Why buy Snap-on tool boxes?

[vartz04]

well i quoted a portion of that statement, hence why i thought it was mine.

 

[Chris Adams]

are you talking about me? i quoted that part because i thought it was a good quote, I didn't change certain sentences, just the last chunk because that's what I was referring to.

I don't like making people scroll through tons of worthless ****, like when people quote huge threads with tons of pics and say "awesome" that's stupid.

sorry if it bothers you but I won't stop doing it.

Chris,
If you are going to reference a previous quote please use it in its entirety. Do not pick and choose the appropriate sentences to change the context of the overall statement.

Um, see Vartez answer as to why I don't use the entire post unless it is germane.

I really don't see how I 'cherry picked' to change your meaning.
FYI, the ‘snip’ word means the rest has been snipped to save people from having to re-read it.
Misquoting, or rewording (something that happens a LOT in this forum, mostly in fun) is completely different.
Any ‘snip’ is just to save space, time, etc. not meant to change the meaning.
The ‘snip’ says that.




By the way, I read the post five times. You said :

You can order any drawer layout you want along with numerous colors with SO. I have Vidmar cabinets in my shop. I use them for nuts, bolts, fasteners, and miscellaneous storage. I guess they could be used for tools as well. I would probably have to hook it to the crane to move it around! It will all work it just depends on what you want.

There are people that drive around in a Rolls Royce or Mercedes and there are people that drive in a Ford, Chevy or Dodge. It all does the job!
A Timex watch tells the same time as the 10K Rolex, even more accurately. People still buy Rolex. Once again it all does the job!
There are a ton of these analogies.
Why do people do what they do?? My theory is this: Those people who can, do. Those people that can't, don't!!

You modified it since, by the way. Should I have only quoted it after you modified it? How would I know you were going to modify it?
But the meaning is still the same.
People who can, do. People that can’t, don’t.
Again, I disagree. That sentence would imply that everyone who doesn’t own a Rolls Royce or a Rolex just can’t afford it.
Which is not true.
Read it again. I didn’t cherry pick it, or change it.
From your edit, I can see you wanted to say it in a different fashion, as we all do sometimes, but I couldn’t read what you didn’t write the first time.

It came across very much different before you edited it.
No hard feelings, I hope.

 

[vartz04]

also rgates, you went back and edited all your posts to make me look like an idiot, thanks

 

[rgates]

Chris, Look at the edit time, my last edit on that post was 2 hours before your post! Where did the meaning change?

 

[rgates]

Vartz, I changed that post to specifically refer to Chris because of your post, not to make you look like an idiot.

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

All this thread needs is some one to say "Craftsman is better then Snap on" or something along those line's and we would be right on our way to the stereotypical thread that has been growing in popularity the last few months.

I remember when there used to be fight rooms on forums. Think we need to get one here. Or people need to grow up and act like adults.

 

[vartz04]

All this thread needs is some one to say "Craftsman is better then Snap on" or something along those line's and we would be right on our way to the stereotypical thread that has been growing in popularity the last few months.

I remember when there used to be fight rooms on forums. Think we need to get one here. Or people need to grow up and act like adults.

haha good idea.

I really don't care what people buy, but sometimes way more expensive items are suggested to people than they really need, and then if they are new to the mechanic hobby/career, they think the HAVE TO HAVE IT and go way into debt. That is what I think is stupid.

 

[rgates]

Diesel, That would definitely be the icing on the cake

 

[mtwaterguy]

I remember when there used to be fight rooms on forums. Think we need to get one here. Or people need to grow up and act like adults.[/QUOTE]

Why not just use the one we already have? Page 3 of social groups.

 

[1loudsuv]

Indeed. No matter how good you are, You still need tools of some caliber to do your job.


we had a guy at out shop, he was a good worker. He brought a hand box in with him every day and every day he did not have enough tools to work with, Pretty much as soon as every one cut him off he lost his job because he could not do the work.

