Man, I’ve watched a handful of your videos now and I have to say they are excellent. Great information, they keep me engaged, and you seem very genuine. You’re the kinda guy people want to give their hard earned money to.
A master mechanic once told me to get a VERY nice tool cart with a good warranty, and the cheapest large toolbox you can find. Put more money into the box youre USING the most, not whats necessarily holding the most.
Not only that, put the money into the handful of tools you use all the time. The rest, mostly need to be adequate. No point in spending $400 on tools that only make you $100, ever.
As a long time automotive technician I find it laughable that tool cart usage has evolved to techs rolling around small roll cabs. The only permanent residents on my cart are a full set of shallow/semi/deep 3/8 sockets and a few prybars. Maybe I'm dumb?
@@gtcam723This is solid advice! With the quality of todays mid tier tools a tech can assemble a very robust tool set for a fraction of the costs it took in the past.
I'm a young mechanic in the RV industry, have been in for 1½ years @ 23yo. when I started I had bough a 4' tall rolling craftsman toolbox from a guy at work. used it for 4mo before I bought a rolling cart from harbor freight to grow more things into. once both of those were full, I wanted to find something bigger, so I started looking at used. everything I saw used was 5k+, which is more than I wanted. then I saw the Husky 3piece tool chest at Home Depot for $1400, and I love this thing so far. only had it for 3 weeks at this point, but it's perfect for me, and such an affordable box
This comment is for those that say you cant find a good used deal. I bought a Matco MB7475, black with anodized red trim, with the factory diamond plate (Custom edition), with Hutch, liners, as well as 5000 bucks worth of new Mopar parts (I mean like pricy items, relays etc), had the original slip cover and even the plastic binder with all the records... For 1800 bucks. RIP Jimmy, the previous owner, and thank you to Peter, his brother that lowered the price. So there are good boxes out there, and good people out there too!
I have invested about $2300 in my US GENERAL tool boxes, and I am thoroughly pleased with....the same set up in snap often tools would be about 10 to 12 thousand dollars. For me the choice was clear....
That's only true if u pay for it at 25$ a week with 30% intrest. Cash prices are a bit different. U can get a 68in epiq with power draw for 6500, put it on a payment plan it doubles
@@xephael3485 Here in Texas 68" you can get for between $3500 and $4500 all the time. I paid for a 84" Epiq $4500 without the SS work surface. It has to be cash though
If it’s a hobby box at the house that’s cool or a starter box but for professional use everyday it wouldn’t last and you can barely fit anything in it. I would need two triple bank us generals to accept what’s in my master series
I have seen MANY toolboxes have structural failures. We roll around boxes all day at work in the hangars we do heavy maintenance in and they run over air hoses, cracks in the floor sometimes and extension cords. The craftsman toolboxes, almost all of them, where the sheetmetal on the front face meets the top of the front face they crack and split there. The weight makes them fail. Many are repaired by sheetmetal guys with a doubler to keep them going. However what is more common than that is wheels coming off or bending because of shit lower support frame on cheap boxes, husky boxes and Yukon are notorious for this, run over something the wrong way and the caster is fucking ripping off the bottom of the box, they’re crazy flimsy junk, I’ve seen it even on the nicer 6 caster husky’s and US general 26 inch boxes, the 44s are good. Never seen a Mac or Snap on box have any sort of structural failure and there’s some really clapped out boxes here. The Milwaukee boxes are notorious for the welds failing because they only put a small single spot weld to join beams. They fall apart When it comes to other less of a huge deal stuff it’s the locks, all cheap boxes have horrible locks, husky, us general, yukon, craftsman. If you use the lock every day it will fail and getting a replacement is very difficult. My Mac Tech 1000 is 25 years old and it’s a tank everything works like new. Invest in a used tool truck box is what I recommend people. Mac and Snap On will take care of your used box as long as you act as if you’re the original owner
Sound advice it’s one of the things I tell apprentices is build your tool set and don’t go jumping into debt it’s a marathon not a sprint, with that said a Tool guy who will be straight with you always helps. Great video keep them coming 👍🏻
I actually have seen a structural failure of a matco 3 bay box equivalent to a 4s but older before they called it a 4s. Anyway all the spot welds up the corner rails and top were broken from 15 ish years rolling around on an uneven floor causing twisting of the box. Luckily it was original owner and matco warrantied the box and I (a greenhorn at the time) made the matco guy an offer before he even put it on his truck. Put pop rivets everywhere a spot weld broke worked great. Got teased for having a bedazzled box lol. Just thought I'd share.
Interesting discussion, thank you for sharing. I’m just a hobbyist. Keep things running around the farm, and vehicles on the road to get to work every day. I have US General boxes (72” lower, 56” upper, locker & side cab). I don’t move my box very often. It’s heavy, really heavy, every drawer is full (probably gonna buy another box to grow into one of these days) Tools are a mix, stuff I’ve accumulated over the last 35 years. I’m not loyal to any single brand, just good value. I haven’t broken a socket or wrench in years, I believe that tool quality across the board has steadily risen in the last 20 years or so.
I bought a John Deere heavy duty road box 2 years ago. I know it's made in China but it has survived so far bouncing around in the back of my pickup. The only thing that has failed is the lock system. I replaced that with gate latches and padlocks. Works great so far.
I’ve been pretty happy with my us general 26” box. I think I got it for $250 a few years ago. It’s been a really good box, I currently have it overloaded and you can just barely feel it in the drawer slides. My only complaint is, and this is definitely my fault, but I wish I had gotten a bigger one! The drawers are packed, tools are stacked on top of other tools, etc. I would like to get a snap on box one day. I think they’re really good boxes, depending on the series. And I would consider buying a used one from an independent seller. Do I need a tool truck box? Absolutely not. But I don’t mind treating myself once in a while. Otherwise, great video.
I respect your opinion on tool boxes! I agree some of the Snap-On boxes are crazy expensive! Where I live if you buy a box you will get it that day from the warehouse!
Very good video. Appreciate the insight. FWIW, like Kennedy's path for machinists. Start out with a top box. It's beautifully made and perfect for an apprentice. Then add a mid box. At this point, buying new, one is in for about 1K. Later add a bottom box, when needed. The entire shebang is less than 2K. Used, this is ridiculously inexpensive, given the quality. This kind of setup won't work for vehicle techs - the storage isn't made for big tools - but it's a godsend for machinists.
I'm glad you mentioned Kennedy. They were bought by Cornwell a few years ago, so they make the Corny boxes. I know one machinist who owns a nice Kennedy setup and he loves it.
I appreciate your honesty. I am thinking of a Sunex SUN8035XT, how well do they seem to hold up? By the specs it seems heavy enough to seem that it is made from decent material. My situation is rather different than your normal mechanic. I will be loading my tool cart in & out of my van, then taken to equipment I’m going to be working on. This all started by looking at the Beta trolley & wanting to lock my tools up. However the Beta isn’t quite big enough. I do get a little concerned about the weight capacity, I do heavy commercial HVAC. The tools I work with are on par with probably a diesel mechanic.
Good for you for moving beyond the Beta. It's very light duty. I did a review of one here: ruclips.net/video/sePUS8t7PpI/видео.html I think the Sunex cart could work well IF you were to pad the tools in the drawers with foam to keep them bouncing around. Over time, the road will take its toll on most carts so even in a best case scenario you may find a shorter life span for your cart. You could consider a road box, but those are pricey and don't typically have casters. But they hold up very well and take years of use.
I've got a 55" black classic 78. Absolutely love the box. Just finished a carbon fiber wrap on the front to freshen it up and cover some scratches. Looks like a new box. Bought it new off the truck in 2006 for $3400. Snap-on site has it listed now at $7100. Was thinking of getting the top for it, but they're listed at $5400. Paying $2k more for the top than what I paid for the roll cab is a hard pill to swallow.
My last box was a Kobalt from Lowes. It was a 2 PC. Top chest was 12 drawer with the top lifting up, Bottom chest was 9 or 10 drawer. It came with a built-in power bar as well. Very sturdy and heavy duty. Price was well worth it
This is quite interesting. My family has a ranch here in Texas, and we do work on our tractors, farm equipment, and similar. We have been very, very happy with US General at Harbor Freight.
@@CoyleTools We have been so extremely happy with US General. I am not sure how much exactly the tools weigh, and I know the roll-away isn't light itself, but it has held up extremely well. We bought a pretty big one (bottom and top) for around $700 or so as we caught a sale. Harbor Freight also has some other excellent tools you might not be aware of. Although we have a lot of Gearwrench stuff, Harbor Freight's "Pittsburgh Pro" line of sockets is a virtual copy of Tekton. In fact, they are an amazing value, and much better than their significantly more expensive Icon brand. Although occasionally sockets do break, Harbor Freight's return policy is second-to-none in terms of convenience, although we do have to drive about 60 miles to the nearest store (which is in Altus, OK), but the store in Wichita Falls is much better if a bit further away.
Thanks for the shout out. I think "if it's good enough for you" is what escapes most people. I've never had close to 100 lbs in a drawer besides sockets
I know this video isn’t recent, but it’s very helpful to me as I’m in the market for a box that will hold 23.3k worth of tools. (Student discount I paid around 12.5k) I’m on the fence about buying a harbor freight or husky, as the slides don’t have a heavy duty weight capacity and I’m still in school and can only have a box 36” wide and 24” deep. I’m looking at the matco or Snap-on carts. They have heavy duty drawers and they are 52-58% off with the student discount. Thank you for posting this sir. Very informative
So glad you found this useful. The info is solid even though it's not a recent video, so use it to your advantage. For carts, consider the US General 6-drawer at Harbor Freight. It's perhaps the best value on a quality cart. You can buy three or four of them for the price of a Snap-On or Matco.
I bought craftsman boxes over 40 years ago they have held up even without ball bearing slides. Few years ago I bought a US General 5 drawer cart and it is way nicer to use than my big boxes and moves easily
It sounds like you have experience with both brands that I am interested in, Tool Vault & Extreme and I have a couple of questions for you please. 1)- Assuming that I am looking at their top of the line boxes, is there really much of a difference between the two quality/build wise? When looking at the Stricktly Toolboxes website it seems that the Extreme has thicker gauge steel but both weigh a TON! I really like the 72 inch x 30 inch, green Tool Vault but the pricing difference might be offset by the difference in quality. 2)- Do you have pros/cons of working with a hutch vs. a top box drawer unit? I REALLY like the look of the hutch but am looking at a moving to a larger box because I have seriously outgrown my current box. I don't want to spend all that money just to get back into the same situation. Thanks in advance!
I have not seen a quality difference between the two, but my sample size is small since there aren't as many Tool Vaults in shops, but those I have seen are used by diesel techs and are heavy duty enough to hold a lot of weight and some very large tools. Hutch vs. top box is strictly preferential. It depends on whether you want to keep the top of your box as a lockable work surface or if you want the additional drawer space. If you get a hutch and find you need more drawer space later, you can always get a cart or something similar. But if you get a top box and decide you want a lockable work surface, there isn't a great option for that.
