yet another Kennedy CL find

[notalent]

Trying to figure a fair price for this Kennedy tool box + machinist tool box.

It appears to be these two boxes:
http://www.alltimetools.com/p-653-kennedy-26-11-drawer-journeyman-machinist-tool-chest.aspx
http://www.alltimetools.com/p-684-kennedy-29-7-drawer-rolling-tool-cabinet.aspx

I am just a beginner, so this will be my first tool box. I don't know if I would be better off getting a Harbor Freight model, or??

I've got a 180 Craftsman piece ratchet set, and about 40-50 random hand tools handed down from my father.

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[nine4gmc]

You won't get a lot of storage from the top box unless you have lots of measuring tools or micro tools. The bottom would be great for a bottom mechanic box though.

 

[larryq]

Nice setup for a home user. What price are they asking? The HF 44" can be had for ~$350 and will provide more storage space.

As nine4gmc said, the top box is geared toward measuring tools (calipers, micrometers etc) But the bottom one is plenty sturdy for the mechanics tools you listed. Kennedy's a great brand.

 

[Outlawmws]

I think you ID'ed them correctly. I agree, the bottom is a good mechanic's box, the top a machinists. (probably were both used by a machinist, at a WAG.)

The to will store larger tool but it's like 9" deep or so where the "shallow" mech boxes are 12... whether its a good deal or not is of course dependent on what they sell for...

But bottom line is both are top quality boxes for a friction slide box.

 

[zkling]

First off welcome to GJ

I too agree you have IDed them properly. Just a FYI, kennedy boxes have the absolute lowest % of retail, resale value. They make really good boxes, just really high priced IMHO new.

As others have mentioned the top box is a "machinist's box" will it work for general mechanics tools? sure. I personally hate the tiny drawer pulls on those boxes. They are built really well, but honestly designed for small thin, delicate machinists tools. The bottom box on the other hand is a good general purpose box. Very sturdy.

It all boils down to what they are asking and what you want out of a box. The HF44" is really an attractive option, in terms of price vs quality vs size vs clean and ready to be used. I bought all of my boxes used due to price vs quality, and all needed small amounts of work from touch up to at least a general cleaning. Something to keep in mind if you are short on time.

 

[notalent]

Thanks for all the advice everyone (and the welcome). The price is around $275 for both boxes, he says they are in excellent condition (but I haven't seen them yet).

I'm having a bit of hesitation now since it's only 75 more for the much larger box--and I'm not really sure what I would put in the top box except some drill bits or maybe electronics components?

An age old problem, you don't know what you want/need until you try something first.

 

[zkling]

What does he want for just the bottom box? I would be interested in that if I was looking for a box. Quite a bit of space. Personally I would probably top out at $200 MAX IF it was super nice and worked like it should.

Remember ~$350 can get you a clean ready to use BB HF44" box.
Where are you located? Price / value is pretty location dependent.

 

[tool_scrounge]

They are nice for light to medium weight contents IF it is the slide type. I have not seen the roller drawer type bottoms but they are probably better for heavier loads. Price seems pretty good in my area.

 

[notalent]

Thanks everyone, I ended up buying the box. It's in really good shape:

I had no idea, but one of the toolboxes I have is a Kennedy brand. My dad had given it to me and it had been sitting in the corner as storage for random tools. I noticed it was the same color.

It's special since my mother (RIP) gave this box to my dad as a gift in the late 70s. It is on the top of the bottom cabinet in this picture.

 

[FJ 432]

Congratulations. Good purchase but the definite keeper is your Dad's.

 

[kenfain]

Nice match for your dad's box. Make you a good start. Gotta warn ya though, this tool collecting is a sickness that seems to be contagious. Oh well, why fight it. Welcome to the club!

 

[PAPERMAKER]

Welcome to the club, you will be happy with them.

 

[Packard V8]

Well bought.

As you accumulate more tools, you'll find the Kennedy top box to be very handy:

1/4" drive set
punches, chisels, drills, reamers, screwdrivers, taps and dies

I've got several and they're all full. It's really nice to know exactly were to reach for each of the small stuff which get turned under in the larger drawers.

jack vines

 

[rusty65]

I really like kennedy boxes good find! I have 4 in all a 3 drawer a 6 drawer and a 7 drawer plus a kennedy tackle box.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I like that bottom, Id definitely use it at home. Congrats on what sounds like your first roll around, welcome to the journal and welcome to the hoard!