, there is some smoking deals on used snap on boxes. In my area the other day was a 76" epiq for 4500 bucks. You can get a nice master series for 2-4K easy if you look

Any tips on what to look for, to identify a fake Snapon box? I have no problem buying a used box, just don't want to get a knock off.

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[majerus]

Your in Illinois I would suggest looking at Menards their masterforce line is great IMO. I have one and now with their deeper drawers seems like a winner to me.

https://www.menards.com/main/masterforce-tool-storage/c-12199.htm

 

[cvairwerks]

Lassen: A stacked box, work station or side lockers is pretty much an individualized question that needs to be based on movement of the boxes, storage needs and one’s work style. Outside of my stacked pair at the house, I’m so patterened to using the top of a roll cab as a bench, that anything mounted or stacked on it is in the way. Same thing with side lockers that extend above the cabinet top.

 

[bochnak]

I'm very happy with my tool vault 55*24 from stricklytoolboxes.

 

[Partsguy57]

4K will get you 4 of these:

Bill

Yep.... And it's still not a snap on...

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[Tonyuk]

Anything decently made that you like the look of. The only thing i would consider essential (other than decent build quality) is ball bearing slides.

 

[Partsguy57]

Anything decently made that you like the look of. The only thing i would consider essential (other than decent build quality) is ball bearing slides.

Hmm. Small list... I consider size of drawers, weight capacity, ease of rollling. Spare parts.. Usable counter on top... Etc etc and of course statement... Lol. Cheers

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[chrismenke]

Any tips on what to look for, to identify a fake Snapon box? I have no problem buying a used box, just don't want to get a knock off.

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I haven't seen knock off boxes so much as I've seen Snap On logos on HF, Craftsman, etc.

Look for the manufacturers stickers, stamped model number, and Snap On specific layouts. The Masters and Epiq series have distinct models that you'll come to recognize. Compare the advertised model to know goods (eg the Snap On webstore).

Also, don't spend 4k on the Classic line. It is not a rest of life box.

With that said, if you are likely to use these in a bench formation, I'd look at Lista as others have suggested.

 

[GTO]

You can easily find an older Snap on Master Series triple or double bank for $4000 or less.

 

[346ci]

Used name brand off CL, snap on, mac, matco, cornwell. Plenty of new techs out there that got into massive debt by shopping on the tool truck.

 

[GrayFlattop]

Without question the Lista, Lyon and Snap On tool boxes are very nice and $4k opens up a nice selection for you. I have some older (30 years +) Remline XQL tool chests that are still working great - they were made in or around Yorkville, IL and also did a lot of private label work. I also have a beautiful Lyon industrial chest of drawers that's about 5' tall and 40 years old that still operates smoothly (I believe they were produced near Aurora, IL.).

But honestly, the last several tool chests / top cabinets I've purchased were a pair of Mastercraft 36" lowers from Menard's. I know that they are made in China, but they are very well made, operate smoothly with the ball bearing slides and seemed a bit heavier than the HF models (which are still pretty nice). They were purchased a couple of years ago before the sizes changed to the new deeper models to circumvent tariff rules. The new ones seem well made as well - you might want to drive to a Menard's and check them out. They also have a few of the older style available online (and delivery to a local store is free)


You would struggle to spend $4k, but you could always spend the rest on more tools!

At the end of the day, as long as the drawer slides function smoothly and the box is well fabricated, there isn't a whole lot of difference between the functionality of a $900 tool chest and a $9,000 tool chest, but that's just my opinion.

 

[mobetta]

I'm very happy with the 56 combo from Menards.

I like the latching drawer setup, the best design I know of( the entire handle lifts to unlatch)

I have it in a van, so that feature is a necessity.

The cost is reasonable, I paid for mine with 11% rebate checks.

 

[Bryanthegreat]

Pretty hard to beat the 72” Masterfore with the 3 50 inch drawers. I was also pleased to see that they weld bracing under the deep top drawer. The Masterforce are well built I Would recommend them. The only bad thing I have to say about the HF boxes is the trim. Huskies are thin and no structure underneath for casters and single slides on shallow top drawer. Never a bad choice to score a good buy on a used pro box either but it is hard to come by a used Snap-on triple bank for 1600.00. I can find plenty of classic 54 boxes at that price. For 4000 you could almost buy whatever you want used.

 

[-->]

Without question the Lista, Lyon and Snap On tool boxes are very nice and $4k opens up a nice selection for you. I have some older (30 years +) Remline XQL tool chests that are still working great - they were made in or around Yorkville, IL and also did a lot of private label work. I also have a beautiful Lyon industrial chest of drawers that's about 5' tall and 40 years old that still operates smoothly (I believe they were produced near Aurora, IL.).

But honestly, the last several tool chests / top cabinets I've purchased were a pair of Mastercraft 36" lowers from Menard's. I know that they are made in China, but they are very well made, operate smoothly with the ball bearing slides and seemed a bit heavier than the HF models (which are still pretty nice). They were purchased a couple of years ago before the sizes changed to the new deeper models to circumvent tariff rules. The new ones seem well made as well - you might want to drive to a Menard's and check them out. They also have a few of the older style available online (and delivery to a local store is free)


You would struggle to spend $4k, but you could always spend the rest on more tools!

At the end of the day, as long as the drawer slides function smoothly and the box is well fabricated, there isn't a whole lot of difference between the functionality of a $900 tool chest and a $9,000 tool chest, but that's just my opinion.

Do you have any pictures of your Remline boxes ? I have a much older 28" that I love, but I haven't seen too many others.