Toolboxes

[2oolhound]

While one who sings with his tongue on fire
Gargles in the rat race choir
Bent out of shape from society’s pliers
Cares not to come up any higher
But rather get you down in the hole
That he’s in

So, let me rephrase the question: if all toolboxes were the exact same price, what would you buy?

Thanks, that should add some clarity.

I have or have had these cabinets:

Craftsman 90's era top of the line
Beach
Proto
Snap-On
China Made Walmart (seemed like a good deal at the time)
Mac
and a few others but hands down my fairly basic Snap-On is the sturdiest, best designed and functioning so I'd vote Snap-On with my limited experience to those listed.

If I were in your shoes I'd line a whole wall with snappy boxes with stainless tops. Most counters, desks, WORK BENCHES, or otherwise work surfaces designed for human beings are 28" - 32" out from the wall so I'd go with 30" deep boxes and maybe leave a 5' section that is just a stainless top that you could roll your stool up to and still get your legs under for those sit down jobs.

 

[Formula]

At work, all I've ever bought was snap on tool boxes. I would consider buying a matco.

For at home in the garage, I have a montezuma, a craftsman and one from menards. I know these won't hold up for everyday use at work or fit my needs.

I have a coworker that bought an extreme tools toolbox from strictlytoolboxes a couple years ago. His lock broke and he's been having trouble trying to get a replacement. He had also had a problem with detents that broke on a few drawers. These off brands may be ok for use around the house, but don't hold up to everyday use.

 

[blown94conv]

If you are going to go through the trouble, do it right the first time. I know what I would buy (and did).

Seems that the general thought around here is either Snap On is the best, the most overpriced, not worth it. The other side is Harbor Freight is the best value going, the be all, end all, the worst of the worst.

Much of what I learned I learned by watching and talking to people smarter then me. When I started to buy tools, I talked to guys that made a living with them. They said buy the best you can afford, and don't go over your head. I did.

Some will tell you that a $20,000 dollar car does the same thing as a $100,000 one. They both have 4 wheels, doors, a radio, seats, engine, etc. But if you have ever driven a $100,000 car, you know within 2 seconds there are many differences. Some people will love the $20,000 dollar car and would rather have $80,000 in the bank. Others, not so much.

 

[AndrewV]

To much drama on these subjects.
If you want a comperable box yo Snap On, look at Mac/Proto(proto is the same box, but for less $$) offerings. Great boxes, just not loved by as much of gj.
If it's for home use, you can't go wrong with a hf box. But if you want better, by all means go for gold.
I think for the money lista, snap on, proto are all good options.

Now if you're going by size. The hf 72" is a deal. Endless filling for home use.
You have options, but to many people with opinoins/facts arguing the merrats of there choices.

 

[SMLWinds]

Thanks for the answers...they are very helpful! I do rely on people who have more experience than myself--I don't want to make a mistake if I can help it. Thus, I know what I might like and what looks shiny, but I rely on people with real world experience to tell me what I WILL like or not like down the road.

I didn't anticipate arriving at a conclusion on this thread...I expected exactly what I got.

The guy who compared it to a 20K and 100K car really hit the nail on the head. I agree. A Kia and a Range Rover both get you from point A to B but there are obviously differences for the price. I guess the next question is if you go from a Range Rover to a 500K Ferrari are there differences?

I think I am a BMW/Range Rover kind of guy...I don't go for Kia or lower brands but I also don't buy things like Ferarris. That is kind of where I want to be with toolboxes too. I want a good one, but don't need to have the best one on the planet.

I guess what I still don't have a firm grip on (and maybe I haven't asked it well enough) is if you took experienced guys and 3 toolboxes--HF, Matco, and Snap On--side by side. What are the literal differences? To our wives they all look the same (and do the same thing!) Why is Snap On better? Is the metal thicker? Do they not tip over? Do they roll around better? Do the drawers slide with hundreds of pounds in them when you couldn't open the drawer of a cheaper model.

