Tool Box Decision time

[Fast Black Trucks]

Alright Guys, need some input. I am an engineer by day and wrench on my project trucks whenever I get some free time between projects on the house. I have quite a few DeWalt 18V tools, a socket set, lots of wrenches and quite a few other power tools I have acquired to work on the house. I had a 41” Cman bb with full width drawers. I bought it online and had it shipped to my house (mistake). I was really unhappy with how much the drawers wobbled and wanted more small drawers. I could also tell that it wasn’t going to be quite big enough. I couldn't find a coordinating side box or top box since I got the orange metallic color, which I liked in pictures but not as much in the garage. So I sold it.

My options:
I could live with the 40" Harbor Freight Box. It's more study than my Cman box and I like the price. Right now it is $350 and you could probably use a 20% off coupon. Sure the fit and finish isn't great but it would work. I also like the Red 7 drawer roller cart that would match it. The side boxes and top box are nice too and would give me the space I need.

I want to look at the 56" Harbor Freight Box in person. It appears to be better quality than the 40" box and probably a better buy for the money when it goes on sale. I think it was $799 the other day and a 20% off coupon would help. I don’t think they sell a top box or side box that goes with it though.

The reviews here on GJ of the HF 72" box have me really interested. The only downside is that I have a tight 2 car garage and 30" deep would eat up a lot of space. I only park one car in there, but having the option to pull in a second car is nice and a 30” deep box would make it pretty tight. The up side is that the box would probably last me a long time and would be nice for when I get a good size garage/shop someday. The other advantage is that I store my bike over where the tool box will live and I wouldn't need a top box with all that real estate and thus would be able to get the bike down.

I thought about the Montezuma 72". At $1,900 it's more than I really want to pay but man it is nice. After seeing reviews of people standing in the drawers, I'm impressed. It’s also 24” deep so it would fit better in my garage. I would probably like more drawers than the 16 drawer model, but couldn't afford anything more expensive. Heck if I went with the 16 drawer I would have to sell several extra car parts I have sitting around and save some pennies for a while too.

I like the quality 40" Master Force box at Menards, but I hate the green. Also, I don't know where I could get a side box for it. I looked at the "equivalent" Master Hand box at Tractor Supply but was not impressed. I don't think they are near the same quality. I haven’t seen the Master Force 52” in person as my local store doesn’t carry it. But in pictures I don’t like the drawer layout.

Lastly, a friend of mine knows a guy at work that is selling a Snap On Dale Earnhardt Jr. edition 40" top and bottom. It is essentially a kra4114, and KRA4107. I think the combo could be bought for $1,300 or so but I do not know what condition it is in. The guy has had it for about 6 years but if it is in nice shape I might be able to use it for a while and get my money back out of it down the road when I get a bigger garage and need a bigger box. Downside is that I couldn’t afford the end cabinet KRA4820D and it has the full width drawers that I am not particularly fond of. But it is Snap On quality.

So, what do you guys think? I don’t have a ton of cash to blow and I am torn on how much to spend and thus the wide spread. Both of my projects need some money thrown at them and going big on the tool box takes away from that. I just hated the Cman box I had and knew that if I kept it I would lose even more money on it. Right now my tools are in cardboard boxes and on a shelf. The lack of organization is driving me crazy too.

 

[jpoe]

Decisions, decisions! Sleep on it and see what your wallet says. Looks like you have done your homework and weighed the pros and cons of each. Depending on your location, you might want to give patience a chance and hunt craigslist.

 

[Rickster]

If the Snap-on box has ball bearing drawer slides I would buy that one. The quality is amazingly better and the re-sale price percentage would be way higher.

 

[mrholeshot]

For 1300 I'd seriously consider the Snap-Ons. If your budget is tight the HF box is a great alternative. The boxes are tough. The fit is good the finish is ugly (JMO) but very very tough. All roller bearing boxes have some drawer wobble. Its the nature of the slides. Snap-On is no exception.