IMO: There is nothing worse then a trades person who does not have the tools to do his/her trade. I don't care what brand or what there in, it can be a 5Gal pale for all I care. So long as they stay away from mine and do there work.

Yep, a guy at work would not buy tools at all and guess what? We fired him... Tired of him borrowing my stuff, when the new guy came he had a nice snappy box.

I have a craftsman box but honstly i'm in the process of getting a snap on triple bay

 

[A_Pmech]

I don't know...

But I do know that my "last" tool box will start with a tandem steer Lubick die trailer:

20,000lbs capacity should be sufficient, I think.

 

[rgates]

I don't know...

But I do know that my "last" tool box will start with a tandem steer Lubick die trailer:


20,000lbs capacity should be sufficient, I think.

Looks like a pit box in the making.

 

[Paumanok]

Why buy Snap-on tool boxes?

Well, because the big KRL boxes are the Sh*t of course!

I bought mine, mainly for the storage capacity and security, to use it as an occasional work bench/table that I can roll next to my current project, and have all my tools right there.

Security: As my tool collection grows, its overall value grows in proportion.I need a safe place to put all those expensive tools. Once I lock it, I feel it is very secure, way more than my previous craftsman(I could pop open the drawers w/scrwdriver while locked). As long as nobody winches it onto a rollback, or uses a torch on itIf somebody REALLY wants to get into any box- well, "when theres a will, theres a way".

Storage: I know there are many other 6ft roll cabs out there, so the storage capacity is nothing unique, but SO has some really awesome options like the side lockers, top hutches, both options I like quite a bit - maybe down the road.

The price was holding me back, but my dealer made a Sweet deal - basically 40%off, free SS top, free cover and 0%APR/6mos. I couldn't be happier, I still have some room for expansion, and I'm sure in another few years it will be full. I also like the drawer configuration options w/Snapons KRL's the best. I am not going into debt with this box, I've thought long and hard about it for over 2 years, could have bought it outright, but 6mos same as cash is nice option(I don't pay interest - ever). Ultimately, I just like it - and thats what counts You really should buy what works for you

 

[rgates]

There is no right answer, you just have to do what's right by you.

Why buy Snap-on tool boxes?

Well, because the big KRL boxes are the Sh*t of course!

You really should buy what works for you

Lets not forget about the feng shui !!

 

[krusty the clown]

+1 on used snap on boxes..........i here they put weed in them

 

[Paumanok]

One of my friends found some weeds crumbs in the drawer of his NEW box off the truck Maybe thats why they cost so much

 

[r6_cannibal]

+1 on used snap on boxes..........i here they put weed in them

BAhahahhahaha!!!

 

[-B-]

I don't know...

But I do know that my "last" tool box will start with a tandem steer Lubick die trailer:

20,000lbs capacity should be sufficient, I think.

source and how much are those bad boys used


byy lista colors 20+ powder coated http://www.listaintl.com/files/colors.aspx#premium

 

[Paumanok]

source and how much are those bad boys used

http://www.irwincar.com/trailers_lubick_trailers.html

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Maybe the new Craftsman professional series that is supposed to be made in Mexico, will have some secret compartments.

The start of the pit cart is a good reason for me, to still think, I would rather have a homemade box (wood, metal, whatever) then a steal me box, that is mostly borrowed or empty (former coworker).

 

[A_Pmech]

Looks like a pit box in the making.

Sort of... But much heavier.

source and how much are those bad boys used


byy lista colors 20+ powder coated http://www.listaintl.com/files/colors.aspx#premium

Getting warmer!

Imagine a toolbox built on a 10-ton chassis with a towbar and mechanical brakes. The entire thing is a box within a box. The outer box is the weather shield. It's a big 1/8" thick Aluminum enclosure with two fully sealed and locking flip-up doors with recessed latches. Behind the flip-up doors are the banks of tool drawers, seamlessly integrated to the interior of the outer box and recessed several inches behind the main doors.

In addition, the box has connections for shop air along with a lubricated and un-lubricated hose reel and desiccant drier. Car stereo, fridge, power inverter, locker, etc. optional.

