Toolbox Advice

[Bam!]

Hello everyone...I've been reading this forum for a few weeks now occasionally and find many great conversations and ideas floating around...So I thought I'd take a minute and ask advice for a choice in my own life.

I'm a licensed - for just over a year now - automotive service tech in Canada and am looking to upgrade my toolbox. Currently I have a husky: http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160786 (not my post, just wanted to contrast with the Snap-On)

Recently I started to work at a dealer (from small shop) and noticed a lot of the techs there have Snap-On boxes, mostly the heritage/classic series. My previous job was very high stress and the boss was a real a$$hole which made me feel like quitting the trade altogether. But since I've moved on I feel more motivated and it looks like a worthwhile investment to go with s/o.

Our s/o dealer has this box on his truck: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...8675&group_ID=682931&store=canada&dir=catalog

He is telling me that s/o has a special where if you go through financing they will take an automatic $1500 off the tag...plus since it is on his truck and he is trying to unload it he already lowered it to $9000 (before the $1500 cred) and he will also give me a $600 credit towards my old box. This brings it down to around the $7000 range...So about 35% off the tag...

Now I don't have enough cash saved to get this but I have a really low interest line of credit (3%) which I could use to avoid the high interest s/o financial costs. Basically I could sign the contact with s/o and then use the l.o.c. to pay off in full to avoid any high % interest.

I've been thinking about this for a couple of weeks now and still am on the fence. Perhaps those of you in the trade longer can make this easier for me or have something to say?

Much appreciated.

 

[bobemmerich]

While it is a nice box, have you tried looking at strictlytoolboxes.com. they have some nice boxes at a more reasonable cost, and judging by the reviews on here, thier customer service is A-1

 

[ishiboo]

Hello everyone...I've been reading this forum for a few weeks now occasionally and find many great conversations and ideas floating around...So I thought I'd take a minute and ask advice for a choice in my own life.

I'm a licensed - for just over a year now - automotive service tech in Canada and am looking to upgrade my toolbox. Currently I have a husky: http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160786 (not my post, just wanted to contrast with the Snap-On)

Recently I started to work at a dealer (from small shop) and noticed a lot of the techs there have Snap-On boxes, mostly the heritage/classic series. My previous job was very high stress and the boss was a real a$$hole which made me feel like quitting the trade altogether. But since I've moved on I feel more motivated and it looks like a worthwhile investment to go with s/o.

Our s/o dealer has this box on his truck: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...8675&group_ID=682931&store=canada&dir=catalog

He is telling me that s/o has a special where if you go through financing they will take an automatic $1500 off the tag...plus since it is on his truck and he is trying to unload it he already lowered it to $9000 (before the $1500 cred) and he will also give me a $600 credit towards my old box. This brings it down to around the $7000 range...So about 35% off the tag...

Now I don't have enough cash saved to get this but I have a really low interest line of credit (3%) which I could use to avoid the high interest s/o financial costs. Basically I could sign the contact with s/o and then use the l.o.c. to pay off in full to avoid any high % interest.

I've been thinking about this for a couple of weeks now and still am on the fence. Perhaps those of you in the trade longer can make this easier for me or have something to say?

Much appreciated.

3% is extremely hard to beat, hard to argue with that. If you go that route verify Snap-on Credit has no pre-payment penalties/etc. which would not allow you to pay it in full that soon.

 

[bobcatdan]

There should be no prepayment penalty. One thing how are you doing for tools. Are you finding you needing more tools for the new job. That sounds like a good deal. But if you going to spend bucks on tools maybe hold off on the box for now.
sent from my stupid phone

 

[Eagle Point]

Before I spent that kind of money on a new box I would check Craigslist, forums, etc for a slightly used Snap-on box. There are a bunch of them out there. Spend the rest of the money on future tool purchases that you might need.

 

[Bam!]

Thanks for the replies everyone...I thought I'd get the questions about tools...Yeah I've got most of the quality tools I need to get by. In fact I've been running out of space which is why I'm considering this. One purchase I made earlier was this roll-cart: http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-330387-mb197uc-bk.aspx

But I have that roll-cart filled up to a comfortable level and the Husky full to the point where I find myself moving objects out of the way just to access what I need.

While it is a nice box, have you tried looking at strictlytoolboxes.com. they have some nice boxes at a more reasonable cost, and judging by the reviews on here, thier customer service is A-1

I checked out this website and others but two things are holding me back from buying online (but those Extreme boxes look really tempting). 1) It seems there might be a problem due to shipping restrictions between US/Canada 2) If I do buy online I'm concerned about any warranty issues that could arise. ex: a drawer slide breaks and causes an issue where I have to ship something and have down time...this is a situation that could be minimized with s/os regular visits...

