US general full of snap on?

[Rogers954]

On this board people seem to have way to much time and just make up things to worry about.

All i know is i wish i had there money problems hahahah


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[Rogers954]

Now I'm wondering if it's ok that I wear my socks from target with my Irish Setter work boots...

Nope you should be dragged from your house and burned at the stake for being so cost conscious. How dare you [emoji23]


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[kctyphoon]

Ive never seen so many people so desperate to overpay for tools that they actually feel guilty not throwing their money away.

 

[CanadianMTB]

My dad gave me this advice, a tool box will never make you any money. This was 20 years ago and I still believe in it. Spend the money on the tools that will make you money, not the box that will impress.

 

[derosa]

I'd agree that if you have an OCD that just needs to have it go for it. If you're just looking for justification then what's the point? My bike repair station has at least a half dozen tools that cost more then the us general side box that was 159.00 on sale. But it does the job perfectly so I can't see a good reason to swap it out, as others mentioned, it's the tools inside that get the job done that matter.

 

[toolmutt]

Like others, I have Snap On tools in a Craftsman box. Works fine.

 

[6PTsocket]

But a snap on logo to put on your toolbox if it bothers you that much

Recently somebody here admitted to rebranding and selling a cart that is sold by a lot of companies, including SnapOn. Everybody was all over him. It was a terrible thing to do but some people are so hooked on labels over function they are inviting sonebody to cheat them. I have the HF 44 set for years. For home use it has been fine. I only have a few SO tools and I listened carefuly and I did not hear them yelling "let me out". If I want a better box I will buy it to make me happy not to match the quality of my tools or impress the neighbors. Besides, flaunting wealth encourages theft. Better good tools hiding in a cheap box than visa versa.

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[Revere Cycles]

I just removed the US General badges and replaced them with one that says Binford Tools. My Snap On, Proto, Armstrong, Bonney, and Mac tools don't care.

For the added cost of a similar capacity truck box, it's just not worth it. I would rather invest my money in new tools or restoring my classic cars. FWIW, I replaced my small Snap On and Utica/Bonney boxes with my US General combo. No regrets.

 

[rharman]

First world problem....

 

[BFHtime]

What is worth it to you is based on what you value. Not what can you afford, what are you willing to sacrifice to get what you want. Every decision is an emotional one, regardless of how practical we think we are.

Anyways...imo I would make my decision based on layout for effectiveness of time and space utilization. I would do this because this is my priory of value in this situation.

 

[PugetDude]

 

[readhead]

Seriously? Is this a test? OP, have you seen any black helicopters? Relax, it's okay.

 

[PugetDude]

Seriously? Is this a test? OP, have you seen any black helicopters? Relax, it's okay.

Made you look...

 

[Skylarkgp]

Here is similar logic. You need to get rid of your old snap on tools and buy new snap on tools because new ones are shiny.

 

[BFHtime]

Here is similar logic. You need to get rid of your old snap on tools and buy new snap on tools because new ones are shiny.

How about selling me your Snap-on tools and then buying tools from harbor freight to match the box. You will cash left over and be able to buy more tools. This makes sense. You can PM me. You know to help your ocd.

 

[ChrisLS8]

What is worth it to you is based on what you value. Not what can you afford, what are you willing to sacrifice to get what you want. Every decision is an emotional one, regardless of how practical we think we are.

Anyways...imo I would make my decision based on layout for effectiveness of time and space utilization. I would do this because this is my priory of value in this situation.

I would definitely agree if he were flat rate or a tech cause time is an asset however for a home tinkerer I doubt a several thousand dollar box investment would make any difference.

Do what you wanna do, if you want a shiny new box don't let us tell you either way. Just know that no tool worries what box they are in

 

[bbrins]

Think of it as an anti-theft feature. Who the heck wants to steal Harbor Freight stuff?

I'd rather have my nice tools in an inexpensive box than the other way around. My HF 44" is filled with nice tools. The only reasons that I might get a different box would be to get drawers with some form of grip latch, and more capacity.

You could always debadge or rebadge. Your tools and neighbors won't know the difference.

 

[Formula]

I would rather have a cheap tool box filled up with good tools, than a fancy tool box filled up with cheap tools.

In the end, a tool box is just a place of storage. It's always nice to have a fancy tool box but it isn't a requirement. I believe good tools are a requirement.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

It's a metal box you store things in, pay as much for you did as on the HF cart for a Snap on badge, put it on the US general cart and pocket a cool $800 if it's such worry.