@@CoyleTools I know this is an old vid but I just saw it today. Thank you SO much for the quick reply! Appreciate the feedback about Tool Vault. For some reason I am REALLY liling the 30 inch depth (I know the drawers aren't that deep?) I think this really helps with storage issues. If the Icon was 30" deep I would probably have one by now. Love the quality that I see in the stores. Opinions on Tool Vault vs Icon quality?
@@philmcginnis2373 They seem comparable to me. Between the two brands, there are at least a half dozen I see in use everyday, and have been for at least four or five years. A couple of those for much longer. They have held up well. I don't think you can lose with either brand. With all brands of tool boxes, the best way to treat them is to keep the drawer slides clean. Dirty, gummy slides is easily the most common problem I see. It results in the ball bearings falling out and the slides sticking, requiring replacing the slides.
Hi: have a toolbox fail for you. In 1977 bought a box off the Mac truck. It was the biggest box sold. Back then mac boxes were made by Matco and handles that were marked Mac. Used the box for 11 years and then changed carriers. The box then set for 12 years. When I went back to turning wrenches the welds broke on the front of the box. Mac said it was a Matco problem. Matco said it was Mac responsibility because they sold it. End result neither would stand behind the box. Ended up rewelding it and built a frame to hold everything solid. Now use the box at home in the garage.
Mac box built by Matco? I find that hard to believe. Mac has had its own box manufacturing for a long time, Matco, witch at one time was Mac Allied tool co, a soft line distributor for Mac did not build its own box for quite awhile.
Im a heavy diesel tech so i work on 18 wheelers and where i work the floor and building are 60 years old having been a trailer shop or truck shop in some capacity since new and floor shows its age and we have to move our boxes around everyday sometimes multiple times from bay to bay and my 56in husky toolbox (mobile workbench) has been doing well the last few months loaded down with tools to do my job and in this shop everyone eventually removes the factory castors in favor of a steel cart frame and some industrial wheels from some piece of equipment after they eventually disintegrate
The local pawn shop’s are a great place for a good deal on snap on, Mack, Matco, Cornwall, tool box. I bought my classic 78 in 05 for 1,500$. I still have it and it has been in use still. I did have to replace 1 set of drawer slides. Great box! Great video thanks man!🤙
I only own Beach and Binford boxes and they are all over 30 years old and still like new and 3 of them are mounted in my service trucks and see more abuse tan any shop cart ever would
I bought a Mac second hand from the Snap on dealer the day he took it in on trade, $2000 cash. 60” wide 6’ tall, 10 years ago. Since he didn’t have to sit on it, or promote another brand other than his Snap on, he was happy to unload it quick and take a little less. He thought it was worth $3000-$4000 but I offered $2000 cash before he even picked it up, over done with and sold! Several years later, I needed a box for my machine tools and welding tools. I bought a Husky 60” cabinet in Blue, $400 couldn’t be happier! Now my question do I have to buy replacement slides from Mac or is there a supplier that is cheaper, I have 4 that are pretty worn out,, sagging when extended? I’ll buy them from you and pay shipping before doing business with our Mac dealer!
I don't know if the Mac slides are generic or not. I'd recommend that you call Mac directly and price them out. They'll sell to you without having to go through a local dealer.
I've only ever owned Snap-on boxes and have been very happy with them...and still own the gigantic KR7100. Don't forget about Lista...full extension and bombproof. I've bought a few of these in the last decade and most sellers have no clue how expensive these are new cause they've never heard of them.
I FORGOT TO MENTION LISTA!! Oh, thanks for mentioning it. They are excellent, but haven't found their way into the automotive markets like the other brands have. It's too bad, too, because they have some compelling offerings that would be interesting to see in shops.
I just saw an online liquidation of a shop. The us general boxes and carts brought more than the shop gave for them 2 years ago. The Mac dealer bought his Mac boxes for half what he sold them for. I told him the harbor freight was a good investment. He's ticked the bank wouldn't let him have them said the shop still owed him $23000
Remove the drawers, remove the slides. Clean the old lube and junk out with something like Brakleen, then lubricate with something like lithium grease or silicone grease. Be very careful that you don't knock any bearing balls out or the slide will need to be replaced.
Talking about the amount of dealer markup os probably taboo, but you're quite right!! I was aware of that eons ago, and everyone else should be!! That holds true for everything on the truck, to some extent as well. So when I had a SnapOn dealer that always answered my "so whats the deal of the day?" with "everything has a pricetag on it", I knew he was trying to squeeze every cent out of me. Thats why one of the most expensive things I ever bought off his truck was a set of Craftsmen trade in boxes, and its also why I ended up with so much Mac and Cornwell stuff!!!🤣
I’ve seen drawer slide issues with Lista & Vidmar chests too. Without fail, it’s neglect. And we have LOTS of them where I work, all throughout the company. We also have Kennedy (garbage - worst boxes I’ve ever seen), US General (Harbor Freight), Snap On (and Bluepoint). I was at Harbor Freight recently comparing their 72” USG box to their 73” Icon. There was definitely a construction difference between those two. And the Icon was as definitely a more robust box. Love the look of the Epiq but I have no need to spend the money on one. I have real estate to buy. But then, I’m also a hobbyist who has been around manufacturing and fabrication for years.
Great video, imo buy second hand SO if you really really want SO, in the UK 2-3 grand gets a very good condition 56' or 72' rollcab bottom box on the bay of e, and there are many to choose from.
I bought my Matco one a while back. Did I overpay? Yeah, but i was young and was building up my tool collection. That being said I'm pretty happy with my purchases now that I'll have these for the rest of my life.
We tend to forget that a toolbox can have as much steel in them as a modern car. A lot of engineering goes into them as well, finishing touches, like all that polished stainless, diamond plate, flat paint, etc. And this is a market that sells nowhere near the volume of cars sell. But, this means that the used market is booming. I have some VERY nice boxes (and a Matco 7475 thats double walled with already double the guage steel than a Mac, of which I have a complete and original 50th anniversary stack). So you can get something use, well kept for half, or a quarter of the price (and not worry about putting a knick in the paint, since it may have a few already. Its broken in lol) Why I can not recommend Milwaukee (except the M12, M18 stuff, so no box, no hand tools), no Huskys in general (I did a video on the tap and die set) and generally the Chinse made boxes. Once you gave them your money, they don't care. Sure, Icon will give a big youtuber parts and whatnot, but less likely once they earn enough market share. Look at the Chinese version of Craftsman, which has terrible customer satisfaction numbers. So, you buy a box, or tools from the name brands, because I see it like investing in bonds of quality, and ensuring they will make enough money to stick around. Sure, if one tool or line or box sucks, you have Mac and Matco and Cornwell. Compoetition keeps them on their toes. But they cannot compete with el cheapo, unless they too off shore (looking at you Mac...dont get me started with Mac, and the shame its been under since the 93 fiasco). Nowadays, the consumer DIYer market seems tempting for the big four, and Mac has already dived in hard to be just an upscale Dewalt (I mean, their December flier had freaking kitchen knifes. Who are they marketing to??? So, yeah, I do get a good deal on a Zeus, or another big ticket item, but every time I set foot on the truck, I try to make some purchase, and something Made in USA thats good quality. I want to see them around for a long time, and knowing that as many people in the supply chain are happy. I dont like knowing my tools were made by somebody making pennies, hating life, being in actual oppression and a living hell, just so I could save a buck and "get a deal" Sorry..this got waaaaay left field lol. Im just working on a Mac history vid, and some of the things I found in archives just disgust me with Stanley Black and Decker...
I should say that if you just start, and cant afford anything and need to work, do what you can. Buy used if you can find it, by HF if you cant. Just get up there and carve your spot. But I hear so many bragging about this deal and that, when in reality theyre not deals. Buying a Yugo today is seen as what it was. You got had. Sure one today might be a collector car, but...even still not for a lot of money. You see lots of youtubers with HUGE setups, without needing it, yet theyre the cheapest box, giving the wrong impression to new techs.
I agree. It's important to temper what you see on RUclips and such with reality. Everybody has to make their way through their careers, and we all have out pitfalls. Some lessons are harder to learn than others.
@@CoyleTools I catch myself sometimes wanting a tool I see, rather than just getting it when the job comes along and I know Ill read it. And dont get me started on the foam stuff.... I just about said screw the foam when I saw people with ferraris and custom toolbox like cabinets lining garage walls, or other youtubers that are paid by said foam companies. Do I have an inventory system? Yes. (lingering side effects of working on aircraft in the AF). But I cannot justify something that costs as much as a tool box to do all drawers, and requires massive amounts of labor anytime I get a new tool. Shadow foam only works in aviation where FOD is an issue (or other industries that need FOD control), but for automotive applications? No, a BIG no. (ok, no more ranting for the night lol. I will say I love your interviews and tours from various techs)
can anyone tell me what happened to those Hart boxes that Wal-Mart was selling a short while back, they got a lot of great reviews and were ridiculously cheap and they sure did look like some of the Montezuma boxes that Koon trucking was featuring on their RUclips channel not too long ago.
I've watched so many of your videos without a second thought or a like, but this is the one where you earned - and I do mean earned - a professional European vehicle tech as a subscriber due simply to the fact that you told new technicians to stay off of the tool trucks. Your videos should be part of the curriculum in every trade school.
I very much enjoyed this video I just came across it. I know it's over a year old but I enjoyed it. Would it be possible for you to do one on scanners? I guess primarily for home use. Keep up a good videos!
I have a Mac bottom box that I bought well used in 1999, and a very old Snap-on top box that is from the 1940s or 50s. No ball bearing slides to be seen. I'm fixing to upgrade with some US General side boxes. Typically co-workers come to me for odds and ends because their gigantic new boxes are empty.
Stumbled on your channel (recommended video) and seen this one after that. Figured you might be the one to ask, untied to any one brand and familiar with them all. I got a 20ish year old Cornwell locker and wanted to add more drawers to it.... found a local guys number and the story is "they switched box makers and no longer sell drawers and such for older stuff". You wouldn't happen to know if another brands drawers and slides would fit (minor modifications ok) in a CTB-6324BK? CTB-82125 is the part number I got on file for the extra draw I bought back in 2001 if it helps. Know I could/should upgrade (20+ years old), but.... career ending injury a few year ago, and before that, I was the heavy tech you mentioned..... So my Maximizer got 2x 3" "C" channels, plates and 8 new casters to hold the over all weight (metal was free via work with bosses ok). So, kinda locked into is as-is, but for a box that lives at home, just doing family/friends and the occasional neighbor.... is ok, just looking to squeeze out some more usefulness.
First, thank you for watching! Second, thank you for the question. Your box is of the age when it was made by Waterloo for Cornwell. Cornwell has since purchased Kennedy to make their boxes, while Stanley Black & Decker has purchased Waterloo. Cornwell kept some of the old Waterloo parts inventory to sell off, so I doubt they'd be able to help. My suggestion would be to contact Waterloo through Stanley at (860) 225-5111. It may take a little navigating to get the right person, but it's a start. Hope this helps!
@@CoyleTools Thank you for the info, I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what I can find out. Glad to have found your channel, didn't realize till I found it, I miss the tool guys visits and seeing all the shinny new stuff on the truck.
