Harbor Freight vs Snap-On Classic 78
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- Опубликовано: 25 фев 2019
- The throw-down! Well, it's not quite like that. Maybe more of a throw-up. No, wait...
Which tool box wins in a competition between the $5,140 Snap-On and the comparable one for $749 at Harbor Freight? I don't know. I'm not looking at that. Instead, I focus on the value and take a close look at what you get for your money because there's plenty to like about both, and they'll serve you well in the right environment.
Get the US General box and with the money you save, buy quality tools to put in it.
Just got the 44" at the HF parking lot sale for $399...Great product. Cant go wrong with the US General.
98SunDevil I picked up the 56 inch Husky last summer. These are great boxes for the money and with the savings over a SnapOn box. I bought tons of tools, 2 of 46 inch Husky roller boxes, a Husky mechanic’s cart, a Husky 60 inch adjustable height mobile work bench, a new air compressor, a new shop vac, etc....
@@MrMustang1973 China appreciates your money
@@joeframer9642 As do the hard working Americans that get the money spent elsewhere that I saved by buying the HF unit vs other overpriced brands.
@@MrMustang1973 🤣😂yup.
Wow, a snap on dealer that isn't the normal so jerk.
Nice video, thanks
Thanks! As an independent tool dealer, I'll give you the good and bad about it all. I'll sell any brand because there's a market for everything. In this example, I wouldn't necessarily market the Snap-On box to the same people as the Harbor Freight box for two reasons.
One, someone who doesn't care about the brand name isn't usually interested in Snap-On products if they're inclined to dig a bit into the quality of the product. But telling that to a Snap-On fanboy is a futile effort.
Two, it comes down to affordability. The pricing is so vastly different, the potential buyers for each of these boxes are in two very different places in their careers... unless a new young tech was sprinkled with the magical dust on a Snap-On truck. And that stuff is like a tractor beam. There's no bringing 'em back!
@@CoyleTools
You are probably the only tool truck dealer I've ever known in almost 50 years that wasn't a total jerk. Most of them feed the fan boy image.
@@cbmech2563 Tell me about it. I know those traits result in sales for those guys, but that's just not me. I gotta sleep at night.
Most of the snap on guys aren’t jerks lol . I’m not a mechanic or anything but I plan on starting a heavy duty apprenticeship soon through the logging company i work for . He hooked me up with a brand new snap on classic 78 in extreme green and black and gave me a insane discount and even delivered it to my house . Most of the dealers are pretty nice normal people just trying to make a paycheck like everybody else
@@Alpine642 in 50 years I haven't run into a single one that he wasn't selling the greatest tools ever made and that you should be glad to buy them for twice the price
IN 1984 after serving 7 years in the active duty Air Force as a mechanic I got my first toolbox and it was with all the bells and whistles a WATERLOO 27" roller and top box. In 2017 I took a early retirement and well I had the same WATERLOO tool box. Yes I did buy quality tools from Bonney when I started and acquired various other tools over my 36 years of working. By the time I retired that WATERLOO box well to be blunt was totally worn out. So as a retirement gift to myself I went to town and bought you guessed it a pair of Harbor Freight 44" roller boxes and top boxes and a pair of side boxes. I by the time I retired had tools all over the place and I also had took my tools home. I just bolted the entire tool box collection together and they look great and especially since my nephew was a smart a$$ he peeled my US General labels off and put on a pair of Snap-on logos on them. Now I am in style.
I realized that the Harbor Freight boxes are not as durable as the tool truck boxes but guess what those things sit in my shop at home and maybe moved once every couple years. I have 40 plus years of accumulated tools and they are still used daily on my retirement projects.
Nice story! Waterloo has always made good boxes. They used to manufacture for Craftsman, then they were under contract to make boxes for Cornwell. A couple of years ago they were bought by Stanley Black & Decker, so since they're now under the same umbrella as Mac Tools, Cornwell boxes are now made by Kennedy.
Those US Generals will hold up for a long time for you.
I have had that model in red for about 8 years. Only negative I have found with it was over time the thinner metal weakens and will flex when the box is on unlevel surfaces and will cause the draws to not open and close correctly.
The US General 72 now has a 72 top hutch available plus you could add 2 cabinets for under 3 grand for it all. You can not buy a Snap on box with half that space for 3 grand. Take the money you save and fill the box up. Not down talking Snap on boxes because they are nice. Not 10,000 dollars nice but that 7 thousand saved can buy a bunch of tools. I own the U.S General 72 and it is a nice box and has held up well to everyday use as a diesel mechanic.
Another great video. Personally I was a strong advocate to us general boxes when I first started my career but over time I did realize they have their place but they are not quite a complete replacement. Also people need to understand that while yes there are the mechanics that are drawn to the boxes strictly because of name, they are an investment as they offer lifetime warranties on the parts that will break down in every box. The slides and the casters. Snap on takes it an extra step and even warranty the spot welds, so in some cases you get a brand new box if the welds crack.
