I'm looking for a medium sized roll cab tool chest. Of course, Snap-On is the box to have but as I started to look a little deeper, I'm beginning to wonder if they are worth it. I found a comparable box by Torin, 20 drawers/18 gauge steel construction/full ball bearings/72

 

I looked at some of those but smaller versions and wound up with Craftsman. Reliable and a fair price. The Snap-On tool chests must be made by ASM for those prices.

 

Do yourself a favor and go look at the stainless box at Costco.

 

And compare the 46" ball-bearing drawer unit at Harbor Freight. That was my best-value pick a year ago. I believe it was $700 with the top box!

The difference between low and high quality is easy to see at a Sears store. Their cheapest line doesn't open smoothly with an empty drawer and has thin metal (low weight capacity per shelf). Their next line is a little better and so on (Sears has at least four quality levels). Some other nice features come into play (e.g. drawer latch/locks).

I'll bet the Snap-On box will handle the most abuse and the heaviest loads but it is not worth the extra green to me. I think it is useful (just like their tools) if you make your living in the garage.

 

The professional series craftsman are very good quality. I used to seel them. The regular ones were crap but for $500-$700 you could get a great box.

HEHE. I said box.

 

If you aren't a professional mechanic or super-serious handyman, I wouldn't bother with Snap-On. They're awesome but you can get nearly as good for a lot cheaper (as you've said).

I know a guy that is a pump mechanic and his toolchest alone was $15K (limited edition, custom paint, etc, etc). He has it and his tools insured on their own!

 

Exactly what I was going to say!!!

$800 up here in Canada, an awesome unit. heavy gauge metal, very durable ball-bearing sliders on the drawers, upright tool hangers for certain oddly shaped tools, slide-out work surface, hydraulic piston-assisted top cover, overall an awesome unit.

I can't remember the brand, but I don't think you can beat the quality for even 2-4 times the price they're selling it for.

 

I third the costco box. Im an ASE Certified Master Tech and thats what i use. Im not going to lay down a few grand for a locking box that holds tools.....i find it ridiculous.

 

I'm hoping you guys have the same ones in the US that we have here at Costco. It is a wicked unit and if it's the same, I would really recommend you pick it up.

I have put a serious amount of weight in the drawer, almost lifting myself off the ground and they still rolled as smooth as butter. I, on the other and, crushed my wrist when the drawer shut because I'm an idiot.