Will A Cheap Tool Cart And Tools Last In A Diesel Shop?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
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I started Mechanizing in 1963, and retired from it in 2017. The last roller cart I bought was what you show. It was probably the best one I ever had. I bought mostly Craftsman tools and a lots of garage sale tools so I could heat, and bend them for weird places. It is always more important to be able to do the job, than to carry the banner or a tool company that could care less about you. Support your family instead of Snap On.
Wonderful advice! Thank you!
Testify buddy! This is a mistake too many younger guys make when make the decision to earn a living turning wrenches. Now, I will admit that some of the Snap-On tools are the best you can buy, and they truly perform better than something cheaper. For example, the THLX72 ratchet (1/4" drive, locking flex head) is the finest ratchet that can be bought at any price, and I encourage any professional to at least treat themselves to this particular Snap On tool. However, the vast majority of the S-O tools do not live up to the work-to-value ratio. So my advice would be... if you find you are doing A LOT of a particular tasks where you constantly have a certain tool in your hand (like suspension work, or electrical work) treat yourselves to the S-O version of those specific tools because they are well made and generally more comfortable. For the standard open end wrenches, screw drivers, sockets, etc... mid grade tools are better than you will ever really need.
As for making custom tools... I would bet that at least 10% of my tools have been bent, ground, halved, thinned, or in some way modified to suit a job. Especially on some of the weird military equipment I work on. This is something you would never do to a $65 snap on wrench, nor would you buy a $300 set of unique wrenches designed for certain applications when it is often a one time use.
Lastly, there are a bunch of tool chest brands out there at a variety of price points. You young guys need to shop around and inspect the quality of brands other than S-O, and you will likely find that the U.S. General chests are quite good for the price.
@@matthewpeterson3329 Well said Matthew. Thank you.
How about taping a sheet of paper on that box and keeping track of the tools and how much you paid for them? It will be interesting to see the flow of money as the cart fills. It will also be interesting to periodically discuss the "value" of the tools and whether their addition was worth it.
That's a fantastic idea.
I'll i'll] ⁿ
I found one of those 5 drawer carts strapped to a refrigerator laying in the middle of the road on the way home from work one night.
I drug it out of the road, cut the refrigerator off of it threw it in the truck, been using in my shop ever since.
No assembly required.
Guess you didn't need a fridge for your shop...
fatt Guy I’m Leary of used refrigerators. Lol.
I bought some Icon tools and I am impressed so far. I used an Icon 3/8 ratchet and a four foot pipe to break a crank bolt loose just to see what happened. It still works like nothing happened to it. Icon is what Craftsman was IMO.
Icon is way nicer than Craftsman ever was.
I would have to agree with both of you. I believe ICON, & Harbor Freight in general is making some really good tools. I have some of them in my box. Thinking about adding an ICON ratchet the next time I see a sale/coupon come up.
A lot of guys start out doing lube jobs or brakes. This is a good place to begin vs the tool truck. Do not overlook pawn shops or other venues for used. You are teaching wisdom here. Treat this as a business make sure you get return on your investment. Avoid debt like the plague! Debt is slavery.
I usually stay away the pawn shops. Most of the stuff is worn out and try to charge almost as new. At least around here that's how it is.
when I started in my first heavy diesel shop I had the bare bones tools. My Pépère and I used to restore antique cars so those were the tools I had. Ebay was a huge source of tools. Snap on air guns for 1/3 the price, wrench sets ratchets for 100s cheaper than the truck. Hell I bought a set of Mac twist off/bolt extractor sockets (whatever you want to call them) for 40$ went to my Mac guy hey these are worn out I need them warrantied, no problem I'll order you a new set.
@@michaelduttry182 Same thing around here. Often the pawn shops charge more than new asking Snap On prices for Harbor Freight tools. It seems like they don't even want to sell anything.