There’s the used market that’s flooded with high end boxes from the big 4 (snap on, Mac, Matco, and cornwell, but You offer a perspective in this video that most diyers don’t see and that’s the trade in market. I picked up my 4325 3 bank Matco 4s that retails for $8000 from a snap on dealer for $1500. It’s a far far superior box to the us general 72 and I got it for relatively the same cost.
A good job very professionally done, and not degrading or disrespectful.I was a mechanic for 27 years and owned HFtool boxes and they did the job, a friend of mine had a snap on box that was far heavier built.great video !!!
I'm a diesel mechanic and focused on kenworth t800 and t880 and I have a us general 44inch box and I was surprised at the quality and space in the box. Some of my coworkers have snap on, matco and Cornwell boxes and mine holds tools just like their boxes but at 15% the price. The oldest guy at out shop is all about us general and told me to save my money buy the cheaper box and spend the savings on tools. With my savings I was able to buy everything I need for 95% of my job requirements. For me it was a easy choice tools make me money not a fancy box.
That's top-notch advice. I'm betting other guys in the shop have a lot of respect for you when they see what your financial priorities are. If you have to choose, choose to spend on the tools. It beats dropping big money on a snazzy box only to have nothing more than a smattering of chintzy tools in it.
How's that cheap box holding up 2yrs later holding the 3/4 and 1in drive tools, Pullers and what not, 1in impacts, mine didn't last a yr before the draws were just about falling off and not shutting correctly to lock at night. Bought a 68 Epiq 1yr old 3500$ its filled to the max, I've only replaced the plastic draw lock fingers. What I wasted on a cheap box , ill never do again or talk someone into. Cheap boxs are for car mechanics, or lube techs , not for heavy equipment or big truck mechanics
@@kwmiked exactly, people who usually buy Harbor Freight boxes usually are usually diy or “weekend warrior mechanics“ I use to work for a Honda dealership and all the mechanics had name brand tool box. The older established technicians had old tool boxes but it did the job. Japanese tools are another affordable option. Nothing against Harbor Freight but I’d rather buy used USA made Craftsman, MAC, or Proto tools. They’ve proven themselves overtime
The box doesn’t do the job, the tools do, spend your money on the tools first. Then maybe someday you’ll want to change the box out
Thanks great video and take care of what you have !
The US General 72 actually has a higher weight capacity than the classic 96. Its not as deep, but to make up for the loss of space, you could easily buy a side locker or top chest with the extra money saved.
Off hand I can't remender the model of my box but it is deeper then my other boxes and had casters with suspention and I have the top box and a side box that's all drawers. I liked to things that sold me. The susoention allowed it to roll over small bolts and cables with ease, and that was before I lost 250 pounds and I was told I could stand in the bottom draw at 560 pounds and junp on it and if I damaged it it was on him. It took me jumping in the bottom drawer with no damage. I was told by 99% of the other mechanics that it would last a lifetime and it works as good as ever. I would like a locker and looked at the icon however they dont have wheels with suspention on them and I am not sure that it would work with the other casters.. I thought about selling it but the price on used boxes is not that good. But I do know guys who sold there snapon boxes and bought icon boxes and cane out ahead of the game. I wish my box had more then one full length drawer. But I make do and it's paid off a long time now. .I inherated my dads tools and I bought out a few guys stuff when they retired. So I have a lot of extras that I am putting a tool set togeather for the sun in-law so when he gets out of the army he will be able to fix his own stuff.
While that is a pretty fair comparison, you have to take into account the weight of the tools that a professional tech will fill the box with. While the HF box is by far the best built box found in big box stores, I think people who use them professionally will notice the difference in the construction once they start to fill the box to capacity.
Here is the other issue as well. While that particular Snap On Box was pretty close in size and basic dimensions, Snap On, Matco, MAC and so on offer a far wider variety of sizes. One of the most important measurements is depth. Many boxes offered on the tool trucks are significantly deeper than the HF boxes. And until you see it in person and try to cram a lifetime worth of tools into one, you don’t realize how important that depth is.
There is no comparison. My slides are junk on my us general
I was lucky when I started wrenching for a living I had a lot of craftsman tools. I had started buying some of the special tools from mac and snap-on. I wasn't making that much money and it would have been easy to buy on extended credit and fill up with all kinds of things. My snap-on man said look how much do you budget for tools, and what do you really need. Then he said I will let you go above the normal amount I would lend for the amount you budget for. He explained how easy it was to get upside-down with the extrnded credit. I look back and I am really glad he did that. I would make my payments and as I paid off one thing then I would buy one of the next tools that I found I was needing to borrow. I have heard other mechanics horror stories with there tool guys. I think I really lucked out with the ones I had. I ended up eventually purching a snap-on toolbox and I am now retired and I have my snap-on tools and box in my garage and I have almost all my tools I started out with as they were my home tools. I would be interested to see how the icon boxes compare to the snap-on boxes.
