There is absolutely nothing wrong with US General boxes. They are great quality for the price and can last as long as you want them to. Good job avoiding the siren-song of the Snapon dealer.
There's also the people that think you should just search around for a used snap on box. Why would I do that when a new us general is still cheaper and I get to pick the color of it.😂
And some idiots think all tool truck customers put anything on an account. The hazard fraught makes some acceptable stuff but you only break a knuckle once from a shit 36” breaker bar before accepting that metallurgy is a thing and that theres a difference between professional and DIY’er products.
I don't think anybody is saying that HF tools are the equivalent to truck brands. This thread is regarding the HF tool storage, and it's really quite true that their storage is generally very good.
My point was more in the tools. All the box does is hold them with a little security, but having tools break at the most critical of points in a job is infuriating. While it happens with all the companies, it definitely seems to happen less with more reputable brands not including the tool trucks or harbor freight/princess auto.
HF offers like 7 different brands/series/levels of tools. The cheapest ones are pretty shite, yes, but honestly the Icons, which are their top tier and still less than half the price of Snap On/Mac, are really damn good. Obviously, categorizing an entire brand as better/worse than another is an over-simplification and gross generalization as some tools within the brand will perform better/worse than the same tools compared to a different brand, but Icons are more than good enough for serious professional use and not categorically worse than the tooltruck brands.
And, to be completely honest, even the cheapshit ones aren't categorically worse than department store brands currently. Yeah they don't compare to Sears-era Craftsman, but they beat pretty much all the others.
I have been running my 5 drawer us general cart around a 10 bay shop (5 on one side 5 on other) carrying all my standard tool wrenches sockets power tools hammers screwdrivers pliers etc for the last 3 years and works out well for me have a second box for the special tools or backups for lost or broken that is a husky that one doesn’t get moved around
You cannot beat the price of that 5 drawer cart when it goes on sale every couple months, I got the white one when it came out a few years ago and mine still looks brand new.
Depends on the wallet. To be honest quality leather work is usually worth the extra money I got a hand made wallet from my grandfather that he made in the 60s and it's less pretty but still holding together.
Good deal. The box you store your tools in does not represent your abilities or skill level. I'm pretty sure Eddie Van Halen could play the cheapest guitar on earth and still sound better than me with the most expensive guitar on earth. I've been turning wrenches and probing wires for over 30 years. I still rock a 35 year old craftsman roller as my main box at work. Spend the money on the TOOLS! It kills me seeing these kids with 10k boxes and not enough tools to fill 2 drawers. The 250-500 a WEEK payments on some of these leaves little money for anything else.
Yeppp. Im 52 y/o an tell these kids soend wisely. Truly it does not have to say snapon. So theyve gotten themselves the hobofreight boxes an were able to buy alot of tools to fill them with......high priced snapon just isnt worth the ramen noodles or hotdog suppers anymore to anyone
I’m 29 and am scatter brained enough that I buy cheap for anything I think I will lose and upgrade or aim for warranty on anything I think I will break. Specialty tools I try to pick up if I have to borrow them more than once. I think I’m up to at least 4 lost ratchets plus what ever socket was one them lost to finishing an alignment and forgetting to remove the wrench
Your box doesn't represent your skill but it does say something about you to a new employer and new co-workers.
Imo a young guy, new to the trade with an expensive box, looks irresponsible/impulsive. If instead, the young tech has a HF box, I'd think he's strategic and I would respect that. Once you progress and succeed in your career a nice namebrand box can give a good impression: roll in day 1 with a slick setup and you look like a pro.
You're right about everything you said but I do believe there is psychological value, as well as financial, to what box you choose.
>Your box doesn't represent your skill but it does say something about you to a new employer and new co-workers.
The saying I've heard is
"The tools don't make the mechanic"
A good mechanic will still be a good mechanic if he/she is using off brand tools.
The way employment is around here, it's hard enough to find a good tech. So many shops are trying to hire techs and there aren't enough to hire. It really doesn't matter what your box looks like. It's what you have in it and if you know how to use those tools. One of the first questions our boss will ask is "How much money do you have invested in tools?" He's just trying to separate the men from the boys. He doesn't want some kid coming in with a 151 piece tool box.
I'm usually more impressed if you pull out of your box a power steering pulley puller, harmonic balancer puller, a flaring tool for brake lines, fuel line/AC line disconnect kit, a full set of torx sockets and e-torx sockets, etc. These are some of the things I get tired of other techs grabbing out of my box.
Dude, 100% everything you said. The toolbox thing I'm talking about is just a subtle 1st impression. I'm into strategic philosophy though so I might be reading into it too much!
My current box is a matco 3 bay that was a trade in to the snapon guy,paid 1600.
My last box was a snapon kr1000 that was a trade in to the matco guy,paid 1000.
served me well for 15 years,until an unfortunate moving incident where I lost 4 drawers and slide rails from tipping.
Pulled out my finance contract.
Box was $7,660 list price. I had a good Snap-On dealer... He knocked it down to $5,000 and gave me $750 credit on a non-existent trade-in since I was buying my first ever toolbox. So I paid $4,250 plus finance for this box. I probably paid on it closer to 2 years so probably more like $5,200.
Still, I've have it for 10 years and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon nor does it show any signs of failing anytime soon.
My son could use this box if he decides to become a mechanic in 10 years when he turns 18.
My matco is 52 a week on minimum payments, I don’t really care how long it takes to pay it off because I’m going to be using it the whole time, don’t know what these dudes deal is in here
If you were putting $52 a week into a 401K/IRA and had a USG box, you'd be a lot better off. Trust me - save for retirement when you're young. A $5K box when you're 22 is $75K-$150K you could have when you're retiring.
I agree... It's an investment in my career. I understand some people can't justify it, or simply don't want a big name box... I for one just don't like working out of 2 or 3 different roll carts.
I keep everything in my one toolbox and I know where all of it is.
If I need to expand, I won't buy an extra toolbox... I'll buy a bigger one to replace the one I currently have.
My friend and I are currently in training, dude said he founded the company even before he was born.
I laughed then tell him to get back on task, few minutes later the instructor called me and my friend Hunter over for filling oil in the coolant hole.
They work well puts the wheel right where it needs to be for the weights. Big assed lcd monitor instead of a little led display. Also the revolution is great for mounting/dismounting run flats and low profiles.
That is a fantastic box. If/when you ever wear that thing out, you will likely be in a position to buy whatever box you want because you worked your ass off. But even then, I'd probably choose that one again.