Yea the pawnshops have started sucking lately if it's anything name brand they try to charge almost new prices for it
Tool consignment stores are a great place to go. eBay is also an excellent place to buy tools cheap. If you ever really want to test tools work on heavy equipment. That will take tools to the limit.
So far 7 Snap-On guys don’t like this video.
@@burtsegal3612 and all of snap on and mac power tools are made in China. And marked up roughly 500%.
Couldn't agree more
Good thing I like Matco better.
71
Ahh poor people who dont work in actual shops
I'm a new sub..been in the diesel field for 42 years. Great video! Don't go in debt to make money! Be smart don't be blinded by the chrome.
I bought the same cart about 4 years ago and it's worked extremely well. I did upgrade the casters last fall to a larger and better caster (with better bearings). The original casters were fine but I wanted a larger non-plastic wheel. Good casters are expensive but you'll love the upgrade.
They do hold up! I’m in a heavy duty centrifugal/horizontal pump shop for mining and other industries, those boxes will hold up!
I agree I have 506 pounds in gen 1 cart . I weighed mine at work . It rolls fine.
th-cam.com/video/KBDYzckolyY/w-d-xo.html
Thanks man! Watched this whole video and not 1 word about how reliable the tools actually are... really disappointing.
Ive been using harbor freights colored sockets at a Detroit engine shop for years. Both on and off impacts and I can honestly say the only sign of wear they show is the paint. I've never broken one, yet i have broken snap on sockets before
I’ve had the exact same cart at a Freightliner shop for 2 years now. It’s holding up great. Even the lid struts are still good. It’s full of craftsman, harbor freight, kobalt, a few snap on and Matco tools.
6:10 also when you're lifting heavy things remember what Mark always said. Lift with your back and not your knees. To save your knees.
I think that's backwards😂
As a person with missing cartilage in his knees. I wholeheartedly agree. But save the back and get a crane or engine lift. Save everything.
God Bless you Mark you are missed by many many many people just for the great man your were.
I actually Sold my BIG Cornwell Roll around. Because I have a small 2 car garage, I never rolled it around. I was Lacking a Work Bench in my shop so I bought a decent Used Metal Work Bench, bought a $299 U.S. General 26" Tool Box to fit underneath the bench, Mounted a 3/4" Birch ply to the wall and mounted all my Sockets, Wrenches, Hammers, Battery Powered tools. I decreased my footprint by hanging 50% to the wall and when something is missing, I realize it right away. Heck with all that money I saved, I'm getting a Snap-On sticker for my tool chest.
I’ve used one of those carts daily for years and it was beat up when I got it. My buddy upgraded everything to snap on and sold it to me loaded with mostly craftsman tools for $20. I keep thinking about getting a better cart but this one holds most of what I need on the average day and it’s nice to not have to worry about it.
Lol at the knife thing.. I always tell people; "Don't wind up bloody, cut towards you're buddy"..
Screwdrivers, Snap Ring Pliers, Adjustable Pliers, Picks for O-rings and such , and Feeler Gauges
And Pry Bars - better than abusing screwdrivers.
Channelocks, big one gets that stubborn oil filter off, assortment of ViceGrips
@@theElderberryFarmer You mean you don't buy those combination PryDriver sets?
fatt Guy I never even go for a filter wrench anymore, I just grab the big channel locks.
Cordless impact if you are working on heavy vehicles.
I have the same cart and have hung a side box on the right side. It is filled with Pittsburgh tools and yes I work in a truck maintenance shop. Yes I have broken some tools and taken them to hft and they were replaced no questions asked. Pro tip, buy Pittsburgh or better for free lifetime replacement and keep in mind you will often buy a set at hft for what a single tool will cost off the tool truck.
Lol, I had a reaction to the headline. Icon not cheap tools, just not overpriced "Professional " brand tools
Great video
This is going to be an interesting series. The one that the tool truck person does not want to see.
Yeah, every so often we have a snap on tool truck drive by work & well it seems cool at times, but I know that if I get a snap on ratchet from the too truck I could buy 10-20 husky ratchets for the same price.