 

[shovel]

One thing to consider if you are thinking about the HF box, is the 16" drawer depth is limiting. I dont have room for a 30" deep box either, but you will be limited with a narrow drawer and not able to store as much as you think you can.

 

[cherokee140]

You need to actually lay fingers on what you are looking at....that will alone let you make a good decision. If you have a home depot or lowes in your area swing by and look at their offerings. Get as much info and then make a decision. Don't buy (no matter what it is) on name alone.

 

[Fast Black Trucks]

If the Snap-on box has ball bearing drawer slides I would buy that one. The quality is amazingly better and the re-sale price percentage would be way higher.

Is that snap on box even available without BB slides? They are the one brand that I hadn't looked into much because the cost to size tool box is so high. Since I am not a mechanic b trade I couldn't justify it. How collectable is that Earnhardt box anyways?

 

[Fast Black Trucks]

You need to actually lay fingers on what you are looking at....that will alone let you make a good decision. If you have a home depot or lowes in your area swing by and look at their offerings. Get as much info and then make a decision. Don't buy (no matter what it is) on name alone.

I originally thought the big Kobalt box at lowes with the car CD deck and fridge was cool. Looked at a few in the store and was not impressed. Pop rivets holding the drawers in and a couple of them were falling apart (flap that covers the radio was broken.) I thought it would have been better for the price.

I wish I coud see the HF 72 or 56 in person. One of my buddies thought he saw the 56" at our store but he din't get a good look at it and it was not there when I went to look at it. If I find the 56" I will have to assume the 72" will be similar.

I may go to a Montezuma distributor to check out the 72" 16 drawer in person. But that could be dangerous for my wallet!

 

[back2class]

I would have to rule out new except HF. Seems like the snap-on box is an OK value, and you should get pretty close to thet price if you re-sell it. That assumes you are not cash tight and can have $1200 sitting in a toolbox without being an issue. The HF box is pretty good. You may also be able to get away with loosing only 2-300 when you sell. I do see an occasional 3 bank snap-on KRL box here in the south for $2000 ish. That would be what I would buy since you are already considering that price range. Truth be told, I do not see a ton of difference between the KRA quality and the HF box. But I have only played with the HF box in the store. Though my HF 4 drawer cart was to me in the same leauge quality wise as the KRA boxes I owned. Seeing as you seem to feel you may sell whatever you get at some point, econimics seem to point to a well priced used snap-on or ne HF. Shop around, right now I am in a Snap-On KR box (pretty much same as krl except friction slides). Came loaded with snap-on tools and 2 locking pry bar holders for just $800. Holds a ton more than the 41" top and bottom box I had brfore. Pic I posted in not my box, just some pic I stole off the internet as my pics are at home, but same unit I have.

 

[Scout Driver]

You need to actually lay fingers on what you are looking at....that will alone let you make a good decision. If you have a home depot or lowes in your area swing by and look at their offerings. Get as much info and then make a decision. Don't buy (no matter what it is) on name alone.

cherokee140 is correct. Look at (and more importantly, run the drawers in and out etc.) every box possible. Sometimes an unlikely prospect will come out on top. This is how I aquired my RemLine ProSeries box. It fit my budget and did the job that I needed it to do.

Scott

 

[chadster1]

That Snap-on KRA4107/4114 combo for $1300 sounds like a killer deal to me.

 

[cherokee140]

I originally thought the big Kobalt box at lowes with the car CD deck and fridge was cool. Looked at a few in the store and was not impressed. Pop rivets holding the drawers in and a couple of them were falling apart (flap that covers the radio was broken.) I thought it would have been better for the price.

I came away thinking the same thing, I knew what SO had to offer, I own one that I was very happy with. I also knew what MAC and Cornwell had, I have access to those boxes. For the money and for (MY) uses the HF box fit the bill. It was put together as well IMHO as well as the truck tool boxes and at a price that just too good to be true. I had the budget to buy more I just could not stomach it.

