what are the options for loaded tool boxes for automotive work
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homebuilt burner
Well-known member
Find an old guy that wants to retire. You can buy everything in one shot for 50%.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
LIke, write a check and the box comes filled? Proto and snap-on both offer something like that, a starter set.
www.protoindustrial.com
That's 20k on zoro.
shop.snapon.com
Snappy for 17k
IMO that's not the best way financially, but it's an option.
Home Industrial Tools Official Site | PROTO
Proto Industrial Tools - Safety Obsessed
That's 20k on zoro.
Snap-on Store
Snappy for 17k
IMO that's not the best way financially, but it's an option.
txvwnut
Well-known member
Snapon, Teng, I think Tekton has a loaded box, Gearwrench and I’m sure there’s others.
jsaw
Well-known member
Just my opinion , but most of those sets come with lots of tools that you do not need, and will not use. I would much rather build a set to my own needs and liking.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Proto
www.protoindustrial.com
Sonic Tools and Teng Tools offer sets in neat form fitting foam or plastic modules.
Every tool truck brand aside from Matco offers large sets with storage.
Gearwrench recently expanded their larger master mechanics sets with a new line of tool boxes.
Google votech tool sets or master mechanic tool set for more ideas.
Although cruising ebay or other marketplaces for a retiring tech's collection might be the best method
Home Industrial Tools Official Site | PROTO
Proto Industrial Tools - Safety Obsessed
Sonic Tools and Teng Tools offer sets in neat form fitting foam or plastic modules.
Every tool truck brand aside from Matco offers large sets with storage.
Gearwrench recently expanded their larger master mechanics sets with a new line of tool boxes.
Google votech tool sets or master mechanic tool set for more ideas.
Although cruising ebay or other marketplaces for a retiring tech's collection might be the best method
californiaHank
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It would be fun to start from scratch with a big budget. But I'd be buying my favorite tools from 10 different good quality brands. There's no way any one maker would get my full bankroll.
Xcursion88
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Do you have any experience with tools from the different brands?
If not...you need to play with some because you'll wind up buying **** twice or thrice.
The only way to know is time in hand.
Example...
I love SO ratchets. I hate SO chrome sockets. They're a ***** to remove from the ratchets as they're too smooth. I use SK sockets on a SO ratchet because SK has nice undercuts that you can grip to pull off.
Ratcheting wrenches I prefer SK x-frames.
Swivel sockets snap on.
Mac line wrenches. Great angle/length/thickness
Lastly...do you have a good truck rep? Stuff does break at times and having a reliable warranty service is important (truck)
Only your experience will know what YOU like.
Good luck
If not...you need to play with some because you'll wind up buying **** twice or thrice.
The only way to know is time in hand.
Example...
I love SO ratchets. I hate SO chrome sockets. They're a ***** to remove from the ratchets as they're too smooth. I use SK sockets on a SO ratchet because SK has nice undercuts that you can grip to pull off.
Ratcheting wrenches I prefer SK x-frames.
Swivel sockets snap on.
Mac line wrenches. Great angle/length/thickness
Lastly...do you have a good truck rep? Stuff does break at times and having a reliable warranty service is important (truck)
Only your experience will know what YOU like.
Good luck
Mikeske
Well-known member
I am the same way as I have personal preferences on my sockets and ratchets, wrenches and pliers. Loaded boxes are all one brand for everything and I did start with a loaded box in 1983 of Bonney basic hand tools and as I went along I started the replacement process. I did not care for the Bonney ratchets except the the 3/8" flex head and got a set of Snap-on ratchets from various pawn shops and flea markets. I loved the Bonney sockets and particular liked the long reach wrenches but the short wrenches were just a hair to short for most of my work and I replaced my shorts with Mac wrenches. Tubing/flare wrenches I loved the Bonney's and expanded the selections in these.
