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Tool & Cabinet Brands?

ClassicMuscle

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Newbie here, I need to furnish a 33X55 "man cave" in Cornelius, NC I just rented to store my car collection of about 8-10 cars and do light duty work, etc. Already have two Bendpak lifts installed, but need some nice work benches, cabinets, tool boxes, etc to finish off the space. Any recommendations on website or brands to shop at? I hate to just head to Lowes or Home Depot and start buying stuff and hacking it together, what are some other websites or options for me here? I see some New Age cabinet set ups I like, are they popular with you guys? Other options?
 
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BlakeTheCarGuy

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Tool & Cabinet Brands?

I’d get a US General from Harbor Freight I am a professional mechanic and me and a lot of guys at work have them they are great. Also we had the Harbor Freight work benches when I was in high school automotive class and they were fine too. One of the new guys at my work had a Husky box and it seemed fine but he liked my US General way more and then bought a Snap-on one.


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dmdc411

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I second the Harbor Freight line of US General tool boxes. Take a look for yourself, but so far, in my opinion, they are better than Craftsman, or Home Depot/Lowes line of boxes!

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ClassicMuscle

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Thanks guys. What about general tools? I tend to like to stick with the same brand of things vs mix and match. I am basically starting from scratch but will keep these tools a lifetime probably. Snap On? MatCo Tools? Just go to Lowes and buy a bunch of Kobalt stuff? Craftsman?
 

BlakeTheCarGuy

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Kobalt is really good except for pliers don’t get pliers there. Also Proto, SK, Snap-on, Matco, MAC anything is good. Also for stuff like sockets and stuff Harbor Freight is fine honestly.


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mikester

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Ive got a ton of Craftsman tools but the issue now is the selection has been downsized. If you have the cash look at Proto or Williams combination wrenches. Gearwrench makes pretty nice ratcheting wrenches. Not as expensive as tool truck stuff and so far I havent broken any of what I own. I would also look at the US General boxes. For the money theyre pretty well built. If I had to buy another box I wouldnt think twice. Im sure theres guys on GJ that think theyre junk. They will say the same about Husky. Ive had this set for over 15 years and its still perfect for what I do.
 

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ChefRex

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I'm mostly Snap On and have no regrets, I'll buy American when ever possible, some other high end imports pull my heart strings and I can't pass.
So let's see the cars!
 

jshillin

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I agree with the suggestion above for the HF US General boxes, I actually sold my Snap-on roller and went to the HF USG combo, no complaints. For work benches, I've had the Seville butcher block top benches for about 10 years now and they are still , not sure they can be beat for $200 each.
 

ssdave

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It's really hard to make recommendations on tools without some background of how you will use them and your expectations and budget.

If you are just getting interested in mechanic work, haven't done it before, and don't know how much and what you are going to do, I'd recommend a limited amount of tools. Buy a HF 40" box, or similar, and buy a decent wrench set, 3/8" socket set, screwdriver set, a few pairs of pliers, and some hammers and then wait until you see the need for more tools before you buy more. I'd buy Proto, SK, or Wright if I was in that situation and had the money. If you don't want to put out that much money, read some of the other recommendations on here for import tools. I don't have any favorite import tools to recommend, I just don't use them any more because I have better alternatives that I prefer. Obviously, there are many out there that will do the job.

If you know how to do mechanic work, and just don't have tools out of some odd circumstance, then it all boils down to your budget and expectations.

If you just want to furnish your garage as a backdrop to the cars, I'd go for a couple of different scenario's, depending on what you want to project. If they're newer cars, or race oriented, and you want a tool persona to match, I'd buy a decent sized Snap-on box, and a decent assortment of wrenches, ratchets, hammers, pliers, etc to complement the cars. If they're classic cars, I'd consider buying a nice used classic box of that era, and fill it with either Snap-on, Williams, Proto, SK, or some combination thereof.

If you're a ******** user, and want the tools for that but want them all to be the same brand, I'd recommend you just put the money out and buy Snap-on, Proto, or SK. In the long run, they'll hold up the best, and you can be working instead of tools shopping.