I found broken welds on sears and the big box stores...I know they are in the show room and take lord only knows what kind of abuse...but still I am going to load these things up, they should stand up to the 10yr old yanking on drawers in the store.

The truck tool boxes just seemed to be too little for too much money. People talk resale value and what not...who goes into a purchase thinking I am going to sell this thing, and that for a 50% loss? My first snappy tool box now just holds my body tools....I can find a use for all the stuff....I never sell any tools or my boxes. Only time will tell if this HF box will hold up over the test of time...but it sure feels pretty darn good for the money I paid....thicker gauge metal on the HF box then on my old snappy too.

 

[scottmlew]

I continue to be very happy with my Montezuma. You could get one of those new from Strictly Toolboxes (Shannon) and customize the drawers -- then you'd have exactly what you want.

 

[imom]

I have a classic 78 from Snap on I bought used and very happy with it. Some of the slides was damaged and Snap on warrantied no problems and their customer service folks are fantastic. I don't have any experience with the Montezuma boxes, but 3 bays are too big for my needs...at least for now. I would have been happy with 1 bay, so 2 bays is great. If you can find a used classic series Snap on or better yet the KRL boxes...I think you will be very happy. I would have gotten a KRL box...but for the box I have now. I got a great deal on it..so I opted for the one grade down. Still a very nice tool box. I do recommend you double up on the slides on any of the big drawers of the wide drawer KRA series that don't have 4 slides already. The 4 slides support more weight, but also makes it more stable from wobbling and getting the slides damaged. Then again, you can get Snap on to warranty the slides if you have issues.

Lastly...the paint is nice...I can't speak for the KRL series, but KRA is very good on the outside. On the inside where you don't see, the paint is a bit thin. They just did a quick pass on it...I'm thinking of doing a quick wet sand and spray a little bit more on the inside.

I thought about the HF $350 boxes...but for twice or three times, at least I know for sure there is going to be decent quality for sure and there's warranty.

 

[scheu]

I just got my new KRA4813 (KRA4107 with a different drawer layout) and I really like it. I have already figured out I'm going to need the top box (KRA4114). I would have looked at used if any had been ava. It is worlds better than any Craftsman I've had in the past.
I did think about the HF but bit the bullet and got the the real deal.

 

[Fast Black Trucks]

Alright guys, this is where I need your input. I finally got to see the Snap on KRA4107/4114 combo. It was indeed a Dale Jr. limited Edition but it was well used. It was dirty and loaded with tools randomly thrown about and sticking out of the drawers. Trying to look past the mess was hard but it had scratches, dents and dings and the paint looked faded as well. There was one dent on the front of a drawer near the bottom that was pretty bad and it bent the sheet metal inside the drawer as well. The decals were there and seemed to be okay although the bottom drawer was dented and you could see the dent through the decal. One of the drawers also stuck badly (but the Snap On lifetime warranty should cover this right?).

The guy also had a black 4 drawer service cart to sell too. Not sure if it was snap on or blue point but the lid did not have struts and it flipped all the way around when opened.

My question, what is it worth? The guy said he would take $1,200 for the KRA4107/4114 and $250 for the cart but I think he is flexible. Unfortunately the cart had holes drilled in the side for some cheesy brackets and I couldn't even get a good idea of the condition because it was so stuffed with ****.

Honestly, I think the KRA box needs to be re-painted but I defintely don't need another project right now. I could buy it to use in the mean time and restore someday but I think preserving the serial number and the decals would be a PITA. And if I restored it I would just sell it hoping to make some money.

I did like the service cart that he had because I have considered the red Harbor Freight service cart but I have no idea what his SO / BP cart is worth well used. Advice?