I've been over the Icon boxes and I'm impressed. They compare favorably to any of the top-tier boxes from Snap-On. They are very well built and the customers I know who own them have had them for a while now and they hold up very well.
Thank You for a very fair and informative review!!
Thank YOU for watching and commenting!
I own the Snap On box, which replaced a 30+ year old Sears stacked setup. One thing that may help those who want a Snap On or name brand unit is to buy a traded in or repo box or even ask your dealer if he/she knows someone who might be interested in selling their box. I bought a box that was going to be traded in directly from another tech and paid only 1/3 of the current list price.
That's valuable advice. Even if the dealer doesn't have anything in the pipeline, something will crop up before too long. It's a very active market.
That was remarkably all-up-in-there!
I never thought of that! Having my snap on dealer do that for me.
He is not a snap on dealer but i think he sells good tools as well you can tell milwaukee guns and stuff
I have a us general in my service truck and is holding up pretty good. But wondering about warranty the order the box gets.
Thanks for the comparison! Very helpful for anyone considering either brand. 😁
Great review. Many people needs to understand also the Harbor Freight box is geared more toward the home shop mechanic not the person making a living out of that box. As stated they both have there places. For me I have the small roller 30" and have it way over loaded from HF. Been looking at new boxes and will be getting HF 44" gen2 lower and upper with the side box. About 5 years ago bought a lowes toolbox just like the husky boxes boy the drawer slides are junk and the caster wheels have come apart looking like a tire high speed blowout. This box doesn't get rolled around but to have the floor cleaned from under and around it.
Greg Norman
Good unbiased comparison. I agree with many others here, HF Series 2 boxes seem to be a great option for the home mechanic and garage guy and the $$ saved would be used for quality hand tools to fill all those draws. I just purchased the 72" series 2 roller box to replace my 52" box (ran out of roll for my tools!).
For the prices involved, I stay away from Snap-On!
I own 2 snapon boxes that was my dad's for yrs until he passed away. My tool boxes at my shop is a Matco and craftsman. Also have 2 us general harbor freight tool cart style boxes and never had any issues with any of them. I have a variety of tool all different brands from Harbor freight, stanley,craftsman,Mac,Matco,Blue point, Snapon and so forth. Been collecting over the yrs and I know alot of people want the name brand but me I'll use which brands I can afford and will get the job done and save me money to make money. I own alot of brands of tools and always check them out and the reviews. Good video good comparison.
Thank you! It pays to be smart with your purchases. More and more people seem to be realizing where the values are and are going with Husky, US General and other brands. And no surprise, their stuff is just as good.
Coyle Tools husky,hf are not the same quality as Snap-On or any other American tool company
@@joeframer9642
No matter the brand -- whether it's Snap-On, Gearwrench, Proto, Stahlwille, or other top names -- they all break. They're all equally useless when they're in pieces. So when you're replacing your broken ratchet or cracked socket, does it really matter what name is stamped on it? How a tool is used matters more to its longevity than who made it.
I sell many different brands of tools and my customers own everything under the sun. I can tell you not only by what I see, but also by what my customers experience, there is quality across many brands. Having said that, I'll say that many bargain-tier brands may not hold up over time like some of the premium ones, but the tool market is extremely competitive, so no company can afford to produce junk for too long. I know plenty of old-timers who have built a very nice career and earn a good living turning Pittsburgh wrenches from Harbor Freight.
Good video. I've have really good luck with my U.S. General box. I paid 300 bucks for it used, 2 bank with top chest and side cabinet , I added a locker and bought a cart. Overall in tool storage I'm in 700 bucks..I've been a tech for 5 years and im saving for a home using that 700 dollar investment. I think it's more important to be frugal with the box and maybe more lenient the money you spend on tools to put in it.
Has anybody compared Snapon to Icon boxes yet? Just wondering.
If I have to start all over again and harbor freight had offer such a comparable product for less money at that time I definitely had chosen the H-F tool box and spend my money on quality hand tools etc, thanks for the impartial commentary *(I own a a Snap on Classic and will like to install safety locks to prevent the drawers from coming open all in once accidentally )
Great video. I've had Craftsman, matco, mac, husky boxes and a few harbor freight carts. Most were used and all paid for with cash. I have to say the better harbor freight ones are much closer to the high dollar boxes than to the ones from other local stores. I've wanted that harbor freight box forever but never end up going with it for one reason or another. Seems like most of the guys who are adamant about snap on or whatever have been around since there weren't any good alternatives or like the financing option. I would be open to making payments on a more reasonably priced box but I couldn't justify something that would go for 1/3 of the cost used. Don't get me wrong those brands have great tools and service but this comparison is a perfect example of it not being worth the price difference sometimes.
