Which service cart should I get?

[dreaminbimmers]

I've narrowed it down to three choices...

Snap-on KRSC40A
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=20825&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Not the biggest but I like that I can add on accessory panels to the outside.

Matco MSC12SVC
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2215&select=&page=3

This cart looks awesome and is expandable as well. My only real hang up is that I don't think that it comes in black. (I know...kind of insignificant

Mac MB1300UC
It's not on their website yet but can be seen here or in their latest catalog.
http://www.autocarepronews.com/default.aspx?type=art&id=87719&

It's not expandable but I'm pretty sure it is the biggest/most capacity. I really like the looks of the sliding top

I'm just starting out so this will have to hold all my tools until I can afford a larger roll away.

As always, any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Pedro-snapon]

I've narrowed it down to three choices...

Snap-on KRSC40A
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=20825&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Not the biggest but I like that I can add on accessory panels to the outside.

Matco MSC12SVC
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2215&select=&page=3

This cart looks awesome and is expandable as well. My only real hang up is that I don't think that it comes in black. (I know...kind of insignificant

Mac MB1300UC
It's not on their website yet but can be seen here or in their latest catalog.
http://www.autocarepronews.com/default.aspx?type=art&id=87719&

It's not expandable but I'm pretty sure it is the biggest/most capacity. I really like the looks of the sliding top

I'm just starting out so this will have to hold all my tools until I can afford a larger roll away.

As always, any input is greatly appreciated.

I'm biased to the snapon, but i will tell you that all 3 are nice carts, the snapon is the only one of the 3 that is welded together and not bolted... it is also the one that can hold the most weight and has the most cubes for storage....

 

[Deafautotech]

i like snap on but for 1,400 dollars as service cart..... for me, forget it...

I own the Matco tool heavy duty service cart (four drawers) i paid it for 375 dollars (it was traded in as used) i love it... i would like to add more drawer but pain in the **** to move it around my work... i just put the tools in my cart that what i am using a lot. but while other tools are sitting in my KRL1203 and KRl1003...

Snap on service cart is only 18 deep drawers... my matco tool cart is 21. i almost beat my matco cart a lot like i just keep filling my tools on my cart for all day while i did a lot of repairs.

 

[Crawlin]

Any idea on the pricing of the MAC, It isnt in my 07 and I like it? I have been looking at these too lately.

 

[Pedro-snapon]

i like snap on but for 1,400 dollars as service cart..... for me, forget it...

I own the Matco tool heavy duty service cart (four drawers) i paid it for 375 dollars (it was traded in as used) i love it... i would like to add more drawer but pain in the **** to move it around my work... i just put the tools in my cart that what i am using a lot. but while other tools are sitting in my KRL1203 and KRl1003...

if you are comparing that one with a snapon one, compare it to our krbc10t, or our krsc31, which are at the same weight capacity, and build.

 

[dreaminbimmers]

The Matco heavy duty service cart was on my list but I don't see needing that many deep drawers. I would rather have more square inches of storage space.
I does look really cool in black though.

 

[Deafautotech]

if you are comparing that one with a snapon one, compare it to our krbc10t, or our krsc31, which are at the same weight capacity, and build.

Umm... But i had KRSC31 (used) and i dont happy with it... the drawers got weak and it hold less of my tools than my matco tool cart(now)...

No offense, i just prefer tool cart that fit my need to work around jobs. i did tried KRSC31 but it not met all my need list so i changed it to matco tool car (traded in with my same snap on guy that i got KRSC31(used) for Matco tool cart)

if you are happy with your cart then i am happy...

 

[Deafautotech]

The Matco heavy duty service cart was on my list but I don't see needing that many deep drawers. I would rather have more square inches of storage space.
I does look really cool in black though.

I love mine! i can put a lot of air tools no problems... the reason why i prefer this is because slides are rated for 100 lbs loads and it have little more deep like 3 inch drawers and other 4 deep and other 6 in deep... while snap on offer 2 in deep, 4 in deep, and 5 or 6 inch deep...

 

[Merkava_4]

Here's a 7 drawer cart:

http://www.bobstools.net/Store/SQ-SC3407AQ.html

 

[Fedwrench]

Why do you need a cart? If you're just starting out, I would recommend a used Craftsman 5-8 drawer rollaway. It would give you mobility, decent storage, allow you to spend more on tools that help you make money, and it would be cheaper than the carts. Try to find one with a deep top drawer for upright socket storage.
However, if you really want a cart, I would get the Cornwell CTB-MM700 series cart. It has 7 roller bearing drawers, a large deep till, and pry bar storage. You can add a folding side shelf. It will hold more than enough stuff to do 90% of automotive tasks. They're not cheap at $900. It's similiar to the one one in the Ebay link except it has 7 full width drawers instead of the bulk storage area. I really like mine. it has held up well.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cornwell-Tool-B...ryZ42363QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

For around 1400 dollars, you can get one of the larger Craftsman Professional ball-bearing chests, top and bottom, which will give you much more room than a cart, for about the same investment. I've heard good things about the Craftsman Pro boxes, from local mechanics. I'd look into those before I spent any money on a cart. Just my 2 cents.