My personal opinion is that within reason, you get what you pay for. Yes, sometimes you do pay for the name or middle man as well which creates some confusion but a BMW drives better than a Ford Focus.

I can promise you I don't want the cheapest or "best for the money." But, I just don't know if I need Snap On and even if I have the money, I would rather put it elsewhere instead of buying quality I will never use. I want the toolbox to last 20 or 30 years, but it will not be put through every day use. This is going to be a weekend box. But, at the same time, when I use it, I want it to work and work well.

I'm thinking used Snap On or maybe something like Matco would probably be best for me. I would love to continue to hear opinions, as they do help even if conflicting and biased. Specifically, I would like to know exactly how a more expensive box is better--in other words, if you had to explain to your wife why a (eg) Snap On box is better than (eg) Kobalt, what would you tell her?

Thanks!

 

[Cope]

Snap on and Matco boxes are generally heavier gauge steel, and may have better slides. There are different levels of boxes from both however. I have a 1988 vintage Matco 36" top and bottom box set as well as 2 20" side cabinets. This set is roughly 30% heavier than Harbor Freight's 44" top, bottom and 2 18" side cabinets. That said, depending on what you do with it, the HF set may well give you outstanding service at home. In an environment where you roll your boxes around, it might not hold up so well. I have always liked boxes from Snap on and Matco, but I haven't always owned them. I traded a 26" Waterloo top and bottom in on the Matco set because I was out of room. There are a lot of choices out there,, so happy shopping.

 

[Gregg33]

If you want something non-offshore, heavy duty and don't want to spend a huge amount of $ either get a used tool truck brand or as BDT/NWMN suggests get an SPG international (most are made in Canada). The 1980's Waterloo's (sold under various names) were really sturdy too. The newer Waterloo's are still a good value but the metal is a thinner gauge and the casters are smaller.

 

[u118224]

I'm not a pro. I bought a used Matco 6S double bay earlier this year thinking I'd have more than enough room and it's already packed full. Plus, there's a lot of tools I still want to buy. So, diyer's sometimes need a lot of tool storage. My 6S has the 232 lb slides and the full drawers still open very easily. Someone may have mentioned it, but drawer depth is your friend. My 6S has 24-25" deep drawers, I wish they were 30". If you have a lot of tools, buy the best you can afford. Since you can afford the best, your only decision is Snap-On, Matco or Mac and what drawer layout works for you.

 

[bobcatdan]

As I posted earlier, Kennedy makes very nice boxed backed by a lifetime warranty. I think your best bet to get a hold of the truck brand dealers in your area. Tell them you are a well to do diy with the means to pay cash for a box and you would like to see an example in person. You may find with your personal taste, you like a Matco 6s better then a krl, or the macismizer has the drawer layout of your dreams. After seeing these, take a ride to HF. How do those boxes feel? Do you go wow, these are great, why would I bother with the other ones. Or do you say to yourself all those yahoos saying buy a truck box maybe right. It really comes down to what you like. Personaly, I'm a SO guy, Ive owned mine long before the HF boxes existed. I really have nothing against HF boxes, I simple am not in the market to consider one.

 

[Moose97]

My suggestion to you is this; Go put your hands on a variety of boxes and see what you like. Everyones got an opinion but in the end it really boils down to what you want.

 

[whitedogone]

With a 7 figure salary, why don't you just pay someone to use the tools and box for you? Problem solved

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

You guys always fall for this ****.

 

[Two Door]

With a 7 figure salary, why don't you just pay someone to use the tools and box for you? Problem solved

Exactly. He probably lost the cost of a nice Snap-On rig just in the opportunity cost it took to make these posts.

 

[SMLWinds]

Those were really good responses. I think the guy that said I'm down to either Snap On, Matco, or Mac is probably right. I will be the first to admit that Harbor Freight has great prices and bang for your buck. With that being said, I have never bought anything from them. If I were ever convinced they had the best product without factoring price I would...typically they have an inferior product for an inferior price. It may do the job, it may be all you need, and may be a great bargain, but I typically prefer to have quality, even if you could buy 2 for the price of 1 with the cheaper product.

