Tool Box Selection

[smitty9805]

Hey guys, I am new to this forum and was looking for an input on a high quality tool box. While I do not consider myself a "MASTER" mechanic I do service and repair farm equipment on a regular basis as i am a farmer. Looking for input on a MAC Select series box and a Snap-On KRA5311. Which one should I buy?? Thanks in advance! I use Snap-On, MAC, craftsman, and all other brands of wrenches, tools, etc.. but I do not have a dealer for any. I have a cheaper brand toolbox that I have been using but I need more storage room and it has seen its better day. I Was at sears the other day and the Craftsman boxes didn't seem much better. Any input is well appreciated!

 

[offroadford4x4]

What size box do you need? Harbor freight has the 44" roll cab with top box and side cabinets available at a very reasonable price point. And they are a high quality box compared to others in the same price range. Much better than the current craftsman and husky boxes. I've read they are even better than the big stainless boxes from Kobalt.

Roll cab - http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-cabinet-44-13-drawer-gloss-red-industrial-uality-68784.html

top box - http://www.harborfreight.com/red-roller-cabinet-top-chest-68787.html

7 drawer side chest - http://www.harborfreight.com/7-drawer-red-end-cabinet-for-roller-tool-chest-68785.html

side locker - http://www.harborfreight.com/42-end-cabinet-for-roller-tool-chest-68991.html

And if you are looking for a lil bigger, HF also has a 56" roll cab but there is no matching top box or side cabinets available for it. Though you could use the 44" top o it, and may be able to custom fit the side cabinets if you can do some fab work work. I've never seen it done, but I assume it wouldn't take much.

56" roll cab - http://www.harborfreight.com/56-inch-11-drawer-industrial-roller-cabinet-67681.html

And here is a review on HF site that was done by a member here that includes many of the common boxes - http://blog.harborfreight.com/44-inch-13-drawer-roller-tool-cabinet-review/4497/

Of if those are not big enough, check out http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/ typicall they offer free shipping on their boxes.

 

[djcslice]

I have the 44 hf box and it is awesome for the price. The box layout isn't the best but it's a lot better than most budget boxes. I have also heard really good things about the Menards boxes. I like the layout of the 36in box the most.

 

[FastKat]

As much as I like to buy American, I have seen the above Harbor Freight boxes and they seem to be well-made for the price.

Otherwise, I don't know where you're from, but look on craigslist for tool boxes from Snap-On, Blue-Point, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, and Kennedy. They're all pretty nice, even their entry-level boxes. Truck-brand boxes are MUCH cheaper on craigslist. I could not imagine buying one and paying full retail off the truck. If you're reasonably patient, you'll buy one of those boxes in like-new condition for about a third of their retail price.

I have a 40" Snap-On KRA series box and it's great - just right for me. It's solid, holds a lot of stuff, but is not too big to push around the shop.

I don't have any faith in Craftsman boxes anymore, except for the Craftsman Professional line, if they still even offer it.

 

[CWP1616L]

Stay away from the lower line truck brand boxes. If you're gonna buy a truck box, always get their upper line like KRL for Snap-On or Macsimizer for MAC. Otherwise, you might as well get the HF box the other guys are suggesting.

 

[zkling]

Agree with FastKat, there is always the used garage sale / craiglist / ebay / local paper route. If you are patient some fantastic deals can be found.

For the money the 44" HF at ~$350 is pretty hard to beat, brand new, ready to use.

 

[smitty9805]

Im from NW TN and I have been checking craigslist. Found several nice Snap-On boxes in Southern Ms. Let me ask this. The KRA 5311 sells for 3,080.00 on the website. Do you guys think I could get a better deal on one from a truck dealer, or is the website price standard? I will definitaely check out the HF box. Thanks guys!

 

[Subyroo651]

I wouldn't pay $3k for a KRA anything

You can get a clean KRL1022 Master series for around that much

Even if the boxes were the same, the added depth is worth it on its own.

 

[FastKat]

I respectfully disagree. Other people at the shop have KRL and Classic series Snap-On boxes. They're definitely bigger and they're a little heavier (maybe because they're bigger?) but I don't find the construction to be overwhelmingly better than my KRA box.

Actually, one of the guys just got a new KRL box about a month ago. One of the drawers never closed right. Somebody came and switched the slides out... still no luck. When he took a closer look, the support between the two drawer banks is welded on crooked, causing the drawer to not close properly. It's pretty obvious, and I'm surprised we didn't catch it. Looks like the dealer is going to bring him a new KRL box...

Stay away from the lower line truck brand boxes. If you're gonna buy a truck box, always get their upper line like KRL for Snap-On or Macsimizer for MAC. Otherwise, you might as well get the HF box the other guys are suggesting.

 

[CWP1616L]

I respectfully disagree. Other people at the shop have KRL and Classic series Snap-On boxes.

They're both overpriced. It just seems that if you're gonna be spending too much money anyway, you might as well get the better box...