Toolbox- Mac, Matco, Snap On

[P51Boilermaker]

At the risk of starting an all out war- Which of the big 3 should I choose?

I'm currently in school pursuing my A&P license and get a student discount with the big 3. I've had experience with the cheaper Heritage series from Snap On through the military. Those boxes are junk. So my options are Snap On Classic series, Mac select or Tech series, and Matco 4s double bay.

I've got a Matco 4s single bay and I love it but am looking to upgrade to a bigger box. Any advice on the newer boxes would be great!

 

[ngk22r]

Snap on is best to go with a KRL or Epic

Mac go with Macsimizer

Matco 4s is probably the best bet out of what you listed.

 

[mdtaylorjr]

I personally have a snap on epiq but worked out of a craftsman box for many years. When I was just getting started I cared more about buying tools than having a big toolbox. When I outhrew the 40" craftsman combo I beat my tool guy up and got the epiq for $6000. I'd post a pic but don't know how.

 

[mdtaylorjr]

I think I figured it out

 

[L.Cheapo]

Don't they guarantee you full value trade in on the Snap-On box if you trade it in to upgrade? If so...I'd do that and then use it to get into a KRL or Epiq.

 

[Wamsutta]

The only thing I don't like about Snap-on boxes in their use of 18 gauge steel on the inside walls. You have to use a special pry bar to remove the drawer slides from the inside wall and if you don't pry in the exact special spot, you'll bend that sheet metal real easy. MAC uses 16 gauge and the special pry bar is not required.

 

[P51Boilermaker]

I'm leaning towards a Mac Tech series mainly because of the drawer layout and options for side cabinet if I really need it. I won't have a regular Snap On guy coming out to where I'm working which is another reason I'm hesitant to go for Snap On..

 

[mikebramel]

I purchased a three bank KRL brand new, two years ago, really nice box. But I wish I would have kept my Matco box, that was a tank.

 

[stevenhs]

IMO tools are more important than tool boxes. I personally would spend it on snap on tools.

 

[Askme42]

Macsimizer

 

[dodge610]

I have had mac,snap on, Matco triple bay is most recent box. I love that box that will get passed on to my son. I still have my craftsman stack boxes those are not going anywhere either. So I guess my vote would be Matco.

 

[Cato]

I've had experience with the cheaper Heritage series from Snap On through the military. Those boxes are junk.

junk?

 

[Xmoonstompx]

I've been super happy with my Matco 4S.

 

[P51Boilermaker]

junk?

Yeah, it didn't hold up very well. Thin gauge steel, and those plastic drawer locks that run the length of the drawer were always breaking. Granted we moved it around a lot (halfway around the world actually) but it rusted and dented way too easily. My understanding is the Classic series and higher is a thicker steel.

 

[Waggoner72]

I like snap-on..... The one matco I owned had rust issues on the bottom from a small scratch, bubbled up and spread easy.

 

[hoston23]

Macsimizer is the bomb.com

 

[P51Boilermaker]

Macsimizer is the bomb.com

Unfortunately I can't get a Macsimizer with my discount. Only Select or Tech series

 

[Yourfired]

go with Snap on epiq.

 

[GeorgeFromPa]

Cardboard box and spend the money on tools.

 

[Ponchoguy]

At the risk of starting an all out war- Which of the big 3 should I choose?

I'm currently in school pursuing my A&P license and get a student discount with the big 3. I've had experience with the cheaper Heritage series from Snap On through the military. Those boxes are junk. So my options are Snap On Classic series, Mac select or Tech series, and Matco 4s double bay.

I've got a Matco 4s single bay and I love it but am looking to upgrade to a bigger box. Any advice on the newer boxes would be great!

A good used one. You'll save a few bucks and if you want to expand/change/get out of the business, you'll take less of a loss and can recoup your money faster.

Don't discount getting a trade in off the tool truck, especially a competitor's brand. The tool truck guys like to give deals on them at times.

Me personally? I'm a Sears Craftsman tool box guy but that's not what you're after .

 

[coastierider]

Have you thought about the HF 72"? I'm getting my A&P, although not through a school, so I can't get a discount. I personally believe it's better to spend money on the right tools for the job, instead of worrying about the box, as you can upgrade later when your making the big bucks.
I can't count how many times I wish I had the right tool for the job when I was working on the flightline, not only is it easier on you, but it can actually save money by not damaging the plane.

Also, is civilian general aviation mostly SAE? or both SAE and metric?

 

[P51Boilermaker]

Have you thought about the HF 72"? I'm getting my A&P, although not through a school, so I can't get a discount. I personally believe it's better to spend money on the right tools for the job, instead of worrying about the box, as you can upgrade later when your making the big bucks.
I can't count how many times I wish I had the right tool for the job when I was working on the flightline, not only is it easier on you, but it can actually save money by not damaging the plane.

Also, is civilian general aviation mostly SAE? or both SAE and metric?

