RedneckWelder
Well-known member
The **** is getting old...
Toolboxes
- Thread starter SMLWinds
- Start date
The **** is getting old...
Lookin4'67Galaxieconv
Well-known member
Yep. And OP is sitting back and soiling himself.
Too many people here can't resist the stinkbait.
espyking83
Well-known member
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 ****.
How is it a great reply? Hahaha. People bash HF boxes all the time, you actually just did with your retarded "big dogs/little dogs" analogy. As if having a Snap On box does anything for you, LOL. Does it make you a better mechanic? LOL. Why does a "big dog" have a Snap On box? You claim the Snaptards dont bash anything, yet, condescending remarks like those come second nature to you.
FTR, I've never read anyone on here say their HF box is better than A SO box. Ever. Stil waiting on how $6k more for a tool box is worth it...
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Just be a smart *** since this thread is so derailed of the deep end. A 40" HF would fit into the top drawer of my tool box (krl 1022) and not exceeded the weight rating.
FMC1959
Well-known member
Lista.
Another thread turned into a ******* match. Some people I have known over the years with big salaries are also some of the cheapest SOB's, value is subjective, so the OP needs to decide what is worth it for him.
I do not wrench for a living, but have some friends that do. When I visit them at their work, it is just like GJ, the guys that spend $5k-$10k on a box and the guys that spend $500 for a box, and the arguments on why.
I would never spend the big money on SO & similar truck boxes as a DIYer, but if money was not an issue, for sure I would.
From what I have seen from friends that truly impressed me, I would tell the OP to take a hands on look at look at SO, MAC and Lista. One of the few boxes that could be better than the truck stuff (my opinion)
Another thread turned into a ******* match. Some people I have known over the years with big salaries are also some of the cheapest SOB's, value is subjective, so the OP needs to decide what is worth it for him.
I do not wrench for a living, but have some friends that do. When I visit them at their work, it is just like GJ, the guys that spend $5k-$10k on a box and the guys that spend $500 for a box, and the arguments on why.
I would never spend the big money on SO & similar truck boxes as a DIYer, but if money was not an issue, for sure I would.
From what I have seen from friends that truly impressed me, I would tell the OP to take a hands on look at look at SO, MAC and Lista. One of the few boxes that could be better than the truck stuff (my opinion)
Has anybody taken the time to do a side by side spec comparison of the popular boxes? Like to see that as a sticky. I did just a cursory glance and the much loved HF 44 didn't look that attractive on paper. In the store, I was impressed by the drawers and preferred the latches on the 44 to the 56".
Now, I wouldn't advocate using the specs alone as that doesn't say anything about build quality. I would be willing to say, build quality probably isn't a huge effort for most owners.
Now, I wouldn't advocate using the specs alone as that doesn't say anything about build quality. I would be willing to say, build quality probably isn't a huge effort for most owners.
Ok- so I'm just doing a bit of self educating and I think I understand what all the fuss is about. See if this makes any sense:
The HF 44", which is actually a 40" box with a 4" handle, is 4" wider and 1" taller than the the bottom of the line Snap On KRA2407. In the store, I found the HF 44 looked impressive and felt impressive too. The drawers were smooth and I liked the latch mechanism.
But the SO box is deeper front to back (24" vs. 18-1/2"). Consequently, it has 20% more drawer surface area, roughly twice the drawer capacity in weight, bigger casters, and is 70lbs heavier. It also takes up less wall space if that is a concern.
List price for the KRA2407 is $2600, but stories abound of leftover and discounted prices which bring this box within reach of most of us. All Snap on boxes seem to hold their values well. Snap On tends not to discontinue models, instead offering upgraded features for an ever increasing list price. That means, if you can score a good deal on one today, you may be able to sell it years from now for almost what you paid for it. In my book, that makes it an inexpensive box, not a waste of money.
For fun, I looked up the specs on a Lista HS series roll cab. These are roughly similar to the afore mentioned boxes; 40" wide, 41/12" tall. The Lista HS is deeper than the HF, but shallower than the KRA. The big differences Lista offers are the drawer capacities and the overall weight of the box.