Personally snap-on is a waste of money. I’ve used snap on tools, & don’t see the value of em. Their ratchets are kinda weird.
They don’t have that quick release button to release the socket when ur hands are all greasy, & nasty. I’ve had ratchets where it’s hard to get the socket off, whereas if u have a husky ratchet or a brand w a quick release button it comes right off.
@@michaelbenoit248 Snap-On absolutely has ratchets with quick release buttons.
Nice. We always got a spot on Tool Talk Saturday if you ever want to join the panel again.
Hey Steven, huge fan. I just got out of high school and have been working full time in a warehouse for about a year, I just got a ton of tools and a toolbox from HF and have been doing the pre hire process to become a Ford mechanic. Just wanted to say thank you for all the vids
Ford, your in for a surprise
ztj1611, good luck, stay after it!
Just make sure you’re using harbor freight tools and everything will work out! 💪🏻
Great concept! Love the idea! I just realized, a tool cart for a mechanic is alike a tool belt for a carpenter......take the tools to the job:P Tip: when driving a nail into wood, always go "pointy" end first!
A real eureka moment huh?!? Who would’ve thought?!? Thank God Harbor Freight is there to save us all! With Biden’s help we’ll really tune up this broken shathole!
What about cutting the nail flat, to prevent splitting?
My father in law is a technician/mechanic and is 6’ 5”.He swapped out the hard plastic casters on his tool cart with pneumatic tires and pneumatic locking casters. Rolls much better over air hoses, cords, etc. and raised the cart about 6 inches.
I did that for my dad because of a gravel driveway. Used the 10 inch casters and it works well, but if one goes flat your cart can turn over. Wish I had used the solid tires.
I’ve had a US General 5 drawer cart for about three years now. Personally, I’d say it’s a fantastic box. I however do not use it professionally, it’s been used for restorations, farming, and motorcycle work.
Also, I believe that my box actually came with flange nuts for the bottom!
Good deal. I just bought that same cart last week. Did the exact same thing with the top corner brackets on the inside when putting it together. Asside from that it went together great. I am very happy with it and have no reason to believe it won’t last many many years.
The most leading problem to failure of tools and tool boxes is an even rowdy surfaces to roll on and shabby drawer slides.
Been using a gen one cart since they came out. Works real well. Its full of Craftsman and HF tools that get the job done. I'd say top on the priority list is a set of impact sockets and a driver, either air or battery. I prefer air.
Been using Harbor Freight impact sockets for years no difference whatsoever between them and Snap-on. Into you young kids out there, make sure your retirements taken care of first before you throw your money away on those tool trucks
Impact sockets are probably a better buy for when you're starting out since you can use them both ways.
Use icon tools everyday out of my service truck on heavy equipment. Absolutely no issue yet and I use my stuff hard.
Any issues yet?
Awesome job!!! Really like the fact you don’t down play other brands!! They may be better but as an entry level, their is nothing wrong with HF. Just keep turning!!!
I went and bought the 56in toolbox and the entire icon series. Pretty happy with it all to be honest. I use it for my personal atv builds.
When I was young the cheap tools didn't hold up for more than a day. Now the cheap stuff is actually pretty good. I bought a bunch of the HFT ratchets like 4 years ago and use them everyday and they seem to last just as long as the high quality ones.
1970chevelle396 I remember the “chrome vanadium” sockets that would split down the side if you put real pressure on them.
@@basketofdeplorables4253 they still do
I use HF icon tools and absolutely love them. I work in the oilfields and work on dragon pumps and heaters. Ive never once been disappointed with icon. Been working flawlessly. Their made in Taiwan NOT CHINA Taiwan actually uses better metal and make better quality. Facts 100%
Add a couple sharp utility knives and scrapers. Put a paper towel holder on the side with the handle. Dust bin and brush to keep a fairly clean work space.