My only question at this point is about Mac and Matco--I know Snap On is sold by all the Snap On trucks driving around. What about Mac and Matco? Where can I find their products?

As for the comment about paying someone to do everything, that seems to come up every time I get on a message board. If I paid someone to do everything for me, just bury me now! The joy of having money is that I can buy tools (aka-toys) to do MORE! I restore my own tractors, do my own excavation, lay my own tile, build my own furniture, etc. My goal is to make enough money that I don't have to do my day job and can work with toys and tools full time...not to sit while other people work for me! I grew up in the country, still live in the country, and I hate nothing more than having to hire people to do excavation, plumbing, construction, restoration, etc. that I wish I could do on my own!

 

[Adam.C]

Couple thoughts;
1) will the box be moved regularly and over uneven ground? If yes, I'd go snap on or lista
If no, you have more options. Consider built in lista or even HF boxes, possibly with maple work tops. Then use a roll cart to convey tools. This could well be the best utility/quality.
2) always choose boxes from the inside out. Lay your tools out the way you'd like them to be arranged and measure what you need. Pointless for us to suggest you need 18" or 20" drawers. You can even get a sense for the drawer weight reqts.

For example I'd like a new box. I'd like all my sockets, extensions, and ratchets to be in a single drawer. I determined I needed at least an 18 deep drawer 38" long.

I think Snap On makes great boxes. If they are good enough for Tony Stark, they are good enough for me, but are they a foolish waste of money? I think the two questions above will help you figure that out for yourself.

 

[SMLWinds]

You guys always fall for this ****.

Exactly. He probably lost the cost of a nice Snap-On rig just in the opportunity cost it took to make these posts.

To be quite honest, I don't care if you think that I have a penny. Assume I am poor....you are right...I am planning to steal your Snap On toolbox!

Yes, if I had gone to work instead of playing on this forum I probably would have made enough money to buy a Snap On chest. However, #1) I make enough money...no need to make any more #2) I don't like going to work, I like playing with toys #3) while playing on this forum I got to stay home with my wife and kids, which is something I desire a lot more than another thousand bucks. You can't buy time with your kids.

The point is that no matter how much money I make, I'm smart enough to never want to waste it. I researched purchases when I made $8/hr working on a farm in medical school and do the same now that I make a million bucks--a fool and his money soon part.

Now, enough arguing...assume I am poor and have no money if it makes you sleep better--make recommendations as my hypothetical money exists. My only point in saying what I did was to let people know I can afford what I want so hopefully they would factor out price when recommending things. Sorry if that rubbed anyone the wrong way.

Any more thoughts on toolboxes are appreciated...

 

[crewchief888]

As I posted earlier, Kennedy makes very nice boxed backed by a lifetime warranty.
Personaly, I'm a SO guy, Ive owned mine long before the HF boxes existed. I really have nothing against HF boxes, I simple am not in the market to consider one.

i started my wrenching "career" with a set of kennedy boxes, my machinist boxes were kennedy as well.
i quickly ran out of room, and started adding on to my kennedy set with truck branded side and mid boxes
i eventually got a good deal on a new kr550/555b in '85-'86
i still have them, and they have held up to 30 years of being moved around, and heavily overloaded.

i'm with bobcatdan, i'm SO kinda guy


if i needed tool strorage at home, (i dont) i wouldnt hesitate to look at HF's offerings.

My suggestion to you is this; Go put your hands on a variety of boxes and see what you like. Everyones got an opinion but in the end it really boils down to what you want.

^^ this

 

[Cope]

My only question at this point is about Mac and Matco--I know Snap On is sold by all the Snap On trucks driving around. What about Mac and Matco? Where can I find their products?

All four (Snap on, Matco, Mac and Cornwell) are sold by independent dealers off a truck. Stop at a local shop and ask one of the techs to put you in contact with a dealer.

 

[stikman56]

You could just about buy a new HF 44" every two years for the next 20 years and still come out ahead of a new snap on that will have 20 years of scratches and rust in the end.