 

[back2class]

Alright guys, this is where I need your input. I finally got to see the Snap on KRA4107/4114 combo. It was indeed a Dale Jr. limited Edition but it was well used. It was dirty and loaded with tools randomly thrown about and sticking out of the drawers. Trying to look past the mess was hard but it had scratches, dents and dings and the paint looked faded as well. There was one dent on the front of a drawer near the bottom that was pretty bad and it bent the sheet metal inside the drawer as well. The decals were there and seemed to be okay although the bottom drawer was dented and you could see the dent through the decal. One of the drawers also stuck badly (but the Snap On lifetime warranty should cover this right?).

The guy also had a black 4 drawer service cart to sell too. Not sure if it was snap on or blue point but the lid did not have struts and it flipped all the way around when opened.

My question, what is it worth? The guy said he would take $1,200 for the KRA4107/4114 and $250 for the cart but I think he is flexible. Unfortunately the cart had holes drilled in the side for some cheesy brackets and I couldn't even get a good idea of the condition because it was so stuffed with ****.

Honestly, I think the KRA box needs to be re-painted but I defintely don't need another project right now. I could buy it to use in the mean time and restore someday but I think preserving the serial number and the decals would be a PITA. And if I restored it I would just sell it hoping to make some money.

I did like the service cart that he had because I have considered the red Harbor Freight service cart but I have no idea what his SO / BP cart is worth well used. Advice?

Hell no! I was offered the same Snap-on set (top and bottom) in great shape last week for $700. I turned it down. Also, that sounds like it may be the Blue Point 4 drawer cart. If so that is the same cart Harbor Freight sells for about $100 on sale several times a year. Sounds like those boxes are priced about TWICE what they are worth. At least here in the southeast.

 

[pep]

Alright Guys, need some input. I am an engineer by day and wrench on my project trucks whenever I get some free time between projects on the house. I have quite a few DeWalt 18V tools, a socket set, lots of wrenches and quite a few other power tools I have acquired to work on the house..

Reading the description of what needs to be stored, I'd probably look around for a good quality top box / chest to put on the work bench, and then stick all the power tools in totes, a shelf, or maybe some sort of file cabinet.

i never could see the point in lumping everything together, commonly used items + things that are hardly touched, in one great big device...unless the point is to lock it all up when you go home from work.

 

[Davefr]

You don't sound too impressed with that SO box. My advice is to get the exact color, configuration, condition box that's best for your garage/shop.

Those that have restored big boxes claim it's worse then repainting a car and not well suited unless you have tons of extra time on your hands. A repainted box might be a tough sell so think twice about any get rich quick profit potential

I'd get the HF box on sale and use the 20% coupon. In the meantime keep on eye out for your dream SO KRL box. "Cream Puff's" do come up from time to time and prices can be good if the seller is getting desperate.

If you score a great SO box, then sell the HF box and you'll be out a small amount in depreciation.

 

[Fast Black Trucks]

You don't sound too impressed with that SO box. My advice is to get the exact color, configuration, condition box that's best for your garage/shop.

Those that have restored big boxes claim it's worse then repainting a car and not well suited unless you have tons of extra time on your hands. A repainted box might be a tough sell so think twice about any get rich quick profit potential

I'd get the HF box on sale and use the 20% coupon. In the meantime keep on eye out for your dream SO KRL box. "Cream Puff's" do come up from time to time and prices can be good if the seller is getting desperate.

If you score a great SO box, then sell the HF box and you'll be out a small amount in depreciation.

You're right, I wasn't very impressed with that Snap On box. In fact, I didn't see the huge difference in quality that the SO faithful talk about. I actually saw a Craftsman Professional box and was impressed with the slides on it. Although it was on clearance and was still darn expensive.

I did however get a chance to look at the Harbor Freight 56" Box. I was quite impressed. I don't know that the drawer capacities are quite what they are advertised but the ball bearing slides were descent.

