Tool Box Vs Roll Cart A Cautionary Tale 

Sorry about the Logo, had to cover up the shops info on the key board.

Great video ! I am a third year apprentice at a dealer and have been using my mac roll cart for basically the entirety of my apprenticeship it is very convenient with almost zero to no down sides. These bigger roll carts can store plenty of tools, it is crucial to stay very organized you would be surprised how many tools you can fit into one cart. All the techs at my shop keep bugging me and asking me when I'm going to man up and buy a box, but I just don't see the need especially being early in my career. To me a tool box doesn't make you any money it just holds all the things that make you money.

I use my toolbox for speciality tools and larger things , and tools I dont use on a regular. My roll cart as the stuff I'd use on an daily

Awesome advice! I currently work out of 2 roll carts and have yet to go big and buy a full size box. I set them up where all my main tools are in 1 cart and the second cart is more diag/lube/specialty sockets

I think the right roll cart can hold all tools you need. Heck you can buy grey pneumatic duo sockets and get all sockets you need. Just need one with enough drawers. Great advice as usual.

I've been working out of my soon to be 50 year old Snap On road box up until this morning when I brought in my Mac roll cart just because I couldn't efficiently fit anything else in and with some of my tools being unable to fit it was finally time. I've been working as the welder and fabricator in the company's equipment shop, but since our truck and coach mechanic/technician left and they haven't replaced him I've been picking up the slack on that part. The roll cart does make things a lot more efficient but it's going to take some thought to organize things in 3 deep drawers and the large opening top over 12 smaller drawers that kept things in there places. Thanks for another great video, I always look forward to them brother.

You hit the nail on the head , this is almost exactly what I go through will every young tech in my shop , not all of them listen ...lol

This is excellent advice! I have a 4s toolbox but that came years after my husky box and HF 4-drawer cart.

I hope a lot of young guys are watching you. Being over 50 years and still wrenching. I wish I had this good guidance coming up

This advice is absolutely correct. The roll cart is something all mechanics should have and it should last many years. The tool vault is like the library of tools on hand, but not used daily. The cart keeps one mobile, efficient and working inexpensively

Some of your best advise so far. Young people seem to here a coworker talk but really do not listen, someone else can say the same thing and it will get through. Don't worry about the logo, we learn something new everyday. Moe

A roll cart is one of the best things I ever bought. Makes things much quicker!

roll cart I would recommend 100% everytime. I’m 23 at 20 I started my career and got a huge box. at the begin of this year I bought a roll cart and a 3 drawer cart.. sold my box for basically what I paid. Did some modifications to cart on the bottom were I store my cases, for security and locking ability(little ghetto I know lol) I did this because I end up having a truck in my bay then something happens and I have to work at the door of my bay or at the back of the truck and I’m able to roll my cart right to the door or the back of the truck.i even sometime have to work on the other side of the shop. Long story shorter I got lucky and have made some money back of everything that has transpired but moral is I wish I would have just bought the roll cart then when I started needing some more space got the cart it would have saving me tons of money and I wouldn’t have lost those hours walking back and forth. Do your research and sit on the idea of what you need at least a few days ask other technicians.. maximize your money don’t waste it I did also build a make shift top I can set onto the storage cart to use as I work surface also.

Hey excellent tutorial. I have one of Snapons Roll carts which you can ad a side cabinet if needed. I work in a small engine shop and the cart works out great. I have my own lift table and 50 square feet of room which incorporates my cart , table and work bench. They recently hired another guy from a car shop and he brought his humongous box. It takes up a lot of valuable room space in the shop. Carts are the way to go.

Spot on Michael, couldn't agree more. The large full drawer roll carts are awesome. They weren't around when I started, actually the idea of a "tool cart" wasn't really a thing either. I finally picked up a used JSC750 a few months ago. Upgraded from a 5 drawer HF cart. I love it, especially with the moving around I have to do in my shop. They are the perfect box to start with in my opinion if you are just starting out and want to get something higher quality.

Good advice I have seen people buy tool boxes and there’s nothing in them can’t afford more tools

My advise: if your starting out as a lube/tire or whatever the entry level for a shop is then 2 options i recommend. 1st is a 5 drawer from harbor freight. They have 6 color options now. Option 2 is their 26 bottom which also has 3 color options. Another option if you want a full drawer tool cart then Sunex Homak and ATD has 6 and 7 drawer options. I believe those range from 600 to 800 depending on shipping options. I currently changed my setup and changed shops recently so i have a 26 top and bottom in blue from harbor freight plus an old 5 drawer cart i use everyday. Over all its going to depend on your shop situation, level and budget.

