Why are Snap-On toolboxes so expensive?

[Silver Lexus]

It is hard to separate tools from toolboxes as the SO thing works as a whole package.

Non auto shop employees have a hard time getting SO service if they are not in industry. My two cents is they would have a harder time with industrial cabinets. Don't think the focus is on single cabinet orders, they want to outfit a company floor.
Think they would have a harder time with warranty issues.

Kind of an apples and Orange comparison question occasionally found together in a salad but it not a common occurrence.

Support and service has changed I often get questions in HD from customers because I look like I know what to do, my response is I am not wearing orange. If they persist I remind them I take cash or CC. A base line question do you have any left handed screws? The highest response is no such thing from store employees. No one at this point in time wants to work in a hardware store and be become a specialist and work in retail, it is just a job till I get a better job.
HD has in the past hired plumbers to work in that dept but they don't last long commercial guys scoop them up.

My Rousseau distributor (Trammell Equipment Company) did a single roller cab for me and has done the same for others. A lot of my friends in the detailing business use Rousseau and some use Snap-On as well.

I have reached out to Snap-On as I am interested in buying some hand tools but I have not been contacted. I did order a catalog and received an email 8 weeks ago but still no catalog. My hope was to find my local truck and just meet at a shop so it is convenient for them. I guess I need to call the company.

 

[Silver Lexus]

It’s but a phone call or email away. Super easy and occasionally they do want the original tool back they will send a prepaid sticker to do so.

1-877-762-7664 or e-mail [email protected]

Probably time for me to reach out.

 

[granturismo850]

I have been a professional automotive technician for 44 years. 37 years ago I bought a used Snap-On bottom box and I still use it everyday.
For the past 20 years there has been multiple S-O dealers in my area, and they never last more than 6 months. When a new dealer shows up in my area, it takes multiple calls to get them to stop by. If they show up, you can't get anything from them without filling in a credit application. When I questioned a dealer about this, his response was that he made more money stopping at big shops with new employees he could sign up on a finance plan. Also he said it was not worth his time to warranty broken tools. I tried to order tools online from Snap-On and it was a disaster. I ordered drill bits of a specific size, about a dozen in 4 different sizes. They shipped me 10 drill bits of one size (way too small) and when I called them, they said the invoice shows the correct bits and that was that. The best place for me to buy Snap-On tools is e-bay. The Snap-On dealer model is really outdated. This shows in how many dealers don't survive.

 

[RichieP_MechE]

The new listas have a different design of drawer slide and they roll quite smoothly as well.

Lista drawer slides changed from the welded carriage to separate slides some time around the late 2000's I think (2008 maybe?)
From the research I've done, I'm fairly certain they are a variant of the Fulterer FR 7180 which are listed at a 200 kg (440 lb) capacity. I prefer this style over the older versions.

 

[Silver Lexus]

Lista drawer slides changed from the welded carriage to separate slides some time around the late 2000's I think (2008 maybe?)
From the research I've done, I'm fairly certain they are a variant of the Fulterer FR 7180 which are listed at a 200 kg (440 lb) capacity. I prefer this style over the older versions.

Why do you prefer these slides? I ask because slides often have a side to side wobble while a carriage holds the drawer straighter in my experience.

 

[rpcraft]

I don’t question Snap-On quality or durability but just the quality versus price.

I've been on the hunt for one of those Taco boxes to mount my mill on for the fact that they are so sturdy and have great storage, lol.

 

[RichieP_MechE]

Why do you prefer these slides? I ask because slides often have a side to side wobble while a carriage holds the drawer straighter in my experience.

My main preference for the "new" Lista slides is that they are pretty much maintenance free. The low friction plastic wheels should never need lubrication for the life of the slide. What the actual life of the slide is remains to be seen, but some we have at work that are at least 15 years old and still working great.

The individual slides also make the cabinets more modular. The older style welded carriages can only be used with drawers of equal width (unless you cut them apart, modify, and re-weld them), while the individual slides can be swapped between any width drawer easily.

