Tool box advice?

[evercl92]

I'm well below your pricepoint, but I'm looking as well.
My current top contenders are masterforce or the nicer husky line.

 

[Mr_B]

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.

I agree .
New masterforce is good, best is always a great deal used box.
Snapon rare get a good used deal these days, older matco can be very good used deals, I got 2 mb7525 and an end drawer cabinet for 1400 bucks.
Missed a mb8535 listed at 1700 with offers recently .
Don't get too hung up on brand badge, buy what good drawer layout for your use and what affordable to you. NEVER take a loan for a tool box and always make a proper effort looking at quality used options first.
Used truck brand is almost a free box as if bought wisely and not a complete hack owner it will always be worth same/close to what you put into it .

New masterforce, few select model Husky 24", Homak RS Pro and US General at absolute lowest coupon price all pretty good and pro usable within reason (I seen all these and far worse boxes in pro use)

I know people whine on must have ball bearings, If it a smaller size box friction slides work fine, I got 30 year old 36" box that fine on friction slides and better than flimsy ultra cheap chinesium with pretty ball bearing slides emblem .

 

[gemniii]

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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Since you've got $4K to spend at this time, only want it to last until your 66 what are you planning on doing AFTERWARDS?

I turned 66 last year and had been "suffering" since I was 18 basically with a 24" 3 drawer Craftsman and tools spread all over the place in their original packaging. Last year I expanded as seen in the pic:
Left to right
An older HF given to be by a friend
An HF 26" stack for $390
A Husky 36" top box from HD for $110
A ProSteel 34-in 6-Drawer Ball-bearing Steel Tool Cabinet from Lowes for about $150.

Tool chests are for storing tools, keeping them organized and clean. As long as they function well and fit your tools what more is needed?

The newer Harbor Freight offerings consistently rank near the major contenders. Save the difference in $$ for more tools.

 

[Worsedog]

I second or third the used truck brand boxes. I picked up a Snappy KRL1023 from a guy getting out due to debilitating injuries from a motorcycle crash for $3k in like new condition.

If you take your time and shop carefully you can find some deals. While I still think they are over priced there are still big differences in the construction of the high line boxes. The KRL replaced a Tech 1000 Mac roller and a Cornwell top that I sold for $500.

 

[kwb]

Does a box make you more productive or build at a higher quality?

I'll take a $1000 box and another $3000 in tools / tooling any time over $4000 box.

 

[dthor68]

Does a box make you more productive or build at a higher quality?

I'll take a $1000 box and another $3000 in tools / tooling any time over $4000 box.

I agree. If I had 4 grand to spend on a box, I would spend a grand on the biggest US General and spend what was left on tools.

 

[Partsguy57]

Does a box make you more productive or build at a higher quality?

I'll take a $1000 box and another $3000 in tools / tooling any time over $4000 box.

In my case yes... I have a massive amount of tools and,equipment and yes a good box does increase productivity.. buy the best you can afford.. A used snap on.trumps cheap new every time.... Someone posted earlier 4 boxes for the price of one good snap on.... Let me think... Four "cheap" wives or one good one? Four cheap guns or one good one? For cheap cars or one good one? Four cheap sets of wrenches or on good set. Insert product of choice here... 4 cheap or one good? I know which way I roll.. if you is smart and patient you can buy quality used vs cheap new....

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[gemniii]

In my case yes... I have a massive amount of tools and,equipment and yes a good box does increase productivity.. buy the best you can afford.. A used snap on.trumps cheap new every time.... Someone posted earlier 4 boxes for the price of one good snap on.... Let me think... Four "cheap" wives or one good one? Four cheap guns or one good one? For cheap cars or one good one? Four cheap sets of wrenches or on good set. Insert product of choice here... 4 cheap or one good? I know which way I roll.. if you is smart and patient you can buy quality used vs cheap new....

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4 cheap tires or one good one?

Why not tell us some quantifiable FACTS why snap on is so much better than the newer US General (not 20 years old US General). For my home hobby use (not tax deductible or charged to other people) I'd rather have 1 US General and $3,000 for good reliable tools than 1 snap on and NO tools.

AND as far as

if you is smart and patient you can buy quality used vs cheap new....

Which means someone bought those boxes new and won't get their money back.

 

[DocMike]

I'm very happy with this. It is loaded with tools and still rolls around nicely.




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[jmarkwolf]

Buy a Harbor Freight tool box, put the money you save in a 401K, retire early. Sheesh.

