This CHEAP Tool Cart Will Put Snap On OUT OF BUSINESS!

Buy the same tool cart in the video here amzn.to/35bsr5P
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[@Monmorrangr]

I started as a mechanic over 15 years ago with a 250$ craftsman tool set from Sears. I think a lot of young mechanics needed to hear this.

[@86ploc]

15 years on the same set of metric and standard craftsman wrenches here!….have not broke a single one!…

[@MrROTD]

I bought a big set of Stanley tools, still have all of them.

[@mattdudley3789]

Stanley is/was owned by Danaher. They are harder to find nowadays but used to be at Walmart. Same tools as Mac

[@arizonaguy7574]

Well done Sir. I was a mechanic for over 30 years. Retired, sold all my tools, bought a decent US General box and filling it up with Harbor Freight tools. They have done every thing I have asked them for. Next I am going for the Vulcan welder.

[@jasonpatterson2258]

Steven is 100% correct. I am 41yr old and have 0 payments. House and all cars are payed for. Just payed $9000 cash for camper. I've work 20+ yr to get here and it's so much better.

[@texasjetman]

AMEN... well done...!

[@gabewhisen3446]

Good job

[@jasonpatterson2258]

@John smith beauty of it in my area.... They family will enjoy it 12-24 months and resale for close to the same $9000.

[@kbranchjr]

This Is how WE DO IT

[@TokyoCraftsman]

This is why I love your channel and content, No BS honest real-world experience talkin. There are lots of young guys out there that NEED to hear this. Cheers from Tokyo Stu

[@maxie9506]

being new to the game, this def helps

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

In the last 10 Years harbor freight has stepped up their game for sure

[@MrSpeedysChannel]

Yes they have.

[@captainzero1]

Harbor Freight is really doing a great job of adapting to what people want in terms of quality, for the most part. I have many great tools I use regularly purchased from Harbor Freight.

[@calholli]

That's just china as a whole. The chineese made Knives are much better these days too. There is still a lot of trash coming out of china, of coarse. But they seem to be advancing their philosophy about only creating junk at the cheapest prices. There seems to be a new wave of Chinese people wanting to produce quality stuff, like Japan's culture--- although, China has a long way to go before they get to that level.

[@ericl452]

I have a mix of hand tools I have gathered over the past 40 years. Some Snap-on, Mac, SK, old Craftsman, Kobolt, and some cheap stuff. Sometimes you need a quality tool, but the middle grade tools work 95% of the time.

[@corpsepenis]

They have, but then people cry that their prices and deals aren't as good as they used to be. I'd rather pay a little more on budget minded products for a better product.

[@gtautomotive22]

I think the same. The old saying back then “Just because you own a Craftsman it doesnt make you one”. Lol. I bought a good size Husky tool box for 800 on facebook marketplace. Ive been buying some icon stuff. Its been good to me so far. I work independent in Texas near Austin. Cheers man, love you channel and how honest you are, you just tell it how it is. 👍🏽

[@dtimboggs]

The u.s. general tool boxes/carts have a very good bang for the buck.

[@calholli]

carts are pretty simple to whip up with a little scrap metal-- basically for free, if you have a welder.

[@juansolo1617]

They went up in price a few weeks back. Started taking the bang out of the buck.

[@conmanumber1]

Slap on a home printed Snap0n sticker that will really make u feel good.

[@misterrc51]

@@conmanumber1 just go to the snap on tool truck and buy the emblem.

[@natevanlandingham1945]

@@calholli not that easy to make drawers...and buying the slides will cost as much as that whole tool cart will probably.

[@denoftools]

Better watch out man the snap-on Fanboys don't like this much truth-telling.

[@meh-canics9628]

I do like my Snap On ratchets!

[@indianaoutdoors4379]

Snap-on rachets are my favorite. Icon and gears wrench 120xp are tied for 2nd.

[@denoftools]

@@indianaoutdoors4379 Have you tried Tekton ratchets? I like those for budget options and SK if you want to spend the extra money.

[@wolfhound1a]

The Harbor Freight Rep.has a something say? Always trying to put someone down just because they disagree with him. Den of tools, when was the last time you actually used a tool? Hey enjoy your monthly coupons that you can't use on anything you actually want.

