For Josh Hunter, owner and technician at Hunter Automotive in Stover, Missouri, a toolbox is more than storage. It reflects years of experience, personal discipline, and a clear vision of how a workspace should function. His Snap-on setup, stretching roughly 14' across, was not purchased all at once. It was built piece by piece over time, each addition carefully considered and earned.
Hunter began assembling his box around 2015, starting with the base and gradually adding components, including a top chest, side locker, side cabinet, and eventually a Snap-on diagnostic center integrated with a Zeus workstation. The result is a cohesive system that supports both his diagnostic workflow and day-to-day service work.
“I don’t have money like my box looks like I have,” Hunter says, “I started piecing it together.”
That approach is part of what makes the toolbox stand out. Every section has a purpose, and nothing feels excessive or out of place.
A clean look with a purpose
One of the most striking features is the color. The white Snap-on box is uncommon in most shop environments, where darker finishes are typically chosen to hide wear. For Hunter, the decision ties back to his early experience working in high-performing Volkswagen dealerships, where cleanliness was a priority.
“It’s always been really nice dealerships,” he says of his last workplace, “so everything had to be kept clean.”
That mindset still shows today. Despite the lighter finish, the box remains spotless, reinforcing both pride in his workspace and attention to detail in his work.
Customization that ties it all together
Customization plays a major role in the setup as well. Carbon trim accents run across the box, adding both visual contrast and functional value. Hunter specifically points out that the trim allows him to rest his arm without risking grease marks on the white surface.
In areas where factory trim was not available, including the diagnostic center and an added file cabinet, he sourced and cut pieces himself to maintain a consistent look. The end result is a seamless, cohesive setup that looks intentional from end to end.
Lighting is another standout feature. After discovering that the factory light he wanted had been discontinued, Hunter worked with his distributor to track one down across the country. It was not an easy find, but it was worth it to complete the build the way he originally envisioned.
Organization that works for the job
When it comes to organization, Hunter keeps things practical. “Just wherever it fits,” he says, explaining that tools are grouped by type and frequency of use, “and if I need to move it, I’m not opposed to that either.”
Larger collections like ratchets, sockets, and impacts occupy the biggest drawers, while pliers and specialty tools are arranged based on volume and accessibility. The system is flexible, allowing him to adjust as his needs change.
Even with its size, the box is not completely full. Hunter still has open drawer space, giving him room to grow without needing to expand further.
Built to last, not just impress
Despite the scale of the setup, Hunter has no plans to make it any larger. Part of that comes down to his preference for symmetry within the shop layout, but it also reflects a sense of completion.
From its clean aesthetic to its carefully built structure, Hunter’s toolbox reflects a long-term approach to both investment and organization. It is not about having the biggest setup in the shop. It is about building something that works, lasts, and represents the technician behind it.
About the Author
Nadine Battah
Editor-in-Chief
Nadine Battah is the editor-in-chief of Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) and Professional Distributor magazines. She has been covering the automotive aftermarket since 2021, after graduating from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and marketing.
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