Used Snap-on KRA or new HF 44"?

[fiatsam]

As a longtime fan of Craftsman looking to replace my 20 year old 26" tool box that I've outgrown, I've realized after much wandering of the aisles in Sears that what they currently offer just isn't going to cut it for me, so I've been looking elsewhere, both new and used.

There's a Snap on KRA 4813 roll cab, KRA 4810A top box, and KRA 3830B side box listed on craigslist for $2100 obo. From what I gather the KRA series are made in Canada, thus negating one of the main reasons I would even consider Snap-on (as nice as they may be, I'm not a professional and can't justify $3000+ for tool storage). But I could probably swing $2k if it was everything I needed, which this particular combo would have.

I also gather that some feel the KRA's are a step down from "real" Snap-on chests, although those that have them apparently like them. Are these just decent quality, but nothing special, and are simply priced with the Snap-on name "premium"?

My other alternative that I've been looking at is the HF 44" top and bottom combo with one side cabinet. Getting all three at the sale price with local tax would be just under $1k. So......is it worth stretching for the KRA combo? Just for grins, there's also a KRL1001 listed as well for $2500, but that's more than I want to spend, and I really would like a top chest so I'm not stooping over to get tools (although it is 45" tall......)

HF haters please don't reply, as we already know your response. I'm looking for some objective opinions, on something that will hopefully last me many years of sympathetic use (I take very good care of what I have).

 

[TheDogHouse]

I'd go for a HF box over a "Heritage" KRA box. The "Classic" KRA boxes are nice, I'd take one of those over HF.

Edit to add-
I worked with a guy who had a Canada KRA setup, it felt like a Craftsman box to me, flimsy drawers, only 18" deep, cheap paint - it would show up on a rag if wiped with solvent. I own a KRA2411 - "Classic 78". Drawers are a lot stiffer, unit is deeper, powdercoated finish - I've scrubbed on it with solvent/brake cleaner to remove overspray, and there is no transfer onto the rag - pretty bulletproof finish.

 

[Ascinder]

Is there a reason you aren't considering HF's 56" tool box? It seems to be the general consensus that it is every bit a match for the Snap-on except in price. It also seems a lot closer to the KRA you mentioned, but with reversed drawer layout. I know there isn't a top or side box for it, so I don't know if that was a dealbreaker for you or not, but otherwise I have it and really like it.

 

[JeremyManning]

uses kra

 

[Davefr]

KRL >> KRA >> HF >> Sears

Since you budget is $2k I'd hold out for used SO. That KRL 1001 is a great box and in the ballpark price wise.

Killer SO box deals come to those that are patient, persistent in searching CL/Ebay, prepared to act quickly and willing to travel.

 

[teletekman]

The Snap-On Hertitage series are indeed the lower end line of their storage although it is not a bad box at all. When you compare the price for new setup with the model #'s you are talking about to the price of what your looking at for the used set, they still hold their resale value quite well.

Having said that, a friend of mine has the 44" HF bottom box you are talking about and has nothing but good things to say about it. For the money I guess you can't beat ther HF setup, especially if you are not using it to turn a profit.

If you are not in a dire hurry to rush out and buy a new rig I would hold out a bit and check your local craigslist listings. You might even find a decent KRL set for around the price range you want to spend and while it may be more box than you need, you will probably come across a deal you can't pass up. In the $2K and + range you should be able to find some really good SO setups preople are trying to get rid of.

 

[cotjocky]

Yup. As stated, if you can hold out and can check craigslist often, you can find a good deal on a KRL bottom chest (possibly top and bottom) in the $2k or less price range.

It will require that you can check several times a day (or have search alerts sent to your phone/computer) and be able to drop everything and go get it within a few hours.

Good deals on KRL's don't last a day normally. First come, first serve.

 

[bobcatdan]

I would buy a used kra over a hf anyday. Kras are very good boxes, there is a reason the same basic design has been made for over 50 years, it is tought and hold up. KRA has 6" caster, 100 lbs slides, LIFETIME WARRANTY. Hf, 5" casters, slides rated who knows what, maybe 90 day warranty. I also wonder five years from now when hf chandes boxes, will parts be ever available for the box. You don't have to drink the cool aid to know which is the better box. Also, which would you rather have in your garage, SO or hf?

 

[RKA]

One gripe I have with the less expensive boxes is the drawer depth. This was the only reason I didn't consider HF when replacing my old craftsman box. If you need to fit it in a tight space, it's all good, but if you have the room for something deeper, it goes a long way towards accomodating/organizing all your tools. Something with 20" or more interior drawer depth should be good.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

KRA everyday of the week!