Who Makes The Best Tool Box For Your Money ? 

US General is awesome for home and the new ICON boxes are perfectly suited for work. No need to mortgage the house for the snap-on. I'd rather have a box full of tools than an empty box for the same or more money.

As a mechanic I personally don't know anyone who has paid close to retail price on a tool truck box. I bought my first box on a student discount of 50% off. 5 years later I'm running out of space so time to trade up. My Matco dealer is giving me full retail value on my trade in box plus another 30% off the new box. Both boxes I ended up paying around 60% retail value even after interest. (With paying the loan off as quick as I could.) Pains me to hear anytime someone pays full price for a box. You just know that dealer is making an absolute killing on those guys when he is obviously still making money with major discounts.

I'v been an A&P mechanic for 26 years , worked commercial airliners , Military cargo planes , military helicopters and civilian helicopters. Started turning wrenches on cars and trucks. My advice to anybody starting in their chosen profession is , buy a US General tool box , at least the 44" box . Spend your money on tools ( good tools) don't get stuck with the idea that snap on is the only good tool company. Also think about how often you are going to use that tool , I'm not saying not to buy it , but it should be part of making your decision on how much money you wana spend on it . Once you're box is full , maybe you will buy another tool box ? I have seen guys with these gigantic tool boxes full of tools , they are nice as long as you don't have to move them . In my opinion two boxes are better than one . Just weight alone can be a headache to deal with . If after you fill the tool box up with tools then spend money on an expensive tool box , buy tools first .

I have the US General 56 inch top and bottom and 2 side lockers and couldn’t be happier with the whole set up

Thanks for your in-depth analysis. It is helping me decide which box to invest in based on my actual need. In my case, it doesn’t need to be the top of the line product. A mid-level box for the weekend warrior will be just fine for me.

Good points, I really liked your service cart talk on here.

Excellent topics keep them coming. Thanks.

I think it all depends on what you typically work on. I have a master series older one at that. Used to keep all my sockets from 1/4 to 1 in drives. Complete sets at that in the top drawer. Still rolled out with ease

Pretty sure I'm on the forum you were talking about. What you said about the mid level box and high end cart is dead on. I had a Mac like the one pictured but was spending most of my time working out of a harbor freight cart. I always wished I had done it the other way around. A buddy offered what I paid for it. Now I have a nice big Matco cart and a few older stationary boxes. I would like to get a decent stationary box eventually, but it would mostly be part storage, specialty and spare tools I rarely use. If you only work in one spot or just have the money and want a $15,000 box more power to you, but I wouldn't do it again unless it's a hell of a deal.

Great review. If I may add a note for anyone looking at a cheaper box. At auction, I picked up two brand new 72" roller chests... one Husky and one U.S. General series 2. The General is, hands down and by a huge margin, the better box. Thicker steel, better drawer glides, waaaaay better casters (actual suspension casters). I work on heavy equipment and these chests get murdered all day, which is why I refuse to buy Snap-on and watch that investment get abused. So, dont shy away from the HF General.

Your 100 percent part of the fun is the hunt nice information on the tool boxes

I follow the same method you mentioned. I have a matco double bay I bought off snap on truck for 980 dollars. He hated it cramping his trucks style. But I bought a mac macsimer service cart. 2k worth for 1600 demo. Holds all my hand tools. My next might be extreme or toolvault. Running out of storage.

I just bought a Milwaukee 56" to replace my US General 30" 5 drawer. I did this for two reasons, 1. I needed to space to support the tooks I keep acquiring, 2: I like the Box and what it offers. I might keep the general as my goffer box. Being 41 people from other bays stall ask for your help, and I will be damn If I will pull that 56' double decker fully loaded down, short of moving it to a new location when we are told we are moving.

I can say this. I have a Snap On roll cab and box and a Snap On cart. I also have general from HF. I don't think Snap On is worth the extra money and you can't justify paying the price bases on resale because they don't bring very much. I bought a general to put in a farm truck because I didn't want to pay for a Snap On to get stolen. After 4 years of being beat all to prices I still works great. Snap On makes great stuff but the money is ridiculous.

Thanks and excellent summary. Extremely concise and to the point. Love the content and keep up good work! I'm going with the US General 56" in red $699.

I own the top right Snap-on box with hutch and lockers except mine has custom drawer configurations epic series with power top and power drawer. I got a 10 k trade in ( paid about 14 K New) for my old Snap-on that I owned 11 years I typically trade in about every 10 years. Been a Auto mechanic 30 years still going With rebates and trade in wasn't that bad price still it was almost 30K retail I didn't pay that though.