The alternative most take here is different; the tools and their acquisition and collection and use are the hobby, and most users buy a combination of many different brands and types of tools. They take pride in finding tools that fit their particular niche of quality/cost ratio. Those users typically rely heavily on Harbor Freight and Gearwrench for their mainstay acquisitions, with a wide variety of other imported tools that they perceive some virtue over the other similar ones, "for the price". Some have no brand loyalty and just buy the best/lowest cost that they perceive, and others pick a brand like Carlyle or Toptul or Gearwrench or Tekton and go with that.

One last recommendation is if you just want the garage as a prop to show off the cars, but don't want to put out the money. In that case, buy a decent looking box from Lowes, Harbor freight, or Home Depot, and fill it with a combination of Harbor freight full polish tools, whatever looks best.
 

Ralf11

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Thanks guys. What about general tools? I tend to like to stick with the same brand of things vs mix and match. I am basically starting from scratch but will keep these tools a lifetime probably. Snap On? MatCo Tools? Just go to Lowes and buy a bunch of Kobalt stuff? Craftsman?

Budget?

no matter what - buy either Snap-on Dual 80 ratchets and/or Nepros ratchets - the former can be had used pretty easily

Sockets - Hazet or used SnapOn or Ko-ken; then add a set of Ko-ken nut grabber sockets for keeping things in them

get 6 pt. sockets; add some long (deep) ones in 12 pt. if you need them (and you will sooner or later)

ratcheting wrenches can be nice

box end wrenches; open end stubbies for access

brake wrenches...

Hazet, SnapOn, Stahwille, Ko-ken and Nepros are top brands
 

Craig Balzer

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You've gotten some good leads thus far for tools and boxes.

I am curious how you plan the fit the following in a 33x55 garage

  • 2x Bend Pak lifts
  • 8-10 cars
  • Work Benches
  • Tool Box(es)
  • some other things

Even if the lifts are 4-posters and you stack cars, I think you're gonna find some cramped quarters. Inquiring minds want to know . . .
 

Ralf11

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" 8-10 cars"

I hope they are all metric

Worst would be metric, SAE and also Whitworth*



*which is worth very little.... but hey kudos to JoJo
 

zeke67

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Several ideas, some already mentioned that I will build on. If you want roll-away style tool boxes, the HF stuff is very nice and affordable. The Icon stuff looks killer, with price to match. The blue and orange stores have some nice offerings. They can come with light duty parts and DIY-user gimmicks. Offerings seem to change every few years with the box stores, not a big deal but with hurt the ability for a common look if you want to build out over time. The Homak stuff and Northen is very nice and not out of bounds. Homak use to be Waterloo quality (might still be, not sure).

If you want new benches and related upper cabinets, pick a brand and style you like. I have a mix of Gladiator and Husky, bought over a period of time and not intended to match (and for sure they don't match). The Gladiator stuff seems nicer, but the Husky uppers have locks. Sears has their style, as does Lowes.

If you want more of a built in look, check out the threads here on GJ by Steevo who has done 2-3 threads of built in HF large tool boxes with a bench top look. Very cool.

There is also the kitchen cabinet approach. From the 60's though the 80's most kitchens were site built with cabinets that come out as a unit. A counter unit, an upper unit, etc. They are treated like junk / free for the hauling if you keep an eye out. Most will be plywood carcasses and doors, with no back. Paint to your liking. If you can find steel cabinets from the 50's even better and may not need paint.

For modern cabinets from box stores, keep an eye out for closeouts or when they do in store kitchen demos and replace the cabinets -- you can get demo cabinets, never installed in home but with screw holes and in-store where and tear. Also open box or damaged box units.

As far as 33x55, that's three cars wide easy. Not hard to imagine 8-10 cars with two lifts in that space if set up right.
 
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ClassicMuscle

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Cornelius, NC
You've gotten some good leads thus far for tools and boxes.