The older Lista carriages are also difficult to repair, the bearings are riveted in place and due to clearances in the drawer you can't just drill them out and replace with a bolt. And it's hard to find replacement carriages since they aren't manufactured for Listas anymore (granted, this would not be a problem if Lista stuck with that design instead of changing it).

The individual slides also constrain side-side motion better at full extension than the carriages (at least on Lista, I can't speak for other brands since I haven't used them). New Lista drawers have a c-shaped profile that rides on the rollers, while the old style just has a flat face that rests on the bearing, so it doesn't really support side loads. Granted, the drawer pulls out pretty straight on both the older and newer gen cabinets that I own (and they feel much better than ball bearing slides, IMO)

Another brand of modular cabinets not mentioned yet is Champion Tool Storage, they also appear to be using the Fulterer slides: https://championbuilt.com/pages/modular-drawer-cabinets-landing-page

 

[minytrker]

I also had all snap on tools in the air force as a flying crew chief on c-17.s. When they stated getting ridding of the C141's they were told crush and destroy all toolboxes and equipment that was not going to another base and turn in for scrap. Brand new boxes getting smashed with forklift;s.

 

[Ilikeike]

I also had all snap on tools in the air force as a flying crew chief on c-17.s. When they stated getting ridding of the C141's they were told crush and destroy all toolboxes and equipment that was not going to another base and turn in for scrap. Brand new boxes getting smashed with forklift;s.

I got some nice tools when they retired the RF F-4C along with the specific to the aircraft tool kits...

 

[Silver Lexus]

My main preference for the "new" Lista slides is that they are pretty much maintenance free. The low friction plastic wheels should never need lubrication for the life of the slide. What the actual life of the slide is remains to be seen, but some we have at work that are at least 15 years old and still working great.

The individual slides also make the cabinets more modular. The older style welded carriages can only be used with drawers of equal width (unless you cut them apart, modify, and re-weld them), while the individual slides can be swapped between any width drawer easily.

The older Lista carriages are also difficult to repair, the bearings are riveted in place and due to clearances in the drawer you can't just drill them out and replace with a bolt. And it's hard to find replacement carriages since they aren't manufactured for Listas anymore (granted, this would not be a problem if Lista stuck with that design instead of changing it).

The individual slides also constrain side-side motion better at full extension than the carriages (at least on Lista, I can't speak for other brands since I haven't used them). New Lista drawers have a c-shaped profile that rides on the rollers, while the old style just has a flat face that rests on the bearing, so it doesn't really support side loads. Granted, the drawer pulls out pretty straight on both the older and newer gen cabinets that I own (and they feel much better than ball bearing slides, IMO)

Another brand of modular cabinets not mentioned yet is Champion Tool Storage, they also appear to be using the Fulterer slides: https://championbuilt.com/pages/modular-drawer-cabinets-landing-page

Great answer. It seems also to support Rousseau’s superiority. By the way, on my new R cabinet there is zero side to side wiggle.

One does wonder why Snap-On doesn’t use Fulterer slides? Seems they have the margin and pricing strength to cover the extra cost. It’s not American made but don’t their customers want the best?

 

[whateg01]

One does wonder why Snap-On doesn’t use Fulterer slides? Seems they have the margin and pricing strength to cover the extra cost. It’s not American made but don’t their customers want the best?

It's pretty amazing how far manufacturers go to save a penny, regardless of whether they have the margins to absorb it.

 

[Silver Lexus]

It's pretty amazing how far manufacturers go to save a penny, regardless of whether they have the margins to absorb it.

True.

 

[metalmagpie]

The reason Snap-On boxes are so expensive is that people keep buying them. It's called supply and demand.

 

[whateg01]

The reason Snap-On boxes are so expensive is that people keep buying them. It's called supply and demand.

No. Supply and demand implies that there aren't enough to go around so people pay more to get one of the few available.