That's a really good point you make about what it was like years ago as opposed to know. HF has come a long way with the quality of some of their products, and their boxes are worth serious consideration.
Guys and Gals out there looking to buy a box and you are looking at the weight capacity of the drawer slides as your deciding factor. Weigh the tools you plan on storing in the drawer. If you are only going to be putting 62 pounds of bulky electric tools in a drawer rated for 300 LBS why would you pay a whole lot more for a drawer with a capacity of 400 LBS? The tools make you money along with your time and talent, not the toolbox.
I just purchased. General 26" Red chest. I hope mine arrives in a new condition.
Great video. Thanks for posting it. :) good luck out there. :)
Thanks!
@@CoyleTools you're welcome. :)
If you want a name brand box/cart wait till one of the guys at work are stepping up in size, lead tech got a new snap on box, I got a very nice deal on a Cornwell box.
There are some excellent values in the used market, for sure. Just be sure there isn't a lein on it!
Great honest review.
Great video! An honest tool guy. Well done!!
Thank you!
Thanks for this video I'm getting ready to try to be change careers and go into diesel mechanic if I had to pick a certain area to go into I would say heavy equipment mechanic I've been working on that on the side for the past probably 15 years working on heavy equipment but I'm looking into making my career and I've been trying to find a comparison video like this and could not find one on RUclips so thank you for doing this cuz I'm in that boat how much do I spend on the toolbox how much money down the road with it would be for me to buy a newer better tool box versus buying cheap a cheaper toolbox thanks for doing this video I haven't seen very many of these this will really help me on the long run I would prefer to buy the most expensive box and best toolbox I can afford but I also got to borrow the tools I need to go in it that I don't have right now so again thank you for doing this comparison side by side it really helps me make up my mind that I could get away with cheaper box for now but now as long as I'm playing upgrading it in the not so distant future
Glad the video helped, thank you for watching and commenting. Good luck!
What does the Harbour weigh? I have the classic 78, believe it's just over 400 lbs empty. Good indicator of how sturdy it's built. I also bought mine new in '06, looking at the snap-on site it's damn near double now lol
Craigslist usually has some killer deals on used boxes. Just something to think about. People talk about overpriced this and that but why doesn't anyone think of buying USED???
I know a few guys who are always looking for deals on Craigslist and Offerup, and they'll find some unbelievable boxes for relatively cheap. You're right -- the used market is a fantastic option, especially if you go to estate sales.
You have to be patient. I bought a used orange 3 drawer Snap on box for under $500, and practically new 42” 7 drawer roller orange Snap on tool box for $1000 and a blue classic 78 box in great condition for $1000(same one that he advertised in his video)
In my opinion they both have their place. Yes a professional might want the over priced snap-on but the diyer doesn't need that expensive box bc they aren't opening and closing it all day. Great video
Good opinion! Thanks for the input and the feedback. I appreciate it!
It is ALWAYS a good practice to physically inspect ANY purchase from HF. Unseen damage is a common problem on many of the crated items. Could be due to carelessness at the factory (China) or the long trip from point of origin with it's cramming containers on huge cargo ships, or poor handling at the HF warehouse or local store. These boxes are handled by multiple individuals who really don't care about your item. Although HF is usually good about replacing damaged items, a few minutes now saves much trouble later,
Good video and i tend to agree with your conclusion and opinion i am not a professional mechanic however i was a professional Woodworker for over 20 years that almost. Daily moved my tools in and out of a commercial building under construction my choice of tool boxes were Kennedy brand and i hauled them in and out of the jobsites on a Milwaukee brand hand truck that are all in excellent working condition after over 20 years of daily use of course everything was always taken good care of and stored inside away from any elements i wish that Kennedy did have a. Similar box to the ones you reviewed to work out of. When i am in the shop They do have some similar but not quite the same style a mechanic would use and although they. Are pricey they sort of fall right between the HF and Snap On price range a small drawback may be they are only offered in their signature Brown color. That ive grown accustomed to personally as ironically my father also used Kennedy and Snap On brand boxes although many of his old ratchets, sockets, and wrenches were S K Wayne Which after his passing became mine ! I lik the feel of the ratchets and wrenches in my hands partly because. I have smaller hands and partly because of the nostalgia of whose they were originally and how much he taught. Me about working with my hands
Kennedy makes excellent boxes. They just became the manufacturer for Corwell's toolboxes a few months back, after Cornwell and Waterloo parted ways (Waterloo now manufactures for Mac after being acquired by Stanley Black & Decker). The tool world is a merry-go-round of manufacturers!