I am curious how you plan the fit the following in a 33x55 garage

  • 2x Bend Pak lifts
  • 8-10 cars
  • Work Benches
  • Tool Box(es)
  • some other things

Even if the lifts are 4-posters and you stack cars, I think you're gonna find some cramped quarters. Inquiring minds want to know . . .

See attached pics. Yes, stacking cars. I can actually fit 8 cars on just one side of this shop, and then I still have all this second side under the loft for tools, benches, and maybe some more cars. I think about 10 cars totally will fit pretty comfortable? This is a 35 X 53 FT space.
 

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ClassicMuscle

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How does one have 8-10 cars and yet is starting from scratch on tools?

James

Moving too many times, not settling down, and buying mostly late model cars that don't require work. But now I'm looking to invest in more "classic" cars that will require work. And I finally have enough room to keep all the cars in one place vs spread out in different areas.
 
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ClassicMuscle

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I'm mostly Snap On and have no regrets, I'll buy American when ever possible, some other high end imports pull my heart strings and I can't pass.
So let's see the cars!

I'd love to do Snap On, but aren't they going to be like astronomically more expensive than the other brands? Or maybe I can get with a local distributor and get some discounts?
 

Lassen Forge

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Yes they are, but they're also a buy once and be done proposition. Take an autoshop class or 2 at a local community college to get the student discount (called SEP). I used to have all Craftsman (back in the 1980's when I wrenched for a living) and SO was expensive then... but the SEP makes it actually affordable. When I took inflation from 1980 to 2020 into account, I'm probably spending the same on SO that I did on my Craftsman. So it's just "expensive", not "really, really expensive".

Plus, taking the shop classes was a blast - I can't wait until the COVID thing is behind us, as I miss it.
 

BlakeTheCarGuy

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Not yet. I would love to get Snap On, but aren't they going to be really, really expensive compared to just getting Kobalt tools or something?



Yep they are unless you are a student and can get a discount lol. Kobalt makes really good sockets and wrenches they work fine for me.


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Ralf11

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I'd love to do Snap On, but aren't they going to be like astronomically more expensive than the other brands? Or maybe I can get with a local distributor and get some discounts?

Yes

Truck guy might give a tiny discount or a free hat...

Buy Snappy used
 

cvairwerks

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Forget about trying to stay with only one line of tools. Not every vendor is going to have every tool you will come across the need for. Stick with the known quality brands, buy specific tools that fit your needs and fit you. A good tool that doesn’t fit you is a detriment to getting things done. Don’t be afraid to end up with multiples of things due to physical sizes, styles, ratchet tooth counts and so on.
 

Dewaynep

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As for the cabinets, I recently purchased the low-end (Performance 2.0) of the NewAge cabinets for my home shop that gets used by me and my sons (2 older with their own toolboxes and 2 younger who just like to use my tools and lose them). I spent $1700 and have covered a 27' wall with wall lockers, upper wall cabinets and lower drawer cabinets. Are they the absolute highest quality you can buy? No. Did they show up damaged? Yes. Did NewAge make me whole by sending 3 complete new sets of cabinets? Yes. The Performance series 2.0 is currently on clearance for $419. You get a wall locker, a wall cabinet and a 4 drawer base cabinet. Check out their clearance page for the best deals. For a heavier duty cabinet the PRO series would be the best. I didn't want 24" deep wall cabinets, so I was content with the lesser cabinets.
 
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ClassicMuscle

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Can someone help explain to me the insanity of why Snap On tool boxes are so expensive? Even used ones on FB marketplace around me people are asking $2-4K for something you can buy Craftsman, Kobalt (like pictured), or US General for $800-1,000 (or less). I mean, at the end of the day they are metal boxes that contain and store tools, why are people honestly paying $5-8K for a Snap On tool box? Could I afford it? Yes. But it just seems so extreme! I was thinking they might be double the price, not 4-5 times the price! Wow! I'm a newbie so bear with me here. If "wear and tear" is the concern, you could buy a brand new Cobalt box every year for 4-5 years and still probably come out ahead...
 

