Masterforce (Menards) 72" roller cab opinions
- Thread starter CoThG
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I'm not sure who makes it for them, but I have one I bought in 2016 and will say that it's a great box for the money! I bought mine when it was on sale for $999
. At the time there was nothing else comparable for the money. It will hold way more weight than it should, I can vouch for that. The top drawer I have chucked full of sockets on stand up rails, ratchets, and extensions. Everything from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch drive. There's got to be 3 to 400 pounds in that drawer, and it handles it no problem. The two long thinner drawers work great for wrenches. One for standard, one for metric. I gave this box an A+.
Joel
. At the time there was nothing else comparable for the money. It will hold way more weight than it should, I can vouch for that. The top drawer I have chucked full of sockets on stand up rails, ratchets, and extensions. Everything from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch drive. There's got to be 3 to 400 pounds in that drawer, and it handles it no problem. The two long thinner drawers work great for wrenches. One for standard, one for metric. I gave this box an A+.
Joel
powertrip
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They are made by Quality Craft. Quality Craft also makes Montezuma boxes. Every so often you may see a Montezuma box in Menards. With the change to the series 3 US general happening, I am probably going to go with a Masterforce 72". The new series 3 US general has only 14 drawers while the series 2 had 18 drawers and a far better layout with less tall drawers in my opinion. The Masterforce 72" has a somewhat better layout than the series 3 with 15 drawers. I believe the steel is thicker on the Masterforce as well which is 19ga steel.
As powertrip said, same company that makes Montezuma.
I bought a 42" top chest probably 5 years ago for some extra room and I have zero complaints with it. Very comparable to my Snap On box that sits right beside it for a fraction of the price.
I bought a 42" top chest probably 5 years ago for some extra room and I have zero complaints with it. Very comparable to my Snap On box that sits right beside it for a fraction of the price.
engineer2
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I don't have one, but I like that some of them are 24" deep.
sparky 1971
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I wish I'd bought the 72, but talked myself into the 56" top and bottom for less money than the 72. Build quality should be the same between the two. It should last the rest of my life. It's a step up from the HF US General, but a step down from the ICON boxes.
kngelv
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The U.S. General boxes are 18ga steel so they are a touch thicker than the Masterforce. However the Masterforce is deeper and has a far superior latching system. Drawer layout is a personal thing of course.
James
Masterforce state gauge, US Gen don't & I never seen a worthy effort online of reading US Gen metal gauge .
Besides metal gauge the folds and amount of spot welds makes huge difference.
Both boxes are good for the price point new ....
Masterforce could of done well if had made effort link with another distribution chain and done at least 2 drawer layout options or custom option as the boxes by design when I looked at them did allow for it .
Besides metal gauge the folds and amount of spot welds makes huge difference.
Both boxes are good for the price point new ....
Masterforce could of done well if had made effort link with another distribution chain and done at least 2 drawer layout options or custom option as the boxes by design when I looked at them did allow for it .
kngelv
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Look at post #46 of this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/husky-66-tool-chest.345449/#post-6123805. There are pics of various boxes and cabinets I measured with a micrometer.
James
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My assumption from that would likely be 19ga, .
049 is 18ga and he .047 measuring with both sides with coating, .042 is 19ga which with coating x2 be in his measurement range .
The point being the measurements not 100% confirmed from this sort of measuring effort .
Madjik Man
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A couple of questions:
1. Are the smaller top chests compatible with the lower cabinets? Eg will a 36x24”deep top chest fit on the 72x24”deep lower just fine?
2. I love the gunmetal color but simply cannot do green handles. I highly doubt I can order a gunmetal box with different handles. Has anyone modified the handles on their boxes to a different color and have it look good?
1. Are the smaller top chests compatible with the lower cabinets? Eg will a 36x24”deep top chest fit on the 72x24”deep lower just fine?
2. I love the gunmetal color but simply cannot do green handles. I highly doubt I can order a gunmetal box with different handles. Has anyone modified the handles on their boxes to a different color and have it look good?
I am not a huge fan of the green either. They do sell a silver option in the cabinets I see.
Madjik Man
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The only color combos I see are:
Gunmetal with green handles
Blue with silver handles
Black with silver handles
A gunmetal with black handles would be ideal
I just looked at mine quick.....the accent colors on the handles are just a trim piece that can be removed by sliding them sideways. They have a little bit of a crimp on the right side so if you pull them off to your left (as you are facing the front of the box) they slide off really easy after the first inch or two.