 

[Cruzan80]

You are both "kind of" right, depending on who is defining demand.

Econ 101 says that there is a supply curve that looks like this: / , with number of units on the vertical and price on the bottom. Snap On wants to sell very low numbers of units at a low price, and lots of units at a high price

The demand curve looks like this: \ , with the same vertical/horizontal. Buyers would buy tons at a low price, and almost none at a super high price (relatively speaking).

Where they intersect is the point where supply "meets" demand. Possibly at multiple points, as they are curves vs straight angled lines. Snap On will try for the point where the most units sold (at a price they buyer is willing to spend) generates the most profit.

So the fact people keep buying them when expensive is moving the curve outward. "Relative demand" or "artificial scarcity" is when not enough are produced to meet the point of the curve, and forces people into higher pricing. There is "demand" that exceeds supply, but not "supply and demand" curves.

 

[LWB]

There's also Heritage involved. I like to buy things with a name that have been around for a long, long time. Some things, not all. It usually speaks to quality.

 

[Silver Lexus]

There's also Heritage involved. I like to buy things with a name that have been around for a long, long time. Some things, not all. It usually speaks to quality.

Rousseau is celebrating their 75th anniversary.

 

[pi_guy]

Rousseau is celebrating their 75th anniversary.

And you have no relationship with them.

 

[mngundog]

The reason Snap-On boxes are so expensive is that people keep buying them. It's called supply and demand.

And this had a lot to do with P. T. Barnum running their sales team back in the day, a true genius of his time.

 

[LWB]

Rousseau is celebrating their 75th anniversary.

I have a Rousseau MultiTek cart.

Rousseau Multitek Carts

Anyone have one? Tekton carried them for a while but I don't see them on their website now. Looking for opinions/reviews. https://www.rousseau.com/int_en/products/specialized-solutions/multitek-cart.html I'm looking at this one. It's a smaller size with some height and a flip top lid. It...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Silver Lexus]

And you have no relationship with them.

None whatsoever. Just a fan of their products. I'm a professional detailer and discovered the brand a few years ago on Pan The Organizer's channel. Pan discovered them from his friend Matt Moreman. A neighbor down the street is is part of the Trammell family who does a lot of shop outfitting.

Trammell Equipment Company - Master Your Space

Expert Supplier and Systems Integrator of New and Used Pallet Racking, Shelving, Mezzanines and Much More Material Handling Equipment. Get a Quick Quote Today.

www.trammellequipment.com

 

[Silver Lexus]

I have a Rousseau MultiTek cart.

Rousseau Multitek Carts

Anyone have one? Tekton carried them for a while but I don't see them on their website now. Looking for opinions/reviews. https://www.rousseau.com/int_en/products/specialized-solutions/multitek-cart.html I'm looking at this one. It's a smaller size with some height and a flip top lid. It...

www.garagejournal.com

I just read your thread. Really nice cart. Love how you used magnetic rails for tool storage.

 

[kngelv]

The OP does seem to be very pro Rousseau- almost as if he sells them? Mentioning "clients" in his original post does point to this. The title of the thread is sort of misleading based on the content. I have a Tekton made by Rousseau and it's a nice box but I have not had it long enough to testify to it's long term reliability. I've had my KRL for 13 years so I can testify to that. Since I've worked in an industrial setting for 30+ years I'm well versed in Lista and Vidmar, and the Rousseau is basically the same so I expect it to last a long time. Literally no one pays the Snap-On list prices anyway. Yes they are expensive but they are damn good boxes so this thread is sort of pointless which is why I will not comment anymore.