I've been in the auto field for almost two years. I have the US general 4 drawer cart and love it. It rolls pretty well and it holds plenty of tools. If you use socket organizers and trays you can push the amount of space pretty well
I also stated my collection of sockets with impact. I have add a good amount of chrome ones. Just a thought for starters or budget minded guys. I do buy a lot from HF. If I find that it's broken easily I go SK or Matco. Look around at flea markets too.
PS I do enjoy your videos. Your are easy to listen and describe procedures well. Keep up the good work.
Love the concept. You should update 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, a year so ok and so forth! I really don’t like people saying it’s a review when it’s a first look.
The Icon brand are not cheap tools. They’re like three times or more expensive than the regular Harbor Freight tools.
it's relative
Relative? You can confirm what I said by going to Harbor Freight Tools own website and searching for ICON tools and their regular tools. The price difference is obvious.
The Reviewer cheep compared to snap on and mac
"mid range" is probably a better name for them, but they're still on the cheaper end price wise. Even setting aside the top end like Mac, snap on, knipex, or klein, the nicer harbor freight stuff is cheaper than all but the low end of home depot.
@@thereviewer4173 yes its relative to the rest of the tools out there they're definitely in the budget tool range no matter how nice or expensive you think they are
Yard and estate sales are my choice for good cheap tools
Sometimes auctions work well
I work in the field as a natural gas generator technician and I use a lot of the icon brand along with my snap on and Milwaukee tools but they have held up as good if not better. I have never had a problem and I use the chrome sockets on my impacts every day. I think they work great and I will continue to use them
Honestly as a backyard mechanic when im not on the road my by far favorites tool cart is the stackable husky with the extendable handle and you can add them almost indefinitely and they are sturdy and for i think under 100 bucks +30 for each additional box its by far the best i got a lubricant and penetrate bin, a total electrical repair and testing kit in another bin, sockets and rachets in another wrenches in another and the lower one is for a torque wrench and other larger things no assembly required! Lol
I had a snap on epiq tool box that was about $8k. It was amazing for a couple reasons. The 30 inch depth and I believe 86 wide and was nice and when I had to roll it around it was amazing, even fully loaded it rolled like a dream. Being able to move that box so easy is the biggest selling point for that box at that price. My biggest complaint of that box was it did not have the soft close drawers. I have a Husky at home and since that box just sits in one spot, it works just fine and the soft close drawers are real nice. I sold the snap on one when I left that job because I did not have the room at home for it but the only reason I would ever buy another one is if I needed a big box I had to move around a lot. Moving the Husky or a US General one loaded is a nightmare compared to the snap on.
Its exciting to see this man explain the reality of the trade. For anyone starting out listen up good cause he's telling the absolute truth.
Dad retired as a power train mechanic on Police cruisers and gas powered trucks. He still has his Sears craftsman upper box, and lower box he started with in 1972ish.
Battleship grey in color.
I've had one of those tool carts for over 3 years, probably overloaded, but has been very good over that time.
If you want to try and expand i would use a intermediate box and work it in to the lower section depending on how u load it you may need to update the casters at the same time
you can hang the add-on drawers for the big boxes off the side by just removing the handle and drilling a couple holes:
i.pinimg.com/originals/f8/d4/f9/f8d4f9086a021b188b3d5d364e9a59be.jpg
This guy did upgrade the castors too:
i.pinimg.com/originals/81/86/f.a/8186fa9df5ecc2e56bf48c2253b40e2e.jpg
Lost of people seem to do it:
preview.redd.it/rxc8p272qjg41.jpg?auto=webp&s=9271894b29534e6579d0986059f9ea4b5e6ddc8b
Wonder if its topple-risky. .
Two suggestions. First, put a chart up on the wall stating what you've bought (and paid) for your HF tools so we can follow along as you add to the collection. Second, if there are any frequently referenced charts or tables that a (less experienced than you) mechanic might want to reference frequently, some sort of flip binder velcroed to the bottom of the lid for easy access. I leave the implementation of that up to you.