It's all SAE. unless you're working on an Airbus or something made overseas everything is standard.

My issue is I don't want to pass up a good deal because it will expire eventually. I also don't want a crazy long box that's hard to maneuver.

 

[crewchief888]

If you like the Matco you already have, you might be "happier" with another matco.

Personally, over the past 30 years, I've always been satisfied with my SO boxes.
Just my $00.02

 

[Fcvapor05]

The only thing I don't like about Snap-on boxes in their use of 18 gauge steel on the inside walls. You have to use a special pry bar to remove the drawer slides from the inside wall and if you don't pry in the exact special spot, you'll bend that sheet metal real easy. MAC uses 16 gauge and the special pry bar is not required.

I've removed many a snap-on slide without any special tools.. it's not difficult at all. So I don't know where this comes from..

 

[warmpancakes]

I've removed many a snap-on slide without any special tools.. it's not difficult at all. So I don't know where this comes from..

Yep, tool just makes it confusing

 

[slc97sr5]

IMO tools are more important than tool boxes. I personally would spend it on snap on tools.

You are right BUT there is never a better deal than the student discount.

I started as an A&P with a Matco 2 bay ProFormance (4S) and it was a great box. Super solid and built well with a nice finish.

I would absolutely buy the Matco. Are you sure you can't get the triple bay?

Regardless with those choices I do not think you can beat the Matco.

Be sure to order a stainless top and cover.

In short, buy the largest box possible and get it how you want and don't look back. There won't be a better discount in the future.

 

[jerseykat1]

Should you buy a 100k dollar Ferrari for 70k because it's a great deal? Or will a 30k dollar honda Accord do?

Tools fix things not the box. IMO if I were you I would just get the 72" harbor freight box and spend your money on tools. The HF boxes are plenty good enough for any use. Have you ever tried to sell a 6k dollar tool box? Very difficult, but an 800 dollar tool box is easy to sell (should you decide to leave the business)

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[P51Boilermaker]

You are right BUT there is never a better deal than the student discount.

I started as an A&P with a Matco 2 bay ProFormance (4S) and it was a great box. Super solid and built well with a nice finish.

I would absolutely buy the Matco. Are you sure you can't get the triple bay?

Regardless with those choices I do not think you can beat the Matco.

Be sure to order a stainless top and cover.

In short, buy the largest box possible and get it how you want and don't look back. There won't be a better discount in the future.

I can get a triple bay Matco 4s but was concerned about moving that behemoth around. Most triple bays I've seen don't move around too much. That's why I was leaning towards a shorter, but deep box. Thanks for the advice!

 

[P51Boilermaker]

Should you buy a 100k dollar Ferrari for 70k because it's a great deal? Or will a 30k dollar honda Accord do?

Tools fix things not the box. IMO if I were you I would just get the 72" harbor freight box and spend your money on tools. The HF boxes are plenty good enough for any use. Have you ever tried to sell a 6k dollar tool box? Very difficult, but an 800 dollar tool box is easy to sell (should you decide to leave the business)

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I agree with you that a $6k toolbox is hard to sell, but I don't want to keep buying toolboxes if something breaks or I need to get a bigger one. I'm off to a good start on quality tools already and don't want to cheap out on a flimsy box with crappy drawers and lock. I've heard stories about cheap boxes being broken into while the expensive heavier duty ones were left alone. I definitely don't want my snap on tools stolen from my sub par toolbox because the lock broke..

 

[Ponchoguy]

Should you buy a 100k dollar Ferrari for 70k because it's a great deal? Or will a 30k dollar honda Accord do?

Tools fix things not the box. IMO if I were you I would just get the 72" harbor freight box and spend your money on tools. The HF boxes are plenty good enough for any use. Have you ever tried to sell a 6k dollar tool box? Very difficult, but an 800 dollar tool box is easy to sell (should you decide to leave the business)

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+1 on this. I would do fine with Cman big box, but that's me. I would rather spend it on what's inside. That's going to bring home the bacon....

 

[AmateurMechanic]

$6k on a toolbox right out of school? Are you financing this purchase?

If yes to the financing question, I recommend buying a used box off Craigslist for $1-2k or buying a HF box.

At the end of the day, a metal box is not worth going into debt for. Tools >>>>>>>>> toolbox.

 

[Ponchoguy]

$6k on a toolbox right out of school? Are you financing this purchase?

If yes to the financing question, I recommend buying a used box off Craigslist for $1-2k or buying a HF box.

At the end of the day, a metal box is not worth going into debt for. Tools >>>>>>>>> toolbox.

Plus, you'd better figure in the cost of financing and how much you're REALLY going to pay for it when it's all said and done....That $6k box might be more like $6.5k or so when interest and payments are factored in.

It's very easy to say, "put the tools on the tab with the box" and then when you have to pay, it's hard to part with those retired presidents. Save it for what's inside the box.

