Toolbox Choices

[66Fmustang]

Hello everybody, I am currently an aspiring Automotive Technician about to take my first leap into the dealership world (I currently work at a small independent and I work out of my small roll cart). I’ve been looking at a Snap-on KRA2411 I have the opportunity to buy it new for 1,750 through the snaponSEP website but I was wondering if there was a quality box roughly the same size but possibly a little cheaper, I want to stay away from HF U.S. General for the most part. Thanks in advance.

 

[S Vier]

I may be in the minority here but I cannot say enough about my 13 drawer, 48x60 ball bearing lever latch CRAFTSMan commercial box. It was about $550 on sale from $990. It is my favorite. I also have a 72" stainless cheaper box for working on and a 52" Milwaukee with softclose and lockable lid with hydraulics. If I had to have one. Just one. I'd go to Home Depot and get the 52" all black Husky box with power strips, USB's, lockable hydraulic lid and 19 drawers for $699. It is the biggest and best one I have seen for the $.



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[Mr_B]

First thing is always look local for used truck brands just in case a great deal going.
Other option similar size to your KRA2411 would be International tech series 56" 10 drawer, they 24.5" depth and have 11% rebate till end of this month so could get this for 800bucks and got 4 color choices, not bad box and last well with right owner .
Masterforce has some sales clearances so worth a look possibly at the 22 and 24" depth stuff.
Money always best spent on tools in early years (and living)
SEP price not too bad I suppose if got the funds and desire but how keen are you on spending almost extra 1,000bucks on a box ?
I been in the trade over 30 years and never bought truck brand new, always gone used or decent lesser brands on sale and clearance. as cost you almost nothing that way as sell on for much same again unless you an animal .

 

[Snakebyt]

Nothing at all wrong with working out of a couple roll carts, i did for a couple years, IMO, i would not spend big money on a box, i would rather spend money getting more tools, and maybe later spend money on a box. case in point, guy at work has a $3500 matco box and only like a drawer and a half worth of tools. But i also understand not everyone starting out dosent have 500-800 in cash to drop on a box, so truck is the easiest way to get a good box

 

[thickhead]

I’d stick with the roll cart until you have spent some time at the new place.

 

[ToolRoom]

If you are starting out invest into the tools IMHO, they are what make you the money. If you want a box, get the HF one - I have the equivalent over here and it is perfectly serviceable. If you wear it out then trade up.

 

[jainbaby]

The flat black 52" Husky. I have one and simply love it. I also have two snap on boxes (classic 78 and a KRL). If you are starting out, you cannot beat this setup for $698!

 

[WhiffySpark]

How is 1750 big money on a box? They used to give you a coupon for trade in value of what you paid. Chances are you would get more when upgrading.

 

[Mr_B]

It big enough money when 1,000bucks or less can sort a good enough 56" box
Indeed it not bad deal for a new snapon but a smart guy in early years best spending wise unless got cash to burn . tools always wiser buy than the box ...

International tech 56" way better than the husky general boxes
Husky actually had the international 56" in blue and rebranded it, was clearing them out from home depot about month or 2 ago for silly cheap money if lucky enough stumble into the clearance stock at a local branch .

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

How is 1750 big money on a box? They used to give you a coupon for trade in value of what you paid. Chances are you would get more when upgrading.

Exactly my thoughts.

I never had any coupon, either, just a decent dealer.

 

[crf450x]

If you have a snap on dealer that comes to your current shop see if he has any used boxes. My guy just sold a triple bank classic series in good shape for $1000. My boss bought it but I was going to if he didn't and I don't even need it.

 

[unslow1]

Hello everybody, I am currently an aspiring Automotive Technician about to take my first leap into the dealership world (I currently work at a small independent and I work out of my small roll cart). I’ve been looking at a Snap-on KRA2411 I have the opportunity to buy it new for 1,750 through the snaponSEP website but I was wondering if there was a quality box roughly the same size but possibly a little cheaper, I want to stay away from HF U.S. General for the most part. Thanks in advance.