Harbor Freight sells casters that will fit your tool cart, same bolt hole pattern, but the tires are a bit larger which means you would have to replace all 4 to be able to keep the cart level. The benefit of replacing the casters, is that you can have four swivel casters that all lock, which gives you greater ease of movement. Also, if you look on TH-cam, there is a seemingly endless supply of channels showing how to modify this, and other USG tool boxes. I had a 56 inch USG tool box, and upgraded to an Icon 56 inch tool box (much larger, and much stronger), and have no regrets what-so-ever having made that decision. As always.......another great video!!!!!!!
Best thing about snap on or Matco boxes are trade in value... you can buy one on eBay, use it a few years, trade it in for what you paid for it or more. For roll carts, I can offer two advantage to truck brands... easier warranty for slides and such, plus those drawers will be used more than any others, having deep drawers of thicker material can be a huge difference... again, not talking to new techs, more for those looking to step up... personally I’ve been looking at Matco at some carts that match my box, lol
My harbor freight tool box is 5 years old been through two jobs and now at home. It's twice the size of yours but it holds damn near every tool I own including my welder. May not be everything I want but it's enough to get everything done !
I've been working on semis and trailers for 17 years now. In that time I think I've spent 3k max off of the trucks. Over 90% of the rest is s/k, pitsburg , craftsman, wright, kobalt. My point is cheaper the tools you use the more money you take home to live. I probery have less then 10k in tools and have enough toos to rebuild engines fix or replace anything on semi trucks and trailers. Two rules dont buy the best or worst. I've spent $250 for my first tool box used. Sold it for 100 ten years later and bought a new masterforce box after that for $700 and is my last one. The 5 drawer cart for $200 is a must have.
I work as an electrician absolutely LOVE the Harbor Freight half inch drive impact Allen and torx sockets. They have the perfect profile for those hard to reach big lug connections.
Anyone that hates on Harbor Freight's tools has no idea what they are talking about. Their new Daytona floor jacks, Hercules power tools, Icon hand tools and even their newer tool boxes are ALL damn nice quality for the money!
I used to have many tools from the trucks, one day some one broke in my home and still everything, about a year ago I wanted to get back in the industry, but they're was no way in hell I could buy again everything I had, so I bought some Pittsburgh pro sockets and ratchets, screw drivers and Doyle pliers to get started again, I though.. Well after a month or so I can upgrade these cheap tools for better ones .... Till this day these tools are still in the daily use I would of never though they would last, I just recently bought Matco impact sockets only because the chrome vanadium had a bouncing effect on my impact gun.
I would say, some of those HF tools can serve well their purpose
These are decent carts for a while. I work at a Truck Dealership. If the shop floor is rough and banged up like my dealership's floor is. Over time the bottom of the cart will start to give way, unless you make some kind of support to add to the bottom.
The pry bar set will be useful.
I would never buy a snap on tool , over priced by far I had one ratchet that kept breaking and coming apart . The rep. Was a dick when it came to fixing it . I was in maintenance for the county school systems or 20 years I purchased all USA made craftsman’s and never broke one . Yes that day has come and gone on USA made . But I never had to get a loan to buy a tool at sears .
A 3/8 ratchet is not meant to be used as a 1/2 in ratchet as well as a 1/4 in ratchet is not meant to be used as a 3/8 ratchet!! Lol
😂 my story is the complete opposite. I've only broken quick release Craftsman and Husky ratchets and I was abusing them.
I inherit all of my Dads Snap On tools, more than I could use, he work as a diesel mechanic for the County public transportation,,,I kept a full tool box and sold a couple of them full of Diesel Mechanic tools that I have no use for,,,,but a couple of pieces were worn out or broken,,,I CAN GUARANTY YOU THAT DAD SPEND OVER 50K ON THIS TOOLS and I reach out to one of the local trucks that I saw at a shop,,,and the rep told me that I needed to have an account in order for him to replace this,,,found another rep and he was cool, he replace a few pieces that he could...