I was lusting after a General but since shifted some stuff out of overloaded drawers on the old Cman and I can live with it. None of it is going to make me any more money or be any easier.

Same, I wanted a 44" for a while but realized it doesn't actually contribute any more utility than the 90's 40" beat up friction slide craftsman box and 70's craftsman 26" I have right now that I got for a grand total of maybe $125 delivered maybe 5 years back. It'll look nicer, but if anything that's a downside because it'll hurt more if it gets dented or scratched. I don't see the value in tools I'm nervous to have around.

 

[Al Borland]

I just removed the US General badges and replaced them with one that says Binford Tools.

Where can I get Binford badges?

 

[zktk01]

I think a Snap-on box would protect your investment better. You already have the good stuff on the inside, now you need to step your game up and show everyone your serious about tool storage.

I am just trying to help you justify your future purchase.

Being serious now, I think you have a better situation than someone with a Snap-on box, but all HF tools. I think US General tool boxes are the best bang for the buck.

 

[pi_guy]

Studies have shown that Snap on breeds better in a Snap On box than any other.
So if you want more tools keep them in an Official Snap On box.....

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Some years ago i picked up a US general tool cart. I filled it up with my US craftsman tools of the time. The craftsman worked well for me, but eventually I upgraded to mostly snap on tools. As I started to pack up the craftsman for storage and putting all the snap on in the US general it just didn't feel right. Would you fill a us general with snap on? Thoughts? Starting to think about buying a new tool box.

Definitely put some black tape over the US part of the US General badge.
You didn't mention ever owning a Snap-on tool box. I have owned 8 Snap-on boxes, 3 Proto, 2 Harbor Freight, and 6 Craftsman myself, and have bought tool boxes for Family Members. Except for four; all were purchased new. I still have 10 of these; with the two oldest being Snap-on boxes bought new in 1978 and 1981. I keep these two because they are rugged, and have served their commercial duties all these years. Do the other 8 do the job they were purchased for? They seldom get moved more that 50 feet per year, have drawers that open and close, and hold tools, supplies, and a welder. The plastic latches on the upper & lower 56" General stand out as My current largest disappointment. I can live with that; but the fact it is a Chinese made tool box still bugs Me. Being I cannot justify the immediate replacement of any of these boxes; they can sit where they are.

 

[logical]

Some years ago i picked up a US general tool cart. I filled it up with my US craftsman tools of the time. The craftsman worked well for me, but eventually I upgraded to mostly snap on tools. As I started to pack up the craftsman for storage and putting all the snap on in the US general it just didn't feel right. Would you fill a us general with snap on? Thoughts? Starting to think about buying a new tool box.

I'd stick to cheap hats if I were you.

 

[GSMotorrad]

I would, because I consider the 72" US GENERAL box from Harbor Freight to be the ultimate, considering price. Since that's available for $1G and nothing can come close without exponentially increasing the price, it's the only option for me. I hope to one day buy it, but need to get my truck running first so I can bring it home...

US General is like the KIA Stinger GT to me. Snap On, Matco, Mac are like all those luxury German brands that cost thousands and thousands of dollars more, but you get that branding that people are blinded by.

Hey, I'm a sucker for Snap-On as much as any red-blooded American, but I keep it minimal, just the most often used hand-tools.

I've dreamed of having a huge Snap-On tool cabinet for decades, but I never will, just like I'll never have a Porsche, unless someone just gave them to me for free. I could never justify their expense over other viable alternatives costing so much less.

Maybe I'll find a good deal some day on a used one, until then, US GENERAL all day, son!

 

[Naltastrife]

That's a lot more impressive than having a Snap-on box full of Harbor Freight tools.

This was going to be my response. Id much rather have a HF toolbox filled with Snapon then a Snapon box filled with Pittsburg tools. Think of the savings on the toolbox as a bonus to your tool fund.

 

[GSMotorrad]

US GENERAL all day, son!

In all fairness, I only just got my first US GENERAL cart like a week ago. It's the green 5 drawer, I like it a lot, but it's my only experience with 'em.

I've been using my "Viper Tool Storage VV4109BLT-R Armor Series 41-Inch 9-Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet" and "Viper Tool Storage VV4109BLT-C Armor 41-Inch 9 Drawer Tool Chest" for the past 5 years and they're pretty sturdy. I can't even put a dent in 'em. They're no where near professional, and from youtube videos I've seent the 72" H.F. US GENERAL seems nicer. I still have a long ways to go before they're all full, so I won't be upgrading for a while still.

