Vintage Snap on box, worth it?

[cplnorton]

I located this box locally for $375. And he is firm on the price. I've been trying to beat him up for about a month and he won't budge.

I haven't looked at it in person, but it appears the bottom two drawers have broke sliders, or something else is wrong as they are just sitting in there.

The one thing that really makes me want to grab it is that intermediate box. You never see those. It also has the side shelf.

What do you guys think, $375 for the package, would you buy it?

 

[bobcatdan]

Too steep for me. $200 if I really wanted, but I'm not a fan of the top box or the bulk bottom box either.

 

[Danglerb]

I would not, its a want that exact thing deal, and I just want a place to put tools. If you don't want that exact thing, you answered you own question, if you never see the intermediate box, how many do you plan to pass on over price?

 

[zkling]

I located this box locally for $375. And he is firm on the price. I've been trying to beat him up for about a month and he won't budge.

I haven't looked at it in person, but it appears the bottom two drawers have broke sliders, or something else is wrong as they are just sitting in there.

The one thing that really makes me want to grab it is that intermediate box. You never see those. It also has the side shelf.

What do you guys think, $375 for the package, would you buy it?

Don't think so, looks like it has seen some pretty hard use and given this...

About a month and he won't budge.

Sounds like the local market agrees that it isn't worth the price.

 

[Marc Benjamin]

I found a top (slightly worse condition, check my sig) and the bottom for around $20 ($30 for the tools inside and $20 for the top and bottom box so package was $50) locally last month.

I think it's a mistake slinging an offer before you even see it. Try not to do that since it's very easy to say no without looking anyone straight in the eye.


Couple of notes with my experience:

1. If that's a 60's KRA whatever (the top one is), Snap-on does not have the sliders anymore so you'll need to somehow repair and/or fabricate those.

The bottom looks almost like mines (KRA377B, 1971) with what might be the optional bottom drawers. The sliders for those (if in fact are the 70's KRA whatever) are still kinda available. There are two sizes, skinny and wide. The wide's work albeit short by 1 inch. The available skinny ones are about 2 inches longer so you need to cut it, drill a hole to rivet in the slide stopper.

Professionally sandblasting and powder coating a set like that is at least $500+

The intermediate box while a little rare is out there. I happened upon one at an estate sale last week but again problems with the damn sliders and expensive for me ($50), so I passed.

The folding shelf, I got for $3 from the same estate sale.

With that, $375 is too expensive. Go see the boxes, bring $250 show it to him, walk if he doesn't want the money right then and there.

**edit/ad on**

Wait, $250 is high, the mid and bottom don't have the emblems. Those alone will cost you $50-$100 if you could even find them and you'll want them since the name's really the reason why you're even considering that to begin with.

If I didn't have a box now and I really want one already, $100-$150 at most would be my offer.

 

[mopar01]

Its in arcola. He wants like 200 for that kennedy in the background.

 

[Marc Benjamin]

Its in arcola. He wants like 200 for that kennedy in the background.

So you've seen the set then?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

That's worth its weight...in weight.
complete utter garbage unless you're completing a set for some odd display or something.

Really? Seems to me if they're in good working order they'll hold tools just as well as a new toolbox with a shiny coat of paint.

It is overpriced IMO, but that's another story.

 

[ArtDeco]

A cardboard box will do the same and still not look as hobo as that beat up nasty box.

"Was that beat up box your dad's? "
"No. I paid too much for it from a stranger."
"Oh. Maybe I'll have some on else work on my car/date my daughter/borrow my stuff."

Having that in your garage would really reflect the quality of work you'll settle for.

Rattle can makes it worse.

How much are you in love with it? If it has a sentimental place - grab it because you may not see the same style/era that complete for a while at that price.

 

[Steinmetz]

I located this box locally for $375. And he is firm on the price. I've been trying to beat him up for about a month and he won't budge.

I haven't looked at it in person, but it appears the bottom two drawers have broke sliders, or something else is wrong as they are just sitting in there.

The one thing that really makes me want to grab it is that intermediate box. You never see those. It also has the side shelf.

What do you guys think, $375 for the package, would you buy it?

The question for today: If it wasn't SO, would you be interested at all? Your answer will help you separate your impulses from your needs.