Have you seen the dragon fire tool box not very many but sure looks like high quality and great for the price ? Great reviews that you have on boxes thank you sir.
Thank you, Jason, for asking and for the compliment! I haven't heard of them. Just looking at their web site now, they seem like nice boxes, but I could imagine some techs not being too pleased with the narrow drawers. I didn't see any models with drawers wide enough for long tools like large pry bars and 3/4" torque wrenches. I'm guessing the reason the drawers are as narrow as they are is because Dragon Fire uses the bank separators to add strength, which makes me wonder about how the frames are constructed. Also, they use 100-lb drawer slides, which are medium-duty rated. You'd see 125 or 150-lb slides in heavy-duty boxes. They call their boxes heavy duty, but compare these specs to Extreme EX-Pro or Snap-On Epics and you'll see significant differences in slide capacity, and wall and drawer front construction. They also use detent drawer slides, which I'm not a fan of because the detents wear out and your drawers no longer stay closed, creating a hazardous situation. Yeah, they'll sell you replacement detents, but the design is low-effort. I'd be impressed if they designed an actual latching system instead of relying on the slide manufacturer to provide a sub-par solution. Of all the places to skimp on a toolbox, a drawer retention system shouldn't be one of them. These are my suppositions based what's on their site. I'd have to see them in person to formulate a more confident opinion.
I’ve got a 60in black SnapOn Epiq with stainless steel top, hutch, and side locker. Also came with a sound bar and cover. Guy said he paid 30k total (I believe him). I got it off him for 8k. I know there’s a lot of people that will think that’s a lot, and I get it, but there were several reasons I went with it: 1. I wanted something heavy duty that I knew could handle a load. I currently do school buses, but ya never know, I may go back to heavy equipment. 2. Although black wasn’t my first color choice, it’s beautiful. I get a lot of compliments on it. 3. Although a lot of company’s make long boxes (60, 65, 72, etc), I’ve come to really prefer deeper drawers (SnapOn Epiq is 30in). 4. One that I’m not afraid to admit, and you stated, I just wanted it. I wanted a “legacy box,” one I knew would last and be able to pass down to my son. I know people that say they’ve had “X” for 20 years and such, but I wanted a SnapOn or Mac. I was eyeing a Macsimizer (guy had a great deal on it) and was seriously considering a 100th Anniversary Epiq (that thing was niiiiice), but couldn’t pull the trigger. I couldn’t get myself to do SnapOn credit because I hate paying interest (especially when low end is 18%). The Mac guy had a great deal on his, but I was still thinking. Finally just kept checking around until my buddy found this one and sent it to me. I ended up snagging it and I’m pretty sure it will be the last one I’ll need. I think the best advice you gave in this video was to be patient. Impulse buys rarely work out in your favor, but a few hundred bucks on the truck for tools to make money is one thing. Getting on the ropes for 16K at 23% interest is mistake most wish they didn’t make.
@@CoyleTools The only other thing I might add for newer folks (and you may have said it), don’t spend an arm and a leg on a box in the beginning. The tools are where you make money, the box just holds them. True, it needs to handle whatever you do, but don’t go 20K in debt over a box when you still need thousands (most likely) dollars of tools. As you said, deals can be had (even on the truck), but Guns ‘N’ Roses said it best: “All you need is just a little patience” (I know, you said it many times as well lol).
I bought a new 68" Epiq with a stainless steel top for 6K from my dealer. That was a cash price. I think my dealer was in a bind and needed some cash flow. Anyways love the box with 30" deep drawers and have no regrets. This was before the Icon line came out. I wasn't sure how long Monster and Extreme would be around so I didn't go with them because I was concerned about warranty issues. I know Snap on will be around if I ever have any issues.
Your right. I want quality tools more than a tool box. I have always bought a tool box when there was no more draw space left. Started out with craftsman boxes and add to them as my tools grow. Got rid of the craftsman boxes and bought a used snap on and added to that over the years with more snap on boxes. But I would always save my money and buy the box off the street and not a dealer. The only thing i have done to my snap on boxes is double rail all my draws and added wood tops. If you buy from a dealer your not getting that great of a deal. You might be getting exactly what you want color and trim wise but color and trim doesn’t hold your tools.
I had my first SNAPON Rollbox and had it for 10 years then the corner welds broke and they replaced it with a new one at no charge! So I kept on buying them and had great luck with them
I have a 72" general tool box and a tool cart bought 3 yrs ago used every day I got then on a rare 15 or 20% off got both for under $1200 dollars love them !! I also had a 56" snap on with a side locker that I paid $7000 for and I loved also . But I would never pay that again !!
The one thing is if he keeps the husky in relatively good shape and later need a bigger heavier box they are pretty easy to sell. I buy used old craftsman and better boxes when I see them in good shape at a reasonable price. Then I use them to store parts in. They are much cheaper then industrial parts storage cabinets, and again easy to sell if I want to at somepoint. I see lot's of mechanics in the city that are making a go of it with lots of the inexpensive boxes and tools.
I know a few guys who used to operate Snap-On trucks and one who used to be a District Manager. They've said the same thing and have given me a number of VERY interesting stories.
Have you had a chance to review the MAC tools Macsimizer HD series tool boxes? If so, What is your opinion on them? Why doesnt MAC list any pricing on their Toolboxes like they do for their tools? What is your opinion on the Mac tools brand as a whole?
I've never reviewed a Macsimizer, but I used to sell them as a Mac franchisee. They're fine boxes and hold up just as well as any other. Mac has a way to go if they want to gain a bigger market share in tool boxes. Right now Snap-On and Matco have it pretty well sewn up. Mac's hinderance hasn't been quality, it's been their restrictive credit program. My experience in the past was that most people who applied for Mac credit were declined, so those people went with the companies that would take them on. There were a number of occasions when a customer would choose a Mac box from me, then get declined when he applied for credit. Then I'd roll back through the shop and see him with a nice new Snap-On box. If you can find a used Macsimizer in good shape, you might get a rather good deal. I think any new toolbox on any tool truck is too expensive. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, EBay, OfferUp and save yourself the tool truck price.
@@CoyleTools Yeah ive been perusing FB MP a bit, ive seen few Macs, not many in my area, Its predominately SnapOn, a few Matco, and 1 or 2 Cornwell. Its just hard to gauge the used market. I know the truck prices are way inflated. I know that the person usually doesnt pay full sticker, Theres always a trade in or a multi piece deal, then a year later the guy wants practically what he paid for it, siting that it "lists" for $xx,xxx. Apparently offering 30% of list price, youd think i insulted their mother. Lol. Ive never owned any of the big tool truck brand tools, Ive always went the El Cheapo route to get me through, and as ive gotten older(passing 40) Ive been biten by the Made in the USA(with global components), lol. And also by the legacy bug, with the feeling of wanting to leave something behind for my son to inherit. While not necessarily brand loyal, I am a victim of OCD(that has gotten worse over the years) in that i like my things to match. Which has brought me, kinda sorta, on this journey.
I’ve had a major snap on KRL 1033 structural failure. The 1033 model came with two full length top drawers from one end to the other and because they were built on the same platform is the 1023 that had a full length bank divider that went all the way to the top of the toolbox, when “Snapon” built the 1033, that full length divider was shortened, because of the two full length top drawers. Now, because the full length divider was eliminated, which was tied in to the very top surface stiffeners that ran lengthwise to the toolbox underneath the very top surface of the box that full length divider was tied into these top stiffeners now with that divider being eliminated or shortened, because of the full length, top drawers, Snap On Tools never bridged the gap between the top stiffeners, where the full length divider had tied into them in result, when you put Tools on the top of the box, the top part of the toolbox with Zak and the drawers with smack the top lip.
Snapon, cornwell, matco toolboxes at $6000 to $12000 ? Who needs that ? Who needs a Cadillac ? Who needs Ray-Ban glasses ? Who needs a Rolex ? No one. But who wants one ? About everyone. It's not always about what you need , sometimes it's about what you want. Everyone knows you start and step up , no matter what the investment may be. Great video.
I bought Husky 3 piece ( pretty massive setup ) .. $1299.99 = $1,500 after tax and delivery. I LOVE IT, i would suggest it if ANY LEVEL tech is looking for a big box WITH A HUTCH AND A LOCKER ON THE SIDE. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT
I work as a diesel mechanic on dump trucks and mixer trucks and I have a new epiq 68 box coming around April with the hutch. With the stainless steel powered top and power drawer, in teal/teal.
@@CoyleTools I've been in my career as a diesel mechanic for about 2 years started with my 46 masterforce combo with a side drawer. I have spent about 10k or more in tools since 2018. I worked on my own vehicles at home so that's what I bought my tools and box originally for. In 2019 I went to work as a diesel mechanic and havent look back since.
I bought a Matco box in 2002, because the dealer had a DVD player on his truck. This DVD showed a video of a Matco box coming out of the floor on a turntable, underneath a chevy Silverado pickup, doing a 360 then retracting. The box did not crumple. "Steel I beams in each corner" was the claim. "All other brands use hollow pressed sheet metal" said the dealer, as he passed around a cute miniature I-beam. He sold 2 boxes that day at our shop alone. $29.95 per week. I never missed a payment. If the dealer missed a week- i double paid the next. It's the last box I'll ever own.
@@CoyleTools my first top you can clearly see someones hand 🤣. Like as if they touched it after the prep . But I yes ive seen some last long still original to the box and others warrantied often.
I'm almost a year in as a diesel mechanic at a green tractor dealership. Career change at 40 because at the time I could afford the financial hit. Our shop has four box truck boxes, and the rest are harbor freight or craftsman. Personally started with a harbor freight Yukon, and a small craftsman "end table" size box. I needed to upgrade and thought real hard about the Icon set up. I work out in the gravel backyard a lot though so instead I went with the US General five drawer roll cart with the plastic/rubber edges. Grab the roll cart with the forklift and throw a tie strap around the rubber edges. Off into the yard I go. I love that icon side locker though. Man that thing is nice imo. Between straps, clevises, spare hardware, spare hydraulic caps, paperwork, half used oil bottles I bet I could fill three of them tomorrow if I had them.
Just wanted to inform, snapon is the only company that finances their own credit, so the dealer gets 100%. But they are also more lenient than 3rd party creditors when giving it out
Snap On credit is revolving like a credit card. So the balance is always plus interest. Matco will tell you upfront what the total is and based on the weekly payment amount you choose, exactly when it will be paid off.
I was actually one of Larry's first customers before he started extreme tool boxes. The first ones were way overbuilt, but I guess ya can't complain. I haven't seen any since.
Let me second what you said on the Icon boxes.... Bought a 55" about 5 months ago and it is every bit as good as any of the truck brands I've seen. Yeah you have to endure the ridiculous long wait time to receive the box. Yeah you have to assemble and unbox yourself instead of a tool truck guy rolling it off the truck into your bay and it not having that very expensive name on the box but at the end of the day they are just as good. I bought mine right after HF dropped the prices on them. I opened a HF credit card got 20% off the purchase on top of it. I paid it off right away but you can get 12 months same as cash. Of course like the trucks, if you drag out those payments the stupid interest kicks in. They are also every bit as expandable as any other brand. And as long as you use your credit card you get back store cash or 12 months. Biggest no brainer ever IMO.
