Tool geeks, opinions please.

So I have this toolbox, I think I've shown it before. Its the big Kobalt from Lowes with the build in radio and fridge. It's definite garage bling, but also nice and big and very functional. I really like it.

It seems one of the guys in our VW club really likes it too as he wants one. And he made a post on the club page that he's looking to trade his box for one. Normally I'd be like "so what" but THIS is his box.

According to him it's just too big and its the last of the non roller bearing boxes and that's why he wants to trade. That thing, used, has got to be worth at least twice what I paid for my box if not a lot more. I still keep a smaller craftsman box because I have too many tools, this would let me get everything in one box.

Really I don't see the downside here, aside from loss of the radio and fridge, but I already have a 2nd fridge in the garage anyway.

So if I'm missing a downside stop me before I go borrow a truck :)

Those drawer slides suck. Other than that the Snap-on is worth more based on brand name alone.

moparman76_69 wrote: Those drawer slides suck. Other than that the Snap-on is worth more based on brand name alone.

Hmm, how bad do they suck? Is weight an issue with them? I have just the opposite problem with the Kobalt, the slides are too good, the drawers don't like to stay closed because they roll so smoothly.

Do it. Yesterday.

In reply to JThw8:

The Snap-on ones aren't cheap so they work well and are designed to handle the weight, but if the drawer is heavy you'll notice it more than with the roller slides. I'd make the trade and just grease the slides.

I find that I take my non-roller-slide toolbox apart once every ten years or so and blow/vacuum all the accumulated crap out of it, then re-lube the slides and put it back together. Works like new again.

This usually coincides with having to move the toolbox to another location, it's easier to pull all the drawers and the move the box and the drawers separately.

Good toolboxes are one of those zero-sum type deals. They rarely decrease in value. Rather than trade I'd make him a cash offer and see if you like it. If you do, then try and sell him your Cobalt box for more than you paid for the Snap On.

Make the trade.

JG Pasterjak wrote: Good toolboxes are one of those zero-sum type deals. They rarely decrease in value. Rather than trade I'd make him a cash offer and see if you like it. If you do, then try and sell him your Cobalt box for more than you paid for the Snap On.

I figure I'll make the trade and if I dont like it I can sell the Snap On and buy another Kobalt and keep money in my pocket. Im 2nd in line right now, he has a family member wanting to buy it outright. If he says go I'll do it, just gotta figure out transport.

Pure speculation, but perhaps you can buy upgraded ball bearing sliders from a friendly dude with a big white truck, if it indeed turns out they're a hassle.

I do the trade in a heartbeat.

I spoke to my S/O dealer about that very thing ^

He said the not-so-old boxes can have the slides upgraded but the 1950s box like I have can't be changed.

I imagine anything from the 1980s forward would be able to take roller slides.

Even if you have to spend a few hours cleaning it up and lubing the slides you'd still be getting the better end of that deal.

Old non-roller Snap-On boxes are only worth something to home mechanics impressed by the name. No professional would pay more than $500 for that box. Ditto for your Lowes box. It looks nice but is flimsy compared to pro boxes and fridges and stereos don't make you money in a flat rate shop. I sell tools and boxes for a living. If you're happy with what you've got stick with it.

So long as you keep your slides clean and lubed they aren't to much of a drama. That said, if its your daily toolbox and your in and out if it 8+ hours of every day you may soon get over slides, especially if your used to bearings.