Tool Boxes

[enio45]

Im building a new garage and wanted to upgrade the tool boxes and have a roll around work bench as well. I've looked at Sears as well as craigs list. There are alot of used ones for sale, made by Snap On, on craigs list. Some look brand new with retail prices and then a discounted view. Are these avail to the general public at the lower prices or are these some resaler pushing product?

Any other advise on what to buy or where to go. I'm thinking of a roll around workbench with or without drawers, and several cabinets for the tools....maybe 10 drawer types.

Appreciate your thoughts...

[Charley Lillard]

Costco..Stainless top and bottom boxes for less than 700.00

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
Costco..Stainless top and bottom boxes for less than 700.00

[/ QUOTE ]

yep thats what I did last summer and now they have one just a tick bigger...there a decent piece, buy 2 if you have too many tools you will still be way ahead of the game , being a mechanic for years I could never understand how the tool guys could look you in the eye and want 3K up for a stamped metal box with drawers and paint.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[enio45]

OK, let me check them out!!

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

If you have a HOME DEPOT check out the HUSKY brand.I bought the LARGE one and I have had it 6 years and I love it!

[Stefano]

[ QUOTE ]
Costco..Stainless top and bottom boxes for less than 700.00

[/ QUOTE ]

You can't beat them for the price. I thought the price was a mistake when they first came out at $550 for the top and bottom, so I bought all the ones available in the area. Every Store had one or two. Price went up with the next shipment.

[mockingbird812]

[ QUOTE ]
Im building a new garage and wanted to upgrade the tool boxes and have a roll around work bench as well. I've looked at Sears as well as craigs list. There are alot of used ones for sale, made by Snap On, on craigs list. Some look brand new with retail prices and then a discounted view. Are these avail to the general public at the lower prices or are these some resaler pushing product?

Any other advise on what to buy or where to go. I'm thinking of a roll around workbench with or without drawers, and several cabinets for the tools....maybe 10 drawer types.

Appreciate your thoughts...

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Ed,

How's the shop coming? Come on over to Queen Creek and we can talk strategy. BTW, I use several rolling trays (one shelf at waist level the other near the ground). Both were purchased used locally at a recyling shop and repainted. I like to see nearly all of my basic tools (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, sockets, hammers, cutters, etc.) at a time rather than rifling through drawers. That and I am a bit of a cheap skate http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif . It ain't a pretty site, but it works for me. Good luck. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[enio45]

sam, thanks i sure will - - im in chicago every week and even some weekends working - so i have not been home alot lately, but do get to do a little site reading....

garage is another round with the homeowners - i think this is the last round...then we can start to build the pad....i will get a breather on work after the 4th of May....see u in queen creek soon......

[mockingbird812]

Good news Ed. Sounds like you're getting close. Keep in touch.

[markjohnson]

Yeah, that Costco stainless tool box is a nice piece. I bought one when they were first introduced around 4 years ago and am pretty happy with it. Ball bearing drawers, etc. One problem I did have with it though was that when the tool box was supposed to be locked, you could pull on the drawers with some upward tension and they would open. I did not like that one bit and proceeded to modify the front with a stainless bar that runs through all the drawer handles. It's VERY secure now. It would also be nice if the top and bottom boxes were keyed alike because they are not. I actually had a very patient Costco manager that opened a few different boxes so I could get a matched set that used the same key number.

[SuperNovaSS]

I looked at the CostCo boxes and they seemed pretty flimsy to me. Same with the BBQs. Maybe they feel better with tools in them. The drawers seemed very light and did not seem to roll in and out easily. Good to hear some positive feedback.


Jason

[68l30]

Go with anything Snap-On........Buy used if you have to.There is nothing quite like them.I have a Mac and a Cornwell setup also but the Snap-On is just built right... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif


Steve

[Charley Lillard]

I have both Costco stainless, Snap-on and Craftsman Industrial. My Snap-on is over 10 years old. I would buy the Costco in a heartbeat for the value. You can probably buy three Costco boxes compared to one Snap-on box. My Costco box is fine.

[68l30]

Tools brands and what you keep them in are a lot like cars...Everyone has a personal preferance.A lot depends on how much you put in your tool chest.If you put seven wrenches in each drawer and the same with pliers an screwdrivers,any box will work just fine.When you have 50 pounds of tools in each drawer there is an huge difference each time you open the drawers...I can pull out a drawer on my boxes and actually sit on them.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif


Steve http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[ASTROJET]

One guy on shift has the Costco box,It ain't no Snap-On.Already problems with the drawer detents.A good box should last you your lifetime.

[enio45]

Interesting comments - i dont think i can justify a new snap on....even the used are pricey...i do have a craftsman and had it for 20 yrs...still works good. Ill check out costco and see what they have....i think im leaning on teh tool box towards craftsman...i seen a number of new ones slightly dented with i can live with. The work bench i need to do more thinking...i like the stainless top type and it needs wheels...which i can add on, or weld a platform to one with wheels. Any other thoughts?