I bet to differ. I bought a Matco 6s because my icon box was a plie of crap. The slides are the weak point on them as mine started having issues after a year of daily use. 6 of my drawers were useless after a year and a half. My 6s is loaded to the max with tools and is now a year old and zero issues. I paid 6700 for mine brand new off the truck and it is a 76" wide by 31"deep 3 bay 6s. I also got to custom order it and set it up exactly how I wanted it. (Drawer length and depth as well as trim color drawer color and the box color)
@@CoyleTools I honestly didn't even bother with messing with warranting them. I figured if it was going to happen on a yearly basis I wanted no part of it. I traded it as is for $500 towards my 6s.
I'm a former Mac Distributor as you may know Mac is owned by Stanley. In the 90s Stanley purchased Beech Tool Box Co in Canada. Both the Husky and Macsumizer are Beech, or son of a Beech as I call them.
Debt is the worst thing that newbie techs get tangled up in and is the cause of some talented people leaving the field. Buy what you can afford; stay afloat and survive. Even with the 55%? Percent off that SO has for registered school techs, it's easy to get in over your head. I still have my early 70's Craftsman stacked set (bought new when starting out) well as two SO boxes bought later and paid in cash. Buy used if you can, great deals can be had on a used box. It's an active market.
It's a VERY active market. There are so many choices now that it doesn't make sense to jump into a deal without taking your time, being patient and doing a lot of shopping.
Boy, I made a mistake and bought a Kobalt box. Looked good at Lowes all stainless steel and all. But what a disappointment flimsy drawers cheap slides. I got my old Snap On box's outta storage and completely went through them. Should’ve done that to begin with. My boxes were bought in 89 and the top in 92. Gotta give Snap On credit as they sent me the slides I needed to replace for free.
Tool dealers also get special incentives periodically ie tool show pricing, overstocked. Also be aware that if your tool dealer is making you a very sweet deal on a box it could mean that there’s a change being made to that line such as a drawer configuration, discontinued color or other upgrades or changes. This isn’t necessarily a problem it’s just something you should want to be aware of. If they discontinued your color or trim you might not be able to add on to it. Snap on kinda burned some people (or at least some dealers) when they blew out they’re boxes with the single full width top drawer to make room for the new model with the second drawer standard. It’s fine if you know going into it that there’s a change but if you go all in then the new box shows up, that discounted price might not seem like such a deal.
The best tool box is a used one. I have two snap on boxes that I bought used and payed less than half the price they were new. I can’t do a trade when buying used but I’m still paying less and get to keep my old box if I want. I’ll never buy a new box if I can help it but I appreciate the people who do.
My first box was my father’s first box when he started. Then he wanted to sale his 1960’s Snap-on so i got that for 250 and i payed cash for my snap on 5 draw cart
Have you played with the Tekton Tools boxes. I find the stats on the real Good but I can’t wait to try it out in person. They say it can hold up to 400 lbs a drawer. It reminds me of the stanly vidmars. But for the price it seems like a good value and something for growth.
No, I haven't. I don't have access to Tekton's products because they don't have a dealer network (I contacted them two years ago about becoming a dealer, and they told me it didn't fit their business model). in fact, until you mentioned it, I didn't know they offered tool boxes. Now I'm interested in seeing one!
My first box was a black Mac Tech1000 bottom box only, at that time it was around a third of the price of a comparable Strap-on box. Unfortunately a few years later it and all of its contents were stolen out of the shop that I had leased. That's a feeling like no other, losing the investment, practically every tool worthy of being locked up and the loss of how I was able to pay all my bills. That incident caused me a considerable debt(lease, utility bills, advertising and a strike to reputation for not being able to complete a few jobs I was working on at the time), loss of all tools and my truck also from getting behind on everything. This time I went with the Husky top and bottom box combo(also in black) with power outlet strips, magnetic backboard, flip open top, privacy drawer, soft close drawer slides, six hd castors (four corners lockable and the two in the middle allows for much easier maneuverability) oh yeah and a bottle opener on the side. The whole setup after taxes was still under a 1,000 and I haven't a single complaint with it still after four or five years now. Awesome combo box for the price, and I prefer it over the us general boxes in every comparison. Ok, I'll quit rambling and shut up now. 🐕🔧📦 🤑😎✌️
Yes it does. That's what you have to factor in when deciding where the value lies. It's a tough pill to swallow for many people to spend the difference on a Made-in-USA box, especially a young tech whose building a career. But if you shop around and are patient, you can usually find a deal that would work from a private seller or something similar.
I've seen the Montezuma tool box fail, In a heavy diesel workshop. He had it replaced, 3 times under warranty the draws bent the undercarriage let go etc terrible box in my opinion. I believe the new ones are better. I've also seen the milwaukee tool box sides letgo. Not a big deal really The mac select series. I've also seen the undercarriage fail not a good tool box in my opinion. Compared to the tech 1000 model. I've got a CAT tool box it's made by snap-on. It is a excellent tool box been shipped around the world fully loaded no problem definitely built for heavy diesel. But definitely avoid buying a big expensive to box especially from the truck.
I have a husky box love it. The big name boxes need to step up to soft close drawers. I hate when I go into someone else's boxes and yhe drawers bang closed.
That's one of the nicest features of any box and I can't understand why more companies don't use them. They're simple -- it's just the choice of slides, so it's not like they'd have to re-design the box or dramatically increase production costs.
There is a Canadian company that makes amazing very heavy tool boxes in Alberta. They are called Styrke. Tool truck or better quality and very affordable
I suppose. I mean, by that standard you'd see structural failures if you dropped one off a cliff, blew it up or put it through a car crusher. My larger point was that I never saw one fail exposed to the typical rigors of a shop environment.
I payed off my 2 bay master snap on and i can tell you that you absolutely can not just pay the minimum. This was my second credit deal for a toolbox and i managed to get it payed for in 3 and half years. At the end of it all i had a box that was perfect for me to grow into. Now its full to brim and i love it. I definitely will say also that any other box could have done the job.
Cheap toolboxes can be good value. A quality toolbox built like a tank is a better choice for long term I my opinion. You are right that you have to work the deal buy used or pay out right or at least work out your own financing.
I used to buy from the tool trucks when I started out, then I realized it's better to have 10 Pittsburg 10mm sockets rather than 1 good socket that you can't find.
I have a us general. The absolute worst part of it is that the top drawer sets back about 4 inches when pulled all the way out. This makes grabbing sockets/tools from the back a pain in the ass. I would never buy a box with that again
That is a design flaw for sure. In my toolbox and cart reviews I always check that and emphasize it as a something to be on the lookout for. Full extension drawers are the way to go.
Buy a cheaper box to start for the first few years. Fill that up and then go look for a major brand box that’s used but taken care of. You’ll save a ton of money and be just as happy (just pay attention and do your homework on which brand warranties the casters and drawer slides/drawer slide locks For that formula and drawer setup I chose Snap-On forever. Gave my first craftsman box to dad to use cause he needed an upgrade
for work i have a 1994 15 drawer craftsman with friction slides which have held up incredibly. I move my box over many bumps and uneven floors every day. Whatever box you buy, if you have to move your box around a lot, and you care about your investment, i suggest fabricating a frame for it with better casters. the new craftsman boxes are actual garbage, they WILL deteriorate quickly in a professional setting US general is great quality for the money, i have one at home and will definitely get one for work if the old craftsman ever falls apart (unlikely)
My larger point was that the quality across brands is high, so look for the value and use that as part of your criteria. You don't need to factor in reputation, name, and assumptions to make a smart choice.
Most of those industrial cabinets all have 400 lbs drawer slides. Compaired 150 lbs slides to most tool boxes. I own one for some of my heavy storage needs . I was lucky to find one on ebay for 375.00
Man, I’ve watched a handful of your videos now and I have to say they are excellent. Great information, they keep me engaged, and you seem very genuine. You’re the kinda guy people want to give their hard earned money to.
Thank you, my friend! I appreciate the kind words.
A master mechanic once told me to get a VERY nice tool cart with a good warranty, and the cheapest large toolbox you can find. Put more money into the box youre USING the most, not whats necessarily holding the most.
That's wisdom.
Not only that, put the money into the handful of tools you use all the time. The rest, mostly need to be adequate. No point in spending $400 on tools that only make you $100, ever.
As a long time automotive technician I find it laughable that tool cart usage has evolved to techs rolling around small roll cabs. The only permanent residents on my cart are a full set of shallow/semi/deep 3/8 sockets and a few prybars. Maybe I'm dumb?
@@gtcam723This is solid advice! With the quality of todays mid tier tools a tech can assemble a very robust tool set for a fraction of the costs it took in the past.
I'm a young mechanic in the RV industry, have been in for 1½ years @ 23yo. when I started I had bough a 4' tall rolling craftsman toolbox from a guy at work. used it for 4mo before I bought a rolling cart from harbor freight to grow more things into. once both of those were full, I wanted to find something bigger, so I started looking at used. everything I saw used was 5k+, which is more than I wanted. then I saw the Husky 3piece tool chest at Home Depot for $1400, and I love this thing so far. only had it for 3 weeks at this point, but it's perfect for me, and such an affordable box
I’m in Australia and have just found this channel. It blows me away how cheap tool box’s are in the US. I’m jealous watching these videos.
Welcome, my Aussie friend!
This comment is for those that say you cant find a good used deal. I bought a Matco MB7475, black with anodized red trim, with the factory diamond plate (Custom edition), with Hutch, liners, as well as 5000 bucks worth of new Mopar parts (I mean like pricy items, relays etc), had the original slip cover and even the plastic binder with all the records...
For 1800 bucks. RIP Jimmy, the previous owner, and thank you to Peter, his brother that lowered the price. So there are good boxes out there, and good people out there too!
I have invested about $2300 in my US GENERAL tool boxes, and I am thoroughly pleased with....the same set up in snap often tools would be about 10 to 12 thousand dollars. For me the choice was clear....
That's only true if u pay for it at 25$ a week with 30% intrest. Cash prices are a bit different. U can get a 68in epiq with power draw for 6500, put it on a payment plan it doubles
@@kwmiked $2300 is still less than half the unadvertised price you stated.
@@xephael3485 Here in Texas 68" you can get for between $3500 and $4500 all the time. I paid for a 84" Epiq $4500 without the SS work surface. It has to be cash though
If it’s a hobby box at the house that’s cool or a starter box but for professional use everyday it wouldn’t last and you can barely fit anything in it. I would need two triple bank us generals to accept what’s in my master series
And I would go icon over us general . I would get us general roll carts but the big boxes are ass and too skinny with no depth
I have seen MANY toolboxes have structural failures. We roll around boxes all day at work in the hangars we do heavy maintenance in and they run over air hoses, cracks in the floor sometimes and extension cords. The craftsman toolboxes, almost all of them, where the sheetmetal on the front face meets the top of the front face they crack and split there. The weight makes them fail. Many are repaired by sheetmetal guys with a doubler to keep them going. However what is more common than that is wheels coming off or bending because of shit lower support frame on cheap boxes, husky boxes and Yukon are notorious for this, run over something the wrong way and the caster is fucking ripping off the bottom of the box, they’re crazy flimsy junk, I’ve seen it even on the nicer 6 caster husky’s and US general 26 inch boxes, the 44s are good. Never seen a Mac or Snap on box have any sort of structural failure and there’s some really clapped out boxes here.