 

[mopar01]

So you've seen the set then?

On Craigslist. Been on there for like 6 months

 

[mopar01]

Mabey longer.

 

[softailgarage]

OK, well, I'm going to be the A-hole here and say you guys are wrong. I recently sold a close setup like that for almost $1000.00 granted it wasn't as beat up, but it wasn't shiny brand new either. $375.00 for the whole stack isn't a bad price.

 

[Bobioz1]

Is it reversible? Looks like every time you open a drawer your tools will hit the floor.......... Ok.......sorry.

 

[jethro29]

I would buy that all day long for that price.it is a very nice box and worth restoring.

 

[Hiball]

I own multiple tool boxes ranging from HF Cart (s) to vintage Snap on, Stack On, Kennedy ranging from ball bearing to friction. I really question some of the comments in regards to these old boxes and there quality, 1st and foremost there is a reason the average joe cringes when they try to man handle these boxes... Plain and simple they are heavy boxes, I really wonder if some of these comments are bred from brand hatred versus "Real Life Experience". The member who commented about the slides being discontinued is spot on some of the specific models. I have a KRA307 that needed some slide work, contacted Snap on a couple years ago and even though they offered to warrant them, I felt bad having them cover the cost on a box that was older than I was. I inquired about the cost and the cost was minimal so I bought enough to cover the entire box and wiped them out completely for those particular slides. I would have to see the box in person, but $375 doesn't seem stupid crazy for my region, but if its been listed for 6mos, more than likely something serious is wrong.

 

[Alienbaby17]

I've purchased about half-a-dozen or so vintage Snap On tool boxes in the last six months. I check the local CL listings for them on a fairly regular basis.

I don't think those prices are bad- at least not for around here (MN). They seem like pretty typical CL prices. If you think about it by piece; $125 top box, $150 bottom and $100for the middle isn't out-of-line for CL. However, I would typically expect a bit of a discount for buying them all as a package. At $300 I would at least go have a look.

I have used the term, "CL prices" because I have also learned that (in my experience) the best way to buy things like this is still swap meets or estate sales. I would expect swap meet prices to be half of that $375 asking price.

 

[SASORacing]

New H freight would be better, new bearing, new paint, no work needed etc.

 

[Marc Benjamin]

I've purchased about half-a-dozen or so vintage Snap On tool boxes in the last six months. I check the local CL listings for them on a fairly regular basis.

I don't think those prices are bad- at least not for around here (MN). They seem like pretty typical CL prices. If you think about it by piece; $125 top box, $150 bottom and $100for the middle isn't out-of-line for CL. However, I would typically expect a bit of a discount for buying them all as a package. At $300 I would at least go have a look.

I have used the term, "CL prices" because I have also learned that (in my experience) the best way to buy things like this is still swap meets or estate sales. I would expect swap meet prices to be half of that $375 asking price.

You're still at $375 even without the emblems?

 

[Hiball]

With me it's not brand hatred.
It's dragging home a tired old homely box for the sake of dragging it home.
I'd have said the same if it was Harbor Freight.

Contrary to what is popular: old doesn't mean valuable and there is no value in dolling up an old box if you're not selling it [except as a lesson in dolling up an old box] and there is certainly no value in having something as ugly as that op box in your garage.

If it was his dads box I, like everyone else, would say to wipe it down and put a coat of clear satin krylon on it and love it forever.

Sure, it'll hold tools. Not any better than any box that isn't nearly as used up, potentially needs a LOT of slides and straightening, and is a rattle canned mediocre box when you've done your best to it. Except for some bandwagoneering...there isn't a reason to look at that old thing twice unless: you're broke, need a box, and it was $20.

Eh.. Everyone is entitled to there opinion, I've bought the $20 dollar Ace hardware boxes. I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about, 3 drawers up top, 3 at the bottom and the 1 big storage space with the flip down door. Plain and simple they are Junk.. Compared to your older boxes. I'll take function and durability over shiny anyday of the week.. Buts that's me, which is why I have multiple older boxes versus 1 huge 4 bay box <--- which I'll buy when I find one for the right price.

In closing, Different strokes for Different folks.. I'm not scared of friction slides and a little elbow grease.