[@nevillepretorius8948]

@@wolfhound1a all very good questions! But he wont answer you, because he doesnt use tools. Look at his videos. He just reviews what they look like and reads the flyers to his followers....seeing as they cant read them for themselves.

[@KenMrKLC]

Amen, some serious advice here people listen! I went through this myself and actually made me give up auto mechanics industry. Back in 1990 I went to trade school for auto, class would say I would make $25 an hour after 3 years in the field etc. I started doing oil changes working my way up to full service all the while feeding the tool trucks kids. At most I was making $12 an hour (back then similar to $17 now) and after taxes my take home about 30% went to tool truck. Never got anywhere for 4 years in the industry. And I was good... Great attitude fast worker etc.. I did make some good pay check working flat rate for a while but the shop couldn't sustain steady work. I quit no notice (which isn't like me) because if I gave notice I knew I would change mind or be talked back into staying. I remember the day like it was yesterday. Prob about 1996.. I was doing an inspection sticker on a saab convertible with a car full of 4 girls going to the beach. Here I was in my dark dungeon and blue jump suit feeling like egor. I said F this I want to be in outside work. Picked up classified paper and grabbed a job landscaping for a small local guy. Worked with him for 2 1/2 years and never looked back... Now I have been self employed landscaping since 1999. I still get to wrench all the time on my own equipment and trucks and save myself the money. Best of both worlds. Again, great advice here guys. I would say a little help and building credit is good but don't ever let a payment get missed. it falls apart quick, been there done that and back on top now.

[@karschmiller1184]

I went to school for heavy operation. One of the requierments was to have a tool box. We could either buy a Snap On set from the school or put together our own. I chose to buy the Snap On set which as a student i was able to get 50% off the kit and any tool i bought while i was in school. Since i graduated i have not bought a single Snap On tool. I have continued to buy harbor frieght tools and have had no issues with them at all. Have also bought a husky bottom chest that i am very satisfied with. Big name tools are over rated in my opinion.

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

Me Too~!!! I call it more money than brains~!!

[@cheelinville125]

Awesome words my friend. After being a mechanic all my life, I was put behind a desk, and lost sight of myself. As fate would have it, I wound up back in the shop. I bought a cart just like that one, best purchase I've ever made. Don't get me wrong, my 200 buck cart has about 4 grand worth of stuff in it. I love it. All the guys in the shop want one now....yeah!

[@kentuckycornbread8502]

This is some solid advice. I already knew it but it’s good that you are using your platform to open some eyes and ears. I like seeing garages that are humble because it means a better chance they are not gonna charge as much because they don’t have huge tool bills to compensate for.

[@anselb2000]

I am SO proud of all the S&K tools I rounded up about 50 years ago. All were well polished and none have needed to be replaced. It might be amazing to see what those quality tools would sell for today!

[@Maxx1676]

I had my own shop for 39 years and 80% of my tools were SK.. I`d put them up against the tool trucks tools any day.

[@jthelman]

Stephen nailed it. I've collected a lot of tools over the years, and my philosphy is that I don't need the stress of having to track expensive wrenches. Tools walk away and get broken. If the tools are good enough to get the job done, you just replace broken or lost tools; they become consumable. You just have to avoid the opposite end, which is cheap tools that break all the time or kill bolts - that costs time and more money. Icon seems to be in the sweet spot of "good enough" right now, Craftsman had this market years ago. Since HF is around the corner for most folks, you can get swing by and get a replacement. I've had mixed experience with the Pittsburgh brand, which is the HF low end stuff. I would just buy the Icon.

[@DaroffApFire]

I'd say that the Icon series tools are more than "good enough". I've watched lots of videos the past few months of comparisons, and the Icon tools always do just as good as the snap-on. And for 1/5 or 1/5 the cost as well as having a lifetime warranty, I say you can't go wrong. And when it comes to cordless power tools, Milwaukee is far far superior to Snap-On in all aspects. Again, I've watched dozens of videos of torture test comparisons. What I've come to conclude is this. Snap-On isn't the best hand tool brand in the USA anymore and their price points are no longer reasonable.