The Milwaukee boxes are notorious for the welds failing because they only put a small single spot weld to join beams. They fall apart
When it comes to other less of a huge deal stuff it’s the locks, all cheap boxes have horrible locks, husky, us general, yukon, craftsman. If you use the lock every day it will fail and getting a replacement is very difficult.
My Mac Tech 1000 is 25 years old and it’s a tank everything works like new. Invest in a used tool truck box is what I recommend people. Mac and Snap On will take care of your used box as long as you act as if you’re the original owner
Sound advice it’s one of the things I tell apprentices is build your tool set and don’t go jumping into debt it’s a marathon not a sprint, with that said a Tool guy who will be straight with you always helps. Great video keep them coming 👍🏻
You give good advice, your guys are lucky to have you!
@@CoyleTools appreciate it thanks 👍🏻
I actually have seen a structural failure of a matco 3 bay box equivalent to a 4s but older before they called it a 4s. Anyway all the spot welds up the corner rails and top were broken from 15 ish years rolling around on an uneven floor causing twisting of the box. Luckily it was original owner and matco warrantied the box and I (a greenhorn at the time) made the matco guy an offer before he even put it on his truck. Put pop rivets everywhere a spot weld broke worked great. Got teased for having a bedazzled box lol. Just thought I'd share.
Jayson, you get points for resourcefulness! Way to get a bargain on a box and keep it working for you!
Interesting discussion, thank you for sharing.
I’m just a hobbyist.
Keep things running around the farm, and vehicles on the road to get to work every day.
I have US General boxes (72” lower, 56” upper, locker & side cab). I don’t move my box very often. It’s heavy, really heavy, every drawer is full (probably gonna buy another box to grow into one of these days)
Tools are a mix, stuff I’ve accumulated over the last 35 years. I’m not loyal to any single brand, just good value. I haven’t broken a socket or wrench in years, I believe that tool quality across the board has steadily risen in the last 20 years or so.
Thanks, Jason. Sounds like you've made a lot of good decisions over the years.
I bought a John Deere heavy duty road box 2 years ago. I know it's made in China but it has survived so far bouncing around in the back of my pickup. The only thing that has failed is the lock system. I replaced that with gate latches and padlocks. Works great so far.
I’ve been pretty happy with my us general 26” box. I think I got it for $250 a few years ago. It’s been a really good box, I currently have it overloaded and you can just barely feel it in the drawer slides. My only complaint is, and this is definitely my fault, but I wish I had gotten a bigger one! The drawers are packed, tools are stacked on top of other tools, etc.
I would like to get a snap on box one day. I think they’re really good boxes, depending on the series. And I would consider buying a used one from an independent seller. Do I need a tool truck box? Absolutely not. But I don’t mind treating myself once in a while.
Otherwise, great video.
USG boxes have gone up since you bought but they are still a good deal for what you get.
I respect your opinion on tool boxes! I agree some of the Snap-On boxes are crazy expensive! Where I live if you buy a box you will get it that day from the warehouse!
Very good video. Appreciate the insight. FWIW, like Kennedy's path for machinists. Start out with a top box. It's beautifully made and perfect for an apprentice. Then add a mid box. At this point, buying new, one is in for about 1K. Later add a bottom box, when needed. The entire shebang is less than 2K. Used, this is ridiculously inexpensive, given the quality. This kind of setup won't work for vehicle techs - the storage isn't made for big tools - but it's a godsend for machinists.
I'm glad you mentioned Kennedy. They were bought by Cornwell a few years ago, so they make the Corny boxes. I know one machinist who owns a nice Kennedy setup and he loves it.
Appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share it. Keep it up!
Will do, Cody! Thank you!
I appreciate your honesty. I am thinking of a Sunex SUN8035XT, how well do they seem to hold up? By the specs it seems heavy enough to seem that it is made from decent material. My situation is rather different than your normal mechanic. I will be loading my tool cart in & out of my van, then taken to equipment I’m going to be working on. This all started by looking at the Beta trolley & wanting to lock my tools up. However the Beta isn’t quite big enough. I do get a little concerned about the weight capacity, I do heavy commercial HVAC. The tools I work with are on par with probably a diesel mechanic.
Good for you for moving beyond the Beta. It's very light duty. I did a review of one here: ruclips.net/video/sePUS8t7PpI/видео.html
I think the Sunex cart could work well IF you were to pad the tools in the drawers with foam to keep them bouncing around. Over time, the road will take its toll on most carts so even in a best case scenario you may find a shorter life span for your cart. You could consider a road box, but those are pricey and don't typically have casters. But they hold up very well and take years of use.
Solid insight and advice. New techs and those in the market for boxes and tools should watch this and others before investing or going into tool debt.
I've got a 55" black classic 78. Absolutely love the box. Just finished a carbon fiber wrap on the front to freshen it up and cover some scratches. Looks like a new box. Bought it new off the truck in 2006 for $3400. Snap-on site has it listed now at $7100. Was thinking of getting the top for it, but they're listed at $5400. Paying $2k more for the top than what I paid for the roll cab is a hard pill to swallow.
My last box was a Kobalt from Lowes. It was a 2 PC. Top chest was 12 drawer with the top lifting up, Bottom chest was 9 or 10 drawer. It came with a built-in power bar as well. Very sturdy and heavy duty. Price was well worth it
This is quite interesting. My family has a ranch here in Texas, and we do work on our tractors, farm equipment, and similar. We have been very, very happy with US General at Harbor Freight.
Can't go wrong with those. I wish more people gave them serious consideration.
@@CoyleTools We have been so extremely happy with US General. I am not sure how much exactly the tools weigh, and I know the roll-away isn't light itself, but it has held up extremely well. We bought a pretty big one (bottom and top) for around $700 or so as we caught a sale. Harbor Freight also has some other excellent tools you might not be aware of. Although we have a lot of Gearwrench stuff, Harbor Freight's "Pittsburgh Pro" line of sockets is a virtual copy of Tekton. In fact, they are an amazing value, and much better than their significantly more expensive Icon brand. Although occasionally sockets do break, Harbor Freight's return policy is second-to-none in terms of convenience, although we do have to drive about 60 miles to the nearest store (which is in Altus, OK), but the store in Wichita Falls is much better if a bit further away.
Us general are ok just wish they had deeper drawers. That's why I went with masterforce 46 combo with a side drawer fir my first box.
Thanks for the shout out. I think "if it's good enough for you" is what escapes most people. I've never had close to 100 lbs in a drawer besides sockets
Thank YOU, Greg. Keep your questions, suggestions and comments coming!
I know this video isn’t recent, but it’s very helpful to me as I’m in the market for a box that will hold 23.3k worth of tools. (Student discount I paid around 12.5k) I’m on the fence about buying a harbor freight or husky, as the slides don’t have a heavy duty weight capacity and I’m still in school and can only have a box 36” wide and 24” deep. I’m looking at the matco or Snap-on carts. They have heavy duty drawers and they are 52-58% off with the student discount. Thank you for posting this sir. Very informative
So glad you found this useful. The info is solid even though it's not a recent video, so use it to your advantage. For carts, consider the US General 6-drawer at Harbor Freight. It's perhaps the best value on a quality cart. You can buy three or four of them for the price of a Snap-On or Matco.
I bought craftsman boxes over 40 years ago they have held up even without ball bearing slides. Few years ago I bought a US General 5 drawer cart and it is way nicer to use than my big boxes and moves easily
It sounds like you have experience with both brands that I am interested in, Tool Vault & Extreme and I have a couple of questions for you please.
1)- Assuming that I am looking at their top of the line boxes, is there really much of a difference between the two quality/build wise? When looking at the Stricktly Toolboxes website it seems that the Extreme has thicker gauge steel but both weigh a TON! I really like the 72 inch x 30 inch, green Tool Vault but the pricing difference might be offset by the difference in quality.
2)- Do you have pros/cons of working with a hutch vs. a top box drawer unit? I REALLY like the look of the hutch but am looking at a moving to a larger box because I have seriously outgrown my current box. I don't want to spend all that money just to get back into the same situation.
Thanks in advance!
I have not seen a quality difference between the two, but my sample size is small since there aren't as many Tool Vaults in shops, but those I have seen are used by diesel techs and are heavy duty enough to hold a lot of weight and some very large tools.
Hutch vs. top box is strictly preferential. It depends on whether you want to keep the top of your box as a lockable work surface or if you want the additional drawer space. If you get a hutch and find you need more drawer space later, you can always get a cart or something similar. But if you get a top box and decide you want a lockable work surface, there isn't a great option for that.
@@CoyleTools I know this is an old vid but I just saw it today. Thank you SO much for the quick reply! Appreciate the feedback about Tool Vault. For some reason I am REALLY liling the 30 inch depth (I know the drawers aren't that deep?) I think this really helps with storage issues.
If the Icon was 30" deep I would probably have one by now. Love the quality that I see in the stores.
Opinions on Tool Vault vs Icon quality?
@@philmcginnis2373 They seem comparable to me. Between the two brands, there are at least a half dozen I see in use everyday, and have been for at least four or five years. A couple of those for much longer. They have held up well. I don't think you can lose with either brand.
With all brands of tool boxes, the best way to treat them is to keep the drawer slides clean. Dirty, gummy slides is easily the most common problem I see. It results in the ball bearings falling out and the slides sticking, requiring replacing the slides.
I remember getting on the SnapOn truck to get a good torque wrench… 30k & 3 years later I’ve filled my cheap boxes with good tools 😆
Great video! New to your channel. What is your opinion on a Craftsman Box?
Hi: have a toolbox fail for you. In 1977 bought a box off the Mac truck. It was the biggest box sold. Back then mac boxes were made by Matco and handles that were marked Mac. Used the box for 11 years and then changed carriers. The box then set for 12 years. When I went back to turning wrenches the welds broke on the front of the box. Mac said it was a Matco problem. Matco said it was Mac responsibility because they sold it. End result neither would stand behind the box. Ended up rewelding it and built a frame to hold everything solid. Now use the box at home in the garage.
Wow!
Mac box built by Matco? I find that hard to believe. Mac has had its own box manufacturing for a long time, Matco, witch at one time was Mac Allied tool co, a soft line distributor for Mac did not build its own box for quite awhile.
Dan, matco was mac allied before 79. They supplied anything not made by Mac. Including boxes. Matco started making toolboxes in early 70's.
Im a heavy diesel tech so i work on 18 wheelers and where i work the floor and building are 60 years old having been a trailer shop or truck shop in some capacity since new and floor shows its age and we have to move our boxes around everyday sometimes multiple times from bay to bay and my 56in husky toolbox (mobile workbench) has been doing well the last few months loaded down with tools to do my job and in this shop everyone eventually removes the factory castors in favor of a steel cart frame and some industrial wheels from some piece of equipment after they eventually disintegrate
The local pawn shop’s are a great place for a good deal on snap on, Mack, Matco, Cornwall, tool box. I bought my classic 78 in 05 for 1,500$. I still have it and it has been in use still. I did have to replace 1 set of drawer slides. Great box! Great video thanks man!🤙
If you're patient, you can get some surprisingly good deals at pawn shops. You got yourself a winner!