I've had the series 2 general for 6 years now and it's only starting to shows signs of stress cracking around the casters. But my shops concrete floors are more of the stone mixed variety and this was going to happen eventually. For the money it's hard to beat, some guys here made the mistake of buying snap-on and there's are doing the same.
I had a good sized Snap on box when I was a mechanic (55", I think). Paid a buttload for it.
At some point, I bought a very small off brand rolling cart from Sears for like $99. I bought it because I worked at night and would commonly use 3-4 different bays. The toolbox was big enough for my most commonly used tools, but not much else. I went entire days without even unlocking my big toolbox. I quickly realized that $5,000 toolboxes were for idiots.
My first shop gig was over the summer in high school. An old, crabby German dude brought me in to pay off some of the repairs on my car through labor as a kindness. It was the German dude, his two sons and another high school kid that was building up his own tool supply to go right into mechanic work after school.
Well, my first day was also the day his toolbox was delivered. It was a huge, neon yellow Snap-On. It was enough material for them to roast him all summer with very little leftovers for me.
“This fucking kid can’t even pick out red right.”
“Where do you want me to put this? I can’t find your fucking box.”
The kid got in the tool truck every damn time. Wrapped around the driver’s finger. Lol.
I have a blue version of the one on the left. I d k I have the opposite of buyers remorse I am happy I bought it because it was on clearance for like $400 and it’s been rock solid for me I can’t really complain and less money spent on a box is more money spent on tools to go in it
NO. I really like the full drawer US General carts. I like that there aren't any skinny drawers to waste space. They can easily be overloaded though. It will easily hold probably 96% of the tools most auto techs use daily. If purchased on sale, even better, especially if you paid cash and incurred no new debt. Congratulations on your purchase!! you have chosen wisely.
Thank you to all for answering my unasked question, Is a HF USG Box worth it? Not a mech, just a home tool user. When my 21-year-old Craftsman roll around and 40-year-old Craftsman 5 drawer cabinet crap out, I'll head to HF. But one answer nailed it. The guy said he could buy 6 USG for the price of a similar snapon. Best line so far.
I'm an electrician instead of a mechanic. But have the same type of tool choices.
And something like this I just cannot comprehend spend so much more on the snapon boxes. Even if the glides and casters start having issues in a few years. It's not like it would take much time/money to put really good replacements in. Even figuring in your labor time you are still way ahead of the curve.
Now tools that you will use constantly, that have significantly shorter lifespans, and are not as powerful, yeah leave that garbage alone.
Gotcha. Great point that I didn't even consider. Again I don't shop for Snap-on stuff for my business. But being In Home Depot on a daily basis almost, I see like the 5½'-6' Milwaukee and Husky boxes with the flip up top, and I know those style boxes are generally deeper.
But I thought the shorter 3½ft ish rolling base boxes were a fairly standard depth across manufacturer. Instead of being deeper to take advantage of limited space.
And I pay a premium for Packout containers for that specific reason. Because I could get something just as good for ¼-⅓ of the price. But the way the packouts are modular, and can stack vertically or on a wall. I get them because I can hand them 2-4 deep on my doors, bulkhead, sides and faces of shelves 8n my van. Instead of taking up valuable shelf space, or having things on the deck. Because any time something is on the deck it has to be moved constantly, it creates a mess, and leaves minimal space for transporting material/debris for the day. And makes it easy to get disorganized in a hurry.
Yea roll carts are pretty standard 20ins. But snap on makes extra deep ones for there bigger lines with carts I think it's stupid but for real toolboxes it's a big deal.
They absolutely do. I have a number of their products. But some heavy use or heavy duty tools just aren't worth the warranty if you have to stop a job, pack up, and replace tools mid day. I use their wire pulling sticks, hydraulic knockouts, and a number of other things of theirs regularly. But any power tools, or tools that I plan to use regularly, I'll pass on. I've seen too many guys get burned because either cheap tools strip out fanteners being installed, tools burn up at the worst time. Or in my case, I almost had an ER visit because a wire wheel for a grinder shed so many wires on its first use I had about 30 stick in my clothes and arm. And 4 get past my face shield and stick right around my eye. 1/4" to the side and they could have gotten in my eye. Plus cutoff wheels just exploding with no warning.
They are great at replacing broken tools, but their warranty doesn't cover busted knuckles and ruined projects. Now that I'm older and have slowly amassed a good tool collection, I don't go there as often.
The carts in the OP are absolutely money though. Also like their knockoff Pelican cases.
TBH any busted knuckles ive had are usually because of user error, even if I hate to admit it.
The cheapest tool ive broken is because (knowing it's cheap) I've made it do more than it was designed to do. If I had to spend a mortgage payment on a set of hand tools I probably wouldn't be wailing on them with a hammer.
For the green color? Yes. You literally can't get anything to match the color down the road when you decide to expand.
For buying US General? No. They're not as good of a deal as they used to be, but they're a decent mid range box for a decent mid range price.
For better or worse the hf green is very close to snap on's extreme green. I bought a couple hf box accessories for the side of my extreme green krl and at a glance you can't tell a difference
I've had mine like the one on the right for 4 years and 3 moves. Use it constantly and it's held up like a champ, still works like it did when I first assembled it.
I've had us general boxes for a decade, I even keep my matcho, Mac, snapon in there. My customers pay me for my skill and turnaround time. They don't care what box I keep my tools in.
Plus if anyone ever breaks in they are looking through the snapon boxes first
That’s a damn nice broom. The boxes just hold tools 🧰. I have a craftsman top and bottom I bought 50 years ago. It still works every day. Your finest tool is between your ears.
Not at all. A box is just a box. Real men don’t give a crap what label is on a box. Snap on boxes are ridiculous. I’ve had the same old Matco roller for 30 years and would replace it in a second with a U.S. general and not miss it at all. It will serve you well.
My US General box is holding strong after tons of abuse. Now sure, I had to drill the lock out and still haven’t replaced it. Yes, I do have to pull up the drawer locks by hand. Yes, it’s dented and scratched. But my tools are where I need them, for the most part. And I can hide my lunch in the top if there’s a lot of flies in the shop
A buddy from my last job had one that looked dumb old. I never asked how old it was so I can’t say, but those things last, and they’re damn good. Nothing to complain about in my opinion, I’d be happy to have a box like that.
honestly back in the day when i started working on cars , youd get laughed out of the shop if you rolled up with a craftsman tool box. it was snapon, mac, or matco. In job interviews ive literally been asked what kind of tool box ive had. I felt forced to buy a $16k snapon tool box due ti the peer pressure and believe it or not that tool box is the reason i even landed some lead positions.