Give this guy a listen. He covers a lot of the questions you're asking pretty well.

 

[lightning02]

extreme toolboxes!

thats what i would buy and wish i had.

 

[Ohmthis]

Let us know where you live or work. Maybe we know of something that might fit your needs. Around here (Louisville, KY) there are several truck boxes in your range. I got a KR 660 in usable shape for $600. That is a pretty good box to start with and when you are ready to upgrade, you would be able to get your money back. Good luck in your hunt!

 

[66Fmustang]

Thanks everybody who replied I have also been looking at the 48” Milwaukee (Similar to the husky just Milwaukee branded) because it is setup to take Milwaukee chargers on the side of it and is close to the prose of the husky

 

[Mr_B]

I wouldn't bother with milwaukee for pro use, it 20 gauge and only 18" depth which gives you just shy of 16" deep drawers which awful for good tool layout .
18 gauge is better and 24" depth about ideal, 52" to 60" cabinet being ideal, wouldn't worry about charging dock as can add that to any box custom to your needs inc usb charge etc for like 20bucks and couple hours of time .
Husky do some 24" depth, the 60" workbench not bad usable tech cabinet at 598bucks, good buy when a sale going but not so sweet full retail .
I would go with International 56" or something from masterforce in 22" or 24" depth preferably . Ideal size box, price features, quality for guy starting out and they both got sale rebates on .
Seen a few guys using the Husky boxes without too much drama if keep drawer loading sensible, with cheaper box it always better buy little bigger so don't need cram every drawer as tool kit grows .

 

[lugnut71]

I would see if you could find a used master series for the same money, if not buy the brand new classic and put it to work.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Several guys have bought the extreme tool boxes. Most seem happy. I was not impressed with some of the welds, but for the price it's probably a good deal.

 

[noid]

Look into Gray pro line tool boxes. With the US/CAD exchange right now, you can get a pretty darn good deal.

They often have resolving sales for their toolboxes, every season is a different configuration on sale; Check out page 9:

https://www.sbsimpson.com/usercontent/Specials/Fall_Professional_Tools_Specials_from_Gray_Tools.pdf

Remember prices are in CAD, that ~$1300 box is ~1000 USD.

 

[Mr_B]

Several guys have bought the extreme tool boxes. Most seem happy. I was not impressed with some of the welds, but for the price it's probably a good deal.

Extreme at size he wants about 1,400bucks so he be better sticking with snapon SEP as better trade-in resale .
If intending save bucks you want aim 500 to 800buck and it easy buy a comparable size cabinet to the kra2411 and quality/design pretty good pro usable for a decade at 700-800bucks range.

 

[ronaldSwanson]

I will echo what a lot of others have in that you will be better served by investing in more tools and continuing to use your cart for now. With that said, for the price of the 2411 on SEP, you can step up to a masters series box in good shape on the used market.


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[tlpatter]

Im an industrial tech at a corrugated box plant. I got a krcs46 when I started and then later got the smaller three drawer cart that snap on offers used on Craigslist a few months later not because I needed more storage but because it was a deal I couldn't pass up. I think for and starting tech the krcs46 is a great beginner box. It's a little over 800 through the SEP program and has a lot of room for a cart. I have seen used ones on Craigslist in great shape for 600. My boss purchased a 4 drawer cart for a greaser he hired off of the production floor and I was really impressed with the quality for the price he paid. I bet their tool boxes are just as good.

 

[rangernation]

just my .02 , when I got in the dealership thing way back in 1979 , I would wander out to the s.o. truck and stand there all stary-eyed and look at the cool boxes , but then I realized the box don't make the mechanic, and on pay-day , took the truck out to sears, and my tools never shed not 1 tear, having to live in a craftsman box , and the best part,,,, I had more money for tools, like I said, just my ,02

 

[cja245]

That is a good price for the Snap on box. List is something like $5000. If you can afford it, I'd go for it. I don't think your going to find a comparable box for that price unless it's used.