The empty box would weigh about 5,000 to 6,000 lbs. Obviously, it would be used in conjunction with a small electric tug. Basically, a pallet jack without the pallet forks. Need to swap hangars? Just hook up a tow tractor and go!

Where to find them? Just gotta know where and when to look.

 

[pdiesel]

Dudes, this is what you do... Set aside some cash and check out your local police seizure auctions. When they bust up chop shops and such, you can pick up huge boxes for pennies on the dollar. I would never buy new. New is for suckers!

 

[Paumanok]

"The entire thing is a box within a box. The outer box is the weather shield. It's a big 1/8" thick Aluminum enclosure with two fully sealed and locking flip-up doors with recessed latches. Behind the flip-up doors are the banks of tool drawers, seamlessly integrated to the interior of the outer box and recessed several inches behind the main doors."



Dude, do these exist - like you could buy one? Or are you talking about making one? Thats like the baddest *** box around

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

"The entire thing is a box within a box. The outer box is the weather shield. It's a big 1/8" thick Aluminum enclosure with two fully sealed and locking flip-up doors with recessed latches. Behind the flip-up doors are the banks of tool drawers, seamlessly integrated to the interior of the outer box and recessed several inches behind the main doors."



Dude, do these exist - like you could buy one? Or are you talking about making one? Thats like the baddest *** box around

Is he modifying a roach coach, into a toolbox?

 

[Merkava_4]

also rgates, you went back and edited all your posts to make me look like an idiot, thanks

LOL!!!! I must've missed something in this thread.

 

[rgates]

LOL!!!! I must've missed something in this thread.

Take some head strong toolaholics, question their single biggest tool purchase "THE BOX ", add some opinions, mix in a little ego, a dash of provocation with a touch of instigation, then throw in some bragging, now top it all off with some editing and there you have it, a recipe for the toolaholic fight room!

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Truly, I think many of the guys WITH the big boxes CAN'T afford them.
Period.
They bought them on credit, went way into debt.
I see maybe twenty-thirty big boxes a day on CL from people trying to get 25 cents on the dollar for the boxes, many like new.
Heck, many are new, never saw a shop environment.

Yep, just like people buy houses they can't afford and cars they can't afford. There's always going to be idiots out there who think they have to have the very best, whether they can remotely afford it or not. The system shouldn't allow those who have no business buying the most expensive toolbox/car/house to be able to buy them.

The guys who buy them used get a good deal.

 

[rgates]

Its the American way: Do not tell me what it costs, just tell me what the monthlies are!! Thus today's economy.

 

[wreckercologist]

Yep, just like people buy houses they can't afford and cars they can't afford.* There's always going to be idiots out there who think they have to have the very best, whether they can remotely afford it or not.* The system shouldn't allow those who have no business buying the most expensive toolbox/car/house to be able to buy them.

I agree. These are the same folks I get stuck in line behind at "big box store". All I want is a new frying pan and some shampoo, meanwhile, they fumble around paying for half their stuff in the cart with cash, another quarter on a credit card, and the last quarter by check.......shoot me!

I pay, walk out and happen to be following them. They get in the new SUV with giant rims and a stupid loud stereo.

I almost forgot to mention their dirty, filthy, children that appear to be on some sort of speed, and lots of it!

 

[PistolWhip]

I can't speak for Snap-On personally, but I have a Craftsman 5 drawer Ball Bearing roll away with a 5 drawer BB top box ($450 new), a Craftsman 40.5" grip latch 7 drawer BB top box ($540 new), a Craftsman 6 drawer QuietGlide side box and a Craftsman (standard drawer) 4 drawer work bench. Just forget the 4 drawer bench. Those drawers feel like your dragging them across concrete no matter what's in them. I don't think I'll ever buy another tool box without BB drawers or at least the QuietGlide rails, no matter how cheap it is. The drawers, over time, are starting to become misaligned and opening and closing them is becoming more and more a chore each time I use them. I barely use them for anything more than papers and small parts, but they still fell like garbage.
In comparison, I just took delivery of my new Ranger Products 13 drawer Ball Bearing 42" roll away with 8 drawer ball bearing open top top box which I believe retails for about $1500 together.