Yep, mine's over 2 years old now, used as a roll cart every day and it's still perfect. Great boxes and I think the best bang for the buck. I have the 56" too, and it's pretty nice as well.

 

[zkling]

i started my wrenching "career" with a set of kennedy boxes, my machinist boxes were kennedy as well.
i quickly ran out of room, and started adding on to my kennedy set with truck branded side and mid boxes
i eventually got a good deal on a new kr550/555b in '85-'86
i still have them, and they have held up to 30 years of being moved around, and heavily overloaded.

i'm with bobcatdan, i'm SO kinda guy


if i needed tool strorage at home, (i dont) i wouldnt hesitate to look at HF's offerings.





^^ this

I'm a fan of Kennedy boxes, except for their tiny drawer pull machinist chests. They made and make the best friction slide design IMHO. I'd like to see a side by side of one of their top of the line ball bearing mechanics boxes next to an equivalent $ truck brand box.

If I had the option of a no budget tool box, I go straight to lista or one of the other industrial cabinet makers.

 

[blown94conv]

I ended up with a Snap On Classic series box. Good for homeowner use, with solid construction. I have it loaded and the drawers open as smooth as butter. I could have bought a Masters or Epiq, but they seemed like overkill for my use and the size of the box would have created more problems then it would have solved.

 

[hoston23]

you can always find good boxes on craigslist. thats where i buy all of my boxes

 

[herfalerf]

someone mentioned it earlier but not all tool truck boxes are created equal. the nice boxes from the big brands are nice no matter which you choose, but personally i feel that the lower level boxes of certain brands are nicer than others. earlier this year i was trying to decide on an entry level box to buy with my student discount. basically the choice came down to a snap-on classic or a matco 4s. cornwell didnt offer a program through my school and we have no mac truck at my shop in case of a warranty issue. i was lucky enough that i got to examine both boxes i was interested in close up and the matco 4s imo is a much more solidly built box than the snap-on KRA boxes. the snappy just felt flimsy. i went with the matco and couldnt be happier. i think its a bit bigger as well so that was an added bonus.

id still buy a KRL or an epiq snappy in a heartbeat if i had the money, im simply talking about their entry level lines.

 

[wild cowboy]

this one weighs 811 lbs if my Harbor Freight roller cab above was not strong enough for ya!

www.strong-hold.com/Products/1054/12-Drawer_Mobile_Mechanics_Cart

 

[espyking83]

You can't beat the "Big Three"....Snap on, Matco, Mac. Though many here try to justify a cheap box purchase in an apparent attempt to salvage a shred of dignity, no one can successfully dispute the fact that these three manufacturers are the best.

There is a reason they're called The Big Three.

I've owned many, many boxes and many, many tools over the years. These three will always be the benchmark to which all others must rise.

Hahanhahahah. Complete horse ****. Tell me how a Snap On box is worth at least $6k more than a HF box of the same size... Better casters and slides is not worth $6k.

 

[bobcatdan]

Hahanhahahah. Complete horse ****. Tell me how a Snap On box is worth at least $6k more than a HF box of the same size... Better casters and slides is not worth $6k.

What about the tread about the 72" where the general conscious is the box size shows the flaws of the smaller ones.

 

[blown94conv]

I could waste 30 minutes typing a response to all the reasons why. And you still wouldn't believe, so why bother?

 

[espyking83]

I could waste 30 minutes typing a response to all the reasons why. And you still wouldn't believe, so why bother?

Im asking for only ONE reason.

 

[bobcatdan]

There is no one good answer. This is an endless ******* match. You're not going to change my mind and I'm not going to change yours. Personally I think you HF guys are more bull headed and more likely to gloat about the glorious HF then any SO fanboy ever did about their box. Even when the question has nothing to do with the HF boxes, four guys always have to chime in saying the HF is the only viable option.