Husky 52inch top/bottom , Husky 46inch toolbox and 5 drawer harbor freight cart. $1100 still severing me well today, lol my tools in them cost 10x that much. GREAT VIDEO , wish had that advice 18 years ago the first time around.

That's how I did it, I got me a hf 5 drawer then a small 8 drawer box as well. Wasn't disappointed at all! Even the techs would tell me, you don't need to spend that type of money on tool boxes, these are just fine.

Very true. At my old shop I had a mac triple bank and a harbor freight 5 drawer. I didn't have a spot against a wall and bounced around between 5 bays. I loved the box and it was pretty full but I always said if I had it to do over I would have gone with a nice cart and a less expensive stationary box. When I left another tech offered what I paid for it so I sold it instead of having to move it. I picked up a 2 year old jsc770 for about 1/3 of the new cost. I have an old Craftsman single bank that I use for spare parts and a mobile work surface so I can speak to all the options you suggested. I really hope new techs watch this and follow your advice.

Good video and advise as usual I started out with a 3 piece husky box than upgraded to 56 inch hf box and got the hf 4 drawer cart. Than just upgraded to the 72inch Tool Vault with hutch and love it. Still use the hf cart too. I'd love snap on or matco but for the set up of my tool vault snappy or matco could price match. I have a toolbox tour of both boxes. BEEN in the field 7 years.

Thanks for the video FRM. Great info as usual. Toolcart staring out no reason to drop that kind of cash on a job you may not like in a year or two. Proto has a modular Toolcart. Looks like a good idea. Add all the parts and its a toolbox by the end..

As always, great advice Mike!

I’m upgrading to MATCO Jamestown 753 from a us general 5 drawer. Like you said I started out with a cart. But I outgrew the us general and now getting the MATCO. I can’t wait for it!

I started out with a harbor freight 5 drawer cart, still have it and have since added a side cabinet, tray and other accessories. My daily use cart/box is a husky 46", rhino liner the top added a vise and couple other roll it to each job, works great. Would recommend either.

My dad has a discontinued 40" snap on box but bought a snap on cart with the stainless split tops. The problem buying snap on roll cart is the drawers are all the same size but the bottom is a big one so he has less drawers and a 3 inch tall wrench drawer which is not efficient when it comes to storage

Your very right about being able to find the right deal and tool truck toolbox’s. I have a really nice 4 drawer matco cart that I got for $200. The only problem is I need more drawers so I’m waiting for the right deal on a bigger tool cart. I would like to have a double bank box but the accessibility you have with a cart is away more useful.

Start out with a harbor freight roll cart.

Depends on your shop, I picked up a used snap on roll cart and my Homak is maxxed out. So I am going to step up to a 54" KRA. Keep in mind, I work in a fleet shop. We don't do any tire work, trucks are replaced every 7 years, no real heavy line.

The sweetest scenario is to work on just one brand. Then a little cart would be enough. But... we serve many different designs requiring many different sockets and weird specialty tools.

If you starting off tool cart is the way to go they’re is plenty of other tools you need to invest in to make your job easier don’t let a tool storage be the most expensive at first great video!!!

Good advice sir, I have both a cart and a box. In my line of work I don't really use the cart it's full of stuff just not tools. I need to clean up my garage at home and use the cart there. I saw a cart I really liked, only a little over 1,100 bucks. I'm holding off on that purchase

Couldn’t agree more. A tool cart is very versital. And even if they decide the industry isn’t for them. They can just take it home. It’s easier to move and store. In todays world everyone needs a tool cart unless you work out of 1 single bay right infront of your box.

My Harbor Freight 5 drawer tool cart has held up GREAT(1year so far)! You can pack it with tools and it rolls just fine. All the money I DID NOT spend on an expensive box at first allowed me to purchase all top shelf name brand tools. Now I have a ton of nice tools paid off and I'm ready to add a regular tool chest. My HF cart is not going anywhere. Still use it, still love it. FRM was totally right about this, SOOO glad I did it this way! Put your money in tool your during first years. My tools make me money, my tool box really doesn't.