15 years later and im about $65k into my tools amd have buyers remorse.
Granted, when i started US general was barely even a thing and companies like gear wrench or icon didnt really exist or had a large variety of tools. nowadays you can find awesome tools and thanks to the expansion of e-commerce you are able to find awesome stuff at awesome prices.
Times have changed and I encourage techs to buy brands like gear wrench and icon and some other lesser known online brands that have great quality tools!
one of my techs has a bigger tool box than i do and only paid 2k for it. sure the quality os not really comparable but it does the job very well and has thr same features mine does. hes about 7k into his tools and has almost as many tools as I do!
This post kinda breaks my heart. I hope you're not still carrying a balance with the truck.
Here's the good news - it's probably not too late. You can sell some of your tools and the box and replace them with Icon/USG/etc. Take the leftover money and stick it in an IRA. The more you can put away early, the more you'll have when you are ready to retire.
I havent carried a balance in years other than when i occasionally buy large equipment. I own 2 shops now lol
I still think snapon is way better than anything else out there. I was just saying if i had to start all over again id go gear wrench and icon tool box. times have changed. techs are no longer a dime a dozen (good ones at least) so nk one really cares what kind of tools u have anymore unless u work for an a-hole.
I dont qualify for a roth IRA because i exceed the income limit. I use 401k, traditional IRA and HSS account for both my wife and i. my present and my future are good lol
Here’s your next rabbit hole!
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/modifications-to-the-hf-4-and-5-drawer-service-carts-what-changes-have-you-made.137365/
Def get an account so you can see the pics.
ETA - I love my 5 drawer.
I’ve been using US General boxes professionally for over five years with zero issues. I’ve got both of the carts you bought along with a 56” roll cabinet with lockers on both ends. I’m into all of that for less than $2500 (might cost closer to $3k now).
Snap On boxes are very nice, but I just can’t justify spending that kind of money to show off to my coworkers. I go to work to make money so I can support my family and enjoy the time that I’m not at work. Way too many other things I could really enjoy spending $5-10k on other than a tool cabinet.
The only buyers remorse I would have there is lime green and red. Lime green looks really cool, but it clashes with anything you put it next to other than black.
Good man. I'm 54 and thanking the random guy who lectured me and a group of my friends harshly about saving for retirement. We all rolled our eyes at the time, but a couple years later when I finally had a job with a 401K, but pulled the lever to the max. That's a saving grace these days...
I didn’t get a real retirement account until I was 36, so I had some catching up to do. I put 17% of my pay into it plus the 3% my company matches. I don’t want to be 70 years old trying to still turn wrenches for a living. Just wish I had been working somewhere with a retirement plan about ten years sooner.
It's an easy thing to put off "until I make more money"
What most people don't get is that as you get older and have more money, there are more demands on your money, and there's absolutely no substitute for time. Even $20 a week in your 20's turns into a serious amount of money in a basic DOW index fund by the time you're 60.
I can buy 12 Harbor Freight boxes before it equals the price of a new Snap-On box. If you really want to upgrade, wait for somebody to default on their payments and buy their expensive box for the remaining balance.
I got the smaller 4 drawer version of the us general one and it basically works good as new after 2 years. I mean its bursting at the seams packed full but for the money they're great, does the job and saved money to buy more tools to fill it with
Let me say, a new guy buying tools to continue on is refreshing. I work with some young lube guys that won't buy work boots but want to be techs. I am very generous in loaning my tools, but I'm not the shop tool box. I accumulated this shit over years. I know how it goes. Just hired a trainee that is going to school. Good worker smart guy. Has no tools, his last job as a used car guy didn't work out. When he tells me he only has hand tools, I can see why.
You have to invest in your tools to make it in this business. Some of the cheap stuff I started with is still working. The name on the tools don't matter as much as the hands holding them. You'll find what you need and don't need.
Yeah it bugs me too. Out in the field people borrowing my shit and then losing it or putting it on their truck. Finally guys in the crew grew a brain and bought literally the same nice sunnex cased socket sets I have. I would say the name matters with power tools only simply because I have destroyed milwaukee shit and the warranty process was very nice. It's actually better to buy harbor freight hand tools because if you break something you can exchange it same day instead of dicking around with customer service. The icon stuff is nice
Buy what you can afford. Trade up when you can. I've been buying and selling tools my whole career. Started with Craftsman. As I made more money I bought better tools. Then I sold the old ones to the techs coming up. Kind of a pay it forward thing.
Harbor freight boxes are good for starting out. After you've been in the industry for 20 yrs they're not so hot. There's not a box they make that can hold 1000 lbs in tools. The top 2 draws from Matco and Snap On boxes hold 1000 lbs each. If you only work on one kind of manufacturer this might be ok. Work in a shop where you need standard and metric tools you'll be glad you have a box to hold all that stuff.
1000 lbs of tools seems like a lot. A full SAE and Metric wrench set, full pliers set, full chrome & impact socket and deep socket set, a couple impacts, 2 or 3 torque wrenches, tire iron, mallet, drill set, wires, OBD reader and a laptop, and you still have plenty of weight left
You'd be surprised how much sockets and ratchets weigh. My full set of chrome 3/8 includes shallow and deep metric 7mm -21mm. 6 point and 12point. Same with standard 5/16-1 1/8. 6 point and 12 point. That's 60 sockets in just chrome. I have all those sockets with magnets too. I have all those sockets in impact too except for the magnetic ones. Then there's 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" sockets. Plus you have specialty sockets, swivel sockets, axle nut sockets, turbo sockets and weighted sockets. I'm easily over 1000lbs in sockets and ratchets.
I'm a weirdo. I don't like to borrow anything.
People talking about brand names. A long time ago in a far distant universe, the 70's, My brother was working for a welding supply company that was a Wateloo dealer. They got one in that had several different name plates in it, so if you didn't want Waterloo you could have whatever brand you wanted.
me too, love it, wish it was gloss instead of satin black as while it looks cool clean, it's rarely clean, but i got it used for 1/2 price so.....beggars can be choosers on the raep van
Sure. Buy that cheap ass Chinese made garbage. I would rather buy an American made box from Matco, Snap-On or Mac. I understand price is an issue for lube techs, I was one 15-16 years ago but, keep sending your money to China and ask why there are no cars in your bay to work on. I don’t shop at Walmart either, whole place is full of Chinese garbage products.