Doug Reeves - I had a 30 year old 3/8” craftsman that finally came apart. Took it to Lowe’s and they gave me a new Craftsman one - and they were out of stock on the cheap ones so they gave me the $35 dark chrome one! Score! And it is the nicest ratchet I’ve ever owned. 120 tooth. Can’t wait for my 1/2” ratchet to break! The dark chrome one is made in Taiwan, not China.
Good luck on the shop, wishing you much success.
I think Harbor Freight is out a little over their skis on Icon pricing, especially on roller tool chests/cabinets. US General was one of the best value propositions HF had on those. As far as other Icon tools, the jury is still out on the value of the higher Icon prices.
Steve. Laughed at your knife comment. And I glad you mention the vital organs being the target. “True story 1985 Hammond LA. Distribution center mechanic walking through the shop reached down with his big buck knife and cut the straps on a pallet. Knife slipped with the rapid upward movement. Landed right in his chest. He passed away in the shop before help arrived. So the moral of the story is that crap actually happens. Unbelievable when you think it won’t happen to me. I’m not a safety Nazi. Heck everything I do is questionable. And I get hurt a lot. I’m still alive thank goodness. Great video. And most of your’s and Chuck’s videos have been learning experiences over the years. Stay well.
Next tools... a decent ball peen hammer and brass hammer, punch, pliers set, of course a 1/2 impact with at least deep metric impact sockets for it would be mandatory PDQ in a new tech situation
Converting to 4 swivel casters for use in a 2 bay cramped shop is a good choice. Allows you to move forward, backward, sideways, and/or spin it around easily. In a 3 or more bay shop with more space and working all over the shop, 2 swivel and 2 fixed are better. Allows you to roll it quickly in a straight line from one end of the shop to the other. For example, have you ever tried to push a chain ? Your choice depends on your intended use. I use a 4 swivel in my 2 bay shop for auto and light truck repair and love it. But when working outside on horse, stock, and camper trailers, I use a 2 shelf, 2 swivel, 2 fixed caster cart loaded {bottle jack and stands on bottom with usually brake tools or wiring needs in the top} for that specific job. Yes, I always forget something and have to make more trips, but when done I can load it all up and roll it all back to its home and put it up where it belongs.
I use the same cart everyday. Amazing cart for the money. You can fit a lot in them.
for the 1/2" sockets i would go with just impact sockets, and an air impact
2 Stroke, Running and repair, Nah..cut the cord! Go with Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8” and 1/2” Ratchets. Inappropriate addition they also have the extended ratchets.
The Harbor Freight cart and the Blue Point cart are both made in the same factory, in China. I've had a HF since 2010 and I love it.
My bluepoint is totally different then the harbor freight, thicker metal much better drawer slides and casters.
@@robertweitlauf4653 Same factory doesn't mean same parts. However, it could be used to guess quality. The home mechanic probably doesn't need the highest level tool box as it won't get as much abuse/wear.
I call bullshit, blue point is leaps and bounds better then harbor fraut
I love my bluepoint so heavy duty made, i sold my harbor freight cart
The jacks are made in the same factory, bluepoint carts are not made in the same factory as Hf. Ever since people found out about the jacks they say everything snap-on makes is in the same place as Hf.
Don't forget MAKING your own carts and MODDING steel industrial carts. I collect steel and aluminum "U boat dollies" and the style of industrial carts fabbed from standard steel stock by local shops. Scaffolding casters are easy to add (they fit simple hunks of pipe you can weld to whatever needs to roll). If you want a rugged base for a large box the Air Force uses angle steel welded as a rectangular upward facing tray often with the drawer side facing down (trimmed to clear casters if needed) and often fitted with tow bars to drag around the flightline.
I work as a heavy truck mechanic, I work out of a Harbor Freight cart just like that. I was surprised at how much work I was able to do out of that cart. Probably around 95% of what I do.
i buy my toolboxes at auctions. they still work and have character and years of grime that remind me of my dad's old shop.