I work on boats. Since im the new guy I work on 2-20hp motors that pop off the boar onto a stand. Sometimes I work on motors that are permanently mounted on the boat and located in the lot of the shop which is also on a slope. I got a blue point cart because it is lightweight and I move around a lot.

I know this an older video, but I am a diesel mechanic primarily and work on class 7 and 8 vehicles. But we also do the company's transit Van's so I have all my diesel tools and the ones required for the Ford transit's in my roll cart. Use it everyday. I am at maximum capacity so i will upgrade to a bigger roll cart soon but i have no need for a big tool box as of yet.

One of my coworkers started out with an old, junky Craftsman cart with broken sliders, and 2 roll carts that didn't have a brand name on them. One cart had 1 large drawer and the other had 2 small drawers. It was the most wack setup I've ever seen lol, but he was a hard worker. That's all that mattered. All I had was a 26 inch Craftsman on top of an Apollo cart when I first started. Now we both have Cornwell roll carts and double bank boxes.

I bought a John Deere 5 drawer road chest because I do mobile mechanic work. If I was stuck in a shop I would definitely go with a tool cart instead. Great video by the way.

Although they only seem to show them on their website, Home Depot's Husky carts are about the same size and price as HF's.

Nice video. Basic no BS honest opinion from a well established and seasoned trade professional who's probably seen all and done all over the years. No doubt your opinion and advice is very valuable to those just starting out, IF the young ones can control themselves while in school. Those tool trucks shouldn't even be allowed to visit the schools, in my opinion. They sweet talk the young inexperienced kids into huge debt for tools and equipment that are not needed when starting out, leaving them to begin their careers mostly working for the tool truck. They don't realize it until it's to late. Your willingness to share basic information is appreciated.

Thanks for taking time to share the video SWR

I'm buying a large roll cart with drawers at then end of the month. It will serve as my tool box for slide hammers, hub grappler kit, SAE wrenches and varying kits while my go to stuff is in my three drawer roll cart that is nearly filled.

good points! everyone is different! every shop is different! i am to the point where i am debating either a bigger toolbox or a side cab! not sure yet! thinking about a repo toolbox though if trade in is good! otherwise i will keep it for home box!

I started with a monster 5 drawer cart (5yrs ago and still have it today).i didnt buy a box for a year And i had it over flowing. Its all about how you organize the tools in it and magnets. Putting stuff on the lid everywhere. Then i bought a box. I still use the cart. But now i want a small service 1 drawer cart

I'm so specialized now that I sold my double bank and work out of my Snap On slide top cart. It more than suits my needs. Best $2k I ever spent. I had the Harbor Freight big one first but the Snap On is built 10 times better and will last forever. Like you said, it's my tool box..

I work in a dealership. I don't own a roll cart and have no issues with not having one. We have hired many of guys from all different back grounds the guys that bring there roll carts literally collect dust or they bring there roll carts home and leave them in there garages at home.

I have a 68” macsimizer, the new Cornwell powered cart (with the sweet vertical power drawer) and a 6’ x 4’ x 2’ locking office cabinet. I use the blue-point under hood service tray as a roll cart, taking with me ONLY what a specific job needs. Everything else stays stationary. Separately, my hub grappler, Texas twister, and other frontend-only tools have their own dedicated HF roll cart that stays in the corner.

Before I even watch. Roll cart ftw

Great video thanks brother. Great advice for those starting today. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother

I got a 1st gen us general five drawer cart from my uncle. Firestone is getting rid of their maintenance technician level positions and promoting those who have stayed on to flat rate. I personally was hoping to wait for two year then work my way. My school could credit me a year of shop experience for the two years I have been in this academic field. And technically I have been in the automotive industry for ten months now.

i bought a used matco 5 drawer "roll cart" from my snap on dealer for $300 cash. I also have a 2 bay snap on box which i got a deal on as well when it retailed for $9600 i got it for $5000 with the stainless steal top. Also this goes back to another video of yours about not paying for screw drivers I got the free 11 piece snap on screw driver set for buying my box plus alot of other tools. I always talk to the snap on guy and bundle tools together for discounts for buying a good amount. For example I bought the Snap on Impact set for 1/2 in and 3/8 drives with the 3/8 and 1/4 chrome sets that have deep, semi deep and shallow ( with extensions and ratchets ) all together , it would of been like $3500 all together if I bought 1 at a time. however cuz i bought all of it together i got it for $2000. these are just some tips and tricks i have learned to save $ while getting tools. I have completely paid off all my tool bills since July and owe ZERO.