So, if you give a slight edge to the Snap-On, is that very slight margin worth 6 times the price? Tool boxes don't fix cars. The tools do. Which then begs the question, are snap-ons tools themselves worth the prices they ask for them? If you do any research and look at real-world comparison tests, it's typically very much the same as this tool box comparison. In some cases, you can give the edge to a snap-on tool, in some you can't. In fact, there is a video right here on YT that compares a HF brand torque wrench to a snap-on and the snap-on loses. Does the slight edge to the snap-on warrant it's extremely elevated price? Typically, no. Take wrench failure tests, for example (there are plenty here on YT). In almost 100% of the tests, even the cheapest brand used in the test is capable of exceeding the stresses that a person can put on the tool by hand.
The bottom line, and this is MY opinion, Snap-On mechanics tools are ridiculously overpriced and are in no way, shape or form worth the cost. They do a great job though of separating mechanics from their hard earned dollars.
Does that mean go buy the cheapest junk out there? Not at all, there are plenty of quality brands that cost less than half (or more) that have equally as good warranties and capabilities. Better yet, don't be a brand fanboy and do some research on any tool(s) you are looking to get and buy the one that works best for your needs at the best price...and that includes the tool boxes too.
Well said!!
Love your video and honesty from a tool truck driver. Are you a freelance or franchisee? I can tell not a snapon distributor lol. Awesome advice hopefully young techs listen to you.
Thanks, bud! I'm an independent guy. I started out as a franchisee, but found a much better business model by doing my own thing. And since I'm a firearms dealer, too, it made sense not to mix that in with the franchise arrangement.
@@CoyleTools yeah matco had killed my friend. Glad you survived he is only 4 yesterday into his contact and is not going to make it. I feel bad for all franchisee it's designed to make the company rich and they don't care about their people. Gear wrench is great for independent trucks.
@@apuckett1971 That's a shame about your buddy. There's a reality to the franchise arrangement you don't fully understand until you're in it. I made an exit plan early and worked toward it. Now things are much better. I'm very glad Gearwrench saw the opportunity where they did. It gives independent guys good brand recognition right off the bat.
My tool box set is a mid 80's to early 90's top 11 drawer with the square center drawer top chest and the 2 inch riser and the bottom roll around tool cabinet with the bottom fold up door and 3 or 4 drawer i don't remember which at the moment it is a Kennedy mechanic series set in powder coat orange, and it is why I never bought a new set of the 26 inch single bay top and bottom harbor freight us general series 2 boxes, because i have absolutely no urge to replace the Kennedy with the shiny paint us general boxes lol
I prefer spending my money on quality tools first and will happily store them in a lower quality toolbox because a high quality empty box doesn't help me repair anything. But once you have your tools The quality box is your next step.
Excellent philosophy, Don!
I own the 56 US General. For me it’s the better box. I’m just a hobbyist that does my own work. And apparently family and friends work as word is getting around... 😒
For the price difference of the two boxes. It would pay for a 2jz swap into an s chassis. Or a full rebuild with forged components for my s13. That’s a big price difference!
Can you swap the locks out to like snap on or matco locks so all the locks are the same thanks
It's rare that one company's locks will work on another's box. How the lock fits the mechanism and the size of the cylinders vary. It's one way they ensure you can't easily swap locks. However, if you're resourceful enough, you can sometimes modify another lock to fit, but it may not look so hot. But it's easy enough to order new lock and key sets directly from Matco, Mac and Snap-On. It's more difficult with Cornwell because they recently changed their box manufacturer from Waterloo to Kennedy, so they have a limited inventory of Waterloo parts on hand.
@@CoyleTools ok yeah I wanna get the us general series 2 56" lower and top box and a side locker but i want all the locks to be the same and use one key to unlock all the locks
Contact a locksmith.... I have a 56 top and bottom and also a 26 top and bottom with 2 side lockers all bolted together and keyed alike .
@@curttrude3754 do you have the new us general series 2 56" box. I just like to swap the locks out to something better so I know I can get locks for it
@@bradleydunford725 you can order locks from HF but I just removed the locks and took them to a locksmith and he rekeyed them all alike. I think it was $50 for the rekeying. I remember it was a lot simpler than waiting for new locks. And yes these are series 2
you are a good dude
Good video
Thanks!
The us general has the same rating on slides as snap on fyi for people sense it hasnt been updated
That's good info. Thank you!
What did you end up selling the classic for? took me a few boxes to learn quality means something.
That was a while ago and I don't remember. Normally a Classic 78 sells for between $2,000 and $2,500 (which includes financing) depending on condition.
Quality means something for sure. I'm sure to emphasize that when someone is interested in buying a box to be sure they're thinking of their environment and tool selection when making a decision. A light- or medium-grade box for a heavy duty application is wasted money, as well as a heavy duty box in a lightweight environment.