 

[Tonyuk]

For 4K you can get a whopping 7 of these, delivered.....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/72-Stain...443873&hash=item2c89d6278b:g:FmEAAOSwFFBavgXq

They had a smaller version in costco last summer and in fairness it wasn't bad at all, thick work top (could do with a sand and oil), decent thickness of steel and ball bearing slides on the drawers.

Don't overthink a tool box, is it large enough, is it affordable, do i like the look of it, will it fit the space i have etc...

 

[HomeTooled]

I’ll add another for a used tool truck quality box. I picked up a 56” Matco box for a quarter of your budget.

 

[37ford4dr]

I have two of the big harbor freight tool chests and may buy a third.....these are nice tool chests, just open them up and make sure they are not dented at the store.

i wont argue not to buy snap on mac or what ever.....just saying the HF tools chests are very nice and shouldnt be summarily discounted.

 

[isb cornbinder]

In 2000 I bought a MAC TECH 1000 off the MAC tool truck. In four years the upper section of the box had cracked at the base of the divider between the wide and narrow drawers, of the top section.
At about a year, I had to buy and install better wheels with real greaseable bearings. My employer's shop has a smooth concrete floor.
Here is the real kick in my a$$. The MAC truck guy opened an account without my knowing about it and applied my toolbox to the account.. I paid for the toolbox with my cheque and kept the receipt. It did not take long for the tool company to try and collect money from me for the toolbox on the account. I tried to get this matter settled on my own and in the end my bank came to my defence and the problem was settled after months of unnecessary stress.
I still have and buy MAC. I always pay with my MASTERCARD, now.
I was told the tool truck guy had done this scam to a few persons. He left Canada, and a trail of unpaid bills.
Now that I am retired, the TECH 1000 sits in one place in my home shop. The crack in the upper box has become a little wider.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Our family always buys BUILT IN NORTH AMERICA FIRST. If I am buying something made off-shore I am cheating someone in this country out of a job.
I was a member of the Canadian Auto Workers Union. I felt some anger and sadness when I looked in the parking lot at the union office and saw every one of the union executive were driving import cars. One of the big deals with the union was trying to prevent out-sourcing and doing the work in-house.
We owe it to those who continue to work and support our pensions.

 

[rharman]

I kind of split the difference. Upgraded last year from a Craftsman 26" 24 drawer (12 top/12 bottom) to the Craftsman 52" 20 drawer combo.

Had my 26" combo for about 40 years but had long ago outgrown it. Got a good deal on the 52" - On sale, SWYR $$, and a "buy it now" discount when I called to ask about pricing.

For my use, no way I could justify (or want to) go Snap-On. I agree with the sentiment of spending the extra $$ on tools.

 

[red61cj5]

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

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That's very true. It is also, in and of itself, not a valid argument. A toolbox holds tools. If you can quantify how the SO does this better, and is a better buy, then you should. What you posted makes you sound like a tool snob polishing the nameplate so everyone can see it better.

 

[Partsguy57]

That's very true. It is also, in and of itself, not a valid argument. A toolbox holds tools. If you can quantify how the SO does this better, and is a better buy, then you should. What you posted makes you sound like a tool snob polishing the nameplate so everyone can see it better.

It's very simple. Snap on is a better quality box period. If you own a box just to own tools you will never get it. Example those that own a car for just transporting or car guys like me that own for a different reason. If you don't understand the car thing you won't understand the quality tool box along with quality tools. That being said I would not buy new snap on box when you can buy nice used for quarter or less with time and patience. And with used being so reasonable why buy some cheap new box? For me personally my tools and shop are a big deal for my car hobby for all the wrenching I do on my heavy equipment and personal rigs. ( over 40 pieces) Its puts a smile on my face walking into my shop and having very nice organized quality tools, boxes and equipment. Ultimately its about me and I don't care what you think as I can afford to buy what I want. My advice still stands buy the best you can afford and a nice used snap on box is better then cheap new.....

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[SouthLake]

In my case yes... buy the best you can afford.. A used snap on.trumps cheap new every time.... Someone posted earlier 4 boxes for the price of one good snap on.... Let me think... Four "cheap" wives or one good one? For cheap cars or one good one? Four cheap sets of wrenches or on good set. I know which way I roll.. if you is smart and patient you can buy quality used vs cheap new....

It's very simple. Snap on is a better quality box period. If you own a box just to own tools you will never get it. Example those that own a car for just transporting or car guys like me that own for a different reason. If you don't understand the car thing you won't understand the quality tool box along with quality tools. That being said I would not buy new snap on box when you can buy nice used for quarter or less with time and patience. And with used being so reasonable why buy some cheap new box? For me personally my tools and shop are a big deal for my car hobby for all the wrenching I do on my heavy equipment and personal rigs. ( over 40 pieces) Its puts a smile on my face walking into my shop and having very nice organized quality tools, boxes and equipment. Ultimately its about me and I don't care what you think as I can afford to buy what I want. My advice still stands buy the best you can afford and a nice used snap on box is better then cheap new.....