Excellent Advise!! I thought the Logo covering your face was an improvement!!

One of the things I regret most as far as tool purchases goes is trading in my big cart when I was at the dealer. There, I had one bay and my box was right in front of the car (And I mean turn around and grab stuff out of my box without walking away from the car close) so I didn't see a need for my big SnapOn work station AND a roll cab, and traded both in on my current box. Then I switched jobs and had to go out and pay cash for another cart.

Thanks great video and I like how truth full you are

I think it just depends I started out with a craftsman 41 inch 2 bank box worked great for the first year or so. It was small enough I used it like a cart a wheeled it where ever I needed it and it was nice having a work surface if I need it. I started making enough money I started to buy more tools I ended up with a used cornwell 5 draw cart and I managed to fit pretty much everything I had in the craftsman box into the cornwell cart. I then got super lucky and got an extreme tools 72inch box but I still work out of my cart 90-95% of the time.

I agree Mike - buy the roll cart, fill it , then eventually get a box.

You car guys need bigger bays. In the truck shop no one has a cart, the boxes go wherever you are working.

My Snappy guy sold me a Iqon for $3,000, retail $7,000. I started with that Cornwell cart. I out grew it fast. I'm hourly, getting my ASE's.

I'm in school now. I bought a snap on krsc46 from SEP for something like 60% off. I love the thing and I paid cash for it. And it's your favorite color! Anyway, I think it was a great investment, and I think I can easily get 3 years or more out of it before I run out of and need to get a box. I decided on the krsc46 after watching your video about it and the tool cart tours for Andrew and bambam. I'm glad I decided not to get a box since in school, i'm almost never working in the same bay the whole day, the cart is much easier to move around with.

Think it depends on what you can afford, also if you will be working in a shop where you have atleast 2 bays side by side to your self then tool box first if not then roll cart.

I’m working out of a harbor freight 5 drawer series 2 cart right now but I’ll soon upgrade to a Mac or matco 770 roll cart. I’m a heavy diesel mechanic and that’s honestly all I need. Maybe add a side cabinet on each side but that’s it.

My sunnex cart with 7 drawers was 800 brand new but I paid nothing lol. It's really nice still after years of use still haven't filled it up fully

exact information i needed!!! roll cart it is. Thanks!!!

Good advice for even the home garage.

Sorry what were you saying? I was watching the distracting logos

I wish I had this advice awhile ago. But I'm ok with what I have for now.

Old video but with the HF new roll cart coming out is that a good way to go for a non pro that does a lot of work on my stuff farming and kids racing motorcycles gokart, along with friends stuff?

I have a husky toolbox & it’s awesome ( I started out as an apprentice at the dealership now I’m a tech been there 7 years) good advice tho 👍

I always recommend tool truck box among my fiends new tech in 2016 and harbor frieght roll cart and it’s worked beautifully. But now I heard icon boxes are nicely built and have also life time warranty so idk lol

Have a question I have a snap on master series bottom tool box Looking for a top chest but can’t afford Snap on again Should I keep and get a cart or just leave alone I’m at home not a professional setting

I have a Snap-On 72” by 30” deep Master Series triple bay toolbox I work all through the shop. I also have a Matco 773 roll cart. I have both full of tools. I worked out of the 773 for 5 years, I agree 100%. I tell people all the time. Your toolbox yes it is important, however there is no issues as a new mechanic to start with a Harbor Freight toolbox. Also agree with the moving. I would much rather move the roll cart (still a pain to load) however my toolbox will have to be moved by either a HD trailer or a rollback, due to weight being filled with tools.

Great video. Couldn’t agree more. Buy the five drawer tool cart and after two to three years buy a tool cabinet. If you have some oversized tools you can buy a Craftsman cabinet.