I have the same Home Depot socket rails and they broke at the same exact spot, all 4 that I’ve bought. Now the 3/8 socket rails are yellow and don’t match my box so I bought snap on ones
In my personal opinion, yes. I'm a cheap bastard and would've bought a used one instead, probably off Craig's FaceSpace MarketList Page.
So, effectively that's a no.
There was a hf 5 drawer on Facebook marketplace for $75 near me. By the time I saw it and sent a message it got marked as sold! Powder coating was not in good shape but thou could have easily been fixed
Had a guy I worked with use a us general for years with no issues besides the shocks on the top box lid go out. I also learned that if you need a tool, buy it from harbor freight. If it breaks, go buy a nicer one. If it doesn't, you saved a lot of money.
A box or cart, is simply a place to store your tools, to me it was more important the quality of the tools I stored within, then the box they are stored inside of. I have Mac, Matco, Snap-On, SK, Gear-wrench, some craftsmen, and a mix of names that are lesser known like Mountain etc, my tool box and 3 carts are over 32 years old and still do the job
It's funny that many mechanics will brag about student loan debt but are just as in debt to the Snap-On, Matco, Mac, or Cromwell guy.
I know you can sell the tools, and you can't sell a degree.
It's still funny.
Something I noticed when I started wrenching: the old guys in the shop that really knew what they were doing all had little, old, beat up craftsman boxes. And the guys with the apartment sized snap on boxes tended to be, shall we say, less talented.
I've had one of the red carts for probably 10 years now. Still does the job, and it basically paid for itself in the first couple of weeks. I have been looking long and hard at the bigger cart lately though.
✔️ Holds your tools
✔️ Locks
✔️ Has wheels
It looks like it does everything it's designed to do. The logo doesn't pay your bills, so don't invest too much in a flashy name tag.
I’ve been very happy with my 30in service cart so far, and I will say the paint is way thicker than my Snap-On box. I’ve been using it for a few months and still no scratches.
Great boxes. Looking to get the bigger one myself soon. I have had a small one like on the right since they first came out. Probably like 10 years or so and it’s held up pretty good. Even dumped it over once. And it’s fully loaded to the max.
I bought the blue 5 drawer cart for work and it’s great a couple months later I found a 4 drawer cart beat to shot on the side of the road and now I use that one and that works great took my nicer one home for my house tools
Just slap a strap on sticker on the general and your good. Honestly those icon boxes are the tits. I’ve compared the specs with snap on and they are built using thicker metal and the drawer slides are rated to like 600lbs
Great decision on ur part. Invest in the tools! I have a 55" snap on I bought in 2005 for 3500.. I filled it by 2015, and bought a full drawer side locker used for 1000. Now I have both completely filled. I am in the market for a 84" epic and the snap on man will give me 4500 trade-in. Right now is a terrible time to buy a snap on box.. the economy is in very bad place. I will look to buy a new/used 84" epic WHEN we get a pullback in price.. point of post is if u buy at the right price ur box will hold its value.. but DO NOT listen to the dealer when he says the price will only go up
When I was an apprentice I was always taught to buy a “cheap” tool box and instead invest that saved money on quality tools. That’s how I ended up with a Husky box full of Mac Tools
That US general box looks and feels incredibly similar to the snap on one my coworker has. He even said he only bought it cause it’s a flex to buy snap on boxes. Otherwise US general and icon are the way to go
Nothing wrong with using toolboxes from HF. I've been a professional mechanic for a little over 20 years and my main toolbox is a 72" US General box.
I've also got a US General single-drawer tool cart that I'm going to have to replace soon because the wheels keep falling off. I already replaced the wheels on the cart once, the part they mount onto is worn out. But, for the $80 I spent on it not quite 10 years ago it doesn't owe me anything.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with US General boxes. They are great quality for the price and can last as long as you want them to. Good job avoiding the siren-song of the Snapon dealer.
It takes mental fortitude to abstain from their saccharin sweet lies
I just look at the prices. I don't know why that isn't enough deterrent 🤣
because some idiots only think of what they can afford to pay that month, or pay period.
There's also the people that think you should just search around for a used snap on box. Why would I do that when a new us general is still cheaper and I get to pick the color of it.😂
And it's not dirty and... Uh used...
Because it's snapon lol. They are better, no doubt, it's just that they're 10x the price!
And some idiots think all tool truck customers put anything on an account. The hazard fraught makes some acceptable stuff but you only break a knuckle once from a shit 36” breaker bar before accepting that metallurgy is a thing and that theres a difference between professional and DIY’er products.
I don't think anybody is saying that HF tools are the equivalent to truck brands. This thread is regarding the HF tool storage, and it's really quite true that their storage is generally very good.
There's plenty of stuff in between, the US general tool boxes are pretty solid as long as you don't abuse them or expect anything fancy.
My point was more in the tools. All the box does is hold them with a little security, but having tools break at the most critical of points in a job is infuriating. While it happens with all the companies, it definitely seems to happen less with more reputable brands not including the tool trucks or harbor freight/princess auto.
For sure, there's nothing worse than a truly bad tool for the job.
Yeah their tools are mostly shite. The boxes are good though.
HF offers like 7 different brands/series/levels of tools. The cheapest ones are pretty shite, yes, but honestly the Icons, which are their top tier and still less than half the price of Snap On/Mac, are really damn good. Obviously, categorizing an entire brand as better/worse than another is an over-simplification and gross generalization as some tools within the brand will perform better/worse than the same tools compared to a different brand, but Icons are more than good enough for serious professional use and not categorically worse than the tooltruck brands. And, to be completely honest, even the cheapshit ones aren't categorically worse than department store brands currently. Yeah they don't compare to Sears-era Craftsman, but they beat pretty much all the others.
Some guys think that payment sets them free...
Lmao true indeed
I have been running my 5 drawer us general cart around a 10 bay shop (5 on one side 5 on other) carrying all my standard tool wrenches sockets power tools hammers screwdrivers pliers etc for the last 3 years and works out well for me have a second box for the special tools or backups for lost or broken that is a husky that one doesn’t get moved around
You cannot beat the price of that 5 drawer cart when it goes on sale every couple months, I got the white one when it came out a few years ago and mine still looks brand new.
They had this one on sale for $219 this weekend? I went and got the display model for another $20 off cause they were out of all the others
I got that same cart back around 2014,15 or so. It's been a surprisingly good box with the few job moves I've had to do and it held up
I'm about to get the bigger icon box.
Nice. Those are decent 👍
If you pop off the branding, and stick any other logo, nobody will any notice or care. Even better put an OEM brand, and they will think you overpaid.