Every mechanic has their own preference for what works for them and mixing and matching tools is what we all have done to work best for us. Recent years I have used Harbor Freight a lot and the reason is I buy a needed tool for cheap. Try it out and if it works for me use it until it breaks and then replace the cheap tool with something better. The funny thing is since I retired 4 years ago I really don't need anything better then a cheap Harbor Freight tool as the tools are outlasting my best laid plans to improve them as now I am a retired warrior mechanic and not someone who needs to use the tools everyday.
Finance Guy
Well-known member
This is interesting … I would be curious if others have similar opinions about Snap-On and SK sockets.
I feel the same about the sockets, but as I have never had to make a living with my tools I purchased SK years ago and have come to accept that the ratchets are ok for my use also. I do have a couple of older SO and Craftsman ratchets that were accumulated for special needs, but the removal of SK sockets from the ratchet are what sold me on SK years ago.
oldwino
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Same here. SO chrome sockets can be a ***** to remove until really broken in. That’s why SO makes the cute $10 pocket screwdriver
Little bit more information on the intended use for these tools.
We are a manufacturing company, many of our tools are industrial, purchased by the bean counters and engineers through corporate MRO and procurement.
I have automotive background, actually went to school for it but I've been a fabricator and welder for 8 years, I took a new position for the fleet maintenance within the company earlier this year.
Most of the vehicles are Freightliner straight body trucks, Cummins 9L and 6.7L engines with Allison 6spd auto, some GM3500 6.0L V8 dullies and a Gator(my yard buggy). Nothing gets over 10k miles a year.
I'm the only mechanic, most of the work we sent out or have mobile mechanic coming on site.
The company just lease a brand new warehouse for us off site. I was asked present a tool list for the new shop they are gonna build, no idea what the number would be, it will be tied to the building budget, I feel they wouldn't blink for $20-30k spending on handtools. I don't really care about other equipment like lathe, mill, welders, shear, ironworker, brake, etc.
I would like to do some basic maintenance and some custom fabrication because a lot of times I can get them done a lot quick than the union guys with a lot less paperwork.
We are a manufacturing company, many of our tools are industrial, purchased by the bean counters and engineers through corporate MRO and procurement.
I have automotive background, actually went to school for it but I've been a fabricator and welder for 8 years, I took a new position for the fleet maintenance within the company earlier this year.
Most of the vehicles are Freightliner straight body trucks, Cummins 9L and 6.7L engines with Allison 6spd auto, some GM3500 6.0L V8 dullies and a Gator(my yard buggy). Nothing gets over 10k miles a year.
I'm the only mechanic, most of the work we sent out or have mobile mechanic coming on site.
The company just lease a brand new warehouse for us off site. I was asked present a tool list for the new shop they are gonna build, no idea what the number would be, it will be tied to the building budget, I feel they wouldn't blink for $20-30k spending on handtools. I don't really care about other equipment like lathe, mill, welders, shear, ironworker, brake, etc.
I would like to do some basic maintenance and some custom fabrication because a lot of times I can get them done a lot quick than the union guys with a lot less paperwork.
Finance Guy
Well-known member
Why … you already have them?
These will be spec'd out by the engineers when they design the shop floor plans. There will be 2 shops built next to each other in the building, engineering shop and maintenance shop.
I saw one of these Stor-Loc boxes at a different shop, 7 and half feet long by 30" deep, model MM11.
It was locked so I had no idea what's in it or how much.
https://www.storloc.com/mm-series.html
It was locked so I had no idea what's in it or how much.
https://www.storloc.com/mm-series.html
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
If they won’t blink then Williams or Snap On big set with a box.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
TOPTUL does as well. I ordered two of them for a friend and his son-in-law. The foam inserts are modular and can be arranged the way you want them. I got them in TOPTUL green but they make them in a variety of colors.
nadogail
Well-known member
When I was still in grade school, I saw an advertisement for a tool kit with a large number of tools and a box to store them for what seemed to be an impossible price. He told me that many times those kits are loaded with Allen wrenches and small drill bits that you may never need to increase the number of tools in the kit and still keep the advertisement legal.He said to see what I am getting before I buy it.
His advice more than 70 ago is still relevant.
His advice more than 70 ago is still relevant.