If you found a nice guy at the store they would probably let you switch the pieces.....or do it while no one is looking
If nothing else Im sure a few good coats of rattle can paint would be quick and easy and probably hold up pretty well. Easy to pull off and respray to touch up if you wanted to also.
Madjik Man
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I just looked at mine quick.....the accent colors on the handles are just a trim piece that can be removed by sliding them sideways. They have a little bit of a crimp on the right side so if you pull them off to your left (as you are facing the front of the box) they slide off really easy after the first inch or two.
If you found a nice guy at the store they would probably let you switch the pieces.....or do it while no one is looking
If nothing else Im sure a few good coats of rattle can paint would be quick and easy and probably hold up pretty well. Easy to pull off and respray to touch up if you wanted to also.
That's awesome to know. Will definitely buy the gunmetal. Hell I think HF sells those handle inserts in black. If not... I've been known to be the Rembrandt of Rattle Can.
Also, how do you like your box? I'm just a home gamer looking to upgrade from my 22" POS Kobalt.
I really like the box. For a home gamer you should be more than pleased. I honestly couldn't tell you how many years I have had it but I'm in and out of it a million times a day in a professional environment and I haven't had a single issue or complaint with it. It is more of an 'overflow' box for things so it isn't super packed with a lot of heavy things but I don't think it would be a problem. Sits right beside my Snap On top and bottom boxes and makes me wonder why I paid 10x the price for the Snappy
Madjik Man
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I really like the box. For a home gamer you should be more than pleased. I honestly couldn't tell you how many years I have had it but I'm in and out of it a million times a day in a professional environment and I haven't had a single issue or complaint with it. It is more of an 'overflow' box for things so it isn't super packed with a lot of heavy things but I don't think it would be a problem. Sits right beside my Snap On top and bottom boxes and makes me wonder why I paid 10x the price for the Snappy
Much to my surprise there’s a Menards only an hour away from me in Cheyenne, WY. Thought they were only a Midwest retailer.
So all these years of reading about Menards tools and tool boxes made me a bit envious because I didn’t not think it was obtainable.
When the time comes I’m going to purchase a 72” lower and a 36” upper.
That is excellent info on the trim. That was my primary hesitation on the box, well that and the lead time to get one. I rolled through the Menard's in Casper last week on a trip and was very impressed with the box. Sadly, they have discontinued the upper 72" hutch. That said, they do still have the 6 drawer/hutch combo, which is a nice compromise--SKU 2451979 in the gunmetal color. Any thoughts on this?
I am debating between this and the USG Series 3. I really like the drawer layout of the Masterforce box, love the extra depth and the latches are top notch.
I am debating between this and the USG Series 3. I really like the drawer layout of the Masterforce box, love the extra depth and the latches are top notch.
Dieselpower
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I have the 36" Masterforce box with side box and locker. I've had it at work as a cart but now it's at home. I love them, the depth is perfect and yes they do hold quite a bit of weight. I have the black ones with silver handles. Great boxes for the money.
Check out the Montezuma branded boxes. Same as the Masterforces for the most part, Im guessing the Montezumas are supposed to be a little nicer though. Not sure how they compare in price but I believe they have a larger selection of sizes than the Masterforce boxes.
Does Menards do free store to store shipping? Maybe another store would have a 72" upper sitting around that could be shipped to your store.
Madjik Man
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That is excellent info on the trim. That was my primary hesitation on the box, well that and the lead time to get one. I rolled through the Menard's in Casper last week on a trip and was very impressed with the box. Sadly, they have discontinued the upper 72" hutch. That said, they do still have the 6 drawer/hutch combo, which is a nice compromise--SKU 2451979 in the gunmetal color. Any thoughts on this?
I am debating between this and the USG Series 3. I really like the drawer layout of the Masterforce box, love the extra depth and the latches are top notch.
Thank you for the hands on feedback.
I was convinced on getting the USG-3 because I didn't think I had access to a Menards. But now that I do I'm easily getting the Masterforce 72" bottom and 36" top. The drawer layout on the Masterforce's 72" bottom is superior to the USG-3 in my opinion.
Madjik Man
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The Montezuma's are significantly more expensive.
Comparison:
Masterforce 72 x 24" 15 drawer bottom: $1500
Montezuma 72 x 24" 16 drawer bottom (less ideal layout): $2900
I reached out to Menards and they confirmed it's discontinued and they had none in the gunmetal to ship. There was a blue one at a store, but I am leaning to the gunmetal and powdercoating/spray-painting the green handles anyway if I do go that route.