A brief summery not to spoil my extensive review thread that's coming next Monday; The Craftsman 10 drawer BB combo is a very nice box that has served me well as a starter. It's drawer configuration is descent for a first time roller set up and basic tool storage for someone that's just starting off their collection. The drawers roll smoothly and feel pretty strong. It's overall "look and feel" leaves a bit to be desired, but it's a $450 combo and that's what you get.
The Grip Latch box has a much better drawer lay out for more experienced mechanics and enthusiast. It will compensate larger tools better and seems to be a little heavier duty than the one above. The drawers move smooth and the overall feel is pretty robust, but the Grip Latch system blows. It almost seems like they finished designing the box and realized that they forgot to put something in there to keep the drawers shut, so they added these **** things. It's nothing but a PIA at this point and can sometimes get jammed up if a tool rolls under the mechanism. That will only happen to you once, then you'll learn to do something to keep it from happening again.

The QuietGlide is a nice feature for those that can't afford a BB box and just need storage for lighter tools and lighter loads. If your putting heavier loads on the drawers, the QuietGlide rails tend to get a little "grungy" for lack of a better term, and the smoothness that it once had goes out the window. If your plannig on using it for lighter loads it'll be ok, but not nearly as nice as a BB drawer set up (Mine is only really filled with detailing stuff my punches and chisels).

The Ranger is on a completely different level. When you open a drawer, you instantly feel the difference between it and the Craftsman's. The drawers feel heavier and much smoother and when they close, they almost seem to pull themselves shut the last 1/4" until they hit the "locking" spot of the "LockLatch" feature. The finish is just amazing compared to the Craftsman's. The powder coat is thick, glossy and hard. My Craftsman boxes will scratch if you look at them in the same place for too long, the Ranger's powdercoat seems a million times more durable and you can see it right away when you compare the two side by side. It's the first thing that jumps out at you when you look at them together.
It's also obvious that the construction materials are thicker. The drawers feel heavy, even when empty and the overall look and feel has a much more sturdy presence than the Craftsman's.
The hinge on the top box lid is a lot more sturdy and the shock support opening struts are 100 times nicer than the crappy chrome cantilever locks on the Craftsman's that always seem to be in the way. These take up very little room in the box top and don't force you to store things "around them," or waste usable space with mounting points and stupid dividers that otherwise wouldn't be there.
The drawer set up is absolutely perfect as far as I'm concerned. You have a good mix of large, wide drawers, deep drawers and smaller shallow drawers to keep things organized and in their own space. There is plenty of room for longer tools like big combo wrenches, breakers and pry bars and the depth of the drawers are well thought out so as to maximize the overall storage space. There's nothing worse than having to store pliers in a 6" deep drawer that could have actually been 2 drawers.
Ultimately, I can understand 100% why a professional would spend the extra money on a tool storage system. I don't think I'd be able to justify spending $10K+ on a chest, (as specially when I now know you can get the Ranger for as cheap as it is), but when your in and out of it 100 times a day and make your living with its contents, the last thing you want in the back of your mind is when your going to need to replace your box.
I also find it a hell of a lot easier to get motivated when I know my stuff is in order, clean, well kept and right where it belongs. The storage system falls right in line with that frame of mind. When you walk up to a nice quality, good looking and heavy duty feeling tool box, that's well thought out and laid out, it seems to give you that little bit of motivation and makes you feel good about getting your hands dirty. Well, it does for me anyways.
The Ranger isn't on the same level price wise as the Snap On's of it's size, but I can't imagine that it's much less, if any, of a quality product.
Like I said, I'll be posting up a full review of it as soon as I get back from vacation. I'm hoping I can get my brother to come over and give me his opinion as well. He's a ASE Master Tech and works out of a HUGE Snap On Classic combo that if I remember correctly cost him just under $10k. So I'm hoping to get his thoughts on comparisons also.