I only own Beach and Binford boxes and they are all over 30 years old and still like new and 3 of them are mounted in my service trucks and see more abuse tan any shop cart ever would
I bought a Mac second hand from the Snap on dealer the day he took it in on trade, $2000 cash. 60” wide 6’ tall, 10 years ago. Since he didn’t have to sit on it, or promote another brand other than his Snap on, he was happy to unload it quick and take a little less. He thought it was worth $3000-$4000 but I offered $2000 cash before he even picked it up, over done with and sold! Several years later, I needed a box for my machine tools and welding tools. I bought a Husky 60” cabinet in Blue, $400 couldn’t be happier! Now my question do I have to buy replacement slides from Mac or is there a supplier that is cheaper, I have 4 that are pretty worn out,, sagging when extended? I’ll buy them from you and pay shipping before doing business with our Mac dealer!
I don't know if the Mac slides are generic or not. I'd recommend that you call Mac directly and price them out. They'll sell to you without having to go through a local dealer.
I've only ever owned Snap-on boxes and have been very happy with them...and still own the gigantic KR7100. Don't forget about Lista...full extension and bombproof. I've bought a few of these in the last decade and most sellers have no clue how expensive these are new cause they've never heard of them.
I FORGOT TO MENTION LISTA!! Oh, thanks for mentioning it. They are excellent, but haven't found their way into the automotive markets like the other brands have. It's too bad, too, because they have some compelling offerings that would be interesting to see in shops.
I just saw an online liquidation of a shop. The us general boxes and carts brought more than the shop gave for them 2 years ago. The Mac dealer bought his Mac boxes for half what he sold them for. I told him the harbor freight was a good investment. He's ticked the bank wouldn't let him have them said the shop still owed him $23000
How do you take care of your slides the best way? I work on class 1-8 cars and trucks
Remove the drawers, remove the slides. Clean the old lube and junk out with something like Brakleen, then lubricate with something like lithium grease or silicone grease. Be very careful that you don't knock any bearing balls out or the slide will need to be replaced.
@@CoyleTools ok.
Talking about the amount of dealer markup os probably taboo, but you're quite right!! I was aware of that eons ago, and everyone else should be!! That holds true for everything on the truck, to some extent as well. So when I had a SnapOn dealer that always answered my "so whats the deal of the day?" with "everything has a pricetag on it", I knew he was trying to squeeze every cent out of me. Thats why one of the most expensive things I ever bought off his truck was a set of Craftsmen trade in boxes, and its also why I ended up with so much Mac and Cornwell stuff!!!🤣
I’ve seen drawer slide issues with Lista & Vidmar chests too. Without fail, it’s neglect. And we have LOTS of them where I work, all throughout the company. We also have Kennedy (garbage - worst boxes I’ve ever seen), US General (Harbor Freight), Snap On (and Bluepoint).
I was at Harbor Freight recently comparing their 72” USG box to their 73” Icon. There was definitely a construction difference between those two. And the Icon was as definitely a more robust box.
Love the look of the Epiq but I have no need to spend the money on one. I have real estate to buy. But then, I’m also a hobbyist who has been around manufacturing and fabrication for years.
Great video, imo buy second hand SO if you really really want SO, in the UK 2-3 grand gets a very good condition 56' or 72' rollcab bottom box on the bay of e, and there are many to choose from.
That's excellent advice. There is no shortage of used boxes on the market, so you can find very good deals if you're patient.
I bought my Matco one a while back. Did I overpay? Yeah, but i was young and was building up my tool collection. That being said I'm pretty happy with my purchases now that I'll have these for the rest of my life.
Do you happen to know if you can get universal slides I have an older kobalt box and some of the drawers are beat up
We tend to forget that a toolbox can have as much steel in them as a modern car. A lot of engineering goes into them as well, finishing touches, like all that polished stainless, diamond plate, flat paint, etc. And this is a market that sells nowhere near the volume of cars sell.
But, this means that the used market is booming. I have some VERY nice boxes (and a Matco 7475 thats double walled with already double the guage steel than a Mac, of which I have a complete and original 50th anniversary stack). So you can get something use, well kept for half, or a quarter of the price (and not worry about putting a knick in the paint, since it may have a few already. Its broken in lol)
Why I can not recommend Milwaukee (except the M12, M18 stuff, so no box, no hand tools), no Huskys in general (I did a video on the tap and die set) and generally the Chinse made boxes. Once you gave them your money, they don't care. Sure, Icon will give a big youtuber parts and whatnot, but less likely once they earn enough market share. Look at the Chinese version of Craftsman, which has terrible customer satisfaction numbers.
So, you buy a box, or tools from the name brands, because I see it like investing in bonds of quality, and ensuring they will make enough money to stick around. Sure, if one tool or line or box sucks, you have Mac and Matco and Cornwell. Compoetition keeps them on their toes. But they cannot compete with el cheapo, unless they too off shore (looking at you Mac...dont get me started with Mac, and the shame its been under since the 93 fiasco).
Nowadays, the consumer DIYer market seems tempting for the big four, and Mac has already dived in hard to be just an upscale Dewalt (I mean, their December flier had freaking kitchen knifes. Who are they marketing to??? So, yeah, I do get a good deal on a Zeus, or another big ticket item, but every time I set foot on the truck, I try to make some purchase, and something Made in USA thats good quality. I want to see them around for a long time, and knowing that as many people in the supply chain are happy. I dont like knowing my tools were made by somebody making pennies, hating life, being in actual oppression and a living hell, just so I could save a buck and "get a deal"
Sorry..this got waaaaay left field lol. Im just working on a Mac history vid, and some of the things I found in archives just disgust me with Stanley Black and Decker...
I should say that if you just start, and cant afford anything and need to work, do what you can. Buy used if you can find it, by HF if you cant. Just get up there and carve your spot. But I hear so many bragging about this deal and that, when in reality theyre not deals. Buying a Yugo today is seen as what it was. You got had. Sure one today might be a collector car, but...even still not for a lot of money.
You see lots of youtubers with HUGE setups, without needing it, yet theyre the cheapest box, giving the wrong impression to new techs.
I agree. It's important to temper what you see on RUclips and such with reality. Everybody has to make their way through their careers, and we all have out pitfalls. Some lessons are harder to learn than others.
@@CoyleTools I catch myself sometimes wanting a tool I see, rather than just getting it when the job comes along and I know Ill read it. And dont get me started on the foam stuff....
I just about said screw the foam when I saw people with ferraris and custom toolbox like cabinets lining garage walls, or other youtubers that are paid by said foam companies. Do I have an inventory system? Yes. (lingering side effects of working on aircraft in the AF). But I cannot justify something that costs as much as a tool box to do all drawers, and requires massive amounts of labor anytime I get a new tool. Shadow foam only works in aviation where FOD is an issue (or other industries that need FOD control), but for automotive applications? No, a BIG no. (ok, no more ranting for the night lol. I will say I love your interviews and tours from various techs)
can anyone tell me what happened to those Hart boxes that Wal-Mart was selling a short while back, they got a lot of great reviews and were ridiculously cheap and they sure did look like some of the Montezuma boxes that Koon trucking was featuring on their RUclips channel not too long ago.
I've watched so many of your videos without a second thought or a like, but this is the one where you earned - and I do mean earned - a professional European vehicle tech as a subscriber due simply to the fact that you told new technicians to stay off of the tool trucks. Your videos should be part of the curriculum in every trade school.
Wow, Patrick, that means so much! Thank you for a great compliment and your viewership!
I very much enjoyed this video I just came across it. I know it's over a year old but I enjoyed it. Would it be possible for you to do one on scanners? I guess primarily for home use. Keep up a good videos!
I have a Mac bottom box that I bought well used in 1999, and a very old Snap-on top box that is from the 1940s or 50s. No ball bearing slides to be seen. I'm fixing to upgrade with some US General side boxes. Typically co-workers come to me for odds and ends because their gigantic new boxes are empty.
Stumbled on your channel (recommended video) and seen this one after that. Figured you might be the one to ask, untied to any one brand and familiar with them all.
I got a 20ish year old Cornwell locker and wanted to add more drawers to it.... found a local guys number and the story is "they switched box makers and no longer sell drawers and such for older stuff".
You wouldn't happen to know if another brands drawers and slides would fit (minor modifications ok) in a CTB-6324BK? CTB-82125 is the part number I got on file for the extra draw I bought back in 2001 if it helps.
Know I could/should upgrade (20+ years old), but.... career ending injury a few year ago, and before that, I was the heavy tech you mentioned..... So my Maximizer got 2x 3" "C" channels, plates and 8 new casters to hold the over all weight (metal was free via work with bosses ok). So, kinda locked into is as-is, but for a box that lives at home, just doing family/friends and the occasional neighbor.... is ok, just looking to squeeze out some more usefulness.
First, thank you for watching! Second, thank you for the question.
Your box is of the age when it was made by Waterloo for Cornwell. Cornwell has since purchased Kennedy to make their boxes, while Stanley Black & Decker has purchased Waterloo. Cornwell kept some of the old Waterloo parts inventory to sell off, so I doubt they'd be able to help. My suggestion would be to contact Waterloo through Stanley at (860) 225-5111. It may take a little navigating to get the right person, but it's a start. Hope this helps!
@@CoyleTools Thank you for the info, I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what I can find out. Glad to have found your channel, didn't realize till I found it, I miss the tool guys visits and seeing all the shinny new stuff on the truck.
Have you seen the dragon fire tool box not very many but sure looks like high quality and great for the price ? Great reviews that you have on boxes thank you sir.
Thank you, Jason, for asking and for the compliment! I haven't heard of them. Just looking at their web site now, they seem like nice boxes, but I could imagine some techs not being too pleased with the narrow drawers. I didn't see any models with drawers wide enough for long tools like large pry bars and 3/4" torque wrenches. I'm guessing the reason the drawers are as narrow as they are is because Dragon Fire uses the bank separators to add strength, which makes me wonder about how the frames are constructed. Also, they use 100-lb drawer slides, which are medium-duty rated. You'd see 125 or 150-lb slides in heavy-duty boxes. They call their boxes heavy duty, but compare these specs to Extreme EX-Pro or Snap-On Epics and you'll see significant differences in slide capacity, and wall and drawer front construction.
They also use detent drawer slides, which I'm not a fan of because the detents wear out and your drawers no longer stay closed, creating a hazardous situation. Yeah, they'll sell you replacement detents, but the design is low-effort. I'd be impressed if they designed an actual latching system instead of relying on the slide manufacturer to provide a sub-par solution. Of all the places to skimp on a toolbox, a drawer retention system shouldn't be one of them.
These are my suppositions based what's on their site. I'd have to see them in person to formulate a more confident opinion.