 

[fotoflojoe]

I'm with Fedwrench. At those prices, you're better off with a small roll away and maybe a utility cart.

 

[dreaminbimmers]

Why do you need a cart? If you're just starting out, I would recommend a used Craftsman 5-8 drawer rollaway. It would give you mobility, decent storage, allow you to spend more on tools that help you make money, and it would be cheaper than the carts. Try to find one with a deep top drawer for upright socket storage.
However, if you really want a cart, I would get the Cornwell CTB-MM700 series cart. It has 7 roller bearing drawers, a large deep till, and pry bar storage. You can add a folding side shelf. It will hold more than enough stuff to do 90% of automotive tasks. They're not cheap at $900. It's similiar to the one one in the Ebay link except it has 7 full width drawers instead of the bulk storage area. I really like mine. it has held up well.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cornwell-Tool-B...ryZ42363QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'm currently a student so fortunately I get a discount on Snap-on, Mac, Matco, and SK. I do really like the cornwell cart though. I actually saw one one craig's list recently for $500 but was too indecisive at the time.

This is actually a planed career change for me so I've budgeted to spend a little extra on tools now as opposed to when I start working in the field for starting wages.

A roll away is definitely in the future but I want to hold off until I have regular employment. Their not too portable either.

 

[olds88]

Personally, I don't care for Service Carts, but that's probably because everyone I know that has them, just makes a total mess out of them.

IMO, an KRA2007 is a better solution.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=18012&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[Merkava_4]

It seems like these days the line is starting to blur between roll cab and service cart. Going by today's standards, the KRL777 could've been a service cart.

And a lot of these guys think that roll cabs aren't supposed to go anywhere; they're suppose to stay against the wall like a mother ship and a service cart is the shuttle used for transporting tools. I'm thinking you can make any roll cab surprisingly portable with the right set of casters.

 

[Danglerb]

I've got 4 rolling tool things;

Craftsmen rolling box (I don't roll it around) work or tools in use on top.
OTC plastic three tier cart for shop towels and larger tools, tools in cases etc. (I don't roll this around much either, has lots of detail spray etc too).
HF rolling seat with tray on the bottom, tools in use.
HF 24x36x32 utility cart, work in progress, currently has a short block on top tray and all the misc parts on the bottom tray.

Shop practice is that each car gets a utility cart assigned with customer name on a piece of tape and all parts that come off that car go on the cart. Extra carts are also used for assembly etc.

Some guys use a service cart for tools, but I don't see any advantage unless your main box is out of room. Using the utility carts helps enforce a put away your tools discipline, where the service carts tend to get cluttered with a mix of tools from various jobs and you end up digging in two places to find 22mm wrench etc.

 

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

1400 bucks for that Snap On service cart? Anyone who spends that has more money then brains.

 

[eschoendorff]

1400 bucks for that Snap On service cart? Anyone who spends that has more money then brains.

Yep... or they have a line of credit that will bite them in the ***....

 

[Deafautotech]

Yep... or they have a line of credit that will bite them in the ***....

Not me...

 

[daveblank]

The Matco heavy duty service cart was on my list but I don't see needing that many deep drawers. I would rather have more square inches of storage space.
I does look really cool in black though.

I don't see it on the site, but, on the MSC12C cart the add on drawers can be configured how you want them. Pics are in the catalog.

 

[nissan_crawler]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...Garage+&+Tool+Storage&sName=Chests+&+Cabinets

Hmm....4 huge drawers to pile tools in with no organization...or 14 drawers, gee, tough call.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have a $40 service kart that works great for me. Bolt and intermediate drawer section to it and i've even better. $1,400 for a service kart is crazy talk.

 

[Fedwrench]

A roll away is definitely in the future but I want to hold off until I have regular employment. Their not too portable either.

I wasn't talking about the huge rollaways. I was thinking about the standard 26.5 inch wide bottom Craftsman units. At least one of your top 3 carts is 40 inches wide, that may not be too portable.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I had a pair of boxes like these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Blue...m14QQhashZitem160285027432QQitemZ160285027432

I bought both of them off of e-bay for $250 each and sold them on E-Bay for $300 each. I kept my metric tools in one and my SAE tools in the other. They are bigger in person than they look in pictures. They are heavy and I thought well made...

