I'm spilling over!

[mriya225]

http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/eek.gif Ohmygoodness!!
I've got more tools than space to shove them into, my question is this:

When upgrading boxes which is the favored manufacturer? Thought about starting off with a Snap-On basic and building from there as needed...
What do you all recommend??

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Un diva très doué.

[Taff Missed]

My 'stack' is Beach (Canadian). Just as good as Snap-on but not so expensive. Most good tool stockists carry it.

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If it ain't broke..........

[Lu Zuckerman]

Don't everyone jump on me. Your best bet is Craftsman from Sears. The tools are of high quality, they have an excellent guarantee and you can get them replaced or buy new tools to add to your collection in just about any US city. Or, failing that, order them through the mail. Buy special tools like lockwire pliers from Snap On but go to a Sears store for the main part of your tool collection.

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The Cat

[redtail]

Something to keep in mind is that the tool truck salesmen also take trade-ins on tool boxes, so if you get in touch with a few you can find a larger roll-around at a good price, usually at about half-price. The auto guys on the tool truck's routes are always upgrading their boxes, and their used stuff is usually good enough for our field. For a long time Craftsman boxes wouldn't last on the hangar floor, but they have improved.

Since Craftsman tools are usually less expensive than truck brands, you don't feel bad when a wrench has a date with "Mr. Belt Sander". (Making custom/specialized tools)

[mriya225]

You're Goddamn Right - Sears! ;)

I don't know about you guys but I sure can't afford to be a snob when it comes to tools. I have some Snap-on tools, but mainly they're Craftsman & S-K.
I'm glad to hear that the Craftsman box can withstand the punishment - is it relatively easy to put additional units on as needed? If so then I'll just stick to what I know (which, incidentally, is not elastomeric bearings as used on fully articulated flex rotors http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/confused.gif ).

Thanks for the feedback guys!

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Un diva très doué.



[This message has been edited by mriya225 (edited 30 November 2000).]

[redtail]

I doubt anyone has a single brand throughout their box. Each company makes a tool that is needed for certain jobs. Snap-On is nice, but sometimes their tools won't work in some spots (7/16 sockets on generator terminals, for example), which is why you have to have a selection from different manufacturers. Most of us figure if we borrow a tool twice, we need to buy it for own box. I keep a drawer full of Craftsman wrenches and sockets (Metric and Standard) in my roll-around in case I need to make a custom tool for a specific job.

A lot of mechanics will build custom boxes by combining Craftsman boxes and welding up a support frame with heavy duty casters. If you can afford it, try to buy a box with good sliders and look to see if the base is reinforced. For a long time Craftsman boxes had construction problems. The drawers were flimsy and would sag, and the bases would get beat up and the casters would pull out if moved around too much. Now Craftsman is offering much better products in the middle of their line, but I still suggest looking for a used box from a tool truck.

[mriya225]

That's a good idea too - buying the used one - 'cause the more I look into the cost... the more I think I can keep using the one I've got if I juuusssstt pusshh a liiittle hardeer. http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/tongue.gif

PS. I thought you were kidding about "Mr. Belt Sander" http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/eek.gif

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Un diva très doué.

[WenWe]

Dream - I see from yer previous postings that yer still in Skool, so:
Bear in mind that if u end up on the ramp (flighline,terminal or whatever), you'll need a box that U can pick up & put in a van (truck) without givin' yerself a hernia.
Don't go down the route I did when I was an Apprentice (trainee) & buy everyfing that shines, you'll only lose most of it over time anyhow!
Spend wisely.

[mriya225]

You mean like one of these (all dreamy eyed and starting to drool)... :)
<A HREF="http://www.howeindustries.com/?AID=41103&PID=406573" TARGET="_blank">http://www.howeindustries.com/?AID=41103&PID=406573</A>

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Un diva très doué.

[SchmiteGoBust]

Hi Mriya,
One thing to remember about Snapon is they look lovely and shiny ,but... are expensive!
Undoubtedly they are good quality, but there are other makes about like FACOM BRITOOL etc etc which are just as good for items such as spanners and suchlike at greatly reduced cost.
One of my fellow engineers has a box full of tools picked up at car boot sales, markets etc and gets along fine. He did once have a rush of blood to his head and bought a SNAPON SPANNER.....However after not too long someone stole it. Needless to say they left all his other gear alone..He never bought another SNAPON tool.
One to consider eh!!!

[reracker]

Pen, Leatherman, Mini Maglite, Spare PEN !!

;) ;) ;)

[redtail]

Naw, not enough. You also forgot to add a fork, spoon, the phone number of the hangar, and the tool pouch on the belt, with the tools carefully arranged to clink together as you cruise the podiums in the terminal.
:)