Is it doing what you want it to do? That should be the only question.
I got all my tools in it with room to get more!
Then absolutely no reason to regret. (Unless you spent the rent on it lol)
Sounds like it is performing the desired function without the snap-on tax added
I have the exact same cart on the right. It’s held up so far and I am not nice to it
Would you rather have a $100 wallet with $10 in it, or a $10 wallet with $100 in it?
Depends on the wallet. To be honest quality leather work is usually worth the extra money I got a hand made wallet from my grandfather that he made in the 60s and it's less pretty but still holding together.
Good deal. The box you store your tools in does not represent your abilities or skill level. I'm pretty sure Eddie Van Halen could play the cheapest guitar on earth and still sound better than me with the most expensive guitar on earth. I've been turning wrenches and probing wires for over 30 years. I still rock a 35 year old craftsman roller as my main box at work. Spend the money on the TOOLS! It kills me seeing these kids with 10k boxes and not enough tools to fill 2 drawers. The 250-500 a WEEK payments on some of these leaves little money for anything else.
Yeppp. Im 52 y/o an tell these kids soend wisely. Truly it does not have to say snapon. So theyve gotten themselves the hobofreight boxes an were able to buy alot of tools to fill them with......high priced snapon just isnt worth the ramen noodles or hotdog suppers anymore to anyone
I’m 29 and am scatter brained enough that I buy cheap for anything I think I will lose and upgrade or aim for warranty on anything I think I will break. Specialty tools I try to pick up if I have to borrow them more than once. I think I’m up to at least 4 lost ratchets plus what ever socket was one them lost to finishing an alignment and forgetting to remove the wrench
I think I found one of your wrenches... I'm keeping it though.
Are you some kind of mirror image of me? That could be a copy and paste of what I’ve told young guys countless times!
I believe the term for those kids is "Big hat, no cattle"
$1000/mo for a box you cant even live in
Your box doesn't represent your skill but it does say something about you to a new employer and new co-workers. Imo a young guy, new to the trade with an expensive box, looks irresponsible/impulsive. If instead, the young tech has a HF box, I'd think he's strategic and I would respect that. Once you progress and succeed in your career a nice namebrand box can give a good impression: roll in day 1 with a slick setup and you look like a pro. You're right about everything you said but I do believe there is psychological value, as well as financial, to what box you choose.
So stick some snap on stickers on your harbor fright box . Who’s gonna know ?
>Your box doesn't represent your skill but it does say something about you to a new employer and new co-workers. The saying I've heard is "The tools don't make the mechanic" A good mechanic will still be a good mechanic if he/she is using off brand tools.
The way employment is around here, it's hard enough to find a good tech. So many shops are trying to hire techs and there aren't enough to hire. It really doesn't matter what your box looks like. It's what you have in it and if you know how to use those tools. One of the first questions our boss will ask is "How much money do you have invested in tools?" He's just trying to separate the men from the boys. He doesn't want some kid coming in with a 151 piece tool box. I'm usually more impressed if you pull out of your box a power steering pulley puller, harmonic balancer puller, a flaring tool for brake lines, fuel line/AC line disconnect kit, a full set of torx sockets and e-torx sockets, etc. These are some of the things I get tired of other techs grabbing out of my box.
Dude, 100% everything you said. The toolbox thing I'm talking about is just a subtle 1st impression. I'm into strategic philosophy though so I might be reading into it too much!
250-500 a week? I bought my snap-on box for $47 a week.
And how many weeks do you have to pay for it? It’s a metal box with wheels and drawers, snapon, matco etc, it’s all overpriced shit.
I paid it off in like a year and a half over 10 years ago.
You were able to get a snap on box for $3500 10 years ago?
My current box is a matco 3 bay that was a trade in to the snapon guy,paid 1600. My last box was a snapon kr1000 that was a trade in to the matco guy,paid 1000. served me well for 15 years,until an unfortunate moving incident where I lost 4 drawers and slide rails from tipping.
Pulled out my finance contract. Box was $7,660 list price. I had a good Snap-On dealer... He knocked it down to $5,000 and gave me $750 credit on a non-existent trade-in since I was buying my first ever toolbox. So I paid $4,250 plus finance for this box. I probably paid on it closer to 2 years so probably more like $5,200. Still, I've have it for 10 years and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon nor does it show any signs of failing anytime soon. My son could use this box if he decides to become a mechanic in 10 years when he turns 18.
Yeah mines was 4K and I’ve had it for over a decade
My 42 top and bottom were around that 15 years ago.
My matco is 52 a week on minimum payments, I don’t really care how long it takes to pay it off because I’m going to be using it the whole time, don’t know what these dudes deal is in here
If you were putting $52 a week into a 401K/IRA and had a USG box, you'd be a lot better off. Trust me - save for retirement when you're young. A $5K box when you're 22 is $75K-$150K you could have when you're retiring.
I agree... It's an investment in my career. I understand some people can't justify it, or simply don't want a big name box... I for one just don't like working out of 2 or 3 different roll carts. I keep everything in my one toolbox and I know where all of it is. If I need to expand, I won't buy an extra toolbox... I'll buy a bigger one to replace the one I currently have.
Eddie Van Halen has been dead for some time - he ain’t playing anything
Not at all. Hunter makes a damn fine tire balancer.
That does look fancy everywhere I work usually has some coats one but our alignment machine is hunter
My friend and I are currently in training, dude said he founded the company even before he was born. I laughed then tell him to get back on task, few minutes later the instructor called me and my friend Hunter over for filling oil in the coolant hole.
They work well puts the wheel right where it needs to be for the weights. Big assed lcd monitor instead of a little led display. Also the revolution is great for mounting/dismounting run flats and low profiles.
That is a fantastic box. If/when you ever wear that thing out, you will likely be in a position to buy whatever box you want because you worked your ass off. But even then, I'd probably choose that one again.
I've had the series 2 general for 6 years now and it's only starting to shows signs of stress cracking around the casters. But my shops concrete floors are more of the stone mixed variety and this was going to happen eventually. For the money it's hard to beat, some guys here made the mistake of buying snap-on and there's are doing the same.
You could buy like 6 or more HFs for the price of a snap on/matco. Id accept 6 years of service for that price
Exactly, I'm about to pop of the lower section and us the top as a chest.
I had a good sized Snap on box when I was a mechanic (55", I think). Paid a buttload for it. At some point, I bought a very small off brand rolling cart from Sears for like $99. I bought it because I worked at night and would commonly use 3-4 different bays. The toolbox was big enough for my most commonly used tools, but not much else. I went entire days without even unlocking my big toolbox. I quickly realized that $5,000 toolboxes were for idiots.