 

[mensa]

There is no one good answer. This is an endless ******* match. You're not going to change my mind and I'm not going to change yours. Personally I think you HF guys are more bull headed and more likely to gloat about the glorious HF then any SO fanboy ever did about their box. Even when the question has nothing to do with the HF boxes, four guys always have to chime in saying the HF is the only viable option.

Great reply.

The harbor fright people are the ones who come on here, pumping up their chest, whooping around, making ridiculous claims, talking about how their $200 china box is better than Snap on, and that the Snap on people are idiots for demanding.....and paying for.....quality.
It's an attempt at overcompensating for an inadequacy.

I seldom see Snap on guys coming on here, laughing at, or preaching to the harbor fright people about how cheap and cheesy their china box is, and that they should man up, get some self-respect, and buy something good for once, instead of bragging about buying a cheap piece of garbage that I could buy with the change I have in the center console of my truck.


It all reminds me of the little barking dogs who bark at the big dog. But the big dog is just sitting on the porch. Licking his nuts. Not giving a ****.

 

[stikman56]

Until you realize those boxes won't hold all the tools a pro needs.

Then just buy the 56", or buy two. Pretty simple really. I have both at work and it's enough. 44" makes a nice roll cart, it holds a lot compared to the carts.

 

[saceone]

 

[mensa]

I've seen you use that one before. Try words.

 

[pressure teck]

I am in the process of up grading my tool box. There has been some good information flowing.

 

[DanInVA]

There is no reason to throw out blanket statements like "hf people" or "snap on people". People will say things on the web they would never say in person. I have read posts from the same users bashing people for using foreign tools, and then bashing people who buy expensive toolboxes to put their tools in. Most of us will probably never meet, so how about a little honesty?

Between so fanboy and hf loser, I fall into the hf camp. I make a decent living, but I can't afford the best of everything. I own tools. I use tools. Most of my tools are Chinese or from Taiwan. I wrench professionally 9 hours a day, but fortunately my employer supplies all the tools. I love nice tools, but I despise debt. I pick up the best tools I can when I can, but I never borrow money to buy anything. I will almost certainly be buying a hf box to put my tools in when I need an upgrade.

Also, I have used matco extensively and some snap on. Just because I would choose a hf box, doesn't mean that I believe for a second that it is as good as a truck brand box. There are a lot of factors to consider, and cost is only one of them. If all of the sudden I needed a professional toolbox to go work somewhere else, I would get a truck brand, almost certainly a used one.

Op, best of luck with your choice. Since you can afford it, buy quality and give it to your kids someday.

 

[NE Guy]

I've seen you use that one before. Try words.

I count four words, and it's funny every time.

 

[Altec]

I've worked out of a 44" HF stack, ancient 26" Snap-on/Dayton stack, and a KRL1003B. None of them made me more money then the other. The HF drawers opened and closed much like the KRL. Just not quite as sturdy. Was never the end of the world. It's the difference between a civic, and a 3-series Beamer. Both get you to work. One with a little more luxury, little more speed, and a little more class. But a lot bigger note.

I seldom see Snap on guys coming on here, laughing at, or preaching to the harbor fright people about how cheap and cheesy their china box is

You must be new.

 

[whitedogone]

If you want to spend 8-10 g on a box, I say go for it. If you get satisfaction in knowing that you saved some cash for the kids/grandkids and still have a nice enough box.... get the harbor freight one. You can even make a project out of it.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126086

 

[Loscaldazar]

I seldom see Snap on guys coming on here, laughing at, or preaching to the harbor fright people about how cheap and cheesy their china box is, and that they should man up, get some self-respect, and buy something good for once, instead of bragging about buying a cheap piece of garbage that I could buy with the change I have in the center console of my truck.

LOL.

Check out every thread on Harbor Freight on here. Then you will see why your statement is hilarious.

Both sides do it, and then claim only the other sides does it. I swear this forum is made up of twelve year olds, and I actually wonder if anyone is old enough to be hired as a mechanic/electrician/etc, or if everyone is just being duped.

 

[Crown Imperial]

Please cease to discriminate against 12 year olds. We have feelings too.