@@CoyleTools i agree at home any box will work. but at work when opened closed few times a day and moved around even just for cleaning under and behind box loaded down with tools. need a heavier grade box.
Id be like seriously you can't sell me a latch repair kit or the latch off another one lol
I have a series 2 and it measures out and framed better than the snapon box. I am forever a us general series 2 buyer!
Do the snap on vs the Icon box ;)
I own a snap on box at work and is general at home. The us gen is a great value and awesome at home. Would not use it at work. The snap on epic box is just a joy to use, drawers slide smooth as glass after years of use. The us Gen box is just ok. Slides are not smooth and take a lot of effort to open and close. The snap on classic is not a huge step up from harbor freight but the epic is a massive upgrade.
I have 3 us general 72" boxes with side cabinets for 11 years work flawless , have 4 craftsman boxes 2 are 45 years old 2 are 32 years old still work as good as new have 1 craftsman box thats 20 years old and a complete pos and going in the trash being replaces with a HF. and, i have a snap on classic great box but will not spend that kind of $$$$$ again. Harbor Freight has different lines from ICON ,US General ,Yukon all are worth the Money .i have my HF boxes full of 1' drive with 4" sockets . MY Harbor Freight boxes are loaded so heavy I stopped even trying to move them. its like pushing a car and if i absolutely have to, i just pick them up with the forklift and take them out to the yard. Tool boxes don't make $ tools do buy quality tools you use everyday and cheap ones you use occasionally. .my tool of chose now days are TEKTON i own Snap on Mack proto craftsman gear wrench and some HF stuff too and others too most of my specialty tools are Snap on
Where are u from? I want to get something financed a tool box
@coyletools
Thanks for the sub, Brandon! I'm in Austin, TX.
@@CoyleTools oh man... I'm in South Carolina lol... love that video wished u were closer tho.
@@brandonprice1994 If you haven't, check out the boxes sold on strictlytoolboxes.com. They carry some very good brands, and I'm surprised at how good their pricing is. I know a couple of guys who own the Tool Vault brand, and they hold up very well.
@@CoyleTools there is a tool box by hf that I really want I'll rather have it financed tho
My advise to young techs,buy a cheaper box first,been a auto body tech for 35yrs, started out with craftsman, slowly traded up,after 30yrs bought a snap on tool box, master series triple bank, payment only 38$ a week, here's the kicker, dumbass me was in a hurry, didn't really read the contract,19% interest, so I started doubling and tripling my payments to 100$ a wk,paid it off in 2yrs 4mth,I mean it's a real nice box,but dam I feel sick when I added up all that money,but after 35yrs on the job it's mine,loved the vidio
when checking the gauge, should have subtracted a bit for paint thickness. Otherwise a great comparison.
If the paint is equally thick on both boxes, the comparative measurements are still valid. I have no way of measuring paint thickness.
,@@CoyleTools Doesn't SnapOn have an ultrasonic coating thickness gauge? I thought they carried all the cool toys. :-D Was a great comparison. I'm getting the Yukon as I'm old enough I don't give a hoot what someone thinks of my tool box, and I'm a Cheap Bastard and proud. I put my money where I get the most bang for the buck, good tools is one of those.
@@christophersmith4897 Sounds like you've got your priorities right! Thanks for the feedback!
What was the rust proofing like on both boxes, as you box's when in garage they never move again so if you work in a damp garage it's a massive problem for tool's and boxes I'm glad all my tool's are in the house garage where i can keep an eye on everything, the wife ant happy though,the wife is like Pittsburgh ratchet you can always get a new and better ratchet 😀✌🏻 always fancied Mac, shnap-on or WERA Cyclops.
I've got the same snap-on 78 as this one, but in black. I bought it in 2006, and it is starting to rust along the bottom edge on the end of the box.
I keep my gun supplies & ammunition, & gun tools in mine. The General does the job for me, & keeps them safety locked up. Lead can be very heavy.
I'll spend the $5000 I don't spend on the snap-on box on nice tools...
So many tools for 5 Gs...
I'll take a used snap on box over any other brand that is brand new. Used quality over new junk is how I see it.
only a "tool" would pay for snap on stuff!
Does it suck being poor?
@@joeframer9642 no but your mom does!
Dodge Ram 01 clever...comments like that explain why you can’t afford Snap-On tools ...you don’t need them , the dodge is pos that doesn’t run anyway.
@@joeframer9642 out run anything you got!
@@joeframer9642 who says I can't afford them! Buying over rated tools at fool prices is why you will never own a shop like me!