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allll of thiiiiis ^^^^

 

[Bryanthegreat]

It's very simple. Snap on is a better quality box period. If you own a box just to own tools you will never get it. Example those that own a car for just transporting or car guys like me that own for a different reason. If you don't understand the car thing you won't understand the quality tool box along with quality tools. That being said I would not buy new snap on box when you can buy nice used for quarter or less with time and patience. And with used being so reasonable why buy some cheap new box? For me personally my tools and shop are a big deal for my car hobby for all the wrenching I do on my heavy equipment and personal rigs. ( over 40 pieces) Its puts a smile on my face walking into my shop and having very nice organized quality tools, boxes and equipment. Ultimately its about me and I don't care what you think as I can afford to buy what I want. My advice still stands buy the best you can afford and a nice used snap on box is better then cheap new.....

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Why put down somebodies choice not to buy a snap on and then say buy the best you can afford? In my option to buy a "cheap box" as you put it I couldn't get the features I did in a Snap-on or other pro brand for the price period. I too get a smile on my face when I walk into my garage and see a large toolbox with well organized tools. I have owned a new snap on that I traded on a larger Matco which I sold when I took a desk job. I did not need to get another pro box I needed something that provided the space and layout that I liked best as well as something that fit the budget. Obviously you have a larger budget than most on here and good for you. I like pro grade tools but I would never knock anybody for not having them.

 

[SouthLake]

Why put down somebodies choice not to buy a snap on and then say buy the best you can afford? In my option to buy a "cheap box" as you put it I couldn't get the features I did in a Snap-on or other pro brand for the price period. I too get a smile on my face when I walk into my garage and see a large toolbox with well organized tools. I have owned a new snap on that I traded on a larger Matco which I sold when I took a desk job. I did not need to get another pro box I needed something that provided the space and layout that I liked best as well as something that fit the budget. Obviously you have a larger budget than most on here and good for you. I like pro grade tools but I would never knock anybody for not having them.

i dont think partsguy meant snap on specifically, but was referring to any quality box. amassing junk vs focusing on something with more quality.

 

[Partsguy57]

Why put down somebodies choice not to buy a snap on and then say buy the best you can afford? In my option to buy a "cheap box" as you put it I couldn't get the features I did in a Snap-on or other pro brand for the price period. I too get a smile on my face when I walk into my garage and see a large toolbox with well organized tools. I have owned a new snap on that I traded on a larger Matco which I sold when I took a desk job. I did not need to get another pro box I needed something that provided the space and layout that I liked best as well as something that fit the budget. Obviously you have a larger budget than most on here and good for you. I like pro grade tools but I would never knock anybody for not having them.

You totally miss the point. I'm not putting down anyone and their choice. I am putting down the idea of some that they are the same, it doesn't matter, it's just a place to store, etc etc. Again I'll buy quality used vs cheap new anytime. As I stated if you are not a " car" guy you probably look at a box as storage just as you look at a car as transportation... As young man starting with nothing I always tried to buy quality over used, now that I can buy what I want I still prefer quaility used over quality new.. Why. Everyone likes to save a buck and quality lasts....see the connection?

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[Partsguy57]

i dont think partsguy meant snap on specifically, but was referring to any quality box. amassing junk vs focusing on something with more quality.

On the money! Quality used trumps cheap new everytime in my book. Cheers

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[Partsguy57]

4 cheap tires or one good one?

Why not tell us some quantifiable FACTS why snap on is so much better than the newer US General (not 20 years old US General). For my home hobby use (not tax deductible or charged to other people) I'd rather have 1 US General and $3,000 for good reliable tools than 1 snap on and NO tools.

AND as far as
Which means someone bought those boxes new and won't get their money back.

"4 cheap tires or one good one" Do you need four tires cheap or not? Do you need 4 cheap tool boxes?

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[zkling]

Check out Storloc

 

[Bryanthegreat]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Partsguy57
Yep.... And it's still not a snap on...Attachment 753622

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This guy posted an option for the OP that could fill his needs for the next 20 years at a good price point. Better than Snap-On? Most would say no including my self. A good option for some maybe even the OP? Could be which is why this thread was started and many have chimed in with what works for them and could work for the OP.

Maybe you don't get it or see the connection.... Cheers!

