Owner:
Dennis Catrett
Zajac's Auto Collision
Alexander City, Ala.
Box:
After outgrowing his previous toolbox, Dennis Catrett realized he'd rather not buy another one. So he built his own. Dennis used his carpentry and cabinet-making skills to complete this 78" x 29" x 42" oak toolbox with brass trim. According to Dennis, the setup cost him 50 hours in labor and about $1,200 in materials. He used a clear finish on the box, and stain finish on each of the 22 drawers. 8", 150-lbs. castors and a steel lower frame allow the 500-lbs. setup to glide lighter than a steel box, Catrett said. The drawer bottoms pop up and out for easy cleaning.
Profile:
Catrett counts 29 years as a frame tech at Zajac's Auto Collision—his first and only gig. That kind of experience gave Dennis plenty of time to figure out exactly what he wanted in a toolbox.
"I figured, why spend the money when I could make it myself?" Dennis said of the setup, which is purportedly chock-full of favorites in the Snap-on family. And his craftsmanship hasn't gone unnoticed. Although Dennis receives requests to reproduce his custom-made outfit, prospective buyers can expect some time on a waiting list.
"I'll offer to make one per year," Dennis said. "I enjoy the fact that [in this business] you don't have to take work home. My time is precious to me."
