Unwrapping a Snap-on wrapped box

[miketyler]

I bought a KRL-722 that was a special "Fire Edition". It is labeled as a gloss black model KRL722PMC and its has seen some pretty serious action. The wrap is high quality but is damaged in spots and I was thinking on removing it.

Anyone successfully removed the Snap-on applied wrap from a box?

 

[Jim Diesel]

Did you buy it based on the gloss black colour? Did you also buy it from SO? If so i would be getting them to take care of it. Either swap it out, or for them to unwrap it.

Although i dont mind the flames

 

[Wamsutta]

You're going to need a heat gun to heat up the wrap's adhesive, but at what temperature I don't know.

 

[miketyler]

I bought it off of Craigslist so no liabilities to Snap-on there. I may resell it and I would bet a gloss black box will sell before this wrapped box will. I haven't unwrapped one before but I know a heat gun is your friend when removing wraps or any self adhesive applications.

 

[Wamsutta]

I haven't unwrapped one before but I know a heat gun is your friend when removing wraps or any self adhesive applications.

The trick is softening up the adhesive without burning the paint. Somebody on here should have the answer.

 

[Jsf721]

I never unwrapped a box. But I have taken wrap and clear film off autoMotive paint. Depending on how long it's been on and if the snap on is clear coated will be factors. You need to warm and edge. I used a hair dryer not a heat gun. The heat gun is too hot. 2 people help. Heat and edge. Get an edge up. Heat it the least you can and the adhesive will stay on the wrap. Heat too much and you have a mess. I use a natural citrus Total auto wash.

Good luck.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

^^^^^^ Yes, hair drier as the heat gun will get too hot. There's a lot of variables when removing a wrap.....I'd almost suggest leaving it. I have removed some drawer wraps, never a whole box ( lots of race cars though lol) I'd start in the middle and work your way to the corners. It can be pretty time consuming.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

And here I thought you were unwrapping one as a present!

 

[ngk22r]

Dont know about your box but mine was the vinyl wrap with a thick clear plastic protector on top of the image. Lucky for me its was on the drawers only. I let the box get warmed up in the sun light and pulled the protection layer first and the pressure washed the vinyl after. Very little left but you with need a plastic scraper and slowly remove the rest. It tears easy and doesnt like to come off in one piece. Patients and a cool temper will be needed. I do not envy you.

 

[ianguilly]

Ive removed a few ar wraps, if its anything like those it shouldn't be too much of a pain in the ***.

 

[miketyler]

It is a good quality wrap and has a clear protective laminate layer that gives it a glossy look. I will probably list it as-is but I know I will take a hit for the condition of the wrap. It's worse along the lower front edges of the drawers where the clear laminate is rough and tattered.It looks like they were repeatedly closed while overloaded.

 

[188slo50]

I've always been told that the boxes that get wrapped have defects in paint quality,Cheaper to wrap them than redo the paint?

 

[miketyler]

Oh wow, good to know. I never considered that but from a production stand point, that would seem sensible. Already have a guy coming to look at it. Maybe the fire wrap will be hotter than I thought.

 

[gbh]

Could Snap On give any advice? I'd like to hear the outcome.
What 188slo50 said makes sense costwise...and I have to change thread cause his avatar is distracting me.

 

[nh_yota]

Heat gun and a plastic scraper. Better heat guns have adjustable temperatures so you can get it warm enough to remove the vinyl but won't bubble the paint.

The thing is, maybe some of the damage goes through the wrap and into the paint underneath, meaning that even if you get the wrap off it might need a new paint job.

 

[mojo3120]

If you unwrap it, a steamer works well for heating and won't damage the paint.

 

[188slo50]

Another option is to re wrap it with something you like better, any wrap shop can handle a tool box

 

[crbnfbr]

About 180°C should soften the adhesive to remove the wrap. At least that's what I heat it to for application.