The finish is nice, although there is a hint of orange to their red. The paint was thick on the outside and just a tad thin at the back of the inside on a couple of drawers. There was one drawer that had a couple of nicks in the paint. At first I was a little concerned so I decided to dig at it with my finger nail to see if it more would flake off, it didn't. It wasn't from drawer mis-alignment either so it must have had something hit it in the store.

The drawer latches were different from what I was used to coming from Cman with griplatch. There is a small spring loaded plastic finger that sticks out from the right side of the drawer.

This catches in a hole in the side.

Not as sturdy as the Snap On drawer lock or the griplatch but it isn't bad. My only concern is that the constant striking every time a drawer closes would mark the aluminum and possibly the paint after time.

The casters looked fairly sturdy. Not as nice as the spring loaded casters on the 72" box but they would be fine for me as I wouldn't be moving it around much.

I think this may be the box for me. It is 22" deep so not too deep for my garage. If it is $800 on sale and I can use a 20% coupon then I will probably buy one. I wish there were more coordinating items available from HF such as a side cabinet or top chest with the same quality and finish. It is also too bad that the red service cart from HF has the red krinkle finish. It doesn't match this boxes color at all. But if I am hurting for space someday I could just buy another one of these 56" cabinets. Then I would have 112" of 22" deep toolbox for the about the same investment as the 30" deep 72" box. Hmmm.

 

[back2class]

I agree, those KRA boxes are about 300% overpriced and that HF box is 90% as well made. I just couldn't spend $800 on a new HF box when I could find a better used box for that or less.

 

[jhelrey]

I have a 56 inch box from Menards. Masterforce brand! I love it! Paid $650.00 for it out the door.

 

[Fast Black Trucks]

My hopes of getting the 56" box from Harbor Freight seem to be getting dashed... I was trying to get the 5-drawer service cart in the glossy finish the other day when it was $159 on the internet. The cart should match the box and I like the idea of a roll around.
There are three stores within an hour of me and all of them would match the internet price. Unfortunately, none would allow me to use a 20% coupon on top of it. I tried multiple times, with different managers and the answer was no, no and no. And while $159 is still a descent price, I can't bring myself to pay that knowing that other GJ members have walked out the door paying $130!

Now if the HF store has the item on sale itself, then yes they will take a coupon, so I could wait until black friday and see what happens, but I have never seen the 56" roller cabinet in our local add. So even if it goes on sale online, I am still looking at $800. But even if I could use the 20% coupon it comes to $640.

Enter Menards... again. I was at the local store and looked at the Masterforce 41" box again. I still think they are made well and noticed that they introduced a 16" 6-drawer side box. Nice. I remember hearing that they had a larger bottom box than the 41" so I asked. Behold, the sign for the 56" box about 9' overhead. No idea how many times I walked under it but here it is:

And the bottom box is on sale for $599 right now. At this moment I am strongly leaning towards this box with the 6 drawer side cabinet which is on sale at $199 and forgetting about the HF service cart and 56" box. I don't like the green but the metal seems to be a little thicker on the Masterforce box than the US General and it has a lifetime warranty to boot.

Bottom line: 72" long and 17 drawers for $800 out the door. Not too shabby.

Oh, the 56" top box is on sale too. I can't remember how much it was. Either $349 or $399. I am tossing the top box idea around. I probably don't need it at this time but it might be nice to get it all at once... just have to figure out how to get the bike down. I have also tossed around the idea of getting the masterforce 41" top to give me about 30" of workspace. Decisions, decisions.

 

[dodge610]

I have a three bay matco box in a purple color have had it for years traded my so boxes in on it and the matco truck was more than happy to deal with me on it special order on drawer configuration and also came with nameplate that said special design just for thats were they put your name still works like new would love to some day but the matching top box but that will have to wait till the son graduates from college.

 

[stilinsm]

Menards has all tool storage on sale starting today.

Mastercraft 56".
Chest (245-1786) reg $449 Sale $381
Cabinet (245-1782) reg $649 Sale $551