 

[Mr_B]

nobody ever pays snapon list price.
reality is he can get a 56" box same depth as the kra and very similar drawer layout of good usable quality ideal for young professional early career for almost 1,000bucks less .
Absolute no need spend out for snapon at this point in his career and when stepping into new work situation.
Funds best going on tools, the cheaper box will do it's job just fine and OP will work better and have faster growing tool kit by buying wise and spending his money on what really counts at his career stage . If got money burn then fair enough buy the kra . happiest and best mechanics I know don't have the best boxes and most with expensive boxes got those used .

 

[66Fmustang]

Let us know where you live or work. Maybe we know of something that might fit your needs. Around here (Louisville, KY) there are several truck boxes in your range. I got a KR 660 in usable shape for $600. That is a pretty good box to start with and when you are ready to upgrade, you would be able to get your money back. Good luck in your hunt!

West MI, unless I run across a killer deal I’ll probably stay out of my rollcart at least until black Friday and watch for deals then and always keep an eye on Craigslist this area you rarely see Snap-on boxes comparable to the kra2411 are always around $2,500-$3,000

 

[Sugarfryz]

Let me give you some advice, ii first started I bought a Snap on tool box. The worst investment I️ ever made and I’m in debt from it still. It literally sits there most of the time, as I’m usually in and out of my tool cart all day and not my box. I had a harbor freight one that worked just fine and I did not need a Snap on box at all. But the driver came up with a deal, and of ii could go back ii wouldn’t do it.


That being said a Snap on cart that you roll around all day is worth every penny, I used to have a cornwel one and the drawers would always fling open on me and ii hated it. Ii would have to manually lock and unlock the drawers anytime I wanted to grab a tool otherwise all the drawers would open and it would tip over. The Snap on drawers have slide locks on all of them and it rolls so smoothly. Box isn’t worth the money imo, but a cart for sure is.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I’d like to see where you’re finding comparable master series for 1500. That ain’t happening here. You guys can say all you want but you are going to be judged by your tools and box. It’s just how it is.

Just the trade in value is worth it. I love my epiq and don’t think it was anywhere near a waste of money

 

[cja245]

nobody ever pays snapon list price.
reality is he can get a 56" box same depth as the kra and very similar drawer layout of good usable quality ideal for young professional early career for almost 1,000bucks less .
Absolute no need spend out for snapon at this point in his career and when stepping into new work situation.
Funds best going on tools, the cheaper box will do it's job just fine and OP will work better and have faster growing tool kit by buying wise and spending his money on what really counts at his career stage . If got money burn then fair enough buy the kra . happiest and best mechanics I know don't have the best boxes and most with expensive boxes got those used .

You are correct that no one pays list for a snap on box. I stated that to put in perspective that it's something like 70% off, which is pretty good for new snap on box. If he can afford it, I think it's worth that amount of money. If not, then there are plenty of other options used or new non truck brand.

 

[66Fmustang]

You are correct that no one pays list for a snap on box. I stated that to put in perspective that it's something like 70% off, which is pretty good for new snap on box. If he can afford it, I think it's worth that amount of money. If not, then there are plenty of other options used or new non truck brand.

‘Trade-In value’ doesn’t matter to me because when someday I decide whatever I get is to small that’s just going to come home and I’ll buy another box whatever that may be.

 

[Mr_B]

I bought a krl7002 for 800bucks, paint needed total redoing and new castors but worked out cheap box . got 2 of them now both used .
Matco a good one for decent box at low used prices if learn the older good models look for . snapon generally to expensive used unless get lucky or willing do some work.
beats the bill from truck driver for new though ...
Plenty options and no need spend much or take out credit etc .