James

 

[Silver Lexus]

The OP does seem to be very pro Rousseau- almost as if he sells them? Mentioning "clients" in his original post does point to this. The title of the thread is sort of misleading based on the content. I have a Tekton made by Rousseau and it's a nice box but I have not had it long enough to testify to it's long term reliability. I've had my KRL for 13 years so I can testify to that. Since I've worked in an industrial setting for 30+ years I'm well versed in Lista and Vidmar, and the Rousseau is basically the same so I expect it to last a long time. Literally no one pays the Snap-On list prices anyway. Yes they are expensive but they are damn good boxes so this thread is sort of pointless which is why I will not comment anymore.

James

I am a fan but as someone looking for a well built toolbox it is hard for me to grasp the extra cost of Snap-On over other boxes. Even with a frequently applied discount, it seems egregious. That said, I greatly admire SO tools and the brand heritage is fascinating. Indeed it seems one can argue they invented a lot of the modern hand tools.

 

[Silver Lexus]

The OP does seem to be very pro Rousseau- almost as if he sells them? Mentioning "clients" in his original post does point to this. The title of the thread is sort of misleading based on the content. I have a Tekton made by Rousseau and it's a nice box but I have not had it long enough to testify to it's long term reliability. I've had my KRL for 13 years so I can testify to that. Since I've worked in an industrial setting for 30+ years I'm well versed in Lista and Vidmar, and the Rousseau is basically the same so I expect it to last a long time. Literally no one pays the Snap-On list prices anyway. Yes they are expensive but they are damn good boxes so this thread is sort of pointless which is why I will not comment anymore.

James

Clients means my detailing clients. I do paint correction and ceramic coatings on higher end sports cars and luxury sedans. I want a nice garage for clients and myself.

 

[partsguy5768]

I have several different boxes and my snap on is the best. Shop around used and take your time and you can buy a nice used box for a decent price...bought this box at auction nearly new probably 15 years ago at a great price. Love this box..

 

[GX460DIYguy]

Their boxes are real nice and I love snap on, but I just can’t see spending car money on a tool box. I’m not a tech so I’ll never truly need one. I’ve got an old snap on top chest and a blue point roll cart that I’ve got very little money into and they work well enough for what I’ve got. I do need a bigger setup for out at my dad’s place, but it’ll have to wait until I find a good deal on something big enough. The one good thing about their boxes is that 30 years from now there’s a good chance you’ll still be able to call them and get parts for the box. My top chest is from the 80s and they’ve sent me parts for it free of charge.

 

[pi_guy]

Clients means my detailing clients. I do paint correction and ceramic coatings on higher end sports cars and luxury sedans. I want a nice garage for clients and myself.

Can your Rousseau do this

 

[whateg01]

Can your Rousseau do this

My usg has a drawer full of sockets.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Can your Rousseau do this

I don't own but one old S-O top box that I store milling cutters in. But I'm not one to beat on the brand.
Have been hanging out on online forums since the NNTP days and very few brands have the the Fierce loyalty from professionals that Snap-On has. I believe there must be a reason for it.
As to your photo... A guy uses what works for him and I don't doubt YOU could reach into that drawer - maybe even in the dark - and grab whatever tool you want.
But to me that drawer is way too cluttered and I would rather have a narrower drawer - with half the stuff in it like Rousseau, Vidmar and Lista, sell.

 

[Silver Lexus]

Can your Rousseau do this

Yes.

 

[Snapped-off]

Yes.

What about this one

 

[Cruzan80]

I think I spot a rogue 10mm buried in there!

 

[Silver Lexus]

What about this one

Doesn’t look like 400 lbs to me.

 

[chuck356]

I bought mostly Snap-On tools during my career, when I first hired in at the age of 19 we had a S-O dealer who showed up every week, he was very knowledgeable and didn't mind showing a teenager why this tool was better than that one and didn't mind letting me make weekly payments. I learned a lot form him and bought 75% of my tools in the nine years he was my tool dealer. Knowing he would be there every week and never had any issues with tool warranty. Bought my first box from him in 1981, I believe it was $850. More of the vertical style, not the ones like today. As a matter of fact, I just bought it back from an ex-employee a year or two ago, it's still a good box.

 

[kidder]

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