Thanks again..

[indyjps]

a guy I work with is selling a snap on box pretty reasonably (for snap on) its in illinois though. pm me if interested and Ill get the part #.

[CamarosRus]

I looked at COSTCO Top/Bottom combo on 11/1/07. Now over $700 for the label branded with four letters starting with C.
Guess Ive read ALL the above comments pro and con.....NOT being a everyday professional, the COSTCO box just seems like a lot of acceptable storage for the money
ANY new or additional comments..........

Thanks,

[shor]

<font color="blue">I can pull out a drawer on my boxes and actually sit on them </font>
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
pics please!

[KENNY_PASCOE]

DITTO !!

[68l30]

I'll try.....LOL. Any drawer will hold me on my Snap-On box. It's a KRL series box that is built tough.My Cornwell and Mac boxes are a bit older. Each was made in the early 60's and have held up quite well.I would not sit my 300# A$$ on them.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Steve

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
When you have 50 pounds of tools in each drawer there is an huge difference each time you open the drawers...


I can pull out a drawer on my boxes and actually sit on them.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif


Steve http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Somehow there seems to be a fairly large discrepancy between those 2 statements... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[68l30]

Do the math...LOL


Steve http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[CamarosRus]

Sorry I brought the subject up again..........

Dont think anybody here would argue the quality of the Snap-On, MATCO, MAC, Cornwell expensive boxes.

I was just trying to get additional affirmation of the lessor expensive sort or boxes that COSTCO, Lowes and other places sell.

Not trying to compare apples with oranges...........just asking which variety of apple you prefer.......

Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!

[camarojoe]

a cardboard box will store tools... it all just depends on what you want, and the quality you desire... quality costs money, how much of it do you want? I personally just have a decent Craftsman with ball bearing drawers... it aint no Snap on, but its a step above the aforementioned cardboard box. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif And no Steve, you can't sit on it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j293/joebarr/ebaypics262.jpg

[68l30]

Come on now "Randall".......I've got a Couple of Craftsman too...And I ain't sittin on mine either! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

It's all in good fun Chuck..I think.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Big Steve http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[camarojoe]

Randall... lol... i just saw that in the airport on the way home from Vegas... WTF? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[shor]

Joe, I have those same shoes!

[CamarosRus]

Joe, Your garage floor looks better than any surface I have inside my home............
I am so ashamed !!!!!!!!!!

[CamarosRus]

Looked at following costco.com web site for tool boxes

http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx...&amp;lang=en-US (http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&amp;topnav=&amp;search=tool%20chest&amp;N= 0&amp;Ntt=tool%20chest&amp;cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&amp;lang=en-US)

Cant get real excited about any of the current offering....

Any new comments ??????????????

[Sportyworty]

Just a suggestion here...check your local Craigslist. If you like a bit of quality for a lower price consider used. I just picked up 3 roll carts with drawers from a local shop. Matco, Blue Point, and a Snap On total 250 cash and carry. good luck

[Chateau Slate 66]

Totally agree with the above. I have seen lots of quality tool boxes (Mac, Snap On) for sale on our local Craigslist for BIG discounts.

[CamarosRus]

Will all the interested tool box critics, please check out the unheard of brands at .....

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com

Compare the weights, dimensions, look, free shipping and PRICES !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I may not have the length/room for a 72" Box, with Stainless top work area (clutter area)

Taller 56" wide combo may be better for me ????

Thanks for your patience,

[Chateau Slate 66]

Honestly, I did not go back and read this whole thread. I am sure there was lots of discussion about price versus quality and homeowner versus professional. I have had my Snap On box for quite a while and all this other Costco, Sams Club, and internet stuff is all garbage IMO.

For example, the box above in the 56 inch combo is roughly the size of my box with out my side cabinet. (My box is 9 inches deeper and 54 inches wide without the side box). My combo weighs 1144 lbs without the side box and the one above is 489 lbs. You WILL notice that much of a difference.

It will certainly hold your tools, and a hobbist may think all the cheap boxes are great, but I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole. I have felt the drawers on the Costco/Sams Club boxes and they are sub par at best.

I would rather buy a like new Snap On or Mac box off Craigslist for 50-70% off.

Let the flaming begin. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[CamarosRus]

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/combo-s...ol-box-set.html

Andy and others, I would never question the quality of Snap-On, or MAC tool boxes. I'm told they are only major name boxes still made in USA.

I've looked at Seattle Craig's list and cant begin to find "Like New" Snap On boxes for 50-70% off.

The above EXTREME BOX (Yes Made in China) appears to be a very good value for $1635. Free Shipping/NO Sales Tax.