 

[Hiball]

I've purchased about half-a-dozen or so vintage Snap On tool boxes in the last six months. I check the local CL listings for them on a fairly regular basis.

I don't think those prices are bad- at least not for around here (MN). They seem like pretty typical CL prices. If you think about it by piece; $125 top box, $150 bottom and $100for the middle isn't out-of-line for CL. However, I would typically expect a bit of a discount for buying them all as a package. At $300 I would at least go have a look.

I have used the term, "CL prices" because I have also learned that (in my experience) the best way to buy things like this is still swap meets or estate sales. I would expect swap meet prices to be half of that $375 asking price.

Maybe it's the picture playing tricks on my iPhone, but I think there is 4 boxes.

 

[Hiball]

You're still at $375 even without the emblems?

How many tools can you store in those emblems?

 

[Marc Benjamin]

How many tools can you store in those emblems?

That's the thing, a buyer for something like this isn't really one for the sake of the utility. It's really more of a project/nostalgia piece and at $375 for that condition, missing emblems, bad sliders, heaven forbid the stop points/tabs on the drawer tracks are gone, the value's just doesn't add up.

These boxes are not that hard to find relatively cheap really. You just have to be able to buy it when you're not really looking or in need of one.

Here's an example that I found looking around just now for a vintage Snap-on.



http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/4594119540.html

If I had $700 to blow on that, I'd be camping at that Estate sale starting right now.

 

[Hiball]

That's the thing, a buyer for something like this isn't really one for the sake of the utility. It's really more of a project/nostalgia piece and at $375 for that condition, missing emblems, bad sliders, heaven forbid the stop points/tabs on the drawer tracks are gone, the value's just doesn't add up.

These boxes are not that hard to find relatively cheap really. You just have to be able to buy it when you're not really looking or in need of one.

Here's an example that I found looking around just now for a vintage Snap-on.



http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/4594119540.html

If I had $700 to blow on that, I'd be camping at that Estate sale starting right now.

I can't and won't speak for all areas, but those mid boxes don't come around very often here. As with any purchase, it's going to come down to personal preference /need/availability/$$$. I would make the trip to look at the outfit, not saying it would come home with me, but $375 doesn't scare me too much based off the tiny/upside down picture.. Lol

 

[zkling]

Lets get a couple things straightened out.

The top is a KRA58 from the late 60's. The badge is present (chrome script, upper left). Box is 12" deep x 26" wide. The slides are still avaiable from snap on, you just have to be a little sharper than the average customer service rep over there.

The middle, hard to tell from the pics, is a later, mid 60 to mid 70's KRA429. 14.5" deep, 26" wide. It may not (Don't think it ever did) have a badge on it. Not all of them did.

The bottom is a KRA377, with an optional (complete?) drawer set in the bottom compartment. From the pictures the badge (should be a chrome script) appears to be missing.

Side shelf would make a 4th item, something like KRA412. not sure on that one.

What someone is willing to spend on them is up to them. However stasticially speaking to the masses, in that local market, obviously the price is too high. Which is verified by the fact the the boxes have been listed for a long period of time. Condition appears to be "well used" and the slide channels could be worn thin, which is extremely labor intensive to repair. If someone is looking for a good tool box, well there are better options. If someone is looking for a good used tool box, there are better options. If someone is looking for that exact setup, well how long they want to wait vs what they are willing to pay will determine if it sells or not. None of those boxes are that rare, so patience should pay off.

Just my 2 cents, back up with some solid facts

 

[Marc Benjamin]

Lets get a couple things straightened out.

The top is a KRA58 from the late 60's. The badge is present (chrome script, upper left). Box is 12" deep x 26" wide. The slides are still avaiable from snap on, you just have to be a little sharper than the average customer service rep over there.

The middle, hard to tell from the pics, is a later, mid 60 to mid 70's KRA429. 14.5" deep, 26" wide. It may not (Don't think it ever did) have a badge on it. Not all of them did.

The bottom is a KRA377, with an optional (complete?) drawer set in the bottom compartment. From the pictures the badge (should be a chrome script) appears to be missing.

Side shelf would make a 4th item, something like KRA412. not sure on that one.