[@goodnuffmatt]

I agree 1,000%! I'm an independent mechanic with 27 years of a very wide range of mixed experience too, and I also fell into the tool truck trap as well. In a pinch, I bought a set of Icon sockets (mainly because I can't get a Snap-On truck to stop at my home garage and warranty my worn out and broken tools) and I am extremely impressed with them, and I will continue to replace my worn out and broken tool truck tools with Icon. I also have the same tool cart in black, and for the $200 (with coupon) I spent on it, it is AWESOME (I got used to the weird drawer latches). It just barely fits all of the tools that I use every day and I can easily roll it around everywhere. I have an older 2 bay Snap-On box ($4K) that holds my bigger and specialty tools, but mostly is a dust collecting catch-all. I wish Harbor Freight had this level of quality and availability 25 years ago. I could have probably saved $50K Keep up the great work on the channel!

[@alb12345672]

A harbor freight around me pretty much shares a parking lot with a Ford dealership, the techs live in there :lol:. I was talking to one of them and he said the tools are pretty much as good as a tool truck And they are next door if there are any issues! He said some earthquake impacts aren't even competition for even the best brands. They are much better.

[@MoltenMetalGod7]

Man those general tool carts are tanks. They prob don't have all the bells an whistles of a snap on cart maybe lower quality tracts and drawer mechanisms but to me they are mighty good for the money. Can't be beat.

[@monsterman51]

I bought craftsman tools way back when I started (1973) after getting out of the Air Force. I still use the same craftsman wrenches today.

[@Al-Fiallos]

The greatest advice that you can give to a starting mechanic.

[@stroker840]

I bought the same Cart a year ago. it's still holding up. tools don't make the mechanic wisdom and knowledge does. this was a wise investment for me. I have tools from every industry tool truck and even some 20yr old Chinese tools. they all still work. just like me. still working...

[@texasjetman]

YOUR REAL, I hope others will listen to your words Stephen Cox, I assure you what you said in this video is REAL..! if anyone wants to chat with me after 30+ years Aviation Aerospace technician background, it works the exact same way, some of the SNAP On items and even Mac and Matco are certainly are superior in some areas, but your absolutely RIGHT ON...

[@stihltech206]

I agree 100%. I started out with a cheap Craftsman top box and added on as I needed more tools. Almost everything was used in my first set, some stuff I "borrowed" from my dad. First thing I bought off the tool truck was a USED Ingersoll impact, still have it today. I still work out of a 3 tier Craftsman 26", now filled with mostly Snap-on because I can afford to work with nice tools.

[@MRBoatwrights]

I have had the US general roll cart with the US general side draw box hanging on it for the past 4 years it is great. I bought a full of icon 3/8 sockets flex head ratchet and icon combination wrench. I have been using them for about 3 months and so far they are great. I think Harbour Freight is on the way to being a serious professional tool supplier. It is an exciting time to shop Harbour Freight there is new premium tools every time I go in.

[@Rob_Basich]

The cart is one of the best items in the HF store. I have the US General 44" top and bottom cabinet as well as the Icon ratcheting wrenches and love them so far.

[@bigrednick100]

I do a lot of wrenching either building classic muscle cars or building Harley’s; I was also a mechanic in the aerospace industry for 5 years. I can tell you that so far my experience with Icon tools had been great. For the money, you really can’t beat it. And don’t forget they have mostly the same warranty as snap-on except you don’t have to wait for the tow truck guy you can just take it right into the store.

[@shermanargo3989]

I bought a US General 44” box and love it. I am using it as a work space and tool storage in my home office for work. I work from home as a Technical Support Engineer and am slowly getting my tools organized. I agree with you on how the tools don’t dictate how good you are. A tool can’t troubleshoot an electrical or mechanical problem. Especially intermittent problems....

[@tristonhorning1185]

I’ve been using the same cart in a diesel shop for over a year now, works great. There is limited space but is holding up awesome

[@michaelbrennan7148]

Thanks for posting. Good advice.

[@andythompson3528]

I’m just a diy mechanic who fixes his own vehicles. I started out with a 320 piece craftsman tool set that I got for about $150 when my local Sears was going out of business liquidating the last of their inventory. I’ve been doing some research on the harbor freight US general tool boxes. From everything I’ve seen, including this video, they seem to be the best tool carts on the market. You could buy 5 or 6 harbor freight boxes for the same price as ONE snap on box. After watching this video, I’m sold on the harbor freight tool cart now.