 

[Partsguy57]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Partsguy57
Yep.... And it's still not a snap on...Attachment 753622

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This guy posted an option for the OP that could fill his needs for the next 20 years at a good price point. Better than Snap-On? Most would say no including my self. A good option for some maybe even the OP? Could be which is why this thread was started and many have chimed in with what works for them and could work for the OP.

Maybe you don't get it or see the connection.... Cheers!

You miss the point. I guess I should have posted its still not a quality box ? Right? (Please accept my deepest apologises) Insert name of quality box of your choice... Feel better now?

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[Bryanthegreat]

I did not miss anything. There are many options for many people and a lot of the time people are happy and see quality with things that others feel are junk. No apology needed I feel great.

 

[Partsguy57]

I did not miss anything. There are many options for many people and a lot of the time people are happy and see quality with things that others feel are junk. No apology needed I feel great.

Very good. Have a good weekend. Cheers

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[Bryanthegreat]

You too

 

[gemniii]

4 cheap tires or one good one?

Why not tell us some quantifiable FACTS why snap on is so much better than the newer US General (not 20 years old US General). For my home hobby use (not tax deductible or charged to other people) I'd rather have 1 US General and $3,000 for good reliable tools than 1 snap on and NO tools.

"4 cheap tires or one good one" Do you need four tires cheap or not? Do you need 4 cheap tool boxes?

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My car takes 4 tires. I can buy 4 cheap ones and drive for years, or buy one expensive one and not drive.

My tools need 4 boxes for storage, I can buy 4 Harbor Freight boxes and get everything put away or one Snapon and leave 3/4 of my tools on the floor.

You post a lot about cheap but don't point out any studies/valid comparisons about the differences other than your opinion.

Better status?

 

[Partsguy57]

My car takes 4 tires. I can buy 4 cheap ones and drive for years, or buy one expensive one and not drive.

My tools need 4 boxes for storage, I can buy 4 Harbor Freight boxes and get everything put away or one Snapon and leave 3/4 of my tools on the floor.

If you say so.... If you can drive for years on cheap tires... You don't drive much... If you need four boxes the size of the snap on box pictured for what most use a tool box for... Automotive hand tools. You must have a whole lot of very cheap duplicates to fill four such boxes. Is this the case? Or are you the guy that keeps his skill saw. Routers, framing squares in his tool box along with his automotive hand tools? If so you are not a car guy and don't understand the reason and personal pride in a quality box. The same goes for nice house, car, shop, boat,tractor, lawn, etc etc etc. The list is endless insert your source of quality and pride of ownership here. If you don't have sense of personal pride in owing something of quality as I suspect most do here. It ***** to be you as you will never understand... Cheers

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[gemniii]

If you say so.... If you can drive for years on cheap tires... You don't drive much... If you need four boxes the size of the snap on box pictured for what most use a tool box for... Automotive hand tools.<snip>

Gee I didn't realize I could only store Automotive hand tools in the boxes. Is there some law about that?

Maybe I need to find different boxes for my tractor repair tools, my electricians tools, my plumbers tools, my carpentry tools, and my small engine repair tools?

And yes, I've one car that gets driven less than a thousand miles a year.

And the point was buy one well rated HF box and spend the rest on tools.

/edit
You still haven't come up with with the reasons the snapon solution is worth 4 times the HF solution.

 

[Partsguy57]

Gee I didn't realize I could only store Automotive hand tools in the boxes. Is there some law about that?

Maybe I need to find different boxes for my tractor repair tools, my electricians tools, my plumbers tools, my carpentry tools, and my small engine repair tools?

And yes, I've one car that gets driven less than a thousand miles a year.

And the point was buy one well rated HF box and spend the rest on tools.

/edit
You still haven't come up with with the reasons the snapon solution is worth 4 times the HF solution.

Lol I called in correct. You are not a car guy and no I don't store my non automotive tools in my boxes....( and I have mountain of non automotive tools) As I said you don't get It and I understand your type very well being I owned a napa store and full machine shop for many years... Cheap....( and a non car guy) You sir can keep your cheap and I will take quality everytime... A nice used snap on box(or like) trumps a cheap box every time. There is a reason quality used tools are always snapped up ( this forum is full of such stories) there is a reason cheap USED are never talked about here or anywhere. Can you guess why? Tell you what... I'm a opened minded person a when my snap on box is worn out I'll consider buying more of cheap ( larger quantity) .. Hope you are a patient person as I suspect that day will be a long day in comning. You keep asking the advantages of a quality box vs cheap? Answer this, why are there several manufacturers of high quality boxes? And why is there demand for such product? They are the same as a cheap box? Right?