 

[oldldh]

The one main thing to remember ---- When working as a Technician, paying for your own tools and tool storage units, makes you a "Small Business Owner"!!!...Too many people forget that...Cash flow is the most important thing!!!...If your cash is flowing into the SnapOn dealer's pocket, every week, it's not doing you and your family any good, whatsoever...Start small --- Pay cash for what you need --- Don't finance anything except emergency stuff...The "nice to have" items will come...Just be patient, you're building a career...Keep your eyes on the "Big Picture"...

Look up "My Harbor Freight Investment" by a "Mechanicnamedjohn"...Read it and take it to heart...

www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67850&highlight=mechanic+Harbor+Freight+tools+starting

He'll show you the way...He stopped posting two years ago, and his photos aren't available, anymore, but the knowledge is still there...over 40 pages of it, with comments, by other forum members...

Good luck with your career!!!!!!

 

[Mr_B]

photos are available with the photobucket browser plugins.
going heavily in HF not wise way spend your money, sure some of it pretty good and I got some myself but plenty other good options on good cost better end taiwan tools, philosophy of it okay I suppose .

 

[WhiffySpark]

photos are available with the photobucket browser plugins.
going heavily in HF not wise way spend your money, sure some of it pretty good and I got some myself but plenty other good options on good cost better end taiwan tools, philosophy of it okay I suppose .

And he replac e just about everything. Buy once cry once IMO

 

[Mr_B]

Buy wise and intention of once or with viable cost self warranty (and don't overlook self warranty) IMO .
Lot of good tools about used, new usa/europe, and taiwan import that all up to the job if pick best can find to your needs at prices you happy with and use it right . Some HF can be worth buying and got some that just fine for intended use .
I seen few 72" us generals used in shops, plastic latches, castors followed by drawer slides become problems but most seem get pretty good value from them or retire it to home use once career established and good cash coming in .

In OP's situation I would hunt used truck brand, if nothing good snappy then keep eye out for matco 7525 as they come up way cheaper than snappy and are real proper durable good quality .
Good thing with well price haggled used box is will get your money back easily if need sell it .
If in hurry and no time/means for used then i probably get the International on sale or similar on sale that took my fancy .
It never been so easy buy boxes and tools at sensible cost, only thing harder these days is used snapon as cragslist and ebay tend drive prices up by increasing potential customers per purchase and real bargain used boxes a slower find in general and you got jump on anything good or it gone before midday .

 

[randydupree]

Shop around for Lista or Vidmar boxes,they will last you a life time,and take a beating doing it.

 

[crewchief888]

i have a co-worker (const eq dealer) that uses a cart for all his tools.

the last dealership i was at i worked in the rebuild room, my boxes were "parked" along the wall, everything i needed on a daily basis fit on a 2 shelf SO cart.

we have been using 4 drawer HF black carts in our shop for several years without any issues. the 5 drawer red cart has been holding up quite well.

 

[66Fmustang]

Are either of these two boxes decent I believe they are the same but slightly different if they are decent I’ll watch for a deal on them for Black Friday

 

[ronaldSwanson]

I’d like to see where you’re finding comparable master series for 1500. That ain’t happening here. You guys can say all you want but you are going to be judged by your tools and box. It’s just how it is.

Just the trade in value is worth it. I love my epiq and don’t think it was anywhere near a waste of money

They are rare but do happen.
https://fayetteville.craigslist.org/tls/d/snap-on-pro-series-tool-box/6378165376.html


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[Mr_B]

Are either of these two boxes decent I believe they are the same but slightly different if they are decent I’ll watch for a deal on them for Black Friday

The husky 60" 24" deep not bad option.
They do exactly same cabinet without the pegboard for 100bucks less.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-6...h-Textured-Black-Matte-HOLC6010BB1M/206842305
Friend of mine has the pegboard one same as your image and was over 120bucks cheaper on a sale deal .
Nice usable size/layout/design and robust enough for sensible owner pro use, it not tool truck box so don't expect one but at sales prices they do job fine for right owner and make good first step for young tech . My friend a seasoned mechanic and he happy enough with his .
Not so keen on the milwaukee split top drawer and 2" depth loss. milwaukee boxes overrated imo .