Us general at home. Snap on at work

As a master ase tech I’ve always owned snap on , 84” epic whole setup got a killer deal on it ,after 10 years I sold it and got damn near all my money back and I realized I never needed a snap on box at all and I make 6 figures a year lol so I used the $$$ from my snappy box and got a lesser so to speak a icon set up and had extra play $$ so if you want a 20 plus year exp master tech advice and opinion don’t waste your hard earned money on a snap on box it’s just a status pissing contest they are way over priced and there are other brands that hold the abuse of daily use, the one thing I will say is that the snap on boxes look the best , that’s why I got one back in the day , so just make a pretty box with nice quality and snappy will have big competition

I don't like the 6 caster boxes as much because a lot of the time the mid ones don't spin so it makes it hard to get it up against a wall. I would much rather 4 heavy-duty casters.

Us General will work great at home. They also are ok for work too. Just depends on what you're looking for.

Late to the party. In the mid 80s after getting my ASE certification I started at my first dealership. Prior to that was small shops. My first "real" box was a Snap On. You didn't have many options then, definitely no interweb. After I out grown that box, 36 inch, my Snap On dealer gave me full price on my trade up. Yes it looked damn good, I take care of my shit. That One was a 56 inch, I think. She was a absolute beast of a box, I could stand in a drawer without any flex. I out grew that one and got almost my purchase price and traded up one more time to a 72 inch with side lockers and hutch. Now days there are many quality tool boxes on the market. If I had to go out and buy that monster I would definitely research it. But many techs do as I did, you trade up as needed. Having a good dealer that has been there with you as you grew as a tech is invaluable.

I think you can spend whatever he wants on a toolbox. I am happy with an affordable ones I have and if I want another one in a few years or need to add new one it doesn’t break the bank. I love the truck toolboxes but can not spend that much, and a used one I don’t think would work for me you loose choice of color and drawer types. Great vid.

Good discussion. Would like to see a re-do concentrating on the home DIY guy boxes, or the mid-range stuff as you say. You had mentioned those were in the $500-$1K range, but now 4-years later really you are looking at $1K and up for stuff like Master Force, US General, and Milwaukee. The Husky is really lower end than these, but can be had for sub-$1K.

My Husky professional box is nicer then my snap on and matco boxes but its also much newer. Double sliders with power and soft close drawers. For the money its a winner imo

Assembled in the US, from globaly sourced components.

Im just here with my craftsman and my u.s general and enjoy both lol. This was very interesting to hear

I have noticed the lower brand boxs are good quality harbor freight is really comming along with there box's i have looked at them and its all about the slids when i look at a box i always open a draw and push down and if the slids bend when pushing its low quality but harbor freight is a very good box as i say this i own 2 snap on box's

Since your video was posted Extreme has a EX series box, I haven't bought it yet but it looks like a tool truck quality for 1/4 the price.

Yea, I like your attitude on this subject. I just bought a small craftsman box for a great price. I'm only a DIYER myself so I can't see getting one of those huge pro level boxes , however it would be cool.i qork at lowes in the tool department and got a 300 bottom box for 57 dollars.i think it may have been an older model that was being replaced but dang that was a deal I couldn't pass up. It's a nice craftsman box. 2000 series I think it is. I will get the topbox for it soon.i lost all my tools in an ugly divorce so I'm starting all over again..the box I just bought works for me. All the best brother

Box's are like cars. Sure a Ford focus will get you from point A to B just as good as a Cadillac CTS. But some guys are willing to pay more for something nicer. Just like there's "car guys", there's "Tool guys".

US General, best bang for said buck. Are there better quality out there for way more money, yes there is.

I think it's the tect and training you get and lots of hands on. THE tool box is nice but you have to keep money side for slow times better to have good car to go to next job you may have to go to.

I have the extreme pro ,it is built like a tank the frame is 11ga

Iv been a tech for 36 years. Buying primarily snap-on since the first week. I have never. Ever. Payed any interest on anything. Never had a corporate account with any tool manufacturers. Never signed anything. Without a contract there's no interest. Been running a truck account the entire time. If you're purchases and payments don't go beyond a year and your dependable making payments i can purchases anything I need.

If the off brand boxes started using better built drawer slides they would be great... Some of the hobbyist style boxes like store brand stuff have what looks to me to be off the shelf house drawer slides... in one way that would make finding a replacement slide fairly easy. I could be wrong but I built a desk with a wide span that slides out to fit a musical keyboard and the craftsman boxes, the newer ones, have slides that seem identical to the ones i bought at lowes to make my desk. Nothing wrong with buying a good box but yea find a used one if possible.... its a friggin box to put your tools in, not a space shuttle.

The Extreme Pro Series set up pictured has an 11 Gauge Steel Frame, Double Walled Steel Drawers, 300-600 Pound Drawer Loads, Stainless Steel Top with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Best Bang for you Buck by Far

What forum do you keep talking about?