[@greglammers9905]

Nailed it. Plus in our area we haven’t had real snap on tool dealer for years. I’ve been in the field for over 40+ years lots of snap on tools, now no dealer to take my broken tools for warranty. Lovely. Screw snap on’s junk. Nice video, every new tech should have to watch this video.

[@jongipson1454]

Been there had $78,000 in tools when I retired as a mechanic. Now I buy things from harbor freight and had very few have problems with. Painted a semi with a Black widow the guy thought I used my Santa he was amazed what I used. Sad a was $ 560 Black widow was $ 190

[@mikeobrien2582]

Great video. I'm not a mechanic but i fool around in my garage. I bought the US General tech cart. It has a slightly smaller foot print and does not have the drawer latches. Works for me. Good advice for anyone starting out, avoid debt. Look for value, we can't always afford the best but always get the best we can afford.

[@GarthELibre]

Thank you for being clear and honest. I have a lot of old Craftsman, and plenty of Harbor Freight sockets and ratchets. I did buy a lot of Milwaukee power tools but I went with a Harbor Freight Bauer big corded impact for the tough stuff. I have an old Craftsman torque wrench. I have a couple of Pittsburgh socket wrenches . I keep everything as neat and organized as I can in a Kobalt roll away tool box. That's the one tool I wish I had spent more on. I had to tweak it and repair it to get it to work right. My buddy worked on Rolls Royce with Thorsen wrenches and sockets - and basic air impact - no Snap On. Clearly you have the ability to analyze tools. Most of this is about skill - not the most expensive tools.

[@ronanderson1816]

Great advice, here's a tip and inexpensive up-grade for your tool cart.. Take some 1/8 inch flat steel, pre-cut a pattern for all the coaster holes, now is a good time to up-grade coaster wheels if you wish at Harbor Freight and install onto the tool cart. The cart is stronger and goes better over bumps. Much smoother and firmer !

[@markkuhar1188]

This man’s a true super hero. If your coming out of Trade school please listen to the senior men on these sites Tool truck trucks are like Spandex they are cool for a while until the bill comes every month and never ends, meanwhile you got gas rent clothes food baby formula. You can buy and break ICON tools all day long every corner has a HF store now. Think about what $500 in snap on tools vs ICON you will have two tools in one hand and 8 ICON tools in the other.

[@willb3018]

I have one of those HF 5 drawer carts for home use. Outstanding cart IMHO. Great value. Heavy duty enough for a shop pro. Not a big fan of those drawer locks either. I saw another video where a guy suggested holding the latch open and inserting nut in there to hold it in the open position. I used a 7/16 nut and happy that I don't need to work that latch.

[@Airsoftforall]

I sold my big box and bought me two of those 5 drawer carts. It was a great deal! I only have a few snap on parts left. The rest are craftsman and icon.

[@garyprn2000]

I agree 99% with you. I have been a mechanic for several years now. I have several things from HF. Pawn shop Craftsman, etc. I have a US General toolbox that is still going. The only tools that I cannot get around buying better are locking pliers and similar. Knipex are the only ones that I have found to do what they should do.

[@misterrc51]

This guy is correct ,I have been a mechanic for over 34 years, save your money ,today these tools are pretty durable and will last as long you use it correctly, left the dealership 4 years ago, to work on big transit bus, got bunch of large tools from amazon and they held up good so far. Like he said, save your money and make money, be smart about it.

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

I run a modest collection of tools including the first set my Dad got me. I use them more than any others. Good old Craftsman. Never needed any other.

[@raymondrahner]

Love the icon impact sockets. They look pretty close to snap on and matco and are under half the price with a lifetime warranty. Also if it does break, drive down to your local HF to get it replaced. You don’t have to wait a whole week or months for a tool truck to come by

[@lomax3216]

I have this same tool cart and have had zero issues. it's a very well built box. I did remove the drawer latches though. That made opening the drawers so much nicer.

[@MoltenMetalGod7]

I'm glad at the time i was building my tools i was in my early 20s broke and so harbor freight , sears, walmart, lowes, etc were what was in my price range. They did the job and most of it is still kickin in the end it kept me out of debt because there was no way i could have afforded the tool truck stuff. Now if something gives out there's a lot of very serviceable higher quality options available at a really great price point that i can replace stuff with.