At 440lbs per drawer, Lista offers the most capacity. The basic KRA drawer slide gets you 120 lbs of capacity, but the top drawer doubles the slides which doubles the capacity to 240lbs. HF lists their basic slide at 59lbs per set, but the top drawer, which features double slides is only listed at 80lbs. That may have something to do with the construction of the drawer. But even at 120lbs, that big drawer could easily be overloaded.
My guess is, most mechanics don't need to store 400lbs of tools in a toolbox drawer. But it might be nice to know you can fill a drawer with sockets or wrenches and not have to think about overloading, something you surely can't do with the HF box.
The other difference is the overall weight of the boxes. The HF box is 245lbs empty. Snap On's KRL is a stout 320lbs. The Lista breaks the scale at 530lbs. That's twice the weight of the HF box. And remember, all of these boxes are roughly the same size. If you are interested in a toolbox that will withstand bumps and knocks, look no further. On the otherhand, if you need to move your box and don't have a forklift handy, you may need more than a 6-pack and a couple good friends to move the Lista.
The low cost and convenience of purchasing a HF box, combined with "good enough" features, make it an easy decision for many serious or even pro craftsmen. But to consider these very different boxes somehow comparable is a mistake. Yes, they all hold tools, but analogies offered like "ford focus vs. bmw 3 series" miss the mark. The difference between those 2 vehicles is chiefly luxury, not utility. A better car analogy might be Ford focus, Mercedes S class, and Dodge Sprinter. The S class is fast, roomy and capable, as well as glitzy, just like Snap On. The Sprinter is a bit more utilitarian, but strong enough to carry the Focus, full of passengers and not break a sweat (the Lista box can almost hold the weight of 2 HF boxes in each drawer)
The key to choosing the right box is putting passion, politics, and perception aside and choosing the box that best fits your needs. Getting an approximate weight on what you would like to store in each drawer is a good first step.
I have an xlsx spreadsheet with the data on it if anyone is interested. I recommend we make it sticky.
The HF 44", which is actually a 40" box with a 4" handle, is 4" wider and 1" taller than the the bottom of the line Snap On KRA2407. In the store, I found the HF 44 looked impressive and felt impressive too. The drawers were smooth and I liked the latch mechanism.
But the SO box is deeper front to back (24" vs. 18-1/2"). Consequently, it has 20% more drawer surface area, roughly twice the drawer capacity in weight, bigger casters, and is 70lbs heavier. It also takes up less wall space if that is a concern.
List price for the KRA2407 is $2600, but stories abound of leftover and discounted prices which bring this box within reach of most of us. All Snap on boxes seem to hold their values well. Snap On tends not to discontinue models, instead offering upgraded features for an ever increasing list price. That means, if you can score a good deal on one today, you may be able to sell it years from now for almost what you paid for it. In my book, that makes it an inexpensive box, not a waste of money.
For fun, I looked up the specs on a Lista HS series roll cab. These are roughly similar to the afore mentioned boxes; 40" wide, 41/12" tall. The Lista HS is deeper than the HF, but shallower than the KRA. The big differences Lista offers are the drawer capacities and the overall weight of the box.
At 440lbs per drawer, Lista offers the most capacity. The basic KRA drawer slide gets you 120 lbs of capacity, but the top drawer doubles the slides which doubles the capacity to 240lbs. HF lists their basic slide at 59lbs per set, but the top drawer, which features double slides is only listed at 80lbs. That may have something to do with the construction of the drawer. But even at 120lbs, that big drawer could easily be overloaded.
My guess is, most mechanics don't need to store 400lbs of tools in a toolbox drawer. But it might be nice to know you can fill a drawer with sockets or wrenches and not have to think about overloading, something you surely can't do with the HF box.