How could you compare any of these when there are three that are not made for budget technicians I would have shown the matco 4s and the snapon clasic series there more comparable to the other two

For service carts, you cant beat harbor freight.

19:50 Right there. I am an accountant and it is hard for me to get excited about a thousand dollar calculator. The reason being when i get home the last thing i want to see is a calculator. However I feel different about a nice toolbox, holding nice tools. It's a hobby but it also addresses a part of me that likes to collect things and it provides me entertainment. In that regard to me it is worth it. However I would be the very first to scoff at expenive technology or computers. Because they are just means to an end. Ps. I did not pay retail and secondly I do not ever buy with the intention of selling. Anything that get's used sucks because it loses value. Period

Four castors have the advantage that they are less likely to wobble on uneven surfaces.

is tool vault good?

As a former SnapOn dealer and a&p mechanic. 95% aviation (Airlines) uses Craftman's boxes and hand tools. They're not longing for the higher-end brands at all.

Find a box on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace for a deal..... I spend my money on tools....

where are you getting your intrest rates from?

Cornwell makes Kennedy tool boxes

I find it revealing that MAC doesn’t advertise their tool box prices on their website like the other brands do. I think Snap On and Matco make the best when it comes to their high end boxes, but they are 2-3 times over what they should cost. ICON, Cornwell, Extreme and others are close and cost much less in most cases. Buying the cheaper version of the tool truck brands makes no sense, IMO. For that level box save the money and buy US General or Husky, Milwaukee, etc.

Extreme tools..made like a snap on, 12g frame, 300/600 lb drawers. 10% cost of a snap on box, made in the USA.

I own Matco and Craftsman boxes both (home and work). --(bought the Matco chest) when I was 27ish... Today at work I but more tools than BOX.. !! I own and pay a mortgage,family, etc. I don't need the expense of monthly payments for a tool box that costs me more than the cost and maintenence of my 3 cars annually I drive!--lol My advice--even if a tool truck--buy one "repoe'd"/second hand/or "turn in",etc. or buy a cheaper one to start out with.... tool truck boxes actually hold better values at times than your car does, but don;t count on that!!---I offered years ago my matco tool chest (top) for $1K OBO (cost me about $3,500 originally!)--no takers--but never asked a "matco/snap on dealer,etc-for thier offer either to note.... My advice is --as the author suggests--build/gauge/slides/etc. and overall quality. vs who "di$K is bigger in your shop!!. ---hey I originally bought my Matco box private financed as a repo-- I love it still decades later--excellent quality, but the day I got it--people after work laughed when I was waxing it!!!--- yeah $5,700 setup (top and bottom) the day got it!!--long story.. But spend your money on your TOOLS mostly--but have a decent box also to keep it all organized and safe!! Afterall--a toolbox is NOT YOUR LIFE EARNINGS--your hands/knowledge and your available tools are!! --My advice?----Invest more in your TOOLS and career--than a toolbox you can buy later (if your EGO/ OR DESIRE FOR IT requires it later~!!.. I have ONE MATCO tool box TOP--(no bottom), as it sits in my home garage next to a Craftsman 3 tier box also--ALL FULL of shit!---but I have more automotive diagnostic repair equipment these days than the local shops or many mechanics likely work for these days!!!--MY MONEY MAKER is what I "can do with what I have!" --not my toolbox!! (At work?--another I have another 3 tier craftsman box setup.. (all second hand)... I have more invested in my TOOLS (that make my money!!!)--than toolboxes for a reason!! ---You can own a toolbox--or you can have a toolbox own you for a few years--but don't buy one until you drive atleast a reliable car etc.. LOL I own 4 vehicles now--now might buy a "bottom box" secondhand to put my old Matco chest on.. Mismatch?--WGAF really?--My balls are fine--no need to comapare them to anyone elses at 52!--lol (my wife n 4 kids surely don't give 2 shits about it hinds sight!!)---You have to buy according to your needs and "wants"...My new, Snap on guy has a used/trade in lower box, (just got it!) I want it, but NOT gonna buy it at 52 years old used for $5,400!!---nope!---(I am such a good mechanic--I haven't paid that much in total for all 3 of my daily driver cars!!!--and not junk--I have 1-Volvo Wagon and 2- SAABS 93 and 95 aero---my point--2 of my cars were around $35K new to some sucker.. Of those 2--I gave a total price of $1075.00 for both~!--than add my Volvo XC70--bought for $117.00) driven daily now 7 days a week past year or so trouble free.. To the Author--not A touchy subject for me at all--LOL I TOTALLY GET IT!!! Guys just need to buy what is really "needed" intheir careers and truly needed then at the right time in life/career... loved the video!! People can't stand to listen to REALISIM sometimes, but some can afford it young also luckily... All just different circumstances I attribute it to.. :) I am an excellent mechanic (new or old school)--and always criticized due to age,etc. YET everywhere I look is seeking "SKILLED MECHANICS" as I laugh nowadays as an Automotive Electrical Engineer in EmergencyVehicle Electrical Systems anymore--who gets occasional calls from those with those BIG boxes, who don't KNOW HOW to fix something at times... LOL (a joke between you and I).. Loved your video!!