[@BKHolmstrom_23]

Amen! Tool review and life lesson all in one video. Dave Ramsey would be proud, lol. I love HF stuff, I even have one of their old Chicago Electric $30 reciprocating saws that everyone says are junk. Had it for...8, 10 years? I've cut sway bar links off of our cars with it and it's still going. Bought the 5-drawer cart you have and a bigger 13-drawer cabinet ($400) and filled it with the 301-pc Pittsburgh tool set - full 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 socket/ratchet sets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. etc. Got the cordless Earthquake XT 1/2 impact driver, works like a charm. One of the low profile Daytona racing-style floor jacks. I probably have between $1200 and $1500 wrapped up in all my HF stuff, tools and carts, and I can do any job in my garage...my only limitation is my skill level.

[@zackjablonski]

DIYer here. I got the US General 4 drawer cart. I love that thing. Only mod was a strap-on badge

[@crazyeyez1502]

I've only done shadetree type stuff, working on my own stuff in the driveway/parking lot. My first main kit was a Craftsman briefcase about 19 years ago. Still got most of the pieces. Any time I'd need more or a replacement, I'd just go to Autozone, Lowe's, or even Walmart.

[@Lightningmicro]

The Pittsburg ratchets and icon wrenches are great for any tech. I use them everyday with no issues so far. And if I do have a issue who cares they will swap them out. Can have two of everything so no time with out a tool and still be saving a bunch of cash over snap off.

[@gregscott5826]

I've used the Harbor Freight tools and tool carts in industrial maintenance and they work just fine.

[@Volusiaev]

I have that exact cart for 2 years now and I LOVE it!

[@Donfixit4]

Do you run out of room? I am worried about buying it and not being able to fit all the tools and wood working tools such as a the sawzaw and the circular saw.

[@chucks4328]

@@Donfixit4 They're not really set up for woodworking tools. Set out everything you want to put in the cart and measure how much room you need. Then go to Harbor Freight and measure. Always remember to leave room to grow.

[@P46345]

Here's the story, my brother is the best mechanic I have ever known, he has never set foot on a tool truck. I went by a shop he had just started at in 2008 and he was working out of a couple of totes, the shop owner bought for him to use a tool cart. It was a Blue Point 5 drawer tool cart that cost $850 off of the Snap On truck. About a month later I saw a 5 drawer tool car at Harbor Freight and the only difference was it only came in a dull red and it didn't have the bumpers on the corners and it was $120 and it was made in China. I checked the Snap On website and the Blue Point 5 drawer cart was also made in China probably at the same plant. I bought a Harbor Freight cart in 2010 for my garage and never put the shocks on, I just hang the lid down the back and back then it came with all swivel casters. A few weeks ago I bought one of those big mamajama priy bars and I think I'm just going to enlarge one of the holes for it. I was also thinking about pulling the pin on the lid hinge and flipping it over and using the shock mounts to turn it into a shelf, we'll see. ;-)

[@tatersallad719]

On mine i used a high speed carbide to enlarge the holes for prybars. And then set the lid to 90° standing straight up, I also riveted a few wrench organizers to the lid to make more drawer space. They are so affordable you don't feel bad "customizing" them.

[@dilauroj94]

I have that same box, same color for the last year. It could be a little bigger, but I do have some junk in there I don’t need. I went to Home Depot and bought some threaded eyelets and u-bolts and used them to hang my pry bars and hammers. I paid $230 for the box so I really had no problem drilling into it.

[@MrRaf34]

Great video. Any issues with that transmission jack?

[@milwsdl39]

Your spot on about the tools I have a US general toolbox love it I’m a home mechanic type thing I work at a job they were tired of losing the brand-name tools so they went out and got five boxes of five sets of tools for each box and lo and behold nobody took them home and they still work pretty well harbor freight tools that is

[@parttimefarmer2359]

Bought the exact US General cart as you have but blue in color. Great value and well built. Harbor Freight is an amazing value for what you get. Well said my friend!