I just bought the 44" US GENERAL tool box. My box is %90 shadowed. I have Snap On , Matco , Proto , Craftsman , knipex, Klien , Mac and other tool brands in it . I have been in Aviation for 26 years . ( A&P mechanic . I put my money in tools . Snap Tool boxes are OK . The only reason I say that is because in my opinion they are over priced . US GENERAL tool boxes are a great deal .
Commenting on the video for the algorithm
you proved what I've been saying all along, Snap on is over priced fan boy products when there are really good apples to apples products out there for a fraction of the cost. Al ot of snap on tools are also rebranded tools from other makers, blows my mind that people actually will pay snap on prices, crazy
How much is a classic 78 today?
New, they're listed on Snap-On's web site for $5,140. The prices on the trucks may vary, depending on the dealer. I have a used one for $2,500.
@@CoyleTools thats a good price for that classic 78. I am glad to see U.S. General boxes have stepped up the quality. I would buy one today instead of a snap on
@@wolfhound1a The US Generals are such a good bargain, it's tough to argue spending thousands more for the big brands. Harbor Freight stands behind them, too, so you don't need to worry about warranty.
He probably broke the latch when you try to open the door with not knowing how
Should be able fix plastic parts new parts washer then going work taking box back replace it
I never understood why you need a $5140 box.. when our ancestors never needed that kind of box!
So that guy can say mines a snap on
thats funny my dad has a snap on box that's older than me(45) i choked when i looked at first snap on box(1995). thought no way am i paying that much. Well few thousand dollars later and some worn out boxes that had zero to little value left i finally spent the money. Then i decided to change careers( tired of smelling like grease and oil) i sold most of my expensive tools and box. still had value in them. kept my offbrand tools that didnt have value left in them.
@@j.walker3498 You are comparing old technology to new. There is a lot of newer boxes, that use thick gauge steel as the snap on's with half the price. This is no longer the 1990s. Competition has brought out better boxes and newer competitors. Better bearings, and drawers than 20 years ago...
@@jacobw446 in 20 years how much will that us general be worth? im not saying there isnt any cheaper boxes. with comparable materials. but they wont hold any value. and i prefer to keep it made in the usa.
$469 or $6000 hmmmm let me see I could buy a new HF box every year 10 years for less than I'd pay for one Snapon for techs starting out spend your money on tools and get a decent quality box that'll get the job done I'd give Hf US General a try for the money
Good advice! I try my best to tell the same thing to new techs, but the allure of the big names is strong, and there's a lot of influence to go that way.
Chinese or American... Hmmm try caring about American jobs..doesn't have to be snap on but buy American
@@joeframer9642 Affordability and what you get for your money matters a lot, too, and you can't simply discard the idea of buying goods made in China when the companies that sell them to dealers are American companies and the dealers like me are family-owned, family-run American businesses. Regardless of the brand you buy, a good portion of the money stays in American pockets. It's not like if you buy a Sunex cart 100% of the money goes to the Chinese. They just own the factory and use cheap labor. Every other part of the process from the brand owner to the distributor to the dealer are all American. You're still supporting many American jobs!
Coyle Tools not the same. Buying American made tools supports Americans,American jobs and helps our economy. Buying Chinese tools helps an enemy of our country, strengthens the Chinese military and economy. Because you profit buy selling Chinese tools does not make it right.
..why would you want to strengthen the Chinese govt?..paying more for American products is paying for better wages for American families. It cost more to make quality tools in America, we don’t use slave labor like China.
..there are many great American tool companies. Support All American made products,support your country.
@@joeframer9642 you better stop buying tools then. Cause 90% of new tools today are either made overseas or made from parts sourced from overseas (cough cough dewalt)
Great video thank you! I found it by mistake and I am in the market for a new tool box and I am a professional mechanic. I have old Snap-on boxes that are great (no roller slides) but I'm going to leave it at home and get a bigger box for work. I prefer a number of smaller boxes then one huge Magnum size toolbox because the smaller ones are easier to move around or even relocate with. I think I will end up going with Harbor Freight. But one aspect that you left out that us little people have no control over is where the box was made; the Snap-on I assume is made in North America or even the United States; they do seem way over priced. The Harbor Freight in China. Don't be fooled the Chinese will make us their slaves. Death by China! Come have a drink with me.
Excellent points! Keep in mind that no matter the brand, almost all rollaround carts are made in China by either Sunex or Homack. Snap-On, BluePoint, Mac, Matco, Napa, Cornwell, etc. all buy their carts from them, so there's no escaping it unless you pay an arm and a leg for the top-tier carts like Mac's Georgetown line made in Ohio. But for $189 on sale at Harbor Freight for a regular cart, it's hard to argue the economics of it.
I've got a few customers who think like you about getting carts instead of one big box. They're much easier to move around and in the long run, you'll spend less. Personally, I agree that it's a good idea from both a practical standpoint, and a financial one.