My fellow techs...stop bullying each other over tools and boxes!!! The rest of the world hates us. We need to stand together and elevate our status!!! We need to be better paid, too!!

i was looking at a 25K snap on set up recently, 68" epiq double bay with hutch and locker. i still owe 4K on my mac box. after rebates, discounts, and paying off my mac box, i was still looking at 8K under list. I've got a husky tool box at home for my home products, but working as a tech, i wouldnt consider using it everyday. slides are lower quality, space isnt the greatest, drawer layout isnt ideal. drawer layout is a big consideration for me. buying from a tool truck offers the convenience and payments. i dont have to come up with the 1000 bucks up front, i can pay them 30 bucks a week if i want.

I've had several Craftsman boxes, Husky, Harbor Freight, Snapon, and Matco. My current box is a triple bank with side lockers and a hutch, all serve their purpose, never paid full retail on my tool truck boxes. I would consider my craftsman and husky boxes as the lower end and My harbor freight as the mid level. I keep alot of very expensive tools in my boxes, scan tools, you name it. Hands down the higher end boxes are more secure. I've seen lower end boxes popped open pretty easily. Obviously If they work hard enough they will get in to anything. My current box is the matco, went with them due to the lowest interest rate. Under 10%. Other tool truck boxes are way higher in interest. Reason why I purchased a new one is space and security, I got tired of alot of my tools having to sit out. Were there cheaper options, yes, but I also took repairs into consideration, and yes I've had warranty repairs on my new box already.

Extreme tools makes the best box for the money. 12ga Caster rail, 14ga box and frame, 16/18ga drawer construction.

extreme boxes are made in the USA

Sounds as if your crowd of tool box owners need to grow up!

You make a lot of good points. Throwing them up on screen in a list would be a nice visual to emphasize the cogent points without all the discussion around them. Another thought I had while watching this was that you apologize too much. If it were me, I'd throw up a disclaimer at the beginning of the vid telling people not to be delicate little snowflakes and that your insights are meant as a criticism to anybody... and then go on with the video MINUS the 25 odd times where you apologize and clarify that you aren't putting anybody down. Most people who go to RU-vid for insights are used to very straight forward opinions we are looking to you as a subject matter expert so we're not really expecting you to defend every single opinion. You're always going to get whiners and trolls, but fuck em'. No reason to double the length of a video just to spend half that time trying to appease those who are always going to be dissatisfied. Thanks for your insights!

Krispy Black be working out dem tool boxes. Ole ' Krispy don't play around. Matco 4 lyfe nukka!

On the Rolex vs. Timex topic, let's not forget that Rolex will bend over backwards to support their watches. Timex won't. Same thing with Ferrari, they will treat you like a King if you have an issue, Chevy will treat you like a number.

You can negotiate with the truck guys if you work at it. Had a coworker looking at a Matco service cart. It was a really nice purple with black trim, 6 drawers plus the top opened, and had a stainless top. The retail was $2200, up he talked him down to $1500 (give or take). Still a lot for a roll cart (IMO) but you can get a decent deal on those truck boxes, just gotta work at it.

It's simple if your not the one paying for it mind your own business.

All of those are way over priced

I do not know any tool salesman that gave a discount on any high quality tools so unless someone can prove this to me the statement you made is false.

Thanks for putting some needed common sense to the topic, since many of the top notch box buys are probably just dick replacements.

Even your big name tool boxes are manufactured in China and assembled in the U.S. Not sure why anyone thinks that the big name brands are manufactured here in the U.S. Call around and do some research, you will be surprised.

Bragging rights! that is what it boiled down to, nothing more, "my Ford 429 is better than your Chevy 454, my Dodge 440 is better than your 454..."

Don't fool yourself guys, they are all made in China. Snap On and Extreme made in the same factory.

sounds to me that owning a rolex is foolish, when you can get a good watch for way less. you aren't in the trade and think getting a name brand toolbox is dumb, because there are just as good toolboxes out there for less. why didn't you get a timex? or a casio? take your own advice, quality costs money. maybe not in all cases, but you should listen to yourself.

Locks only kept honest people out