This particular box has mostly 100# Capacity drawers, with exception of Full Width Top Drawer and Left Hand Bottom Drawer (200# with Double Roller Slides)

Given that most "amatuer" residential mechanics, classic car buffs are looking for drawer space/square inches, I just dont see the need and the expense of having 300# drawers.

On the other hand EXTREME Tools Boxes at the www.strictlytoolboxes.com (http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com) web site DOES have a 55" Long Roller Cabinet with 30" DEEP Drawers for $2160.00

ANDY and others, I'm very interested to hear about the usability of a 30" Deep Drawer. I understand they have FULL extensions. I'm thinking that for someone like me in a private/home shop (with plenty of alternative work bench space) I'd rather go with more and higher 20" Deep Drawers.

Not trying to flame anybody. I just refuse to spend $5000-$7000 on a SNAP-ON, MATCO box.

Just feel that "some" (not all) of these Chinese boxes are pretty decent.

[JChlupsa]

We got Snap On here at work, 18 Top/Bottom boxes for the General Purpose Mechs/ 8 6' butcher top roll cabinets for the special purpose shop mech and then 3 Top/Bottom boxes for the Body shop all in all about 500K including Snap on tools which replaced the older MATCO boxes with a mixed matched tools. We sent those boxes to DRMO for resale. current DRMO Resale boxes are like these below

http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?id=2356556&amp;convertTo=USD

http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?id=2356557&amp;convertTo=USD

http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?id=2373749&amp;convertTo=USD

LOT consists of 18 different boxes
http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?id=2368487&amp;convertTo=USD

http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?id=2356562&amp;convertTo=USD

Good used boxes that could be cleaned up and repaint to match your garage layout. The ones with the black spray paint is where the Unit Logo/Numbes have to be covered up.

[CamarosRus]

Jeff, Youre telling us that the U.S Gov got rid of GOOD used tool boxes and replaced them with $500,000 worth of new SNAP-ON Boxes......AND tools.
I was in the ARMY as Chopper mechanic and know how difficult it to prevent tool loss..........

Great news in these recessionary times........typical goverment graft and excessive spending.

And the used ones are located in Yuma,AZ (or ???) to bought on the cheap in a lot of 18. Might cost more to ship than boxes will sell for. Probably someone in AZ will have them individually on EBAY or Craigs.list

Carry on....................

[JChlupsa]

Have to keep in mind that we pay Uncle Sams prices and dont pay tax either so if they were bought from the dealer by someone off the street you would have to add another 25% since we get between 25-30% off.

we replaced the boxes 5 years ago with all Snap On stuff, Shops went with 26 of these http://www.yenko.net/photos/data/500/MVC-023F.JPG
and then replaced 8 of those with new Snap ON boxes and additional tools for Heavy Equp http://www.yenko.net/photos/data/500/MVC-022F.JPG
Body shop was working out of a tool crib and then went to indivudual boxes http://www.yenko.net/photos/data/500/MVC-021F.JPG

All the old boxes were sent to DRMO with the exception of 2 tool box/kits that I found new homes for at the local High School Auto Shop who also received a NEW never used Muffler Machine that no other DOD Maint Shop wanted.

Now the part that will hurt is that since Hickam and Pearl Harbor will be joining up as one base in 2010, the Air Force has to figure out what to do with the Snap On tools and Boxes. Navy Mechinics buy all their own tool up to a certain size so does the Air Force sell the boxes to the ones assigned to them at a very very cheap price or do they send them to another AFB

[Chateau Slate 66]

My box is 29 inches deep and I love it. It all depends on how many tools you have and how you like to lay them out. I have a lot of tools and I am anal about how they are placed in the box. I like all of one type of tool in the same drawer, laid out in order, with no overlap. That's just the way I have to have it. Some other mechanics will throw all their wrenches in one drawer in a heap and are okay with it.

Square inches are what matter to me instead of cubic inches. I want lots of drawers, not just a few deep drawers. Of course you will need some deep drawers, but I make most use of the shallow ones.

I told my wife I was done once I got the monster bottom box. Then told her I was done once I got the matching top box. Now I told her I am done now that I have the matching side locker. I wonder if she would notice if I hung another locker on the other end?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Chateau Slate 66]

The Minneapolis Craigslist is full of great boxes. Here is a box that retails for over $7600 that he is asking $2500 for. I bet he would even throw in the side box he has with the sale if a person showed him some cash.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/tls/1170628545.html

I'm sure if a person did their homework (like I'm sure you will, Chuck) there probably are some decent off brand boxes out there. Keep your eye on Craigslist though.

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
I wonder if she would notice if I hung another locker on the other end?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe you should consider a sleeper compartment next. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Mr BB Chevy]

make sure there is no balance on these matco, mac or snap-on boxes. if you buy one and there is a balance.. it can get repo'ed, if a dealer knows where the box ended up.