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How big is the Snap-on classic 96?

How big is the Snap-on classic 96?

The Snap-on classic 96 is a popular tool chest that mechanics and DIYers love for its large storage capacity and durable construction. But with a vague name like “classic 96,” how big is this chest really? What are its interior dimensions and weight capacity? Read on for a deep dive into the size specs of the Snap-on classic 96 tool chest.

Exterior Dimensions

The first thing to know about the Snap-on classic 96 is its exterior dimensions. This gives you an idea of how much floor space the unit will take up. Here are the exterior dimensions of the classic 96:

  • Height: 44 inches
  • Width: 21 inches
  • Depth: 22 inches

With a width of 21 inches and depth of 22 inches, the classic 96 has a compact rectangular footprint. At 44 inches tall, it stands waist-high for easy access without having to bend over. The classic 96 was designed to optimize storage capacity while minimizing the amount of garage floor space occupied.

Interior Dimensions

Now let’s look at the interior dimensions of the Snap-on classic 96:

  • Total storage area: 96 cubic feet
  • Top chest interior: 46” x 21” x 11”
  • Bottom roller cabinet interior: 46” x 21” x 22”

The total storage capacity is 96 cubic feet as the name implies. This is divided between the top chest and bottom cabinet.

The top chest offers a spacious 46” x 21” x 11” of storage. It has five drawers for storing smaller hand tools, parts, and accessories.

The bottom roller cabinet offers roughly double the cubic feet of storage space at 46” x 21” x 22”. It contains 7 large full extension drawers for storing power tools, larger wrenches, hammers, and other bulky tools.

Drawer Sizes

Here is a breakdown of the drawer sizes in the Snap-on classic 96:

Top Chest Drawers:

  • Top Drawer: 46” x 21” x 2.5”
  • 2nd Drawer: 46” x 21” x 2.5”
  • 3rd Drawer: 46” x 21” x 5”
  • 4th Drawer: 46” x 21” x 7”
  • Bottom Drawer: 46” x 21” x 11”

Bottom Cabinet Drawers:

  • Top Drawer: 46” x 21” x 3.5”
  • 2nd Drawer: 46” x 21” x 5”
  • 3rd Drawer: 46” x 21” x 6.5”
  • 4th Drawer: 46” x 21” x 7.5”
  • 5th Drawer: 46” x 21” x 9.5”
  • 6th Drawer: 46” x 21” x 10.5”
  • Bottom Drawer: 46” x 21” x 22”

As you can see, the drawers are progressively deeper as you go down, with the shallow drawers up top and deepest ones at the bottom. This allows you to organize tools from smallest to largest.

Weight Capacity

The Snap-on classic 96 has an impressive weight capacity of up to 2500 lbs total storage. Here is the breakdown:

  • Top chest weight capacity: 800 lbs
  • Bottom cabinet weight capacity: 1700 lbs

The heavy-duty roller cabinet can handle up to 1700 lbs stored inside. Even if you filled it entirely with dense tools, it would hold up. The top chest can handle 800 lbs which is also sufficiently strong.

Construction

Snap-on has built the classic 96 tool chest to be durable enough for the busy garage or shop environment. Here are some key features of its construction:

  • All steel construction with powder coated finish
  • Seamless draws with steel ball bearings
  • Full extension drawers
  • Gas struts on top chest lid
  • Lockable drawers and top chest
  • Steel side handles for mobility

The all-steel design ensures rigidity and strength. Drawers glide smoothly on steel bearings. Most importantly, the full extension drawers allow easy access to the contents, even towards the back.

Mobility

Despite its large storage capacity, the Snap-on classic 96 was designed with mobility in mind. Here are some of its mobility features:

  • 5” casters with ball bearings roll easily
  • Two fixed casters in front, two swivel casters in rear
  • Steel side handles assist in maneuvering
  • Weighs approximately 400 lbs empty

The sturdy casters and side handles allow tilting the unit back and rolling it around the shop with ease. The two fixed front casters provide stability while the two rear swivel casters enable turning.

Optional Accessories

One advantage of the Snap-on classic 96 is the wide range of optional accessories available:

  • Side cabinet add-ons
  • Hutch add-ons
  • Top chest add-ons
  • Side shelf kits
  • Caster kits
  • Drawer foam mats
  • Drawer divider kits

So you can customize your unit with more storage, specialized trays and dividers, or even a stainless steel top workspace. Snap-on offers a modular system to expand your classic 96 as needed.

Price

The MSRP price for the Snap-on classic 96 is $6,715 for the roller cabinet and top chest combo. Optional accessories and addons range from $250 – $1000+ depending on what you select.

As a premium professional brand, Snap-on positions this as an investment that will last decades and hold resale value. While the upfront cost is substantial, devotees of the brand cite its durability and status as justification for the price tag.

Pros

Here are some of the standout pros for the Snap-on classic 96 toolbox:

  • Abundant storage space at 96 cubic feet total
  • Rugged all-steel construction built to last
  • Smooth full extension drawers
  • Locks on drawers and top provide security
  • Caster wheels and side handles for mobility
  • Wide range of customization options
  • Prestigious Snap-on brand name and quality

For those needing maximum storage, ruggedness, and prestige, the classic 96 delivers.

Cons

The Snap-on classic 96 also comes with some downsides:

  • Very expensive MSRP price tag
  • Heavy at 400+ lbs empty weight
  • No interior drawer illumination
  • Large footprint requires substantial garage space

The premium Snap-on name comes with a premium price. Make sure you have the garage space to accommodate this large unit.

Alternatives

If the Snap-on classic 96 is beyond your budget or needs, here are some alternative tool chests to consider:

  • Craftsman 2000 Series: Less expensive at around $900-1200. Still good build quality and ample storage.
  • Husky Tool Chest Combo: Approximately $750-1000 range. Good value for money.
  • Homak Toolboxes: Well under $1000. Lighter duty construction but very affordable.
  • Harbor Freight: Extremely inexpensive at $300-500 range but more limited storage.

While they won’t match the storage capacity or ruggedness of the Snap-on, these alternatives provide good functionality at lower price points.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Snap-on classic 96:

Does the classic 96 require assembly?

No, the classic 96 comes fully assembled and ready to use directly out of the box. Snap-on pre-assembles them at the factory.

What is the classic 96 made of?

The classic 96 features an all steel construction with a powder coated finish that helps resist rust and abrasions.

What is the weight capacity of the top chest vs roller cabinet?

The top chest can hold up to 800 pounds. The roller cabinet below can hold up to 1700 lbs.

Can you bolt the classic 96 to the floor?

Yes, the tool cabinet has pre-threaded mounting holes on the bottom that allow bolting it to the garage floor for enhanced stability.

Does Snap-on offer financing options?

Yes, Snap-on offers financing programs and payment plans to help buyers cover the cost over time. Talk to your Snap-on franchisee for details.

Conclusion

The Snap-on classic 96 lives up to its reputation as an elite toolbox for professional mechanics. With 96 cubic feet of storage packed into a durable, mobile steel frame, it can hold practically any assortment of tools needed for busy automotive jobs. While the sticker price is rather shocking, devoted Snap-on fans believe the investment is justified by decades of reliable use. At the end of the day, the classic 96 is built to handle the rigorous needs of any serious technician or car aficionado.