You can always fashion a better lock on the "cheaper" box if you need to.

 

[jerseykat1]

I agree with you that a $6k toolbox is hard to sell, but I don't want to keep buying toolboxes if something breaks or I need to get a bigger one. I'm off to a good start on quality tools already and don't want to cheap out on a flimsy box with crappy drawers and lock. I've heard stories about cheap boxes being broken into while the expensive heavier duty ones were left alone. I definitely don't want my snap on tools stolen from my sub par toolbox because the lock broke..

You should do some homework on the HF 72" box it's built very well in fact look at my comparison of my 56" harbor freight box to my 40" snap on box.
The thickness of the steel is the same.

Snap on.. Single sliders on all drawers even the biggest drawer.


Harbor freight.. Double sliders/rollers on all the bigger drawers even drawers that I think would be fine with single sliders. BTW my lock is built just like the snap on lock. Read the reviews both here and everywhere it's a really good box period. I'm a Professional auto technician been doing it for 10+ years and I also do metal fab. I know quality when I see it.



Atleast do yourself a solid and check it out for yourself.

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[AmateurMechanic]

Plus, you'd better figure in the cost of financing and how much you're REALLY going to pay for it when it's all said and done....That $6k box might be more like $6.5k or so when interest and payments are factored in.

It's very easy to say, "put the tools on the tab with the box" and then when you have to pay, it's hard to part with those retired presidents. Save it for what's inside the box.

You can always fashion a better lock on the "cheaper" box if you need to.

Exactly. And I think $6.5k might be a very conservative estimate with the high interest rates that you get through the truck brands. Wasn't Snap-On's interest rate like 20%? That's ridiculously high.

Straight out of school, I wouldn't even buy a full set of Snap-On tools just yet. Work for a little while, earn some money, see which tools get used/worn out the most, and start by replacing those with truck brands. If you have some midrange tools that are working fine, why spend the extra $$$ to replace them with truck brands right away?

 

[jerseykat1]

If your hell bent on a name brand. Go used, you can do very well on a used box. BTW craftsman box's are not as good as the harbor freight box's.. Not even close. Used as in craigslist not used off the tool truck. It's still a rip off when you buy used from the tool truck.

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[jerseykat1]

Exactly. And I think $6.5k might be a very conservative estimate with the high interest rates that you get through the truck brands. Wasn't Snap-On's interest rate like 20%? That's ridiculously high.

Straight out of school, I wouldn't even buy a full set of Snap-On tools just yet. Work for a little while, earn some money, see which tools get used/worn out the most, and start by replacing those with truck brands. If you have some midrange tools that are working fine, why spend the extra $$$ to replace them with truck brands right away?

Excellent advice. I have been fixing cars professionally for over 10 years and I have a mix of all brands. I ONLY buy tool truck brands when the others (gear wrench, craftsman, etc) just doesn't hold up. Or for specialty tools.

BTW I'm one of the top producers in the company I work for, we have over 300 locations.. I'm just saying.

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[abvw]

Plus, you'd better figure in the cost of financing and how much you're REALLY going to pay for it when it's all said and done....That $6k box might be more like $6.5k or so when interest and payments are factored in.

It's very easy to say, "put the tools on the tab with the box" and then when you have to pay, it's hard to part with those retired presidents. Save it for what's inside the box.

You can always fashion a better lock on the "cheaper" box if you need to.

I financed mine at $6600 (KRA2422 + Solus Ultra, $9000+ combined), paying $60 a week for two and a half years (almost done). Not exactly a financial burden.. I work with people who spends that kind of money on lunch trucks, booze, and ciggarette.

Buy once, and be done with it on the get go. Cheaper toolboxes just don't work, they will get you by but eventually something will give or wear out. And when that time comes you'd want the lifetime support and replacement on parts. If you're good at bargaining you can even trade in your old box at full value and upgrade for just the difference.

Try that with HF or Sears, they'll tell you to pound sand after your warranty is over.

 

[Waggoner72]

You are right BUT there is never a better deal than the student discount.

I strongly beg to differ. Search your used market on craigslist etc and you will find a great deal. Where are you located? I'd love to make you a deal on a very nice KRL box..
Don't settle for the classic series..

 

[toolman9w]

Stay away from the Classic. The Matco box is the better of the boxes you mentioned. Just to answer your question and not to give you a financial lesson with it.

 

[DodgeMech]

Stay away from the Classic. The Matco box is the better of the boxes you mentioned. Just to answer your question and not to give you a financial lesson with it.

stay away from the heritage...nothing wrong with the classic...it's a bit shorter and a bit shallower than the 4s, but still a good strong box...

anyway, that said, if i were to do it all over again, and i knew i was fully committed to this actually being my career at the time of purchase, i would've got a krl1033...as it is, i'm gonna get my kra down to maybe 1,000 owed then trade/sell er and get the box i actually want