Yup. Tell people, especially younger mechanics, all the time...any brand that does the job is all you need. Now if it breaks and causes down time, then upgrade. Took me nearly 3 decades to figure it out for myself.
Very true on the tool trucks and the mark ups
Great vid👍Me been Agriculture worker, I got square sheet metal folded into U then added cheap draws n metal sheet shelves to complete toolbox. Then buy cheap cart for box sit on. Brought cheap socket set, one set pilers (nose, adjustable, , I believe spending good on COMFORTABLY screw set, hammer, hacksaw, punch, key set for basics. Because I do water maintenance there one cheap plastic tool for tightening or untighing fittings small hook handle these pieces of tools have got job done. If buying secondhand just make sure tools not worn out.
Im currently doing all of my ball joints and wheel bearings with all Harbor Freight tools on my RAM 3500 LOL Actually really appreciating their Bauer electric impact wrench. My air tools didnt have enough power to get the ball joints out...this thing is killing it with 1050ftlbs of torque. With a coupon it was only 79 bucks. I've had no issues with their sockets and wrenches either. But im not a pro...so far they've served me well for jobs in my driveway.
looking forward to this series
You can usually get those tool carts for half price if you come in on delivery day, usually they hit atleast one with a forklift.
Got mine for 120 bucks that way, pounded out the loan dent and kept er movin
I purchased two of these carts and had absolutely no problem with the nuts and bolts. Did have the same problem as you with the brackets for the top on my first assembly but once I knew what to do no problems on the second cart. You might want to look at Tekton tools instead of Icon. They are a excellent tools and are warranted forever. If you create an account with them (which is free) you get 10% credit for the purchase price of your order to use on future purchases. Also if you give the tools away (or sell them, or purchase them from say Amazon) the warrant is still good and honored for the new owner. And with an account the shipping (two day usually) is free, If you need 1/2" drive set, go look at their 1/2" drive metric/SAE no skip combo sets. Its an exceptional value. Their socket sets are made in Taiwan and the majority of their wrenches and pliers are US made.
I truck bed lined my top, bottom tray and the spray can bottom. Made it very durable and will keep these areas from getting scratched up. Made it look nice too.
My most used tool, 100% hands down, Electric 3/8 impact. It’s snap-on, but dewalt sells a good one too for a good price.
I bought a 5 drawer for working at a new shop rather than move in my older Husky box. It worked okay for a few months but I found my tools disorganized. I brought it home and got the 42” roll cab. I also don’t even step foot on the tool trucks. Not saying I never will.
I own a Snap-On Epiq tool cart, and I own an $1100 Husky 72" tool chest that I got for $700 new. It DEFINITELY pays to check Craigslist. As far as the quality of the Husky chest goes, it's decent. It's an excellent chest for the price. I do wish I had got the one with the wooden top instead of the stainless one.
harbor freight beats snap on and husky quality. There are videos on it.
when you buy the sockets from the freight make sure to use the pro line, they are much better than the regular, it is worth the extra couple of bucks
I made this mistake and I put it all together tight and it was freaking crooked with one wheel off the ground had to re-loosen everything. So yeah that's some very wise advice. I hope people listen you will be listening all these bolts and reoing them
Rule #1 of HF. NEVER PAY FULL PRICE. Use those coupons!!
That US General cart, is a really good cart. For the money you can not beat it.
I’m just a do it yourselfer and I would be proud of that box and tools. I currently use a set of Stanley ratchets/sockets that I purchased from Walmart in 1990. I’ve restored/repaired gobs of motorcycles and lawnmowers with these tools and they are still working. I’ve looked in a Snap-On truck before and holy hell, that’s nothing but tool porn.
I have been using one of the first generation of that box for several years and it is holding up great!