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Ralf11

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Lots of things to make a good box...

Snappy drawers can pull out and go back in when grabbed at the extreme corner

Drawers don't rock back and forth

It's all thick gauged metal

Durable Paint

I'm sure other can add other things...


IS Snappy worth it? Not to me. But others want them...
 

IMXCITD

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I'd get a couple boxes from strictlytoolboxes....get some pallet racking and take advantage of your vertical space. Get black tubs w yellow tops to store items not used often (label them). Prob just get a rolling cart or two...no "work bench"....they are junk collectors. Don't forget the air compressor, refrig and music! :beer::beer:
 

dittle fart around

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You contacted me about a quote for NewAge cabinets. I can't reply to your private message, I don't know why. Maybe it has to do with being a Junior Member, don't know.

The best way to contact me is to go through my website; ShopStorageCabinets.com. You can find my website by clicking on my signature or you can contact me at [email protected]

Thanks for your support of small business.
John
 

FSrepair&fabrication

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maryland
US General is a solid box for the money, i dont think you can walk into a store and find anything better, only a tool truck brand is going to be nicer. As far as tools on a moderate budget, i would go with snap on for ratchets, wright for wrenches, klein for pliers and screwdrivers, craftsman arent the greatest for sockets but they are pretty cheap and easy to warranty.
 

FSrepair&fabrication

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Also channelock make great pliers, hit home depot and grab a few sizes of estwing hammers, ingersoll rand for any air tools, gearwrench for their flex head ratcheting wrenches, mayhew for prybars and chisels.
 

crewchief888

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Can someone help explain to me the insanity of why Snap On tool boxes are so expensive? Even used ones on FB marketplace around me people are asking $2-4K for something you can buy Craftsman, Kobalt (like pictured), or US General for $800-1,000 (or less). I mean, at the end of the day they are metal boxes that contain and store tools, why are people honestly paying $5-8K for a Snap On tool box? Could I afford it? Yes. But it just seems so extreme! I was thinking they might be double the price, not 4-5 times the price! Wow! I'm a newbie so bear with me here. If "wear and tear" is the concern, you could buy a brand new Cobalt box every year for 4-5 years and still probably come out ahead...

FWIW, if I was looking to buy boxes for my shop/garage. I probably wouldn't be looking at Snap On. HF, kobalt, Milwaukee, ect would probably serve my wants/needs.
I've been wrenching on const eq since the mid 80s most of the boxes I have in my garage came off a tool truck, some new, some used, and i acquired another set of SO in a trade. 35+ years of wrenching, building, racing, tends to accumulate lots of stuff.
If i was starting out today, i probably wouldn't have what i have, theres just simply more choices today than there ever were.

:beer:
 

911TES

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The HF Icon brand is really nice - a lot of choices on configuration. Obviously modeled on high-end Snap-On, but actually seem nicer. Always want to support the USA, but sometimes the USA products are 4 or 5x the price. Just bought some Pexto stakes and a stand. Wouldn’t dare tell my wife how much I paid.
You have a great space. Create a master plan and chip away at it.
One thing to consider is mobility. The big roll-around tool boxes never seem to move. Think of some carts and tables that can move to the project.
Have fun and enjoy.
 

911TES

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Also with opening a HF credit card I think you can get 10% off your entire first purchase. Better read the fine print though.
 

RotaryRacer

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Looks like you may be in space off of Bailey Road?!!! If so, there are several nicely up-fit man cave-car storage spaces you should try to check out for some ideas. As it relates to boxes, Snap-On has some really nice stuff but with a price point that to me does not make sense if you are not wrenching with them every day. As many posters have indicated, the US General boxes at Harbor Freight are probably the best bang for the buck. They also have a decent color selection to choose from with coordinating accessories as well in case you may be thinking of a "theme" for your garage where the color matters. You should also reach out to the head guy from Race Deck who is a regular visitor in the Forum and work with him on a discount on Race Deck flooring for your garage. It will be killer!
 
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