[@garymichalski5197]

I have that same tool cart and it has worked out well riding in the back of my semi trailer for 2 years now. It is still as solid as it was the day I put it together. I have had other tool boxes and over time the welds on started breaking. Of course it has tipped over a few times and run in to fork lift driver that cant drive one. But for the money I can get 4 of them for what paid for my last one that end up in scrap pile.

[@toolsmetals2148]

Gotta use a step drill bit to bore the wholes for your more bigger pry bars to fit within the side compartments

[@ricardodehoyosjr.3718]

I'm not even a mechanic, but I want tool truck tools! Somebody give me a credit app

[@edwardkramer8738]

Don't need a credit app just have to make money lol

[@edwardkramer8738]

They take your debit card info

[@justinmiletich1975]

yeah send me your jnfo

[@justinmiletich1975]

please dont send me your info

[@mercedesmaintenance.6339]

Great advice mate.

[@ditship]

I bought the Quinn Ratchet/Wrenches mechanic set from Harbor Freight with the 25% discount coupon a few years ago and replaced only the 1/4 Ratchet with the warranty after 2 years of beating the hell out of it. Lifetime warranty, redeemed at ANY of their stores with absolutely no hassle. LOVE THEM. My box is an old Craftsman I bought at a yardsale. I've been made fun of for them but in the end I KNOW it's because those dudes wish they weren't in debt too.

[@Timandlisa123]

Facts. I have the same box but in red and 3 of them. Love them.

[@oliver-Barron]

Been using icon tools since the came out. I love them man they get the job done, my only issue is on alignments, they like to slip off tie rods but most of the time those are rusted to hell so i heat them up and im able to break them loose. I just ordered my icon 56 tool box :)

[@davegenske8973]

Can’t love this enough. You are spot on !

[@chrisbailey6403]

When it comes right down to it, it's personal preference that will be the deciding factor. I am all about saving a buck but on the other hand I prefer to use Snap On tools. Nobody is twisting my arm making me by them and I have used many brands, including harbor freight, but Snap On is what I like. I have mechanics in my shop that have no Snap On tools and they do a good job with what they have.

[@parkersgarage4216]

I've had the same cart for 2 yrs. Same color too, I've had 0 issues and I only paid 100 bucks for it new. It had a very small ding in the corner if the lid. Paint wasn't even chipped on it to give you an idea. Fixed the ding and used it ever since. Like you, it holds everything I need. I buy Williams USA sockets which are identical to snap on for 1/3 the price. Go to toolsdelivered.com and you'll see. I bought wrightgrip wrenches and I couldn't be happier. You do not need to spend 400+ on a set of high quality wrenches period. The only difference between my Williams sockets and snap on is the name stamping. The broaching height etc. Is exactly the same. Sk makes the best small 1/4 ratchet period. Its tiny and fits in all those tight spots. I buy everything used, I like to let the other guy take the hit if I'm buying snap on etc. If I find a deal on used USA stuff I buy it. Let someone laugh because all my stuffs paid for. I'll be laughing when they ask to borrow money for lunch. I personally am not a fan of snap on wrenches. The beams are too narrow, and in some instances too long. I'll take a satin finish standard length combo wrench any day. Which is exactly what my wrights are. You'll be surprised if you go look how much Williams is

[@marcwerth1857]

I had the old version of the HarborFreight 42” rolling box. It treated me well. Never had any issues.

[@mwjii]

Really good advice.👍🏻

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

I realize you were just showing the wrenches but I was taught by an old mechanic that you never use an open end wrench first if possible. Always start with box end to loosen something really tight. I have a bunch of Harbor Freight stuff in my garage and can't ever remember having a problem especially for the price~! Good Video and I paid attention. 😁

[@bcrawford9072]

I bought craftsman in the 90 when I started and still use them today. I turned wrenches for 12 years and had a career change. When I was getting out I bought a big bad tool box still have it and use it to work on kids cars. I didn't buy alot off of tool trucks because I couldn't afford it and sears had what I need.