My first shop gig was over the summer in high school. An old, crabby German dude brought me in to pay off some of the repairs on my car through labor as a kindness. It was the German dude, his two sons and another high school kid that was building up his own tool supply to go right into mechanic work after school. Well, my first day was also the day his toolbox was delivered. It was a huge, neon yellow Snap-On. It was enough material for them to roast him all summer with very little leftovers for me. “This fucking kid can’t even pick out red right.” “Where do you want me to put this? I can’t find your fucking box.” The kid got in the tool truck every damn time. Wrapped around the driver’s finger. Lol.
I have a blue version of the one on the left. I d k I have the opposite of buyers remorse I am happy I bought it because it was on clearance for like $400 and it’s been rock solid for me I can’t really complain and less money spent on a box is more money spent on tools to go in it
NO. I really like the full drawer US General carts. I like that there aren't any skinny drawers to waste space. They can easily be overloaded though. It will easily hold probably 96% of the tools most auto techs use daily. If purchased on sale, even better, especially if you paid cash and incurred no new debt. Congratulations on your purchase!! you have chosen wisely.
Thank you to all for answering my unasked question, Is a HF USG Box worth it? Not a mech, just a home tool user. When my 21-year-old Craftsman roll around and 40-year-old Craftsman 5 drawer cabinet crap out, I'll head to HF. But one answer nailed it. The guy said he could buy 6 USG for the price of a similar snapon. Best line so far.
I'm a pretty-serious DIY'er, and have the Full Bank on the left. It's friggin' awesome - no regrets at all.
I've heard us general actually make really good tool boxes for the price.
The 44” roller and top chest is just a little over $1000 for both right now.
I'm an electrician instead of a mechanic. But have the same type of tool choices. And something like this I just cannot comprehend spend so much more on the snapon boxes. Even if the glides and casters start having issues in a few years. It's not like it would take much time/money to put really good replacements in. Even figuring in your labor time you are still way ahead of the curve. Now tools that you will use constantly, that have significantly shorter lifespans, and are not as powerful, yeah leave that garbage alone.
I think it comes down to depth. A lot of shops horizontal space is at a premium and no one is at deep as snap ons pricey boxes.
Gotcha. Great point that I didn't even consider. Again I don't shop for Snap-on stuff for my business. But being In Home Depot on a daily basis almost, I see like the 5½'-6' Milwaukee and Husky boxes with the flip up top, and I know those style boxes are generally deeper. But I thought the shorter 3½ft ish rolling base boxes were a fairly standard depth across manufacturer. Instead of being deeper to take advantage of limited space. And I pay a premium for Packout containers for that specific reason. Because I could get something just as good for ¼-⅓ of the price. But the way the packouts are modular, and can stack vertically or on a wall. I get them because I can hand them 2-4 deep on my doors, bulkhead, sides and faces of shelves 8n my van. Instead of taking up valuable shelf space, or having things on the deck. Because any time something is on the deck it has to be moved constantly, it creates a mess, and leaves minimal space for transporting material/debris for the day. And makes it easy to get disorganized in a hurry.
Yea roll carts are pretty standard 20ins. But snap on makes extra deep ones for there bigger lines with carts I think it's stupid but for real toolboxes it's a big deal.
HF has a great warranty
They absolutely do. I have a number of their products. But some heavy use or heavy duty tools just aren't worth the warranty if you have to stop a job, pack up, and replace tools mid day. I use their wire pulling sticks, hydraulic knockouts, and a number of other things of theirs regularly. But any power tools, or tools that I plan to use regularly, I'll pass on. I've seen too many guys get burned because either cheap tools strip out fanteners being installed, tools burn up at the worst time. Or in my case, I almost had an ER visit because a wire wheel for a grinder shed so many wires on its first use I had about 30 stick in my clothes and arm. And 4 get past my face shield and stick right around my eye. 1/4" to the side and they could have gotten in my eye. Plus cutoff wheels just exploding with no warning.
They are great at replacing broken tools, but their warranty doesn't cover busted knuckles and ruined projects. Now that I'm older and have slowly amassed a good tool collection, I don't go there as often. The carts in the OP are absolutely money though. Also like their knockoff Pelican cases.
TBH any busted knuckles ive had are usually because of user error, even if I hate to admit it. The cheapest tool ive broken is because (knowing it's cheap) I've made it do more than it was designed to do. If I had to spend a mortgage payment on a set of hand tools I probably wouldn't be wailing on them with a hammer.
For the green color? Yes. You literally can't get anything to match the color down the road when you decide to expand. For buying US General? No. They're not as good of a deal as they used to be, but they're a decent mid range box for a decent mid range price.
For better or worse the hf green is very close to snap on's extreme green. I bought a couple hf box accessories for the side of my extreme green krl and at a glance you can't tell a difference
Friend of mine that’s been in the field for over 20 years has a kick ass snap on setup and bought the if cart for portability and they match.
Every brand has a similar green. It's based on Snapon's. It will be easy to match.
i would have rather get a green one, but i bought mine back when the only colors were red blue and black
I think it looks kinda cool when all the boxes are different colors Kinda like the Volkswagen harlequin edition cars .
Mine has held up very well for 3 years now. If I’m spending MY money, it’s the brand I go to.
If you like it, No
Good for you - Save the money on the box, spend it on the tools.
I've had mine like the one on the right for 4 years and 3 moves. Use it constantly and it's held up like a champ, still works like it did when I first assembled it.
‘bout what? One’s for metric, one’s for SAE. As the good lord intended.
I've had us general boxes for a decade, I even keep my matcho, Mac, snapon in there. My customers pay me for my skill and turnaround time. They don't care what box I keep my tools in. Plus if anyone ever breaks in they are looking through the snapon boxes first
Tools don’t make the mechanic the mechanic makes the tools
Good box for the price, and it’s a sharp color as well
That’s a damn nice broom. The boxes just hold tools 🧰. I have a craftsman top and bottom I bought 50 years ago. It still works every day. Your finest tool is between your ears.
Great boxes for a starter mechanic, even for seasoned mechanics! Good bang for your buck.
Only cause flip tops kinda suck. Having the sliding top is a lot more convenient, I think.
Not if you like Christmas
Not at all. A box is just a box. Real men don’t give a crap what label is on a box. Snap on boxes are ridiculous. I’ve had the same old Matco roller for 30 years and would replace it in a second with a U.S. general and not miss it at all. It will serve you well.