I'm a little over a year in at my current shop, and I'm working out of a 76" Cornwell triple bank. We all have access to all the bays, but it's all in walking distance. It works out. Plus I'm buying tools like it's going out of style and she's well stocked at the moment. Do I wish I had that payment for other things? Yeah. Do I regret it? No. For my current situation it works. About half of my day-to-day work I already know what tools I'm going to need for a given job, plus we have shop supplied work carts. Brake job on an unfamiliar vehicle? Grab what I know I'm going to need and throw a rail of sockets on the cart and go. Only issue is when those are in use as there are only two. I'm about to invest in a little work cart so I never run into that issue. Thus far I'm still beating book time on most of what I do. Just like anyone else, the really ugly ones still get me...and that's the benefit of being hourly. If I get into some rabid, flea bitten mess of a job I'm not losing money on it. Main dealer shop is mainly one make. As a satellite shop, we work on everything. Great way to hone skills that you need while still getting manufacturer training for the time you move to the main shop. I can say though, I look forward to paying off that box. It's a great feeling to own what you've been paying on.

Good advice Mike. Tool vault tool vault tool vault. Somebody had to say it. haha

I have a deal on another roll cart with 6 drawers. Thinking I should get it and not worry about the big tool box. What are your thoughts?

100% agree it matters how fast you are I remember before I got my rollcart it was a nightmare 3 bays I get swapped between all the bays

Great advice, but lose the logo. I actually had to turn off the picture and just listen. Very distracting. When I started out years ago I actually bought an old service truck and kept my tools in it. I did service calls anyways so it helped. $1500 tool box with an engine. Drove it for 4 years

I couldn’t agree more with this video!!!!!💯💯

I bought an 8 drawer Craftsman toolbox for like $400 thinking it was the way to go starting out. Working for Honda and eventually at Nissan, almost everybody uses their own personal roll cart and Honda supplies the line techs with “built in” toolboxes for primary storage. Thank god I didn’t spend too much on a toolbox knowing it’s highly probable a dealership will supply some tool storage. I’m thinking I’ll buy a HF roll cart and be good. They’re only like $100-$200.

I agree I found a used snap on roll cart the bigger one for $600 on Craigslist it was a little beat up but u can fit mostly all you will need everyday in one of them. I don’t get younger guys buying this 13000 epic box and have nothing to put in it.

The harbor freight 5 drawer cart is one of the best roll carts out there.

Started in a shop with only a HF roll cart. Now have a Matco 4s and that same HF cart. Start with a cheap cart! Spend the real money on tools! Then when you run out of space find a used tool truck box. Got my 4s with power for 2300. Retail is about 5 grand

I still sign up for evening classes to get discounted tools. Up to 50% off, on most things

When I moved I had to move a 72 inch snapon (mostly empty) via a u-haul and mostly empty part made it not to bad to roll up the ramp still took me and my fiance though🤣

Thank you sir!

My krsc has become a stationary box because my shop is so big that i have 2-3 lifts to myself lol

My neighbor, highers a guy whose car(camry) is pilled up with his tools. So a car/vehicle is the best roll cart for these kids. All you really need is a business card. I don't even think you need a truck, if you know what your doing.

Have you heard of “gray” or “jet” tools? They are Canadian made and about a third of the price as the tool truck companies, and almost the same quality, and honestly not much of a difference, I would definitely recommend looking into them, I believe they are available to order off of amazon.

Love the channel

After I start work as an auto tech in Canada, I bought my `first` tool box because my snap on guy gave me a big deal. (In Korea which is my home country, every employers must provide tool storage and tools to their employees) After couple of month, I regreted that purchase because that tool box does not have mobility at all. As a result, whenever I work, I have to take my tools to hoist and keep them on floor before I bought my new Mac utility tool cart.

I use my craftsman single bank 6 drawer box with a 7 drawer top still to this day its 7 years old now I made a grab and go out of my little craftsman with a tote tray

theres a kid on one of the other youtubers channels who has an epiq tool box and almost every drawer is empty. but he got a really good deal on it......i tell everyone starting out buy a big box store tool box and a truck quality tool cart. a good quality tool cart will make that cheapie box last a long time. and if you can get away spending 1200-1500 thats a really good savings. sure beats several thousand for a box with no tools.

I’m 17 just moved from a shop that I started at for 2 years where my box was right next to my ramp I’ve now moved to a much bigger shop and I’m walking a back and forth looking for a good cart I’m going toward Mac tools

Buy a QUALITY Roll Cart with real drawer lock slides especially if moving it around.

Tool box is 5 feet away from the front bumper of any vehicle I'm working on 😎

Great advise !!!

I'll also say Facebook market or used tool boxes and roll carts are a great option for picking up a great deal

good advise Michael !

I like using roll trays I got the oem roll table its nice. Carts for me are to big a bulky to roll around

Great video