Tool Storage Sujestions for New Mechanic

[saturninin]

I have A LOT of tools and such... but they are all just floating around right now.... I've been pulling parts for a while, but now have decided to go to trade school to become an Auto Mechanic.... I am wondering what would you suggest so that I have all my tools in one place.... Thinking the 44 HF is honestly going to be the best bang for my buck....


I honestly like the 70s Craftsman look.... but guessing that in today's day and age, its probably to small to work at any shop?

Picked this up at a yard sale for like $30... looking at fixing her up....




This is the other one I have... paid $3 for it (without the tools... but did get some nice tools at the auction... but lots of resellers, thus meaning to deep of pockets for this "college student"


What brand is it?


Thoughts or sujestions?

 

[zkling]

Bottom box might be a 70's - 80's snap on box. Need a pic of it open, hard to tell from just that photo. That craftsman box looks like it has lived a full life.

The HF 44" bottom box is really tough to beat, especially if you value your time and or patience dealing with idiots.

 

[saturninin]

Bottom box might be a 70's - 80's snap on box. Need a pic of it open, hard to tell from just that photo. That craftsman box looks like it has lived a full life.

The HF 44" bottom box is really tough to beat, especially if you value your time and or patience dealing with idiots.

Thanks for the quick reply.... and yes the cman has been used a lot, but I'm hoping to be able to save her

Here's the pics of the inside of the bottom (With the tools I got... believed I paid less then $50 at this auction for this + other stuff I got *this past summer*)

 

[zkling]

Looks like a late 70's-early 80's snap on KRA-53. Check the back it should be stamped. Is it only ~24" long x 10" deep? Looks like you got a few nice tools with the box.

 

[Sean298]

I picked up my craftsman 41" box for a lowly $340, register screw up, discounted me the craftsman club twice. Its a very nice box, holds everything I need as of now. Its pretty damn good for a 19 year old lube and tire guy.. All harbor freight and craftsman, no complaints. My entire tool investment is probably just over a grand.

Tool **** incoming...

 

[espyking83]

Harbor Freight all the way for a new mechanic, that or an amazing Craigslist deal. Focus on your tools first. If it locks n' rolls....

 

[bcradio]

Nice setup there Sean... keep up the good work

OP let us know what you decide to go with

 

[Murphy4570]

Smart man to not get in over your head buying off of the tool trucks. Start small like that, look for deals on used tools on craigslist.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

It's extremely hard to beat the HF box and I agree with espyking, focus on buying high quality tools that you need first then decide if you want to go the truck route with a box when it's time to upgrade. This also keeps you from going into a huge amount of debt if the trade doesn't work out for you. Not saying it won't but a lot of guys that like cars as a hobby don't realize it's not the same working on them for a living and change direction. Also if you already have a roller to set that craftsman on there's nothing wrong with using a 26" stack. You're just starting out, focus on getting the tools you need first.

 

[Sean298]

I looked at getting a little 26" but it was like 350ish for that or 600ish for a bigger one, seemed like I'd be wasting money if I bought a small box hen I could get a bigger one for not much more. And its mostly full right now, it works very well.

Jakes right about that, I love working on my own stuff and getting a bit creative on some things, but when its a job, it seriously kind of *****. Especially when you're not making dirt for money. I'm on myfeet all day every day, I get oil and brake cleaner all over my hands so often that they crack and bleed. I need a new career direction quite badly. Its a shame, I somewhat enjoy what I do, I love using tools and making things better, but its hard work and I see it as a dead end career, I sure as hell don't want to turn wrenches until I die.

 

[Cope]

Thanks for the quick reply.... and yes the cman has been used a lot, but I'm hoping to be able to save her

Here's the pics of the inside of the bottom (With the tools I got... believed I paid less then $50 at this auction for this + other stuff I got *this past summer*)

The box appears to be a KRA54B. Look at the rear, there should be a model number and date stamped on it. They're good boxes. I had a clean one and sold it, but after replacing it 20 years later, this one has a permanent home.