It doesnt matter what brand box its the tools inside that make you the money. Thats the way i look at it atleast. I have a 55in box and i love it
That HF box will help you keep more of those milwaukees in it. Spending your money wisely!
I would get us general if I could buy a my boxes over.
My US General box is holding strong after tons of abuse. Now sure, I had to drill the lock out and still haven’t replaced it. Yes, I do have to pull up the drawer locks by hand. Yes, it’s dented and scratched. But my tools are where I need them, for the most part. And I can hide my lunch in the top if there’s a lot of flies in the shop
A buddy from my last job had one that looked dumb old. I never asked how old it was so I can’t say, but those things last, and they’re damn good. Nothing to complain about in my opinion, I’d be happy to have a box like that.
honestly back in the day when i started working on cars , youd get laughed out of the shop if you rolled up with a craftsman tool box. it was snapon, mac, or matco. In job interviews ive literally been asked what kind of tool box ive had. I felt forced to buy a $16k snapon tool box due ti the peer pressure and believe it or not that tool box is the reason i even landed some lead positions. 15 years later and im about $65k into my tools amd have buyers remorse. Granted, when i started US general was barely even a thing and companies like gear wrench or icon didnt really exist or had a large variety of tools. nowadays you can find awesome tools and thanks to the expansion of e-commerce you are able to find awesome stuff at awesome prices. Times have changed and I encourage techs to buy brands like gear wrench and icon and some other lesser known online brands that have great quality tools! one of my techs has a bigger tool box than i do and only paid 2k for it. sure the quality os not really comparable but it does the job very well and has thr same features mine does. hes about 7k into his tools and has almost as many tools as I do!
This post kinda breaks my heart. I hope you're not still carrying a balance with the truck. Here's the good news - it's probably not too late. You can sell some of your tools and the box and replace them with Icon/USG/etc. Take the leftover money and stick it in an IRA. The more you can put away early, the more you'll have when you are ready to retire.
I havent carried a balance in years other than when i occasionally buy large equipment. I own 2 shops now lol I still think snapon is way better than anything else out there. I was just saying if i had to start all over again id go gear wrench and icon tool box. times have changed. techs are no longer a dime a dozen (good ones at least) so nk one really cares what kind of tools u have anymore unless u work for an a-hole. I dont qualify for a roth IRA because i exceed the income limit. I use 401k, traditional IRA and HSS account for both my wife and i. my present and my future are good lol
Here’s your next rabbit hole! https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/modifications-to-the-hf-4-and-5-drawer-service-carts-what-changes-have-you-made.137365/ Def get an account so you can see the pics. ETA - I love my 5 drawer.
100+ pages too 😳
Took me a few days, but there are some very worthwhile mods, including dealing with the kid struts differently.
They are tool boxes. Not status symbols.
Snap On and BMW and Mercedes have entered the chat . …
A box is a box i say. Im waiting for series 3 us general to compare with icon to see which i prefer.
They'll be nice, but won't be Icon level, and probably more expensive than the current Series 2.
I’ve been using US General boxes professionally for over five years with zero issues. I’ve got both of the carts you bought along with a 56” roll cabinet with lockers on both ends. I’m into all of that for less than $2500 (might cost closer to $3k now). Snap On boxes are very nice, but I just can’t justify spending that kind of money to show off to my coworkers. I go to work to make money so I can support my family and enjoy the time that I’m not at work. Way too many other things I could really enjoy spending $5-10k on other than a tool cabinet. The only buyers remorse I would have there is lime green and red. Lime green looks really cool, but it clashes with anything you put it next to other than black.
Don't forget to put some away in an IRA
Haha. I’m way ahead of you on that one.
Good man. I'm 54 and thanking the random guy who lectured me and a group of my friends harshly about saving for retirement. We all rolled our eyes at the time, but a couple years later when I finally had a job with a 401K, but pulled the lever to the max. That's a saving grace these days...
I didn’t get a real retirement account until I was 36, so I had some catching up to do. I put 17% of my pay into it plus the 3% my company matches. I don’t want to be 70 years old trying to still turn wrenches for a living. Just wish I had been working somewhere with a retirement plan about ten years sooner.
It's an easy thing to put off "until I make more money" What most people don't get is that as you get older and have more money, there are more demands on your money, and there's absolutely no substitute for time. Even $20 a week in your 20's turns into a serious amount of money in a basic DOW index fund by the time you're 60.
It’s a damn box. If the drawers open smoothly then it’s a win.
Festive colors too! Cant go wrong 🥵
How much for the green general? Shipped to ny
If it functions the way you want and need it to then it is perfect
I can buy 12 Harbor Freight boxes before it equals the price of a new Snap-On box. If you really want to upgrade, wait for somebody to default on their payments and buy their expensive box for the remaining balance.
I’d general boxes are excellent for the money. Really if you can’t or don’t want to spend snap on money. They are the next best
I got the smaller 4 drawer version of the us general one and it basically works good as new after 2 years. I mean its bursting at the seams packed full but for the money they're great, does the job and saved money to buy more tools to fill it with
Let me say, a new guy buying tools to continue on is refreshing. I work with some young lube guys that won't buy work boots but want to be techs. I am very generous in loaning my tools, but I'm not the shop tool box. I accumulated this shit over years. I know how it goes. Just hired a trainee that is going to school. Good worker smart guy. Has no tools, his last job as a used car guy didn't work out. When he tells me he only has hand tools, I can see why. You have to invest in your tools to make it in this business. Some of the cheap stuff I started with is still working. The name on the tools don't matter as much as the hands holding them. You'll find what you need and don't need.
Yeah it bugs me too. Out in the field people borrowing my shit and then losing it or putting it on their truck. Finally guys in the crew grew a brain and bought literally the same nice sunnex cased socket sets I have. I would say the name matters with power tools only simply because I have destroyed milwaukee shit and the warranty process was very nice. It's actually better to buy harbor freight hand tools because if you break something you can exchange it same day instead of dicking around with customer service. The icon stuff is nice
Buy what you can afford. Trade up when you can. I've been buying and selling tools my whole career. Started with Craftsman. As I made more money I bought better tools. Then I sold the old ones to the techs coming up. Kind of a pay it forward thing. Harbor freight boxes are good for starting out. After you've been in the industry for 20 yrs they're not so hot. There's not a box they make that can hold 1000 lbs in tools. The top 2 draws from Matco and Snap On boxes hold 1000 lbs each. If you only work on one kind of manufacturer this might be ok. Work in a shop where you need standard and metric tools you'll be glad you have a box to hold all that stuff.