[@bobbysantiago5783]

I Appreciate the real talk.. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@tatersallad719]

4 years ago I took a job offer from an independent mechanic shop, I was a otr tire repair tech before that and a construction worker before that. I have no formal education for my work, and before I started mechanics I had a small mix of sockets, screwdrivers and wrenches, no power or air tools. The week before I went to my new mechanic job I bought a used harbor freight black tool cart(the cheapest model) then went to harbor freight and spent about $400 and got started that way. since then I've been on all the big name trucks and got a taste of all the brands except cornwell. After awhile you understand what is worth the money, what actually works and is durable. My favorite rachets are Pittsburgh pro long handle swivel heads. Grey pneumatic sockets are fantastic(the independent truck stuff), the 1/2 Pittsburgh pro sockets are pretty hard to beat too. I have a 5 piece axle nut socket set from matco I wish i never purchased for $250, could have spent $200 on other tools and still had good axle nut sockets from otc or Harbor freight. I'm an ingersol rand pneumatic guy, but I do like the earthquake impacts from harbor freight. In the end snap on tools let me down the most, and harbor freight tools surprised me the most. I have nothing good to say about snap on, even if you are rich you should steer clear. And lastly I would never consider any other tool cart or chest besides the Us general, they are such a good value for the money.

[@tatersallad719]

For the snap on guys who give my comment a read and feel some kind of way. I'll start with my apologies, maybe once upon a time they were great, I always thought they were till I started buying their tools.

[@MrNoobed]

Got my dad a new harbor freight cart to replace his 40 year old craftsman cart where all the slides and casters were broken. He loves it.

[@mtgwdefender]

"THE BIGGER AND BETTER BRAND (SNAP ON) THE TOOL BOX IS, THE BETTER YOU ARE AS MECHANIC". I love this phrase and I see /hear it every day at work. LOL, HAHAHAHA. JAJAJAJAJA 😄😀😅😆😀😃😄😁

[@509racing7]

I've found harbor freight tools to be for the most part very capable. However, I have also found sometimes snap on or matco have a certain tool specifically designed for the odd task you are working on. Ive also found that sometimes the HF ratchets aren't as strong, It seems the teeth and parts used inside the ratchets itself are often smaller. I use and have overloaded both HF and snap on ratchets and have only bent 1 icon ratchet. Harbor freight tools are very capable but for daily use they sometimes seem to wear quicker, I have several Pittsburg sockets that round off everything because they are too worn after 2-3 years of daily use. Although, that seems to be the case with any tool after enough time.

[@heavymachinery2843]

I startet out with lots of hig quallity tools and still buy hig quallity stuff but not because i am such a good mechanic or anything i just had a lot of luck in life and had a good job great Video good advise

[@conmanumber1]

I use plastic tool caddys and the odd cantilever tool boxes then load with the main tools i use. For socket sets i use the Fuller pro sets which are cheap then add a high end Ko-Ken ratchet.

[@ryanlaw7474]

I bought the US General Cart, the model below that one. I was actually looking to get a bigger box when I purchased it. Reality set in that I am tired of walking across the shop for tool and waisting time. BEST $150 I spent. I did buy the glove holder and the side folding laptop shelf also. Anyone who is a real mechanic knows tools in reach are better than walking 10 miles a day across the floor. I own a limousine company and do all my own maintenance, except for technical things on my diesel buses, I have a guy for that. He works in a large repair shop and went and bought the same cart after using mine. I do still use all my Craftsman Tools I started buying in 1993. Mostly the sockets, ratchets, wrenches, and screwdrivers, but there are some other brands that have now been mixed in along the way when it comes to specialty tools.

[@davekorn6516]

Use mine daily in industrial maintenance and love it

[@matthewfleming4521]

I've had the same us general 42 inch box since 2009. Paid 400 and it still works. Is it wore out from being overloaded with big sockets/wrenches and ratchets? Yup but still works fine.

[@jamesterrill1938]

More interested in your lift and supporting the trans. and why you pulled the transmission and transfer case...

[@pdczrwnskz]

I just got into the heavy truck mechanic trade. This is what I'm getting. My impacts will still be matco but the wrenches and boxes are gonna be icon and US General

[@lance1097]

Those used snappy boxes on the internet for 75% off are owed money on to snappy. For the most part. Snappy can repossess them

[@theworkshopmechanicchannel3296]

Yeah your right about the tool boxes. I’ve got the pinochle of tool boxes. The last one I bought has a TV, a refrigerator and a stereo 🤭

[@stranger5088]

I’ve had the US General tool cart since 2012 and the 44” top and bottom box since 2013. They are an excellent value for the money and have held up great. I don’t have any of the Icon stuff yet but I’m strongly considering it.