If I do get the s/o box in question after it was paid off I'd get the riser/hutch for it for convenience. But can't see that portion as something to rush for.

 

[larryq]

Thanks for the replies everyone...I thought I'd get the questions about tools...Yeah I've got most of the quality tools I need to get by. In fact I've been running out of space which is why I'm considering this. One purchase I made earlier was this roll-cart: http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-330387-mb197uc-bk.aspx

But I have that roll-cart filled up to a comfortable level and the Husky full to the point where I find myself moving objects out of the way just to access what I need.



I checked out this website and others but two things are holding me back from buying online (but those Extreme boxes look really tempting). 1) It seems there might be a problem due to shipping restrictions between US/Canada 2) If I do buy online I'm concerned about any warranty issues that could arise. ex: a drawer slide breaks and causes an issue where I have to ship something and have down time...this is a situation that could be minimized with s/os regular visits...

If I do get the s/o box in question after it was paid off I'd get the riser/hutch for it for convenience. But can't see that portion as something to rush for.

Your downtime and cross-border shipping questions are certainly worth asking, but strictlytoolboxes comes very highly regarded here. A phone call to them would be worth making.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Are you made out of money? Are you certain this is your lifes path? If you answered no to either of these questions. Keep on looking for a used box and pay cash for it. You've a line of credit?! Good on you, so you're already doing something right. Take out a smaller loan against it. I'd be willing to bet that by keeping your eyes and ears open you can find a used excellent condition SO box similiar in size within six months for less than half of what you are about to spend. I was in your position 30 years ago. There was no craigslist or ebay or kiiji but I managed to get the largest box snap made at the time for considerably less than half price (and from my SO guy) by waiting for a deal (it was a repo). Doing this allowed me to leverage my dealer (through trades) when I did finally purchase a new box from him eight years into my working career.

If you don't need instant gratification you'll come out way ahead. IMHO

 

[j.c.whitney]

^^^What he said^^^
Save your money and buy used, takes some patience, effort, and luck, but usually there are deals to be found. Bonus if you buy used and decide to sell out or trade in at a later date, you'll be way ahead money-wise.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

A Lista box is less than 1/2 the price of that Snap-On box and is also bigger.

http://www.gotopac.com/Lista_TSTB750_1801_M_p/tstb750-1801-m.htm

 

[E.T.Privott]

congrads on stickin it out, pulling wrenches is a good job and it well server you well. as time gos by you well here others tell you to watch out for the tool tk. as it has taken many a hard earned dollar from hard working men, listen to what they're telling you and save to buy used, repo, return, etc,. your tools well cost but the box well set you back, there's alway going to be a new box each yr. to buy so save while you can, stay away from the tool tk. till you can buy your box outright - you'll be money ahead.

 

[crewchief888]

i say go for it if thats what you want.

but.....

if a doubt lingers in your mind, then hold off..

a toolbox is a big purchase

notice i didnt say investment an investment you hope to make money when you get rid of it.

a toolbox aint one of those things.

i kinda think of any purchase as this, if i think it's a good idea now, it'll still be a good idea later on.

 

[poprockcrusher]

While it is a nice box, have you tried looking at strictlytoolboxes.com. they have some nice boxes at a more reasonable cost, and judging by the reviews on here, thier customer service is A-1

Can I pay him 20 bucks a week ?

 

[poprockcrusher]

A Lista box is less than 1/2 the price of that Snap-On box and is also bigger.

http://www.gotopac.com/Lista_TSTB750_1801_M_p/tstb750-1801-m.htm

Do they have any local dealers ? That Take 20 bucks a week ?
If they don't ... That is poor customer service .

 

[Dicholscrn]

Do they have any local dealers ? That Take 20 bucks a week ?
If they don't ... That is poor customer service .

Wow you are a hard customer to please. Windows 98 crashed on my computer once and Bill Gates didn't come fix it. Wtf is up with that?

I would not consider that "bad" service by any means. Just a different type of service.

 

[brslk]

While it is a nice box, have you tried looking at strictlytoolboxes.com. they have some nice boxes at a more reasonable cost, and judging by the reviews on here, thier customer service is A-1

WTH? why are different people posting the same thing word for word?

Edited to add: as soon as I entered this I noticed that eddies post was removed.