I’ve got a 60in black SnapOn Epiq with stainless steel top, hutch, and side locker. Also came with a sound bar and cover. Guy said he paid 30k total (I believe him). I got it off him for 8k. I know there’s a lot of people that will think that’s a lot, and I get it, but there were several reasons I went with it:
1. I wanted something heavy duty that I knew could handle a load. I currently do school buses, but ya never know, I may go back to heavy equipment.
2. Although black wasn’t my first color choice, it’s beautiful. I get a lot of compliments on it.
3. Although a lot of company’s make long boxes (60, 65, 72, etc), I’ve come to really prefer deeper drawers (SnapOn Epiq is 30in).
4. One that I’m not afraid to admit, and you stated, I just wanted it. I wanted a “legacy box,” one I knew would last and be able to pass down to my son. I know people that say they’ve had “X” for 20 years and such, but I wanted a SnapOn or Mac.
I was eyeing a Macsimizer (guy had a great deal on it) and was seriously considering a 100th Anniversary Epiq (that thing was niiiiice), but couldn’t pull the trigger. I couldn’t get myself to do SnapOn credit because I hate paying interest (especially when low end is 18%). The Mac guy had a great deal on his, but I was still thinking. Finally just kept checking around until my buddy found this one and sent it to me. I ended up snagging it and I’m pretty sure it will be the last one I’ll need. I think the best advice you gave in this video was to be patient. Impulse buys rarely work out in your favor, but a few hundred bucks on the truck for tools to make money is one thing. Getting on the ropes for 16K at 23% interest is mistake most wish they didn’t make.
Sounds like you got an excellent deal and it was worth waiting for. Thanks for sharing your experience and the advice!
@@CoyleTools The only other thing I might add for newer folks (and you may have said it), don’t spend an arm and a leg on a box in the beginning. The tools are where you make money, the box just holds them. True, it needs to handle whatever you do, but don’t go 20K in debt over a box when you still need thousands (most likely) dollars of tools. As you said, deals can be had (even on the truck), but Guns ‘N’ Roses said it best: “All you need is just a little patience” (I know, you said it many times as well lol).
@@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm Thanks, Jake! Very true words.
I bought a new 68" Epiq with a stainless steel top for 6K from my dealer. That was a cash price. I think my dealer was in a bind and needed some cash flow. Anyways love the box with 30" deep drawers and have no regrets. This was before the Icon line came out. I wasn't sure how long Monster and Extreme would be around so I didn't go with them because I was concerned about warranty issues. I know Snap on will be around if I ever have any issues.
@@hilltopmachineworks2131 That’s a hell of a deal. Was it used or new?
Great topic and pretty informative!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very smart advice. Thanks for sharing.
Your right. I want quality tools more than a tool box. I have always bought a tool box when there was no more draw space left. Started out with craftsman boxes and add to them as my tools grow. Got rid of the craftsman boxes and bought a used snap on and added to that over the years with more snap on boxes. But I would always save my money and buy the box off the street and not a dealer. The only thing i have done to my snap on boxes is double rail all my draws and added wood tops. If you buy from a dealer your not getting that great of a deal. You might be getting exactly what you want color and trim wise but color and trim doesn’t hold your tools.
That is solid advice I wish you were in California Keep up the good work Bud
Thanks, Steven! I apprciate the feedback.
I had my first SNAPON Rollbox and had it for 10 years then the corner welds broke and they replaced it with a new one at no charge! So I kept on buying them and had great luck with them
I have a 72" general tool box and a tool cart bought 3 yrs ago used every day I got then on a rare 15 or 20% off got both for under $1200 dollars love them !! I also had a 56" snap on with a side locker that I paid $7000 for and I loved also . But I would never pay that again !!
The one thing is if he keeps the husky in relatively good shape and later need a bigger heavier box they are pretty easy to sell. I buy used old craftsman and better boxes when I see them in good shape at a reasonable price. Then I use them to store parts in. They are much cheaper then industrial parts storage cabinets, and again easy to sell if I want to at somepoint. I see lot's of mechanics in the city that are making a go of it with lots of the inexpensive boxes and tools.
A friend of mine in calif was regional manager for snap on and couldn’t believe the mark up on all there products!!
I know a few guys who used to operate Snap-On trucks and one who used to be a District Manager. They've said the same thing and have given me a number of VERY interesting stories.
Have you had a chance to review the MAC tools Macsimizer HD series tool boxes? If so, What is your opinion on them? Why doesnt MAC list any pricing on their Toolboxes like they do for their tools? What is your opinion on the Mac tools brand as a whole?
I've never reviewed a Macsimizer, but I used to sell them as a Mac franchisee. They're fine boxes and hold up just as well as any other. Mac has a way to go if they want to gain a bigger market share in tool boxes. Right now Snap-On and Matco have it pretty well sewn up. Mac's hinderance hasn't been quality, it's been their restrictive credit program. My experience in the past was that most people who applied for Mac credit were declined, so those people went with the companies that would take them on. There were a number of occasions when a customer would choose a Mac box from me, then get declined when he applied for credit. Then I'd roll back through the shop and see him with a nice new Snap-On box.
If you can find a used Macsimizer in good shape, you might get a rather good deal. I think any new toolbox on any tool truck is too expensive. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, EBay, OfferUp and save yourself the tool truck price.
@@CoyleTools Yeah ive been perusing FB MP a bit, ive seen few Macs, not many in my area, Its predominately SnapOn, a few Matco, and 1 or 2 Cornwell. Its just hard to gauge the used market. I know the truck prices are way inflated. I know that the person usually doesnt pay full sticker, Theres always a trade in or a multi piece deal, then a year later the guy wants practically what he paid for it, siting that it "lists" for $xx,xxx. Apparently offering 30% of list price, youd think i insulted their mother. Lol. Ive never owned any of the big tool truck brand tools, Ive always went the El Cheapo route to get me through, and as ive gotten older(passing 40) Ive been biten by the Made in the USA(with global components), lol. And also by the legacy bug, with the feeling of wanting to leave something behind for my son to inherit. While not necessarily brand loyal, I am a victim of OCD(that has gotten worse over the years) in that i like my things to match. Which has brought me, kinda sorta, on this journey.
@@terryelliott1785 Patience will the day. Keep looking and something will crop up.
Best honest tool guy on you tube.
Thank you, Sam!
I’ve had a major snap on KRL 1033 structural failure. The 1033 model came with two full length top drawers from one end to the other and because they were built on the same platform is the 1023 that had a full length bank divider that went all the way to the top of the toolbox, when “Snapon” built the 1033, that full length divider was shortened, because of the two full length top drawers. Now, because the full length divider was eliminated, which was tied in to the very top surface stiffeners that ran lengthwise to the toolbox underneath the very top surface of the box that full length divider was tied into these top stiffeners now with that divider being eliminated or shortened, because of the full length, top drawers, Snap On Tools never bridged the gap between the top stiffeners, where the full length divider had tied into them in result, when you put Tools on the top of the box, the top part of the toolbox with Zak and the drawers with smack the top lip.
Wow. That blows me away.
Snapon, cornwell, matco toolboxes at $6000 to $12000 ? Who needs that ? Who needs a Cadillac ? Who needs Ray-Ban glasses ? Who needs a Rolex ? No one. But who wants one ? About everyone. It's not always about what you need , sometimes it's about what you want. Everyone knows you start and step up , no matter what the investment may be. Great video.
Thank you!
I bought Husky 3 piece ( pretty massive setup ) .. $1299.99 = $1,500 after tax and delivery. I LOVE IT, i would suggest it if ANY LEVEL tech is looking for a big box WITH A HUTCH AND A LOCKER ON THE SIDE. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT
Good for you! You cannot go wrong. I'd say of all the non-tool truck brands of box I see in shops, Husky is number one. They are such great options.
I guess I lucked out. I have a 72in Mac maximizer got it used for 1500 bucks top and bottom chest and 2 side cabinets love it just hate red lol
Excellent deal!
I work as a diesel mechanic on dump trucks and mixer trucks and I have a new epiq 68 box coming around April with the hutch. With the stainless steel powered top and power drawer, in teal/teal.
That's gonna be gorgeous!
@@CoyleTools I've been in my career as a diesel mechanic for about 2 years started with my 46 masterforce combo with a side drawer. I have spent about 10k or more in tools since 2018. I worked on my own vehicles at home so that's what I bought my tools and box originally for. In 2019 I went to work as a diesel mechanic and havent look back since.
@@CoyleTools yes my new box will be and I will have the room I need with the tools I'm having to get for my job.
I bought a Matco box in 2002, because the dealer had a DVD player on his truck. This DVD showed a video of a Matco box coming out of the floor on a turntable, underneath a chevy Silverado pickup, doing a 360 then retracting. The box did not crumple. "Steel I beams in each corner" was the claim. "All other brands use hollow pressed sheet metal" said the dealer, as he passed around a cute miniature I-beam. He sold 2 boxes that day at our shop alone. $29.95 per week. I never missed a payment. If the dealer missed a week- i double paid the next. It's the last box I'll ever own.
How often do you park a truck on top of it?
@@CoyleTools never did! In fact, i paste wax it every December, even though it's not in sunlight! I paid three grand for it!! (2002 price) 😵🤕😁
@@gregwillis7767 You got yourself a heck of a deal!
@@CoyleTools And i never put any stickers on it either. Course i was 43 yrs old 20 yrs ago. Another 7 yrs and I'll retire.
Im on 4th snap on bedliner top. All 4 under warranty. My guess is that the tops were not prepped properly. Bought my box in 2015
I didn't know they were problematic. I don't know many people who have them and this was the first I saw with the problem.
@@CoyleTools my first top you can clearly see someones hand 🤣. Like as if they touched it after the prep . But I yes ive seen some last long still original to the box and others warrantied often.
I'm almost a year in as a diesel mechanic at a green tractor dealership. Career change at 40 because at the time I could afford the financial hit.
Our shop has four box truck boxes, and the rest are harbor freight or craftsman.
Personally started with a harbor freight Yukon, and a small craftsman "end table" size box.
I needed to upgrade and thought real hard about the Icon set up. I work out in the gravel backyard a lot though so instead I went with the US General five drawer roll cart with the plastic/rubber edges.
Grab the roll cart with the forklift and throw a tie strap around the rubber edges. Off into the yard I go.
I love that icon side locker though. Man that thing is nice imo. Between straps, clevises, spare hardware, spare hydraulic caps, paperwork, half used oil bottles I bet I could fill three of them tomorrow if I had them.
Such good options. You can't go wrong with them.
Excellent video, great advice! Oh and Nice door.
That's what happens when the kids escape the basement. I mean, when the dogs can't wait to go out. Yes. That's what I mean.
Just wanted to inform, snapon is the only company that finances their own credit, so the dealer gets 100%. But they are also more lenient than 3rd party creditors when giving it out
Snap On credit is revolving like a credit card. So the balance is always plus interest. Matco will tell you upfront what the total is and based on the weekly payment amount you choose, exactly when it will be paid off.
I was actually one of Larry's first customers before he started extreme tool boxes. The first ones were way overbuilt, but I guess ya can't complain. I haven't seen any since.
