The Garage Forums and Blog

Mac Tools - Tool Cart

For years, I’ve had a 40-inch Craftsman box in black, just sitting in the corner of my garage. I bought it after my 26-inch model literally broke from the strain of holding all of my tools, plus I got a smokin’ deal that just made it all worthwhile. Sure, I wanted a Snap-On box, but not only did I not know a distributor at the time, I didn’t have the cash to buy one. I joked that I’d rather buy a car than a new toolbox.

I’ve been working on cars for the past 20 years, but it wasn’t until I spent some time in a diesel mechanic’s shop that I really started to question my choice of toolboxes. In every bay I saw names such as Matco, Mac and Snap-On, all looking pretty and shiny, albeit well used. So I asked them, “What it was about the boxes that made it worth the price?”

For them, it was durability. Every day, they would open a drawer easily 50 times, and with wear like that, you want a box that will last. It also had a value and held that value better than store-bought models, as the truck drivers would often take one of their used boxes in on trade. They liked how stable the drawers were, and how they could handle a mammoth load, and still not shake side to side like a typical Craftsman box.

But for the garage mechanic – the guy who doesn’t use their tools for their profession – is it worth spending the money?

Ultimately, it comes down to whether or not you have the money, and how long you plan on keeping the toolbox. For me, when I buy a box I plan on keeping it for the next 30 years, so spending $4,000-$10,000 doesn’t sound like that bad of a deal. But, the initial investment is always the kicker, so for now, I decided to fill the spot with something in the middle. I bought a Mac Tools mobile cart, one with four drawers and a sliding stainless top that can hold my sockets. It’s a great fix for right now, plus it makes all of my tools portable. Of course, I still want the big-name box, but for now, this will do.

For years, I’ve had a 40-inch Craftsman box in black, just sitting in the corner of my garage. I bought it after my 26-inch model literally broke from the strain of holding all of my tools, plus I got a smokin’ deal that just made it all worthwhile. Sure, I wanted a Snap-On box, but not only did I not know a distributor at the time, I didn’t have the cash to buy one. I joked that I’d rather buy a car than a new toolbox.

I’ve been working on cars for the past 20 years, but it wasn’t until I spent some time in a diesel mechanic’s shop that I really started to question my choice of toolboxes. In every bay I saw names such as Matco, Mac and Snap-On, all looking pretty and shiny, albeit well used. So I asked them, “What it was about the boxes that made it worth the price?”

For them, it was durability. Every day, they would open a drawer easily 50 times, and with wear like that, you want a box that will last. It also had a value and held that value better than store-bought models, as the truck drivers would often take one of their used boxes in on trade. They liked how stable the drawers were, and how they could handle a mammoth load, and still not shake side to side like a typical Craftsman box.

But for the garage mechanic – the guy who doesn’t use their tools for their profession – is it worth spending the money?

Ultimately, it comes down to whether or not you have the money, and how long you plan on keeping the toolbox. For me, when I buy a box I plan on keeping it for the next 30 years, so spending $4,000-$10,000 doesn’t sound like that bad of a deal. But, the initial investment is always the kicker, so for now, I decided to fill the spot with something in the middle. I bought a Mac Tools mobile cart, one with four drawers and a sliding stainless top that can hold my sockets. It’s a great fix for right now, plus it makes all of my tools portable. Of course, I still want the big-name box, but for now, this will do.

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