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[gemniii]

<snip> You keep asking the advantages of a quality box vs cheap? Answer this, why are there several manufacturers of high quality boxes? And why is there demand for such product? They are the same as a cheap box? Right?

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So it seems you cannot show us unbiased information why the snapon is worth 4 times the Harbor Freight.
And you have to call the Harbor Freight a "cheap" box.
I think you've made your point.

 

[Partsguy57]

So it seems you cannot show us unbiased information why the snapon is worth 4 times the Harbor Freight.
And you have to call the Harbor Freight a "cheap" box.
I think you've made your point.

Again is there a difference in quality of tool boxes?( snap on or any other quality box) The answer is self evident in that they make high end boxes and cheap boxes and different people buy for different reasons. If you want to look the fool go ahead and argue a harbour freight box is the same as a high end snap on or other.. The choice is yours. As I said I know your type well after selling millions in parts and a large volume of machine shop service. For some cheap is always the same as good. As I said before. Do you want four cheap wives, or one good one? Four cheap cars, or one good? Four cheap wrench sets or one good one. Four cheap sets of tire, or one good set? Four big macs or one good burger? Etc. ( Insert product of choice) You prefer cheap volume... Fine... Others like me perfer the other option. The op was asking for opinions and he has mine and yours. Again my argument is with time and patience one can pickup a high quality snap on or other box used very reasonable vs a cheap new. Be happy!! I'm happy with my choice, you not so much so as you seem to be angry and bitter with your choice of four harbour freight boxes. Quality stands the test of time and can be seen for what it is as time passes on. Cheap.. Well let's just say it needs constant selling by some saying its as good as quality.. The test of time tends not to serve cheap well... Cheers

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[TomC750]

I have been working out of my Craftsman boxes for 60 years and have done a ton of work. No cracks and the drawers still open and close nicely. When I ran out of room for new tools I bought surplus cabinets to put larger tools in. I know I am stuck in the past but the prices I see for the "high end" boxes astound me. When I was younger I made some of my own tools such as sockets to remove wheel bearing nuts (I have a great collection of all sizes) out of necessity as that was the only way I was able to get the job done.

 

[Partsguy57]

I have been working out of my Craftsman boxes for 60 years and have done a ton of work. No cracks and the drawers still open and close nicely. When I ran out of room for new tools I bought surplus cabinets to put larger tools in. I know I am stuck in the past but the prices I see for the "high end" boxes astound me. When I was younger I made some of my own tools such as sockets to remove wheel bearing nuts (I have a great collection of all sizes) out of necessity as that was the only way I was able to get the job done.

They are crazy high. I do have high end boxes and can afford to buy at this stage in my life new if I so choose, but I would refuse to do so. With time and patience one can buy nice used snap or other high end boxes for very reasonable. That would be my advice vs cheap new. Lol I know full well the gig of making tools. Made a wrench last week. I needed a,1 1/2 thin to hold the inner nut ( normal wrench would not fit) I laid my wrench on a piece of 1/4 plate and ran the plasma cutter around and cut a wrench. Drilled a 1 1/2 hole on the end( blair bit) cut the rest of the wrench end on my vertical metal bandsaw instant thin wrench. Cheers

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[kngelv]

These toolbox threads always devolve into pontificating about perceived quality, pride of ownership, etc. All of the boxes mentioned are perfectly adequate for most. I’m an electrician for an auto manufacturer. At work I have a Kennedy 5804 and a Snap-On KRL 7022. At home I have a Harbor Freight U.S. General 56” top and bottom combo. At work I’m opening and closing drawers probably 30-50 times a day. At home maybe 5 or 6. Do I notice a difference? Yes. Worth the price differences? Maybe, depending on how much you use them. The Harbor Freight lock mechanism is less sturdy and the drawers that are loaded heavily definitely don’t open as smoothly and have more side to side wobble. Also the Harbor Freight drawer latches **** tremendously. I’m going to disable mine soon. It is fine for my current usage pattern but if I was like some of the people on here that are in their home boxes all day I’d probably look for a used Snap-On or other American made box. If I needed to save a few bucks I would probably look at the Masterforce boxes over Harbor Freight mainly because of better color choices and drawer latches. When I retire in another ten years or so the Harbor Freight will go to my 11 year old son and I will probably get a Snap-On or maybe a couple of Lista/Vidmar cabinets.

James

 

[Bluedodge]

...if there was one perfect tool box, everyone else would be out of business.

Different people have different needs, wants, wishes, and priorities.


...and that's okay.