Let me second what you said on the Icon boxes.... Bought a 55" about 5 months ago and it is every bit as good as any of the truck brands I've seen. Yeah you have to endure the ridiculous long wait time to receive the box. Yeah you have to assemble and unbox yourself instead of a tool truck guy rolling it off the truck into your bay and it not having that very expensive name on the box but at the end of the day they are just as good. I bought mine right after HF dropped the prices on them. I opened a HF credit card got 20% off the purchase on top of it. I paid it off right away but you can get 12 months same as cash. Of course like the trucks, if you drag out those payments the stupid interest kicks in. They are also every bit as expandable as any other brand. And as long as you use your credit card you get back store cash or 12 months. Biggest no brainer ever IMO.
Yes, indeed! The Icon line will absolutely change the game as more people purchase them. When you do a comparison, it is without a doubt a no-brainer.
I bet to differ. I bought a Matco 6s because my icon box was a plie of crap. The slides are the weak point on them as mine started having issues after a year of daily use. 6 of my drawers were useless after a year and a half.
My 6s is loaded to the max with tools and is now a year old and zero issues. I paid 6700 for mine brand new off the truck and it is a 76" wide by 31"deep 3 bay 6s. I also got to custom order it and set it up exactly how I wanted it. (Drawer length and depth as well as trim color drawer color and the box color)
@@upnorth5465 Didn't HF address these issues under warranty?
@@CoyleTools I honestly didn't even bother with messing with warranting them. I figured if it was going to happen on a yearly basis I wanted no part of it. I traded it as is for $500 towards my 6s.
Fair enough!
I'm a former Mac Distributor as you may know Mac is owned by Stanley. In the 90s Stanley purchased Beech Tool Box Co in Canada. Both the Husky and Macsumizer are Beech, or son of a Beech as I call them.
I didn't know about Beech. Thanks for the info!
The DeWalt and Craftsman boxes are made by them these days as well.
Beach made the economizer
The macsimizer was made in Georgetown Ohio by MAC.
Debt is the worst thing that newbie techs get tangled up in and is the cause of some talented people leaving the field. Buy what you can afford; stay afloat and survive.
Even with the 55%? Percent off that SO has for registered school techs, it's easy to get in over your head. I still have my early 70's Craftsman stacked set (bought new when starting out) well as two SO boxes bought later and paid in cash. Buy used if you can, great deals can be had on a used box. It's an active market.
It's a VERY active market. There are so many choices now that it doesn't make sense to jump into a deal without taking your time, being patient and doing a lot of shopping.
Boy, I made a mistake and bought a Kobalt box. Looked good at Lowes all stainless steel and all. But what a disappointment flimsy drawers cheap slides. I got my old Snap On box's outta storage and completely went through them. Should’ve done that to begin with. My boxes were bought in 89 and the top in 92. Gotta give Snap On credit as they sent me the slides I needed to replace for free.
Tool dealers also get special incentives periodically ie tool show pricing, overstocked. Also be aware that if your tool dealer is making you a very sweet deal on a box it could mean that there’s a change being made to that line such as a drawer configuration, discontinued color or other upgrades or changes. This isn’t necessarily a problem it’s just something you should want to be aware of. If they discontinued your color or trim you might not be able to add on to it. Snap on kinda burned some people (or at least some dealers) when they blew out they’re boxes with the single full width top drawer to make room for the new model with the second drawer standard. It’s fine if you know going into it that there’s a change but if you go all in then the new box shows up, that discounted price might not seem like such a deal.
Excellent point. Thank you!
The best tool box is a used one. I have two snap on boxes that I bought used and payed less than half the price they were new. I can’t do a trade when buying used but I’m still paying less and get to keep my old box if I want. I’ll never buy a new box if I can help it but I appreciate the people who do.
My first box was my father’s first box when he started. Then he wanted to sale his 1960’s Snap-on so i got that for 250 and i payed cash for my snap on 5 draw cart
Awesome video. Thanks
Have you played with the Tekton Tools boxes. I find the stats on the real
Good but I can’t wait to try it out in person. They say it can hold up to 400 lbs a drawer. It reminds me of the stanly vidmars. But for the price it seems like a good value and something for growth.
No, I haven't. I don't have access to Tekton's products because they don't have a dealer network (I contacted them two years ago about becoming a dealer, and they told me it didn't fit their business model). in fact, until you mentioned it, I didn't know they offered tool boxes. Now I'm interested in seeing one!
My first box was a black Mac Tech1000 bottom box only, at that time it was around a third of the price of a comparable Strap-on box. Unfortunately a few years later it and all of its contents were stolen out of the shop that I had leased. That's a feeling like no other, losing the investment, practically every tool worthy of being locked up and the loss of how I was able to pay all my bills. That incident caused me a considerable debt(lease, utility bills, advertising and a strike to reputation for not being able to complete a few jobs I was working on at the time), loss of all tools and my truck also from getting behind on everything.
This time I went with the Husky top and bottom box combo(also in black) with power outlet strips, magnetic backboard, flip open top, privacy drawer, soft close drawer slides, six hd castors (four corners lockable and the two in the middle allows for much easier maneuverability) oh yeah and a bottle opener on the side. The whole setup after taxes was still under a 1,000 and I haven't a single complaint with it still after four or five years now. Awesome combo box for the price, and I prefer it over the us general boxes in every comparison. Ok, I'll quit rambling and shut up now. 🐕🔧📦 🤑😎✌️
That's a tough way to go, but I'm happy you came through it as you did.
Where the box is made means a lot to some people too.
Yes it does. That's what you have to factor in when deciding where the value lies. It's a tough pill to swallow for many people to spend the difference on a Made-in-USA box, especially a young tech whose building a career. But if you shop around and are patient, you can usually find a deal that would work from a private seller or something similar.
Re-branding a box is rather popular. I've seen US General and ICON boxes re-branded with snap on badges purchased off eBay.
My husky drawer sliders are not very good weight kills them, never thought sockets were heavy enough to kill tool box sliders.
I've seen the Montezuma tool box fail, In a heavy diesel workshop. He had it replaced, 3 times under warranty the draws bent the undercarriage let go etc terrible box in my opinion. I believe the new ones are better.
I've also seen the milwaukee tool box sides letgo. Not a big deal really
The mac select series. I've also seen the undercarriage fail not a good tool box in my opinion. Compared to the tech 1000 model.
I've got a CAT tool box it's made by snap-on. It is a excellent tool box been shipped around the world fully loaded no problem definitely built for heavy diesel.
But definitely avoid buying a big expensive to box especially from the truck.
I have a husky box love it. The big name boxes need to step up to soft close drawers. I hate when I go into someone else's boxes and yhe drawers bang closed.
That's one of the nicest features of any box and I can't understand why more companies don't use them. They're simple -- it's just the choice of slides, so it's not like they'd have to re-design the box or dramatically increase production costs.
The box has, "Matco" stamped in the metal on the lower left panel on the bottom box and on the back of the top box.
There is a Canadian company that makes amazing very heavy tool boxes in Alberta. They are called Styrke. Tool truck or better quality and very affordable
Do you want to see a structural failure? It's not particularly hard to do if the toolbox rolls or falls over..
I suppose. I mean, by that standard you'd see structural failures if you dropped one off a cliff, blew it up or put it through a car crusher. My larger point was that I never saw one fail exposed to the typical rigors of a shop environment.
I payed off my 2 bay master snap on and i can tell you that you absolutely can not just pay the minimum. This was my second credit deal for a toolbox and i managed to get it payed for in 3 and half years.
At the end of it all i had a box that was perfect for me to grow into. Now its full to brim and i love it. I definitely will say also that any other box could have done the job.
Cheap toolboxes can be good value. A quality toolbox built like a tank is a better choice for long term I my opinion. You are right that you have to work the deal buy used or pay out right or at least work out your own financing.
You gotta get the deals where you can find them.
I used to buy from the tool trucks when I started out, then I realized it's better to have 10 Pittsburg 10mm sockets rather than 1 good socket that you can't find.
I have a us general. The absolute worst part of it is that the top drawer sets back about 4 inches when pulled all the way out. This makes grabbing sockets/tools from the back a pain in the ass. I would never buy a box with that again
That is a design flaw for sure. In my toolbox and cart reviews I always check that and emphasize it as a something to be on the lookout for. Full extension drawers are the way to go.
I bought a used matco box from a guy across the shop, I feel like I got a good deal and get to keep the lifetime warranty
Be sure to get that warranty in writing from Matco because their warranties are valid only to the original purchaser. They are non-transferrable.
@@CoyleTools not if you do it through the dealer that sold the toolbox to the original owner. It transfers to me
I've had husky us general mac and matco carts so far I like the Jamestown matco the best
It's an excellent choice. I've done a few review videos on the Jamestown carts.
@@CoyleTools oh I didn't see that ill check them out.
Sooo helpful man thank you thank you thank
Glad you found it helpful, Jack!
It's funny, I start watching the video and I'm thinking.... who's going to interrupt us today? The chickens? The dog? The cat? The brother in law? 🤣
We got through this one without a hitch... although I had to edit out a lot of my coughing since cedar allergies here have been brutal.
@@CoyleTools Take good care of yourself, dude. See u in the next vid. 👍
@@jimgd4 You got it, Jim, thank you!
I have a 30 year old RemLine box that is still really good 👍
whats your take on the extreme exq box
It's a beast! Excellent build quality and a nice feature set. Easy to expand and I love how their hutches are designed.
@@CoyleTools I move my toolbox almost daily in shop and outside shop. so smooth and rough surface. how do they stand up to be moved all the time.
@@srt469231 use a cart for that they are not made to be moved around all day thats any bigger box
@@justinsmet I have a cart but want all my tools in one container. sucks going back and forth across the shop to grab stuff.
Buy a cheaper box to start for the first few years. Fill that up and then go look for a major brand box that’s used but taken care of. You’ll save a ton of money and be just as happy (just pay attention and do your homework on which brand warranties the casters and drawer slides/drawer slide locks
For that formula and drawer setup I chose Snap-On forever. Gave my first craftsman box to dad to use cause he needed an upgrade
I have 2 krl756 with 2 mac mb9000 road chest work great
for work i have a 1994 15 drawer craftsman with friction slides which have held up incredibly. I move my box over many bumps and uneven floors every day. Whatever box you buy, if you have to move your box around a lot, and you care about your investment, i suggest fabricating a frame for it with better casters.
the new craftsman boxes are actual garbage, they WILL deteriorate quickly in a professional setting
US general is great quality for the money, i have one at home and will definitely get one for work if the old craftsman ever falls apart (unlikely)
Excellent advice, Brendan, thank you!
There are so many different brands out there it is so hard to choose.
My larger point was that the quality across brands is high, so look for the value and use that as part of your criteria. You don't need to factor in reputation, name, and assumptions to make a smart choice.
Don‘t look at Snap-on automotive…check industrial brands like Lista.
Lista makes a nice box, from what I've been told. I've never seen one in person.
Most of those industrial cabinets all have 400 lbs drawer slides. Compaired 150 lbs slides to most tool boxes. I own one for some of my heavy storage needs . I was lucky to find one on ebay for 375.00