There was another thread here that discussed the USG Series 2 and Series 3 boxes and their increased weight capacity versus the Masterforce, but I can't seem to find it. I'm strictly DIY guy and figure about 3000# will easily be enough for me. I also saw the Den of Tools video that dropped last night (white 72" Series 3 review) in which he took some shots in the comments at the Masterforce box as not being in the same league as the USG Series 3. Having had hands on both, I can't say I agree. But, the weight capacity is what he focused on.
Madjik Man
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I watched that video too. Dude is a HF fanboy/shill. He’ll
Keep saying anything to keep getting HF to ship him anything for free.
Hell, he took measurements of his Tekton top drawer and compared it to the USG3 top drawer, the latter having a larger area, and tried insinuating that the USG3 is better. When the Tekton/Rousseau box is in another stratosphere.
I just can’t get with the USG3 drawer layout. Not a fan. The Masterforce is a much better layout for me. And as a DIYer, the box will outlive me just fine I’m sure.
1foxracing
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Just to add to this thread I purchased the Masterforce 42" base cabinet. It was not in stock at my local store and I ordered it over Memorial day weekend with a original stated delivery date of July 11th. I received it yesterday Jun 22nd so it showed up a few weeks early. No real particular reason I went with the Masterforce but wanted to try something new and I do like the drawer latch system they use.
One odd thing with the 42" model is they don't offer wood or stainless work tops like they do for the 56" and 72" models. I bought a $10 Yoga Mat at Walmart to put on top of mine. They also 2 different side cabinets you can add, one being a 7 drawer and the other is pull out power drawer. If I add one in the future it will probably be the 7 drawer. I went with the blue color and will say I think it's a little odd they don't come in the traditional red or black.
One odd thing with the 42" model is they don't offer wood or stainless work tops like they do for the 56" and 72" models. I bought a $10 Yoga Mat at Walmart to put on top of mine. They also 2 different side cabinets you can add, one being a 7 drawer and the other is pull out power drawer. If I add one in the future it will probably be the 7 drawer. I went with the blue color and will say I think it's a little odd they don't come in the traditional red or black.
KnurledNut
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@1foxracing
Good to see you back at it.
Good to see you back at it.
With current box store tool box pricing and options Masterforce is coming up a good option.
Drawer layout not going be to all likings but the build, drawer latches, price with rebate/deal is looking good against current HF or Husky offerings .
Used Mac or Matco is best deal (what I done) but not going be available to all and someone got buy new boxes lol .
Drawer layout not going be to all likings but the build, drawer latches, price with rebate/deal is looking good against current HF or Husky offerings .
Used Mac or Matco is best deal (what I done) but not going be available to all and someone got buy new boxes lol .
Madjik Man
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Can someone confirm that the drawer handles are removable? Would love a gunmetal box but can’t do green handles. If I can remove them, paint them and reinsert them that’d be cool.
The handles of the picture you linked to are identical to the ones on mine that I have a picture of in post #18. They come off, Im not lying
If you're worried about it just go to the store, grab the trim piece and yank it to the left.....it will come right off.
Madjik Man
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The handles of the picture you linked to are identical to the ones on mine that I have a picture of in post #18. They come off, Im not lying
If you're worried about it just go to the store, grab the trim piece and yank it to the left.....it will come right off.
I’m over an hour away from the nearest store. Would love to go check out the boxes in person one day but it’s a commitment.
Thank you so much for confirming.
Motofixxer
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Menards has 11% off too...nice chunk off the price
Madjik Man
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My understanding is that is in the form of a rebate. Not a direct discount off the box itself.
Motofixxer
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Correct...On a $1000 box it's still a really nice chunk to spend on something else. If you don't have one close maybe it's not as convenient.
Charbar, thanks again. Question: how does the gunmetal box do with dust and such in the shop? Your black boxes to the left (glossy) look a little cleaner.The handles of the picture you linked to are identical to the ones on mine that I have a picture of in post #18. They come off, Im not lying
If you're worried about it just go to the store, grab the trim piece and yank it to the left.....it will come right off.
If I cleaned both boxes at the same time the gunmetal would look cleaner for much longer than the black. It hides dirt/dust better. As you can see I don't get too carried away with cleaning my toolboxes