AirMech#406
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Their sockets are a pain but I absolutely LOATH the SO 1/4 - 3/8 adapter. The springs they put behind the ball on that stupid thing are just way to darn strong. Every time I would use that adapter I would have to pull it out of the socket with a pair of pliers.
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2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Build boxes based on needs. Buying a generic tool box is pointless IMO. You'll get extras the guys don't need and be missing things they do. Build a basic kit, order as required for other tooling, refine the list.
Xcursion88
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Show of hands getting knicked by something trying to remove a greasy 3/8 dr SO socket. 
sweet victory
Well-known member
We have some storloc at our plant. Their widest drawers absolutely ****; they sag under their own weight and when you add anything to the drawer, the drawer rubs/scrapes the drawer below. Really annoying that we have these boxes in a fod controlled area when they leave new paint shavings on top of our inspection tools every time you open and close it. We will be replacing all of our storloc with Lista.
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Snap-On ergonomics can be a bit lacking, sockets a huge area that could of been improved, even taiwan brands picked out good design concepts from german japan brands like stahlwille and koken, MAC has done some nice socketry that I prefer over Snap-On as a daily user .
seber
Well-known member
I've never tried Snap-on sockets as I have always liked SK. On the other hand, I love Snap-on ratchets and detest SK.
trackwelder
Well-known member
I’m extremely happy with all my Snap On sockets. I hate when sockets are loose and fall off.
Snapped-off
Well-known member
I'd look into pricing out your own sets if you have time, rather than buying a pre-made kit. You can probably come in cheaper and better quality overall. You wouldn't end up with a bunch of excess tools either.
six-point socket II
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So basically what you really need is a quotation that you can submit to management for approval & procurement.
I know that my Mr.Snappy, at the chance of a 20 - 30k cash/ company check sale would gladly write down such quotation for a customized set of tools and a toolbox matching the amount of tools/ storage space required.
Especially when the customer knows what he needs and points in the right direction.
Call Snap-On (or any other source for that matter) & ask for a catalog, write down everything you want/need and hand it to your Mr.Snappy (or any other truck brand sales assistant).
And as I'm sure these exist in the US as well, we have quite a few big players in the field of industrial supply, who will send you a catalog (sometimes 2 or 3) as thick as two major city phonebooks (each), loaded with tools, storage, (...). And will also easily provide any needed professional quotation within hrs.
Especially if it is you who will be working with these tools, I made sure I get any and everything I need and, at best, nothing that I don't need - this will result in a great toolbox and even more tools as you certainly will see a nice discount with a 20 - 30k cash/ company check purchase.
I'd say just buying a loaded toolbox, at such amounts, is at least partly a waste if not customized/ filled to your specification.
Kind regards,
Oliver
I know that my Mr.Snappy, at the chance of a 20 - 30k cash/ company check sale would gladly write down such quotation for a customized set of tools and a toolbox matching the amount of tools/ storage space required.
Especially when the customer knows what he needs and points in the right direction.
Call Snap-On (or any other source for that matter) & ask for a catalog, write down everything you want/need and hand it to your Mr.Snappy (or any other truck brand sales assistant).
And as I'm sure these exist in the US as well, we have quite a few big players in the field of industrial supply, who will send you a catalog (sometimes 2 or 3) as thick as two major city phonebooks (each), loaded with tools, storage, (...). And will also easily provide any needed professional quotation within hrs.
Especially if it is you who will be working with these tools, I made sure I get any and everything I need and, at best, nothing that I don't need - this will result in a great toolbox and even more tools as you certainly will see a nice discount with a 20 - 30k cash/ company check purchase.
I'd say just buying a loaded toolbox, at such amounts, is at least partly a waste if not customized/ filled to your specification.
Kind regards,
Oliver
It has more to do with the tax codes and corporate finance which are way above my pay grade.
The loaded tool set will be counted for capital spending as part of facility construction. I can purchase individual tools as I needed now and then, and that will be counted towards our departmental overhead.