Jeez 3 weeks
This video basically showed you pay a lot for your box to say snap on just so you can say you have it. Get a us general and put snap on logo on it. Use he saved money to go on vacation 3 times
Neither the box nor the tools do the work, they are all lifeless inanimate objects. It is the mechanic that does the work. Buy what you can afford, prove yourself, then earn enough $$$$$ to one day hopefully afford the higher quality tools and box.
Wow! That kid took a bath on that toolbox, probably could've bought that used snap on for what he paid for that Harbor freight box that's worth nothing 5yrs down the road 🤦♂️
i have 2 snap on tool boxes now. had 3 over my career. they look like shit. the shit paint wipes right off with a rag. Just bought a US General. put my snap on up for sale. snap on really screwed me on these boxes. they also screwed me on my 3/8 comfort grip ratchet. the grip keeps coming off and they do not warranty it. had to pay to have them replace it twice and it still is not a safe tool to use. I bought the Pittsburgh one to replace it. I will never buy anything from Snap on ever again.
I found a used Matco box. What a jem. Buy used quality, not new junk.
Those are words to live by! I sell way more used boxes than new ones. I love getting Snap-On and Matco ones. They never hang around long.
It’s not uncommon for a snapon box to show up with minor damages and blemishes either and when that happens the process will be a much more difficult process to exchange. That tool box from HF should never have left the store in that condition. Sorry but that inconvenience was entirely your fault. I think I would rather own 7 US General boxes vs 1 Snap On for the same amount of money. There is absolutely not one thing you could point to that would justify the price difference between these two boxes.
You're right about blemishes and stuff. And yes, I should have been more vigilant about looking the box over before leaving with it. When you take as many freight deliveries as I do, it gets frustrating when you see the condition of many of the items because damage like this most likely happened on the manufacturing floor -- someone dinged it and didn't say anything, then it got packaged up and nobody looked at it again until I got it. Buying at HF isn't typical for me, and since most of my tool box and cart deliveries come by freight truck through my regular distributors, we don't allow the drivers to unload before unpacking the items on their liftgate in case we have to refuse the shipment... which also happens too often. It's an imperfect world!
I’m guessing you have a good route and money is good but does your regional manager know you do this ?
No regional manager for me. I'm an independent tool dealer.
If you can't pay cash for a tool box the you shouldn't buy the tool box. If you get offered 0% interest then go ahead and use someone else's money and invest your money.
If you dont have a shop big enough...........build a 40x60 pole barn-PROBLEM SOLVED.
THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!!
Tool make money...boxes don't. Buy the best tools and get a good box...
Truth!
I'll take the general I'm not paying for crap on
Snap on.. 5% better.. 7 times the price.
Snap on tool boxes are a complete waste of money and only buying name. On thing I have found worth it was their hammers, ratchet drives, and screw drivers. Wrenchs and sockets are way over priced and most other tools are just re branded like the bahco pipe wrenches they sell. I have over 35 k in tools alone and tons of cornwell and snapon items and will never buy their tool boxes complete rip off. I have 2 Milwaukee 46 boxes I bought on scratch and dent for 400 each in 2016, 2 us general 44 top and bottom with side cabinets I purchased in 2010, and a 72 inch with 56 inch top. All those for less than 1 snap on box.
Lets say you need a tool box for your job, you need it now, and you don't have much money, then you don't care that the box won't last 6 years (when the latch falls apart before it is even used it isn't going to last and when it breaks the parts won't be available). Get the US General. On the other hand if you buy a Snap-On it will be a pleasure to use, last beyond your retirement, and can be sold because it will still be usable. I have Snap-On tool boxes from the 1970s through 1990s that are still in excellent condition and are much heavier duty and work better than today's US Generals. You can still get repair parts for old Snap-On tool boxes, but there is little need since they were designed not to break. When I compare US Generals I don't compare them to new Snap-On tool boxes. Rather, I compare new US Generals to very good condition used Snap-On tool boxes on craigslist. A reasonably priced used Snap-On is much better than a new US General.
Man you put me to sleep
I'm sure you meant that in the most flattering way possible, so you're welcome! Feeling refreshed?
I'll stick to my snap on boxes, as a tech we do move a lot, my main box is 10 feet long, 6 foot high and 29 inches deep and filled, when I move it, I call in a slide back and the move it full, I don't think I could trust a box that size made by harbor freight to stand up to the tortures of that, as far as credit goes, in Alaska through snap on its a fixed, flat interest rate
I service a number of large diesel shops with guys who have to move and park their boxes each shift. After a few years, casters wear, but I've not seen anyone with structural failures. Most of these guys own Snap-On and Matco boxes, with some Mac, a couple of Extreme, two Montezuma and even an International and Homak. Those beefier boxes like yours are the way to go.