Which tool chest should I buy?

Which would you recommend?

  • Kobalt box for $750

    Votes: 4 12.5%

  • Snap on for $600

    Votes: 24 75.0%

  • New Red/Black craftsman combo from individual for $500

    Votes: 1 3.1%

  • New 41” craftsman combo for $678

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • 41” lower box for $389

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • 52” craftsman combo for $778

    Votes: 6 18.8%

  • 52” lower box for $439

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    32
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75slant6

75slant6

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Looking for advice here… I’ve been keeping my eyes out for a tool chest the past few weeks and I’ve found a few option. Cast your votes on which y’all think would be the better buy and feel free to comment which y’all’s 2nd and 3rd choice would be. Obviously price carries pretty significant weight but I’m will to spend a little more for one over another if it’s going to be a better box.

First up, we have 41” kobalt for $750.
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The next is an older snap-on box that’s been sanded down and needs repainted for $600.
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Next option is a 41/37” craftsman combo that’s new in the box but from an individual for $500
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Lowe’s has some boxes on sale now as well. First is a 41” craftsman combo for $678
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Or I could get just the lower box of that 41” set for $389.
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Next set from Lowe’s is a 52” set for $778.
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Or buy that lower box for $439.
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Kobalt 16-Drawer 53" Stainless Steel Tool Chest LWTB08-5319D
If you can find it.....its got a fridge.

That said. I like the old snap on one. If the drawer rollers are still good.
 
The old Snap-on for 600 and a quart of cherry red epoxy.
oil and grease the rollers and wheel bearings and it will last for another 100 years.
 
fishmens67 said:
The old Snap-on for 600 and a quart of cherry red epoxy.
oil and grease the rollers and wheel bearings and it will last for another 100 years.
Click to expand...
and really, the seller wants that thing to go to the right guy.....that guy is you.....$500...sold!
 
I think someone posted a hack on here for drawer padding recently. I think it was a yoga pad cut up from second hand store.....but maybe give er a wipe down with some water/bleach mix.....
 
If the drawers all flow nicely on the Snap On box, I'd snag it, clean it and paint it. The tracks for the drawers were still available last I knew from Snap On, if you needed a couple.
 
clementine said:
Kobalt 16-Drawer 53" Stainless Steel Tool Chest LWTB08-5319D
If you can find it.....its got a fridge.

That said. I like the old snap on one. If the drawer rollers are still good.
Click to expand...

If Snap On is like Matco or Mac the drawer slides are warrantied for life, as long as it has the serial number plate you are good.
 
Yup. Snap on. I bought my at home snap on box at an auction, top and bottom, I think one of the first they put roller slides into, vintage 1987 and paid double what the snap on one that you are considering is going for.
I had to pull the drawers and clean up the ball bearing slides so they slide as expected and clean off a bunch of old paint over spray. But compared to the price of something comparable off the snap on truck today? I felt like I stole it.

I wouldn't give a nickel for a newer Craftsman box. Something they made back when my dad or grand dad were buying tools? Maybe.
That kobalt setup might be worth a deeper look into. See how the metal joints are, what gauge steel they used.
 
You need to find a old guy that has 4-6 tool boxes full of tools that will sell you the whole kit and kabootle !
If you were closer that would be me !
 
First off, I wouldn't walk across the street for a current Craftsman box. Too "tinny" for my likes. As to the Snap-On, it depends entirely on condition. The last plant I worked at replaced the mechanic's Snap-On boxes with Proto and offered them to the employees by auction. There wasn't one worth having in the bunch. Just worn out and beat up.

So, you have to ask yourself, are you in the market for a box or a project? Of your choices, I'd go with the Kobalt, or another similar Kobalt.
 
The Snap On box is definitely a project but that's okay if you're up to it. The bottom drawer definitely has some slide issues and will need some attention.
 
The Snap-on is a worthy project IMO. half a day.
It looks to me an extension cord is sticking out of bottom drawer making it appear to have a roller.
With that said, for few bucks and a little work the Snap- on box will be far better than any of the boxes listed and store more tools.
 
None of the above, harbor freight Yukon, $399. There all made it china any way.
 
i see you are also considering new ones...how long until black friday?
 
I have been very happy with my Harbor Freight boxes, old picture, just got the top box, most of the clutter was on the right box prior.
2018-03-31_001.jpg



Alan
 
Cuda Al said:
I have been very happy with my Harbor Freight boxes, old picture, just got the top box, most of the clutter was on the right box prior.
View attachment 1715806327


Alan
Click to expand...
Harbor freight boxes are definitely an option. If I end up not getting the snap on or kobalt box listed, I’ll definitely be watching for sales on the harbor freight boxes. Heck, if I buy the snap on box and get it painted, I could probably re-sell it and get 2 or 3 harbor freight boxes if I wanted to!
 
Another vote for Snap On. I'd paint to match your car(?). Always get bigger if possible.
 
I think the snap-on box price might be a bit high but if you buy it treat the rust and clear coat it. It would be a shame to cover up a lifetime of character. Plus you're gonna put racing stickers on it anyway.

2nd for HF boxes.
 
A word of advise for the young. Buy the best tools and box you can afford, filling a junk box with junk tools is money down the drain in the long run.
I started buying tools when I was 13 years old and at 59 I have the best tools and boxes available, not one offshore tool.
Won't be easy finding quality tools at a bargain, but a start would be with a used Snap-on tool chest.
 
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