The other difference is the overall weight of the boxes. The HF box is 245lbs empty. Snap On's KRL is a stout 320lbs. The Lista breaks the scale at 530lbs. That's twice the weight of the HF box. And remember, all of these boxes are roughly the same size. If you are interested in a toolbox that will withstand bumps and knocks, look no further. On the otherhand, if you need to move your box and don't have a forklift handy, you may need more than a 6-pack and a couple good friends to move the Lista.
The low cost and convenience of purchasing a HF box, combined with "good enough" features, make it an easy decision for many serious or even pro craftsmen. But to consider these very different boxes somehow comparable is a mistake. Yes, they all hold tools, but analogies offered like "ford focus vs. bmw 3 series" miss the mark. The difference between those 2 vehicles is chiefly luxury, not utility. A better car analogy might be Ford focus, Mercedes S class, and Dodge Sprinter. The S class is fast, roomy and capable, as well as glitzy, just like Snap On. The Sprinter is a bit more utilitarian, but strong enough to carry the Focus, full of passengers and not break a sweat (the Lista box can almost hold the weight of 2 HF boxes in each drawer)
The key to choosing the right box is putting passion, politics, and perception aside and choosing the box that best fits your needs. Getting an approximate weight on what you would like to store in each drawer is a good first step.
I have an xlsx spreadsheet with the data on it if anyone is interested. I recommend we make it sticky.
Last edited:
u118224
Well-known member
I looked for the weight limit for HF's boxes a while ago on their website but didn't find it. An 80 lb. limit for the top drawer, if correct, is embarrassingly low. 59 lbs. for the other drawers is too.
espyking83
Well-known member
Now this is a great reply. It's no question that the Snap On is the better box, but is the premium mark up worth it? I dont think so. Im a mechanic and own a Snap On box, a Blue Point, and HF box as well as a Craftsman at home. The Snap On is the best box, better casters/slides/etc.., But is it $4k-$6k better? Nah. Not for me, and certainty not for a home DIY'er. Now if you work on oil rigs or locomotives? Probably. But that is BIG **** you have to store, something that 95% of other mechanics dont have to worry about.
I really like Snap On tools and I like the looks of their boxes and I guess I too believed this before I started looking at the numbers. Now I'm not so sure.
If I needed to store a mill vise, rotab, set of collets and some other machine tooling, I'm not sure Snap On would be the best choice.
A HF box might make sense for lower density tools- electronic stuff perhaps, hobby stuff. Pointless to store low density items in an expensive box.
We need to start talking about tools and tool boxes using data and not emotions and prejudices.
MattPersman
Well-known member
I look at things differently do you want to go to HF pay for a cheap box made by crappy labor and being sold by someone barely making enough money at the register to pay for food and gas out of their paycheck, I would rather buy a box at costco or tool truck where the worker actually has opportunity to making a living wage. The more you buy from HF it says we are ok with paying people no money per hour to get you junk.
OP makes a good living help another person out make a good living too buy purchasing from a company that pays the employees something worthwhile.
That said a snap on sounds like it's for you, it is the box everyone is comparing everything too. There may be a few people that actually prefer a different brand to snap on but mostly it IS the box that others want to be and own.
OP makes a good living help another person out make a good living too buy purchasing from a company that pays the employees something worthwhile.
That said a snap on sounds like it's for you, it is the box everyone is comparing everything too. There may be a few people that actually prefer a different brand to snap on but mostly it IS the box that others want to be and own.
logixjock
Well-known member
Dammit man... You owe me a new keyboard.
oldldh
Well-known member
www.strictlytoolboxes.com
The Extreme 55" Professional...
I don't think there's a box made anywhere, that's an order of magnitude better...
I will get slammed for my opinion, but I'm old, so I'm allowed...
The roller cabinet is $ 2,795.00, the combo set is $ 4,250.00!!!
The shipping weight will tell you all you need to know...1,000 lbs for the roller, and 1,600 lbs for the combo set...
The prosecution rests...
The Extreme 55" Professional...
I don't think there's a box made anywhere, that's an order of magnitude better...
I will get slammed for my opinion, but I'm old, so I'm allowed...