I can't buy directly from Snap On, because it's not a registered vendor with the company, and we pay vendors(Fastenal, McMaster Carr, Grainger, etc.) Net90. I need to submit some sort of a tool package proposal this week.. I think the building contractor will buy it, add their mark up and bill it into the general contract. They will not spend days or even hours to pick out what tools I needed and order them separately.
Honestly, all I care about right now is to give them couple options of big sets, they can pick whichever they want, and I'll be done.
Funny thing about corporate finance, few years ago my old Syncrowave Tig broke down. I priced out a complete Lincoln 350 with Tig runners and cooler, $6500 out of the door. The higherups rejected it, instead spent $10000 for a Dynasty 400, because they wanted to use up the budget.
The loaded tool set will be counted for capital spending as part of facility construction. I can purchase individual tools as I needed now and then, and that will be counted towards our departmental overhead.
I can't buy directly from Snap On, because it's not a registered vendor with the company, and we pay vendors(Fastenal, McMaster Carr, Grainger, etc.) Net90. I need to submit some sort of a tool package proposal this week.. I think the building contractor will buy it, add their mark up and bill it into the general contract. They will not spend days or even hours to pick out what tools I needed and order them separately.
Honestly, all I care about right now is to give them couple options of big sets, they can pick whichever they want, and I'll be done.
Funny thing about corporate finance, few years ago my old Syncrowave Tig broke down. I priced out a complete Lincoln 350 with Tig runners and cooler, $6500 out of the door. The higherups rejected it, instead spent $10000 for a Dynasty 400, because they wanted to use up the budget.
six-point socket II
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So more along the lines of these?
Kind regards,
Oliver
Kind regards,
Oliver
Wrench97
Well-known member
Only a fool would pay that price from Grainger.............................
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Depends upon how big of a company you are. When I worked for Westinghouse at the R&D Center in my native Pittsburgh all of the hand tools were Snap-On and they got whatever I wanted from Snap-On and at rock bottom prices. Of course when you spend $1M a year on tools, which I'm sure Westinghouse did worldwide, you deal directly with Snap-On Corporate and not some dude on a tool truck. I would imagine that companies such as Boeing would have a similar blanket sales agreement with Snap-On.
Mikeske
Well-known member
Yep Boeing has a bulk buy agreement with Snap-on. I know as I spent almost 30 years there before I retired 4 years ago
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
In your situation, I would get in touch with a Proto or Williams rep. Both companies cater to industrial customers, and will be happy to work with you, I'd bet.
Snap-On tools would likely get stolen too often.
Snap-On tools would likely get stolen too often.
Ton ton
Well-known member
I would try one of the industrial brands. I have no clue which one will suit your needs though.
designer485
Well-known member
Williams WSC-680TB - $13k and seems like it fits the need. Toolbox and roll cart included.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GRGFIGW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GRGFIGW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Talked to someone at procurement today, I was told to find something I like from Fastenal.
WTF? I hate that place with a passion. But I think there's some sort of agreement between the two companies, which makes us to prioritize Fastenal for certain types supplies, including tools, safety equipment, etc.
I may pitch them to get a large tool set and I go buy a tool box later. There's a meeting with the shop/warehouse design team later this week, I'll find out how much floor space I'll have.
I personally prefer Lista and Vidmar, I've got 5 different ones in my garage.
I can always add individual tool items as needed.
My initial thought was a loaded box with shadowed drawers would be easier to track what's missing, I don't wrench every day, or week.
Now I want a big box first then the tools.
WTF? I hate that place with a passion. But I think there's some sort of agreement between the two companies, which makes us to prioritize Fastenal for certain types supplies, including tools, safety equipment, etc.
I may pitch them to get a large tool set and I go buy a tool box later. There's a meeting with the shop/warehouse design team later this week, I'll find out how much floor space I'll have.
I personally prefer Lista and Vidmar, I've got 5 different ones in my garage.
I can always add individual tool items as needed.
My initial thought was a loaded box with shadowed drawers would be easier to track what's missing, I don't wrench every day, or week.
Now I want a big box first then the tools.