[@johnb1121]

You hit the nail on the head best video yet...

[@richb2229]

I have a mix of tools from a lot of different manufacturers. Staying out of debt for tools is a great thing. And there are a lot of mid to low range tools that will do just as good for a fraction of the cost. Tool truck rebranded tools is something to keep in mind and you try to always buy these from the original manufacturer. Ask around and companies like Lisle, Lang, and others do this.

[@UncleDon226]

I did that same job twice last week, and Im working my way up from the Pittsburgh to the Icon set. If I remember, there arent even that many tools you need to get the job done either. I think it was 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, 19mm, 21mm sockets/wrenches, a few various extentions, prybar, breaker bar, and some chalk. You could probably do the job with only tools that fit in the top bin of the box.

[@ervinmq1955]

Thanks for the advice in how to find cheap tools on craigslist...

[@mikekotarba5828]

thank you stephen for the money advice.

[@angelafox4380]

Loved this video. I purchased the same tool chest....Orange😉😉😉.....love it. Harbor freight has some pretty good items!!! Loved your honesty. Some mechanics have been paying on their "Snap On" account for years!!!

[@BigSchallz70]

What would you recommend for torque wrenches then I have not had good luck with most non name brand torque wrenches I have been thinking of trying tekton

[@ychavarria100]

Been working on hydraulics for little over 2yrs now and Carlyle and SK have been my to go to tools.

[@rpatrick2]

Brother, I needed that reminder about the cart and the real estate agents. It's probably a real watch bought on credit.

[@AmericanTradesmen]

I think of you as a mechanic evangelist...you preachin' truth! Name brand ain't everything, I've got some harbor freight power tools that are still going after 20 years. Take care of your tools and they will last. Thanks for another great video!

[@troyeager8877]

I have the general 4 drawer cart. I like it. I have some of harbor frights tools. The ratchets are better than my old school craftsman.

[@cameronwebb3959]

What set of wrenches did you buy?

[@TheAlaskaCajun]

I’ve bought all my snap on tools from CL or a pawnshop for pennies on the dollar.

[@robertmedina6875]

Me too! Bought really nice set of Matco wrenches... 125.00 pawn shop. On tool truck they were 500.00

[@lefthandedarcher2126]

midwest workshop I got a lot of tool truck tool from pawn shops as well

[@waderigsbee6923]

@@midwestworkshop2863 you can get a good buy on standard line wrenches and combo wrenches on ebay.

[@saintsarecoming13]

I agree for the most part. The snap on techangle is well worth the money if you use its functions regularly. I work in an engine shop and torque turn bolts constantly so it was worth it to me. The snap on PWZ is worth the money because straight from bahco it's marginally cheaper. One or two good snap on ratchets make life easier and the FCF72 is worth its weight in gold and I have some specialty wrenches and stuff that was worth getting off the tool truck. My philosophy is to spend as little as possible on the truck and try to get the best deal you can, also definitely buy used truck brand hand tools if you have the coin to do so. I buy certain things off the tool truck because they either make me the best deal, they make the best version, or they're the only ones that make the tool.

[@gregblau8082]

I was just wondering the other day if this video was coming. I always wanted a big expensive box and was really excited when I was able to get one. That lasted a couple weeks till I realized 90% of my day to day tools had migrated back to my cart like that one and I was only going to the box once or twice a day. It would have made more sense for the shop I’m in now but where I was at that time we didn’t have assigned bays.

[@MFCSTUDIOS]

Not in the automotive field but work in construction and buy all our tools from the box stores. The only reason to get on a tools truck/ or go to a supply house for tools is for the speciality stuff that no one else has... for example recently installed a mini split system and needed a copper tubing bender. No one but a hvac supply house carried one that would bend the sizes of the line sets.

[@beardedweldlife9754]

Great video 👍👌👍 I got the exact same box and I love it all my tools are paid for

[@Freddyflintstones]

You were awesome on the diesel performance podcast. I love my snap on wrenches but I have Milwaukee wrenches also, no big difference between the 2 except the price

[@probegt75]

I know a guy that has his own snap on tool truck and to say he's a snake is an understatement a typical salesman.