 

[A_Pmech]

Dude, do these exist - like you could buy one? Or are you talking about making one? Thats like the baddest *** box around

Nope, they don't exist. That's why I'm going to build one when I have the time.

Although, when I get 'round to it there may be a "production version" if there's enough interest. Never know....

 

[rgates]

Sort of... But much heavier.



Getting warmer!

Imagine a toolbox built on a 10-ton chassis with a towbar and mechanical brakes. The entire thing is a box within a box. The outer box is the weather shield. It's a big 1/8" thick Aluminum enclosure with two fully sealed and locking flip-up doors with recessed latches. Behind the flip-up doors are the banks of tool drawers, seamlessly integrated to the interior of the outer box and recessed several inches behind the main doors.

In addition, the box has connections for shop air along with a lubricated and un-lubricated hose reel and desiccant drier. Car stereo, fridge, power inverter, locker, etc. optional.

The empty box would weigh about 5,000 to 6,000 lbs. Obviously, it would be used in conjunction with a small electric tug. Basically, a pallet jack without the pallet forks. Need to swap hangars? Just hook up a tow tractor and go!

Where to find them? Just gotta know where and when to look.

Sounds like a SO tool wagon gone "MAD MAX"!

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

the only place in the shop I ever saw a lista box in was the parts department to hold teeny parts

 

[rgates]

the only place in the shop I ever saw a lista box in was the parts department to hold teeny parts

This post was the first I heard of Lista. From what I see they are along the same lines as Vidmar. I use my Vidmars like you have seen, to hold nuts bolts and miscelaneous. They have a gazillion dividers.

 

[autoace]

I had a Snap-on box for many years, I bought it from a dealer that repo'd it from some other guy. I got it pretty cheap, but it was not the box I "wanted"......

When you work for a dealer etc...you need a big box/vault to keep your tools in.....now that I work in my own place, I can get away with a bunch of 40" ers until I can afford my dream box.

My SO box was good, I made some money on it after many years of use. Keep them in good shape, and run the buffer over them and they maintain some value.

My next box will probably be a Cornwell, I can't afford it right now, so.............

 

[Jack Burton]

I can't speak for Snap-On personally, but I have a Craftsman 5 drawer Ball Bearing roll away with a 5 drawer BB top box ($450 new), a Craftsman 40.5" grip latch 7 drawer BB top box ($540 new), a Craftsman 6 drawer QuietGlide side box and a Craftsman (standard drawer) 4 drawer work bench.....

I recently went tool box hunting and checked out Blowes, Homo Depot, Sears, the local pawn garage and Harbor Freight.

As far as the Craftsman griplatch, I immediately noticed a difference between their stainless steel version and the painted versions. It's in the way the drawers are folded and riveted. So I guess, the painted Griplatch cabs are made by Waterloo while the stainless stuff is made in China in the same plant that manufactures stuff for the big box outlets. The stainless version seems rigid enough however it's 1. expensive for Chinese made stuff 2. Stainless (autopsy-morgue cabinetry).

The top-tier Harbor Freight lower chest smoked everything I saw including the medium-tier Snap-On cabs. If Sears we're selling it they'd want $1500. If I had money to burn and was doing a TV show, I'd buy Snap-On or Lista (then again does Snap-On offer promtional consideration?). Otherwise, I'd see if I could make do with http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90320

 

[yellowbox]

I just bought a very nice Proto box, brand new at grainger, for half the price it would cost to get a used snap-on box of the same size/style. I got this box next to snap-on and matco boxes at work, and the quality is par, if not better. It also has a lifetime warranty and is made in the US.

made in the u.s. ? my snap on box was made in canada !!!!!

 

[southpier]

...New is for suckers!

or for people who can afford it

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

made in the u.s. ? my snap on box was made in canada !!!!!

Same here, Better the over sea's

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

nafta make USA , Mexico and Canada one big happy family