What someone is willing to spend on them is up to them. However stasticially speaking to the masses, in that local market, obviously the price is too high. Which is verified by the fact the the boxes have been listed for a long period of time. Condition appears to be "well used" and the slide channels could be worn thin, which is extremely labor intensive to repair. If someone is looking for a good tool box, well there are better options. If someone is looking for a good used tool box, there are better options. If someone is looking for that exact setup, well how long they want to wait vs what they are willing to pay will determine if it sells or not. None of those boxes are that rare, so patience should pay off.

Just my 2 cents, back up with some solid facts

Well with all that in consideration, what's your price on it?

 

[zkling]

Well with all that in consideration, what's your price on it?

I would have to see it in person to really tell. I've been through enough boxes like that to tell when something has been worn, and that one screams of it. Just how far is the question. As is I'd probably top at ~$210. Again, hard to say without better pics or an in person inspection.

OK, well, I'm going to be the A-hole here and say you guys are wrong. I recently sold a close setup like that for almost $1000.00 granted it wasn't as beat up, but it wasn't shiny brand new either. $375.00 for the whole stack isn't a bad price.

Please post some pictures of the aforementioned boxes. I have a feeling we are going to see a night and day difference between the two stacks.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

With me it's not brand hatred.
It's dragging home a tired old homely box for the sake of dragging it home.
I'd have said the same if it was Harbor Freight.

Contrary to what is popular: old doesn't mean valuable and there is no value in dolling up an old box if you're not selling it [except as a lesson in dolling up an old box] and there is certainly no value in having something as ugly as that op box in your garage.

If it was his dads box I, like everyone else, would say to wipe it down and put a coat of clear satin krylon on it and love it forever.

Sure, it'll hold tools. Not any better than any box that isn't nearly as used up, potentially needs a LOT of slides and straightening, and is a rattle canned mediocre box when you've done your best to it. Except for some bandwagoneering...there isn't a reason to look at that old thing twice unless: you're broke, need a box, and it was $20.

Obviously there's a lot of emotion behind your opinion. Perhaps an old toolbox ran off with a girlfriend you had in the past, conned you out of money?

Maybe even ran over your dog?

 

[warmpancakes]

That's the thing, a buyer for something like this isn't really one for the sake of the utility. It's really more of a project/nostalgia piece and at $375 for that condition, missing emblems, bad sliders, heaven forbid the stop points/tabs on the drawer tracks are gone, the value's just doesn't add up.

These boxes are not that hard to find relatively cheap really. You just have to be able to buy it when you're not really looking or in need of one.

Here's an example that I found looking around just now for a vintage Snap-on.



http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/4594119540.html

If I had $700 to blow on that, I'd be camping at that Estate sale starting right now.

That box never made the estate sale it was sold way before, Notice the last line of the add

 

[Hiball]

After punching some the model numbers into EBay and checking sold listings the seller needs to piece them out, of course there may be a reason the pictures are distant/upside down. Lol

 

[bobcatdan]

New H freight would be better, new bearing, new paint, no work needed etc.

Depends on what a guy wants. I personally don't care for the HF drawer arrangement. That said, the posted box does not excite me either due to drawer arrangement. I like the look of older boxes. Beside my main boxes which are new SO's, I have a 50's Kennedy roller, a '63 SO kr300 and my grandpa's '63 craftsman stack. I wouldn't trade any for a new HF.

 

[Alienbaby17]

You're still at $375 even without the emblems?

I never said I was at $375. It just wouldn't surprise me to see this set up listed here in MN at that price. I personally wouldn't look at it for that price as I don't need all those pieces. I also realize that vintage boxes like this priced a lot lower sell very quickly around here. I'm typically buying at swap meets now just because a guy could probably pick that same setup for around $250.

I have a $10.5K Snap On box at work. I have a couple other modern Craftsman boxes here at home. I think this box has to appeal to someone looking for the nostalgia factor otherwise really you could get a lot more used box for the money by shopping around and not buying a SO box. I wouldn't argue that a modern HF box might be actually nicer than this particular box. However I think the seller is looking for someone interested in the novelty and history of the box. That is why despite having much nicer tool boxes at work and home I am still seeking out a vintage box. I think they have character.