The roller cabinet is $ 2,795.00, the combo set is $ 4,250.00!!!
The shipping weight will tell you all you need to know...1,000 lbs for the roller, and 1,600 lbs for the combo set...
The prosecution rests...
Attachments
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
The weights of these boxes always baffle me. That Extreme Tools box has a 1000lb ship weight; I just can't see the equivalent of (10) 100lb plates at the gym in sheet metal there. I don't doubt the weight as they are nice boxes (have one at the race shop), but a 1000lbs is a lot of weight!
I purposely did not consider 56" toolboxes in my spreadsheet. That opens the door to several upscale Snap On and Mac models, like the KRL, and EPIQ series, which, due to their performance and cost, are not comparable to the HF44.
I failed to consider my own Kennedy 315XB (which I'm not real impressed with frankly). But I will add it, a Craftsman, and some other lower priced boxes and see how their specs stack up with the others already considered.
I will do another spreadsheet on 56" boxes and will be glad to consider your favorite.
I failed to consider my own Kennedy 315XB (which I'm not real impressed with frankly). But I will add it, a Craftsman, and some other lower priced boxes and see how their specs stack up with the others already considered.
I will do another spreadsheet on 56" boxes and will be glad to consider your favorite.
Guys-I don't know if I should start a new thread about this or not, but I have a follow up question and a new related question:
1) I have been looking at Shark toolboxes. They apparently make stationary set-ups but are coming out with a mobile version that is supposed to be the closest competition to Snap On. Anyone know anything about Shark or have an opinion?
2) While I am looking for "the best" with a wide open budget, I also would like to get my dad a box on casters for Christmas. I would probably spend in the $500 (give or take a hundred). He doesn't have a mechanic shop or a ton of tools....just basic tools. He does have a new garage and wants a mobile box.
If you were getting a mobile box in the $500 range, what would you suggest? Now that we are talking "FOR THE MONEY" is Harbor Freight a good option? Are they better boxes than Kobalt, Husky, Craftsman, etc.? I assume they are since many were arguing they can compete with Snap On. What brands should I consider in that price range?
Thanks again!
1) I have been looking at Shark toolboxes. They apparently make stationary set-ups but are coming out with a mobile version that is supposed to be the closest competition to Snap On. Anyone know anything about Shark or have an opinion?
2) While I am looking for "the best" with a wide open budget, I also would like to get my dad a box on casters for Christmas. I would probably spend in the $500 (give or take a hundred). He doesn't have a mechanic shop or a ton of tools....just basic tools. He does have a new garage and wants a mobile box.
If you were getting a mobile box in the $500 range, what would you suggest? Now that we are talking "FOR THE MONEY" is Harbor Freight a good option? Are they better boxes than Kobalt, Husky, Craftsman, etc.? I assume they are since many were arguing they can compete with Snap On. What brands should I consider in that price range?
Thanks again!
whitedogone
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2014
- Messages
- 230
As long as your looking at the 44 and over, YES
Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
The Red 26" from HF is also good. Not as well built as the 44, 56 or 72, but still good. The tiny black one from HF is absolute junk. Avoid it.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
At the $500 mark, the HF is the overall favorite of the board. I wouldn't rule out a craftsman's since they are offering hefty savings on boxes because of Christmas. Home depot and lowes has really nothing that excites me. The one possible exception could be the DeWalt box at depot if the drawer arrangement makes since for your dad.
Looks like you can't get an HF boxes over the magic 44" size for that range. Is the 44" box worth looking at or should I just go Craftsman for him? I know the one previous poster said forget the HF 44" box.
I know most older folks hold Craftsman in high esteem from their past products but my understanding is they aren't great quality now. Is Craftsman still a usable box (ie-not complete ****)? I know it isn't the gold standard, but is it functional?
Thanks!
I know most older folks hold Craftsman in high esteem from their past products but my understanding is they aren't great quality now. Is Craftsman still a usable box (ie-not complete ****)? I know it isn't the gold standard, but is it functional?