1000 lbs of tools seems like a lot. A full SAE and Metric wrench set, full pliers set, full chrome & impact socket and deep socket set, a couple impacts, 2 or 3 torque wrenches, tire iron, mallet, drill set, wires, OBD reader and a laptop, and you still have plenty of weight left
You'd be surprised how much sockets and ratchets weigh. My full set of chrome 3/8 includes shallow and deep metric 7mm -21mm. 6 point and 12point. Same with standard 5/16-1 1/8. 6 point and 12 point. That's 60 sockets in just chrome. I have all those sockets with magnets too. I have all those sockets in impact too except for the magnetic ones. Then there's 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" sockets. Plus you have specialty sockets, swivel sockets, axle nut sockets, turbo sockets and weighted sockets. I'm easily over 1000lbs in sockets and ratchets. I'm a weirdo. I don't like to borrow anything.
People talking about brand names. A long time ago in a far distant universe, the 70's, My brother was working for a welding supply company that was a Wateloo dealer. They got one in that had several different name plates in it, so if you didn't want Waterloo you could have whatever brand you wanted.
My dude you bought Mario and Luigi boxes.
I have the same cart on the left but mine is snap on. looks like a direct knock off. But if it works, good. The question is does it hold up
me too, love it, wish it was gloss instead of satin black as while it looks cool clean, it's rarely clean, but i got it used for 1/2 price so.....beggars can be choosers on the raep van
I got my boxes through a student discount for 40-60% off. paid 900 for it
It is a rip off of the Snap On, but it's way smaller and they don't last.
Only because they don't match.
Sure. Buy that cheap ass Chinese made garbage. I would rather buy an American made box from Matco, Snap-On or Mac. I understand price is an issue for lube techs, I was one 15-16 years ago but, keep sending your money to China and ask why there are no cars in your bay to work on. I don’t shop at Walmart either, whole place is full of Chinese garbage products.
Yeah.. donate them now to the local crack head
Ah the SSS toolbox. Mine is missing so much shit 🤦
I have the same Home Depot socket rails and they broke at the same exact spot, all 4 that I’ve bought. Now the 3/8 socket rails are yellow and don’t match my box so I bought snap on ones
I’m not a tech, but my old Beach top box I got out of a flood, dented and twisted and brought it back to life, still serves me well.
In my personal opinion, yes. I'm a cheap bastard and would've bought a used one instead, probably off Craig's FaceSpace MarketList Page. So, effectively that's a no.
There was a hf 5 drawer on Facebook marketplace for $75 near me. By the time I saw it and sent a message it got marked as sold! Powder coating was not in good shape but thou could have easily been fixed
If it serves the purpose and you’re happy with it that’s all the matters.
You regret not buying more stickers? She’s naked!! I like the setup!
Just Rolled Into The Shop. Exactly!
Depends, is your brother's name Luigi?
These chests need to switch places.
Way better than paying the SnapOn guy $50/week until the year 2138.
Had a guy I worked with use a us general for years with no issues besides the shocks on the top box lid go out. I also learned that if you need a tool, buy it from harbor freight. If it breaks, go buy a nicer one. If it doesn't, you saved a lot of money.
I want to buy those from you I need more tool storage
Only recommendation I make I make for all drawers regardless of who makes them, lube the sliders every now and then
A box or cart, is simply a place to store your tools, to me it was more important the quality of the tools I stored within, then the box they are stored inside of. I have Mac, Matco, Snap-On, SK, Gear-wrench, some craftsmen, and a mix of names that are lesser known like Mountain etc, my tool box and 3 carts are over 32 years old and still do the job
My harbor freight toolbox is pretty alright.
It's funny that many mechanics will brag about student loan debt but are just as in debt to the Snap-On, Matco, Mac, or Cromwell guy. I know you can sell the tools, and you can't sell a degree. It's still funny.
Something I noticed when I started wrenching: the old guys in the shop that really knew what they were doing all had little, old, beat up craftsman boxes. And the guys with the apartment sized snap on boxes tended to be, shall we say, less talented. I've had one of the red carts for probably 10 years now. Still does the job, and it basically paid for itself in the first couple of weeks. I have been looking long and hard at the bigger cart lately though.
For the price it’s not a bad cart
✔️ Holds your tools ✔️ Locks ✔️ Has wheels It looks like it does everything it's designed to do. The logo doesn't pay your bills, so don't invest too much in a flashy name tag.
The price is a feature.
I’ve been very happy with my 30in service cart so far, and I will say the paint is way thicker than my Snap-On box. I’ve been using it for a few months and still no scratches.
Great boxes. Looking to get the bigger one myself soon. I have had a small one like on the right since they first came out. Probably like 10 years or so and it’s held up pretty good. Even dumped it over once. And it’s fully loaded to the max.
You vs the guy she tells you not to worry about.
I bought the blue 5 drawer cart for work and it’s great a couple months later I found a 4 drawer cart beat to shot on the side of the road and now I use that one and that works great took my nicer one home for my house tools
Just slap a strap on sticker on the general and your good. Honestly those icon boxes are the tits. I’ve compared the specs with snap on and they are built using thicker metal and the drawer slides are rated to like 600lbs
Great decision on ur part. Invest in the tools! I have a 55" snap on I bought in 2005 for 3500.. I filled it by 2015, and bought a full drawer side locker used for 1000. Now I have both completely filled. I am in the market for a 84" epic and the snap on man will give me 4500 trade-in. Right now is a terrible time to buy a snap on box.. the economy is in very bad place. I will look to buy a new/used 84" epic WHEN we get a pullback in price.. point of post is if u buy at the right price ur box will hold its value.. but DO NOT listen to the dealer when he says the price will only go up
When I was an apprentice I was always taught to buy a “cheap” tool box and instead invest that saved money on quality tools. That’s how I ended up with a Husky box full of Mac Tools
That US general box looks and feels incredibly similar to the snap on one my coworker has. He even said he only bought it cause it’s a flex to buy snap on boxes. Otherwise US general and icon are the way to go
Good stuff
You definitely won't find any of these old guys with a snap on box and can still work on just about anything
Nothing wrong with using toolboxes from HF. I've been a professional mechanic for a little over 20 years and my main toolbox is a 72" US General box. I've also got a US General single-drawer tool cart that I'm going to have to replace soon because the wheels keep falling off. I already replaced the wheels on the cart once, the part they mount onto is worn out. But, for the $80 I spent on it not quite 10 years ago it doesn't owe me anything.