" Eddie50
Junior Member

Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 10

Default Re: Toolbox Advice
While it is a nice box, have you tried looking at strictlytoolboxes.com. they have some nice boxes at a more reasonable cost, and judging by the reviews on here, thier customer service is A-1
Last edited by Eddie50; Today at 07:11 PM. "

 

[dare23]

Bam, I would take a look at Kijiji for used boxes you can get decent deals on KRL in the $2500 range. Maybe step up to a new box in a few years. I'm in Toronto as well, might be able to help you get rid of the Husky if you decide to upgrade.

 

[bobemmerich]

WTH? why are different people posting the same thing word for word?

Edited to add: as soon as I entered this I noticed that eddies post was removed.

" Eddie50
Junior Member

Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 10

Default Re: Toolbox Advice
While it is a nice box, have you tried looking at strictlytoolboxes.com. they have some nice boxes at a more reasonable cost, and judging by the reviews on here, thier customer service is A-1
Last edited by Eddie50; Today at 07:11 PM. "

I don't know. I was the first to reply to him yesterday 20 min. after he posted, and that IS EXACTLY what I wrote.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I have worked in 11 dealerships around the country ..I know hundreds of mechanics .. I have yet to see any lista or vidmar in the shop except as factory supplied office furniture for special tools or the parts department .

 

[barcalo]

I have worked in 11 dealerships around the country ..I know hundreds of mechanics .. I have yet to see any lista or vidmar in the shop except as factory supplied office furniture for special tools or the parts department .

What does that mean though? I get people love Snap-On, but wow. If everybody in baseball used Louisville Sluggers does that mean nobody could get a hit with a different type of bat? Equipment matters, and a lot if you are using it for a living, but is there really that much difference from one brand of pro tool boxes to another? In what I have seen the answer is not a whole lot.

 

[Murphy4570]

Buy used off of craigslist. I have NEVER paid more than 50% of new retail for a Snappy toolbox, including when I bought a brand new one (trade school discount through Snap-On Industrial was a damn good deal!).

You can pick up an older KRL for way less than retail, or if you don't mind old, you can get a KR box from the 1940's-1960's for next to nothing. That's how I got my side boxes. Paid $200 for a couple old boxes, where buying new would have cost me around $3,500. No joke.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

beware the Toolboxes on LIEN from snap on [mac ,matco, cornwell ] credit

 

[Dicholscrn]

I have worked in 11 dealerships around the country ..I know hundreds of mechanics .. I have yet to see any lista or vidmar in the shop except as factory supplied office furniture for special tools or the parts department .

I've been helping a buddy out at Mini Cooper dealerships across the country lately and more than not the dealership supplies Lista boxes for their employees. They look like damn nice setups when the whole garage is all the same style and color.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

see a lot of SHURE boxes in the new dealers

 

[Linda@Lista]

A Lista box is less than 1/2 the price of that Snap-On box and is also bigger.

http://www.gotopac.com/Lista_TSTB750_1801_M_p/tstb750-1801-m.htm

Love the pics! Can I borrow them and share them with our Facebook followers? I will of course say where I got them.
Linda

 

[RKA]

To the OP, I think that's a good deal. You can get slightly cheaper on a used box, but you'll have to wait for it as there aren't that many Epiq floating around. It will be a used box though, so if condition matters, spend a few bucks more (maybe $1K difference) and get it new.

Your other reasons are perfectly valid as well (adding other modular components, warranty, financing). The other options presently are good, but don't really fit your needs as you pointed out. The other plus with the snap on is you're able to turn it around if you want a different box somewhere down the road. Either through a dealer trade or just sell it outright yourself. People know the brand and know they can easily get parts/service, so while "brand B" might be just as good while you own it, that's where it will fall short for you.

 

[JASTECH]

Linda, is there a Lista "used" website anywhere that you know of?

Also, Howdy!

 

[Linda@Lista]

Hi JASTECH, you should get in touch with Motorhead Extraordinare. He has "junk yard" specials!

 

[Bam!]

Thanks for all the replies. I've decided that any 30" deep box will be too large for my work area so that is out of the question. Turns out that I can get a great deal on this one: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...4557&group_ID=682143&store=canada&dir=catalog new from my snap-on guy. It seems he has been sitting on it for a while so I'm gonna try and see if I can knock even more off then he is asking...we'll see. I believe this is the best way to go right now as it suits my immediate needs and it's easy to modify with future attachments as needed...The good thing is he will still give me a reasonable trade-in for the husky even with the lower-end s/o box.

I have just one question left for those with experience before I make my final decision...It says the box has a total load capacity of 2400 lbs. Given the size of that box do you think that when it is fully loaded with tools that should be sufficient?