Thanks!
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I want to say the 4 range list.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I don't think craftsman boxes are as crappy as many say. I work in a foundry with 50+ maintaince guys working out of newer craftsman boxes with no problems.
Allenw
Well-known member
I grabbed a waterloo 4 drawer 26' top box that northern tool had on sale for $99 this summer. It's been on the bed of my pick up since mid July and no worse for ware. It's noticeably heavier metal then a craftsman box or other store brand boxes. I should have bought another one.
John in OH
Well-known member
Regarding Craftsman boxes, be aware that there are multiple "quality grades" of Cman boxes. The homeowner grade is junk, intermediate grades are "meh .." and the GripLatch grade is probably the best they offer in the Cman brand. I've had a 40" Cman GripLatch for about 4 years and, although it isn't the world's greatest box, I've been quite satisfied with it, but I'm not a professional mechanic.
One characteristic of boxes not often discussed is the pros vs. cons of box depth (front to back). Pros: more box volume, more drawer layout flexibility, less need for top box; Cons: more floor space required, depth may cramp available garage width, higher price. My 40" Cman is 18" deep.
If you check out the CM tool boxes for comparison to others, be sure you look at the right ones. The CM range from the lowly homeowner series--standard--heavy duty--premium--elite--etc...always on sale
Last edited:
Great thread! I have been looking at toolboxes and this has been a wealth of information. I have looked at the HF 44 box and I agree with most here regarding the quality, however I hate the fact that it only has one full length drawer. Looking at other boxes, seems like this is the norm... With a couple of exceptions,
I came across this box at Sears..
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-40-i...009CO66274212B?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
The drawer setup is perfect for my tools. The drawers slide well, however as mentioned by others, the metal is paper thin. Figure over time drawers will bend and warp so can't spend $1,000 on something like that.
The Masterforce at Menards.....
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...rce-36-tool-chest-cabinet-combo/p-1851831.htm
Appears to be a better quality box, however too many real shallow drawers. Seems like the only box that I can find that has full width drawers of drawers of decent depth (3inch) is the Snap on KRA2106.
I was suprised that soo many companies that make 40 inch boxes don't have full length drawers..... I can see someone that moves their box around a lot might want to seperate their tools in more drawers so they don't slide around (at least that is my thought..) It seems like a waste of space to me since my box always remains stationary.
But at around $5k for the top, mid and bottom box.... the Snap on is way out of my price range...
I came across this box at Sears..
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-40-i...009CO66274212B?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
The drawer setup is perfect for my tools. The drawers slide well, however as mentioned by others, the metal is paper thin. Figure over time drawers will bend and warp so can't spend $1,000 on something like that.
The Masterforce at Menards.....
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...rce-36-tool-chest-cabinet-combo/p-1851831.htm
Appears to be a better quality box, however too many real shallow drawers. Seems like the only box that I can find that has full width drawers of drawers of decent depth (3inch) is the Snap on KRA2106.
I was suprised that soo many companies that make 40 inch boxes don't have full length drawers..... I can see someone that moves their box around a lot might want to seperate their tools in more drawers so they don't slide around (at least that is my thought..) It seems like a waste of space to me since my box always remains stationary.
But at around $5k for the top, mid and bottom box.... the Snap on is way out of my price range...
RAYJAY
Well-known member
Sorry to continue this thread..... I thought this was the thread that I read a little while ago that was started by a guy that did an indepth review of several toolboxes.... I can't seem to find that thread... and reading this one looks like got ugly...... sorry...
gipraw
Well-known member
You can get a HF 44" for under $400. It would work very well for your father.
I have had one for 9 years, and it is still performing flawlessly. It has survived three major moves, and spent a year or so rolling around my shop daily no worse for wear.
This is a pic I took of it earlier today. Ignore the side boxes. They are brand new.
rmalkow2
Well-known member
Quite the debate. I personally trend towards Craftsman or Waterloo but I understand all the high end and HF discussions. In the end they all seem to work but it still depends on your pocketbook and your daily use.
