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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: JeffS on February 24, 2016, 10:43:53 PM

Title: Professional Tool Box
Post by: JeffS on February 24, 2016, 10:43:53 PM
Hello all,

I currently work for a Honda dealership but will one day down the road be going back to working on planes. A lot of the guys I work with have name brand tool boxes and have lasted them 20+ years. The downside is the price. A service cart will set me back about $2,000 and a 54" long two drawer tool box will run around $4,600. Some of the guys have Craftsmen tool boxes or other small brands. I've seen the quality in those low end boxes and it's not pretty. I have a small Snap On cart that I gave $800 for in 2011 and it's still good as new but it's full and I am still growing as a mechanic, not to mention the tools I will need as an Aircraft Mechanic. Currently leaning towards a Cornwell tool box, but if anyone has any thoughts, I am open to suggestions.

Thanks,
New baby stash
Title: Re: Professional Tool Box
Post by: chemistk on February 25, 2016, 06:06:16 AM
Would you consider a used toolbox? Given that the quality is great (and assuming older units probably have even better durability), you could look through craigslist or eBay and try and find one that suits you. A quick eBay search showed 54" carts in the $2,000 - $3,500 range and I'm betting that a service cart will be pretty inexpensive too.
Title: Re: Professional Tool Box
Post by: lakemom on February 25, 2016, 07:07:40 AM
A good box is well worth the cost.  However, I would spend a few months trying to find a good used one first.  Talk to your local snap-on dealer (and the other guys who come to the dealership...can't recall the brand off top of my head) about helping you find one.  They will often take one in on trade as someone moves up in size of box.  Well worth a try.  Dh's was 5000 over 20 years ago but is still in perfect condition (even after moving factory to factory several times).  He bought it off a dude that was retiring and it included many, many tools as well as the box (3'X5'X4' tall).
Title: Re: Professional Tool Box
Post by: lthenderson on February 25, 2016, 07:32:15 AM
A good box is well worth the cost.  However, I would spend a few months trying to find a good used one first.  Talk to your local snap-on dealer (and the other guys who come to the dealership...can't recall the brand off top of my head) about helping you find one.  They will often take one in on trade as someone moves up in size of box.  Well worth a try.  Dh's was 5000 over 20 years ago but is still in perfect condition (even after moving factory to factory several times).  He bought it off a dude that was retiring and it included many, many tools as well as the box (3'X5'X4' tall).

I like to go to estate auctions of someone who was a mechanic. You can find some great used boxes out there that are way better built than modern day boxes for a fraction of the price. I have one that is about 40 years old and is built like a tank. I expect one of my kids will be fighting over it in another 40 years.
Title: Re: Professional Tool Box
Post by: JeffS on February 25, 2016, 10:38:16 AM
All very good ideas! I appreciate the input. I'll check Craigslist and talk to the dealers. My cart was barely used, $400 off! Finding a good priced box with tools would be a steal I think
Title: Re: Professional Tool Box
Post by: cowboy on March 06, 2016, 08:28:30 PM
12 years in the business. 8 on the bench, 4 managing.

Go on e-bay and find what you want at a heavy discount somewhere nearby. Be sure to search e-bay motors separately - a lot of stuff on there. Then find a buddy with a pickup or big van and make the road trip.

I bought my Snap-On KRL series top and bottom this way 9 years ago - brand new - saved over 50%. Look after it, and it will last you a lifetime. BUT! Do not go crazy on the box size. Learn to organize the box. I have more tools and diagnostic equipment than any tech I've met, and I have a 54" box. Most people with a 72" want a work bench, or just hoard crap and spent way too much on a big box.
Title: Re: Professional Tool Box
Post by: NextTime on March 07, 2016, 09:11:11 AM
Not a mechanic myself, but know some, and like @craiglepaige, they are very happy with their Harbor Freight boxes.