I had used icon wrench's another guy owned, I honestly thought it was a snap on just grabbing it. Then I tried to use it to back off bolts on an ISX scissors gear. Wouldn't grab the bolt, this wasn't the 'flack drive', but my gear wrench would grab and loosen. That's my only experience. I have Pittsburgh pro stuff floating around and I haven't had any real complaints. My toolbox is us general 56 bottom, top and side cabinet, love it
New guys stay off the tool truck.
i do all my work with a mix of harbor freight, husky, and kobalt tools. Just finished replacing an injection pump on a a 416e backhoe today with them
Tool snobbery is so over rated. I have a huge mix of stuff that I like and/or can afford. Craftsman to husky to harbor freight to snap on to mac to no-name.
I spent 2 decades in the industry as a bus and then heavy equipment mechanic. I started buying tools at yard sales and out of classified ads in HS(no FB marketplace or C-List back then). At my 1st real job there were guys who had been in the industry for 10+ years and would constantly make remarks about my "cheap" Craftsman hand tools. The funny part? I wasn't handing 1/4 of my paycheck to the Snap On or Mac dealer every week and could do anything they could. There was also a brick and mortar Sears on the way home so I didn't have to wait a week to replace a tool which was no more common than everyone else's expensive stuff.
The only hand tools I owned that weren't Craftsman were some LARGE Williams wrenches/sockets, OTC spindle and locknut sockets and SK torque wrenches. Because I wasn't paying the premium for Snap On hand tools I was able to buy things like my own Porta-power, my own battery/alternator load tester, my own ball joint press and more. I didn't have to twiddle my thumbs while someone else used the ones owned by the company.
Sadly Craftsman is not what it used to be. The name is licensed to multiple manufacturers and quality is crap across the board. Luckily I don't work in the industry and use my tools daily anymore. If I were to break one of my Craftsman tools today a replacement wouldn't be worth its weight in scrap metal.
I have had one of these tool carts for two years now. No issues whatsoever. There is a side tray available for these carts. They are very handy and will fold down when not needed. The carts seem to be made of pretty decent material.
Nothing wrong with that cart I have it works great.
I agree with this guy on the tool boxes iv ran out of 2 years in the 30” tool cart from Harbor Freight and packed with tools, a speaker and my laptop working out of the shop I just got suckered into a Snap on 54” classic series box but yet I still use that tool cart and it ain’t going anywhere. I personally recommend any do it yourselfer or a beginner in a shop to get the roll cart! I love it!
people overlook the reason to buy snapon is the fact that they come to the shop while you are working so you don't waste time . plus some of the tools are just made better so trying to waste extra time and heartache with an interior tool sometimes just gets you hurt and is not worth it . especially if you plan to be doing mechanical work for your entire life , snap on can pay off .
Battery powered tools, Screwdrivers, Pry bars, some lights, Pliers.
I recommend that you get 4 swivel casters you will be happy you did especially if you are in a tight spot
I am just getting into the autobody industry and my dad is a huge snap on guy, I bought one of the harbor freight toolboxes and he owns one of the snap on ones. I swear to god they are the same exact cart just with different badges. Don't get me wrong I own a lot of snap on tools, but there is definitely a time and place for which ones to buy
Dude what a great video. I’m the “trying a new career” type and this was great info. Thank you
Screwdrivers, snap ring pliers, torque wrench, needle nose pliers, channel locks, ball peen hammer, adjustable wrench, and a pill bottle full of baking soda.
I'm planning on getting a tool cart so this video was really helpful. If you are buying from harbor freight, put in -harbor freight discount database- into Google. It is a separate website that has all their coupons. There is a 4 drawer tool cart for $150.
Some good info about debt. I bought a 72" tool vault tool box from strictly tool boxes. I think it's hands down the best value in the market.
They are great tools. Glad your doing a series on them
God bless
Stay safe
If a guy can get it done with tools he doesn't have to finance I'd respect that. It's just like us in the lawn/ landscape businesses, you can't make any money if you've got payments to make on your brand new lawn mower unless business is really good.