 

[vc-onthepc]

wow for 1400.00 you can get a decent used toolbox from snap on on ebay .... and you can push it wherever you need it they have wheels ya know ...

 

[Danglerb]

If you really want a service cart, watch craigslist a bit they show up $200 to $300 all the time in the truck brands, way cheaper for others.

 

[zuspiel]

I'm by no means an expert but looking at the three carts, I have a comment.

I have a cart where the top slides open, like on the Matco and MAC (but mine is from Northern Tool
I REALLY like that design because you can get to everything and still have a place to set stuff down on.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Crasen]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...Garage+&+Tool+Storage&sName=Chests+&+Cabinets

Hmm....4 huge drawers to pile tools in with no organization...or 14 drawers, gee, tough call.

The answer seems obvious to me but i think the add may be a little misleading. I think that is for a Craftsman ball bearing griplatch and not A Craftsman Pro toolbox. Still much more usefull than a small tool cart.

 

[PeteW]

I had a pair of boxes like these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Blue...m14QQhashZitem160285027432QQitemZ160285027432

I bought both of them off of e-bay for $250 each and sold them on E-Bay for $300 each. I kept my metric tools in one and my SAE tools in the other. They are bigger in person than they look in pictures. They are heavy and I thought well made...

I have one of these that I bought off of craigslist for $150 or $200 and it really works well for getting the essential tools to the car if the main toolchest is too far away. I like the open bottom more than a service cart with a full set of drawers because it gives me more room for bigger air tools or a place to set tools when I am working off of a creeper.

Look at the used market, there are usuallk some great deals to be found.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I've got 4 rolling tool things;

Craftsmen rolling box (I don't roll it around) work or tools in use on top.
OTC plastic three tier cart for shop towels and larger tools, tools in cases etc. (I don't roll this around much either, has lots of detail spray etc too).
HF rolling seat with tray on the bottom, tools in use.
HF 24x36x32 utility cart, work in progress, currently has a short block on top tray and all the misc parts on the bottom tray.

Shop practice is that each car gets a utility cart assigned with customer name on a piece of tape and all parts that come off that car go on the cart. Extra carts are also used for assembly etc.

Some guys use a service cart for tools, but I don't see any advantage unless your main box is out of room. Using the utility carts helps enforce a put away your tools discipline, where the service carts tend to get cluttered with a mix of tools from various jobs and you end up digging in two places to find 22mm wrench etc.

they really dictate how you work

 

[dreaminbimmers]

It seems like these days the line is starting to blur between roll cab and service cart. Going by today's standards, the KRL777 could've been a service cart.

And a lot of these guys think that roll cabs aren't supposed to go anywhere; they're suppose to stay against the wall like a mother ship and a service cart is the shuttle used for transporting tools. I'm thinking you can make any roll cab surprisingly portable with the right set of casters.

Ahh, so many options (and so much advice)...

I have more of the mother ship mentality and day dream about having a monster box filled with every tool imaginable. I'm a true tool junky at heart. After being in the construction business for over 10 years both my garage and basement are bursting at the seams.

I appreciate everybody's input. I'm still leaning toward one of the larger service carts and will work on getting a "monster" box as my storage needs dictate.

I'll be sure to post some pics of whatever I end up with and all of it's contents.

 

[Danglerb]

they really dictate how you work

Its less organized than managed chaos, without the cart discipline it would be too easy to get parts mixed up between cars. It was pretty common to have half a dozen of exactly the same model car with a similar looking cart full of intake etc parts that need to come off for many different jobs being cooperatively worked on by four different mechanics.

 

[wilbilt]

I rolled my KR655 between bays on an hourly basis. No need for a "service cart" as the roll cab, by definition, is portable.

You young guys are getting soft.

 

[Merkava_4]

I rolled my KR655 between bays on an hourly basis.

That's a nice box.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

That's a nice box.

Here's one of those on Craigslist right now for $600


http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/tls/821140907.html

 

[Deafautotech]

You young guys are getting soft.

Huh????

 

[Merkava_4]

For less than $1400.00 , I'd much rather have a Kennedy #3900MP.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I rolled my KR655 between bays on an hourly basis. No need for a "service cart" as the roll cab, by definition, is portable.

You young guys are getting soft.

Hear, hear! (Although I'm one of the young guys.) Our shop is 1/4 mile long, and my toolbox has made the trip many times.

Here's my "service cart":

It's "full service".

 

[nissan_crawler]

For less than $1400.00 , I'd much rather have a Kennedy #3900MP.

No kidding.

 

[paramudduck]

That Kennedy is nice. I really like that color.

Nissan that box of yours makes my back hurt every time you show it.

You know wilbilt's KR655 is what I always picture when you guys are talking about service carts. Guess I'm just too used to bigger tools and needing more room.