Cope
Well-known member
A full width drawer requires heavier gauge steel for support, something that's hard to find in a lower priced box. I don't need a wide drawer. I personally like having my 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" sockets and tools in their own drawer and not all together, but I guess I'm old fashioned.
I used to be this way but once you get. Big top drawer my life got easy. It frees up a lot more space,imo
Cope
Well-known member
I've been using narrow boxes for over 50 years, and I'm too old to change now. Twenty years ago I could have gotten into a wide Matco top and bottom for almost nothing, but I have all the room I need, and I know where everything is.
View media item 46063
Just a bit more data to help toolbox shoppers: For normal automotive type mechanics, there is a maximum drawer load reqt. The full width top drawer, typically used for sockets, ratchets and extensions, can conveniently hold no more than 150 lbs of tools. Stacking socket sets on top of other tools is the only practical way to increase the load in a 40" drawer. The HF 44" has a 16" deep drawer, which may be difficult to load to 150lbs. Wrenches, pliers and screwdriver drawers would need to be filled almost to the brim with tools before achieving 150lbs. Normal drawer arrangements would likely be under 75lbs.
Therefore, I would recommend choosing a box that can hold at least 120lbs in the top full width drawer. That excludes the HF 44 which can only take 80 lbs or so and the Craftsman premium model at 100 lbs. The other drawers in most mechanics' boxes won't likely require more than 120 lbs capacity per drawer. Possible it would be nice to have a few of the lower drawers with double slides.
The additional capability of a Snap On box (250lbs top drawer) may never be required. But I hasten to point out that the additional capability may result in reduced wear, increased longevity, and superior feel/smoothness.
Using a Lista box to hold mechanics tools seems a bit overkill, unless you wish to sit in the drawer while you choose the right socket and extension. Likely one would choose this box for its heavy duty construction or to hold drawers full of washers or nuts.
Just a bit more data to help toolbox shoppers: For normal automotive type mechanics, there is a maximum drawer load reqt. The full width top drawer, typically used for sockets, ratchets and extensions, can conveniently hold no more than 150 lbs of tools. Stacking socket sets on top of other tools is the only practical way to increase the load in a 40" drawer. The HF 44" has a 16" deep drawer, which may be difficult to load to 150lbs. Wrenches, pliers and screwdriver drawers would need to be filled almost to the brim with tools before achieving 150lbs. Normal drawer arrangements would likely be under 75lbs.
Therefore, I would recommend choosing a box that can hold at least 120lbs in the top full width drawer. That excludes the HF 44 which can only take 80 lbs or so and the Craftsman premium model at 100 lbs. The other drawers in most mechanics' boxes won't likely require more than 120 lbs capacity per drawer. Possible it would be nice to have a few of the lower drawers with double slides.
The additional capability of a Snap On box (250lbs top drawer) may never be required. But I hasten to point out that the additional capability may result in reduced wear, increased longevity, and superior feel/smoothness.
Using a Lista box to hold mechanics tools seems a bit overkill, unless you wish to sit in the drawer while you choose the right socket and extension. Likely one would choose this box for its heavy duty construction or to hold drawers full of washers or nuts.
Last edited:
I was at HF again today, I don't know where these manufactures get these drawer load ratings, but there is no way that the craftsman box drawer rating is higher than the HF 44. Looking in the HF book that was in the box, it did say that the drawer weight limit was around 60lbs...
Maybe the load rating is 100% determined by the slides? As thin as the craftsman drawers are, I sure wouldn't try to put 100lbs in them..... I really think maybe 50 is a max for them.....
Maybe the load rating is 100% determined by the slides? As thin as the craftsman drawers are, I sure wouldn't try to put 100lbs in them..... I really think maybe 50 is a max for them.....
The single runner HF drawers are stated as being capable of 59lbs. The double runner drawers are stated as 80lbs capable. This tells me the limiting feature is the sheet metal, not the drawer slides.
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
Lista model 750 or a KRL 1033.