 

[guppymech]

There's plenty of nice used Snap-On boxes on CL and I'd rather have one of those in the garage than a HF box. On the other hand I love my Snap-On tools at work but I can't justify the cost of them for tools at home. At home I do have various brands of USA made tools though.

 

[red61cj5]

Think of it as an anti-theft feature. Who the heck wants to steal Harbor Freight stuff?

I'd rather have my nice tools in an inexpensive box than the other way around. My HF 44" is filled with nice tools. The only reasons that I might get a different box would be to get drawers with some form of grip latch, and more capacity.

You could always debadge or rebadge. Your tools and neighbors won't know the difference.

I'm not so sure, there's a pawn shop not too far from here where I pretty much assume everything is stolen, and they have a ton of HF tools. Often priced above retail. I doubt the average methhead knows the difference.

 

[dan360]

Some years ago i picked up a US general tool cart. I filled it up with my US craftsman tools of the time. The craftsman worked well for me, but eventually I upgraded to mostly snap on tools. As I started to pack up the craftsman for storage and putting all the snap on in the US general it just didn't feel right. Would you fill a us general with snap on? Thoughts? Starting to think about buying a new tool box.

I have a HF cart, one of the basic black ones that go on sale for $99 or whatever.

It holds all sorts of tools fine. The only caveat I have to it is when the drawers get heavy they drag on each other. So it is relegated to holding welding supplies now.

Use what you like, most people really can't tell the difference if all the emblems are gone unless they're really in-tune with tool boxes.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

My HF cart is full of Proto, Witte, Snap-on, Stahlwille, Gedore, Bonney, Dewalt, CM Pro, Ko-ken and --Drumroll-- Pittsburgh Pro

 

[JVB]

My tools do not discriminate.

Lots of great bang for the buck box’s out there. Of course the snap on are a bit heavier duty and a bit more eye candy. At the end of the day they all store tools the same way. Everyone has their own opinion that may not appeal to the next guy .

My buddy uses his us general cart daily at work for 5 or so years now. Still in great usable and presentable shape. It is also wheeled around frequently as well. Is the heavier gauge metal of some box’s really needed or are they just “over built” and not a necessity? Well that is your decision and budget to make that call.

 

[Revere Cycles]

Where can I get Binford badges?

I bought them on eBay; several sellers offer them in different sizes and formats. I have purchased some that are on aluminum plate that can be riveted on to your tool box for an OE look, and others that are a sticker that I put on engine hoists and stands.

 

[Houe]

wow I didn't realize this would be so controversial...

 

[dreamingmuscle]

My dad gave me this advice, a tool box will never make you any money. This was 20 years ago and I still believe in it. Spend the money on the tools that will make you money, not the box that will impress.

I don't know about this. My son was working at a Honda dealership out of a HF 5 drawer cart, Sams club stainless box and the cheap HF Black box from years past. I told him the same thing your dad told you and tried to steer him toward the bigger HF boxes. He wouldn't listen to me though.

He had all the tools to do most any job, but all the work they would send his way was low paying jobs. He upgraded to a nice Cornwell box and soon enough he was doubling his hours.

Sometimes image is everything.

 

[dreamingmuscle]

As for the OP. Stick with the HF box if it works for you.

 

[Kevkx125]

Mixed brand of tools in my craftsman boxe's

 

[ScottsGT]

I don't know about this. My son was working at a Honda dealership out of a HF 5 drawer cart, Sams club stainless box and the cheap HF Black box from years past. I told him the same thing your dad told you and tried to steer him toward the bigger HF boxes. He wouldn't listen to me though.

He had all the tools to do most any job, but all the work they would send his way was low paying jobs. He upgraded to a nice Cornwell box and soon enough he was doubling his hours.

Sometimes image is everything.

Dealership finally realized that it was now easier for him to pack up and move to a new job since the tool truck would move it for him now.
If they want to keep him, give him better jobs.

When I was going back to school for electronics, I was still working in the bodyshop. Owner gave me the **** jobs no one else wanted to do because he knew I would be leaving soon.
He got pissed at me over an old T-Bird a guy brought in to have half quarter patches put on. Looked like **** when I was done with it because the patch panels were **** and all wavy. I told him I put in the hours the job paid and no more. If he wanted it looking better, he should have paid me to do a better job.
It was the last time he took in garbage jobs like that.

 

[highland512]

]
I bought them on eBay; several sellers offer them in different sizes and formats. I have purchased some that are on aluminum plate that can be riveted on to your tool box for an OE look, and others that are a sticker that I put on engine hoists and stands.

I like, very neat idea.